The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 183

"Ms. Reed."

The man's hair caught the silver gleam of the streetlights in the dark. With his pale complexion and pitch-black eyes, he looked incredibly cold, yet a harmless smile played on his lips.

Just as Chloe turned to leave, he spoke in a slow drawl.

"Dr. Macleod was deeply offended when you missed your appointment. I did my best to smooth things over, but he made it clear this is your absolute last chance..."

"If you blow it this time, he's blacklisting you for good. You'll never get that ear surgery."

Chloe stopped in her tracks.

Julian Sterling chuckled. "I'd advise you not to gamble with this. After all, this is your only shot at getting your hearing back. You can't afford to lose, Ms. Reed."

The driver stepped out and silently opened the back door—an invitation that brooked no refusal.

Chloe looked up and locked eyes with the man in the car for a long moment. Seeing the smug certainty plastered across his face, she let out a cold, mocking scoff.

"Julian Sterling?"

Julian nodded smoothly, his smile widening. "You've looked into me? It seems you've taken a bit of an interest."

"Then do you already know why that hypocrite of a brother of mine refuses to divorce you?"

Chloe sneered. "So, playing the role of a social-climbing bastard brings you a sense of pride?"

"..."

The smile completely vanished from Julian's face, a dark, venomous shadow creeping into his eyes.

Click—

He stepped out of the car.

Chloe backed away, scanning her surroundings, fully prepared to run for her life.

But just when she thought he was going to attack, Julian suddenly let out a low laugh.

"I waited up all night for you that evening. The midnight breeze was freezing, and it chilled my heart right through..."

"So, I had to teach you a lesson. Tell me, Ms. Reed, did you feel the chill I felt that night at Aethel Lounge?"

Chloe's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You were the one who ordered Penelope Rowan to kidnap me?"

"Why would I need to give the order?"

Julian stepped closer. "Haven't you figured it out yet? Do you honestly think Preston isn't smart enough to know the truth?"

"But why is he pretending like nothing happened? Why act like it's business as usual? What do you think?"

"Are you sure you want to stay with a man like that? Do you really want to keep throwing your pathetic loyalty at him?"

"..." Ken opened his mouth, then closed it.

Chloe cut straight to the chase. "Ken, what kind of relationship do you think he and I have?"

Ken thought about it for a second. "You definitely hate him."

Chloe let out a laugh, but the humor never reached her eyes.

She suddenly remembered the look Preston had given her that night.

So icy. So deep. Almost brimming with resentment.

As if he was completely convinced she had betrayed him.

"Ken, thank you."

Chloe rolled down the window, letting the biting wind whip against her face. "Drop me off at the next intersection. I appreciate your help tonight."

Unable to hold it in any longer, Ken blurted out the question that had been eating at him.

"Mrs. Hayes... are you really going to divorce Mr. Hayes?"

He scrambled to defend his boss. "Ma'am, Mr. Hayes is actually..."