The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 262

"..."

In the darkness, Preston's striking features were taut, his jaw clenched tight. His dark eyes stared unblinkingly at Quentin's hand resting on Chloe's waist.

He hadn't moved an inch, but a suffocating, heavy tension spread through the air. It felt as if something violent was on the verge of snapping.

Chloe quickly stepped forward. "Yuri..."

Just as her fingers were about to brush the puppy's fur, Preston abruptly took a step back, completely dodging her hand.

Chloe froze and looked up at him.

Preston stared back, his expression utterly blank. "What are you doing?"

Chloe took a deep breath. "That's my dog. Thank you..."

Before she could finish, Preston cut her off with a voice like ice.

"What proof do you have to back up that claim?"

"All I know is that this is a pitiful little guy who was bullied into trembling in a bush. I'd assume he belongs to a very irresponsible owner."

He let out a cold laugh, dropping his gaze to Chloe with mocking eyes.

"Oh, actually, that sounds exactly like you."

"You're exactly the same. Throwing your feelings around carelessly, then turning your back without taking a shred of responsibility."

"What is that supposed to mean?" A spark of fury ignited in Chloe's chest.

"Preston, if you have something to say, spit it out! Don't stand there acting all sarcastic and superior!"

Preston scoffed. "What could I possibly have to say to you?"

Chloe reached out to snatch the dog. "Give him back!"

Preston sidestepped her again. "I found him. I will only hand him over to his true owner."

"Mr. Hayes, Chloe has been frantic all afternoon. You did a good deed, and we appreciate it, but why are you making things so difficult for her?"

The second Quentin spoke, Preston's gaze snapped to him. His dark eyes were terrifyingly deep.

"Mr. Shaw, is this your dog?"

He chuckled softly. "I distinctly remember you saying he belonged to a friend of yours, didn't you?"

"Then tell that friend to come find me with proof."

"Chloe, I've made myself perfectly clear, too."

Without another word, he turned and marched away.

Behind them, the property manager came running down the path, holding a phone with the security footage cued up.

"Mr. Shaw! Ms. Reed! We pulled the afternoon footage!"

Mark, standing off to the side, instantly lost all the color in his face.

Chloe snatched the phone. The moment she saw the video, her expression turned lethal.

In the first clip, a man was violently kicking the cowering puppy. Vicious curses mixed with the dog's agonizing yelps.

"Why does a damn mutt like you get to live in a fancy place like this? You stupid mutt!"

But the second clip showed a tall, imposing man gently wrapping his own jacket around the terrified, violently shaking dog hiding in the bushes.

Chloe instinctively looked up.

Preston's figure had already disappeared around the corner.