The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 143

"Preston!"

Jenna's voice suddenly rang out as she grabbed his arm.

"Were you looking for me?"

Preston paused. When he looked up again, the figure in the distance had completely vanished.

A dark glint flashed in his eyes before he replied.

"Yeah. Did you run into someone?"

Jenna noticed his distraction and clenched her fists, forcing a sweet smile. "No, just someone I can't stand. She tried to bully me because she thought I didn't have a date."

Hearing she was almost bullied, Preston's expression shifted.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone."

Jenna laughed it off loudly. "It's fine! Let's not talk about awful people. Let's go over there!"

Preston nodded. "Come on, I'll introduce you to Mrs. Shaw. Getting on her good side will open doors for your future career."

Jenna's eyes lit up. "Okay! Thank you, Preston. You're the best!"

The two walked toward the main building. Just as they reached the staircase, a butler stepped forward and bowed, blocking their path.

"Mr. Hayes, please wait a moment. Madam is currently receiving guests upstairs."

Before the butler even finished, Preston glanced up and froze. A familiar figure was slowly walking up the stairs.

"Whoosh—"

A freezing gust of wind swept through an open window, fluttering Chloe's skirt. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.

Suddenly, a warm suit jacket was draped over her shoulders from behind.

"The forecast called for snow tonight. Don't catch a cold."

Chloe stiffened. She whipped around and froze when she met Preston's eyes.

Preston's voice was casual, a knowing smile playing in his dark eyes.

"When did you get here? Why didn't you answer my calls?"

"The rumors are true—Mr. Hayes really does spoil his wife! Miss Cameron, you are so lucky!"

Jenna traced the deep crimson stone with her fingertips, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. She looked up with a shy, triumphant smile.

"Thank you, Preston. I love it."

Staring at the deep, blood-red jewel, a sharp ringing pierced Chloe's left ear, making her head spin.

She was suddenly reminded of a diary entry she had written years ago:

"If I ever get to marry him...

I don't want a diamond to represent eternity. I want a ruby, to symbolize a love that lasts until death."

"..."

The cruel, absurd coincidence felt like a brutal mockery of the three years she had wasted on him. The sheer weight of it made it hard to breathe.

Chloe looked at Preston, just as his eyes locked onto hers.