Rural Belle & Three Heirs

Listening to her grandfather's roar, Chloe felt a headache coming on. She helplessly moved her phone a bit away, fearing that the deafening sound might pierce her eardrums. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner agitation.

'Grandpa, I'm at least a decent-looking girl, do you really worry so much that I won't get married?' Chloe retorted weakly, her voice filled with a touch of helplessness and fatigue.

Ever since she became an adult, her grandfather seemed to have treated her marriage as the most important issue, as if it were his life's mission. And every time this topic came up, Nicholas would get particularly emotional.

On the other end of the line, Nicholas's voice remained loud and firm. "I don't care, anyway, I want you to marry the boy from the Martin family. Their family is well-off andnoveldrama

a good match. If you dare call off the engagement, I'll turn against you!"

Chloe listened to her grandfather's uncompromising tone, feeling a mixture of emotions. She knew her grandfather meant well, but such intense expectations and pressure made her feel incredibly stifled.

"That's it, I'm done talking." Before Chloe could respond, Nicholas hung up abruptly. Staring at her phone, Chloe shook her head in exasperation.

She was convinced her grandfather had been charmed by the Martin family. Otherwise, why would he insist she marry one of their men?

She wished she could tell Nicholas that the man she wanted had to be at least a little stronger than her, even if he wasn't a legendary hero. Only a strong partnership could achieve great things, right?

Because of the company's affairs, Chloe was busy until very late before returning to the Martin Mansion. Dragging her tired body upstairs, she was prepared to take a shower and go to bed. She completely failed to notice that there seemed to be no traces of Michael and Liam living in the large villa anymore.

After her shower, Chloe lay down on her bed. Just as she was about to fall asleep, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Chloe called out towards the door.

Grant's gentle voice came from outside, "It's me..."

"It's so late, I'm already in bed," Chloe said tiredly, not wanting to move. Running a small company with limited funds meant she had to handle many things herself.

Ignoring Chloe's words, Grant found a key and unlocked her door.

Chloe, who had just lain down, looked at the uninvited Grant with exasperation.

She pulled the blanket up, wrapping it around her body, and then she asked, "Grantie, I am really already in bed. You are a man, and I am a woman. You can't keep using your key to open my room door. What would others think if they saw?"

Chloe lifted her delicate face, clearly displeased, and grumbled at Grant.

Grant glanced at her, then went outside to bring in a tray with a steaming bowl of pasta.

He said, "Don't worry, Liam and Michael have moved out. My Grandpa thought they might disturb our relationship."

"What?" Chloe was speechless at this news.

"Several of the household servants have been sent to other places. Now, only the chef, cleaners, and Mia, among a few others, remain. They have all worked for the Martin Family for a long time. They won't gossip." Grant continued. "So, you don't need to worry about anyone seeing."

Grant's words instantly silenced Chloe.

She sat awkwardly on her bed, feeling as if she were trapped in a dire situation. The atmosphere in the room was somewhat delicate, and her mood was extremely weary from a busy day.

"I noticed you were busy all day and haven't eaten anything. I made a bowl of pasta soup for you. Come on, get up and have a bite," Grant gently placed the pasta on the small table by the bed and softly coaxed Chloe to eat.

Chloe had no appetite at all; she just wanted to rest. She replied weakly, "I don't want to eat... I just want to sleep." After speaking, she curled up in her blanket and lazily closed her eyes, trying to escape the exhaustion of reality.

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Seeing this, Grant sighed lightly, reached out, and gently pulled her out of the covers, then held her tenderly in his arms. He reminded her softly but firmly, "You must eat something. You're already skinny, and if you skip more meals, you'll turn into skin and bones. Not eating regularly is also bad for your stomach. Please, listen to me. Eat first and then sleep."

Grant's voice was gentle yet firm, like coaxing a child. His carefulness and concern instantly softened Chloe's defenses. She felt the warmth of his embrace, and her mood gradually became more relaxed.

Chloe suddenly realized that there was truth in saying that older men indeed knew how to care for people better. She couldn't help but think that having such a considerate man by her side was actually quite nice.

Grant brought the bowl of pasta closer and fed Chloe bit by bit. His cooking was surprisingly good; the pasta was soft and warm, giving a comforting, homey feeling.

After a few bites, Chloe felt full. Grant pressed a button on the small table, and soon Mia came up to collect the dishes.

Seeing Chloe nestled in bed while Grant carefully tended to her, the always-cheerful Mia couldn't resist teasing Chloe.

"Miss Davis, look at Mr. Martin, taking such meticulous care of you," Mia said, covering her mouth as she laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"You know, you came home a bit late. He was waiting for you on the little balcony, not taking his eyes off the road for a second. As soon as he saw you get out of the car, he hurried back to the kitchen to make you a bowl of pasta himself," Mia continued, her tone playful.

"I've been working for the Martin Family for so long and never once have I seen Mr. Martin step foot in the kitchen. Miss Davis, you're so lucky. Mr. Martin really treats you incredibly well," Mia added with a smile, her voice filled with envy and teasing.

Mia's words left Chloe quite surprised. She had spent so much time with Grant and never knew he could cook. She remembered that at the hotel in Oceancrest City, Grant always hired professional chefs to prepare meals and never did it himself.

Looking down at the half-eaten bowl of pasta, Chloe felt a warm sensation in her heart. To her surprise, Grant's cooking was actually quite good. The hot pasta made her stomach feel warm, and her whole body relaxed.

She couldn't help but marvel at how this man, who usually seemed so calm and composed, had such a gentle and tender side. Grant's care and attention made her feel

a warmth and security she had never experienced before.

After teasing Chloe, Mia collected the dishes and left the room.

Now, it was just Chloe and Grant.

Chloe asked, "When did Mic and Liam move out?"

Grant replied, "The night we returned from Oceancrest City. Grandpa ordered them to move out."

"Isn't that a bit too much?" Chloe worried.

Grant waved it off. "Not at all. They were just in the way. Grandpa was right to have them move."

"Why couldn't I move out instead?" Chloe felt guilty, like she was taking over their space.

Grant reached out and affectionately patted her head. "You are destined to become the mistress of the Martin Family; how could you possibly move out? Sweetheart, just stay here peacefully. Don't worry, I will take good care of you."

Grant's touch made Chloe blush. She lowered her face, unable to meet his intense gaze.

That night, Grant insisted on staying in Chloe's room. It seemed he had grown accustomed to holding her as he slept and didn't like sleeping alone anymore.

The next day was the start of the semester at Quest University. Grant got up early. With Michael and Liam gone, it was now his responsibility to take Chloe to school.

If he wanted to be her boyfriend, he had to put in the effort.

Chloe got into the car with her backpack. Sitting in the back seat, Grant pulled out a mysterious item and showed it to Chloe.