Ch. 16..20: Divorced My Scum Husband, Married His Evil brother Chapter 16-20

Chapter 16

"You can be my personal assistant, Sister-in-law. Taking care of all my daily needs," Vernon slowly leaned in, whispered in her ears, like the devil chanting his charm, "Especially in bed."

Chloe's breath stiffened. She lowered her head even more, almost curling at this point, because she wanted to avoid Vernon's lips that were so close to his ear and nape.

She wasn't sure if she heard it right, or maybe her mind was playing tricks on her. Because she just heard Vernon whispering that he wanted her to be his personal assistant, taking care of his daily needs… especially in bed.

'That means he wants me to….' Chloe warded off the thought immediately. 'No, no! That is simply ridiculous! How could he— a—ah, he must've been joking.'

Chloe felt the joke was inappropriate, though. They were technically still in-laws despite her already separating from Vincent. Even after getting the divorce she wanted, wouldn't that be weird to joke around?

'Maybe I'm just too old for this crude joke,' Chloe thought. But she was the one who needed the job, so she had to play it off.

"A—Ahahah… that's funny, Vernon," Chloe gave out her awkward laugh. "I was a little scared when you said that. But then I realized that's impossible, haha… good joke…."

Vernon had expected the reaction from his sister-in-law. After all, she was always the modest type who still believed in traditional love and loyalty after marriage.

Which was also why her marriage with his ever adulterous big brother failed, was it not?

"Maybe this would convince you," Vernon said. His left hand suddenly wrapped around Chloe's shoulder, locking her in place. While his right hand slowly crawled from her collarbone to her neck.

Vernon's big and hot hand wrapped around her fragile neck, making sure that Chloe wouldn't be able to escape while he was whispering something in her ear, "I want you to work under me, spread your thighs and greet me as your Boss. Both in the office and in bed."

Chloe felt a jolt inside her body when Vernon gently licked her earlobe. She struggled, trying to break free from the grasp of this evil bastard.

But Vernon's hands were tightly wrapped around her shoulder and neck. The more she struggled, the tighter it was, choking her slightly as Vernon continued speaking;

"I'm not done yet," Vernon whispered with a sneer in his voice.

"V—Vernon, you're crazy! I'm still your sister-in-law!" Chloe yelled as she tried to break free once more. "—Ack!"

Chloe stopped struggling when Vernon gently pressed his thumb on her esophagus, making it difficult for her to breathe. "

"Any deal with me is a high risk but has a high return. I can give you anything you want, but everything has its price. Think about it, Sister-in-law."

Vernon finally released his grip around Chloe's neck and took a few steps back as Chloe coughed a few times.

She turned around and saw Vernon shrugged and raised his brow light as if he didn't just say something absolutely disgusting to her own sister-in-law!

Although she was in the process of divorce, she was still legally his in-law!

It was also such a shock to Chloe, who was a conservative woman. She had only been in love once and married the same man who took her virginity.

She knew that Vernon was infamous in the gossip news and social media as a playboy who likes to break women's hearts for nothing but pleasure.

She thought it was all exaggeration, but he… he wanted to lay his hand on her?!

Chloe got up from the seat and took a few steps back to distance herself from Vernon. The devil kept on smirking while crossing his hands. He seemed to see this as a game, a joke, perhaps.

"You… did you not realize what you just said? Vernon, we are—"

"We're in-laws, yes. Not for long," Vernon interrupted. "You're probably going to divorce my brother soon. But, even if you're not, I don't really care. I'm just a little curious about you, that's all. Since you can actually make Vincent stay for… two years?"

"You… you're unbelievable," Chloe clenched her fist. "I'm here to find a job to feed my daughter! I'm not here for sex!"

"It's not just sex. I will pay you for that, and I will give you all you need. Isn't that convenient?" Vernon said. "I happened to end my relationship with a woman about thirty minutes ago. She's been nothing but a nuisance."

"I also don't want commitment right now. It's too tiring when I have a big project coming up. That's why I want to hire you to work under me," Vernon said.

