Rural Belle & Three Heirs

'With Chloe's looks, he can still kiss her? As the saying goes, if he doesn't take responsibility, who will?'

Michael was lost in his gratitude towards Grant.

After Michael's analysis, even the usually simple-minded Liam began to see the logic. He felt a wave of mixed emotions deeply moved by Grant's self-sacrifice, yet inexplicably uneasy. Witnessing Grant kiss Chloe left him feeling disquieted, although he couldn't quite pinpoint why.

The heavy, oppressive atmosphere at home became too much for Liam. Without a word, he picked up his motorcycle helmet and headed for the door.

Noticing Liam's departure, Michael called after him, "Hey, where are you going?" Liam glanced back, replying tersely, "Going for a ride."

Michael shrugged, watching Liam walk away. As he finished adjusting his suit, he grabbed his car keys too. Today, he needed to hire a new part-time assistant for his company, and Chloe's classmate, Rena, seemed like the perfect fit. Kind, gentle, meticulous, and not overly talkative, Rena exhibited the qualities Michael valued. An assistant like her would help him maintain the privacy he needed as a public figure.

A few days later, Chloe's leg injury had almost healed. She wanted to go back to school, but Grant insisted she stay home and rest a few more days to avoid any potential aftereffects.

Basking in the warm sunlight of the Martin Mansion's expansive garden, Chloe struggled with her boredom. Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle shattered the stillness. Tony, who hadn't been around for some time, pulled up and climbed off his bike to see her.

The moment he laid eyes on Chloe, Tony launched into an animated update about recent events. "Chloe, do you know what happened to Lucy, the one who kidnapped you? When the police found her, she'd been gang-raped by those thugs so badly she couldn't even close her legs."

Chloe felt a surge of fierce satisfaction at the news. "Serves her right!" she spat. The memory of her own narrow escape was still fresh and raw. She shuddered to think what might have happened if she hadn't been quick-witted enough to use the money to save herself. It would have been her, not Lucy, enduring such a horrific fate.

Tony added, "And that Hugh didn't fare any better. I heard from some inside sources that Liam beat him up badly this time, even swollen his head. Said Hugh had to pay since he didn't keep his thugs in check, letting them mess with his family."

A smile tugged at the corners of Chloe's lips. She appreciated that Liam considered her part of his family, even if their relationship had often been marked by bickering. This act of vengeance touched her deeply. She decided that in their future arguments, she'd let him win at least three times.

Chloe reminisced about the countless moments shared with Liam. Despite their constant bickering and teasing, it was precisely these playful arguments that drew them closer. Though Liam's words could sometimes be sharp, deep down, he cared for her deeply.

Tony's expression turned admiring as he continued. "Chloe, do you know who was the coolest during your kidnapping incident?"noveldrama

Chloe, casually nibbling on imported cherries, looked up with mild curiosity. "Who?"

"Mr. Grant Martin, of course! They said he personally broke Hugh's leg. With that move, anyone in Sovereign City who dares to mess with you in the future would be digging their own grave."

Tony's eyes sparkled with admiration, clearly idolizing Grant. "Chloe, you're so lucky to have someone like Grant protecting you. If I had Grant as my backer, I wouldn't get bullied all the time."

A shadow passed over Tony's face as he said this, his usual bravado dampened. Chloe noticed and inquired gently, "Who's bullying you now?"

Tony sighed heavily. "It's those bikers. Chloe, they bully me because they're older and their bikes are better than mine. Last time, you and Liam helped me out, but they still look down on me. They take every chance they get to push me around. Guess it's my fault for not being as skilled as them."

"These people are just bullies," Chloe declared, itching to show them a lesson or two. For the past few days, she'd been convalescing at the Martin mansion, nursing her leg injury. Grant had been incredibly attentive, ensuring she rested adequately. But Chloe wasn't one to stay idle for long. Her leg might have been injured, but she wasn't incapacitated.

"How about I go and teach them a lesson for you?" she suggested, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Tony looked at her, alarmed. "Chloe, you can't. You're injured."

As if on cue, Chloe sprang up, her movements belying any notion of frailty. "I'm healed," she proclaimed with a grin.

Tony said, "But Grant told you to stay home and rest."

"I can run and jump now. What rest do I need?" Chloe retorted, walking a few brisk

steps in front of Tony to demonstrate her recovery.

Tony raised another concern. "Chloe, if he finds out I took you out, won't he skin me alive?"

Grant punishing Tony wouldn't be a matter to take lightly.

Chloe leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "We'll sneak out without him knowing, okay? If we don't tell, how will he find out? Tony, don't forget, I'm your protector. If I stay cooped up and develop some problem, I won't be able to protect you. Think about it."

Tony weighed her words carefully, considering the risk and the reward. Chloe's protection was invaluable. For the Gibson family and for his own peace of mind— keeping on Chloe's good side was crucial.

Thinking of this, Tony decided to take the risk of being punished by Grant and take Chloe out to regain his dignity. He nodded and said, "Chloe, I've decided. Let's go now?"

"Okay, I'll go upstairs and change. You wait for me at the back door. See you in ten minutes," Chloe instructed, already heading for the stairs.

Tony watched her disappear upstairs before leisurely taking out his phone. He opened the biker group chat and sent a bold message: [Hey rookies, meet at the bike track. I'm going to crush you all.]