Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 69 Michael Showed Up

Brian was smooth with his words. He didn't put Chloe in the spotlight and still managed to boost his own standing. If his kid's friends could borrow paintings from Grant, wouldn't he be one proud dad? Everyone was really into Grant's art collection. They all waited eagerly at the exhibit, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous paintings.

A few minutes later, a business car pulled up outside. The staff carefully unloaded the paintings. Soon enough, the paintings were inside. Everyone was mesmerized by the artwork.

Just then, a flashy sports car screeched to a stop, and Michael made a grand entrance at the Gibson family art show. Already a star with loads of charisma, Michael, with his delicate makeup on, instantly grabbed everyone's attention. "Michael, Michael actually came." Zara, standing next to Chloe, was so shocked her jaw nearly hit the floor. She covered her mouth, staring at the star she had admired for so long.

This was the guy she adored. Handsome, virtuous, and super talented-Michael was everything to her. Seeing him in person, Zara could barely hold it together and looked like she might cry.

Seeing her best friend so starstruck, Chloe just shook her head, amused.

Michael scanned the room and then shouted angrily, "Who is it? Who's got the nerve to say the Martin Family can't do anything in Sovereign City? Come on, step up! Let me see how tough they are. I didn't know Sovereign City belonged to them now."

Michael's outburst left everyone in stunned silence. They all looked at him, confused.

Nolan, who was arranging his paintings, saw Michael's anger and knew something was up. Michael must be here to defend that girl, Chloe. Not only had he said Chloe couldn't do anything in Sovereign City, but he also demanded she kneel and apologize. If Michael found out, wouldn't he flip out?

No way, he had to get out of there!

Nolan quickly packed his stuff and bolted before Michael could spot him.

Brian stepped up to talk to Michael, "Mr. Michael Martin, I'm sorry for the earlier misunderstanding. It was my fault Chloe was wronged, but it's all sorted now-the bullies ran off and learned their lesson. It's an honor to have you at our art show, and a big thanks to Mr. Grant Martin for lending us a few paintings."

Seizing the moment, Brian skillfully used Michael's fame. Being able to chat with a celebrity like Michael meant Brian had some serious connections in Sovereign City. After all, not everyone could hang with the Martin Family.

Chloe was taken aback by Michael's dramatic entrance. Sure, he was a famous star, but he sounded more like a mob boss.

"See, that's your idol. Doesn't look someone worthy of your worship, if you want my opinion," Chloe nudged Zara, pointing at Michael. She figured Michael's outburst might've knocked him down a peg in Zara's eyes, making her realize her idol wasn't all that.

But boy, was she wrong about Zara's obsession with Michael.

Zara stared dreamily at Michael and murmured, "He's... so handsome."

Chloe was at a loss for words.

Zara pushed Chloe aside, "Move, don't block my view of my handsome guy. The way he just told everyone off was so cool! If he could protect me like that, I'd die happy."

If this were a fan meet-and-greet, Chloe was sure Zara would be the first to rush the stage. She just couldn't get why people were so obsessed with celebrities when they were just regular folks too.

Michael brushed off Brian's small talk and made a beeline for Chloe, ignoring Zara's intense gaze. He zeroed in on Chloe. "Chloe, Grant called me and said you were bullied. Are you okay? Did anything happen?"

Even though Michael had no interest in marrying Chloe or any arranged marriage, he still saw her as part of the Martin family. And the Martins had one rule: they protected their own. He could mess with Chloe, and so could Liam, but if anyone else tried, Michael would make them pay.

Chloe shook her head. "Nah, who'd dare mess with someone like me? If anyone tries, I usually give it right back to them."

Michael believed her. Since he'd known Chloe, she'd never taken crap from anyone. Even his sly brother Liam couldn't get one over on her.

"Alright, if you're good, I gotta bounce. The director's waiting for me."

After a quick check-in, Michael was ready to leave. Chloe couldn't stop him. But seeing him rush over from the set to have her back, Chloe felt a bit touched.

She thanked him, "Thanks for today. Drive safe back to the set."

Michael nodded and turned to leave. People tried to greet him, but he acted like he didn't even see them.

As he got into his car, he replayed Chloe's words in his head. Chloe told him to drive safe? Was she worried about him?

Michael's heart skipped a beat. The usually tough Chloe showing a bit of concern? Could it be that Chloe had feelings for him?