Everything that Vernon said was so unbelievable for a traditional woman like Chloe. She was ready to work a hard job just to provide for her daughter, not to sell her body— HELL, it didn't even make sense! She was 35, and he was 25!

He could obviously get any woman he wanted, but now he suddenly wanted to feast on an old lady like her?!

Chloe took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"Vernon, I'm thirty-five years old, you know that? Why would you mess around with a woman like me?"

"I don't have any obligation to tell you," Vincent shrugged with little to no care.

"C—Can you Just please, give me a proper job. I can even be a cleaning lady in your office!" Chloe insisted. Hoping this would melt Vernon's heart. "This is for my daughter. I'm begging you…."

"The only job I can give is to be my personal assistant," Vernon replied. "You can leave now if you don't want it, Sister-in-law. Though, I can tell that you're very desperate for this job."

After realizing that Vernon only gave her one choice, she bit her lip and shook her head fervently, "All I need is a job, not to be your bitch! You're crazy, Vernon Phoenix Gray!"

Chloe stomped her feet as she wanted to leave.

But Vernon blocked her way with his imposing broad shoulder and tall body.

"What? What do you want now? I said I don't want your offer!" Chloe yelled.

"Aw, don't get so worked up, Sister-in-law," he took out a business card from his suit pocket. He grabbed her wrist and put the card in her hand, "This card has my private number. Remember to call me when you change your mind."

Chapter 17

"This card has my private number. Remember to call me when you change your mind," Vernon said with a sneer on his lips.

Chloe gave him a stern look, "You're a bastard, Vernon. Just like your brother."

Chloe sidestepped Vernon and walked away from the CEO's office.

Vernon turned around and watched as Chloe entered the elevator and finally left for good. He scoffed, "Just like my brother? Sister-in-law, I can be a lot worse."

Diamond, his secretary, slowly approached her Boss, who didn't seem to be in a bad mood after that woman named Chloe left.

"B—Boss…"

"What?" Vernon responded curtly, his eyes still staring at the elevator.

"You sure you want to let her go? Isn't she…"

"Don't worry. I am her last savior," Vernon said. His relaxed gaze turned darker as he finally shifted his eyes at his secretary, who got terrified of him. But the smirk stayed, giving the impression of the devil already snared a maiden into his trap, "She will come crawling back to me. Just make sure you prepare the room."

Diamond knew instantly what Mr. Phoenix Gray meant about 'the room.'

She nodded obediently and did what she was told to do.

"Understood, Boss. I will prepare it."

Honestly, Diamond was also terrified of Mr. Phoenix Gray. She had been working with him for almost two years, so she naturally knew many things about him, and it wasn't pretty.

She had cast away all of that idea of romance with her Boss. She focused on her job because Mr. Phoenix Gray paid her really well, twice the amount compared to what a secretary in other companies usually gets.

But other than that? Nope, she didn't want anything to do with his activity. She didn't even understand how those women could throw themselves into a villain's embrace like Vernon Phoenix Gray.

'Who the hell wants to have a deal with the devil?' Diamond thought.

**

Chloe stomped her feet as she left the office building. She was pissed off and felt humiliated.

"I might be desperate, but I didn't come here only to be looked at as a prostitute! You bastard, you're just like your brother!" Chloe yelled aloud and flipped off in front of the building. She checked her phone and found out that she had gotten an email from two companies. They were offering a job as a secretary and receptionist respectively.

"See? I will get a job soon, so fuck you, Vernon Phoenix Gray!"

Chloe ordered an Uber and headed straight to the company that offered a job as a secretary. She hit the end of the age limit since they only accepted women from twenty-five to thirty-five years old.

'That means I have a chance!' Chloe thought positively.

**

She walked into the receptionist and asked about the interview. The receptionist brought her to their CEO's office.

But when Chloe opened the door, she saw the old CEO sitting in his chair, seemingly thinking about something heavy.

Chloe excused herself and sat in the opposite seat because the old CEO didn't seem to respond at all. He just continued staring at her with a troubled gaze.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Lawson. I'm Chloe Carlson, one of the candidates for the new secretary," Chloe introduced herself. She expected the CEO to start the interview, but he asked a different question instead.

