The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 221

As Chloe walked through the corridor back to her room, her gaze casually swept over the branches and abruptly froze.

A coat was hanging high in the branches, swaying gently in the wind.

She stared blankly for a second.

The maid beside her noticed her line of sight and quickly explained.

"Mrs. Hayes, you threw that up there... last night. You said the clothes reeked of cheap perfume and needed to be aired out."

Chloe retracted her gaze, her tone flat. "Right. I know. Thank you."

The maid probed hesitantly, "Should I take it down now?"

"No need."

She lowered her eyes to hide a flash of disgust, her fingers subconsciously gripping the hem of her shirt.

The Bentley Ken drove last night was the one Preston rode in most often.

Even with the windows rolled down, it couldn't mask that sickly sweet perfume.

It had felt like it seeped into her very bones, a silent declaration of someone else's territory.

Chloe closed her eyes, feeling sick to her stomach.

Just then, a warm presence suddenly closed in from behind.

She instinctively spun around, stumbling slightly over her own feet.

Preston caught her steadily by the waist, his dark eyes fixed on her as a smile touched his lips.

"Careful."

They hadn't seen each other for barely an hour, yet he seemed like a completely different person.

He wore a faint smile, his dark gaze gentle and serene, no different from how he had been over the past three years.

It was like a pre-programmed setting.

This only made Chloe feel even more nauseous. She forcefully shook off his hand and turned to leave.

Preston followed her at a leisurely pace, chuckling.

"Are you still mad?"

"Didn't you just see it? I didn't hide your coat. Clearly, someone got drunk and threw a tantrum, taking it out on their clothes."

Only then did Chloe realize just how hypocritical and contrived his gentleness truly was.

As long as he worked a little harder.

As long as he was powerful enough.

He would absolutely secure whatever she wanted for her.

It was only a matter of time.

"Stop being angry, okay? Dr. Sharpe is brilliant, but her personality is notoriously difficult. The mentors I found for you..."

"So, you actually think I'm mad at you because I didn't get to be Dr. Sharpe's assistant?" Chloe cut him off again.

She wanted to laugh. "You guys act completely out of line and throw your weight around, but that doesn't mean I'm just like you!"

Preston kept that smile in his eyes, his voice soft. "Are you done yelling? Have a bite of this and then keep going. It was made fresh by an old man on the street; it's still warm."

Chloe didn't want to say another word.

To him, all her emotions and reactions would forever be seen as nothing more than unreasonable tantrums, a cry for attention, a need to be coaxed.

In short, her feelings were utterly worthless to him, not even worth taking seriously.

She shoved him hard. Caught off guard, Preston stumbled, and the Gourmet Toffee Apple slipped from his hand, hitting the ground with a sharp smack.