Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 32 Offend Me, I'll Knock You Down

"Grantie, I want bags. Tons of them. Buy them for me," Chloe demanded, her voice dripping with entitlement.

Grant exhaled heavily, feeling a strange sense of relief. If only bags could fix all life's problems, things would be effortlessly simple. The Martins were wealthy beyond measure, and since college, Grant had overseen the family's finances. Fulfilling Chloe's request was hardly a challenge.

"Sure," he responded without a moment's hesitation.

Chloe's eyebrows furrowed. That was too easy. Determined to press further, she added, "I want you to come with me to buy them. And I want the fancy, expensive ones!"

Though Chloe tried to embody the role of a gold-digger, she failed to grasp that for a family like the Martins, purchasing a few designer bags was trivial. Even if she wished to empty the entire store, Grant could effortlessly oblige. "Alright, I'm free tomorrow. I'll go with you. As long as you keep happy in the Martin Family, I'll get you as many bags as you want."

Grant's nonchalant assurance left Chloe flabbergasted. Her act of being a gold-digger had indeed flopped spectacularly.

That night, unable to sleep, Chloe turned to her best friend Zara, initiating a video call. In the guest room, Grant was also wrestling with insomnia. Seeking solace, he stepped out onto the balcony for a smoke and inadvertently overheard Chloe's conversation from the nearby room.

"Zara, I'm so fed up. Can't stay in the Martin family any longer. I want to go home," Chloe lamented, her frustration evident.

Zara's voice, amplified by Chloe's speakerphone, rang out clearly. "Go home? Three hot guys around you every day, and you still wanna bail? What's the deal? Stick around!"

Chloe, sprawled on the bed, retorted, "Zara, do you even have a heart? It's been twenty-nine days apart, and you don't miss your bestie?"

Zara shot back without missing a beat, "Miss you? Not at all. We're best friends, not a couple. Why would I miss you every day?"

"You... you're the worst," Chloe muttered, her irritation blending with a trace of affection.

Zara simply laughed. "Speaking of the Martins, Michael's new show is amazing, and he's gotten even hotter lately."

Chloe rolled her eyes. She'd known Michael for almost a month and had seen his face every day. To her, his looks weren't all that impressive. His constant nagging certainly didn't help his case. "Chloe, since you're with Michael every day, can you do me a favor? Get me an autographed photo of him so I can show off to my classmates?" Zara asked hopefully.

Chloe glared at her through the screen. "No way. Zara, you're so young and not even studying well. Why are you fangirling over celebrities? Don't you know their personas are all fake?" Zara sighed dreamily. "But I just like him. What can I do?"

Chloe, feeling a sting of jealousy, shot back, "Fine, go ahead and like him. I was thinking of getting you a nice bag when I go shopping tomorrow, but since you've betrayed me for Michael, I guess you'll have to get your bag from him." Zara quickly backtracked. "Chloe, I'm sorry! I love bags, not Michael. Remember, I want the latest LV bag. I love you, only you. You're my forever best friend, and that will never change."

On the balcony, hearing the girls' conversation, Grant took a drag of his cigarette, bemused. Chloe was planning to give away bags she hadn't even gotten yet. Her assumption that the president of the Martin Group would expend resources just to keep her happy might have irritated him if it were anyone else. But with Chloe, it seemed reasonable. Spending a bit more to maintain her contentment and presence in the Martin family was a worthwhile investment. Showing his gentlemanly side, Grant stopped eavesdropping and retreated into the guest room to sleep.

The next morning, Chloe woke up without the need for an alarm. As she descended the stairs, she found Grant in the living room, reading the newspaper. Clad in comfortable loungewear, he appeared far more relaxed than in his usual formal attire. "Morning," he greeted her as she entered.

"Morning," she replied.

"How's your leg? Still hurt?" Grant asked, his concern genuine.

In truth, Chloe had nearly forgotten about her injury, her quick healing making it a non-issue. So she answered honestly, "It's fine now."

If that's so, finish up breakfast quickly. I'll take you to shop for bags later," Grant said, adopting a doting tone, much like an older brother. He tried to mask his inner turmoil.

He'd never confess it to anyone, but last night he dreamt of gently peeling the mole from Chloe's face, unveiling her true beauty. It seemed the more time he spent with her, the more she haunted him, even in his dream. After breakfast, Chloe readily joined Grant in his car. Today, Grant decided to drive himself.

Upon reaching the mall entrance, he instructed Chloe, "You get out and wait here. I'll park the car."

"Okay," Chloe responded obediently, stepping out and waiting as Grant went to park. With nothing else to do, she took out her phone, snapped a selfie with the mall sign and sent it to Zara with the caption: [Zara, your LV bag is waiting for you here.]

Just after sending the message, an unpleasant voice reached Chloe's ears. "Oh, isn't this the young lady from the Davis Family? You were in a wheelchair yesterday, and today you're out shopping? Such a faker. Why didn't the motorcycle race yesterday kill you?"

Chloe looked up to replace Sophia accompanied by two other women, standing about fifteen feet away. Sophia's words were venomous, directly attacking Chloe. Chloe's anger flared instantly.