Chloe laughed lightly, clicking her tongue, amusement sparking in her gaze as she stared at Mikael.
"Come on, Mikael, that's way too cheesy."
Mikael smirked slightly, unbothered, unfazed, completely comfortable standing in his own dramatics.
"You still like it, though."
She scoffed—but she didn't deny it.
Then—without hesitation, without a second thought—she walked forward, hand still securely gripping Carter's small fingers.
And then—she hugged Mikael.
Fully.
Like there was no tomorrow.
Like she hadn't spent years away.
Like she remembered exactly who she had been in his presence.
Because Mikael had always spoiled her. Protected her. Made sure she knew she was never truly alone.
And now—the familiarity settled in.
Meanwhile, Miley? Frozen. Stunned. Trying to process the scene before her.
Who was this woman?
Who was this Chloe—standing there, comfortably wrapped in their CEO's arms, fitting into his world without hesitation?
And Mikael? He held her tightly, exhaling softly before his gaze flickered downward.
Carter.
Small, perceptive, eyes sharp despite his quietness.
Mikael smiled slightly.
"He looks a little bit like our dad."
Chloe inhaled sharply—but before she could respond, Mikael's focus shifted.
His voice sharpened.
He turned slightly, barely sparing Miley a glance.
Then—calm, clipped, final.
"Aria."
The secretary rose from her desk in the executive wing, moving quickly, stepping into the lobby.
And the second she saw Chloe? She stopped—eyes wide, breath catching.
Mikael barely paused before issuing the command.
"Dismiss her. Whoever she is. I don't need that kind of attitude here."
Aria flickered a glance toward Miley, nodding smoothly.
"Understood."
Then—her gaze met Chloe's, barely holding back recognition, excitement, something deeper.
But Chloe? She didn't wait for a nod.
She rushed forward.
Without restraint. Without hesitation.
"I miss you so much, Aria."
Her voice cracked.
Her grip tightened.
"I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye."
And as tears pressed against the edges of her lashes, the weight of everything she walked away from finally caught up to her.