Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 20 I Don't Need a Guardian

"If you can handle the embarrassment, fine. But I can't as your elder. If it comes to that, don't blame me for cutting you off. Now, seriously, think about what you've done," Louis snapped in the group chat before storming off. The three grandsons, still reeling from the scolding, quickly grabbed their phones to respond.

Michael: [Got it, Grandpa. You're right, I messed up. I'll fix it.]

Liam: [You'll always be my grandpa, no matter what.] Grant: [Understood!]

Liam stared at his phone, feeling utterly defeated. "Grandpa wants us to chase after that girl, but she's like a porcupine. Every time I see her, I feel like I'm gonna get pricked. How am I supposed to pursue her?" Liam just couldn't see himself and Chloe working out. They couldn't even have a conversation without bickering.

Michael chimed in, "Seriously, what century is this? Arranged marriages are so outdated. I'm pursuing a career in the entertainment industry; I can't tie the knot now. I really can't go through with this engagement with the Davis Family." Both Michael and Liam, burdened by their circumstances, let out synchronized sighs.

Grant, who had been quiet, glanced thoughtfully towards Chloe's room upstairs. He headed to his own room, texting Stanley as he went: [Find out who Chloe had dinner with tonight. I need all the details, ASAP.]

The next morning, Chloe came downstairs and was surprised to see the three Martin brothers, usually too busy to eat together, all dressed up and waiting at the dining table. Confused by their unusual behavior, she greeted them, took her seat, and got ready to eat.

To her surprise, the table, usually filled with local dishes, now had several authentic-looking Northwestern dishes.

Chloe felt a bit touched.

Grant was the first to speak. "While you're staying with the Martin family, the three of us as your elder brothers are your guardians. If you need anything, just ask. Our chef can make Northwestern dishes, so no need to eat out." Grant's tone was as cold as ever, and he looked at Chloe with the authority of a patriarch.

Chloe replied softly, "Grant, even though I'm staying with the Martin Family, I'm an adult and don't need guardians. I simply shared a meal with a classmate, nothing more. You don't have to be so controlling, do you?"

Michael, seated beside her, cleared his throat and began his customary lecturing. "Chloe, you must realize that it's challenging for us. Sovereign City differs from the Northwestern region; your safety is our top priority. We worry about you because we care. If something happens to you here, we won't be able to explain it to both families." After Michael finished, Liam jumped in.

He still looked down on Chloe as before. "Do you think we want to take care of you? It's all for the sake of both families. Otherwise, if you got snatched by some bad guy, I wouldn't even bother."

Chloe thought she was strong, but facing the continuous verbal attacks from the three Martin brothers, she felt defeated.

She ate her food in big bites, staying silent and pretending not to hear them.

After breakfast, Grant was the first to suggest, "It's Sunday. Chloe's been in Sovereign City for a while. How about one of us takes her out for a walk today?"

As soon as he heard about taking Chloe out, Michael was quick to refuse. "Grant, I can't. I have an appointment with a director today to go over the script again. No time at all. How about you and Liam take her?"

Grant thought for a moment and said, "I don't have time today either. I have to meet an important client. Liam, you take Chloe out for the day."

Liam, being named by Grant, immediately jumped to oppose. "Grant, I can't. I have plans today too. I made an appointment with my friend Eric to find my motorcycle goddess."

These days, Liam had been putting all his effort into finding his motorcycle goddess, using all his connections, but still had no news of her.

Hearing Liam's words, Grant gave him a sharp look. "Do you want me to call Grandpa?"

Hearing Grant bring up Louis, Liam quickly became obedient. "Fine, fine, I'll take her."

"Take her to some nice places. I'll cover the expenses," Grant said, taking out his phone and transferring a large sum of money to Liam.

Just like that, without saying a word, Chloe was arranged to go out by the three Martin brothers.

Afterward, Grant went to meet his client, and Michael went to find the director. Chloe, who wanted to explore Sovereign City, ended up in Liam's car. Today, she wore a white shirt, tied at the waist, just a bit above her jeans, perfectly showing her slim waist.

If it weren't for the mole and birthmark on her face, with her figure, she could definitely debut.

Sitting in the car, Liam started talking about today's itinerary. "I have an appointment with a friend to find my motorcycle goddess. Eric said there's a lead, and she might appear at a motorcycle event in the suburbs. You don't understand motorcycles, so just watch. Don't worry, since I promised Grant to look after you, I'll keep you safe. As long as you stay out of trouble, others will respect me and won't bother you."

Liam's words caused Chloe to inwardly smirk. Confident in her own abilities, she questioned whether she truly required Liam's protection and grew intrigued by his "motorcycle goddess."

While Liam chatted, she efficiently managed plans for the Davis Group's Sovereign City office on her phone.

When they arrived at the suburban racetrack, Liam, eager to see his goddess, nearly leaped out of the car.