Chapter 55
Chapter 55
Every word, every syllable that came out of Oliver's mouth, struck a deep blow to Chloe's heart.
Her self-esteem was ruthlessly trampled by Oliver.
Her worth was disregarded by him.
Yet, she wasn't fully decided to propose a divorce.
It wasn't because she lacked backbone or feared the stigma of being viewed as "damaged goods" after
divorce, with no man willing to accept her.
Rather, she just couldn't stomach that outcome.
She had consulted a lawyer.
Their current house, despite her paying for the down payment, was bought with Oliver's credit card
after she gave him the cash upfront.
Oliver's name was on the purchase contract.
Moreover, the house was bought before they got married.
Back then, she fully trusted Oliver, believing him to be her life partner. She had no guard against him.
As such, she had no evidence to prove that the down payment came from her own pocket.
If they divorced, the house would belong to Oliver.
Why should she hand over such a windfall to him?
Regardless, she would take their two kids with her after the divorce. If she could secure more benefits,
it would provide more security for the kids.
Raising two kids would increase her living expenses.
She had to fight for her own rights.
So, Chloe had no other choice.
She could only stomach the current predicament and endure the draining marriage alone. But she
wouldn't silently endure and give without receiving like before.
Finding a job was her first step out of this mess.
Next, she was going to stand up to Oliver.
Hearing his words, she chuckled coldly, walked up to Oliver, and splashed his drink in his face.
"Have you lost your mind?"
Oliver hadn't expected the usually submissive Chloe to splash him with drinks in front of his friends.
Wasn't she always obedient to his demands?
Why was she so bold all of a sudden?
Did she dare to resist him?
Wiping the drink off his face, Oliver clenched his fist in anger, "Chloe, are you asking for a beating?"
"Let's keep it civil," Quentin held back Oliver while the other friends tried to defuse the situation.
Chloe held her head high, "Quentin, let him go. Let's see if he dares to hit me. If he does, I'll call the
cops. I've installed cameras, and I've talked to the police. Men who commit domestic violence will be Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
detained and could even be sentenced."
Quentin tried to mediate, "Chloe, let's not get extreme. We're family here. Oliver wouldn't dare to hit
you. Oliver, apologize now."
Oliver said, "Apologize? Not a chance! This disobedient woman needs some discipline."
Chloe retorted, "Oliver, if you dare to hit me, I'll call the police for real. Also, you called me 'damaged
goods. Aren't you one yourself? If we divorce, what woman would want a man who just brags all day,
doesn't do any housework, and just plays with his phone at home, relying on his wife for everything? I
must have been blind to pick a man like you. If you think I'll continue to give without receiving, you can
forget it."
"Chloe, where's this courage coming from? Don't you need my money for living expenses? If you don't
go to the kitchen and cook for my friends, ensuring they're well-fed, you can forget about getting any
money from me next month."
"I don't need your petty cash."
Now that she's back to work, she can earn her own keep.
For years, whenever she asked Oliver for living expenses, he always acted as if he was doing her a
favor.
She's not a real nanny. Nannies at least get paid. But she didn't.
She's had enough, totally had enough.
Oliver said, "Fine, Chloe, you said it. Don't expect any money from me from now on."
Chloe stood tall, "Don't worry, I won't ask you for a dime. But you must cover half of the kids' expenses.
Unless you don't want them anymore."
Quentin scolded Oliver a few more times. He criticized Oliver's actions.
Chloe felt a bit guilty, "Quentin, I can't make your favorite lobster today. I'll treat you next time."
Quentin reluctantly said, "Chloe, don't mention it. It's my fault. If not for me, you two wouldn't have
argued."
It was her marriage that had issues. It was the man she chose that was problematic. She wouldn't
blame anyone.
The tears she should have shed had long since dried up in the years of disputes.
She didn't even allow herself to cry.
Crying was useless to her.
Instead of crying, she'd rather find ways to become stronger.
She couldn't be bothered to argue with Oliver anymore. She quickly made some food in the kitchen,
then locked herself in her room to study some international trade regulations.
She and Roxanne were mainly in charge of the international sales platform.
If they made sales, she could get commissions. But the sales hadn't changed much, so she needed to
learn more.
Staying busy was the best and most effective way to forget the pain.
The next day was Saturday.
Oliver's sister, Ava Lewis, came back from college and was surprised to see a new nanny at home. She
sneered.
"Mom, my sister-in-law isn't taking care of the kids anymore and even hired a nanny. Isn't that a waste
of money? Does she think my brother doesn't work hard for his money?"
"She's just a wasteful woman." Charlotte sat on the sofa, leisurely eating fruit.
Over there, Chloe's younger son started crying, but Charlotte didn't bother to get up to hold him.
Amelia, who was cooking in the kitchen, rushed out to pick up Austin, glaring at Charlotte on the sofa.
What kind of family had Chloe married into?
They were all so odd.
If it weren't for the chairman's orders to take good care of his wife's good friend, Amelia would have quit
long ago.
Ava noticed a beautiful necklace around the studying Aria's neck.
She walked over and snatched it off.
"Aria, where did you get this necklace? It's gorgeous. Did your mom buy it for you? You're just a kid.
You don't need to wear such an expensive necklace. I'll keep it safe for you and give it back when you
turn eighteen."
Ava was clearly looking for an excuse to keep it for herself.
Aria reached out but couldn't get it back, nearly crying in frustration, "Give it back. It was a gift from
Anne when I was discharged from the hospital. You have to give it back right now."
However, Ava didn't want to give it back to Aria. Instead, she planned to wear it around her own neck.
Over the years, she had gotten used to taking Chloe's various jewelry, clothes, and bags.
Aria grabbed Ava's arm and bit down hard.
"Ouch... Are you crazy? You almost bit me to death."
"What's the big deal if your aunt wears it? You're such a disobedient brat." Charlotte said, raising her
hand to hit Aria.
Just then, Chloe came out in time and protected Aria behind her, "Who dares to touch my daughter?"
Aria looked at her with a wronged expression, "Mom, Aunt Ava took the necklace Anne gave me, so I
bit her."
Chloe gently patted Aria's head, "Baby, you did the right thing. If someone tries to take your stuff, you
bite them. Nobody can take your things or take advantage of you."
Ava said, "What are you talking about? Who's taking advantage of you?"
Chloe said, "Aren't you? The new set of skincare and makeup products on my vanity, did you take
them?"
Ava said, "Yes, I took them. Anyway, you don't use them, and with all the spots on your face, it would
be a waste. I helped you use them so they wouldn't go to waste."