Heather remarked, "Chloe is cozying up to Brendan for money. If she wants money, we'll give it to her.

"So, Naomi, take this check to her, and have her leave Ashburgh with her mother and brother. Otherwise, she won't get even a penny from Brendan."

Upon seeing the check of 20 million dollars from Heather, Naomi couldn't help but find the situation both amusing and bewildering.

Heather, who was usually a smart person, seemed a bit confused right now.

"Mom, if I do this with Chloe, I'm just putting myself in a difficult situation. She won't take the money, and she won't leave Ashburgh."

If she were to really take this check to Chloe, it would only accelerate her divorce with Brendan. She hadn't even become pregnant yet!

Heather insisted and said, "Naomi, trust me on this. It can't go wrong.

"Take the check to Chloe first, and I'll meet her afterward. She won't be able to resist, sin

Once again, he had confronted her directly, questioning and blaming her because of Chloe.

These situations had occurred too often. Despite her patience and good temper, she felt worn out and was contemplating giving up.

When she had given the check to Chloe, she had been ready for an argument with Brendan.

Seeing Naomi's nonchalant demeanor, Brendan couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

After a brief gaze at Naomi, he turned to Chloe and remarked, "Chloe, you should leave first."

As Chloe left, she explained, "Brendan, Naomi didn't mean it. It's just a misunderstanding. Don't argue with her, and just explain things calmly."

After that, she gave Naomi some advice and left Brendan's office.

As Chloe closed the door, she couldn't resist glancing back at the office from the hallway.

She had never told anyone, but she envied Naomi. Only Naomi could elicit a response from Brendan, even i

Meanwhile, Naomi had just returned home from work. 

Jennifer told her excitedly, "Mrs. Ludwig, Mr. Ludwig has just called to say that he'll be back today." 

Jennifer knew that he was too shy to call Naomi directly.

Naomi handed her bag to Jennifer. She responded happily, "Alright, I'll go upstairs and freshen up."

She took a shower, put on a set of new pajamas, and waited eagerly. But Brendan still hadn't returned even though it was almost 11:00 pm.

Naomi lost the mood to continue working. She tossed the case files onto the table. 

She picked up her phone and called Jason. She asked, "Jason, where's Brendan? Wasn't he supposed to come back today?"

Calling Jason was her only choice.  

After "that incident", Brendan had stopped answering her calls. If there was anything, Jason would convey the message to him. 

Naomi found it somewhat self-deprecating that they didn't contact each other even though they were a married couple.

Jason answered, "Ms. Goodwin, Mr. Ludwig is busy taking care of some matters right now." 

After a brief pause, he added, "He might not be able to go back tonight. You shouldn't wait for him."

Upon hearing that Brendan wouldn't be coming back, Naomi became irritated and hung up the call.

Naomi slammed her phone on the desk. She was angry because Brendan had given her false hope about coming back and then disappointed her. 

Everything was ready. She had taken a shower and changed her clothes. However, he didn't come back.

If things persisted this way, she might never have a child with Brendan.

Time had passed quickly. What felt like a year ago had now narrowed down to just a few months for them to have a chance to conceive.

Feeling uneasy, Naomi picked up her phone and called Brendan's cousin, Ronald Ludwig. 

"Ronald, are you free right now? Can you check what Brendan is busy with tonight?"

On the other end, Ronald responded, "Sure thing. Give me three minutes."

Ronald was Brendan's cousin and a classmate of both Naomi and Bailey.

Between Naomi and Brendan, Ronald consistently took Naomi's side.

A while later, Ronald called back.

Hearing Ronald's update, Naomi's expression turned cold, and she smiled with self-mockery. She had actually thought that she could keep Brendan's heart.

…

In the ward, Chloe still hadn't regained consciousness.

Brendan took a quick look at his watch. It was nearly midnight. 

His expression darkened.

Jason whispered to him, "Mr. Ludwig, Ms. Goodwin has just called."

Brendan gave a noncommittal hum.

"Why don't you head back first? I'll keep an eye on Ms. Yates here."

Brendan let out a sigh. 

Suddenly, Chloe frowned and regained consciousness.

Once she opened her eyes and saw Brendan, tears welled up in her eyes as she called out to him.

After that, Brendan's expression became even more gloomy.

