Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 177: Hiding Something

"No, but I believe she'll want to see me." He leaned in slightly. "Tell her I'm a lawyer," he said, trying not to let his frown and disbelief show.

She lost her father just yesterday, yet she still went to work today?

That didn't sit right with him. A grieving daughter wouldn't be in the office the day after her father was murdered—unless, of course, she had other motives. Matthew thought while keeping his gaze on the receptionist.

The woman hesitated before picking up the phone. Matthew watched as she relayed his request. A moment later, she nodded and turned to him.

"Miss Stone will see you. You may proceed to the 15th floor—her office is at the end of the hallway."

"Thank you."

He stepped into the elevator, his mind already crafting his approach. If Chloe was involved, she was a smart manipulator. He had to be careful not to show his suspicions too soon.

The elevator doors slid open, and he walked down the sleek hallway to her office. When he stepped inside, the first thing he noticed was how pristine everything was—too pristine. There were no personal touches, no sign of a woman grieving the loss of her father or anything of the sort.

Chloe sat behind a large desk, dressed in an elegant black dress that was more business than mourning. Her sharp eyes assessed him as he entered.

"You're the lawyer?" she asked, arching a perfectly shaped brow. She had somehow feared it was probably Mr. Sherlock and that the boys had failed her in carrying out the order.

Matthew nodded, offering a polite smile. "Matthew Lewis. Thank you for seeing me."

Chloe folded her arms. "I assume you're here about my brother or father?"

"Yes, your brother." Matthew took a seat across from her. "But before we get into that, I wanted to extend my condolences. Losing a parent is never easy, no matter when."

The moment the words left his mouth, Chloe's expression crumbled. She let out a shaky breath and suddenly broke into sobs, startling Matthew as she covered her face with her hands.

Though the action had startled Matthew, he still watched her carefully.

There was something calculated about the way her shoulders trembled, as if she wanted him to see just how devastated she was.

Chloe sniffled, dabbing at her eyes. "I still can't believe he's gone," she whispered. "He was my everything."

Matthew tilted his head slightly. "And yet, you're here at work the very next day."

Chloe stiffened. It was only for a fraction of a second, but Matthew caught it.

Why did he make such comment? Was he suspecting her? But why? She hadn't done anything that'd make him suspect her in any way so what and why was he making such comments?

There was no way she'd let him read meanings into her being at the office.

She quickly composed herself and let out a small, bitter laugh. "Work helps me cope. I didn't want to sit around and drown in grief. My father wouldn't have wanted that. Besides, I needed to oversee the company since Hunter can't from behind bars."

Matthew nodded as if he accepted that answer, though he didn't believe it for a second.

"I have to ask," he continued, his tone calm but probing, "if you believe Hunter killed your father, why haven't you been more vocal about it? You didn't speak to the press. You haven't been at the police station demanding justice."

Chloe's eyes darkened. "I don't owe anyone a public display of my pain."

"Fair enough," Matthew conceded. "But I just find it... interesting. You're here at work, seemingly holding things together, and yet, you believe your own brother murdered your father."

Chloe's jaw tightened. "Are you here to interrogate me, Mr. Lewis?"

Looking at him, she could tell he probably didn't know anything... no, he didn't know anything so why was he asking her such questions? Did he believe Hunter was innocent?

What was she thinking, of course he would. He was Hunter's lawyer after all. Too bad there was no way he could prove that. She thought with a smirk.

Matthew gave her an easy smile. "No. Just trying to understand the dynamics of the situation."

Chloe scoffed and shook her head. "Let me guess—Hunter sent you to convince me to forgive him because he probably didn't mean to do what he did?"

Matthew leaned forward slightly. "Hunter didn't send me. I came because I wanted to hear your side of things."

Chloe let out a sharp laugh. "My side? What's there to say? My father is dead because of Hunter's selfishness. I tried so many times to get him to see that our father loved him. But he was too blinded by anger."

She shook her head dramatically. "And now, he's killed him."

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Matthew watched her closely. She was trying too hard. It was like she wanted to paint Hunter as the villain but in a way that made her seem like the heartbroken sister.

If you're trying this hard to convince me, what are you trying to hide? He asked himself, looking at her.

Chloe sighed and looked away. "Even though he's my only family, I can't forgive him. I feel bad, but... he deserves to rot in jail for what he did."

Matthew sat back in his chair, studying her. There was no warmth, no genuine sadness—just well-placed words and carefully crafted grief.

There was no way he'd buy her act but he also knew that if he pushed too hard, she'd shut him out and probably figure out what wrong.

So, instead, he simply nodded. "I see. I'll make sure he pays for his crimes," he said and she nodded before thanking him.

Chloe narrowed her eyes slightly, as if she expected more. When Matthew didn't offer any further arguments, she tilted her head.

"Well, if that's all..."

Matthew stood. "Yes. Thank you for your time."

He extended his hand, and after a brief hesitation, Chloe shook it.

As he walked out of her office, his mind was already racing. Chloe Stone was hiding something and he was going to find out what.