My Rise and My Ex's Fall (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 661

Still, knowing Robert was safe in his arms at last, he let out a long, shaky breath.

As long as Robert was alright, everything else could be handled.

"Hey buddy, no more stunts like that, okay? Your mom's heart is pretty tough, but not bulletproof." Eugene winced as he lifted Robert, gritting his teeth against the throbbing in his arm. He almost didn't make it up, but Chloe rushed over and helped pull them both to their feet.

Once he was steady, she didn't wait—she threw her arms around him and held on tight.

"Eugene." Her voice came out rough, choked with everything she hadn't said.

He stilled for a second, then a slow, tired smile touched his lips at the way she clung to him.

She held on so tightly he could barely breathe—and he didn't mind one bit.

"Thank you."

At those two words, Eugene's smile softened, warmth easing the strain in his eyes.

Right then, every ache, every risk felt worth it.

Everything that mattered was right here in front of him.

"You two..." Carolyn's voice cut in, weak and ragged from the floor above.

Chloe's grip on Eugene's collar tightened. She looked up toward the mezzanine where Carolyn lay sprawled, the front of her blouse soaked dark with blood.

The moment Carolyn tried to speak, fresh blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Her face was twisted, pale and vicious.

"You'll never be happy... ha... you'll never know... the truth... never know... he's really... really..."

She tried to push herself up, hatred burning in her eyes, but there was no strength left—no chance left.

All she could do was glare, that distorted stare fixed on Chloe, on Eugene, on little Robert standing beside them.

Then her body went still, the sentence left hanging, her eyes wide and filled with malice even in death.

Chloe stared up at Carolyn's lifeless form, those hate-filled eyes still open. Her own gaze turned solemn, voice dropping to a murmur.

"What was she trying to say? 'He's really...' Who did she mean?"

Was it Eugene she meant?

Eugene drew her closer, his arm firm around her waist.

"It's over," he said quietly near her ear.

Eugene gave a short nod, then his gaze lifted once more toward Carolyn's body—those eyes still wide, frozen in hatred even after her last breath.

She brought this on herself. Nobody else.

"Leave two men here to secure the scene," Eugene said quietly. Then he turned to the woman beside him. "Let's go."

Chloe was with him. Robert was safe. A broken hand didn't mean much—not compared to what he still had.

Eugene was content. More than content.

Chloe nodded, moving to support him as they walked.

"I'm alright," Eugene told her softly, offering Robert a reassuring look before turning toward the exit.

They made their way out in a quiet line. Bruce stayed behind with two of his team to manage the cleanup.

When Chloe stepped out of the abandoned factory, the cool outside air hit her face. Only then did she feel like she could truly breathe again.

"Carolyn was out of her mind. Someone like that—no amount of second chances would've fixed her. She never learned how to be human. Next life, maybe she'll come back as something with less cruelty to spread... though even that might be too generous." Oralia kept close behind them, muttering under her breath the whole way.

Melinda gently touched her arm. "Watch your step—the ground's uneven here."