Jason sternly said, "Ms. Yates, you were too careless. If we had found you even a little later, we might not have been able to save you."

Hearing Jason's words, Chloe immediately burst into tears. 

Supporting herself with her hands on the bed, she looked at Brendan and said, "Brendan, I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional. I didn't mean to trouble you. 

"I couldn't bear the uncertainty of my future, and it seemed like an endless struggle. I just couldn't cope with it for a moment."

As she wiped away her tears, she promised Brendan, "I won't attempt to commit suicide again."

After consuming almost half a bottle of sleeping pills, she wouldn't have survived if the hourly-paid housemaid arranged by Jason hadn't discovered her in time.

Brendan looked at Chloe and said calmly, "Your future life won't be that difficult. You don't have to overthink."

Chloe's father had died in a car accident not too long ago. Her mother's mental state wasn't good, and she also had a nine-year-old brother.

It was impossible for her not to feel burdened. 

But she earned a substantial salary at Ludwig Corporation. Besides, her relationship with Brendan ensured that he wouldn't neglect her. 

If necessary, Jason would also assist in managing her affairs.

Chloe grabbed Brendan's arm as she looked at him and asked, "Brendan, you won't leave me, and you'll help me, right?"

Seeing Chloe holding onto him like he was her only hope, Brendan didn't push away her hand. He said, "If there's anything, you can contact Jason."

Jason added, "Ms. Yates, Mr. Ludwig owes you a life-saving favor. He'll help you no matter what. If you need help with anything in the future, you can just reach out to me directly."

She could work in the secretary's office because of their relationship.

With the promises made between them, Chloe slowly withdrew her hand from Brendan's arm. She said, "Brendan, thank you." 

Then, she looked at Jason and said, "Jason, I'm sorry for the trouble."

Brendan stayed in the ward for a while longer before leaving. 

By then, it was already 1:00 am.

Initially, he had intended to return to Yellowind Bay. However, when he remembered the last time Naomi had been upset and slept with her back to him, he changed his mind. 

Instead, he had Jason take him to another residence.

The doctor advised Chloe to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation, and Brendan visited her occasionally.

After all, her current condition was somewhat related to him.

Naomi knew about Brendan's whereabouts.

She had gotten used to it and just smiled in self-mockery, not taking Brendan's promises seriously or hoping for his return anymore.

Meanwhile, Heather was displeased and angered upon discovering that Brendan had been visiting Chloe at the hospital and hadn't returned home for quite some time. 

"That mistress is trying to meddle with Brendan and Naomi's relationship."

The maid, Rose Bach, answered, "Indeed."

Heather said, "Even if Naomi doesn't care, I won't tolerate Chloe's reckless behavior."

After saying that, she told the driver to take her to Yellowind Bay.

When Naomi returned home from work, she was surprised to see Heather sitting in the living room with an annoyed expression. 

Naomi handed her bag to her maid, Vivian Cannon. Then, she asked Heather, "Mom, why are you here?"

Upon hearing Naomi's voice, Heather quickly stood up from the sofa and declared, "If I didn't come over today, Brendan wouldn't be your husband for much longer."

Naomi smiled and said, "Mom, it's not that serious."

Although Naomi had a positive attitude, Heather wasn't swayed by it. After criticizing Chloe, she handed Naomi a check.

Looking at it, Naomi was confused. She asked suspiciously, "Mom, what do you mean by this?"

Heather remarked, "Chloe is cozying up to Brendan for money. If she wants money, we'll give it to her.

"So, Naomi, take this check to her, and have her leave Ashburgh with her mother and brother. Otherwise, she won't get even a penny from Brendan."

Upon seeing the check of 20 million dollars from Heather, Naomi couldn't help but find the situation both amusing and bewildering.

Heather, who was usually a smart person, seemed a bit confused right now.

"Mom, if I do this with Chloe, I'm just putting myself in a difficult situation. She won't take the money, and she won't leave Ashburgh."

If she were to really take this check to Chloe, it would only accelerate her divorce with Brendan. She hadn't even become pregnant yet!

Heather insisted and said, "Naomi, trust me on this. It can't go wrong.

"Take the check to Chloe first, and I'll meet her afterward. She won't be able to resist, since she needs the money to support her mother and brother."

Naomi hesitated and said, "Mom, this…"



Chapter 15