The Loyal Puppet: A Love Built on Lies novel Chapter 11

The next morning, Mason woke up groggy.

The scent of Chloe still lingered on the pillow.

No idea what shampoo she used, but damn—it lasted forever.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound shattered the morning stillness.

Mason smirked, certain of what—or who—was behind that door.

He strolled over lazily, opened it, and—

His expression darkened instantly.

Noah.

"I've been thinking... I should probably tell you," Noah started.

"That thing at the pool? I checked the security footage."

"Chloe had nothing to do with it."

Mason's eyes narrowed, lips pressing into a thin line.

"And," Noah hesitated, "after she fell into the pool, her clothes... well, they came off."

"She stayed in the water because... she had no choice."

"Good thing it was dark, or else—"

Mason's stomach twisted into a knot.

He remembered that night.

He'd ordered Chloe to get out and apologize.

But she hadn't moved.

He clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms.

His lips turned pale as he bit down, forcing himself to feel something—anything.

"Even the most patient person has a breaking point."

"Just apologize, man. Give her a way back."

Noah's voice was soft, almost pleading.

Mason grabbed his phone, dialing her number, ready to say something—anything—to make it right.

The call didn't go through.

Chloe had already blocked him.

His expression darkened, his aura cold and menacing.

He remembered—her hospital internship wasn't over yet.

He floored the gas, heading straight for the hospital.

And ran into Ava at the entrance.

"Mason, are you here for me?" she asked, linking her arm through his.

"My leg, my stomach—after all your care, I'm all better now. Don't worry."

Mason, hidden behind his sunglasses, didn't react.

He simply smirked.

"Good to hear."

Ava hesitated, then lowered her voice.

"I heard something from the nurses…"

"Apparently, Chloe tried to seduce Dr. Collins to get a stellar internship review."

She snuck a glance at Mason's face.

He pulled off his sunglasses, his expression unreadable, but his voice was dangerously low.

"And?"

"Dr. Collins turned her down."

"I mean, you know I was the one who recommended him, right?"

"He's not the type. Anyway, Chloe apparently got mad and… hurt him."

"You know, down there."

She covered her eyes, feigning embarrassment.

Mason took a second to process that.

Right. Collins was the doctor Ava had vouched for.

That's how Chloe ended up interning under him in the first place.

Lucas stepped forward, about to say something, but Mason had already lost patience and stormed in.

He was on the phone: "Get Attorney Williams to Chicago General now."

Without hesitation, he grabbed Chloe's arm, his grip firm and unyielding, dragging her with him. Chloe and Lucas were both stunned.

Chloe instinctively tried to pull away, only to realize it was Mason.

She hesitated for a second.

Lucas stepped in, blocking Mason's path.

Chloe knew Mason's temper and quickly intervened.

"He's my med school classmate. He's just here to help."

"Classmate?"

Mason's tone was laced with sarcasm.

"Let go of her." Lucas didn't back down.

Chloe was afraid they'd start throwing punches.

She tried to pull her arm free, but Mason's grip tightened.

"I already got you a lawyer. What do you need him for?" Mason sneered.

Chloe clenched her jaw, not wanting to escalate things further.

"Lucas, I'm sorry..."

"Sorry? Chloe, why the hell are you apologizing to him?"

"Don't you think you owe me an explanation?" Mason was relentless.

"Chloe, the recording you wanted—here."

Ava appeared in the doorway, her face unreadable.

"I found it in Dr. Collins' office."

Chloe yanked herself free from Mason and grabbed the recorder from Ava's hand.

The recording played for everyone to hear.

Mason's face darkened.

Chloe went pale.