Chapter 4

Claire Ashford POV

"Mr. Grey..."

Just as Vincent was coaxing me, a soft, timid voice came from the spiral staircase.

We both turned.

Chloe Rivers stood midway up the stairs in a loose maternity dress, one hand supporting her waist.

Vincent immediately released his arm from around me and strode toward the stairs. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Why did you come downstairs by yourself?"

He quickly climbed the steps and naturally supported Chloe's arm, his movements gentle, as if handling a fragile treasure.

Chloe said softly, "I'm not feeling bad. I just suddenly had a craving for the crème brûlée and chestnut cake from that bakery on the west side of town. Could you send someone to get me some?"

"Little glutton." Vincent's face showed an indulgent smile. "Wait here. I'll go get it for you."

Chloe looked flattered. "You'll go yourself? Isn't that too much trouble..."

"Don't be silly." Vincent's palm covered her slightly swollen belly, his eyes so tender they could melt. "You're carrying our baby. You're precious to the Grey family. Running an errand for you, how could that be trouble?"

That tender gaze, that protective manner, that picture of sweet happiness. They were like countless fine needles piercing my eyes, making them ache.

Vincent helped Chloe settle on the living room sofa, carefully instructing her not to wander around, before turning to get his car keys.

As he passed me, he seemed to remember I existed. "Claire, do you want anything? I can bring something back for you too."

"No need." My voice was flat, emotionless.

Vincent nodded. "Alright then. I'll be back soon. Chloe, call me if you need anything."

That last sentence was directed at the sofa.

With that, he grabbed his car keys and left the villa quickly.

In the vast living room, only two women remained.

I slowly turned around, my gaze falling coldly on Chloe.

That look carried scrutiny and a chill that made Chloe shrink, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress.

I walked toward her step by step.

"Miss Ashford." Chloe looked at me with those doe-like moist eyes, speaking timidly. "Are you going to punish me for the watch? I'm sorry. I really didn't do it on purpose. The baby really did kick me, and my hand slipped."

"Whether you did it on purpose or not," I stopped one step away from her, "you know the truth."

Chloe froze, her eyelashes trembling.

I stared at her intently. "You're quite capable, actually managing to make Vincent compete with me for my mother's keepsake."

Chloe shook her head frantically, tears quickly filling her eyes, threatening to fall. "Miss Ashford, you're misunderstanding me. If I'd known that pocket watch was so important to you, I never would have dared compete for it."

"Is that so?"

"Even though Mr. Grey bought it from you and gave it to me, I know he was just trying to keep me calm so I'd safely deliver the baby and leave as soon as possible." Her eyes glistened with tears as she choked up. "Mr. Grey treats me well, but I understand he's doing all this for the child. In his heart, he's always been thinking of... you."

I laughed coldly. "There are only the two of us here, Chloe Rivers. No matter how well you act, no one's going to applaud you."

Chloe's expression stiffened for a moment.

"Six months ago, Vincent gave you thirty million and sent you away. But you not only secretly kept his child, you also found a way to let his grandfather, who desperately wanted a great-grandchild, know about it. That forced Vincent to bring you back. You schemed your way back here, moved in, and you claim it's just to peacefully give birth and then leave?" I said mockingly. "Chloe Rivers, do you even believe that yourself?"

I didn't, anyway.

Chloe's lips moved as if to defend herself, but I took out a document from my bag and handed it to her.

"I know exactly what you want," I said expressionlessly. "I can make it happen for you. But if I ask Vincent for a divorce, he won't agree. If you can find a way to make him sign this divorce agreement, you'll get what you want."

Ever since Chloe got pregnant, Vincent had been terrified I'd leave him. He carefully read any document I gave him.

Chloe looked uncertain. "Miss Ashford, you really are misunderstanding me. I never wanted to break you and Mr. Grey up..."

"This chance only comes once." My face was cold. "Think carefully before you answer."

Chloe stared at the divorce agreement for a long time. After much hesitation, she bit her lip and reached out to take it.

"Then, thank you."