With the same soft, coquettish gaze she’d once used so sincerely, Chloe turned to Julian. “Didn’t Jewel Yearning’s chief designer launch a new jewelry line last month? I’m obsessed with the pink diamond necklace and bracelet set—will you buy it for me, honey?”
The ward fell awkwardly silent the moment she finished speaking.
Glancing casually at Jane, Chloe caught her biting her lower lip, eyes glistening with angry helplessness—a pitiful sight.
“Why the sudden craving for jewelry?” Julian forced a smile, his tone stiff. “I’ve never heard you mention liking such things before.”
Pouting, Chloe softened her voice further, leaning in slightly. “What woman doesn’t love jewelry? Besides, the line is called Eternal Love—it’s all over social media. Can’t you buy it as a gift for our fifth wedding anniversary? To prove you’ll love me forever.”
Julian’s lips tightened almost imperceptibly. He’d checked the price of that set—it carried a staggering 60 million dollar price tag.
Money wasn’t an issue, but Jane had begged him for the very same set just days earlier.
He darted a quick glance at Jane, who had tears pooling in her eyes. Their silent exchange didn’t escape Chloe’s notice.
She took Julian’s hand, feigning concern. “Is it too much trouble? Are you short on funds? Should I ask Grandpa for help?”
The mention of his grandfather steeled Julian’s resolve.
He wrapped an arm around Chloe’s shoulders, his smile brightening. “I’ll have the money transferred to you right away. If you love it, we’ll buy it.”
Once he secured his grandfather’s shares, 60 million dollars would be trivial.
Besides, Chloe had been a loyal pawn for five years—she deserved a costly reward for her obedience.
Minutes later, Chloe’s phone pinged with a notification: 60 million dollars had been deposited into her account.
Jane and Lauren were already gone—no doubt Lauren had rushed to comfort Jane, who’d been thoroughly provoked.
Chloe slipped her phone away, staying in the ward a little longer out of “gratitude” before excusing herself to return to the magazine. Julian didn’t bother to stop her.
The moment she left, Lauren and Jane hurried back.
Jane’s red, puffy eyes filled Julian with guilt.
Lauren snapped, her voice sharp with outrage, “You actually gave that woman 60 million dollars? She’s just a country bumpkin—we’ve been more than kind to let her live comfortably for five years.
“I won’t let Jane suffer like this any longer! In a month, we’ll get the shares from your grandfather and kick her out for good!”
Lauren was eager to have grandchildren, and Chloe’s presence stood in the way of Jane bearing Julian’s children.
Jane patted her arm gently, her tone soothing but laced with hidden bitterness.
“Lauren, don’t blame Julian. He’s always been too kind-hearted.”
Julian felt even worse for Jane, but he couldn’t fault Chloe—she’d given him no reason to refuse.
“I’ll buy you something even nicer later, Jane. Let her have this set.”
Jane forced a smile through her tears, but her heart ached fiercely.
That 60 million dollar set wasn’t just expensive—it held special meaning for her, a symbol of Julian’s devotion she’d been craving.
*****
Once she left the hospital, Chloe headed straight for Jewel Yearning’s boutique to buy the set.
Only a handful existed worldwide, and she needed to complete the purchase to avoid arousing Julian’s suspicion.
A uniformed salesclerk approached her the moment she stepped inside. “Good afternoon, miss. How may I help you?”


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