Chapter 9 "Mr. Rhodes, Ms. Lancaster has arrived, the butler announced. The little girl in Michael's arms lifted her head. Her big eyes stared at Chloe for a long while, then she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. "Daddy, who's this lady?" "Rose, don't say that . The woman in a fitted skirt quickly stepped forward. "Mr. Rhodes has a guest. Come sit with Mommy, okay?" Rose stiffened her neck. Tm not saying it wrong. He is my daddy." "Let her call me whatever she wants. It's fine, Michael said calmly. Then he turned toward Chloe. "This is Ms. Lancaster. Chloe was only eighteen, still a high school student-calling her name, Chloe, would've made more sense. But Chloe's aura was so commanding and composed that it instinctively made people forget she was still a student. So "Ms. Lancaster" somehow just felt more fitting "Nice to meet you, Ms. Lancaster, the woman next to Michael extended her hand. "I'm Melanie, Michael's secretary. I brought my daughter to visit Mr. Rhodes today. She can be a little wild sometimes, and I hope you don't mind." Chloe gave a slight nod. "Melanie." She offered a quick handshake, then walked into the inner room. Chloe didn't forget to add . "Please have dinner prepared for me, thank you." The butler nodded and went to arrange it right away . Melanie froze for a second. This Ms. Lancaster-does she just casually order the Rhodes family butler around? That tone, that ease. It doesn't sound like this is her first time here! Octmond Villa was a Rhodes family estate, passed down through generations and carefully kept under wraps. Even most close friends didn't know it existed Melanie lowered her voice. "Michael, who exactly is this Ms. Lancaster?" Michael's expression darkened. He'd hired professionals to look into Chloe's background again-still nothing. Just an ordinary high school girl Absolutely nothing stood out Honestly, Michael had no idea who she really was. He simply shook his head. Melanie bit her lip. Chloe must have some powerful backing if even I am not allowed to know! Melanie wasn't just Michael's secretary; she was his childhood friend. They met abroad, from age twelve to eighteen , sharing those most unforgettable years. Later, she married in a rush - only for her husband to cheat on her during her pregnancy. She didn't hesitate to file for divorce and came back home, just in time to attend Michael's wedding Not long after, Michuel's wife died in childbirth . Melanie seized every chance she had , slowly weaving her way back into his life. Now, Michael didn't even mind Rose calling lum "Daddy" Melanie had believed marrying into the Rhodes family was only a matter of But Chloe suddenly appeared. Sull smiling . Melanie said. "Rose, why don't you bring a glass of water to Ms. Lancaster!" Roer pouted. "But there are maids for that." "Come on, tweetie Melanie touched her check. "You're the most polite and well-behaved little girl, remember? Rose reluctantly dumbed down from Michael's arms, poured a glass of water, and walked toward the inner room Inside, Chlor was painting. She was drawing Tristan and a dog. It was found in a duch on Tristan's way home from school . The dog had been on the brink of bout Tristan nursed it back to health. Unfortunately, it was stolen not even six months later. P P. Chapter 91 "Ms. Lancaster, here's your water, Rose said softly. Chloe turned and took the cup. "Thank you." But just as she reached for it, Rose let go on purpose, Chloe caught the glass just in time-if she hadn't, the water would've either ruined the painting or burned her hand. Tm sorry, Ms. Lancaster. Are you okay?" Rose apologized repeatedly, but Chloe clearly caught a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. "No harm done." Chloe smiled slightly. "Tll let it slide this time. But if it happens again, it means someone's not raising you right-and I'll pour the next glass on your mommy's face." Rose froze. A second later, she burst into loud sobs. "What's wrong, baby ?" Melanie rushed in and scooped her up. Rose cried breathlessly, "Ms. Lancaster is scary. I want Daddy." Michael took the child gently and held her in his arms, His cold eyes met Chloe's. "Ms. Lancaster, care to explain?" Chloe lifted her lashes lazily. "I used to think you were smart enough to carry the family legacy. Now I'm not so sure." Chloe shook her head and looked away. For the first time, Michael felt like he was being looked at as if he were a fool. Michael Rhodes-the eldest son of the Rhodes family, graduated college at twelve, fought over by top universities, and took over Rhodes Group at sixteen. The next family heir.. This high school girl-what gives her the right to judge the Rhodes family?' Michael thought, his breath growing uneven. Chloe's voice rang ag out again. "The patient needs rest. Everyone out Michael turned to leave. But after one step, he realized that he, CEO of Rhodes Group, had just followed her order. "Ms. Lancaster, your dinner is ready." The butler walked in, breaking the awkward silence. "Thank you ," Chloe responded and looked at the others. "Or do you want me to show you out myself?" Michael took a deep breath and walked out. Melanie trailed close behind. "Michael, who exactly is this Ms. Lancaster ? S what if she does something to him… " She acts like she owns the place. That's Mr. Rhodes's room " She won't," Michael cut her off calmly. Michael still didn't know Chloe's background, but for some reason , he just knew-deep down, she'd never hurt Tristan, "Daddy, I don't think Ms. Lancaster likes me. Rose wiped her tears. "I don't want to stay here anymore. Mommy, let's go home." Michael rubbed his temples. "Didn't I say we're going to the rotating restaurant tonight? We'll go after Ms. Lancaster leaves." As usual, Chloe stayed with the old man for thirty minutes before heading out. The butler had a car ready to take her back to the Lancaster estate It was Friday. No school for the next two days. Chlor locked herself in her room, reading and working through formulas. Tarly Saturday morning, her phone rang . "Hi, is this Chloe? We're the Star Project audition team. Congratulations! "You've passed the first round. We'd like to invite you to the initial selection at 9 am tomorrow at the Rhodes Entertainment Building" sat Chloe sat up immediately "Okay" Chlor didn't really know what an audition entailed, and the stall didn't tell her to prepare anything-so she didn't. She just kept reading. The next morning, Clor came downstairs with her backpack Downstairs. Erin was dressed in a soft pink sequin princess dress, flawless makeup, looking like a porcelain dall . Chapter 9 Sarah was fixing her hair. "It's just the first round. Not even the official shoot yet. Don't get nervous. Just act natural." Erin nodded sweetly. Then she glanced up and saw Chloe coming down the stairs. Her eyes lit up with a sly glint. Erin asked, "By the way, Chloe, didn't you sign up for the Star Project too? Did you get the invite yet? Joel snorted. "Her? A village girl like that actually made it through?"