Chapter 2

International high school let out early.

Chloe was home by three in the afternoon.

According to my plans in my previous life, she should have continued studying, preparing to apply to top universities abroad upon graduation. But now that I wasn't controlling her, Chloe was going wild. She stayed up all night on her phone, watching TV, and playing video games.

Far from being annoyed, I seized the chance to bring her snacks.

Without exception, they were all high-fat, high-sugar—anything that would make her gain weight, I brought it. Chloe was happy.

And I was content.

At the dinner table, I no longer pursued balanced nutrition or maintaining her figure like before. Grilled meat, barbecue, burgers—junk food was on rotation. After just one month, Chloe had gained fifteen pounds.

But that was secondary.

On Friday evening, Chloe’s teacher called me directly:

"Mrs. Miller, the results of our introductory test are in. Chloe received an F."

"You see... perhaps you should encourage her studies a bit more. At this rate, let alone going to university abroad, she might even struggle to pass her graduation exams."

I glanced at Chloe's room.

It was ten-thirty, and the sound of the TV was still blasting.

I chuckled softly and replied:

"Teacher, I'm Chloe's stepmom. If I interfere too much with her studies, it might not be good. For Chloe's sake, perhaps you could give her father a call. Some things are better coming from him than from me."

Of course, I wasn't sincere.

Chloe had been enjoying herself for so many days; it was time for Robert, her biological father, to deal with it.

Sure enough, the day after receiving the teacher's call, Robert, who was on a business trip, still rushed back. After all, Chloe was his only child, and he certainly had high hopes for her.

At the dinner table, Robert’s face turned grim as he addressed Chloe:

"What's wrong with you?!"

"I heard from your teacher that your entrance exam results were a disaster. When I came back, you were still watching TV. How old are you? This is the age to be focusing on your studies!"

"And your figure—I've told you before to watch your weight. How could you be so careless!"

Chloe was scolded until she burst into tears.

Wiping her eyes, she blurted out everything in her emotional state:

"Anyway, when you get old, Miller Corp will be mine sooner or later. What does it matter if I study or not? Even if I don't study, I can still live a life of luxury."

"I knew you wouldn't even let me eat, I should have just left with my mom!"

Robert was so angry he slammed his fist on the table:

"Chloe Miller, I'm doing this for your own good!"

But a teenage Chloe couldn't hear him:

"Who needs you to be good to me!"

She then turned and lashed out at me, standing by the stairs, shoving me to the ground and cursing:

"Get out of my way, you bitch!"

"It's all your fault, you home-wrecker, seducing my dad! Why don't you just die!"

With that, Chloe stomped up to the second floor and retreated to her room.

Robert looked at Chloe's retreating back with disappointment. He quickly helped me up from the floor, saying apologetically:

"Eleanor, I'm so sorry. Chloe's temper is getting out of hand, you've been wronged."

"I heard from Mrs. Jenkins that while I was away, Chloe was really awful to you. She wouldn't eat the meals you prepared, insisting on junk food. And she spoke to you so disrespectfully."

After hearing Robert's words,

I immediately put on a loving façade:

"What are you saying? Chloe is young, it's inevitable she'd have her moments. How could I hold it against her?"

"It's just... with her temper, I'm truly a little worried about entrusting Miller Corp to her later. You've worked your entire life; you shouldn't have to worry about the company when you're old."

My words seemed to strike a nerve with Robert.

His heart stirred, and he slowly placed a hand on my stomach:

"Eleanor, how about we don't use protection tonight?"

"Let's have another child!"