Chapter 3

Chloe nodded dismissively. "Mike gave me a ride home. I saw his clothes were dirty, and he was sweating a lot, so I told him to shower."

My face cold, I immediately called Sarah. "Send someone to gut the bathroom and re-do it entirely."

Chloe exploded. "Liam, what do you mean?"

I stared straight at her. "I don't keep things that have been dirtied."

Chloe's eyes darted, guilt flashing for a second, then she yelled, "Liam, explain yourself! Mike just took one shower, how does that make it 'dirty'? You shower every day, why don't you say that's dirty?"

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Mike walked out, wearing my pajamas.

"Mr. Anderson, you're back."

I looked at Chloe. She turned her head, refusing to meet my gaze.

"Mike didn't have pajamas, he couldn't possibly put his dirty clothes back on after a shower, right? And you have so many, what's the big deal with lending him one?"

I nodded. "You're right. So, I'm done with these pajamas. They're contaminated. Feel free to toss them."

Mike's face crumpled in a show of grievance. "Mr. Anderson, please don't be upset. I'll change right now and wash them clean for you."

"Don't you dare!"

Chloe grabbed him, glaring at me.

"Liam, what exactly are you trying to do? What did Mike do to offend you that you're constantly targeting him? He just used the bathroom and wore your pajamas! You keep calling things 'dirty'! If you're so disgusted, then leave! Don't ever come back!"

I looked at Chloe, my gaze calm.

"You seem to forget, I bought this house. If anyone's leaving, it's him. Oh, and you."

"You're kicking me out?" Chloe's voice was laced with disbelief.

I just watched her, silent. My meaning was clear.

Chloe was shaking with anger.

"Fine, fine, I'll go!"

"Liam, you better not regret begging me to come back."

Don't worry, I never will!

After they left, I called Sarah again.

"Put this house on the market. It disgusts me to even be in it."

Then, I went out and checked into a random hotel.

At 2 AM, Chloe called, her voice frantic.

"Honey, my bank cards and credit cards are all frozen! Quickly call the bank and ask if there's a system error!"

My voice was cold. "No need to call. The bank's system is working just fine."

"I had them frozen."