Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 74 Good Acting

When Chloe spoke up, Brian, the seasoned businessman, felt like his whole world had been flipped upside down.

Herbert was known as the big bad wolf in Sovereign City. He was always the one pushing people around. The idea of someone trying to shake him down for money was just laughable. But Chloe, this gutsy girl, had the nerve to say such bold things.

Everyone soon got busy with their tasks. Zara and Tony were in charge of counting the paintings Herbert's guys had damaged, while Chloe chilled in a corner of the exhibition, sipping tea.

As she enjoyed her tea, she texted Nicholas: [Grandpa, I messed up today. I lost a few of Grantie's paintings, and he's super mad. Do you think he'll send me back to the Northwest?] Nicholas replied with just a question mark.

Not giving up, Chloe texted again: [Grandpa, it's not that I don't want to stay at the Martin Mansion; it's that they're kicking me out.]

After a bit, Nicholas finally responded: [Don't worry. It's just a few paintings. If Grant kicks you out over this, I bet Louis would break his legs.]

Seeing Nicholas's reply, Chloe's hope of being sent back home disappeared. She started typing another message to Nicholas.

Soon, Nicholas texted again: [Chloe, just stay at the Martin Mansion. Even if you lost his grandfather, he wouldn't dare let you go. Get along well with the three heirs. I have high hopes for you. That's it for now; I'm off to watch a live stream.] Reading her grandpa's message, Chloe was speechless. She couldn't figure out why her usually modern-thinking grandpa was so set on her staying with the Martin Family.

Feeling bored, Chloe started messing around on her phone. She had just started a game when she heard Brian's excited voice outside the door. "Mr. Martin, you're here. I'm sorry, it's our Gibson family's fault for not taking good care of your paintings."

Brian greeted Grant, trying to be as humble as possible. His face was swollen and red from the slaps he got from Herbert's men.

Grant wasn't interested in talking to Brian. He walked straight towards the exhibition hall, asking as he went, "Did those who took the paintings hurt Chloe?"

Brian was at a loss for words. "I... I..."

He stammered a few times but couldn't give a clear answer. Grant didn't push it and went straight into the exhibition hall to find Chloe.

Hearing Grant's arrival, Chloe quickly put away her phone and put on a sad face just as Grant walked in. When Grant saw her, she stood up with a pitiful look and softly called out, "Grantie."

After calling out to him, Chloe quickly took a few steps and, looking scared, threw herself into Grant's arms.

Her sudden hug left Grant stunned. When Chloe's small hands wrapped around his waist, he felt his body go rigid.

Plenty of women had tried to get close to him, but he always kept his distance. Chloe's embrace, though, didn't push him away. Instead, it made him, usually so cold and distant, feel a need to protect her. His heart softened a bit right then.

"Grantie, you're finally here. I was so scared. It's my fault for borrowing and not protecting your paintings. You can punish me however you want," Chloe said, grabbing Grant's hand and trying to make him hit her. But there was no way Grant could hit her. He gently comforted Chloe.

Not far away, Zara and Tony, who were sorting out the paintings, were shocked by Chloe's performance.

Tony couldn't believe his eyes. He said to Zara, "Zara, isn't Chloe usually not the type to act all cutesy?"

Zara rolled her eyes at him and shrugged. "I've been her best friend for years, and this is the first time I've seen her like this."

Tony shook his head. "It seems a bit staged, but Mr. Martin seems to be buying it."

Zara nodded. "I think so too. Looks like Mr. Martin is completely taken by Chloe. We should all try to get on Chloe's good side from now on."

Tony agreed with Zara. As long as they pleased Chloe, no one in Sovereign City would dare to mess with the Gibson family again.

As for Herbert, Tony was sure he was done for.

Grant spent some time comforting Chloe, who then stopped sobbing and explained the incident while Grant made phone calls.

Soon, he instructed Stanley on the other end of the line, "You have half an hour to bring that Herbert guy to me. Otherwise, prepare to write your resignation letter."

While Grant was on the phone, Zara pulled Chloe aside. She lowered her voice and teased Chloe, "Wow, you learned a new trick in just a few days? That performance was something else!"

Chloe wasn't mad at Zara's teasing. She smiled slightly and said, "In Sovereign City, if we don't have power, we have to borrow someone else's. If we're using someone, we have to give them something in return." Hearing Chloe's words, Zara quietly gave her a thumbs up. She added, "Impressive. With that acting, you deserve an Oscar!"

"Shut up. I'm doing this for you, Zara. Don't be ungrateful," Chloe playfully scolded Zara.

Zara closed her mouth. Indeed, Chloe was doing this for her and the Gibson family by using Grant. But Chloe was also doing it for herself, right? She was using every trick to avoid marrying into the Martin family. Just as the two were whispering to each other, Herbert arrived.