Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Chloe was still feeling a bit lightheaded. It was like she was floating in some surreal dream. "Why did you decide to make me your goddaughter?" she asked, puzzled, given that the Shaw family already had so many kids. Ruby looked down, her voice softening. "I once had a daughter, but sadly, she's no longer with us. When I saw you today, I felt that if she had grown up, she would probably look just like you."

The mention of her lost daughter clearly stirred something deep in Ruby. Her eyes grew misty, emotions welling up even after more than twenty years. No mother can ever fully heal from losing a child. Chloe hadn't expected such a heartfelt revelation. "I'm so sorry..."

Ruby dabbed at her tears with a gentle smile. "It's okay, that's all in the past. Seeing you brings me joy. But please understand, I might sometimes see you as a stand-in for her."

Chloe nodded earnestly. "Godmother, I'm more than willing to be that for you. I'd love to do all the things a daughter would do with her mom."

Ruby beamed with delight. "That's wonderful! How about we celebrate with a drink?"

"What?" Chloe was caught off guard.

Ruby chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "I do love a good drink, but I've had some health issues, and the doctor told me to quit. Your godfather is quite strict about it, doesn't let me have even a drop. But today's special, and I really feel like having a little."

Ruby was already on her feet, gently tugging Chloe along. "Chloe, let me tell you, the best part about our place is the wine cellar. It's packed with treasures like Louis XIII cognac, Dalmore 62 whiskey, and even a genuine 50-year-old Shaoxing wine. Oh, just talking about it makes my mouth water."

Chloe was being whisked away by Ruby's enthusiasm. "Godmother! This might not be such a good idea. If godfather is concerned about your health, maybe we should skip it."

"Oh, he worries too much. I haven't had any issues in over a decade. And if you join me, he won't just blame me if he finds out."

Chloe was speechless. It seemed she was being used as a cover.

Meanwhile, Isaac stormed next door, visibly upset. He quickly spotted Wayne and Cassie causing a ruckus in the crowd.

Wayne teased, gesturing at Cassie's

height, "Cassie, how'd you end up so short? You were like a little giant as a kid now you're more like a delicate Juliet."

"Get lost! Who are you calling Juliet?" Cassie shot back.

At 5'7", Cassie was tall for a woman, but since Wayne thought she was a guy, he found her short.

"Not only are you short, but you're so scrawny, like a twig," he continued.

Cassie, irritated, gave him a punch in the chest. "Still think I'm scrawny?"

The punch was no joke, and Wayne clutched his chest, gasping. "You haven't changed a bit, still as tough as ever, always ready with a punch."

Cassie lit a cigarette with a flick of

her lighter, her actions as cool as they were defiant. "And you're still the same old troublemaker, asking for trouble."

Isaac scanned the room for Winston but couldn't spot him. Then he saw him up on the second-floor balcony, watching the chaos unfold below.

Not recognizing Cassie or her

friends, Isaac didn't feel like

mingling. He headed upstairs to find Winston, who was looking particularly troubled.

"Parker, what's up?" Isaac asked, giving Winston's shoulder a reassuring pat.