?Chapter 1531:


    “Christina, your strength amazes me. I really have so much to learn from you,” Chloe said, her eyes glistening.


    “Just remember, knowing when to walk away saves more pain than stubbornly staying. Clinging when it’s over only makes it harder to let go.” Christina’s gaze shifted toward Morse. She gently ced Chloe’s hand into his.


    “Take care of her. Never let her down. If you hurt her, I won’t forgive you.” Though her tone was mild, the warning beneath it was unmistakable.


    Morse stiffened at suddenly being addressed, his jaw tightening as his thoughts turned on Dn in silent reproach.


    This was all Dn’s fault—now even he was under suspicion, as though he too might one day falter and betray Chloe.


    He tightened his grip on her hand, his voice low and resolute. “Don’t worry, Miss Jones. I’ll never let Chloe down.”


    To him, Chloe was everything—someone he’d guard with his life. Hurting her wasn’t even a possibility.


    Still, the unfairness of it gnawed at him. Dn deserved every ounce of the me.


    What on earth had happened between Dn and Christina? Why hadn’t they cleared up whatever rift had torn them apart?


    Morse knew both of them well enough to believe there had to be a serious misunderstanding.


    And if neither was willing to bridge it, then perhaps he and Chloe would have to intervene.


    “Miss Jones, we should be going now,” he said quietly. He kept his n to himself, offering Dn and Vickie a polite farewell before leading Chloe to their car.


    Christina didn’t nce back once, slipping into her own vehicle with calm finality.


    Only Dn and Vickie remained.


    “Shall we go?” Vickie murmured softly, her tone tinged with shy anticipation.


    “Where to?” Dn asked, his voice sharp enough to cut ss.


    Vickie froze, and then her smile turned sweet. “Cloudcrest Estate, of course. I haven’t been there in ages, so I thought I’d pop in for a quick look around.”


    She had only visited Cloudcrest Estate three times, each time at Margot’s invitation.


    Without Margot as chaperone, Dn would never have permitted her inside.


    Dn suddenly spun around to confront Vickie, cing them face-to-face.


    Staring up at him, Vickie felt her legs turn to jelly under the weight of his gaze.


    Hismanding presence was so immense it felt like a physical force, strong enough to make her knees go weak. This was the man her heart yearned for—utterly powerful and extraordinary.


    Bing his wife would be the ultimate fantasy fulfilled.


    “Miss Cullen.” A voice that hit her like a b of ice yanked her back to reality.


    “Yes?” Vickie replied breathlessly, her eyes bright with hope. She didn’t care that his eyes were freezing; she was convinced he would eventually look at her with affection.


    “I’ve told you this multiple times. There is nothing between us. And there will never be.” Dn stated, his brow furrowed, his gaze sharp and unforgiving.


    Vickie felt a sharp stab through her chest. All her hopeful joy crumbled to dust.


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