novelraw Chapter 205: Will You Stop Me?
Chapter 205: Will You Stop Me?
"Chloe Sterling is your daughter! But she grew up in the countryside—how could she be your daughter?"
Rose Lynch’s words genuinely shocked Charles Sterling. Out of respect, he had never investigated Chloe Sterling’s background. He never imagined she could be Rose Lynch’s daughter.
Rose Lynch said, "It’s my fault. That’s why she refuses to come home or even see me. But no matter what conflicts we have, we’re still mother and daughter. I will always be her mother. I know she has some medical skill, and that you and Director Xavier both admire her for it. But if we’re truly going to leave each other alone, then shouldn’t you also keep your distance from my daughter?"
Charles Sterling’s gaze darkened slightly as he pursed his lips, saying nothing.
This sudden turn of events left him momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
Seeing his troubled expression, Rose Lynch added, "You’re quite fond of Chloe, aren’t you? If you want her to join Apex Group, I can talk to her for you."
Charles Sterling’s expression went through several changes before finally darkening. "Since she’s your daughter, then it’s best to maintain some distance. I won’t seek her out again."
A pang of pain shot through Rose Lynch’s heart. She knew Charles Sterling had always admired talented people, even when they were young. But now, he would rather cut ties with Chloe than have any connection to her. ’He truly has no feelings left for me at all.’
"Fine," Rose Lynch said coldly. "Then I won’t bother you any longer!"
With that, she turned and left.
Charles Sterling stood rooted to the spot, his face grim. ’Chloe Sterling is Rose Lynch’s daughter... How ironic.’ At that moment, he truly wanted nothing more to do with Chloe.
He didn’t want to know about the conflict between her and Rose Lynch, nor did he care why she’d grown up in the countryside. He wanted nothing to do with any of it—anything related to Rose Lynch was something he wanted no part of.
Rose Lynch stormed back to her car. She hadn’t dared to reveal Chloe’s true parentage. If Warren Sterling found out, he would never forgive her. She couldn’t afford to fail at winning back Charles and lose Warren too. Then she would truly have nothing left.
「The Lockwood Residence.」
"Ma’am, you’re back," the butler said.
"Yes," Chloe replied, then asked, "Is Mr. Lockwood back yet?"
"Not yet, but he should be soon."
"I’m heading upstairs. Please let Mr. Lockwood know when he gets back."
"Yes, Ma’am."
Chloe went upstairs and took a shower to wash off the lingering scent of herbs. By the time she stepped out of the bathroom in a robe, Jasper Lockwood was already back.
Looking at the beauty fresh from her bath, Jasper said, "Showering early today?"
"I picked up a strange herbal scent that wasn’t very pleasant. Did you just get back?"
"Yeah, walked in about two minutes ago."
"Oh," Chloe said, drying her hair. "You took your time, then."
"Traffic was a bit heavy." As he spoke, Jasper went into the bathroom and came out a moment later with a hairdryer. "Sit down. I’ll dry your hair for you."
Chloe: "You don’t have to. I can do it myself."
Jasper pulled her down to sit in front of the sofa. "Just sit still."
Chloe: "......"
This wasn’t the first time Jasper had dried her hair for her. She had never been cared for with such meticulous attention and still wasn’t quite used to it. The occasional brush of his fingertips against her cheek or neck felt like a little jolt of electricity, striking straight to her heart.
After a while, the hairdryer stopped, and Jasper Lockwood’s deep, pleasant voice sounded out. "All done."
Chloe: "Mm."
Jasper set the hairdryer aside and sat down next to her. "Once your work with the Nocturne Group is finished, let’s go on a trip. How do you feel about a tropical island?"
At his words, a strange glint appeared in Chloe’s eyes. ’The project at Nocturne Group probably won’t be finished within the two-month deadline.’
When she didn’t answer, Jasper asked, "What’s wrong? You don’t like the idea?"
"That’s not it," Chloe said. "By the time my work with Nocturne Group is done, it’ll be the holidays. Wouldn’t that be peak tourist season?"
"It’s an island resort developed by the Sinclair Group. It’s set to officially open at the end of the year. We could go for a preview before the grand opening; the timing should work out. But if you’re not a fan of islands, that’s fine. We can go somewhere else."
"I don’t dislike it," Chloe said, the corners of her lips turning up in a small smile. "Then let’s plan on going at the end of the year."
Jasper’s deep eyes studied her for a long moment before he spoke. "Chloe, are you hiding something from me?"
"........"
"Do you know that you have certain tells when you lie?"
"......"
Jasper’s finger suddenly traced the corner of her mouth. "Your smile, for instance, looks completely forced."
Chloe didn’t believe him. ’He’s just bluffing, trying to get a reaction because I was quiet for a few seconds.’
"That’s just your opinion, and it’s wrong. Besides, I like the idea. Why would I have any reason to lie about it?"
"Then what were you hesitating about?" Jasper asked.
Chloe looked at him and fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Jasper, the research project at Nocturne Group... it might be delayed."
"Delayed?" Jasper’s expression shifted. "Don’t tell me Silas Coldwell is up to something."
"No, I’m sure it’s not that. He wants it finished as soon as possible too. He chased me all the way from Country E to Crestfall just so I would complete this research."
The thought of Chloe having to spend more time at Nocturne Group annoyed Jasper immensely. He said abruptly, "It’s my fault."
"Huh?" Chloe was caught off guard by his sudden apology.
Jasper said, "I shouldn’t have hidden things from you back then. If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t have gone to make a deal with Silas Coldwell."
Chloe cleared her throat. "You have a point. So next time something like this happens, don’t hide it from me."
Jasper: "From now on, no matter what happens, you’re not to go to him again."
The words had barely left his mouth when Chloe’s phone rang.
They both glanced at the phone screen at the same time. Speak of the devil.
It was Silas Coldwell calling.
After a moment’s hesitation, Chloe answered. "Hello?"
Silas said, "Lynn Chester, are you psychic or something?"
Chloe: "What happened?"
"You were right on the money. I have to rush back to Country E overnight. I’m not sure when I’ll be back, so I’m leaving the lab in your hands."
From Silas’s tone, it sounded like something had really happened at the headquarters in Country E. Chloe was surprised. "It’s nothing too serious, is it?" she asked.
"Of course not. It just needs me to go back and handle it in person. But don’t get your hopes up; I’ll be back as soon as I can."
Chloe was momentarily speechless. "I’m not about to gloat over your misfortune."
"Jasper Lockwood isn’t there with you, is he? Don’t tell him about this. I don’t need that guy kicking me while I’m down."
Chloe glanced at Jasper, who was right beside her and had clearly heard everything. She said into the phone, "You’re overthinking things. Just go handle your business."
"I have to go. We can talk about anything else when I get back."
Silas hung up. He clearly sounded like he was in a rush.
"Trouble at the Nocturne Group headquarters?" Jasper asked.
Chloe eyed him suspiciously. "You’re not... actually thinking of making a move on Silas at a time like this, are you?"
Jasper watched her for a moment. "If I did, would you try to stop me?"