The Godfather's Love Has Expired Chapter 5

"Goodbye, ex-husband."

I hung up the phone and powered it down.

As the jet engines roared to life, I finally felt a sense of release.

Back in Chloe's penthouse, Julian stood frozen, gripping the phone.

His voice was hoarse, suppressing a rising panic.

"Where did she go?"

Chloe crossed her arms and sneered.

"Oh, now you care?"

"She's gone."

"...Gone? What do you mean?"

"Where is she?!"

Chloe shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Do you really think I'd tell you?"

Julian's gaze turned icy.

"Chloe, I don't have time for games."

"Oh, is Mr. Costello upset?"

Chloe rolled her eyes and opened the front door.

"Get out. You're not welcome here."

Julian didn't move.

"We were supposed to renew our alliance today. She can't just vanish."

"Alliance?"

Chloe laughed dramatically.

"Mr. Costello, what do you think a marriage is? A loyalty card at a supermarket? Do you get a prize after the seventh stamp?"

Julian flinched.

He gritted his teeth.

"You'd better tell me where she is."

"She blocked your encrypted number. Can't you take a hint?"

Chloe lifted her chin defiantly.

"Ava Sterling is not coming back."

Julian snapped.

He slammed his hand onto the sofa.

"She can't just disappear! This isn't your business!"

"Not my business?"

Chloe grabbed a stack of documents from a drawer and threw them in his face.

"Look at these and tell me if it's my business!"

Julian looked down.

His breath hitched.

It was my resignation letter.

Records of all my bank accounts being closed.

And... a flight permit for a private jet with the destination blacked out.

"Do you get it now?"

Chloe smiled cruelly.

"Julian, she has completely given up on you."

Julian's knuckles turned white.

"She. Can't. Leave."

"You don't deserve to keep her."

Chloe shoved him toward the door.

"Now, get the hell out!"

...

At the airport.

The plane was already a speck in the sky.

Julian's convoy sped onto the tarmac, screeching to a halt.

Security blocked them immediately.

"Sir, you can't be here!"

Julian's face was pale. He flashed his badge.

"I am Julian Costello. Order all departing private jets to return immediately!"

The official looked nervous but shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Costello. The plane has already entered international airspace. We have no jurisdiction."

Julian shoved the man aside and called his second-in-command.

"Find Ava Sterling's flight plan! Now!"

The voice on the other end was trembling.

"Boss... Miss Sterling's flight is protected by her family's diplomatic immunity. We can't track the destination..."

Julian's blood ran cold.

She had really... gone this far?

"Find her!" he roared, his eyes red with rage and grief.

He finally realized the truth.

This time, I really didn't want him anymore.