The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 204

"Mr. Goodwin, how could you host your sixtieth birthday at a dump like this? It's so shabby. I bet the kitchen is a health hazard!"

"You are welcome to leave," Mr. Goodwin shot back without missing a beat.

Jenna's smile faltered. "You misunderstand me. I'm just looking out for everyone's health. Why don't I book us a better venue?"

"Sure! That sounds amazing!"

The others immediately perked up and voiced their eager agreement.

"Jenna, is there any chance we might meet your husband today?"

"Preston was the hottest guy in school back then, and he looked even more gorgeous on TV the other day! My coworker actually begged me to get his autograph!"

Jenna soaked in their adulation like a sponge. She deliberately shot a glance at Chloe and smirked.

"He actually canceled an overseas business trip just to accompany me today."

"Unfortunately, a minor emergency popped up at the office this morning, so he's running a bit late. But he'll be here in person to pick me up later."

Chloe felt the piercing gaze but didn't so much as blink.

The crowd erupted into jealous coos. "Wow! Mr. Hayes treats you like royalty! Canceling major work trips just to be with you?"

Jenna let out a grating, high-pitched laugh. "He told me that those were just irrelevant people and irrelevant matters. Nothing is more important than spending time with me, so he just scrapped it."

The chorus of envy grew even louder.

Mr. Goodwin cast a worried glance at Chloe before clearing his throat with a loud, pointed cough.

"What is all this racket? It's obnoxious! If you want to keep gossiping, take it outside!"

"If you want to move venues, be my guest. I'm not going anywhere."

The sycophants snapped their mouths shut, though their faces flushed with undisguised irritation.

Jenna only smiled wider, turning back to Mr. Goodwin. "Whatever you say. We'll stick around for dinner, and I'll arrange the after-party."

Testing the waters, she added, "You're waiting for your daughter, right? Where is she?"

He had lost his wife when he was young and never remarried, raising his daughter entirely on his own.

No one could have predicted that his once quiet, unremarkable little girl would grow up to become Rhonda Goodwin—an internet sensation and the nation's top antique appraiser. Even prestigious federal heritage institutions were extending formal invitations to her.

Preston offered a faint smile. "Just call me Preston."

Watching the room bend over backward for him sent an intoxicating rush of absolute triumph through Jenna's veins.

She sprang up with a beaming smile and, under the envious glares of the crowd, practically threw herself at him. "Preston, you're finally here!"

A wave of playful teasing erupted from the guests.

"Oh, stop it, you guys! Cut it out!"

Jenna feigned embarrassment, but her smile was so wide it almost split her face. She hooked her arm through his and dragged him toward the table, unceremoniously shoving the person sitting next to her.

"Move."

The poor guest panicked and scrambled to get up, but Preston interjected.

"No need. There's an empty seat over there."

With that, he firmly slid his arm out of Jenna's grip. Then, under the stunned gaze of everyone in the room, he walked straight past her and headed directly toward Chloe.