My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 629

He was after Chloe?

A million thoughts raced through her mind in that split second. Suddenly, Carolyn spoke up, her voice rising with a mix of panic and excitement.

"Wait—wait just a minute. I've got something to say."

The bodyguards didn't even glance her way. They kept dragging her out like she was a piece of baggage, ready to haul her off without another word.

"I know a secret. Something nobody else knows. Don't you want to hear it?"

Carolyn shouted now, her voice strained and urgent.

Still, no one reacted. Just as they were about to pull her through the doorway, real fear kicked in. If she ended up handed over to Chloe now, Chloe could have her erased without a second thought—like stepping on an ant.

But this man... he was different. Terrifying, yes, but if he was who she thought he was, then maybe—just maybe—he could be her only way out.

If she was going to die anyway, she might as well lay all her cards on the table.

"It's about Chloe. A secret about Chloe. Are you listening?"

She screamed it this time, putting every bit of strength she had left into Chloe's name.

"Stop."

Vincent's voice cut through the room.

At once, the bodyguards froze, waiting for his next command.

With a slight wave of his hand, they dragged Carolyn back inside and dumped her roughly onto the floor.

She tasted dust on her lips, but she didn't care. Scrambling up, she tried to read his face.

Clearly, she'd caught his attention. Otherwise, he wouldn't have called her back.

Okay. Here goes.

Clearing her throat, Carolyn steadied herself and lowered her voice. "Who are you... really?"

"I already told you. You don't get to ask."

Vincent's tone was flat, cold, giving nothing away.

"Fine," she shot back, forcing a tone of defiance. "Then I don't have to talk. I'm the only one who knows this. Charles—he found out, and it shocked him so bad he dropped dead right in front of me. And even on his deathbed, he never guessed I knew it too."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. He studied her, silently weighing whether she was bluffing.

"All right," he finally said, tilting his chin just slightly. "Let's hear this secret of yours. Let's see if it's worth your freedom."

He gave a subtle nod to the lead bodyguard nearby, who stepped back without a word.

Watching the guards move away, Carolyn stayed silent a beat too long, her eyes fixed on the man sitting above her.

Vincent's patience thinned. His brow creased slightly. "Don't test me. You have ten seconds."

"I think," Carolyn began, voice dropping to a near-whisper, "this is something only you should hear. It's about Chloe. If anyone else found out..." She trailed off, glancing down meaningfully.

The moment Chloe's name left her lips, Vincent's composure wavered—just barely. He checked his anger and raised a hand.

"Everyone out. Now."

All the bodyguards except the head one moved toward the door.

"Master, this woman—" the head guard started.

"Out," Vincent repeated, his voice cold and final. "She's not worth the trouble."

He didn't say another word.