The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 271

"Yuri!"

Chloe didn't even look at Preston. She walked straight toward Yuri.

The dog was in much better shape than she had imagined. Its coat was neat and silky, looking as if it had just been groomed. Its belly was full, and it was lying comfortably on Preston.

"Come on, let's go home."

Preston's smile stiffened. "Chloe, do you only have eyes for the dog?"

Chloe ignored him, reaching out to pick up Yuri.

The gentleness in Preston's eyes vanished entirely. His jaw tightened, and with a swift reach of his long arm, he lifted Yuri into the air with one hand.

Yuri whimpered softly in fright.

"What are you doing!" Chloe glared at Preston.

Preston's dark gaze locked onto her. "Finally willing to look at me?"

"Let go!" Worried that Yuri would get hurt, Chloe desperately grabbed at his arm.

Preston tossed the dog to Rose, his tone cold and hard. "Take him away."

Rose froze, instinctively looking at Chloe.

Preston's aura turned hostile, a rare display of true anger. "I said, take him away!"

"Yes, sir!" Rose hurriedly carried Yuri back toward the main house.

Chloe tried to chase after her, but Preston's tall frame blocked her path.

Furious, she slapped him hard across the face.

A sharp smack echoed in the air.

Preston didn't even flinch, seemingly accustomed to the abuse. He almost seemed to savor the lingering numbness on his cheek.

Chloe's chest heaved as she raised her hand again.

Preston caught her wrist and, with a slight pull, yanked her into his arms.

"Is a dog really more important to you than me?" His voice was casual, almost joking. "Or... is it the person who gave you the dog that you care about?"

"Get the hell out of my way!" Chloe pushed against him in disgust, struggling with all her might.

Preston remained immovable, his grip tightening.

Chloe struggled harder. "Preston, do you find this amusing? What exactly do you want!"

So why was she so unwilling to even look at him now?

The day after tomorrow was their third wedding anniversary.

Just as Chloe was about to walk out of Cloudrest Manor, the maid at the door stopped her, looking torn. "Mrs. Hayes, are you leaving already?"

"Eleonora is still waiting for you in the dining room..."

Chloe stopped in her tracks, her fingers unconsciously tightening around her purse strap.

She had almost forgotten why she came here today.

"Okay." She turned around and headed back toward the main house.

"Grandma," she greeted.

Eleonora smiled and waved. "Chloe, you're here."

Preston was already in the dining room. When he saw her enter, he naturally pulled out a chair for her. Aside from the red mark still visible on his cheek, he acted as if nothing had happened. He was so calm, one might think the argument in the courtyard had never occurred.

Chloe hesitated for a moment before sitting down.

Eleonora pushed a warm bowl toward her. "Heirloom Poultry Consommé. I've been simmering it all morning. Give it a try."