Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 76 The Fox Borrows the Tiger's Might

Grant's words caught Chloe off guard, and she immediately straightened up, looking all kinds of nervous.

Grant watched her, his face giving nothing away. Chloe felt uneasy under his gaze, totally clueless about what he was going to say next.

"Chloe, do you think someone used me today?" Grant asked, not letting up when Chloe didn't answer right away.

Chloe hesitated even more. She took a deep breath, then forced a smile and turned to Grant, saying, "Grantie, aren't you overthinking this? It was Herbert who took your painting, and you just stepped in to get it back. How does that mean you were used? Right?"

Grant let out a cold snort at her words. "When Herbert showed up, you laid out three conditions that protected the Gibson family's interests. You borrowed my painting and lent it to them, helping their family out. If that's not being used, then what is? Chloe, you played your cards well! If I hadn't caught on quickly, I would've fallen for your little tricks."

Grant saw right through Chloe's schemes and stared at her, trying to figure out what she was thinking.

Chloe cleared her throat. When she frowned, the mole on her face moved slightly with her expression. "Grantie, you've got it all wrong. We're family, so there's no need to talk about being used. I'm close with the Gibsons and have invested in some of their businesses. By helping them, you're actually helping me. Louis trusted me to you. What's wrong with helping me? Saying I used you is really an exaggeration."

Chloe pouted, looking all kinds of hurt. Seeing her expression, Grant couldn't help but feel amused.

Just as he was about to speak, Chloe suddenly reached out and, in a playful manner, grabbed his arm. As her fingertips touched his skin, Grant's heartbeat quickened.

She said, "Grantie, I just used a bit of my brain to leverage your strength to deal with that bully Herbert. It's not really using you; at most, it's borrowing your reputation to scare off some bad guys."

Chloe's playful charm and flattery made it hard for Grant to keep up his stern act. No guy could resist such a cute plea from Chloe.

Seeing that Grant still didn't respond, Chloe continued, "Grantie, don't be mad. If you really think I used you, you might as well send me back to my hometown in the Northwest."

Even if Grant was bold, he wouldn't dare do such a thing. If he even hinted at letting Chloe leave the Martin Family, Louis would probably beat him to a pulp.

In the end, Grant decided to give in. He realized he kind of liked Chloe's little tricks.

He put on a stern face and said, "Alright, I'll let it slide this time, but you have to promise not to use me like this again, okay?"

Chloe nodded quickly. "Got it."

Right then, she looked super obedient and cute, a far cry from the Chloe who used to butt heads with him when she first joined the Martin Family. In that moment, Grant couldn't figure out which was the real Chloe. Seeing she had achieved her goal, Chloe decided to quit while she was ahead. She let go of Grant's arm and sat back down.

Just then, a message from Zara popped up on her phone: [Grant is so powerful and domineering. The way he fought today was so cool.]

Chloe quickly typed back: [It was just okay...]

Zara's message came in again: [Chloe, you should be grateful. He's such an amazing guy, willing to stand up for you. Do you think he's just bored? I bet Grant has feelings for you. Chloe, seize the opportunity.] Reading Zara's message, Chloe felt conflicted. She glanced up at Grant, who was sitting beside her.

Zara said Grant had feelings for her? How could that be? How could Grant have feelings for someone like her? Shouldn't he be into someone like Sophia, who had a great figure and was always eager to please him? She only took her friend's words as a joke.

After dropping Chloe off at the Martin Mansion, Grant drove away for an important meeting. Chloe had dinner alone and, unable to sleep, sat in the yard looking at the stars.

At that moment, she missed her hometown in the Northwest a lot. On that vast land, she could ride her motorcycle back and forth, unlike here, where she felt completely confined. Chloe picked up her phone and started bothering Nicholas.

It was Nicholas who insisted she come to the Martin Family. Since she was in a bad mood, he had the obligation to chat with her.

Chloe texted: [Grandpa, I'm bored.]

Nicholas replied: [I'm busy watching cartoons. If you're bored, you can ride your bike. I've had it shipped to Sovereign City. Chloe, get excited.]

Soon, Nicholas sent Chloe an address. When she opened it, it was a professional motorcycle maintenance shop.

Instantly, Chloe felt a rush of excitement. What could be more stress-relieving than riding a motorcycle? She quickly changed her clothes and headed to the address Nicholas had sent her.

As night fell, Chloe, in her professional motorcycle gear, rode her cool bike out of the garage.

Having been in Sovereign City for a while, Chloe was familiar with the roads. She rode her motorcycle straight to the track where Liam usually trained.

Chloe thought Liam wouldn't be at the training track at this hour. As long as she didn't run into him, her identity wouldn't be exposed.

Unexpectedly, as she rode her motorcycle past a bridge, she was spotted by Liam, who was returning from training.

Liam pointed at Chloe's figure and asked Eric beside him, "Is that my motorcycle idol?"