The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 180

It was 9:00 AM, far too late for breakfast and way too early for lunch.

Looking at the incredible spread of food on the table, Chloe knew they had prepared all of this specifically for her.

The warm, inviting atmosphere in the room felt like a gentle current of hot air, slowly melting the frost in her bones.

"Mr. Shaw, you really went out of your way."

Hector untied his apron and tossed it aside, laughing as he waved his hand.

"Not at all, not at all! Cooking is a Shaw family tradition. If someone is willing to eat it, I'm happy. If you actually like the food, then I've officially found my culinary soulmate!"

Everyone laughed.

The meal was quiet but incredibly comfortable, completely devoid of any awkwardness.

When they finished, Hector looked at Chloe and gave her a genuine invitation.

"My dear soulmate, consider this an open invitation to come over for dinner anytime."

Chloe smiled softly. "You're an amazing chef, Mr. Shaw. It'd be an honor."

She wasn't just being polite. The seasoning and flavors were obviously catered perfectly to her palate.

Even after living in Sterling Bay for three years, Chloe had never gotten used to the local cuisine, which was the real reason she had grown thinner every year.

The whole environment was so perfect it made Chloe reluctant to leave.

Yet, in the back of her mind, she was still waiting for them to bring it up.

Sure enough, after a brief lull, Hector hesitated before speaking.

"Chloe, we watched Penelope grow up..."

Hearing those words, an absurd sense of relief washed over Chloe. It felt as though a massive boulder suspended above her chest was finally being dropped.

"Mr. Shaw, I understand."

She had run through a million different scenarios in her head, so she wasn't surprised in the slightest.

Hector looked at her. "Good. You're a good kid. We're the ones who should be thanking you."

"You don't need to feel guilty about any of this, Chloe," Mrs. Shaw added. "We've been fed up with the Rowan family for a long time; we just never had the right excuse to cut ties."

Watching the tension finally leave Chloe's face, Mrs. Shaw couldn't resist pulling out her phone. She smiled brightly.

"Chloe, do you mind if I take a picture of you?"

She explained, "I have a friend—you might actually know him—Master Sylvain. He's been searching endlessly for the perfect muse, but his standards are ridiculously high. He's turned down so many famous models and celebrities."

"I think you have a great look, and I thought maybe I could send him a photo. Is that okay?"

Chloe smiled warmly and nodded graciously. "Of course. Thank you, Ma'am."

Mrs. Shaw snapped a few photos, showering her with compliments the whole time.

Once she was done, she showed the pictures to Chloe before sending the original copy straight to him.

She honestly hadn't expected much—she just wanted to try and get Chloe an opportunity. But to her shock, he replied instantly.

[Who is she?]

Mrs. Shaw was surprised by the text, but before she could even type out a reply, her phone started ringing. He was calling directly to demand, "Who is the girl in the picture?"