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And second;

"Because you know about Vernon as my benefactor," Chloe uttered her reasoning. "I will do anything to prevent you from ruining his life," she added without fear.

It was also her main reason to come here and meet Dorothea anyway, so she would prefer to make things clear to lessen the burden on her shoulder.

Dorothea finally looked at Chloe from the corner of her eyes, and her lips trembled when she saw the cast covering Chloe's right hand.

Obviously, Dorothea knew that Chloe was in so much pain. Her bones might've cracked, dislocated, crushed, or all the above after getting beaten by Vincent.

'Yet, Vincent treats her wounds like it's some kind of trophy. As if beating his wife is some kind of prideful thing,' Dorothea despaired. 'Just like Vaughn.'

Although Dorothea sympathized greatly with Chloe's suffering, she tried hard not to jump at Chloe and hugged her daughter-in-law.

She had a lot on her mind, but the most important thing to do was to apologize.

She should apologize for being so condescending to Chloe, for ignoring her plea while she got abused by Vincent, and overall for being a terrible mother-in-law to Chloe.

Oh, one more thing, she wanted to apologize on behalf of Vincent because she felt it was her fault that he grew up to be a monster.

Unfortunately, she couldn't show her concern or sympathy, at least not until she made sure that Chloe wasn't the manipulative bitch like what Shailene said.

"Even if you'll put yourself in danger?" she asked.

"Yes," Chloe stated without hesitation.

If there was one thing in this world that she would bet her life on, that would be protecting her family. She did her best to protect Mackie from Vincent and all the disgusting shit happening in the Gray family.

She also tried her best (though not the wisest) to protect Mackie's innocence until she was old enough to understand.

Now she also saw Vernon as part of her family, which meant she would do anything to protect that big guy.

Dorothea continued observing Chloe from head to toe, trying to see if Chloe was just trying to fool her.

Shailene's words stuck around in her mind longer than she wanted. Shailene planted a seed of doubt in Dorothea's heart, making her unsure if Chloe was actually a good woman or a vile one that wanted to ruin her second son.

"You know that I can always tell Vincent about this information, right? He will ruin Vernon's life in an instant," Dorothea continued talking while her eyes studied every change Chloe made.

Chloe couldn't hide the horror in her eyes. Her chest started palpitating as she panicked.

But she realized that panicking wouldn't save Vernon's ass right now. She had to stay strong in front of Dorothea to show that she wasn't scared by her threats.

"Then I will give myself to Vincent," Chloe said determinedly despite the fear in her heart. "I will trade my life. He can do anything to me as long as he lets Vernon off."

"Even if that means he will beat the crap out of you? You know that Vincent is--" Dorothea paused for a moment. She swallowed her saliva as she was about to destroy all the stupid pride she had for her first son from now on. "--is a terrible man."

"I know he is a terrible man. I experienced getting abused by him for the past ten years," Chloe replied. The memories of Vincent's abuse flashed in her mind like a film reel, yet, she clenched her fist and continued talking, "But I'm not scared to face Vincent. That monster can take my life as long as he will let Vernon off. After all, my life is not as important as his."

Dorothea was taken aback by Chloe's answer, "Your life is not as important as his?"

"Yes. Vernon is a bright young man. He is very successful for his age, and he is a kind man-- just with an intimidating appearance. He has helped me way more than he needs to, and he deserves to have a happy life after--" Chloe hesitated to continue, but she felt that Dorothea must've known this fact already, even if she buried it deep in her heart. "--After he experienced a terrible childhood."

Dorothea went silent for a moment before giving the nod, basically confirming that she was one of the main reasons which caused Vernon to have a terrible childhood.

Chloe was assured. She didn't know what changed Dorothea, but her admittance of being a terrible mother gave Chloe more confidence to speak out.

"He is a talented man who deserves the world, while I'm just a... good-for-nothing woman. I'm not young anymore, and frankly... I don't have that much will to live anyway, haha...." Chloe added an awkward laugh at the end because she thought it sounded too depressing for someone else to hear, though it was the truth in her heart.

She was very happy to live with Vernon and Mackie. All moments with them were the happiest moments Chloe ever had.

But at the same time, she felt that Vernon and Mackie could still push through and forget her in the future if she disappeared because of Vincent's doing.

Just like this moment.

If Dorothea had already told Vincent about her relationship with Vernon, she wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice her own life.

Dorothea pursed her lips. She continued staring at Chloe's determined face until she released an exasperated breath, "Forget it. I know that you're not evil, Chloe. If you were, you would knock me out from behind and kill me the moment you saw me."

Dorothea slowly got up from her chair as she also felt weak.

She stood in front of Chloe, bewildered by her action, and then opened her arms before circling them around Chloe's shoulder.

Dorothea hugged her daughter-in-law, who turned stiff. This was the first time Dorothea hugged her daughter-in-law, and she realized one thing.

'Chloe feels very... safe,' Dorothea thought. 'She feels like home.'