The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 222

The crystal-clear sugar coating shattered instantly, sending cold shards scattering across the floor.

Chloe walked away without looking back.

Preston lowered his eyes to stare at the ruined Gourmet Toffee Apple on the ground. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he suddenly spoke.

"Chloe, I'm starting to wonder if your heart has actually changed."

"I should be the one feeling wronged here."

His voice was completely nonchalant. "You know Rhonda Goodwin is collaborating with the Shaw family, right?"

Chloe stopped in her tracks, turning back to glare at him. "What do you mean by that?"

Preston's lips curled slightly. "Nothing. I'll just figure out another way."

Previously, in order to completely take down Rowan Industries, Vantage Corp had suffered massive internal damages.

On top of that, the Hayes Corporation was eyeing them like a predator, refusing to let go of any chance to tear them apart.

If they could partner with Rhonda to launch the project, it would be the most secure remedy for their current deficit.

"Explain yourself," Chloe demanded, her tone composed even as her hands balled into tight fists.

Preston gazed at her. "I just wanted you to feel a little bad for me. Is that so wrong?"

"Preston, I asked you a question. What exactly do you mean!"

Chloe's voice trembled slightly. "You think I was the one who convinced Rhonda to work with the Shaws? Deep down, you're absolutely convinced that I would betray you!"

Preston hadn't expected such an intense emotional reaction from her. A flash of panic crossed his eyes, and he stepped forward, trying to steady her.

"Chloe, calm down. Why would I ever think that? The money I make has always been yours to spend."

Chloe shoved him away, completely on edge.

"Do you have any idea what you've done? Do you really not know how much she despises you people?"

A faint trace of impatience flashed through Preston's eyes. Though it was incredibly subtle and fleeting, Chloe caught it.

She took a deep breath.

"Fine. Think whatever you want. This is our last day. Don't make me hate you, at least I..."

She trailed off and turned away.

Even long after Chloe's figure had disappeared entirely into the blinding white snow, the way she looked at him in that final glance kept replaying in Preston's mind, impossible to shake.

He could completely understand.

...

From a distance, Belle Evans spotted the figure under the wintersweet tree.

She hurried over. "I've been looking everywhere for you! Why weren't you answering your phone..."

The last few words died in her throat the moment she saw Chloe's slightly reddened eyes.

"What happened?" Belle's chest tightened. "Did they bully you? I'll go give them a piece of my mind!"

Chloe rubbed her eyes. "I'm fine. I was just too engrossed in looking at the flowers, and some melted snow from the branches fell into my eyes."

Belle looked at her intently. "Chloe, let's just leave. I get the feeling you aren't happy here at all."

"Just wait a little longer," Chloe replied.

By tomorrow, the agreement would expire.

She wanted to officially say goodbye to Grandma before leaving.