She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 411

Chloe wanted Preston to put his cards on the table.

Preston looked at Callum and Chloe, his gaze serious as his lips parted.

"When our two families called off the engagement, I held back some of the truth. I want to apologize to you both and to Miss Bennett."

It was a polite, flawless opening. Yet, the more humble the start, the more devastating the blow that inevitably followed.

Beneath the table, Elara's knuckles turned white as she gripped the linen; if she'd had the strength, she would have ripped it to shreds.

Preston's deep, resonant voice cut through the tension.

"I ended the engagement not just because I despise arranged marriages, but because there is already someone I love. To me... she is my entire world."

"It took everything to find her, and I am currently doing whatever it takes to win her heart."

His sharp gaze shifted to Elara.

The moment their eyes met, she saw a chilling fire burning in his depths. She quickly lowered her eyes, a violent shudder wracking her frame.

"I deeply value the relationship with the Bennetts, but as for Miss Bennett and myself... it is absolutely impossible."

The sheer finality of his words struck Elara like a physical blow, leaving her cheeks burning with humiliation.

"I hosted this dinner tonight to clarify things face-to-face, to prevent any future misunderstandings."

So far, Callum and Chloe had maintained their composure. If Preston didn't like their daughter, the engagement was off. It wasn't the end of the world. A daughter of the Bennett family would never lack suitors among the elite.

"You're a good man, Preston, and we hear you loud and clear," Callum said smoothly. "It’s completely understandable that you already have someone in your heart. The engagement was already canceled, so there was really no need to go to such lengths over a trivial matter..."

By "such lengths," Callum wasn't just referring to Preston renting out the entire banquet hall—he was jabbing at the suffocating, hostile atmosphere Preston had deliberately manufactured.

A beat of silence passed before Preston spoke again, his tone like a frozen glacier.

"This wasn't just a formality. It was a final courtesy before I take action. If Miss Bennett continues to parade around claiming to be my fiancée, or if she uses any more underhanded tricks to bully the woman I love, I will not let it slide. When that time comes, I hope you both... understand."

Chloe was fraught with anxiety, while Callum took one look at his daughter’s pale face and knew he wouldn't get a straight answer. His expression darkened into a furious scowl.

"Enough. You’re heading back to Averin. Pack your things—you're going home today!"

Elara didn't utter a single word of protest against her father's unilateral decision. It had been this way her entire life. Her parents gave orders, and she obeyed.

When they told her she was engaged to the Whitmore family, she was expected to marry Preston—even if they had never met.

When the engagement was abruptly canceled, she was expected to accept the fallout—even if she had desperately wanted the marriage.

She looked completely hollowed out, her hands bruised red from clutching the tablecloth so fiercely.

After a long eternity, she simply whispered, "Okay."

Meanwhile, for Melanie, today was an exceptionally monumental day. It was a day worth celebrating.

The mandatory waiting period for her divorce with Dominic was finally over!