My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 614

Eugene placed another peeled shrimp onto the plate in front of Chloe. She met his gaze, her expression darkening. Without another word, she looked down and began eating quickly—no longer concerned with how she might appear.

The shrimp were perfectly cleaned, and the fish had been carefully deboned, each piece tender and fresh. In the past, a meal like this would have felt deeply satisfying.

Today, though, was different.

She needed to leave. Nance had likely already reached the neighboring city by now, and delaying any longer wouldn't do any good.

"Alright, I'm finished. Thanks for dinner." She pushed her plate aside and looked up at the man across from her.

Eugene didn't respond immediately. Instead, he picked up a moist towelette and wiped his hands with slow, deliberate movements. Whether it was serving her or handling small tasks like this, he seemed to take a quiet pleasure in doing things himself.

Once his hands were clean, he finally lifted his eyes to hers.

"Honey, do you remember what I told you?"

The term of endearment caught her off guard—he hadn't called her that in a long time.

"I said, no matter what happens, you've got me. But you forgot the most important part." His voice grew steadier, more intent. "And that doesn't make me happy, you know?"

Chloe stayed silent.

"But before you go, I have something for you." Eugene reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a neatly wrapped box, sliding it smoothly across the table toward her.

"I want you to understand how I feel."

Chloe stared at the package. It was larger than a typical jewelry box, elegantly wrapped. She could guess what might be inside, and the thought sent a dull weight sinking through her chest.

Eugene watched her, a faint smile touching his lips. "Break up with me? I'm not accepting that. I'm not going anywhere."

Before she could reply, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen and answered it right there in front of her.

"Got it. I'll be there soon." He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

His purpose for the evening achieved, Eugene knew better than to push any further. The last thing he wanted was to make her pull away even more.

"Something's come up—I have to head out. Feel free to stay as long as you like. The place is yours." With that, he stood and walked away without looking back.

Just like that, he was gone. He didn't wait to see if she would watch him leave.

Chloe remained seated, the quiet of the room settling around her. It was as though his presence still lingered in the air, leaving a warmth that refused to fade.

In the video, Nance was dressed simply, every bit the elegant gentleman. He spoke warmly about the local culture and development, calling the trip meaningful and insightful.

Chloe watched him closely. He wasn't wearing the pink diamond—the one he almost never took off in public.

Her eyes narrowed. Even the reporter had noticed, asking why he'd chosen not to wear it this time.

"I have a special friend who reminded me that it's time to move forward," Nance replied with a gracious smile. "That diamond was my mother's, and I've been holding onto the past. There's so much ahead to look forward to." He smoothly moved on to the next question.

Nothing about the interview seemed out of place. His answer sounded polished, diplomatic. But Chloe knew exactly where that pink diamond had gone.

She glanced down at the box in her hand, her expression turning solemn.

It felt heavier now.

Gently, she lifted the lid. Inside, resting against soft velvet, was the pink diamond.

Even though she'd braced herself—even though she'd guessed what it might be—seeing it there with her own eyes still sent a jolt through her.

The diamond Nance never removed had ended up in her hands, just like that. Without her having to lift a finger.