Chapter 169

Chapter 169 A Twenty-Eight-Year-Old Child

Joseph’s body stiffened. He turned around slowly and was greeted by the sight of Chloe’s drenched

figure.

She was soaked from head to toe, her fair features appearing even paler amidst the wetness. Yet, her

delicate brows and eyes retained their ethereal beauty, evoking a sense of fragility and

sorrow.

As Joseph gazed at her, a wave of disbelief and relief washed over him, momentarily numbing his

senses. The tension in his body began to dissipate, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude and

solace. At that moment, he realized how glad he was to see her standing there, safe and unharmed.

He removed his coat and approached her, gently draping it over her shoulders. His voice, laced with a

tenderness that had never been revealed before, resonated in the air. “How did you manage to

escape?”

Chloe pointed toward Richard who was standing beside her. “He saved me.”

Jane’s eyes widened with rage. “Father, why did you ruin my plan?!”

Richard’s anger erupted, his voice booming with fury. “Do you even comprehend the gravity of your

actions?! If any harm had befallen her today, you would’ve become a murderer! Your life would’ve been

irreparably ruined!”

Yesterday, when Richard got home, he immediately sensed that something was amiss with his

daughter. Worried that she might stir up trouble, he never anticipated discovering her sinister plan to

drown Chloe.

“Even if I had killed her, I would’ve died too. An eye for an eye! That’s only fair,” Jane retorted

defiantly.

Richard’s voice hardened. “How am I supposed to face your mother if you end up losing your life?

Enough with the words. Come here and apologize to Chloe!”

“Apologize for attempted murder? Do you think a simple apology will be enough, Mr. Richard? Is my

wife’s life so insignificant in your eyes?”

Joseph’s eyes emitted a chilling aura, and his towering figure exuded an intimidating presence that

sent shivers down one’s spine.

Richard’s face darkened, fully grasping the severity of the situation. With authority, he sternly

commanded Jane, “Kneel!”

Dignity was an invaluable virtue, surpassing the worth of any material possession. When lost. or

disregarded, it becomes incapable of securing even the most basic necessities. Regrettably, Jane

remained oblivious to this fundamental principle.

“No, I refuse to apologize. She’s not even dead, so why should I apologize?!”

The sight of the man she loved protecting another woman right before her very eyes was utterly

unbearable. Why could her father not understand her?

Enraged, Richard delivered a kick to Jane’s knee and had two people hold her down, forcing her to

kneel before Chloe. Throughout the ordeal, Jane appeared like a victim of humiliation, bitterly

complaining and spewing venomous words.

Richard stated, “Ms. Chloe, my daughter will bear the full weight of what happened today. I extend my

sincere apologies to you on her behalf. Moving forward, I’m committed to sending her abroad and

ensuring that she refrains from interfering in your relationship with Joseph. If you have any demands,

feel free to mention them.”

It could be said that Richard had significantly humbled himself. But Chloe, not being a saint, would not

yield easily just because someone showed humility. She understood that Richard’s change in stance

was solely due to Joseph’s influence.

Speaking softly to the man beside her, she said, “The choice is yours. I’ll follow your lead.”

Joseph’s expression turned cold devoid of any mercy-as he uttered with a sneer, “Murder. demands

justice, and attempted murder must be dealt with by the authorities. It is now the police’s responsibility

to handle this matter.”

Richard’s legs gave way, and he pleaded desperately, “No, please don’t do this. Jane is still at child.

She’s only twenty-eight. Subjecting her to the police would inflict more torment than death itself. She’s

my only daughter, the precious remnant left behind by her mother who tragically passed away during

childbirth.”

A twenty-eight year-old child. Usually, Chloe would find this statement amusing, but under the current

circumstances, laughter eluded her. It was at this very moment that she comprehended the underlying

cause of Jane’s irrational behavior-the result of being overly pampered by her adoring father.

Chloe’s heart felt a pang of resentment. Reflecting upon the lack of love her father showed her in

comparison, this was the first time she had ever felt such resentment. Oh, how she longed for a father

who cherished her, who enveloped her in warmth and provided a loving home. Jane was truly blessed

in that regard.

Chloe averted her gaze, quickly brushing away the moisture that had welled up in the corners of her

eyes. Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, she spoke with determination, “I’ll only begin to

consider this incident as if it never happened if the Foxes agree to completely sever all business ties

with the Whitmans and provide proper compensation for the breach of Sebastian’s endorsement

contract.”