The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 150

"Ms. Reed, you'll catch a cold out here." His voice was smooth, but it carried an undeniably cloying, unpleasant edge.

Chloe instinctively stepped away, her tone guarded. "Thank you."

She tried to walk past him, but the man didn't move an inch. He mirrored her step, keeping the umbrella perfectly over her head.

"It was too stuffy inside. I needed some air," he said casually.

He held out a steaming cup. "Here. To warm your hands."

Chloe didn't take it. "Can I help you, sir?"

The man didn't answer. He just stood there, staring at her with a knowing smirk.

She frowned, getting straight to the point. "I have no ties to the Shaw family. You're wasting your time with me."

The man actually laughed out loud. "I know, Mrs. Hayes."

Chloe stiffened, going on high alert.

The man's tone turned playfully mocking. "I was at your lavish wedding years ago. Quite the spectacle, I must say."

He paused, his voice shifting into exaggerated pity. "Back then, I truly believed Preston loved you. Who knew men were so fickle? Only three years, and his heart has wandered."

"Honestly, Preston has terrible taste. You outshine the woman who stole your life in every conceivable way."

Chloe's frown deepened. Every instinct told her this man was dangerous. Without a second thought, she turned to walk away.

"Ms. Reed, don't you want to fix your ear?"

Chloe froze in her tracks.

The man smiled, clearly thrilled by her reaction. "Dr. Macleod is likely the only surgeon on earth who can save your hearing."

"Such a pity that your husband stole that final, desperate chance and handed it straight to his mistress."

Chloe slowly turned back to face him, her eyes practically shooting daggers. "Who the hell are you?"

The man completely ignored the question. "You must have been devastated, Ms. Reed. My heart bleeds for you."

Before she could finish, a warm, large hand gently touched her forehead.

"Did you hurt yourself?" Quentin's voice washed over her.

Seeing his familiar face, the terrifying tension in Chloe's chest finally broke. The cold edge in her eyes melted away.

Quentin frowned, studying her closely. "What's wrong? You look incredibly pale."

Chloe shook her head. "I'm fine. I just got a little cold out on the terrace."

Quentin didn't push it. He shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it securely over her shoulders.

"You don't have to—" Chloe started to protest.

But Quentin cut her off.

"Come with me, Chloe. The person I wanted you to meet is here."