Ch. 741..745: Divorced My Scum Husband, Married His Evil brother Chapter 741-745
Chapter 741The event began about fifteen minutes after Chloe and Vernon entered the school theater. The headmaster gave a short speech, and in the end, she said, "This event is for us to celebrate our children and this is the choir performance for all of the parents," the headmaster said before she stepped down from the stage, returning the spotlight to the choir.
There was a round of applause by the teachers and parents who attended, and the music teacher acted as the choirmaster, guiding the choir as they began their first song;
Over the Rainbow.
~Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.~
Vernon watched how Mackie's voice was like the lead of the choir. She had that unique voice that set her apart but was still harmonious enough with the other choir members.
All eyes were on Mackie who was singing confidently, but the little girl's eyes were glued on her Mommy and Daddy.
Mommy was staring at her with such pride in her. It was what Mackie loved the most from Mommy.
No matter what she did, Mommy would always support her activity. Mackie was never told to stop any of the hobbies she had recently discovered.
She wanted to try ballet? Then Mommy would sign her up to a ballet class.
She wanted to try piano? Mommy would find her a music teacher.
She wanted to try sports? Mommy would sign her up to play certain sports, even if she had to play with the boys.
The only thing that Mommy was strict about was her study. Mackie could try out many new things as long as she was doing good in her study, and for Mackie, it wasn't hard at all because she was naturally smart.
Though she was only seven, she understood that Mommy had gone through a lot with Daddy before. She was constantly crying, and she was so thin, which always got the little girl worried.
So Mackie was so happy that Mommy looked happy with Uncle Vernon.
Meanwhile, Uncle Vernon was sitting next to her. He was using his phone to record the performance, and looked like he was about to cry anytime soon.
It was funny to see Uncle holding his tears because she had never seen her so emotional. Uncle was like a tall fortress. He was tough, scary, and intimidating but also protective.
He never showed his tears in front of Mackie before, so it made her surprise.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a few more performances from the feel special right now.
The song after a while, and the headmaster was ready for another surprise.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a few more performances from the students, and the first one is from Mackenzie Phoenix Gray and Daniel Allard!"
The crowd clapped when Mackie and Dan walked to the front as they were the first ones to perform. They were holding hands and then used their other hands to grab the mic. Mackie actually wanted to try doing the slow dance with Dan because they were doing a duet of a classic Disney song.
But Dan was a shy boy. He was so shy that his cheeks reddened when he held hands with Mackie. If he really had to dance with her, then he would faint!
Vernon's smile dissipated when he saw that shy boy holding hands with his daughter.
"Look at that boy, trying to get our daughter's attention," Vernon whispered to Chloe, but his eyes were still on Mackie and Dan. "I think I know about that boy's father. Should I warn his father about this? I want to make sure that no boy will dare to hurt Mackie."
Chloe pinched Vernon's arm to warn him, but Vernon didn't feel a thing.
"Don't do that, Vernon. It's just some childhood crush. Don't you have a childhood crush back then?"
"That's you," Vernon replied.
"Oh—" Chloe had just remembered about the circumstances surrounding them. "Anyway, just let them be. Mackie is a cute and bright girl, of course many boys will have a crush on her."
"… if you say so," Vernon nodded and readied himself to record again.
Chloe sighed when she realized that Vernon's possessiveness was basically an innate trait of his.
She thought he was only overprotective of her, but it seemed he was also overprotective towards Mackie.
Thus, the performance started and they sang Once Upon A Dream, the original soundtrack of Sleeping Beauty.
~
I know you. I walked with you once upon a dream
I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam
And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream
But if I know you, I know what you'll do
You'll love me at once
The way you did once upon a dream.
~
Mackie's voice was angelic. She truly had that little princess' voice in her, which mesmerized the crowd.
Meanwhile, Dan—despite his young age, was still able to keep up with Mackie's voice. His voice was still boyish, but it was enough to give that Little Prince vibes in him.
