The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 201: Chapter 201

Keith had no patience for empty pleasantries. "Mr. Whitmore, just cut to the chase."
Seeing Keith's bluntness, Sterling sighed, "Ashton is demanding an explanation from me. You know how hard I've worked all these years, but now, because of Chloe's reckless decision, both Whitmore Group and I are in deep trouble."
Chloe, who had dismissed Sterling's words as nonsense, fell silent at this. Whitmore Group employees couldn't afford to lose their jobs. If the company went bankrupt, countless families would suffer, and it would all be because of her.
Sterling continued, "I'm not here to blame anyone. I just want to save my company. Keith, you're a businessman too, and you understand my position."
Keith remained silent.
Serena hesitated. Sterling was despicable. If he hadn't treated Chloe as a bargaining chip, none of this would've happened. But that didn't mean Whitmore Group and its employees deserved to go down like this.
"I can help you," Keith finally said.
Sterling exhaled in relief. His gamble had paid off—Keith wouldn't abandon him in crisis.
Keith added, "But remember this, I can just as easily turn against you like the Kingsley family did. From today onward, you can't force Chloe into anything."
"I promise!" Sterling agreed instantly, seeing a way out.
At the same time, however, he thought, 'A verbal agreement means nothing. Once this blows over, what can Keith really do to stop me?'
Keith knew Sterling might not keep his promise, but helping him didn't matter. What did matter was that Chloe wouldn't have to bear the guilt of Whitmore Group's collapse.
After Keith hung up the phone, Chloe turned to him and Serena, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry you had to deal with all this because of me."
Serena smiled, ruffling Chloe's hair, "That's what friends are for. Besides, it wasn't that much trouble. If you want to make it up to us, work hard when you return tomorrow."
Chloe felt a lump rise in her throat at Serena's unwavering kindness. No matter what she said or did, Serena always seemed to accept it without judgment.
Even someone as proud as Chloe was touched. She looked away, blinking rapidly. "Don't think this means I'll let you overwork me. If you or Lana push too hard, I will sue under labor laws."
Seeing that Chloe was already cracking jokes again, Serena knew she would be okay. Her gaze shifted to Keith. Something told Serena his help wasn't just for Sterling's sake. But since he hadn't explained, she trusted he had his reasons.
"Get some rest," Serena said, guiding Chloe to her room. "No more worries tonight. At least the hardest part is over, right?"
As she closed the door behind her, Serena exhaled deeply. The past days had drained her, but seeing Chloe safe made every ounce of effort worth it.
The next morning, Serena brought Chloe to the studio.
Given the recent media frenzy, the colleagues knew Chloe's true background. No one had expected the sharp-tongued but hardworking girl to be a wealthy heiress.
Chloe's temper was no secret, but her dedication to work had long earned her colleagues' respect.
Knowing Chloe would return today, the colleagues had prepared small gifts, hoping to lift her spirits.
"Ugh, what's with all the sappiness?" Lana pretended to gag, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Jealous they like me more?" Chloe stuck out her tongue.
Lana rolled up her sleeves in mock outrage. "Brat. I helped save your ass, too, remember? Or did you already forget?"
Watching their antics, Serena rubbed her temples. These two were pushing fifty but still acted like kids. "Enough. We've wasted enough time already. Back to work," she ordered, herding them toward their offices like a stern supervisor.
Just as she turned to leave, a figure near the studio entrance caught her eye. Serena frowned. For some reason, the person looked familiar, unsettlingly like Ashton.
The studio door swung open moments later, and Ashton strode in. His gaze darted around before locking onto Serena's. A smirk twisted his lips. "Seems I came to the right place. You're all here, just as I expected."
Serena tensed, stepping back. But the presence of her colleagues reassured her. Ashton wouldn't dare cause a scene here. "Mr. Kingsley, your sudden appearance is causing unnecessary disruption. If you have no business here, please leave."
Amused by her guarded expression, Ashton chuckled. He thought, 'Serena has always been more intriguing than Chloe, both in looks and character. No wonder I took a fancy to her from the start.'
"Relax," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I just want to talk to Chloe. We almost got married, after all. No need to be so hostile."
Serena's frown deepened. "There's nothing left to discuss. You said it yourself—almost. You two aren't together anymore. I won't let you see her. Please leave. You're not welcome here."
Ashton studied her for a moment before conceding defeat for now. He tapped her shoulder with a pointed finger. "You've got spine. Remember, I'll make you regret crossing me. I'm not as useless as you think."