Back From Prison, Built For Revenge - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Chloe glanced up at the distant fireworks painting the night sky. A cool breeze swept past, making her shiver slightly. She took a deep breath, her knuckles white as she gripped her purse strap.
Footsteps approached from behind, and a syrupy-sweet voice called out, "Chloe, fancy seeing you here." Yolanda Stone stood there in a white dress, a sugary smile on her face.
Chloe turned, gave her a cold, dismissive look, and walked straight into the café.
Yolanda hurried after her, linking her arm through Chloe's. "Chloe, are you still mad at me? I really didn't mean for that to happen... "
"Let go," Chloe said, her voice flat as she shook her arm free.
Yolanda stumbled slightly but kept up her pitiful act. "Chloe, I know you hate me, but we're family, after all."
Chloe stopped and turned to her. "Family?" She scoffed. "Yolanda, you?"
Yolanda's expression stiffened for a moment before she smoothed it back into her innocent facade. "Chloe, I know you're holding a grudge, but I really want to make it up to you... "
"Enough," Chloe cut her off, her voice low and icy. "Stop trying to disgust me with your fake apologies."
Quella Lambert sauntered over, her red dress making her look stunningly glamorous. "Well, well, if it isn't the great Ms. Stone. Why the long face?"
Chloe frowned at Quella. Yolanda immediately put on a hurt expression and whispered, "Quella, I'm so glad you're here. I was just trying to talk to Chloe, but... well, it seems she's still angry with me."
Quella raised an eyebrow at Chloe, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Looks like our Ms. Stone is as difficult as ever."
Chloe walked to a table, sat down, and rested her forehead in her hand, closing her eyes.
Quella huffed, then turned to Yolanda. "Yolanda, you're too nice. Why even bother with someone like her? She doesn't deserve your kindness."
Yolanda looked down, the picture of innocence. "But... I just really want us to make peace."
"Make peace?" Quella scoffed. "Do you think everyone is as naive as you are?"
The commotion started to attract curious glances from other patrons. People began to whisper, and a few even pulled out their phones to record the scene.
A deep, magnetic voice cut through the tension. "That's enough."
All eyes turned to see Carlos Lambert striding into the café. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, his handsome face set in a serious expression. He walked directly to Chloe's table, sat down, and then swept his gaze over the onlookers. "This is a public place. Please have some decency."
The onlookers quickly put their phones away. Both Quella and Yolanda's faces fell, and they looked down.
Chloe opened her eyes and looked at the man sitting across from her. He looked as composed as ever. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone distant.
Carlos offered a small smile. "I heard you had plans tonight. I just wanted to stop by."
"Do I look like I need you to check on me?" Chloe shot back coldly.
Carlos simply picked up his glass of water and took a sip.
Demi, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Ms. Quinn, shouldn't we be going to our appointment?"
Chloe nodded and stood up to leave, but a hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.
"Wait," Carlos said in a low voice, standing to face her. "Don't go tonight."
Chloe froze for a second before pulling her wrist free. "This is my business. It has nothing to do with you."
She turned and strode away. Carlos stood there, watching her back retreat into the distance. His hands clenched into fists, but he didn't follow her.
Quella stepped forward and took his arm, her voice wheedling. "Carlos, don't be upset. That woman isn't worth it."
"Shut up," Carlos cut her off coldly, shrugging her off before heading for the door.
The two women were left staring at each other while the whispers from the other patrons started up again.
Carlos caught up to Chloe and grabbed her arm. "Chloe, we need to talk."
She wrenched her arm away. "We have nothing to talk about." Her voice was ice, her eyes devoid of any warmth.
Carlos looked at her, his eyes filled with pain. "Chloe, I know you still blame me, but... "
"But what?" Chloe interrupted, her voice trembling and her eyes turning red. "What right do you have to say 'but'? You destroyed everything for me, don't you get that?"
He reached for her, but she flinched away. "Chloe, my hands were tied. I... "
"Your hands were tied?" Chloe laughed humorlessly. "What a convenient excuse. You abandoned our engagement for your family's benefit, practically handed me over to someone else on a silver platter, and you call that having your hands tied?" With every word she spoke, more color drained from his face.
"Chloe, please, let me explain. There's nothing between me and Yolanda. I... "
"Enough!" Chloe snapped. "I don't want to hear any more of your excuses. The moment you gave up on me, we were over!" She turned her back on him, refusing to give him another glance.
Carlos stood rooted to the spot, his heart aching as he watched her walk away.
Yolanda came rushing out and gently took Carlos's arm. "Carlos, don't be sad. She's just upset right now. Once she calms down, she'll understand your reasons."
Carlos looked down at Yolanda, his expression unreadable. He gently removed her hand from his arm. "Yolanda, thank you, but I'd appreciate it if you'd stay out of what's between me and Chloe."
Yolanda's face froze, but she quickly forced a gentle smile. "I understand, Carlos. I was just trying to comfort you."
Demi hurried to Chloe's side. "Ms. Quinn, let's go."
Chloe nodded and followed Demi from the café. She didn't look back, but Carlos's eyes remained fixed on her until she was gone.