The whole crowd went silent as they were enjoying the song, and the moment Mackie and Dan finished the song, everyone got up, including Vernon and Chloe, and they all gave Mackie and Dan a standing ovation.
Mackie stared at Uncle and Mommy, who also stood up like the rest. Uncle was still holding his phone, recording the whole thing. He couldn't hide his tears anymore. He let them stream down on his cheek before he finished his recording and then clapped the loudest.
He gave Mackie two thumbs up as he was so proud that his Little Wolf could deliver an amazing performance at such a young age.
And from this moment on, Mackie felt she finally had a father that would love her forever.
Chapter 742
Mackie and Dan bowed at the crowd before they went backstage, replaced by the second performers.
Mackie couldn't wait to go and meet her parents, but she couldn't because nobody was allowed to meet their parents until they finished all of the performances.
"Um, Mackie, t—thank you for singing with me," Dan said as he approached Mackie. "I can't sing as well as you, sorry if I let you down."
"You're doing great!" Mackie said while patting Dan's shoulder. "I will sing with you again later! I promise!"
Daniel's eyes widened. He was so happy that he could explode right now. He grabbed Mackie's hand and stared at her hopefully, "I promise I will only sing with you! We will always sing together, Mackie!"
**
Vernon stopped the recording and wiped the tears flowing from the corner of his eyes. Chloe stared at Vernon and then gently wiped the tears, "Why are you crying, Vernon?" She asked. She already knew the answer because Chloe also cried when she first saw Mackie performing like this in front of the crowd.
"I—I don't even know why am I crying right now," Vernon said. "I just feel so proud. It's overwhelming me."
Vernon wiped his tears and then looked at Chloe, "I hope that you don't find me lame because I cried. I was really engrossed with Mackie's performance, so I can't be bothered holding my own tears."
"Hahaha! Why would I find you lame just because you cried? I did the same when I watched Mackie's performance for the first time as well," Chloe said. She touched Vernon's cheek and continued to wipe his tears. "It's a sign that you truly see Mackie as your daughter. It takes a great deal for a man to see his step-daughter as his own blood."
"What step daughter? Mackie is just my daughter," Vernon insisted.
Chloe chuckled, "Yes, she is your daughter, no question needed."
Vernon and Chloe watched the rest of the performances. Everything took about two hours to be done, and the students were allowed to meet with their parents.
Mackie was looking around for her Mommy and Daddy because the hall was filled with so many people.
She was worried that Uncle Vernon might be too busy and decided to leave after the performance.
Mackie knew that she couldn't keep her Uncle for too long.
Her Mommy taught her to be sensible because her Uncle had a lot of work that he had to do, and the fact that he spared his time to watch her performance should be more than enough.
But Mackie wanted more!
She wanted to take a photo with Uncle at least!
Mackie got tired after looking around for a while. She lowered her head dejectedly, thinking that she wouldn't be able to take a photo with Uncle.
Until a big, strong hand ruffled her head. She looked up and saw her Uncle smiling, "What makes you sad, Little Wolf?"
"UNCLE!"
Mackie was so happy that she quickly jumped and hugged his thigh, ensuring Uncle wouldn't leave her.
Vernon laughed.
He carried Mackie and let her sit on his strong arm.
Chloe gently pinched Mackie's cheek because she found her daughter so cute, "Don't be sad, dear. We won't leave without a picture."
"Mommy!" Mackie was so happy because she felt she had a complete family. "Un! I want a picture! Let's take a picture together!"
"Here, use my phone. I want to keep the picture," Vernon said as he handed his phone. Chloe was about to take a picture of Vernon and Mackie, but Mackie stopped her.
"Mommy, why are you taking pictures of us? You must join us!" Mackie insisted.
Chloe smiled. She then looked around and asked one of the adults to take a picture of them.
"Okay, come here, love. I want us to be huddled together for the picture!" Vernon said.
Thus, Vernon stood tall while carrying Mackie on his left arm and hugged Chloe's hips with his right arm.
"Okay… say cheese!"
Snap!
