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, reced by a profound sense of gratitude and


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


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    He removed his coat and approached her, gently draping it over her shoulders. His voice,ced 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 n?!”


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


    actions?! If any harm had befallen her today, you would’ve be 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 n 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 bes 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


    comining 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’mmitted to sending her abroad and


    ensuring that she refrains from interfering in your rtionship 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,ughter eluded her. It was at this very moment that sheprehended 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 theck 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 herposure, she spoke with determination, “I’ll only begin to


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


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


    contract.”