The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 17

Quentin kept his focus on the road. His sharp profile was striking in the dim light, his long eyelashes casting a faint shadow against his pale, aristocratic features. "I just got back to the country and I'm not familiar with Sterling Bay. I need a date for the banquet tonight."

Anticipating her refusal, he didn't give her a chance to speak. "Of course, if you don't want to, that's fine. You'll just owe me a favor. But next time I ask for help, it might not be this simple."

Chloe grabbed her phone, pretending to dial. "Hello, 911? I'm in a rogue cab and being held hostage!"

A faint smile played at the corners of Quentin's eyes. "It's too late to get out now."

The suffocating tension broke, the awkwardness of their three-year separation quietly dissolving away.

Chloe looked at him, genuinely puzzled. "Quentin, why did you suddenly move back? You never used to care about these corporate summits, let alone the afterparties."

"I heard Vantage Corp hired Caroline Monet," he said calmly. "So I came to see for myself."

Chloe chuckled softly. "Well, you definitely got scammed."

Quentin turned his head and locked eyes with her. "No. I didn't." His gaze was dangerously intense, a dark whirlpool that made her instantly avert her eyes.

Chloe quickly looked out the window. "Alright, I'll go with you. Just keep your eyes on the road."

...

The Pinnacle Ballroom. Jenna, dressed in a striking burgundy velvet slip dress, clung tightly to Preston's arm.

The man instantly frowned, muttered an uncomfortable "never mind," and walked away. His friend nudged him. "Giving up already?" The man scoffed. "She's deaf. What's the point of a pretty face if she's broken? Not my type."

Any other men who had been considering approaching her immediately scattered.

Chloe watched Jenna's smug, triumphant face, her own expression turning frigid. "Miss Cameron, the sheer depths of your pathetic character truly never cease to amaze me."

Jenna sneered. "And you're any better, Chloe? You're so utterly fake. You said you wouldn't come, but you were secretly hoping Preston would beg you to, right? Too bad he doesn't care at all."

Her voice rose, dripping with venom. "I hope you wake up to reality soon. Even basic guys won't look twice at a deaf girl like you, let alone a man as exceptional as Preston. Let me tell you a secret: everyone here tonight thought I was Mrs. Hayes, and Preston didn't correct a single one of them! Deep down, this is what he wants! He wants me as his wife, not a cripple like you!"

Chloe looked at her with the quiet amusement one reserves for a clown. She held up her phone, the screen fully illuminated. "Very eloquent. Let's make sure Preston gets to listen to this, too."