The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 66

"Hey, Jenna..."

Jeremiah embellished the events of the day, his voice thick with outrage.

"Our family has never been humiliated like this in our own town.

Gus is always the one teaching people lessons—since when does he get beaten half to death?

Especially by that pathetic, low-class family!

You have to get your husband to handle this for us!"

Jenna practically exploded on the other end of the line.

"What?! Gus was hurt that badly?"

She was furious. "Don't worry, Jeremiah. I'm going to call Preston right now and have him send his security team to teach them a lesson!"

Hearing her unwavering confidence smoothed the wounded pride in Jeremiah's chest. A dark, vicious gleam flashed in his eyes.

"We'll handle the physical payback ourselves. No need to make a fool of ourselves in front of your husband. But we'll definitely need his help covering our tracks afterward..."

"Consider it done!" Jenna promised immediately.

...

In the passenger seat, Chloe stared blankly at the angry red marks on Preston's wrists until his voice brought her back to reality.

"Does it hurt you to see me like this?"

She snapped out of her daze, frowned, and forcefully pulled her hand away from his.

"You brought this on yourself. Why would I care?"

"Liar."

Preston withdrew his hand, leaning back lazily against the leather seat. The amber glow of the streetlights passed over the windows, casting shifting shadows across his handsome features. His long eyelashes lowered, hiding a faint, almost imperceptible trace of melancholy. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"Chloe, there are only two and a half days left."

Chloe knew exactly what he was referring to. She turned her head to look out the window, remaining completely silent.

Preston turned his head, quietly watching her pale, serene profile, his gaze growing increasingly heavy. The car descended into a heavy silence.

Soon, they pulled up to the foot of the green hills.

The small grave had been painstakingly restored. It was neat and clean, with floral tributes and mementos carefully arranged in front of the stone.

Chloe walked forward, laid a fresh bouquet against the headstone, and bowed her head in deep respect.

"We're fine, Mr. Lynch. Thank you so much for today. I'm so sorry you were hurt. If it weren't for you, I..."

Her throat tightened, and the smile faded as her eyes welled with tears. Mr. Lynch patted her back gently with his calloused hands, offering a warm, gap-toothed smile.

"Your father protected all of us when he was alive. We owe him a great debt. Now that he's gone, it's my turn to protect him. Don't you worry, Chloe. Your father's spirit will keep us safe."

He then turned his attention to Preston.

"And who might this be?"

Just as Chloe opened her mouth to explain, Preston took a proactive step forward, wrapping a proprietary arm around her shoulders.

"I'm Chloe's husband, Preston Hayes."

Mr. Lynch's eyes lit up, his weathered face breaking into a massive grin.

"Oh! You told me years ago you were marrying the man of your dreams. So it's you! You certainly look like a fine young man."

Preston glanced down at Chloe, a triumphant smirk tugging at his lips. Chloe pressed her lips into a tight line, a wave of bitterness washing over her heart. Thinking back to how excited and full of hope she had been back then... it all just felt like a cruel joke now. Right at that moment, Preston's phone rang loudly.

A custom ringtone echoed through the quiet evening air.

"Incoming call from the coolest, prettiest boss in the world! Pick up, pick up~"