They checked the picture after that, and Vernon was the first to comment, "Little Wolf, you're about to have one baby tooth out."
"Wahh, really?!" Mackie was excited, thinking she would get pocket money from the tooth fairy, just like what happened each time she lost her teeth. "I'm going to ask tooth fairy for more money!"
"More money?" Vernon raised his brow. "How much do you want?"
"I want um… umm…. A lot!" Mackie said.
"Hahahah! Okay, okay, I will tell the tooth fairy to give you a lot of money, okay?"
"Un! Thank you, Daddy!"
Chloe and Vernon gasped when Mackie called him Daddy for the first time.
They looked at each other in disbelief and then looked at Mackie simultaneously, "Mackie, can you say that again?"
Mackie tilted her head, "Say what?"
"W—When you thanked me just now," Vernon said. His voice began to get shaky as he got way too excited.
"Um, thank you, Daddy," Mackie repeated. She was scared Uncle didn't like her calling him Daddy, so she asked, "Can I not call you Daddy? But you're a better Daddy than my real Daddy…."
"No, no, I'm your REAL Daddy! I'm your only Daddy!" Vernon claimed hastily, not wanting to miss the chance.
Mackie's eyes brightened. She hugged her new Daddy's neck tightly and said, "I love you, Daddy!"
"I love you too, my Little Wolf!"
Chloe stared at how harmonious Vernon and Mackie were and realized that it was meant to be.
'In the end, Mackie and Vernon are destined to be a father-daughter duo. I'm just so happy to have this family…' Chloe thought before she hugged Vernon and rested her head on his chest.
They were like this for a while until Chloe asked, "Mackie, where is your cousin?"
"Ah, Aaron's class will be performing tomorrow, Mommy!" Mackie replied. "Please come for him as well!"
"Alright then, it seems I have to attend another teacher-parent meeting tomorrow," Chloe said, winking at Mackie.
Chapter 743
Diamond parked her car in front of a fancy restaurant. She used the valet to park her car and then walked into the restaurant wearing a dark blue dress that fit her sexy and tall figure perfectly.
She was greeted by the head waiter, who smiled at Diamond and asked for a reservation.
"Diamond Johnson, the reservation is made by Mrs. Chloe Phoenix Gray. I am supposed to have dinner with a man," Diamond said. This whole fancy dinner stuff was arranged by none other than her homegirl.
Chloe was so excited about this whole matchmaking thing that in the end, Diamond had to fold and continue to follow Chloe's plan.
Seeing Chloe's effort on this blind date was enough to put her in a good mood because at least her homegirl was serious about helping her.
'What's important is the intention and effort. Chloe tries her best for me, so the least I can do is to do this blind date,' Diamond thought. 'Though, I doubt it will work.'
The head waiter searched through her name and nodded, "This way, Miss. I will escort you to your table."
Diamond followed the head waiter as he brought her to a special table near the balcony, giving the full view of New York City at night.
The head pulled the chair for Diamond to sit and asked, "Would you fancy a drink, Miss? Wine? Bourbon? Champagne? Or non-alcoholic beverages?"
"Pour me the wine, but not the appetizer. I'm still waiting for my date."
"Understood, Miss."
Diamond waited for at least ten minutes until she saw a tall and muscular man wearing a black suit being escorted by the head waiter to her table.
Diamond stared at the man for a while, and her jaw dropped because she truly didn't expect her homegirl to set her up with none other than Meyer, Mr. Phoenix Gray's best hitman and Chloe's current bodyguard.
Both of them were staring at each other in shock as they didn't expect each other to be the blind date set up by Chloe.
But in the end, Meyer sat at the opposite side of the table, and the head waiter excused herself as he started bringing the appetizer.
They were still unable to process the whole thing. They just kept staring at each other for a while until the head waiter served the appetizer.
"I got to be honest, I didn't expect Mrs. Phoenix Gray to set us up," Meyer said as he opened the conversation. "You're way out of my league, Miss Diamond Johnson."
