He Cheated. I Rose.

Chapter 80 A Line in the Sand

If all this drama was just Chloe's way of getting his attention, of making him admit his regret, then she was really going overboard. They could have just talked it out like reasonable adults. "Fine! I'm sorry!" Arthur's voice rang out, loud and clear. He looked directly at Chloe and Robert, his expression deadly serious. "This is my fault. I should have been there for both of you from the beginning. Robert, Chloe... I messed up." With those words, Arthur took a decisive step forward and dropped to one knee. The picture of sincerity, he almost seemed believable. Robert stared down at the kneeling man, his eyes holding not an ounce of respect, only a deepening disgust. Watching Arthur kneel, Chloe was involuntarily transported back to years ago, to the day he had knelt before Charles, proposing to her and promising to take care of her for the rest of her life. Back then, Arthur probably never had her in his heart, did he? Looking at it now, the whole memory felt like a bad joke. Jennifer, halfway to the ambulance with Jenarth in her arms, froze when she heard Arthur's apology. She turned back just in time to see him kneeling before Chloe and Robert. The sight felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Arthur had actually knelt in public, apologizing to them. In that moment, Jennifer wanted nothing more than to tear Chloe and Robert to pieces. Their very existence kept ruining her carefully laid plans. Jenarth saw it too. A flicker of pure rage crossed his face as he watched Arthur kneel. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I know you're angry with me. I know nothing I say matters to you right now. But I still have to say it—please, forgive me." Arthur bowed his head, the picture of remorse. In his mind, this was the ultimate concession the president of Myers Group could make. No other man in his position would ever humble himself like this. He had knelt for them—wasn't that the proof of how much he cared about them? He couldn't let his mother, Madilyn, find out about this. She'd never let him hear the end of it. Mom has always been biased against Chloe, just because she came from the countryside. Aside from Grandpa liking her, she has no connections, no background. I need to work hard to help Chloe and Robert improve themselves, so that maybe, just maybe, Mom will finally accept them. Then things could finally go back to the way they were. While Arthur was busy weaving his perfect future in his head, Chloe's cold voice cut through his thoughts. "Robert, are you going to forgive him?""I choose to accept his apology," Robert stated clearly. Hearing his son's voice, Arthur felt a sudden warmth in his chest. He looked at Robert, his eyes brimming with paternal affection. As a father, apologizing to his son was the first step toward swallowing his pride and starting a real conversation. He admitted he'd been too wrapped up in work, that he hadn't been there for Robert. Now, he was ready to reflect, to step up and be the father Robert needed. Amusement parks, the beach—all the places Robert had mentioned wanting to visit—Arthur would make time for all of it. Arthur was certain Robert would forgive him, that they would reconcile. People always said children were easy to win over. "Robert, I—" Arthur began, a smile starting to form, but Robert cut him off, his voice as cold as ice. "But I choose not to forgive you."Arthur stared at his son, completely thrown. Robert had just said he accepted the apology. So why wouldn't he forgive him? "Robert, you—" Ignoring Arthur's bewildered look, Robert grabbed Chloe's hand and announced loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Mommy, he knelt and apologized. I accept his apology, but I don't forgive him." Chloe heard this and replied with perfect calm, "Alright." "Mommy, let's go!" Robert then turned his little face up to Keith. "Mr. Pena, can we go see Sunny Kindergarten now?" "It would be my pleasure. I'll give you the tour myself," Keith said warmly, stepping forward to guide Chloe and Robert away. "Chloe! Robert!" Arthur scrambled to his feet, his voice tight with frustration. Chloe didn't even glance back. She simply took Robert's hand and walked away with Keith. "Chloe, you two—" Arthur made to follow, but Jennifer's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Arthur, Jenarth says he doesn't feel well. He's feeling dizzy," Jennifer said, her voice trembling and on the verge of tears. Arthur hesitated for a split second, then finally stopped, turned around, and hurried toward the waiting ambulance. This time, whether Arthur stayed or left made no difference to Chloe and Robert. They didn't look back. With the Sunny Group's staff and Keith, they got into the car and drove away, leaving the scene behind without a second thought.

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