"Your name is Chloe Carlson or Chloe Gray?"

"Huh?" Chloe thought he heard it wrong. "Mr. Lawson, how did you know about—"

"Answer me. Is your name Chloe Gray?"

"T—That's my ex-husband's surname, Sir."

"Ah, I see," the old CEO sighed. "Your application is rejected. You may leave now, Mrs. Gray."

…

Chloe was astonished by the sudden rejection. She hadn't even started the interview yet!

"Mr. Lawson, why did you suddenly reject my application? We haven't started the interview. Please give me a chance!" Chloe begged. She was at her wit's end right now. If she didn't get any job today, she might not be able to feed Mackenzie next week.

Mr. Lawson looked pissed. He clicked his tongue, "Because your surname is Gray. I just got a call from the Gray, telling me to reject your application or I will face the consequences."

"Seriously, a powerful family like The Gray wants to bully my small company over a woman like you. Get out now before I get into trouble!" Mr. Lawson yelled. He got up and walked toward Chloe.

He grabbed Chloe's arms and dragged her out. He pushed Chloe out of his office roughly. Chloe lost her balance and fell to the floor. She looked up, and the door was slammed, ensuring that Chloe didn't think about a second chance.

Mr. Lawson's secretary saw everything, but she was glued to her seat. She also didn't dare to help Chloe because this was the first time she heard Mr. Lawson getting that angry.

"M—Ma'am, I suggest you leave now. I don't think Mr. Lawson is in the right mind now," the secretary advised.

Chloe didn't respond. She just got up from her ground and hobbled as she left the office. She sat on a bench to rest because everything was shocking for her.

Chloe was still trying to process what just happened as the realization hit her when she got an email from the other company. She was supposed to have an interview today.

—

Mrs. Chloe Carlson; Mrs. Chloe Gray;

Due to a sudden change of decision from the HR Department, we have to regretfully reject your application to work as a receptionist in our company.

We also implore you not to come to our office today, and this is a direct order from the higher-ups.

Thank you, and good luck with your application.

Chapter 18

 

Chloe's hand was shaking as she was completely heartbroken after reading the email. She thought this job interview would be her last chance, hoping it would be enough to bounce back and provide for her and her daughter.

But a certain man dared to ruin her already messed-up life even more! He couldn't just sit still and let her live as a middle-aged woman trying to piece her life together!

She clenched her phone, trying her hardest not to cry because it would show that she had failed to live independently.

"That piece of shit!" Chloe cursed. She searched her ex-husband's contact and pressed call immediately. "Fucking jerk! How could he— I know he is a cheating bastard, but how could he do this to his own daughter?! Does he not realize that doing this to me will also hurt Mackenzie?!"

Chloe was so sure that Vincent stopped those two companies from accepting her. Vincent was the one with the power to do this kind of thing. His company had a lot of branches and cooperation with other corporations, so it wouldn't be difficult for Vincent to tell those smaller companies to discard her job application if they wanted to continue the cooperation.

Naturally, those companies decided to save their asses first.

The phone beeped many times until there was a long beep. Vincent didn't pick up the call.

"Damn it!"

Chloe tried calling him a few more times, hoping that he would pick up the call. She didn't know what she would say to that bastard, but she wanted to vent her anger first.

Unfortunately, Vincent was uncontactable right now.

Chloe scoffed, "Maybe that bastard is laughing his ass off right now, thinking about how desperate I must be to get a job to feed Mackenzie…."

…

"Am I really a useless woman who can't do anything?" Chloe asked herself. She started to have doubts, maybe even fear. Fear about how she might need to return to Vincent and kiss his feet, begging for his forgiveness…

Chloe bit her lower lip, trying hard not to cry as she refused to return to the same tormenting life with Vincent.

She got up defeatedly and bought two sandwiches from the nearest 7-Eleven for Mackenzie's dinner. She had little to no money to pick Mackie up from her school with Uber, but her school was private, and there was no bus stop.