"We're on the same boat, Mr. Meyer Turner. Out of all people, she chose to set us up," Diamond said. "And please, just call me Diamond, we're not in the workplace right now."
"Then you should just call me Meyer," Meyer said. He smiled as he remembered how excited Mrs. Phoenix Gray was when she said she had booked a fine dining table for his blind date. "It's funny, but I think it's understandable why Mrs. Phoenix Gray would put us on a blind date."
"Yeah, she doesn't have many friends outside. We're literally her only friends and coworkers," Diamond said. She couldn't help but giggle, thinking that Chloe must've thought she was being very sneaky. "But I think it's her sweetness that makes her special."
"Indeed, I can see why Mr. Phoenix Gray is in love with her," Meyer added.
…
…
They were in an awkward silence after that. They didn't know what to discuss because they had the same idea.
Finish this blind date to appreciate Chloe's effort.
"So, uh… let's just finish our dinner first," Meyer said, and Diamond agreed.
They ate everything served and completed their satisfying fine dining experience with a glass of wine.
Diamond and Meyer eyed each other.
None of them was the shy type, so they didn't try to hide their faces.
In fact, Diamond was the first to speak, "I'm here so I won't disappoint Chloe. But I think you should know that I'm not a good woman to date. You know how hectic it is working with Vernon, it's almost impossible for me to get my own free time except during weekends, and that's usually a deal breaker for most men."
"Ah—" Meyer was surprised by Diamond's statement just now because he also had the same idea in mind. "I was about to say the same. I'm so busy juggling between protecting Mrs. Phoenix Gray and running errands for the Big boss, it's almost impossible for me to find any spare time for my girlfriend. That's why I'm staying single right now."
"And you don't want to sacrifice your job, right?" Diamond asked.
"Correct, I love this job and everything about it. You can call me a workaholic, but I would ditch a man who would try to stop me from working," Diamond said brazenly, thinking that Meyer would find her undateable because of her attitude.
She never tried to hide her true self in front of her dates before. She was always upfront about her workaholic nature and wanted to continue working because it was her calling.
For 99% of the men that she went on a date with, all of them simply backed off, knowing that they wouldn't live a normal life with Diamond, and Diamond pretty much expected that.
Though, deep down in her heart, she wished there would be a man who could accept her shortcoming and attitude.
"I… I was about to say the same too…" Meyer murmured. "I don't plan to resign from my busy job anytime soon, and that cost me many failed dates. I don't want my girlfriend to be a thorn that would drag me down and I don't need drama because I don't have time for her."
…
…
There was another silence after that, but it wasn't awkward anymore.
The more Diamond and Meyer talked, the more they realized they had so much in common. They were both dedicated workaholics, and both refused to resign just because of a lover who wanted their undivided attention.
Chapter 744
"So, uh… I guess we're not so different," Meyer said. "We have the same principle about dedication and work."
"Mhm," Diamond nodded. "You and I are both workaholics who can't be bothered by our significant other."
"Be honest with me, Meyer. Do you think that a woman like me is undateable?" Diamond asked.
Mayer stared at Diamond for a while and replied, "You're gorgeous, Diamond. It's crazy to think that you're still single right now. Oh, do you know that all of Big boss' bodyguards said that they want to have a chance to talk to you in private like this."
"Really?"
"Yeah, all of my subordinates are into you," Meyer confirmed.
"Does that include you as well, Meyer?" Diamond grinned provocatively, and that caught Meyer off guard.
"I—Ah—uhh… well, I'm still a man, I love seeing a gorgeous lady," Meyer admitted. He got embarrassed and said, "Oh god, please forget what I said just now. That's so embarrassing."
Diamond chuckled amusedly, "It's fine. I don't find you and your confession repulsive anyway. You're actually quite cute."
Meyer was surprised by Diamond's words, "Y—You don't find it repulsive?"
"Not at all," Diamond said. "Are you surprised because I usually gave every man in the office a death stare?"
"Yes," Meyer replied. He remembered how Diamond got catcalled by many men in the office, and she would give them all a death stare.
