The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 197

"Preston..."

Jenna collapsed weakly toward Preston.

Right on cue, Preston immediately diverted all his attention to her.

He caught her, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Do you feel sick?"

Jenna shook her head, putting on a pained expression. "I'm fine... I'm just a little dizzy. I want to rest..."

"Jenna was standing on the rooftop with you for so long," Percival said. "She must have caught a chill. Take her back to rest immediately."

Preston immediately helped Jenna out of the room, walking right past the unfamiliar nurse.

Brenda watched them walk away, swallowing the words she had been about to say before leaving awkwardly.

Well, Mr. Hayes came to the hospital often anyway.

She would just tell him next time.

...

Belle invited Chloe out to The Market Row.

With her departure fast approaching, Chloe realized she wouldn't be able to enjoy local street food much longer, so she readily agreed.

The two of them ate, drank, and shopped as they chatted, having a wonderful time.

Suddenly, Belle asked, "Chloe, tomorrow is Mr. Goodwin's birthday. Are you going?"

Mr. Goodwin was their high school homeroom teacher.

An eccentric older man who seemed gruff and unapproachable on the outside, but was incredibly warm-hearted. Chloe knew he was the one who had secretly added money to her meal card on multiple occasions.

"Yeah," Chloe nodded.

Belle grabbed her arm enthusiastically. "Awesome! Let's go together tomorrow!"

The two of them headed to a mall to pick out a gift.

In an antique shop called The Scholar's Trove, Chloe spotted an inkstone that caught her eye.

She remembered how Mr. Goodwin loved practicing calligraphy whenever he had free time.

The discarded newspapers in his office were always covered in bold, heavy brushstrokes.

Back then, he always seemed to find the cash to slip into her workbooks, but never seemed to have enough to buy himself a decent inkstone and brushes.

Behind Jenna, Mason and Wyatt walked in, carrying arms full of luxury shopping bags. They looked equally surprised to see Chloe.

"What are you doing here?!"

Mason glared at her. "Did you follow Preston here? You're taking this stalker thing way too far!"

Chloe completely ignored them and turned to Belle.

"Let's go, Belle. It stinks in here."

Wyatt bristled instantly. "Chloe, what is that supposed to mean? Watch your mouth!"

Chloe covered her nose. "Exactly what it sounds like. Did you forget to brush your teeth this morning, or did you eat something you shouldn't have?"

"You!" Wyatt seethed. "Are you saying my breath smells like crap?"

Chloe shrugged coolly. "If that's the first thing that comes to mind, you must have a lot of experience."

Beside them, Belle and Rhonda couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Wyatt's face turned beet red with rage as he stormed toward Chloe.