Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 45 Disliking Michael

Michael was fuming. Hearing Karlie's voice, he spun around and snapped, "What are you doing here?"

"Mic, just hear me out," Karlie said, rushing over to him.

"Explain what? What's there to explain?" Michael shot back, clearly not in the mood.

Karlie tried to reason with him, "Mic, I told the reporters and friends for all our sakes."

"Oh really?" Michael raised an eyebrow, not buying it.

Karlie pressed on, "Mic, we've been killing it as a screen couple and raking in the cash. If we keep this up, the sky's the limit. I don't want Miss Davis messing that up. She's not in the industry, and going public would be a nightmare for her. She's better off behind the scenes."

Even though Karlie's explanation made sense, Michael wasn't having it.

Chloe, clearly enjoying the drama, chimed in, "I think Miss Taylor is handling things just fine. If I knew there'd be so many reporters at this lame party, I wouldn't have come with you. Michael, I'm here to make money, not to deal with drama." Chloe's indifferent attitude only added to Michael's frustration. What was Chloe getting at? Was she trying to distance herself from him? He had a one-in-three chance of becoming her husband. He didn't care about her looks, but she had the nerve to call him, a handsome guy, trouble? That was a first since he had joined the showbiz.

Chloe didn't care about Michael's reaction. She continued, "Michael, don't act all impatient around women. I can't stand guys like you. Whether people are around or not, you keep nagging. Only Miss Taylor can put up with you. Anyone else would've smashed your head by now. You should try to get along with her. It's not easy finding a girlfriend these days, so don't mess it up."

Chloe's words left Karlie stunned. In her mind, Chloe was her rival, always ready to compete for Michael. But now, Chloe didn't seem interested in Michael at all. What was her game?

Michael was livid. He glared at Chloe and said, "Chloe, what do you want? Are you here just to piss me off?"

Chloe quickly waved her hand and said, "No, I didn't mean to upset you. Didn't you say you'd introduce me to Cedric? Hurry up. Cedric's here."

With that, Chloe grabbed Michael and started walking towards Cedric.

After a few steps, she turned back to Karlie and said, "Miss Taylor, don't be mad. I'm just borrowing your boyfriend to invest in a business. When I make money, I'll give you a nice gift when you get married."

Chloe's words made Karlie feel a bit relieved. But Michael was so angry he could feel it in his gut. This annoying girl shouldn't have been brought here today. She was deliberately saying things to get under his skin. Chloe met up with Cedric and had a quick chat about the investment. Since it was a pretty hefty amount, Chloe was hesitant and didn't agree right away, saying she'd think it over.

In business, you gotta look out for yourself. Chloe wasn't dumb and didn't want to get into a bad deal.

Once Chloe was free, Karlie approached her for a chat. Unlike Sophia's arrogance, Karlie was much more reserved. She knew Chloe had serious financial clout, so she didn't dare act all high and mighty in front of her. After some small talk, Karlie got straight to the point. Holding her wine glass, she asked, "You don't like Michael, do you?"

Chloe shook her head. "He's not some rare gem; not every woman is into him."

Karlie felt a bit relieved. "But you have that marriage contract with the Martin Family. What if your grandpa insists on you marrying Mic?"

Chloe smiled. "My grandpa isn't forcing me. If he was, I wouldn't be hanging around the Martin Family."

"Oh." Karlie finally felt at ease. Chloe didn't like Michael and wouldn't marry him because of the contract, so they weren't rivals. Since they weren't rivals, they could be friends, which would boost her chances of marrying Michael. "Are you worried I might take Michael away?" Chloe asked, curious.

Karlie smiled, first shaking her head, then nodding. She said honestly, "I think you can tell I have feelings for him. But he's a playboy, not easy to pin down. I've been trying to get closer to him, bit by bit."

In relationships, the one who loved more usually suffered more. Chloe, though, never having been in love, didn't quite get what Karlie was going through.

"Hope your dream comes true." She clinked glasses with Karlie.

Karlie suddenly got an idea and proposed to Chloe, "Since you don't like Michael, why don't you help me win him over?"

Karlie's proposal left Chloe stunned. She asked, "Why should I help you? Give me a reason."

Karlie thought for a moment and said, "If you help me snag Michael, that's one less guy your grandpa can push on you. You don't like Grant or Liam, and if I'm with Michael, you're off the hook. A sharp woman like you doesn't need to lean on a rich person-wouldn't it be better to become one yourself?"

Karlie's words got Chloe thinking. If Michael, Grant, and Liam all had partners, her grandpa wouldn't pressure her into being a homewrecker, right?

She was young, with countless opportunities ahead. Freed from the constraints of a marriage contract, she could explore a world of possibilities and potential suitors.

Chloe envisioned a throng of handsome men surrounding her. Karlie's proposal was nothing short of brilliant.

Chloe almost laughed out loud at the genius of it. She eagerly high-fived Karlie and said, "Your idea is unconventional, I like it."