"No woman likes to get catcalled. But that doesn't mean we don't like to be genuinely complimented," Diamond said. "Anyway, I don't mind spending more time with you. Do you have anything in mind after we leave this restaurant?"
Meyer truly had no idea what they should do next.
He actually didn't expect the date to go so well. He thought he'd have the free fine dining and then leave.
Diamond frowned when she got no answer from Meyer, "Is that a no? Do you not want to continue this date? If so, then I will leave now."
Diamond got up and was about to leave, but Meyer quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her, "Wait! Diamond!"
Diamond turned her head towards Meyer and raised her brow, "What? I thought you're not interested in me."
"I'm very interested in you! I just—I just didn't expect this date to go so well, so I don't prepare anything after this," Meyer admitted. He gulped as his brain quickly tried to find a good date idea. "How about we uh… go to the cinema? I mean, it's not too late right now."
Diamond smiled, "Sure, let's go."
Meyer and Diamond continued their date to the cinema. They watched a random action movie because it was already quite late at night, and few options were available.
But they still enjoyed it, not because the movie was good, but because Meyer mustered his courage to hold her hands during the whole movie.
In fact, he was so engrossed with the idea of holding Diamond's hand. He couldn't focus on the movie at all. He felt like he was a teenager again. He was nervous even though holding hands should be casual for his age.
Diamond was also nervous. It had been a long time since the last time she had a good date with someone, and the fact that she felt nervous just because Meyer held her hand said a lot about her interest right now.
Once the movie ended, Meyer and Diamond glued themselves to their seats, not wanting to release their hands as they still wanted to spend more time but had no idea where to go next.
"Diamond, how about we—"
"Yeah, let's go to my apartment, Meyer."
**
Chloe and Vernon had just finished their visit to the obstetric for a pregnancy check up.
They were so happy the pregnancy was 100% confirmed, and Chloe was also in good health. She just needed to take care of her physical and mental health.
Chloe giggled the whole way to the penthouse because she was so happy with the result of her pregnancy, but other than that, she was also happy that Diamond and Meyer must be having a good time right now.
She didn't know to what extent they would go tonight, but her gut feeling told her that Diamond and Meyer had hit it off.
Vernon followed her from behind as they entered the penthouse. He closed the penthouse door and quickly hugged Chloe from behind.
"My love, I'm so happy with the result," Vernon said. He kissed Chloe's head a few times as he didn't know how to express his happiness.
It was the type of happiness that made him want to explode.
"I'm going to be a dad, it's all thanks to you, Love."
"No, it's all thanks to you, because you're the one who let me feel safe and secure. You let me gain weight after I was dangerously thin," Chloe said. "You don't know how much I feel indebted to you, Vernon."
"I don't want you to stay just because you feel indebted to me," Vernon said. He got a little anxious, thinking that Chloe might leave him when she felt the debt had been paid.
"Of course, I didn't stay because I feel indebted," Chloe sighed. "If I do, I'd be asking you if there's a way to pay my debts. Stop being so insecure, Vernon. You know that you're my man for now and forever. Though, it depends on yourself, do you want me to be your woman?"
Vernon tightened his arms around Chloe's waist to deepen his bear hug and replied, "You're asking the obvious. I want you to be my woman for the rest of my life."
…
"You know what, even if I die first, I still won't allow you to remarry," Vernon insisted. He became jealous, thinking he might die first and Chloe would marry another man. "You're not allowed to find another man if I die. You're still mine even if I'm six feet under, and we will be husband and wife again in the after life."
Chapter 745
[Song Recommendation: Joji - Die for You.]
It had been a while since Vincent checked on his own company.
Khloe and Nigel spoon-fed him about the situation of the Gray company, but to summarize it, it was fucked.
Everything was on fire, and it didn't seem salvageable at this point, which wasn't surprising. The disastrous press conference left a sour taste to everyone, and Vincent knew that his days as CEO were numbered.
But he couldn't care less about that. All in his mind right now was the realization that he would never be able to get Chloe back.
