Chapter 23 Hayden You Have A Job Now
The saleswoman nodded with a smile. “Got it, Marvin.
Marvin walked to the register with his card. The total came to 35,000 dollars.
Chloe was completely baffled. How much is 35,000 dollars?
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Why was it that, ever since she got here, she hadn’t heard a single price in the hundreds, or even the thousands–only in the tens of thousands,
The two of them stepped out of the store together.
Immediately, the eyes of the crowd landed on them.
“Oh my, look at that brother and sister! They’re so cute!”
“Wow, that boy is gorgeous, and the little girl looks so delicate! And their outfits–so fashionable!”
The praise was even more enthusiastic than before.
Chloe’s face grew warm as she shyly looked down. All she could see were clothes spotless and bright; a soft new–clothing scent clung to her.
It was her favorite smell.
So far, she had only ever smelled it once before. Today was the second time.
Because of Marvin.
She looked up at him gratefully and reached out to take his hand.
Marvin paused mid–step and glanced at her in surprise.
Chloe didn’t think there was anything strange about the gesture–she simply held his hand while looking around at their surroundings.
His heart skipped a few beats for reasons he couldn’t explain. He hesitated, thinking about pulling away–but his hand instinctively closed around hers instead.
Chloe didn’t notice. On reflex, she tightened her grip around his fingers.
Warmth unexpectedly flooded Marvin’s chest; it curled there and, without him realizing, pulled the corner of his lips into a
small smile.
The two of them wandered through the mall at a slow pace, surrounded by a sense of calm that words couldn’t quite describe.
Chloe kept stealing glances at Marvin’s profile.
It was her first time going out with family–without getting yelled at..
She was so happy. She glanced at Marvin again, full of affection,
Marvin caught her staring and shot her a displeased look. “What are you looking at?”
Chloe froze and quickly looked away, mumbling. “I just feel really happy being with you. Thank you, Marvin. When you stood up for me earlier, you really looked like a prince”
She looked at him sincerely: “I like you, Marvin.”
Marvin’s face changed instantly, turning beet red. “Don’t try to butter me up! I don’t respond to flattery!”
He took a deep breath and pulled her into a phone store. “One phone, please!”
The win drik took our look at Marvin’s outfit
smuled. “May I recommend the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max?”
12:27 AM Pp ·
Chapter 23 Hayden You Have A Job Now
Finished
Marvin glanced at Chloe’s small hands and frowned. She probably wouldn’t even be able to hold it. That thing’s way too much for her.”
The clerk’s smile twitched. “Then what kind would you prefer?”
Marvin scanned the store casually. Just the 14.
The clerk was stunned. Just the 14? Is he being serious? Is this what being rich does to a person?
Chloe tugged at Marvin’s sleeve and said softly. “I don’t want a phone, it’s too expensive.”
Marvin didn’t even blink. The outfit you’re wearing right now could buy three phones. Stop talking”
Chloe fell silent.
Marvin bought her the phone, a SIM card, and even threw in a smartwatch for kids.
Then he took her shopping for a backpack, shoes, pajamas–everything she could possibly need. It all got shipped straight to Hayden’s house.
Jonce
Once they were done, Marvin called for the driver. “Let’s go home.”
Chloe trotted behind him, completely unable to keep count.
She’d gotten piles of clothes, a stack of bags, a phone, a tablet, and a bunch of weird little gadgets–even a doll Marvin really was a good guy with a cold face but a warm heart,
She liked Marvin. A lot.
Marvin glanced down at her.
It was c
obvious–Chloe’s whole aura had changed.
From the timid and insecure girl she’d been before, she now walked with her back straight and her head held high. Her eyes sparkled with confidence.
Totally different from when they’d first met. This is what my sister should look like..
Satisfied, he opened up the family group chat and started a video call.
Hayden picked up. “What’s up, my dear nephew?”
Marvin frowned at his lazy tone. “I already bought clothes for Chloe. Everything’s being sent to your place at Tomson Residences. What’s the passcode to the door?”
Hayden blinked in confusion. “Wait–what? You already brought Chloe back, and now you’re sending her to my place? What’s going on with you guys
Chloe’s eyes flicked nervously to Marvin.
Even Marvin looked a little awkward; he quickly put on his Bluetooth earpiece.
It was clear–Hayden didn’t want to take her in. Chloe’s heart sank. She lowered her head and stared out the window with dread
Are they going to send me back?
On the screen, members of the Tate family–Jake, Desmond, and Andres–joined the call.
Andres said. “We’ve got a lot of properties under our name, but I’m worried Natalia might go check those places. So I can’t keep Clilor at any of my homes. You’ve got plenty of vacant houses, so please just take her in until she’s eighteen and off to college
