The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 11

Jenna stared at Chloe. "What? Don't tell me you're going to claim you know Caroline Monet?"

She tilted her head with a mocking smile. "Ms. Reed, I heard you used to be an interpreter too? But a regular interpreter wouldn't exactly be qualified to rub shoulders with the top-tier elites, would they?"

Chloe didn't take the bait. Instead, she offered a loaded reply. "I'm sure Caroline knows exactly who you are. I'm looking forward to seeing you invite her."

Jenna scoffed triumphantly and turned to Preston. "Preston, don't worry. Caroline happens to be in the country right now. For the finale tomorrow night, I can definitely get her to do the simultaneous interpretation just for you."

Preston smiled. "Alright."

That indulgent smile sent a sharp pang through Chloe's chest. Unwilling to waste another second on them, she quickly walked out.

Outside the private banquet hall, night had fully fallen. Heavy clouds obscured the moon, and the biting wind made even the vibrant neon lights look bleak and desolate.

Behind her, a black Bentley pulled up. The window rolled down, revealing Preston's dark, predatory gaze. "Get in."

Chloe's eyes flicked to the passenger seat, where Jenna was grinning smugly. "No thanks," she said coldly.

Preston frowned. "Chloe, it's late. Do you really have to throw a tantrum out here?"

Jenna tutted. "Preston, just let her catch a cab. She's being so dramatic." She wrapped her arms around his, shaking it playfully. "Do you remember that bar we used to go to before I went abroad? Take me there tonight. Please?"

Preston looked back at Chloe. "I'll have the driver pick you up."

The tinted window rolled up, obscuring his handsome face. The luxurious car sped off, quickly vanishing into the night. The freezing wind whipped around Chloe, chilling her to the bone.

She pulled out her phone to call a ride, only to find the shattered screen completely dead. It was broken beyond repair.

She had no idea how long she ran before a car suddenly pulled up beside her. Chloe flinched and whipped her head around.

It was a dark gray Maybach. Preston's car.

The window glided down. Wallace, the family driver, took in her terrified, breathless state with evident concern. "Mrs. Hayes, what happened? Do you need me to call Mr. Hayes?"

Chloe lowered her eyes, her voice completely hollow. "No. He's busy right now."

...

The Crestwood Estates, the most exclusive neighborhood in Sterling Bay. The sprawling mansion was entirely dark inside.

Chloe flicked on all the switches. Warm light flooded the high-ceilinged living room, gleaming off the marble floors and elegant furnishings, illuminating the estate she had lived in for the past three years. This was the first place she had ever truly considered a home. Every single item had been carefully arranged by her own hands, bearing the quiet marks of her devotion.