List. Love and Allure
45 Pearls
Chapter 9 Chandler’s Pride
Emily knew Clarissa’s soft–hearted nature.
Clarissa finally answered the call.
Hugh’s furious voice blasted through the phone. “Get back here! Now!”
He didn’t give her a chance to respond before hanging up.
Clarissa’s chest tightened.
She wasn’t sure whether Chandler or Gillian had ratted her out, but regardless, she knew she had to deal with the Stephensons.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Emily asked, concerned.
The tone Hugh had used made it sound like he was ready to tear Clarissa apart.
However, Clarissa shook her head.
The tangled mess with the Stephensons wasn’t something she wanted to drag Emily into.
But the moment Clarissa stepped out of the car and saw Chandler’s car pull up next to hers, she immediately regretted not bringing Emily along.
Facing both Chandler and the Stephensons alone left her feeling drained.
Chandler’s gaze sharpened the second he saw her.
Not long after she’d gone to the bank to get a new card, he was notified.
Even though they were still married, he hadn’t been trying to completely cut her off.
If he had, she wouldn’t have been able to get the new card at all.
But it was becoming clear to him–Clarissa was determined to stir up trouble.
Just the thought darkened Chandler’s expression.
He suddenly realized he didn’t know Clarissa at all.
This realization only made him more irritable.
“Chandler, how childish are you?” Clarissa snapped. “Running off to tattle to my family?”
She’d always thought that no matter how ruthless Chandler was, he at least had some sense of honor.
But when it came to dealing with her, she hadn’t expected him to throw all that dignity out the window.
He would stoop to anything.
Chandler stared at her, his gaze locking onto her bright, fiery eyes.
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Chapter 9 Chandler’s Pride
He couldn’t deny that Clarissa was truly stunning,
Her features were bold and striking, delicate yet sharp.
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When she smiled, her eyes curled in a way that was both alluring and captivating as if she could steal someone’s soul with a glance.
When she didn’t smile, she exuded an air of cool, regal elegance, a commanding presence.
Chandler realized that he had never really seen her without that smile.
But ever since she’d asked for a divorce, even when she did smile, it never reached her eyes.
Chandler tugged at his collar in frustration.
Lately, it seemed Clarissa had an uncanny ability to get under his skin, and that wasn’t a good sign.
“I already told you, you don’t get to decide when we divorce. Who do you think you are?”
His cold, dark eyes pierced her like shards of ice.
Clarissa’s pupils contracted.
Suddenly, everything became clear.
Chandler wasn’t dragging his feet on the divorce because of anything practical–he was offended. His pride had taken a hit.
Our marriage had been forced on him, something beyond his control.
Now the divorce was being dictated by me, and that made things worse for him.
Where was his pride supposed to go?
Clarissa gritted her teeth. “Fine, then tell me, what do I have to do for you to agree?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
With that, Chandler brushed past her, his cold presence sending a chill in his wake.
Clarissa clenched her fists tightly.
She was resisting the urge to lose control and attack him.
“Chandler, you’re here!” a soft, gentle voice called out. “Come in, Dad’s been waiting for you.”
After a slight pause, the voice added sweetly, “Clarissa, you should come in too.”
Clarissa took a deep breath and turned around, just in time to see Chandler and Gillian walking inside together.
Suddenly, the last thing she wanted to do was step inside the Stephensons‘ home.
But she knew Hugh wouldn’t let her off that easily.
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Chapter 9 Chandler’s Pride
Just a few seconds later, a servant hurried out. “Ms. Clarissa. Mr. Stephenson wants you inside.”
With a bitter smile, Clarissa entered the Stephenson residence.
As she bent down to change her shoes, she heard Hugh’s voice from the living room.
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“Chandler, I know Clarissa’s actions have upset you, but is that really a reason to hand Willowbrook Ranch over to Maxwell? You should think it over.”
Maxwell Craig was the chairman of Heritage Constructions and Hugh’s sworn enemy.
Their feud went all the way back to high school, and everyone in the industry knew about their rivalry.
No wonder Hugh had demanded she return so quickly
Chandler had given the project Hugh wanted to Maxwell.
That was both ruthless and deeply personal.
Clarissa walked into the living room in her slippers, and all three pairs of eyes immediately turned to her.
“Dad, she greeted quietly.
Hugh glanced at her, his tone cold and mocking. “Don’t call me Dad. I should be calling you Dad”
“Dad, please, calm down and just talk to her,” Gillian said, clinging to his arm, her voice sweet and innocent.
She shot Clarissa a look full of challenge, her eyes skimming over her with a barely concealed smirk.
Hugh snorted angrily. “I’d love to talk to her calmly, but have you seen the mess she’s caused?”
Clarissa lowered her eyes, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
Gillian sighed. “Well, maybe she rushed into the divorce, but shouldn’t you give her a chance to explain herself?”
She turned to Clarissa with a concerned expression.
“Clarissa, why don’t you apologize to Dad and reconsider the divorce?”
Clarissa’s head snapped up. There’s nothing to reconsider. My mind’s made up.
“Clarissa!” Hugh slammed the table, his voice booming So you think you’re above the rules now? You can just do as you please?”
