Chapter 3

The next second, Chloe was clinging pathetically to Ethan's leg like a battered puppy.

"Ethan, please don't be mad at her! As long as Clara feels better, she can kick me as many times as she wants!"

Ethan snapped out of his shock, his eyes blazing with fury as he pointed an accusing finger at my nose:

"Clara Vance, how dare you put your hands on her! Have you lost your damn mind?! If anything happens to Chloe, your worthless life won't be enough to pay for it!"

I folded my arms, watching Chloe's performance in icy silence.

Noticing my calm stare, panic flickered in Chloe's eyes. She immediately clutched her chest, groaning in agony as she slumped against the floor.

"Ethan... my chest hurts so much. I can barely breathe..."

Ethan instantly cradled her against him, his eyes swimming with desperate worry while he roared at me:

"You're just jealous that Chloe is infinitely more capable than you, so you're trying to destroy her!"

"We don't need a talentless, petty psycho like you in this firm. Pack your shit and get the hell out of here!"

Talentless? Petty?

Fine. I couldn't wait to see if Chloe Miller had what it took to handle the State Institute without me.

I spun on my heel and walked out.

The head of the State Architectural Institute had invited me to dinner tonight. I was originally planning to decline.

Now, there was no need!

The old director had moved mountains to help me with this project. No matter what, I needed to show my gratitude.

I headed to a luxury department store downtown to pick up two vintage bottles of aged Macallan.

To my misfortune, as I exited the private liquor boutique, I ran straight into Ethan, Chloe, and their posse of colleagues.

"Clara? What are you doing here?" Ethan stepped forward, blocking my path.