Back From Prison, Built For Revenge - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Chloe's fingers lightly rested on the doorknob, not in a hurry to open the door. The knocking outside was steady and unhurried, carrying an undeniable pressure that couldn't be refused.
She took a deep breath, gathered her emotions, and slowly opened the door. "Mrs. Stone." Chloe gave a slight nod, her tone flat as if addressing a stranger. "Please come in."
Phoebe was dressed in an elegant dark blue dress, her hair neatly styled at the back, her smile composed. She glanced at Chloe, her expression slightly uneasy, which quickly faded.
"Chloe, long time no see," Phoebe's tone was gentle, as if she were simply here to visit Chloe.
Chloe stepped aside, letting Phoebe in. The apartment's decor was simple, a stark contrast to the luxurious Stone Villa. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, making the room feel even emptier.
Phoebe glanced around, her gaze tinged with a hint of disdain, but she still pretended to show concern. "You live here alone? It must be quite lonely."
"It's fine." Chloe responded casually, placing a cup in front of Phoebe. "Have some coffee."
Phoebe picked up the cup, but didn't drink. Instead, she took Chloe's hand, her voice full of tenderness. "Chloe, you've been through so much. Peter and I have been so worried about you, but, some things are just out of our control."
Chloe withdrew her hand, offering a faint smile. "Let's not talk about the past. I no longer care about it."
Her reply made Phoebe feel awkward, but she still smiled and responded, "I'm glad to hear that. But, your grandmother has been unwell recently and has been thinking about you..."
Hearing that Evelyn was ill, Chloe instinctively felt a wave of concern, but she still pretended to remain calm. "What's wrong with her?"
"She had a heart attack a few days ago, and she's still in the hospital," Phoebe sighed. "The doctors say she needs to rest, but she keeps worrying about you, saying she wants to see you."
Chloe was silent for a moment before nodding. "I'll go see her."
Seeing her agree so quickly, Phoebe felt a sense of triumph, though her tone remained gentle. "Evelyn's getting older and hopes for the family to be together. Especially you, she's always treated you as her most beloved granddaughter."
This made Chloe let out a cold laugh, though she quickly suppressed the emotion. "Grandmother has always treated me well, and I'll never forget that."
"Yes." Phoebe smiled with satisfaction, then subtly shifted the topic. "Actually, besides your grandmother, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about."
"Go ahead," Chloe said, picking up her cup, observing her calmly.
"Well, it's time to think about your future," Phoebe said earnestly. "As elders, we just want to see you settle down and find happiness."
Chloe placed the cup down, watching her without responding.
Seeing her silence, Phoebe continued, "Recently, there's a good match, Yael Foster, the heir of the Foster Group. He's been asking about you, and if you're interested, you two could go on a date."
Chloe furrowed her brows. Although Yael was well-known, the rumors surrounding him were far from favorable.
"Foster Group is indeed powerful, but," Chloe paused, her gaze cold as she looked at Phoebe. "Do you think I'm suited for him?"
"Of course!" Phoebe quickly replied. "Yael may be young, but he's very capable, and he's interested in you. Such an opportunity doesn't come around often."
Chloe lowered her eyelids, lightly tracing the edge of her cup with her finger, not immediately responding.
Phoebe's tone grew even more sincere. "Your grandmother has been very worried about your marriage. If you're willing to give it a try, it would not only ease her mind, but it would also be good for you."
Chloe was shaken. Evelyn was the only one who had truly cared for her. If Chloe could make Evelyn feel at ease, maybe it would be worth a try. But when it came to Yael, Chloe couldn't easily agree.
In the midst of this dilemma, she remembered what Carlos had once said. "Marriage in wealthy families is never about happiness. It's about interests."
Chloe raised her head, looking at Phoebe with a cold gaze. "If this is what my grandmother wants, I can give it a try. But if things go wrong, I hope you won't regret what you've said today."
Phoebe's face shifted slightly, but she forced a smile. "Of course I won't regret it. This is for your good, and for the good of our family."
After Phoebe left, Chloe sat on the sofa, lost in thought. The sunlight outside was bright and warm, yet she felt no warmth at all.
Her phone screen lit up with a message from Demi. [The match has been confirmed. It's Yael Foster. He has a complicated background. Be careful.]
Chloe stared at the name on the screen, her fingers tightening slightly. She knew all too well the dangers behind this name. But right now, she had no choice.
For her grandmother, for herself, and for the justice that had been long overdue, she could only brace herself and accept reality.
The smell of disinfectant filled the hospital, making it uncomfortable. In the hospital room, Evelyn lay on the bed, her face pale. The oxygen mask covered her dry lips, making the once-kind face look fragile.
"Grandmother." Chloe softly called, placing her hand over Evelyn's cold hand. "It's me, Chloe. I'm here to see you."
Evelyn slowly opened her eyes and looked at Chloe. A tear fell from her eye, and she weakly raised her other hand to grasp Chloe's slender fingers with all her strength.
"Chloe..." Her voice was so weak it was nearly inaudible, filled with endless regret and sorrow. "I'm... I'm sorry..."
"It's alright, it's all in the past." Chloe lowered her head, pressing her forehead to Evelyn's hand, forcing back the tears threatening to spill. "As long as you're getting better, nothing else matters."
Evelyn seemed to want to say something more, but before she could speak, she fell back into a deep sleep.
The corridor was quiet, except for the sound of footsteps. Chloe stood by the window, looking at the bustling crowd below, suddenly feeling lost.
Chloe knew better than anyone what marrying Yael would mean. But if this was the only way to put Evelyn at ease, she had no choice but to accept.
Taking a deep breath, Chloe closed her eyes, adjusting her emotions. When she opened them again, her gaze became resolute and determined. Even if her marriage was a transaction, she would make sure to take control!