Chapter Sixty-Three: Plans, Conditions, and the Life She Chooses

The tension of the confrontation had eased, the weight of past wounds lingering but no longer pressing.

Chloe exhaled lightly, shifting in her seat, gaze flickering between her parents.

Samuel sat across from her, composed, unreadable—but watching. Always watching.

Melody leaned forward, warmth settled in her expression, quiet but attentive.

Then—the inevitable question.

Samuel's voice was calm, measured, deliberate.

"Are you ready to take your place?"

Chloe barely hesitated before shaking her head.

"No."

Samuel exhaled lightly, adjusting his cuff. "It's a responsibility you will have to face eventually."

Chloe inhaled slowly, adjusting her posture. "Not now. Not ever."

Samuel didn't argue.

Didn't press further.

Just waited.

And Chloe?

She shifted.

Redirected.

Deflected.

"I'm working with Levant Creatives."

Samuel's brow lifted slightly. "Levant Creatives?"

Chloe nodded.

"I'm stepping into a managerial role, overseeing 8–10 people. No one will know who I am. No one will know I'm a Redgrave. I don't want unwanted attention. I want to earn my place—not inherit it."

Samuel exhaled slowly.

Then—a quiet nod.

A silent acceptance.

For now.

Then—the conversation shifts.

Melody leans back slightly, expression soft. "What about Carter?"

Chloe breathes in, steady.

"Kevin and I have an agreement."

Samuel doesn't react.

Just listens.

Melody watches closely.

"An agreement?"

Chloe nods.

"We're divorced. No alimony. Kevin never knew my background—never knew I was a Redgrave."

Samuel remains unreadable.

Melody exhales softly, contemplative.

Chloe presses forward, clear, steady.

"Carter will stay with Kevin during school vacations. He can visit Macresia anytime. We keep in touch consistently—video calls, regular updates. Kevin wasn't a great husband, but he's a great father."

Melody offers a small, understanding nod.

Samuel remains silent.

Then—Lorence steps in.

"And his schooling?"

Chloe sighs lightly. "Nursery starts soon."

Lorence grins suddenly.

"Then I'll handle it."

Chloe blinks. "You'll—"

"I'll enroll him." Lorence smirks. "Rosebourne Academy. Best in Macresia. Only the finest for my nephew."

Chloe exhales sharply, shaking her head with a quiet laugh. "You're spoiling him already."

Lorence shrugs. "That's what uncles do."

Samuel watches the exchange, silent but present.

Not interfering.

Not controlling.

Just observing.

Just ensuring.

Just protecting—even when Chloe will never know.