She arrived at Mackie's school and saw the little girl standing in front of the school gate. She looked pissed. Maybe it was that Jaden boy messing around with her again.

Chloe got out of the car and approached her daughter, "Mackie, what's wrong?"

…

Mackie looked up to her Mommy and grabbed her hand instantly, "Mommy, I wanna go home…."

"Okay, let's go home, okay?"

Mackenzie obediently followed her Mommy to the Uber car, and they returned to the Motel. Mackenzie was silent the whole time, even after changing her clothes and eating a sandwich as dinner in the Motel room.

"Mackie, what's wrong? Can you tell Mommy?" Chloe asked.

Mackenzie finally looked up to her Mommy, and tears started glazing in her eyes.

"Oh no, don't cry!" Chloe kneeled in front of Mackenzie and wiped the tears building at the edge of her eyes. "What's wrong? Is it Jaden again?"

"Yes, Mommy…" Mackenzie nodded weakly. "He said that he heard his Mommy, Auntie Jada, was kissing with Daddy, and Daddy told Auntie Jada that he… Uhm… he won't pay for my school."

"Mommy, Jaden said that Mackie will be expelled from the school because I can't pay…." Mackenzie stared at Chloe, begging for an assurance, "Mommy, it's not true, right? Why would Daddy do that?"

Again, Chloe was torn between telling Mackenzie the truth about her cheating bastard father or continuing to defend him. Had she followed her ego, she would say outright that Vincent was a cheating bastard with no remorse or love, even for his own daughter.

But at the same time, she didn't want to scar Mackenzie for life.

Chloe hugged Mackenzie gently and caressed her hair, "Of course, it's not true! You will continue going to school every day, of course."

"But, what about Jaden…"

"He is just speaking nonsense! Just ignore him!"

"Um…" Mackenzie rested his head on her Mommy's shoulder. "Mommy, I want to go home."

"We're at home now."

"Not here, I mean… our home with Daddy! I want to meet Daddy!"

"That… we can't do that, Mackie. Your Daddy is still too busy," Chloe said. "Just stay here for a while, okay?"

"I don't wanna!" Mackenzie started struggling and pushed her mother away. She looked mad and threw a tantrum, "I wanna go home!"

"D—Dear, we will stay—"

"I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I wanna go home!" Mackenzie started stomping the floor and cried out loud.

"Sshhh! Not too loud—"

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Chloe and Mackenzie were shocked when a loud banging noise came from the wall, followed by a loud yell, "SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

Mackenzie trembled as she had never felt as much fear like this. She hugged her Mommy for protection, and Chloe immediately put her on the bed. "Don't be too loud, okay?"

"M—Mommy, who is that?"

"That's a stranger, of course. You can't be too loud because they also need rest."

"W—Will he hurt us?"

"No, as long as you're not yelling and crying, of course," Chloe said. She kissed Mackenzie's forehead. "Sleep early tonight. You must be tired, right?"

"Um…" Mackenzie stopped sobbing because she was more terrified than ever, afraid that her voice would be heard. She whispered, "Mommy, I want to leave this picnic and return home. I'm scared…."

Chapter 19

"Mommy, I want to leave this picnic and return home. I'm scared…."

Chloe smiled bitterly and caressed Mackie's hair. She had no answer to that because there was no way in hell she would return to Vincent.

But if she said no to Mackie, she would probably throw another tantrum. So she asked, "What if we moved to a better home instead? We can't return home because Daddy is still busy. But we can always move to a better home…."

"Ah! I would love that!" Mackenzie nodded happily. She was too accustomed to her old home, where she didn't need to shush-shush. "When will we move, Mommy? Tomorrow?"

"D—Don't worry. It won't be long," Chloe said.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Okay, Mommy, good night," Mackenzie felt a lot better after getting the promise that she wanted. She closed her eyes and fell asleep after such a long day.

The smile on Chloe's lips faltered after Mackie fell asleep. She sighed deeply because the worry in her heart grew even more. She was worried about her saving, her job hunting, Mackie's demand to move somewhere else, and also her school tuition.

