Rural Belle & Three Heirs

Zara knew just how influential Claudia was. After all, Summit Media Solutions had already made a name for itself in the entertainment industry. Being the responsible person she was, Zara had done her homework on all the major players.

She reminded, "Chloe, it's best not to go head-to-head with her."

"She gives off bad vibes. She's got connections, so let's try not to piss her off."

Zara's voice was low as she pulled Chloe aside, trying to avoid a direct confrontation with Claudia.

Chloe's expression softened a bit. It wasn't that she was scared of Claudia because of her status, but she didn't want Claudia to make things tough for Rena because of her.

After all, Rena was currently with Michael.

"Chloe, come on, let's go sit over there." Rena tugged Chloe, leading her to the small sitting room.

Then she turned to Claudia, "Claudia, please have a seat. I'll get you some water."

Rena's humility was on full display, and seeing her like this, Chloe felt a deep sympathy for her.

For a man, she was willing to humble herself to the ground. It was clear she loved Michael deeply.

Once they were in the small sitting room, Rena closed the sliding door and had Chloe and Zara sit down.

"Chloe, Zara, I'm sorry you had to see that. Claudia, she..." Rena mentioned Claudia with a tone of respect.

Chloe looked at Rena helplessly and asked, "Where's Michael? I contacted him earlier, and he said he was home."

Rena nodded. "Yeah, he went out to get some things when he heard you and Zara were coming. He'll be back soon."

Chloe pointed outside and asked Rena, "What's her deal? An outsider just barging into an artist's home? That's inappropriate, is it?"

Hearing Chloe's words, Rena lowered her head. "Because of my dad kidnapping us, Mic hasn't worked for days. He turned off his work phone, and Claudia couldn't reach him, so she came here."

"Chloe, Mic doesn't know Claudia is here."

"And please, don't tell Mic about what just happened. Claudia has a lot of resources, and I don't want Mic to fall out with her because of me. If that happened, it would be my fault."

Chloe stared at Rena, her frustration simmering as she watched Rena's resigned expression.

"Rena," Chloe began, her voice firm yet tinged with concern, "you can't love someone while being so subservient. You're with Michael now, and that makes you his woman. He should be the one protecting you, standing up for you."

Her words sharpened as she continued, "That woman dared to humiliate you today. Who's to say she won't slap you tomorrow? If you keep retreating like this, things will only get worse. You can't keep letting people walk all over you."

Chloe knew Rena was timid by nature, but this level of passivity was beyond anything she could comprehend.

"Chloe," Rena finally spoke, her voice trembling with a mix of shame and desperation, "I want to fight back, I really do. But with my family background, do I even have the right to? My mom is seriously ill, hospitalized with no one to take care of her. My dad... he's in prison, and he's never been reliable. Michael is the only one who's helping me taking me in, paying for my education. I'm grateful for everything he's done. I can't cause him any more trouble."

"I'm not like you. I don't have the Davis family backing me up. Chloe, people are different. It's not that I don't want to fight back; I just can't."

Rena's words left Chloe and Zara feeling bitter.

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Zara tried to calm Chloe down. "Chloe, don't be mad. I think Rena has a point."

"Rena doesn't have any power behind her. How can you expect her to stand up to Claudia? Claudia could crush her like a bug."

"We're her friends. We don't want to see her get bullied. We should help her become stronger..."

Zara's words made Chloe realize something. She wanted Rena to fight back, but first, she needed to give Rena the confidence to do so.

In today's world, only money could give a woman the strength to stand tall.

The three of them sat in silence for a while, no one speaking first.

A few minutes later, they heard Michael's voice as he entered the living room. When he saw Claudia sitting there, he was surprised.

"Claudia, what brings you here?" Michael greeted Claudia with surprise.

Claudia replied, "You turned off your work phone, and I couldn't reach you, so I had to come here."

"It's been days, and you haven't shown up. Karlie has mentioned you several times. Mic, you know how Karlie feels about you."

"She told me she'll always wait for you. That girl is so devoted, and as her aunt, I really don't know what to do with her."

Upon hearing Claudia's words, it didn't take long for them to piece together why she had singled out Rena. She was Karlie's aunt?

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She had bullied Rena earlier just to stand up for Karlie. They probably thought that if it weren't for Rena, Michael would be with Karlie.

But the truth was, Michael and Karlie had been a screen couple for years without any real progress in their relationship. If Michael truly liked Karlie, he wouldn't use Rena asnoveldrama

an excuse.

Michael's expression darkened. "Claudia, I've already told Karlie that we're just friends." "She shouldn't think too much about it. I have a girlfriend now, and I just want to be with her."

"Karlie's not young anymore. She should find someone who loves her. She's a sweet girl and will definitely find a good guy." Michael calmly looked at Claudia.

He was clearly rejecting Claudia's advances.

Claudia's face showed a hint of embarrassment.

But fearing the power of the Martin family, Claudia didn't argue with Michael.

"Mic, you have a significant influence internationally. If you want to find a wife, you should find someone who matches your status. Marrying a nobody could affect your career."

"Remember that male star who ruined his career over a marriage? He's a nobody now." "Do you want to end up like that?"

Claudia's words carried a hint of threat. Michael's brow furrowed slightly, his chiseled face showing a trace of displeasure.

Is Claudia warning him that she could be Michael's benefactor, propelling him to stardom, but also capable of breaking his career?