The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 322

"I have work to finish. I'm leaving," Chloe said firmly.

Lydia hurried after her. "Alright, alright, I'll walk back with you. I can look at handsome men anytime, but I can't ditch my friend."

Chloe picked up her pace.

Even when she stepped back into the safety of the office, that unshakable, suffocating feeling of being watched clung to her back.

She was incredibly irritated.

Over the next two agonizing workdays, thanks entirely to Lydia's obsession, Chloe was subjected to real-time updates on Preston's exact coordinates.

Sometimes he was at the cafe downstairs.

Sometimes he was taking the employee elevator.

Other times, he was up on the roof...

He lingered like a ghost, completely unpredictable, yet he never once approached Chloe directly.

Chloe treated him like he was made of glass, completely looking right through him.

During lunch, Lydia sat down across from her, bouncing in her seat.

"Chloe, I am absolutely convinced Mr. Hayes is here looking for someone!"

"Do you think he's got his eye on one of the interpreters at the Institute?"

Chloe didn't even bother looking up from her plate. "Maybe he's just bored out of his mind."

"No way!" Lydia shook her head vehemently. "I heard he canceled dozens of high-profile events back in his own country just to fly out here. He's definitely here for someone incredibly important!"

She cupped her cheeks, her imagination running wild. "I am dying to know who could make a billionaire act so fiercely devoted! Do you think... maybe it's me?"

Chloe swallowed the last bite of her lunch, picked up her tray, and offered a deadpan reply. "Wake up, Lydia. That kind of devotion usually ends up as the opening scene of a true-crime documentary."

Lydia chased after her, groaning. "Chloe, you're always so serious! Can't you indulge in a little romance for once?"

Romance?

Once upon a time, she had treated him as her guiding light, her ultimate salvation.

Throughout her entire youth, she had filled her secret diaries with endless descriptions of his silhouette, the shape of his eyes, and every careless expression he ever wore.

When he got down on one knee in that pristine white suit, holding out a bouquet to propose, she genuinely believed it was destiny. She thought the universe was finally showing her a sliver of mercy.

Looking back, it was the most pathetic joke in the world.

Monica's frown deepened into a scowl. "You..."

"I am absolutely qualified for this!" Lydia insisted with utter sincerity.

Monica slowly turned her head to look at Chloe.

Realizing how her outburst might have sounded, Lydia quickly turned to Chloe, stammering an apology.

"Chloe, I'm so sorry! I swear I'm not trying to steal your assignment, it's just that I..."

"It's perfectly fine," Chloe cut her off smoothly. "Monica, let Lydia take the assignment."

If Lydia secured the role, Chloe could tag along as her assistant and still gain access to the venue.

Monica considered the logistics for a moment before giving a curt nod. "Alright then."

Lydia let out a squeal of triumph.

Chloe let out a long breath of relief.

Not long after returning to her desk, a notification popped up on Chloe's phone. It was a friend request from an unknown contact.