He Cheated. I Rose.

Chapter 317 Family Loyalty

Arthur stared intently at the person before him. His gaze fixed on Melinda's arm wrapped around Chloe, and what shocked him even more was how comfortably Chloe leaned into the embrace. What was their relationship? How long had this been going on? This individual looked like some kind of pretty boy—was he even younger than Chloe? A kept man? Was he with Chloe for her money? Or was there another reason? "Chloe, is this your new boyfriend?" Arthur forced a strained smile as he voiced the question weighing on his mind. "Does it matter?" Chloe replied with a faint smile, her lips curving into an even more captivating arc. "And what business is it of yours, Mr. Myers? Your nose is practically in everyone's business—don't you ever tire of prying?" She then reached for Melinda's hand and affectionately rested her head on their shoulder. "Do I need to report my relationship with my darling to you?" Arthur's expression darkened. Here he was, in front of business associates, being publicly mocked by his ex-wife, yet unable to show his anger. "That's not what I meant. I just... I only..." Arthur clenched his fists. God only knew how furious he felt, watching Chloe display such intimacy with this tall stranger. Chloe was his—his wife. They had been married, yet she had never shown him such affection in public. All of this... once upon a time, he had scorned it, even resisted it. Reflecting on his past failures, Arthur lowered his head. "Chloe, I'm sincerely proposing a partnership. I hope you'll consider it seriously." He straightened his posture, trying to appear taller—at least not overshadowed by this... pretty boy. "Also, let me offer some advice. If you're going to be with someone, choose a man who can protect you and stand by you when things get tough—not some empty-headed charmer." When Melinda heard that, she couldn't help but click her tongue. "Sweetie, is he talking about me? Is this what they call a petty personal dig?"Arthur was speechless. Melinda kept an arm around Chloe and shot Arthur a cool glance. "Sir, women are meant to be cherished. I'm willing to give all my love to my sweetie and spoil her endlessly. May I ask who you are to stand here and lecture us? I'd be happy to take this conversation somewhere more private." Melinda gently clenched a fist, knuckles cracking audibly—a clear and open challenge. For a moment, Arthur was so enraged he wanted to throw a punch. But a voice in his head warned him not to act rashly in front of Chloe. He'd already lost his dignified image once; he had to maintain composure now. "Chloe, I'll repeat my offer. You can think it over. The no-limit terms represent Myers Group's utmost sincerity." Arthur struggled to remain composed and simply ignored Melinda. Chloe wasn't angered. Instead, she smiled as if Arthur were a fool. Arthur waited for her reply, hoping to save face. Even a simple "I'll consider it" would allow him to leave gracefully with his associates. But after a moment, what he heard was a young, cheerful voice. "Mommy!" Arthur froze. It was Robert. Before he could react, Robert came running in, led by Zachary. The boy rushed into Chloe's arms, calling out warmly, "Mommy, did you miss me? Today at school, I had a discussion with the old professor. He got so emotional he started crying and insisted on taking me as his apprentice—said he wanted to teach me everything he knows." Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Tell me the truth—did you bully him?" "Of course not! I'm still your little sweetheart," Robert said with a playful grin, winking at Zachary. Zachary smiled faintly. "Don't worry. The professor was crying because he regretted not meeting Robert earlier." He drew out the last word and glanced at the "extra" man standing nearby. "Well, well—if it isn't this guy again. Do we keep running into him everywhere?" Hearing Zachary's remark, Arthur felt a vein throb in his forehead. That damn lawyer was always hovering around Chloe. Who did he think he was, judging him? He reminded himself to stay elegant in front of Chloe—not to lose his temper. Just as he decided to ignore Zachary and turn to leave, Robert's next words stopped him in his tracks. "Mommy, is Leland staying with us tonight? Can the three of us sleep in the king-sized bed together?" Melinda burst out laughing. "Dear little Robert, I've been waiting for this! It's a plan then. Tonight, we'll have a sleepover! Watch movies, roll around on the bed—the whole thing!"

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