Chapter 484 484

"After realizing that Vincent has started to fall into degeneracy like his late father, I know that I have to cut contact with him or else I'll go completely insane," Dorothea said. "I'm sorry for taking too long to realize it."

"No, it's fine," Chloe shook her head. She also tried to shake off the fear in her eyes because she didn't want to show that vulnerability except in front of Vernon. "I know he is great at pretending and manipulating. He can fool many people, including you, and I don't blame you for that."

Dorothea sighed, "You're too kind, Chloe. You can yell at me, or at least curse at me for ignoring your plea for ten years."

"W—Well, it's in the past and I'm trying to move on from him," Chloe admitted. "I want to divorce him, but he refused to sign the divorce paper..."

"That's very typical of them— I mean Vaughn and Vincent," Dorothea commented. "I also served Vaughn a divorce paper so many times in the past. But he always refused to sign that paper and proceeded to threaten and beat me each time I asked for separation."

"So you're stuck with him until he passes away?"

"Yes," Dorothea sighed. "Even after his death, I still can't find peace. I still find myself getting haunted by all the abuses he inflicted on me, and I continue to despise my life and everything around me every single day…."

Dorothea wrapped her hands around Chloe's hand and said, "That's why, Chloe. You should NOT be like me. I applaud you for being brave enough to leave Vincent. I know it takes great courage for you to do so, and I'm happy that you're doing well after leaving him."

"Well, can't say that I'm doing well when all I do is just work as a maid in Vernon's penthouse," Chloe said meekly. "But he provides Mackie and I with a place to stay and hide, and also allows Mackie to continue going to school while all I have to do is to be his maid, cook, clean, and a few more things. So this is really the best I can get."

Dorothea grinned, "What is this 'few more things' you're talking about? Does it involve something sexy?"

Chloe's cheeks reddened instantly. She shook her head fervently, "I—It's nothing. I— we— Um… it's uh… nothing, I swear!" She tried to deny it, but her stuttering and nervousness revealed way more than she wanted.

Dorothea giggled, "No need to hide it. We're both adults and we know what men want in exchange for favors."

Chloe's cheeks turned even redder, but she dared not to respond because she was so bad at lying.

"Well, I think it's alright," Dorothea finally released Chloe's hand and relaxed by leaning on the chair. "Vernon is an adult, and he's free to choose whoever he wants to fuck, date, or marry."

"Y—You're not going to ask why he took me in and did all of that stuff?"

Dorothea smiled, "I don't need to. I already know all of his reasons to do so, and I think… he makes the right choice. You're a perfect fit for him."

"I'm not trying to covet him…." Chloe tried to deny it out of shame. "I—I know that I'm old, and um… he's still very young and successful. He can get a much better woman than me."

"I don't think so," Dorothea interrupted. "You're tailored to match with his personality. Nobody can handle Vernon like you do."

Dorothea remembered how Vernon was like a very obedient puppy in front of Chloe. At first, she didn't pay too much attention to Chloe because she thought Vincent was just in that dating phase, so it was natural for him to get infatuated with beauty.

But once she realized that her second son also got infatuated with Chloe, she started wondering if she should take Chloe as a threat or a blessing.

Because Chloe could tame Vernon easily and made the usually unbearable child to be so obedient and good.

'I should take her as a blessing, I guess,' Dorothea thought. 'I don't think Vernon will grow up normal under my care. He will be just as fucked up as Vincent, or even worse….'

"I think you should know one fact, Chloe…." Dorothea lifted her hand and gently touched Chloe's fuller cheek with her wrinkly hand. "… You're beautiful. I don't think you realize how beautiful you're. Even after all the things that happened to you, your beauty stays ravishing. I understand why both of my sons can get infatuated with you."

"Though, I think their infatuations are not only about your outer beauty. At least for Vernon, I know that you can turn into a worm and he'll still love you," Dorothea laughed at her own small joke. "Well, I'm pretty sure that Vernon has been taking care of you well, since you've gained weight slowly."

Chloe nodded. Of course, she had to admit that Vernon had been taking care of her very well for the past seven months. She was physically and mentally healthier when she lived with Vernon.

Chloe and Dorothea got more comfortable with each other as time passed. They started talking about many things that had been left unsaid between them in the past, mostly about their experiences with the abuses and the process of Chloe running from Vincent and somehow finding herself inside Vernon's penthouse.

​ After listening to Chloe's story, Dorothea asked, "So, you're planning to divorce Vincent forcefully after Vernon can topple the Gray family businesses?"

"Y—Yeah…" Chloe was unsure if it was proper for her to talk about this to Dorothea. After all, Dorothea often flaunted her wealth in front of Chloe to show that the Gray family was rich and powerful.

However, Dorothea's next answer surprised her;

"Hm, I think that's a good idea. My first son will never yield unless you kick him off his high horse. Let's see what we can do to help Vernon."