The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 61

"Chloe, come here."

Preston's voice was low and suppressed, concealing a storm of volatile emotions.

Quentin immediately moved to step in, but Chloe held up a hand to stop him. Her expression remained perfectly calm.

"Quentin, you can go ahead. I'll get in touch with you later." Quentin hesitated, clearly worried, but this was ultimately her private matter. He had no real standing to interfere.

"All right," he said softly. "Call me if you need anything, anytime."

He walked away, glancing back over his shoulder repeatedly. Preston watched their exchange, his expression darkening into a stormy scowl.

When had they become so close? Contact him later?

About what?

What exactly was going on behind his back?

"Chloe, do you even remember your place right now?"

He pushed down the suffocating wave of jealousy in his chest, taking a slow, predatory step toward her.

"Mr. Hayes, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Chloe genuinely found it almost funny, though she was entirely out of the energy to laugh.

He had just publicly acknowledged Jenna Cameron as his wife in front of a sea of reporters, yet he had the audacity to question if she remembered her place?

Preston seemed to realize this as well. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Jenna was backed into a corner by those rumors.

If I hadn't stepped up for her in front of all those people, her reputation would have been ruined.

Besides, it's just an empty title.

As long as we know the truth behind closed doors, that's all that matters."

Chloe scoffed, a bitter sound escaping her lips.

"The truth? If you and your 'best friend' were truly so innocent, she wouldn't have played the role of your wife so comfortably in front of the press. Stop treating me like an idiot, Preston."

He had hired a team of elite lawyers to draft a watertight contract, ensuring that if they ever divorced, she would leave with absolutely nothing.

Back then, Preston had just sat there, listening in silence. He hadn't said a single word in her defense.

The very next day, he had handed her that exact prenuptial agreement. She hadn't even bothered to read it before signing her name.

Back then, she had married him for love.

She had never wanted a single cent of his money! Yet for three years, his family had treated her with suspicion and disdain, never truly accepting her.

Preston's expression shifted slightly. "How did you know about that conversation? Listen to me..."

Fearing she would completely break down if she stayed a second longer, Chloe cut him off.

"Enough. I don't want to hear it. I just wanted to tell you that I don't care who gets to be Mrs. Hayes anymore.

But since we aren't officially divorced yet, could you at least show a shred of decency and not rub it in my face?"