Rural Belle & Three Heirs by Harper Hall

Chapter 189 Was Rena Used?

"You're so eager to protect her, afraid she'll suffer even a little. If that's not liking her, then what is it?"

Karlie kept talking more and more, with no intention of stopping. Michael watched her, trying to interrupt, but she was completely unfazed. To her, Michael's attempts to stop her seemed nonexistent.

Grant, standing next to Chloe, frowned in displeasure. Seeing Chloe's face turn red with anger, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a comforting squeeze.

He had always thought Karlie was a calm woman, but now she was verbally attacking Chloe? And using Michael to do it?

Such a woman, let alone marrying into the Martin family, her career in showbiz was as good as over.

Grant said nothing, letting Karlie rant.

Michael found himself at a loss for words due to Karlie's relentless barrage. He used to think Chloe was unattractive, but as he spent more time with her, he gradually discovered many of her admirable qualities.

He thought maybe he did have a bit of a crush on Chloe. He enjoyed being around her and even considered marrying her if none of his brothers wanted to.

But seeing his older brother Grant so protective of Chloe, he pushed those thoughts aside.

Honestly, he just wanted Chloe to be happy.

"Karlie, I suggest you stop talking nonsense..." Michael said, half-squinting his eyes and looking at Karlie coldly. His tone was icy, and his gaze held an unmistakable severity. Karlie let out a cold chuckle, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Nonsense? Michael, we've been playing up this on-screen couple act for so long that I almost started to believe it myself." Her eyes were sharp, piercing right through Michael.

"And now you're telling me I'm talking nonsense? Fine, tell me then, if I'm lying, if you don't love Chloe, who do you love?" Karlie pressed on, unyielding, each of her words like a sharp thorn, stabbing right at Michael's heart.

Karlie was pushing Michael into a corner.

Michael's expression darkened, his brows furrowing deeply, and the coldness in his eyes grew more intense. His gaze slowly shifted to Chloe, who was standing nearby, her eyes filled with a hint of unease as she looked at him.

Chloe felt a sudden wave of anxiety. She feared Michael might use her as a shield, and if that happened, Grant, who was extremely possessive, might just claim her for himself.

a loss, Michael suddenly took a step back. He turned and looked at Rena, who was

thought her boss needed something and quickly stepped

everyone's surprise, Michael grabbed

froze, completely confused

what are you doing?"

could finish her question, Michael pulled her in front of

gaze, Michael said seriously, "The girl I like is

the famous Michael to

stunned by Michael's sudden

liked her? What

notable background, utterly ordinary. How could

a joke. She was well aware of the

But now...

Martin, are you joking?" Rena finally reacted, struggling to

of this book

looked at Rena seriously and said, "I'm not joking. I like you. Do you think just anyone can

confession left Rena

told you

don't get too into the role, and don't attack my friends, family, or the

the first time this has happened, so I'll forgive you. But if it happens

Karlie standing there, at a loss. If she had

the daughter of the Davis Group. Even if she wasn't pretty,

Chloe wouldn't be

lost to

Why?

over, gently patting

leaving Karlie alone,

a story, swarmed in,

had planned a getaway, and everyone