Chapter 23 Chapter 23 ค Chloe sneered . It turned out Ian was here to give her a piece of their mind . A spark of anger shot through her , but she forced herself to stay composed . She didn't want to blow up in front of Ian . " I admit it ," she confessed quietly . " I told Mia to find Andrea . " Mia had acted on her behalf , trying to protect her . And Ian , doting on Andrea as he did , must have been heartbroken . B 55 vouchers Chloe didn't want Mia dragged into her mess . She didn't want to get anyone else caught in the crossfire . That was why she'd confessed . But apologizing to Andrea ? Not a chance at all . They stared at each other , tension crackling like static . Ian's eyes softened slightly as he studied her expression . " Since you admitted it , just go apologize to Andrea , " he commanded . Chloe felt her eyes sting . She bristled , standing tall despite her frustration . " Ian , " she said , voice tight , " I don't care how much you love her . As long as you're married to me , you and Andrea are in the wrong , and Clint is your illegitimate child . A wife apologizing to a mistress ? Don't you think that's ridiculous ? " Ian's brow furrowed . " Chloe , don't speak so harshly . Andrea isn't a mistress . " " Oh , right . The one who isn't loved is always the mistress , huh ? " Chloe let out a bitter laugh . " To you , I'm the mistress ! " lan rubbed his temple , exhausted . He stepped closer . " Chloe , that's not what I meant . " Chloe stepped back , evading his outstretched hand . " Look , if you love her so much , why not just divorce me and marry her ? " she said , her voice laced with sarcasm . " I'd let you have her , I'd sign IOUS , I'd step aside . Whatever you wanted . " Ian's expression darkened , his eyes unreadable . " It's not the right time for a divorce , " he said . " Not yet . " " Not yet ? " Chloe's chest got slammed with the weight of that statement . " You sound so formal , huh ? " Seeing her tense , Ian pressed on . " Andrea's very upset now . Go apologize . Calm her down a bit , or she'll be scared . " The tenderness in his tone stabbed Chloe like fire . The more her heart ached , the colder her outward composure became . " Sure , I can apologize as the weak , righted wife to the mistress , " Chloe shot back . " How about we make it a press conference ? Public apology , front - page news . You up for that , Mr. Hamilton ? " " Don't call me like that ," Ian's jaw tightened . " I'm your husband . " Chloe tilted her head , avoiding his eyes . " From the moment you left me in the rain to greet Andrea and Clint at the airport , you're not my husband anymore . " " You know I hate being threatened ," lan's voice grew dangerous . " Fine . If no press conference , I'll apologize here , in front of everyone ," Chloe's emotions spilled over , and her eyes reddened . " I'll say it loud and clear : I , Mrs. Hamilton , out of jealousy , ruined the mistress's home , sent her to the hospital , and now my husband is making ine apologize ! " With that , she stormed toward the door . Ian grabbed her by the waist , spinning her around to face him . He held her close , not letting go . " Chloe , I'm talking to you calmly , " said Ian . " Can you stop blowing up over every little thing ? " Just then , a knock came at the door . Jan lowered his voice . " We'll handle that later . Rest for now . You've still got work today . " He hugged her once , then let her go . " I'll get you something to eat . Cool off a bit . Okay ? " Before Chloe could fully process , he left , letting her collapse into the chair . 1/3 Br P Chapter 23 He hadn't stopped pressing because he cared about Andrea , nor out of consideration . Chloe was sure of this . He was protecting Andrea , his reputation , and the Hamilton family's interests . 55 vouchers In a public place like the hospital , if Chloe lost it and everyone found out about his affair - or that Andrea was here - the biggest loss would be his . After a long while , Chloe finally felt a bit of composure return . Ian had brought lunch , but after he left , she tossed it straight into the trash . By 5:30 pm , Chloe was off duty . John didn't have night shifts , so she didn't have to stay in the hospital late . She planned to visit her parents the next day . Just as she was about to leave with her coworkers , Andrea stepped in front of her in the hospital lobby . " Dr. Irvine , moment ? " she asked . may I have a Andrea didn't call her " Mrs. Hamilton " . She kept things formal with " Dr. Irvine . " Chloe sighed inwardly . She didn't want private issues spilling into work . She stopped with her colleague beside her . " Go ahead , " she said coldly . Andrea bowed slightly , speaking directly in front of Chloe's coworkers . " I heard you're off tomorrow , so I rushed over to apologize . " Chloe's eyes swept over her . Poised like a dancer , decent height , strong presence - just slightly off in facial symmetry . She remained silent , prompting Andrea to continue . " I know Mia acted on your behalf , but this all started because of me , " said Andrea . " I sincerely apologize . Let's never bring it up again , shall we ? " As if recalling something , Andrea added , " I just returned to Kingsford . I don't know many people here , but I'd like to be friends with you ." Chloe's expression stayed neutral . " Ms. Sherman , having Ian as a ' friend ' beats a thousand others . Don't bother with me . " She tried to walk away . Andrea grabbed her sleeve . " Wait , Dr. Irvine , I can explain . You've got the wrong idea about Ian and me ... " Chloe yanked free impatiently and in the next instant , Andrea tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud . Passersby quickly gathered , curious to see what was happening . " Andrea ! " Ian barreled in with the payment slip , crouching beside her to check for injuries . " Ian ... " tears welled in Andrea's eyes . " I just wanted to apologize to Dr. Irvine . I didn't expect her to be so angry . " Without a word , Ian scooped Andrea up in his arms , glaring coldly at Chloe . " Chloe , you're a doctor yourself , " he demanded sharply . " And you're pushing a patient this fragile ? " Chloe gave up explaining . Great , now she was living a cliche from a romance novel in real life . Her eyes lingered on Andrea in lan's arms . " Listen , lan , " she warned , expression flat , " she got herself into this . If she came to me , a push is nothing . I should have slapped her in the face and taught her a lesson . " Andrea winced under the stares around her . " My leg hurts . Can you take me back to the ward , Ian ? " Ian didn't argue . He turned and carried her away . " Those two ... are they dating ? " Chloe's colleague shook her head . " Why act like that toward you ? " " Sort of , " Chloe blinked , gathering herself , voice even . " They're married ." Several steps ahead , lan paused mid - stride , hearing her words .