The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 245

"Chloe, Preston is in trouble."

Hearing Eleonora's frantic voice, a good portion of Chloe's buzz evaporated.

She quickly comforted her. "Grandma, don't panic. Take a deep breath. What exactly happened to Preston?"

The old woman's voice trembled with resentment. "It's that family... Preston is being held at the Sterling Bay Police Department. We absolutely cannot let your grandfather find out about this. His health is already failing, and the shock would be too much for him."

Sensing her escalating panic, Chloe hurriedly interjected. "Grandma, don't worry. I'll head over there right now to check on him."

Quentin had already stood up, settled the bill, and helped her gather her things.

"I'll drive you."

The two of them rushed to the police station.

Inside, the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights crashed against the iron bars, casting the room in a deathly, sterile silence.

The man behind the bars, usually known for his gentle demeanor, looked remarkably cold under the severe lighting, a heavy, oppressive hostility radiating from his frame.

"Excuse me, Officer. I'm looking for Preston Hayes."

It wasn't until he heard that familiar female voice that he finally looked up.

A trace of warmth finally surfaced in his icy gaze, and a spark of life returned to his posture.

"What's your relationship with him?" the officer asked, looking at the beautiful woman before him.

Chloe could feel the intense, darkening gaze bearing down on her from behind the bars.

She paused for a moment before answering, "I am his grandmother's granddaughter."

A sudden snicker broke the silence.

From an adjacent cell, a lazy laugh echoed out.

Julian Sterling grinned through the bars at Preston.

"Preston, it looks like your wife really doesn't want you anymore."

Preston remained silent.

The officer looked utterly bewildered. "His grandmother's granddaughter? Doesn't that make you siblings? Why talk in circles?"

"Chloe, you're bold enough to lie to the police now?"

Preston leaned against the wall, his innate aristocratic elegance completely undiminished by the humiliation of being locked in a cell.

"Officer, she is my wife."

"Thank you, Officer." Chloe lowered her eyes. "But he is an adult, and he needs to take responsibility for his own actions."

"If he commits another offense, he should be sentenced to the fullest extent of the law. We won't have any objections."

Preston walked over just in time to hear her last sentence and chuckled.

"You heartless little thing, are you that eager to see me end up in prison?"

Chloe looked at him, her eyes devoid of warmth or any trace of humor.

She was entirely serious.

If she ever found out he knew about Jenna's drug use and chose to cover it up...

She would make sure they both ended up behind bars.

Meeting her gaze, Preston's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

"I'm sorry. I won't ever make you worry about me again."

He softened his voice and reached out to take her hand.

Chloe simply turned on her heel and walked away.