She was free from his grasp now, free to do whatever she wanted. She could even marry her new man with a forged document, just like how they forged Mackie's document, so she could transfer schools without having to notify her previous school.
Vincent sighed. He knew he was at fault because he went too far in disciplining Chloe.
But he thought that was the only way to keep her by his side. He was just copying what his late Dad did to his Mom since it worked exceptionally well on his mother. He thought that was the right way so Chloe wouldn't leave him.
"If only I can turn back time, I want to make things right," Vincent murmured. "I want to show her that I love her, I truly love her…."
Vincent had lost almost all of his power right now. Since Maria was presumed dead, he had nobody to do a manhunt for Chloe, and his reputation was already at rock bottom anyway. There was no point in doing another press conference just to get Chloe back.
All he had right now was a pile of money he was sitting on, all the generational wealth that the Gray family had, and all of his inheritance.
He could live a comfortable life for the rest of his life and for his child and grandchild.
But Mackie wasn't with him right now, and it didn't seem that both Mackie and Chloe didn't want any of his money anymore.
"But this is all I have…." Vincent lamented. "I have money, and that's it. Unfortunately, Chloe and Mackie wouldn't be here just because of money."
It dawned upon him once he realized that Chloe actually left him, the heir of the Gray family, with a multi-billion dollar business and huge inheritance and influence in many sectors.
He was also very handsome and young. He was many women's dream husband, yet Chloe still left him. So he realized that nothing he could do to stop her from leaving in the end.
"What should I do now, Chloe? I miss you so much, this feeling in my heart is crushing me," Vincent murmured. "I want to meet you, I want to explain everything and get your forgiveness. I want us to start again, even if it may seem impossible."
Vincent kept on murmuring about Chloe, staring at the garden she cared for when she was still in the mansion.
Chloe was indeed a great housewife. She might not be a flashy socialite that would impress everyone in the room.
But she was a sweet beauty, the kind of woman that was stable and comforting. She took care of the house seriously, ensuring the mansion they lived in felt like a real home.
She even went as far as designing the garden, so whenever Vincent opened the master bedroom window, he would see a beautiful garden that would improve his mood.
Chloe was also a good mistress of the house. She made sure that all of the workers in the mansion were well taken care of. It was apparent after she left, plenty of the good and dedicated workers, mostly cooks and maids, left as they were more loyal to Chloe.
"Is it too late for me to do something?" Vincent wondered. He stared at the garden from the window and realized that the garden hadn't been tended for a while.
The head maid said that the gardener quit because she worked with Chloe for years, and without the mistress, she didn't know what kind of work she had to do next.
Though that reason sounded weird, Vincent knew that the gardener simply didn't want to work with him after Chloe left.
Vincent sat in silence, staring at the ruined garden, until he heard someone knock on the door.
He turned his head towards the door and saw Khloe and Nigel coming into his room.
He didn't react much when he saw them, and he didn't really care about what they would say because he knew they would always bring bad news.
'The company wasn't in a good condition.'
'The stock is falling.'
'Almost all of the business partners have left, the company won't be able to survive without suppliers for the chains.'
'The company is doomed.'
Those words coming out of their mouths felt like nothing for Vincent. He didn't give a damn if that company was destroyed because it was Chloe who wanted to destroy it.
Chloe knew his weaknesses and decided to go against him just to destroy his career in public.
And since that was the revenge she wanted, then so be it.
Let that company die and rot because he didn't need it anymore. He didn't even know why he had to be so busy taking care of that business when he had no goal whatsoever.
He just thought that as long as he was powerful and rich, Chloe would stay by his side forever.
"Good morning, Mr. Gray, I'm here to give you the report of the current situation in our company, we are not in a—"
"Stop talking, Nigel. I already know what you're about to say," Vincent interrupted, not wanting to go through the same routine every day. "I've already given up on my position as CEO, give that role to whoever you think fits it."
Nigel and Khloe looked at each other and nodded at the same time, "Sir, Gray company… it's on the verge of collapse. There is nothing we can do to stop it."