Chapter 256 Chapter 256 Back then , that kind of smile from Chloe was something only he would ever get to see . She'd look at him just the way she looked at Julian , her eyes twinkling , calling him the most handsome guy in the world . Mitchell saw lan's mood take an ugly turn , so he hurriedly opened the car door and reminded him that the folks at The Old Hamilton Manor had called , pushing him to head back ASAP . Ian slowly snapped out of his daze , his face numb as he got into the car and left . The next morning . Chloe's car was still in the shop , so Arthur , wearing his pajamas , drove her to the hospital . The receptionist spotted Chloe and called out , " Ms. Irvine , your breakfast ! " Right then , as Chloe stopped in her tracks , her phone buzzed with a new message . It was Philip , texting to say he'd swung by the hospital that morning , grabbed breakfast for her , and dropped it off at the front desk . Chloe carried the breakfast back to her office , and Joanna , her assistant , immediately sidled over , eyes brimming with gossip . " Ms. Irvine , which handsome guy is showing you some love again this morning ? " Chloe smiled as she unpacked the breakfast and handed Joanna a portion . " You're definitely the biggest gossip in our department . " Joanna leaned in , her curiosity bubbling over . " Ms. Irvine , with all those amazing guys around you , which one have you got your eye on !" Chloe rolled her eyes at Joanna and headed into the locker room . Joanna lingered by the door , grinning . " Philip's such a gentleman , Sir Julian is a charming rogue , and Arthur ? He's honestly so good - looking and adorable ." Chloe's voice floated out from the locker room . " Don't get any wild ideas . Philip is a proper gentleman , Sir Julian is my ex - husband's uncle , and Arthur - he's adorable , but way too young for me . I'd rather treat him like my little brother . " Joanna whispered , " Then what about Mr. Jordan ? " Chloe swung the door open and gave Joanna a pointed look . " Mr. Jordan is my mentor and my lucky charm . There's no way I'd dare mess with him . " She'd just escaped a failed marriage - there was no way she'd be crazy enough to jump into another relationship or marriage anytime soon . No matter how amazing they seemed , every person had their flaws and made mistakes . 16:04 Mon , Oct 6 Chapter 256 Just like how things used to be between her and lan 55 Crouchero . To outsiders , lan was calm , sharp , and always in control . He was good - looking , came from a powerful family , and was humble , polite , and never lost his cool . But who could've guessed that the guy everyone thought was so perfect would cheat on his wife of over twenty years - the girl he'd grown up with - leaving her completely broken ? With Philip , Julian , and the others , Chloe kept the perfect distance - close enough to help each other out whenever needed , but never so close she'd lose her own freedom . She wasn't about to make the same mistake again and get tangled up in love or try to manage a relationship . For now , her career and her wealth were all the security she needed . Around nine in the morning . Chloe headed over to the inpatient department and ran into Violet and Melody at the elevator . Chloe shot them a cool look , then turned and walked toward another elevator . " Dr. Irvine ! " Violet called out , panic in her voice . She hurried over and blocked Chloe's way . Chloe glanced down at Violet's belly , her voice icy . " Mrs. Quinn , there's a high - def camera just above your left shoulder . I'd suggest you don't push your luck . " Violet rushed to clarify , almost anxious now. " Dr. Irvine , please don't misunderstand me . I know I was wrong before I let Andrea fool me and ended up making trouble for you . But I've finally come to my senses . Andrea brought this on herself , she honestly had it coming ." Violet humbled herself , her voice softer . " Dr. Irvine , I promise I'll never bother you again . Could you please talk to Mr. Hamilton for me ? Maybe ask him not to cut ties with Quinn Enterprises ? " Chloe's face stayed cold as she cut her off , I'm no longer connected to Mr. Hamilton , so there's nothing I can do for you . With that , Chloe walked straight into the elevator . On the weekend , Chloe invited Eric and Sophie over to her place . Sophie walked in and caught Arthur chilling out on Chloe's couch . He was so freaked out , he scrambled back to his apartment next door , still wearing only one slipper . Eric just shrugged helplessly at his sister . " Chloe , maybe it'd be better if Sophie didn't come over so much next time . She's a handful wherever she goes - anyone would get a headache . " But Chloe just found Sophie lively and adorable . " Come on , Eric , don't be so harsh . Sophie's really sweet and outgoing . " 16:04 Mon , Oct 6 Chapter 256 Chloe glanced at the time and invited Eric to stay for the board game . EX 65 vouchers As soon as Eric agreed , Chloe whipped out her phone and started texting people to join the party , Eric watched as Simon walked out of the room and couldn't help but turn to Chloe . " Uh , who's this guy ? " Chloe chuckled , " It's the weekend - I figured he'd help spice things up ." Simon spotted Eric and waved , greeting him cheerfully . " Hi , Uncle Eric ! " Eric picked Simon up and grinned , " Hey , didn't your dad come along with you today ? " Simon put on his serious face . " Uncle Eric , I'm not a guest here , you know . My godmother already told me- her house is my house ! " Eric shot Chloe a knowing look . " See that ? This little guy's got even more tricks up his sleeve than his old Just as Chloe and Eric were joking around , Patrick walked in , with Arthur here too , that made four players for their card game . Sophie and Carl tagged along with Simon , spectating from the sidelines . " Mr. Logan , swap seats with me , will you ? " Chloe insisted , determined to partner up with Patrick . Simon comforted her . " Godmother , you really ought to work on your card game . Next time , I'll get my dad to coach you . " Chloe felt utterly embarrassed at that . Who would've thought a high - achieving med school grad like her would get totally schooled at cards by a six- year - old ? Simon popped a snack into Chloe's mouth and grinned . " Godmother , I'm just messing with you . As long as you're having fun , that's all that matters . If you lose , I'll make my dad pay up . " Arthur , looking envious , chimed in , " Simon , how about you be my godson ? If I lose , you can make your dad cover it for me . " Simon waved his hands quickly . " No way , Uncle Arthur ! I don't need another dad - what I'm really missing is a mom ! " Everyone burst out laughing at that . Patrick watched Simon , who looked like he was born to be a troublemaker , and just had to shake his head in amusement . He thought , ' Philip doesn't even need to lift a finger - Simon alone could wrap Chloe around his little finger Patrick pulled out his phone and grinned , " Alright , everyone , act natural - I'm posting this online . " He snapped a quick video and shared it on his Instagram . 16:04 Mon , Oct 6 Chapter 256 Just a few minutes later , lan scrolled across Patrick's Instagram post . 365 VOUCHE 區 In the video , Chloe's parents were slicing fruit together in the open kitchen , while Chloe , Eric , and the others were huddled around the mahjong table . Simon was sitting right next to Chloe , handing her snacks one after another . No one knew what Simon said , but it made Chloe laugh happier than ever . Ian kept replaying the video , watching it over and over again . Back then , every time he visited the Irvine family , it was just as warm and lively as this . He'd hang out with Chloe and Carl in the living room , while Chloe's parents would head to the kitchen to whip up something delicious for everyone . Most of the time , he'd just sit there quietly , but Chloe's parents would treat him like one of their own , always fussing over him and making sure he was comfortable , Carl used to idolize him , always hanging on his every word . " Brother - in - law was practically Carl's nickname for him , and he'd ask lan for advice before doing anything . The Irvine household was still just as lively and full of warmth , bustling with happiness like always But that warmth - the laughter , the family he used to be part of - was something he no longer belonged to . AD Comment