Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover novel Chapter 495

"I don't hate you. We can wipe the slate clean and move on. I just need you to stop interfering in my life."

"That's not gonna happen."

Linda's voice was shaky with emotion. "Chloe, I've told you before: you'll never get rid of me, not in this lifetime."

Chloe had expected this. Linda wouldn't let go. Whenever Chloe started to feel a bit stronger, Linda would latch onto her like a ghost that wouldn't quit haunting.

"Linda, what do you really want from me? What's your end game here?"

The question seemed to throw Linda off for a moment. But Chloe wasn't having any of it. She let out a bitter laugh. "You want me to crash and burn, don't you? You want to see me lose it all—my life, my reputation, everyone I care about. You want to see me end up with nothing, like some stray dog, isn't that right?"

These were Linda's own words from the past, and Chloe could recall them as if it were yesterday. She remembered the crazed look on Linda's face when she said them.

Linda looked up with a sudden laugh. "Yeah, Chloe, I want you to be like I was before I met you—the old me."

"Chloe, I've been reminiscing about our high school days. Remember how you covered my tuition because I couldn't afford it? Books, fees, you’d always sneak money into my backpack. You were so worried I’d feel guilty that you had me run errands, like buying breakfast. You loved those fishball pancakes, said you'd never tasted anything that good. But they weren't store-bought; I made them for you every morning."

"Do you know how tough it is to make fishballs? The fish has to be fresh. I'd hit the market at dawn to get the best fish, simmer them into a creamy broth for the dough, then mix the fish meat in to make the pancakes. To make those fishballs for you, I’d be up by four every morning. Sometimes, I'd wake my mom and get an earful."

Chloe was floored. Back in their sophomore year, she and Linda were tight. Knowing Linda was strapped for cash, Chloe would always sneak bills into her backpack. One time, when Linda tried to return the money, it slipped out along with a plastic bag of fishballs. Chloe just grabbed one, took a bite, and said with a grin, "Consider it payment for these fishballs. They’re worth every cent."