Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Nemo knew if they just stood there, none of them would make it out alive.

If he could save even one person, that was better than nothing.

Deep down, he wanted Chloe to survive the most.

With everyone trapped together, there was no hope. The only way to change anything was to act.

But Chloe wouldn't let herself be the first to leave. She couldn't just walk away and leave everyone else behind.

Jeffery spoke gently, "Chloe, this isn't your battle. We're the ones who got you into this—please, go. There are two kids behind you who need you."

Even little Pax, so young, spoke up bravely. "Chloe, whatever happens, you have to live, okay? Promise me."

Chloe's heart ached for Pax. He was the most innocent of them all.

Kent, even though he was terrified, knew he couldn't fight for the spot. As the head of the Nagel family, he understood that even if he tried, Killian would never let him.

Suddenly, the massive Buddha statue in the room slid aside, revealing a hidden passage.noveldrama

That must have been how Killian left just moments ago.

With everyone urging her, Chloe finally agreed to do as Killian had arranged. She knew staying put meant certain death anyway.

Following the plan, Grant went into the tunnel first, and then Chloe followed.

As soon as Chloe entered, the passage snapped shut behind her. The statue slid back into place, sealing everyone else in.

Chloe found herself in a long, dimly lit corridor. Candles flickered along the walls, casting eerie shadows. The place felt like an ancient royal tomb.

She and Grant came to a fork in the passage, and from there, the path twisted and turned like a maze.

Chloe walked behind Grant in silence, not saying a word.

She didn't know how long they'd been walking when Grant finally spoke up, his voice low. "I'm sorry. I never imagined things would end up like this."

He truly hadn't wanted her to die. Everything he'd done-including the memory-erasing acupuncture-was meant to get her out of this vicious cycle of revenge. But somehow, she'd ended up right in the center of it all.

Chloe didn't answer him. She just said, “Let's keep moving."

They walked on for what felt like forever until finally the tunnel opened up into a wide stone chamber.

Killian was waiting for them.

He turned around, cool and composed. "I've been waiting for you two."

Chloe looked at him—at that face so

much like Connor's-and felt a tangled mess of emotions in her chest. More than anything, she just felt deep ache for Connor. How hopeless must he feel, knowing the truth at last? sŵnovel

Killian's voice broke the silence. "In a way, little girl, you could call me 'father' too."

Chloe's lips curled in a cold smile. "No thanks. Even Connor won't call you that. I'd rather not keep company with a devil."

He laughed softly. "Sharp tongue, aren't you?"

"Don't worry," Killian said, his tone matter-of-fact. "As long as Connor accepts his family, I won't kill him. This mountain of wealth and power needs an heir, after all."

Chloe frowned. "So that's what this is really about."

She laughed, the sound bitter. "But don't get your hopes up. Connor would never accept you."

Killian's eyes glinted. "There's always a way. Maybe he doesn't care about his own life, but what about you? What about your children? Everyone has a weakness, and once you find it, anyone can be made to yield."

A hint of pride flickered across his face. “That son of mine—I'm more than satisfied. Smart, capable, ruthless when he needs to be, but at the core, still just and kind. Fierce, but with a gentle soul. I'm proud of who he's become. I know he's meant for something great."