Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Connor shrugged it off, saying, "Yeah, big sis gave me a bit of a headache, but it's nothing I can't handle."

It was clear Connor wasn't in the mood to go into detail. But Chloe knew Connor like the back of her hand. Whenever they were together, he had this habit of taking on all the burdens himself.

Chloe didn't push him further. "Do I need to prep anything for our visit tomorrow night?"

"No, no need."

Even though Connor said it wasn't necessary, Chloe went ahead and got some gifts for everyone. For Valeria and Madison, she snagged some super rare, limited-edition gemstone earrings from QUEEN. For Marian, she picked up her go-to stress-relief aromatherapy candles. And for Jeffery, a brand-new, handcrafted chess table made from sandalwood.

Everyone seemed pretty thrilled with their gifts. And, of course, Chloe didn't forget the formalities. She got Claire a gift too, similar to Madison's: those exclusive QUEEN earrings that weren't even on the shelves yet.

But when dinner rolled around, Claire was nowhere to be seen. Marian had called everyone together knowing Connor and Chloe would be back, and Chloe did spot Claire's car in the driveway. So, Claire was home, just not at the dinner table. Madison chimed in, "Today's big sis's special day. She usually comes back today every year but keeps to herself in her little corner. Don't take it to heart, Chloe."

Chloe just nodded, "No worries."

"Honestly, it's kinda nice and quiet without her," she added with a chuckle.

Marian, taking a whiff of Chloe's aromatherapy candle, beamed, "Chloe, this stuff is magic. My sleep's been so much better, even in Eldridge City. Keep these coming, will you?"

Chloe grinned, "Of course, Marian. Anytime you need more, I'll bring them over."

Marian laughed warmly. Madison then nudged, "Hey, sister-in-law, maybe it's time you started calling Marian 'mom' like the rest of us."

Chloe, remembering she and Connor had already tied the knot, smiled and said, "Mom."

Marian's face lit up, "Oh, no rush! I still owe you the 'changing mouth' fee."

She turned to Jeffery, "Jeff, don't you think ten billion is a bit stingy for the changing mouth fee?"

Jeffery looked at Marian with a gentle smile, "If you think it's not enough, add more. It's all your call."

Valeria piped up, "Mom, don't play favorites. When I got married, our dowry was only thirty billion, and now this fee alone is ten billion. People might say you're favoring sons over daughters." Marian gave her a knowing look, "I gave you thirty billion, and you blew ten billion in one night in Vegas. You think I didn't know?"

Marian sighed, "If only you were a bit more sensible, things wouldn't be like this."

Valeria, feeling miffed, shot back sarcastically, "Yeah, I'm the one who falls short. Big sis and Connor are the stars, so of course, we were never in the running to be heirs."

Madison jumped in, "Valeria, come

on. We don't do much and still get a hundred billion in dividends each year. That's pretty good, considering we don't have big sis's skills or Connor's smarts. Let's not be ungrateful."

Valeria snapped, "Sis, I'm not as laid-back as you. Your husband got demoted, and you're still chill. We see him as family, but he might not return the favor. Connor's shaking things up in the company, and even family isn't off-limits. I bet our shares will be snatched back soon."

Madison replied, "Valeria, how can you say that Connor's new in charge; of course, he's setting his authority. Some toes might get stepped on, but I believe he's not without heart. What we need to do is back him up right now."