Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover by Rosa Winters

Chapter 905

As evening settled in, Chloe found herself back in her room earlier than usual. Sleep was elusive, so she chose to sit on the balcony, her eyes trailing after Connor as he played host downstairs, welcoming guests and bidding them goodbye. She watched his silhouette move busily, caught the faint glow of a cigarette during the quiet lulls, and even saw him pause under the apple tree, tears marking trails down his face-moments unseen by anyone else.

Chloe's heart ached deeply. She understood that no matter what she said or did, it wouldn't ease Connor's burden. These were feelings he had to work through himself; only time could mend them.

After a while, the sound of the door opening pulled Chloe from her thoughts. She stepped inside just as Connor returned. He hadn't bothered with the lights. "Why aren't you asleep yet?" he asked, his voice as gentle as ever. Chloe could sense the turmoil he was holding back, which only deepened her own heartache.

She moved closer, intent on wrapping him in a hug. But Connor stepped back, "I've been smoking. I'll just take a shower." He disappeared into the bathroom, where he lingered for a long time. Chloe knew he was in there, wrestling with his emotions. She even thought she heard the faint sound of stifled sobs.

his embrace. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice calm and steady as he lightly patted her back, as if she

tightened his hold

he suggested. Chloe nodded, and they

Chloe awoke to find Connor gone from her side. She glanced over to see him perched alone

smoker, but

was

of his sorrow was

down at the small object resting in his palm-a pearl earring, its hook stained with blood It was what Claire had clutched so desperately as life slipped away from her. She held it with such force, even in