The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 178

"I've heard you're currently trying to secure the assistant position under Dr. Sharpe. If Vantage's stock takes a dive over this, your rivals will definitely use it to tear you down."

Everyone nervously watched Preston's face, throwing out corporate incentives, desperately hoping that if he just softened his stance, the whole disaster would magically vanish.

It wasn't until Preston's eyes shifted that the room finally followed his gaze and noticed Chloe standing silently in the corner.

Catching on, Mr. Rowan quickly pivoted. "Oh! Right, Ms. Reed! We formally apologize to you as well! A beautiful girl like you must be incredibly kind and forgiving. Please, don't hold this against us anymore!"

Preston reached out to grab her hand, but before he could speak, Chloe stepped back, letting out a cold, sharp laugh.

"Are you all done with the performance?"

Her gaze swept over the three Rowans. "You blatantly ignore the law and treat people's lives like dirt. The only reason you're standing here faking an apology is because you can't afford the consequences."

"But you miscalculated. You assumed Preston wouldn't actually step up for me, but you didn't realize that I don't give a damn about his protection. His stance is completely worthless to me!"

Before Preston could react, Jenna flared up. "You—"

Chloe's piercing glare cut her off instantly. "And people like you make me sick. Since you love victim-blaming so much, I hope you end up a victim real soon."

Furious, Jenna clung to Preston's arm. "Preston, do you hear her?! She's cursing me!"

Preston finally spoke, a placating edge to his voice. "Chloe, just calm down..."

"Shut up!" Chloe snapped, fixing him with a look of absolute disgust. "You are the biggest joke in this room!"

"What exactly are you playing at, Preston? Did you really think putting on a show of caring for me would make me cave and feel grateful?"

"You didn't even have the guts to force me to back down directly. You had to use this pathetic, hypocritical setup to pressure me! But I never needed you to fight my battles!"

Her icy, mocking voice echoed through the room. Everyone was too terrified to breathe, their eyes darting nervously toward Preston.

"That's enough!" Preston's face was terrifyingly dark. "All of you, get the hell out!"

Pushing his own volatile emotions down, he leaned in, trying to take Chloe's hand.

"Chloe, don't listen to their nonsense. If you're upset, then it's my fault."

"Tell me what to fix, and I'll change everything, okay?"

"How could you possibly be at fault?"

Chloe shoved him away and walked out the door without looking back.

She knew if she looked at him for one more second, she would completely lose control.

Penelope chased after her, grabbing her arm. "Hey, you can't leave! You still haven't called Quentin to tell him you forgave me!"