The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 321

Chloe whipped around.

Lydia Moore was bounding toward her with a bright smile. "What are you staring at so intensely?"

Seeing it was just Lydia, Chloe let out a quiet breath of relief.

"Nothing important. Do you want to go grab a coffee?"

Lydia linked her arm through Chloe's as they walked, casually dropping a bomb. "Hey Chloe, do you happen to know the CEO of Vantage Group, Mr. Hayes?"

Chloe's eyes darkened for a split second, but her face remained perfectly calm. "No."

Lydia seemed to have opened a floodgate. "Oh, well, I heard his name is Preston Hayes, and he's extremely impressive. Do you have any impression of him?"

"No."

"He's incredible! I think this is the very first time I've ever seen Monica treat a corporate guy with that much respect. You know how she is—her attitude is usually impossible to read."

Lydia eagerly listed off all the achievements she had dug up online. "I actually went out of my way to look him up. He's incredibly accomplished, and honestly, so handsome. It feels like everyone from your country is amazing. I definitely have to go visit someday and experience it for myself..."

Chloe couldn't stomach another word and cut her off. "Why bring him up out of nowhere?"

Lydia finally dropped the starry-eyed act and confessed. "Well, when I went to Monica's office to report this morning, I happened to bump into him. I have no idea what they were talking about, but I could have sworn I heard them mention your name. So I just wanted to ask. Guess I misheard them."

"Yeah..." Chloe murmured absentmindedly, though her eyes grew even stormier.

By the time they reached the cafe and ordered their drinks, Belle was suddenly calling.

Her voice came through the speaker, vibrating with excitement. "Chloe! Did you really find John?"

"Oh my god! That is amazing news!"

Chloe lowered her voice. "Is there any way you can get me into the venue?"

"I'll have to pull a few strings and see what I can do," Belle said. "I'll let you know. Just wait for me! Once I wrap up everything on this end, I'm booking the first flight to Veritas!"

"Sounds good."

Lydia subtly jutted her chin toward the back of the room, her eyes sparkling like diamonds. "Look over there! That's the CEO I was telling you about! What do you think?"

Chloe followed her gaze.

Sure enough, Preston was sitting in the farthest corner of the cafe.

He was leaning back in his chair, exuding an effortless aura of absolute control as he sat there in complete silence.

The coffee in front of him remained entirely untouched.

He was just sitting there.

Expressionless.

Chloe immediately pulled her gaze away and stood up. "Let's get our coffees to go."

Lydia pouted. "Can't we sit for just a little while longer? I rarely get to come down for a breather."