The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 279

Eleonora snatched it right out of his hand.

Preston froze for a moment, his dark eyes locking onto her. "Grandma, you're acting very strange."

Realizing her reaction had been too intense, Eleonora kept her face perfectly neutral. "This was given to me by Chloe. You have no right to look at it."

"Fine." Preston gave a light chuckle, leaning back lazily. "Since when did you two start keeping little secrets from me?"

"Is there something I'm not allowed to know?"

Eleonora looked at him.

There was something peculiar in her gaze. It made Preston subconsciously sit up straighter as an odd sensation coiled in his chest.

Feeling a flash of irritation, he pushed the strange feeling down without overthinking it. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Eleonora spoke slowly. "Preston, what are your true intentions toward Chloe?"

Preston's lips curved. "Did she ask you to find out?"

Eleonora let out a soft sigh. "She saved your life. You can't ever forget that."

"So, if she decides to leave one day, that's her choice. I expect you to..."

She was going to say she expected him to respect her decision and let her go.

But before she could finish, Preston cut her off.

"Grandma, what are you talking about?"

He hadn't even entertained the possibility. "Why would Chloe ever leave me?"

"I'm just saying, what if..."

"There are no what-ifs," Preston interrupted again.

"It's absolutely impossible. I know we've had some misunderstandings and conflicts lately, and it's worried you. But don't overthink it. She would never leave me."

Eleonora sighed in frustration. "What makes you so certain she loves you that much? People change..."

"Chloe won't change."

Preston lowered his gaze, his long lashes concealing the emotion in his eyes. His voice grew heavy. "And I won't let her change, either."

Eleonora found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

She had only intended to test Preston's stance, never expecting him to be so obsessively stubborn.

Preston looked up, his gaze meeting hers dead on.

"Grandma, if Chloe asked you to find out for her, you can give her a clear answer."

Preston looked down, forcing down his rising irritation. "It's nothing. Go get some rest."

With those words, he strode quickly out the door.

...

Chloe didn't snap out of her daze until Quentin knocked on the door.

She opened it, took one look at the man standing there, and quietly lowered her eyes.

Quentin's gaze paused. "Have you been drinking?"

"I'm leaving the country early the day after tomorrow," Chloe replied. "Got to clear out the fridge."

She turned and walked over to the sofa, sitting down by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Quentin set out the takeout boxes he had brought. "I'll keep you company."

Chloe looked at him, her cheeks and eyes slightly flushed from the alcohol.

"I'm sorry. I didn't take good care of Yuri."

"You're drunk," Quentin said. "Are you out of your mind? Do you actually think this is your fault?"