Rural Belle & Three Heirs
Chapter 80 Are You Very Afraid of Me?

Chloe had just sent a message to Liam when he replied: [She's volunteering at the orphanage? That's so sweet of her! I really like her, she's my idol for a reason.] Chloe rolled her eyes at Liam's message. She didn't want to waste time and shot back: [Cut the crap, are you coming or not? If not, I'll let your idol know.] Liam quickly responded: [Of course, I'm in.]

With Liam's confirmation, Chloe felt relieved. Liam had a bunch of friends who were into motorcycles and had some serious cash. The money they blew on bikes could fund the orphanage for years. No way Liam was going alone. He needed to bring his crew.

Thinking of this, Chloe sent another message: [There's a lot to do at the orphanage. Bring some friends to help your goddess.]

Liam replied fast: [Got it, ugly girl. Having you around is a blessing. Once I master those motorcycle skills from my idol, I'll owe you big time.]

Chloe ignored Liam and turned to Philip and Rena to figure out how to trick Michael into going to the orphanage.

At the same time, she messaged Zara, asking her to be at the orphanage that day and to bring her journalist friends-Since Chloe wanted to raise funds for the orphanage, she needed to create some buzz. She aimed to gather high-profile celebs and well-known figures to get them to open their wallets.

That evening, when Chloe got back to the Martin Mansion, the three brothers weren't home yet. Usually, Chloe would head upstairs to shower and change as soon as she got home, but today, she had to scheme against Michael, so she stayed downstairs. She grabbed her laptop and settled in the living room, starting to plot her plan.

Within a few minutes, Michael, who had been filming all day, walked in. Seeing Chloe busy in the living room, he curiously approached. "Chloe, what are you up to?"

Chloe looked up at Michael and said, "Just making a plan."

"Oh? I didn't know college students needed to make plans. Let me see what kind of plan you're making." Michael was always chatty, especially when he sensed Chloe was up to something interesting, so he easily stepped into the trap. Michael took Chloe's laptop and glanced at it.

"A plan for volunteering at the orphanage..." Michael read out loud.

Chloe played it cool. "Oh, don't bother looking. How could a big star like you volunteer at an orphanage? It doesn't mean anything to you. Besides, even if you wanted to volunteer, you couldn't handle the hardship. It's late, go upstairs and wash up for bed."

Chloe's reverse psychology worked like a charm. Michael immediately said, "Chloe, are you underestimating me? You think I can't handle a bit of hardship? Plus, volunteering at the orphanage is good for my image as an actor. I'm telling you, I'm going to that volunteer event whether you like it or not. And if you don't take me, forget about any film investments from me in the future."

After saying that, Michael jotted down the time and place from Chloe's laptop, put away his phone, and headed upstairs, leaving Chloe stunned.

She had thought Liam was easy to manipulate, but Michael too? Just a few words and he was on board? This was almost too easy.

Surprised, Chloe shared Michael's reaction in her group chat with Philip and Rena.

Philip replied: [Chloe, from what you said, Michael seems gullible. Just a little push and he's in?]

Chloe was just as baffled: [Exactly! I thought I'd have to be more clever about it.]

Rena reassured her: [Don't overthink it. Since he's agreed, let's get ready. Chloe, we'll follow your plan and work separately. Whether we can raise the money for the orphanage depends on us.] After chatting with them, Chloe closed her laptop. Helping the orphanage through this crisis would be the most meaningful thing she had done in her college life.

With Michael's part settled, Chloe picked up her laptop and was about to head upstairs when Grant walked in.

He was wearing a long trench coat that suited his tall frame, giving him a commanding presence. He seemed to have had a bit to drink, and as he entered, a slight scent of alcohol reached Chloe.

As he took off his coat, he greeted Chloe, his deep eyes locking onto her. Chloe felt a bit flustered. Lately, she'd been inexplicably nervous around Grant. Was it their misaligned energies?

Chloe wanted to make a quick exit. But Grant's cool voice stopped her. "Chloe, what were you busy with today? You left early this morning."

Grant had woken up late and found Chloe wasn't home. When he asked the servants, they said she had gone to school. He wanted to know what Chloe had been up to but didn't want to text her, so he waited until he got home to ask. Chloe stammered, unsure how to respond. Was he really interested in her, as Zara had suggested?

Grant seemed to sense her discomfort and added, "Don't think I'm meddling. You're still in college, and Nicholas and my grandfather asked us to look out for you, so naturally, I pay more attention to what you're up to." Hearing this, Chloe calmed down, realizing she might have been overthinking.

Seeing Chloe not answering, Grant, having hung up his coat, walked over to her. He looked at her expression and lowered his face, asking, "So nervous? Are you afraid of me?"