The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 224

"But it's completely pointless sulking. I've told her time and time again that Jenna and I are just friends. I've also explained that Jenna went through something terrible. She's in a very fragile state right now. If her friends don't step up when she needs it most, are we supposed to just stand by and watch her die?"

"I don't think I'm in the wrong here. Any normal person would do the same."

The moment the words left his mouth, he realized his mistake and hastily added,

"Chloe, I didn't mean..."

Chloe finally looked up at him, her eyes devoid of anything but a chilling indifference.

"You're right. I'm not a normal person."

"I'm selfish, petty, unforgiving, and completely heartless. No one can compare to your saintly goodness, Mr. Hayes. You're a great guy, a literal savior. Are you satisfied?"

"I've never stopped you from hanging out with your precious female friend. If you want, you can easily..."

Her words abruptly died on her lips. A sudden chill shot down her spine, and her gaze snapped to Preston.

He was doing this on purpose!

He was trying to bait her into blurting it out right in front of Grandma. The second she brought up divorce, she would be the one violating their agreement!

Preston stared back at her quietly, his dark eyes bottomless, yet his lips curved in a subtle smirk.

"Easily do what?"

Chloe met his gaze, the cold dread inching its way up her spine.

His gentleness had always just been a facade.

He simply used that mild demeanor to conceal his terrifyingly sharp edge, suppressing his naturally obsessive, predatory nature.

"It's your freedom to be friends with whoever you want and to treat whoever you want well."

Chloe tore her gaze away, her voice tightening slightly.

"Grandma, I'm heading out."

The moment she left, Eleonora saw right through Preston's little game and fixed him with a heavy stare.

"Chloe wants to divorce you, doesn't she?"

"Grandma, it's my duty to be responsible for her."

"For the rest of this lifetime, it's my job to be responsible for her."

Eleonora's chest seized with anger. "What kind of nonsense is that? You're talking about an entire lifetime—can you just brush it off with the word 'responsible'? If all you feel is guilt, you could just wire her money every month!"

"She loves me. She can't live without me."

Preston lowered his eyelashes. The garden lights flickered on outside the window, casting shadows across his face. His usually gentle features were suddenly painted with an unnervingly seductive, almost demonic edge.

"And I am willing to oblige her."

"You!!" Eleonora was trembling with rage.

She was speechless for a long time, finally snapping harshly,

"Don't you dare try to use me as your shield! If Chloe really wants to divorce you, I absolutely won't stop her!"

"Preston, you just wait. You are going to regret this!!"