The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 206

Preston's smile deepened as he cast a lingering look at Chloe. "I happen to think my taste is impeccable."

Mr. Goodwin released his third heavy sigh of the night. "Forget it. Maybe she's just lucky. God is looking out for her, steering her clear of disaster!"

Preston didn't quite catch the underlying meaning, but he kept his polite smile. "Alright, whatever you say. Stop sighing. I'll book an appointment with an optometrist first thing tomorrow."

Mr. Goodwin shot him a loaded glare. "You'd better do it before it's too late!"

Just as the dinner was winding down, the heavy doors to the dining room swung open once more.

"Dad! I'm so sorry I'm late!"

Hearing the voice, Jenna practically vaulted out of her chair like a coiled spring.

"Mr. Goodwin, is that your daughter?"

But a second later, as the figure stepped fully into the light, Jenna froze dead in her tracks.

Why does this girl look so insanely familiar?

The newcomer spotted Jenna instantly. Her brow furrowed in disgust. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Mr. Goodwin's face split into a rare, genuine grin. "Rhonda, these are some of my old students. Do you two know each other?"

Rhonda scoffed and looked away. "I certainly don't associate with unreasonable lunatics like her!"

"You're Rhonda Goodwin??"

Jenna's eyes nearly bugged out of her skull. Her brain short-circuited. "Aren't you just some retail clerk?"

Preston also frowned slightly. Even he hadn't expected such a massive coincidence.

"I manage the floor there. Do you have a problem with that?"

Rhonda clearly had zero interest in engaging further. She walked toward the table, and suddenly, she spotted Chloe. Her eyes instantly lit up.

"Ms. Reed, it's you!"

Chloe was equally surprised. "Rhonda. So you're Mr. Goodwin's daughter. It's a small world."

Rhonda grabbed Chloe's hands excitedly. "It really is! We must be fated to meet!"

Suddenly, her eyes darted to the ornate box resting on the chair. She gasped.

"The Brass Astrolabe you bought yesterday... you got it for my dad's birthday?!"

"Then I thank you on my father's behalf."

Unfortunately, Jenna was deeply unsatisfied with this lukewarm response and absolutely refused to let it go.

"I mean, the two astrolabes aren't even in the same league. But I suppose it works out nicely. Mr. Goodwin can use Chloe's cheap knockoff as a paperweight, while mine can sit in a display case—or he could just flip it for a small fortune."

Every single syllable dripping from her mouth was a desperate, clawing attempt to tear Chloe down.

Rhonda immediately knit her brows, an incredulous scoff bubbling up in her throat.

Seeing her laugh, Jenna pounced, eager to seal the deal.

"Rhonda, I really never imagined that the internet's most famous appraiser would be so incredibly young, not to mention my old teacher's daughter. It's totally destiny."

"If you're ever looking for a better opportunity, you should join Vantage Group. You wouldn't have to slum it as a clerk in the Scholar's Trove anymore. We could offer you a massive salary..."

Rhonda abruptly snatched both astrolabes off the table, cutting her off cold.

"Miss Cameron, before we even dream of talking business, I have a quick test for you."

"Which one of these two pieces do you think is worth more?"