The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 232

"I will be careful."

Chloe walked toward the glass elevator, but the waiter guarding the entrance blocked her path, giving a slight bow.

"My apologies, miss. Guests are only permitted to select one floor per evening."

Chloe stared at him. "Are you sure you want to stop me?"

The waiter froze for a moment, scrutinizing her face before speaking with a hint of uncertainty.

"It is the policy of The Boundless..."

Right at that moment, the doors to the adjacent glass elevator slid open.

A heavily intoxicated middle-aged man squinted at Chloe, his gaze openly predatory as he waved her over.

"Come here."

Chloe hesitated, but he had already taken the initiative to stride over and hand her a solid gold bracelet from his wrist.

At the sight of the bracelet, the waiter who had just been blocking her way instantly became entirely respectful.

"Miss, right this way."

The middle-aged man grinned, reeking of alcohol. "I just can't stand seeing a gorgeous lady get turned away."

Chloe murmured a soft word of thanks. Once inside the elevator, she discreetly removed the gold bracelet.

Just as she was about to toss it aside, a harsh female voice cut through the air, reeking of hostility.

"Give it!"

The woman who had arrived with the middle-aged man glared at Chloe with intense suspicion. She snatched the bracelet away with alarming speed, not forgetting to spit out an insult.

"You home-wrecker! Keep your hands off things that don't belong to you!"

Seeing that Chloe didn't fight back, the woman smugly fastened the gold bracelet onto her own wrist, her eyes practically gleaming.

"This is solid gold! It has to be a few ounces, at least! Hahaha..."

The elevator doors opened.

The woman confidently strutted out in her high heels, with Chloe following closely behind.

The fifth deck was much quieter than anticipated.

The walls were paneled with embossed leather and cold marble, and understated antiques rested in the corners. The air was thick with the scent of cigars, champagne, and a subtle woody fragrance.

The long corridor was silent, the doors to the private suites tightly shut. Only waiters in crisp tuxedos navigated the hallway with utmost caution.

As the elevator doors parted, all eyes zeroed in on the two women.

At those words, a flash of pure terror crossed the girl's face, but she forced herself to follow Chloe into the room.

"Are you Thea?"

The girl nodded. "...Yes, I am."

"You have a brother?"

Thea looked up, her expression a mix of confusion and shock. "Who are you?"

Chloe pressed, "Just answer the question."

Thea lowered her head. "Yes, I have a brother. His name is Henry. He's much braver than I am."

Chloe rested a hand on her shoulder, causing the girl to flinch violently.

But in the next second, a pocket watch was pressed into her palm.

"Your brother asked me to bring this to you."

The moment she saw the watch, a tempest of complex emotions crashed over Thea's face. Tears began to stream down her cheeks like a broken string of pearls.

Her feelings were overwhelmingly complicated—a mess of joy mixed with agonizing pain, sheer relief tangled with deep resentment.

Then, she broke down sobbing.