The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 2

It wasn't until tonight that she finally saw a raw, genuine emotion break through his composed facade.

So, he was capable of being that fiercely protective.

Did Preston only marry her because...

"Ms. Reed, is the hearing loss in your left ear congenital?"

The doctor looked at the stunning woman on the bed. Despite her soot-stained appearance and obvious shock, his tone held genuine sympathy.

Chloe snapped out of her daze and lowered her gaze. "I was in a car crash a few years ago."

That crash was how she saved Preston's life. She became his savior.

But it completely destroyed the career she loved.

The total deafness in her left ear, accompanied by erratic bouts of severe tinnitus, meant she could never return to the high-stakes world of elite simultaneous interpretation.

It hurt, but she didn't regret it.

Saving a life was simply her instinct.

Even if she had to do it all over again, her body would still push him out of the way before her brain could weigh the consequences.

"I see. That's a shame," the doctor sighed.

The woman before him was breathtaking. Her radiant complexion contrasted sharply with her long, dark hair. Her features were delicate yet striking.

Even sitting injured in a drab hospital gown, she radiated an effortless elegance that made it hard to look away.

It seemed true that when God opens a door, He slams a window shut.

"Ms. Reed, your test results are back. While your lungs are clear of serious infection, you have severe external bruising and a mild concussion."

"Where is your family? Are they on their way?"

Chloe fell silent for a moment. "Thank you, doctor. I'll contact them now."

She picked up her phone. The shattered screen barely emitted a faint glow.

Her lock screen was completely empty.

Three hours had passed since she dialed Preston over a dozen times, and he still hadn't returned a single call.

The other men fanned out, slapping non-disclosure agreements down on the foot of every bed.

"Just sign on the dotted line, and the half-million is yours."

The mention of five hundred thousand dollars made a few eyes light up. Once they verified the checks were real, several patients eagerly scribbled their names.

But another patient scoffed in disgust. "Miss Cameron? You mean that arrogant brat who caused the fire and yelled at the cops? You think you can buy us off with half a million? No way! She belongs in jail!"

The suited man sneered, his smile turning predatory. "Maybe you don't know Miss Cameron, but you definitely know Mr. Hayes, right?"

Lying in the corner bed, Chloe froze. At that exact moment, a check was tossed onto her lap.

She looked down at the banking details printed on the paper. Her knuckles turned white.

It was Preston's private account.

The man's voice echoed through the room, dripping with open hostility.

"Miss Cameron is Mr. Hayes's wife. Mr. Hayes spoils her rotten, and he's not someone you want to mess with. Take the money and keep your mouths shut, or you'll find out the hard way what happens when you cross him."