Chapter 3: Can She Only Rely on Him?

Five million dollars was an astronomical figure for Chloe at that moment, but she still shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Blake, I can't agree to that," Chloe's voice was soft but resolute.

Donovan's expression darkened instantly, and the atmosphere around him grew colder.

"Get out," he said coldly.

This was the first time anyone had refused him.

Chloe turned silently and walked toward the door. Her steps were heavy, each one feeling like she was treading on cotton, soft and powerless.

As she exited the CEO's office, Chloe felt a wave of exhaustion, her back drenched in cold sweat.

Returning to her desk, she slumped into her chair, feeling as if her soul had been drained from her body.

Her internship was nearing its end, and whether she could secure a permanent position was crucial for her. A stable job was what she needed most right now.

Her phone suddenly vibrated, and Chloe trembled as she opened the voice message from her brother, Jacob Baker.

His voice message was filled with urgency, "Chloe, you heartless girl, Mom's condition is really bad. Get to the hospital now!"

Chloe's mind went blank with a loud buzz. She grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office, not even having time to formally request leave, only managing to apply online to the finance director.

The hospital reeked of disinfectant. Chloe sprinted to the ward, seeing her mother lying pale on the bed, tubes connected all over her body.

"How is Mom?" Chloe's voice trembled.

"The doctor says she needs surgery immediately." Jacob's expression was clearly displeased, and his tone was accusatory.

The surgery would cost a fortune. Chloe felt the weight of the pressure crushing her. She silently prayed, hoping for some divine intervention for her troubled family.

When she left the hospital, it was already past eight in the evening. It was pouring rain outside, and Chloe had no umbrella, so she walked back in the rain. She wanted to return to the office to finish her work.

The rain blurred her vision. As she reached the building, she looked up and saw a familiar figure in the lobby.

It was Donovan!

He was standing by the automatic doors, talking on the phone, his profile looking particularly stern under the lights.

Chloe's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively wanted to hide. She didn't want Donovan to see her in such a sorry state, nor did she want any further entanglements with him.

She lowered her head and quickly walked around the lobby toward the elevators. She hoped he hadn't seen her.

She thought again about the five million dollars he had mentioned. It was like a mountain of gold, weighing down on her.

One year could bring her the stability she dreamed of and the money to save her mother.

With that five million dollars, she wouldn't have to beg anyone anymore. She wouldn't have to grovel for a few thousand dollars for medical bills. Her mother's illness could be treated, and she could finally prepare for her CPA exam in peace.

But at what cost?

Donovan, a shrewd businessman, was calculating everything to the last detail. The deal was too tempting for her. But it was selling herself!

Chloe's mind was in turmoil. She thought about her dreams of love. Was she really going to give up everything for money?

Chloe felt like an invisible hand was squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe.

Her phone vibrated. It was a message from the finance director, James Turner.

Chloe opened it, and her heart sank. Her leave request was denied, followed by a string of reprimands:[Chloe, you've taken too many leaves this month, severely affecting work progress!]

[Even though you promised to make up the time, the attendance records don't lie!]

[If you continue like this, your chances of passing the probation evaluation are slim!]

Each word was like a dagger, stabbing Chloe's heart.

She bit her lip hard, her nails digging into her palms.

No, she couldn't be defeated like this!

Chloe forced herself to calm down. She needed to pass the CPA exam and make the most of her opportunity at New East Group.

She had to change her fate!

She quickly replied to the director: [I'm sorry, Mr. Turner. I promise I won't make the same mistake again. I'll prove my capability with my actions!]

After sending the message, Chloe threw herself into her work.

She had to work harder than anyone else to make up for her past mistakes.

Time ticked by, and soon the office was empty, with only Chloe still working diligently.

At four in the morning, Chloe finally completed her tasks ahead of schedule.

She rubbed her tired eyes and stretched her stiff body.

Standing by the window, Chloe looked at the night sky, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Suddenly, her phone rang, breaking the silence.

It was Dr. Lloyd Johnson.

Chloe's heart tightened with a sense of foreboding.

"Ms. Baker, your mother's condition has worsened. She has developed complications and needs surgery immediately. Please come and pay the fees."

"How much will it cost?" Chloe's voice choked.

"Sixty thousand dollars," Lloyd paused, "And we recommend hiring a caregiver for 24-hour care."

Sixty thousand dollars.

Chloe felt the world spinning, almost losing her balance.

She steadied herself and pleaded with the doctor, "Dr. Johnson, please give me a few more days. I'll gather the money as soon as possible."

After hanging up, Chloe collapsed into her chair, tears streaming down her face.

She thought of her critically ill mother, the hospital bills, and her own financial struggles.

No, she couldn't hesitate any longer!

Chloe clenched her fists. She had to seize this opportunity to solve her problems.

She decided to find Donovan and negotiate with him.

At least she needed to secure more leverage for herself.

Reality was too harsh.

Her father's death had shattered their family.

That year, her father had an accident at the construction site. Although they received compensation, her mother couldn't handle the blow and had a mental breakdown, followed by a car accident.

Six years had passed, and their savings were long gone; even the compensation money was nearly depleted.

Her brother had fought with her over treatment plans, straining their relationship.

Now she was truly at a dead end.

Was Donovan her only option?

Chloe's mind was in chaos. She thought of Donovan and the five million dollars.

She wavered.

She needed to see Donovan immediately!

For her mother, for her family, she had to make a choice.

At dawn, around five in the morning, Chloe climbed the stairs to Donovan's office, anxiously waiting.

Time crawled by, each second feeling like an eternity.

Finally, she saw Donovan's figure.

He was here!