Chapter 876: I Don’t Love Him Anymore

Hearing this, Chloe’s expression froze for a moment.

"Put on an act?" she thought. "Pretend I’ve fallen for Preston Vance? Wait..."

Chloe frowned and said, "I don’t love him anymore."

Preston’s lips curved into a smile. "Isn’t that even better? You’ve fallen for me, so you won’t stay by his side anymore. Once he stops following you around, you can go handle your own affairs. By then, I’ll leave without getting in your way."

His tone was gentle, and the eyes behind his glasses glinted with a warm light. He looked at her with patience and sincerity; he truly wanted to help her.

Feeling his goodwill, Chloe said, "But..."

"Chloe, you’re worrying too much." Preston sighed as if he already knew what she was going to say. "You think he became like this because of you, right? But since you don’t want to drag him down or see him get hurt, you should harden your heart. Make him think you’re an ungrateful person. Maybe then he’ll stop holding out hope for you."

He spoke slowly, his analysis thorough, laying out all the pros and cons clearly for her.

Chloe fell silent, thinking seriously.

She thought about her current situation. Vera Holloway had already made another move. The incident at Hot Spring Villa was just the beginning; as long as she was alive, Vera would never stop.

And Jasper Holloway was also coming to Breyburn soon. Although she didn’t know his true purpose for visiting, she was undoubtedly in danger right now.

She had thought about it before—if she could make it through unscathed, she would, of course, fulfill her promise to stay by Walker Grant’s side for the rest of her life.

"You don’t need to rush; you can take your time to consider," Preston said gently. "I have my own selfish motives for doing this too. What if, while we’re putting on this act, you actually fall for me?"

He was very straightforward. After speaking, he looked at her with a gentle smile.

Chloe sighed helplessly and said, "Where would I find the time to think about things like that?"

"Alright, then don’t," Preston agreed smoothly. "Focus on your immediate safety first."

After a pause, he added, "Actually, I knew about the times Walker got hurt before. He truly is willing to risk his life for you, but that shouldn’t be what you want, right?"

"Yes." Chloe nodded.

She didn’t want anyone risking their life for her. Everyone only had one life; it was precious.

At that moment, the ward door was pushed open. Annie York walked in carrying a fruit platter and said, "Chloe, Mr. Vance, have some fruit."

Preston looked at her. "Thank you."

Annie smiled shyly. "I can’t do much, so I just try to help with the little things."

But Chloe said, "We can feel your care, and that’s what’s important."

Annie’s eyes brightened, and the smile on her face deepened.

"Chloe, your voice is back, which is great news! Let me treat you both to dinner tonight!" Annie had always been grateful for how they looked after her, so she eagerly made the suggestion.

Preston nodded. "Works for me."

He turned to look at Chloe, a profound gleam in his eyes carrying a meaning only she could understand.

Chloe fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Okay."

Annie was delighted. "Then I’ll go book a restaurant first and send you the address later. Oh, right, Chloe, let’s invite Doctor Linton too."

"Okay." Chloe nodded again.

Annie turned and left cheerfully.

Preston said, "It seems you’ve made your decision."