Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Lucas had already left for Africa by then.

Tara was heartbroken, but there was nothing she could do about it. At least, today, the Moncada house was buzzing with life.

After graduation, Belle decided to stay in Riverbrook. She was now the chief editor at a popular entertainment magazine. Whenever there wasn't a hot gossip story, she'd just write about her own husband, Juztin, and put him in the spotlight for a bit.

Belle and Juztin had a daughter named Stella, a few months older than Aaron. She inherited Juztin's striking looks-delicate, almost doll-like.

Juztin had more or less retired from the entertainment scene and was now working at Moncada International, the family's company. Business was booming, especially the real estate division—they'd landed some massive international projects lately. Gordon was getting older, and Lucas was still caught up in his own struggles, unable to really move forward. It wasn't fair to expect much from him.

That meant the weight of the family business landed squarely on Belle's shoulders. But Belle had zero interest in running the company. In the end, it was Juztin who took over.

Years in showbiz had made Juztin a master of people and situations he was smart, savvy, and well-connected. Thanks to his reputation, people gave him plenty of respect. He fit right in, and Moncada International kept growing under his lead.

Tara was thrilled when she saw Chloe. Having Chloe and Connor around made the Moncada family look even more impressive.

After the lively gathering, Tara suggested, "Why don't you all stay the night? I've already got rooms ready."

Chloe smiled and shook her head. "Actually, we're planning to go back to Greenpeace Estate tonight."

Greenpeace Estate was where Chloe and Connor had lived together for a while. They hadn't been back in ages.

Tara didn't try to persuade her. "At least let Aaron stay here tonight."

"I'll stay with you, Grandma," Aaron said sweetly.

Chloe added, "Tomorrow's Saturday, so let him stay for the weekend."noveldrama

Tara was overjoyed.

Tim grabbed Summer's hand and piped up, "Grandma, I want to stay, too! I want to be with you, just like Aaron. I love Grandma just as much as he does!"

Tara was absolutely delighted by Tim's words and pulled him into a big hug. "Alright, alright, with both of you here, Grandma couldn't be happier!"

So Aaron and Tim stayed at the Moncada house.

That evening, Chloe and Connor headed to Greenpeace Estate. It bad been so long since they'd last been there. They got out of the car, and Chloe wheeled Connor through the front yard.

The villa was always kept in perfect condition by the staff, so it looked just like it used to. But Chloe noticed the cherry tree in the yard had gotten much bigger.

Inside, nothing had changed. The house looked exactly the way it did the day they moved out.

Chloe walked into the bedroom and saw her old makeup still sitting on the vanity, arranged just the way she'd left it years ago.

She pushed Connor's wheelchair into the room and sighed. “It's like nothing's changed at all."

Connor glanced at the full-length mirror and caught his reflection-himself, sitting

in the wheelchair. "The only thing that's changed is me."

Chloe could tell he was feeling a little down. Even though he'd been given a second chance at life, being stuck in a wheelchair meant every day was a battle-rehab was painful and exhausting. Connor had more determination than most, but sometimes, feeling discouraged was just part of being human.

Chloe hurried to his side, knelt next to him, and looked up at him with a bright, teasing smile. She didn't try to comfort him with serious words. Instead, she looked right into his eyes and joked, "I don't see any difference at all. You're still as handsome as the first day we met."

Connor knew she was trying to cheer him up. He put on a straight face and

replied, "Miss, when we first met, I was only ten."