Mackenzie's tuition fee was paid per semester, and the semester was about to end. Chloe needed to get a big sum of money to pay for that tuition through any means.

"Should I… call that bastard?" Chloe asked herself. She hated to call that bastard, but this was for Mackenzie's study. So it was a shared responsibility.

Chloe braced herself and grabbed her phone. She dialed a number, and after a few beeps, the man finally picked up.

—

"Calling me now?" Vincent asked as he picked up the call. He chuckled as he had already guessed that Chloe was desperate.

…

Chloe took another deep breath to calm herself. There was no reason to fight Vincent, at least not when it was about Mackie's future. She really wanted to curse this bastard for ruining all her chances of getting a job.

"This semester is about to end. You need to pay Mackie's tuition," Chloe said coldly.

"Tuition? Well, of course, that's my legal responsibility," Vincent replied lightly. "I thought you were the one who would take care of her. The 'brave woman' is nothing but a deadbeat, huh?"

"Shut up, Vincent. You're the one who ruined my chance to get a job!" Chloe went to the bathroom and closed the door so she wouldn't wake Mackenzie up while she raised her voice towards this asshole.

"Ruined your chance?"

"I know you're the one who forbids all of them to take me in!" Chloe accused, venting out her frustration. "You know how much of a dirty bastard you are? Does it feel good to see me not able to feed Mackie?!"

Vincent didn't really understand what Chloe was talking about. He did nothing so far because he had already expected Chloe to fail. She was nothing but a dumb woman, after all.

But, he liked that she thought her downfall was his cause. Just thinking of teaching this bitch a few things about humility and obedience gave him the thrill!

"Well, I don't care whether you got a job. I know an incompetent woman like you has no chance to work," Vincent mocked. "Anyway, if you want the money to pay for Mackie's tuition, you have to meet me at home. As long as you beg, I will give it to you."

"Fuck no!" Chloe responded harshly. "I will never step on that fucking house, not after you've done to me, Vincent!"

"Besides, do you think I can't bring this to the court? Mackenzie's future is also your responsibility!" Chloe continued raising her voice while sitting on the toilet seat. This was the only place where she could vent without waking Mackie up. "They will force you to pay up!"

"Haha! Chloe Gray, you're such an idiot!" Vincent ridiculed. "I can always give you the money as long as you're willing to meet me. Do you think that the court won't favor me? I'm the husband who wants you back, remember?"

"I bet they will force you to 'fix' our relationship through marriage counseling and consider it done," Vincent said. He smirked as he could sense the dread in Chloe across the call.

"You're not going to get anything from me without the divorce, you dumb bitch. And I will never sign that divorce paper. I will even plead for marriage counseling in the court instead," Vincent told his solid plan to Chloe, and the latter was too stunned to speak. "Honestly, my track record is so clean, and with the help of a few strings I can pull, you'll be the one who ended up with nothing but regrets, Chloe Gray."

…

"So, I'm just going to say this one more time before hanging up. Crawl back to me, and I will forgive you and your dumb decisions. It's that easy."

Beep.

Vincent hung up the call without waiting for Chloe's response, leaving her speechless and hopeless.

Chloe could hear a crack in her heart. For some idiotic reason, she thought that Vincent still cared for Mackenzie.

Of course, he wouldn't. He cheated on her while Mackie was still inside her belly. He never actually loved his own daughter.

Chloe lowered her head, staring at the tears that started dropping from his eyes to her thighs, "There is no point in calling that bastard in the first place. I'm all alone…."

Chapter 20

Chloe sat limply on the toilet seat for a while. She felt hopeless, too hopeless, that she started thinking if she could ever escape from that bastard Vincent Gray.

He blocked her way out. She had no job, no way to pay for her daughter's tuition, and no money, even if she filed a lawsuit for child neglect. Technically, what Vincent said was true. He would give her all the money, as long as she was willing to meet him again. The court would probably advise marriage counseling instead.

Because Vincent never hurt her physically, the court would think of this as a regular couple fight.

