Chapter 27 : Ian's question hung in the air . Chloe froze mid - motion . ( 63 55 vouchers After a beat of silence , she answered with eerie calm . " I'm trying to free you . You and your real farmily . " Ian stared at her for a solid five seconds . " Believe what you want , Chloe . But divorce isn't your call to make . " She let out a quiet " emm " and kept helping him with his jacket . She still owed him 300 million . He wasn't wrong - he was a businessman through and through . No such thing as a free exit . The room felt heavy . Neither spoke . Neither looked at the other . Ian sat on the edge of the bed , head down , face unreadable . Chloe focused on the welts across his back , her brow furrowed . This wasn't the first time he'd taken a beating for her . The first was when he insisted on marrying her - back when her family was flat broken . The Hamiltons hated the idea . A bankrupt bride ? No connections , no money , just dead weight . They said she'd drag him down . Turns out , they were right . For three years , that's exactly what she'd been . But now she wondered if he'd only married her to spite his grandfather . Edward broke him and Andrea up for not being rich enough - so Ian went and married the poorest girl he could find . The more she thought about it , the angrier she got . Without realizing , she pressed too hard on a wound . Ian hissed in pain . She snapped back to attention just as the butler knocked and entered . " The two of you haven't eaten . Mrs. Hamilton had the kitchen prepare soup . It's best hot . " Chloe packed up the medical kit . " I'm not hungry . " She'd studied medicine - even through the scent of black chicken and spices , she could smell the herbs in the broth . The butler stepped closer . " It would mean a lot to Mrs. Hamilton if you had some , ma'am . " A servant brought over two steaming bowls . Ian took one and drank it straight down . He picked up the second bowl and held it out to Chloe . " It's from Mom . Have a little . " 13:19 Thu , Oct 2 Chapter 27 The butler didn't move . Ian kept holding the bowl . Finally , Chloe took a few small sips just to make them leave . 63 E 65 vouchers Satisfied , Thomas and servant exited . Chloe helped lan into pajamas , then went into the bathroom . Minutes later , she stumbled out wrapped in a towel , her face flushed . She grabbed Ian's arm , fighting to keep her voice steady . " Take me to the hospital . Now ." If she was right , that " tonic " was spiked with something a lot stronger than herbs . But before she could finish , Ian pulled her hard against him . Next thing she knew , she was under him on the bed . His skin was burning . Her head spun , vision blurring . " Ian , listen the soup was drugged . We have to- He braced his arms on either side of her , eyes dark with need . " Chloe . Stop fighting me . " The dim light wrapped around them , soft and heavy . Her hair fanned across the pillow , cheeks flushed , lips parted - she looked drunk and dizzy and utterly breathtaking . Ian's gaze traveled slowly down her face , her neck , settling on her damp collarbone . Desire pooled in his eyes . He couldn't hold back anymore - he kissed her . His mouth was everywhere - soft , then rough , teasing , then claiming - as if waiting for her to respond . Chloe's hands pressed weakly against his chest . His kisses left her weak , melting . Between the drug and his touch , her thoughts scattered into nothing . He'd held back for two months . But tonight- There was no control . Only need . ***** Chloe woke the next morning aching everywhere , Just the memory of last night made her shiver . They'd been together all night - without protection . She needed the morning - after pill , and fast . 13:19 Thu , Oct 2 Chapter 27 He and Andrea were back together . They had a child . Even if she couldn't leave him yet , she couldn't risk getting pregnant . She washed up , dressed , and headed downstairs . EX 55 vouchers Mia rushed over the moment she saw her , grabbing her arm . " Thank god you're up . They called fan into Grandpa's study - Dad and Grandpa ." Chloe glanced at Miranda . " What's going on ? " She almost asked about the soup - what had been in it ? -but held back . Miranda had always liked her . Didn't want the marriage to end . Maybe she'd hoped a baby would fix things . Miranda was pacing . " Your uncle showed up this morning looking upset . Said something to your father and grandfather - next thing I know , they called Ian down . They've been in there almost an hour . After last night ... I'm worried ." Chloe hesitated , then said , " Stay here . I'll check on him ." His back was already torn up . After how things went last night... if they hit him again , he might not walk out . ' Caring about him will only hurt you ' she told herself . But Miranda had always been kind to her . Mia had always had her back . She couldn't just stand there . She reached the study hallway only to be stopped by two servants . " No one is allowed past , ma'am . " Chloe's voice turned cold . " I'll take responsibility . " They didn't move . " I may not be much in this house , " she said quietly , " but I'm still your mistress . I can have you both fired . " They exchanged a look and stepped aside . She crept toward the study door . She wasn't there to eavesdrop - just to make sure he wasn't being hurt again . The door was thick , blocking all sound . She hesitated , then pushed it open just a crack . Ian's voice burst out , raw with anger : " It's Andrea I want to marry - not her ! Not Chloe ! " " If you hadn't interfered back then , Andrea and I would've been together . You ruined her - you ruined my 13:19 Thu , Oct 2 Chapter 27 life ! " C63 55 vouchers AD Comment Send gift