The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 15

Chloe pulled off the headset, only then realizing her palms were coated in cold sweat. Even without turning her head, she could feel the heavy, piercing gaze from the man beside her.

Keeping her eyes averted, she pretended to calmly untangle the headphone wires. Then, she abruptly stood up and darted for the door. But the man had anticipated her escape. He shot out a long arm, effortlessly blocking her path.

At over six feet tall, he loomed over her. The sheer dominance radiating from his broad chest was overwhelmingly oppressive. His eyes burned into hers, his voice tight with suppressed emotion. "Caroline, why are you running?"

It had been a very long time since anyone had called her that. For a fleeting second, Chloe was entirely thrown off balance.

Forcing down her racing heart, she looked up, feigning nonchalance. "Haha, long time no see, Quentin. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to use the restroom."

Quentin didn't budge. Instead, he took a step closer, letting out a dark, breathless laugh. "Three years. It certainly has been a long time."

Chloe's lower back hit the edge of the console. With nowhere left to run, she surrendered, dropping her gaze and taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

"Caroline, you don't owe me an apology." A storm of complex emotions swirled in Quentin's eyes. His voice dropped to a low rasp. "I just want to know why you vanished three years ago with nothing but a letter. What the hell happened?"

She possessed the "Golden Ear," and he was known as the "Flawless Logic." Together, they had once been the most elite simultaneous interpretation duo in the world, conquering every high-stakes challenge side by side. What they shared was not just an unparalleled professional synergy, but a deep, unspoken bond between two brilliant minds.

Chloe looked up and forced a smile. "No reason, really. I just got tired and wanted out." Eager to change the subject, she added, "You and your new partner work really well together. I heard you guys earlier. She's way better than I ever was."

Quentin didn't take the bait. He just stared at her. His gaze was sharp yet aching with concern, slicing right through her fake smile to expose the raw pain, regret, and endurance buried underneath.

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