But Chloe also felt that meeting Vincent would only lead to her demise, she didn't know what he would do, but she refused to meet that shithead again.

Thus, she was already out of options… except that one…

Chloe wiped the tears before leaving the bedroom in case Mackie suddenly woke up.

Chloe opened her bag and took the business card handed to her before she stomped out of the CEO's office.

—

Vernon Phoenix Gray

917 - 111 - xxxx

—

There was no occupation, address, et cetera. It was just a simple card that showed the name and number.

Honestly, Chloe hesitated to call this man. He was no different than Vincent. They were both the same perverts in a different bodies. They also shared the same view of women, thinking they were nothing but a tool to vent their demons.

"Those Gray brothers really know how to play with a desperate woman like me…." Chloe mumbled and preferred if she didn't need to call anyone right now.

But she really needed money right now, no matter what. This was for the sake of Mackie's study and wellbeing.

Chloe closed her eyes to brace herself before calling the demon who offered her the contract to sell her body. She glanced at Mackie, who was sleeping on the bed, and reassured herself, "I will do whatever it takes. This is for my daughter, even if that means I have to… sell my body to the devil."

Chloe entered Vernon's number and called. She called her three times until Vernon finally picked up the call.

—

"Good evening, Sister-in-law," Vernon greeted with his magnetic voice. Judging by his playful tone, he seemed to be well aware of something. "I suppose you're calling me because of that job offer, right?"

"Y—Yeah," Chloe replied. She tried to sound more polite, knowing that she licked her own spit in less than a day and called him out of desperation.

"I… I will accept the offer," Chloe replied. She fidgeted as her body burned out of shame from head to toe. "I will… I will do anything as long as I get the money…."

"Hmm, I mean, I've always wanted to know the sensation of fucking my own sister-in-law," Vernon replied.

"Then can I—"

"—But I got a call from my Big brother about three hours ago. Now the case is different."

Chloe's scalp went numb. She already guessed that Vincent would've called his little brother first. They might not have the best relationship, but they were still brothers. So it was pretty obvious whose side Vernon would take.

"He called me, saying that he wants me not to accept you had you come to my office. He wants you to make sure that you're not going to get in my office," Vernon informed. He sounded convincing enough that Chloe believed it instantly. "I'm not sure if I want to play with you now, Sister-in-law. I don't want to get to his bad side. He is the one who owns Gray's businesses, not me."

"P—Please, Vernon, I really need your help! Please just ignore Vincent's words and let me work in your office instead!" Chloe said on the phone. "Vincent has stopped two companies from hiring me, preventing me from getting any job for Mackenzie!"

"Damn, he would abuse his power to stop anyone from hiring you?" Vernon gawked, playing alone with Chloe, who was desperate for the job she turned down a few hours ago. "What a vile man. I didn't know that my brother would use his power to bully you!."

"That's why…." Chloe leaned on the wall, trying to stay calm as she felt her chance was getting slimmer. "Please take me in. I really need the job…."

"If I hire you, that means I will be facing my brother's wrath," Vernon said. "But, let's see if you're worthy of all the troubles. Come to my office tomorrow morning. I will have to test you first."

"T—Test? What kind—"

"Have a good sleep, Sister-in-law."

Beep.

"Damn it!" Chloe cursed as she felt her knees getting weaker. She sat on the floor, folding her legs and burying her face in her thighs. She was scared of what Vernon would do to her tomorrow.

She wished that Vernon was not the monster like his Big brother. But at the same time, her gut feeling told her that Vernon was no different than Vincent. He might be even worse than that unfeeling bastard.

Chloe was so done dealing with the Gray family. But she had no way out now. Nobody would help her except Vernon Phoenix Gray.

Chloe crawled to the bed and laid beside Mackenzie who was sleeping soundly.

She kissed her daughter's cheek and reminded herself, "This is for my daughter. Everything is for her, even if I have to—"

Chloe had no gut to say that she would become a prostitute to the young Gray, especially in front of her daughter. So she closed her eyes and wished that everything was just a nightmare.