The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 200: Chapter 200

Keith had a clear conscience. He had repaid every debt owed to Sterling long ago when he was capable.
For a moment, Sterling didn't know how to retort. He hadn't expected Keith to outright defy him over this.
"We won't let you take Chloe," Serena said firmly. "Right now, the rumors are damaging both your family and the Kingsley family. You still have time to come after Chloe. So you've already resolved everything?"
The situation was far from simple. The Whitmore family was in complete disarray. Sterling, desperate, had come for Chloe. If he couldn't salvage his interests, he would at least secure his daughter. But even that now seemed like a losing attempt.
His face twisted in frustration, but with Keith present, Sterling knew he would leave empty-handed. He had already made too many enemies. Provoking Keith would only make things worse.
Just as Sterling hesitated, another voice cut through the tension. It was Ashton. He stormed over, his expression darkening when he spotted the group. A vicious grin spread across his face. "So this is why my past got dug up. It was you all along."
Ashton's reputation had hit rock bottom. Despite his family's efforts, there was no salvaging his image.
Sterling, at least, could still play the victim. Some people pitied him, unaware of the truth.
Ashton had been ready to burn everything down. But now, stumbling upon the truth by accident, he suddenly had his targets.
"So what if it was us?" Chloe said coldly. "If you hadn't done those things, we wouldn't have had the chance to expose you. Listen, I planned this, and I'll take full responsibility. Leave my friends out of this."
Ashton scoffed, "You think some childish stunt like this can ruin me? All you've done is stir up some gossip. Those women chose to be with me, and I paid them well. Unlike you and your father, who took my family's money and still had the nerve to judge me."
Sterling cut in, "This has nothing to do with me! I had no idea what they were planning. It's all Chloe's fault."
Seeing Sterling grovel, Ashton regained some of his arrogance. "I did nothing wrong. Those women were willing. Outsiders should mind their own business."
Chloe felt sick hearing his words. "Then go marry one of those willing women. I won't play your games. Our engagement is over."
Ashton, furious that someone he'd never even cared about dared to look down on him, laughed incredulously, "You think I wanted to marry you? If not for your father begging me, I wouldn't bother with a woman like you, even if you were naked in my bed."
Serena, already furious from his earlier remarks, snapped. Suddenly, she slapped him hard. She didn't even hesitate this time. The sharp sound echoed, leaving the others stunned.
Ashton's face turned ashen with rage. "How dare you!" He wanted to hurl worse insults, but the sight of Keith standing protectively behind Serena made him bite his tongue.
"Let's go. Staying here will only ruin our mood," Chloe said, rolling her eyes. She crossed her arms and added pointedly, "What's that stench?"
Serena's slap had taken the edge off Chloe's anger, but Chloe's disdain for Ashton remained. She thought, 'He's a typical rich brat—throws his weight around like it means something.'
"Let's go," Serena said. With that, she and the others left, leaving only Sterling and Ashton behind.
No longer managing to restrain himself, Ashton whirled around and punched Sterling. "Cat got your tongue? Don't forget who you still depend on? You just stood there and let them humiliate me!"
Sterling, still dependent on Ashton's favor, could only apologize meekly. "I didn't expect them to act so boldly. Next time I see them, I'll make them pay."
Ashton snorted, "You'd better keep your word. You can't even control your daughter. If you hadn't failed at that, none of this would've happened."
His patience had worn thin. He warned, "If you don't give me an explanation by tonight, consider our partnership over." He didn't care about Chloe, but the fallout from the wedding had caused him endless trouble.
Sterling's heart lurched. "I'll handle it well today. I promise."
Only then did Ashton storm off, somewhat appeased.
Sterling sat frozen in place, consumed by regret. He thought, 'If only I hadn't pushed Chloe into this marriage... If only Serena hadn't interfered, maybe Chloe and Keith would've been together. None of this would've happened.'
Meanwhile, Serena, Keith, and Chloe arrived back at the apartment. Seeing Chloe unfazed by the earlier confrontation, Serena finally relaxed.
Just as they stepped inside, Keith's phone rang, Sterling's name flashing on the screen. They couldn't help but frown.
Serena shook her head, but Keith answered flatly, "What else do you want, Mr. Whitmore?"
Sterling's voice was strained with forced sincerity. "I know you must think I'm shameless for calling now, but I truly wish things could go back to how they were."
His words didn't stir even a flicker of sympathy in Keith. He wasn't apologizing because of remorse. It was desperation. Sterling only cared because his interests were at stake. An apology without change was meaningless.