CHAPTER ELEVEN

Chloe's POV

I stormed out of Nova Designs, tears streaming down my face. Humiliated. Betrayed. How could Lucas treat me this way? Over some nobody like Claire?

My vision blurred as I stumbled into the backseat of the car waiting for me. "Home, now," I choked out to the driver, not even bothering to wipe my eyes. Let him see my pain. Let the whole damn world know.

The ride passed in a daze, the city lights smearing together through my tears. Before I knew it, we pulled up to the sprawling mansion I called home. I practically fell out of the car, my heels wobbling on the cobblestone drive.

Somehow, I made it inside, the heavy door slamming shut behind me with a resounding thud. And there in the grand foyer stood Grandpa, his weathered face etched with concern.

"Chloe, darling, what's wrong?" He rushed over, age-spotted hands reaching for my shoulders. "You're crying..."

A fresh wave of sobs wracked my body. I collapsed into his arms, burying my face against his suited chest.

"Oh Grand