The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 200

"Okay, okay. Thank you."

Just as they were about to leave, Rhonda called out to them.

"Excuse me..." She looked as though she had just made a firm decision. "Wait right here. I'm going to grab something."

True to her word, she headed into the back room and returned carrying an ornate wooden box.

As she opened it and presented it to Chloe, she looked incredibly reluctant, but her movements were completely resolute.

"This astrolabe is from my own private collection. If you like it, I'm willing to part with it."

The moment Chloe laid eyes on it, she was utterly captivated.

Even though she wasn't an expert on antiques, her instincts told her this astrolabe was a masterpiece.

It was leagues beyond the one Preston had just bought.

She couldn't help but reach out, gently tracing its surface in awe.

"You have incredible taste to have something this exquisite in your collection!"

Blushing at the compliment, Rhonda rubbed the back of her neck and smiled.

"It's nothing, really. I've always just had a passion for this kind of stuff. My father loves calligraphy, so I've always paid close attention to these things..."

Chloe pulled her hand back. "Thank you. I'm thrilled just to have the chance to admire a treasure like this, but I couldn't possibly take it from you."

"It's not like you're stealing it! You're paying for it," Rhonda insisted. "Besides, I just can't stand people like that! They know absolutely nothing about the craftsmanship, yet they try to taint true art with their filthy money!"

She looked a little embarrassed. "If I wasn't so strapped for cash right now, I never would have let them buy that other piece!"

"Honestly, I have a selfish reason for wanting to sell this to you. I desperately need money, but I want to find an owner who truly appreciates its worth. If you're willing, I think you'd be perfect for it!"

Belle thought this sounded a little fishy and quickly stepped in to interrupt.

"Hold on! How much are we talking about here?"

Rhonda considered it for a moment, then gritted her teeth. "I'll give it to you for exactly what I paid: one million dollars."

"One million dollars...?!"

Belle thought she was hearing things. She immediately grabbed Chloe and tried to drag her toward the exit.

She looked up at Preston. "Preston, why don't you come over to my place tonight? I can cook for you. You'd be the very first person to try my food."

Preston didn't respond.

"I just thought it would be more convenient," Jenna continued smoothly. "That way, you won't have to go out of your way to pick me up tomorrow morning."

Preston still didn't react.

"Preston!"

It wasn't until Jenna tugged hard on his sleeve that Preston finally snapped out of his daze.

"Jenna, I have some things to take care of. Ken will drive you home later."

Jenna subconsciously dug her nails into her palms, forcing a sweet smile as she tested the waters.

"Preston, please don't stress yourself out over work. I promise I'll get to meet Master Gordon tomorrow and convince him to collaborate with us."

"Yeah."

Preston gave a distracted hum of agreement before turning and walking away without looking back.