The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 67

"Huh, who recorded that? It doesn't sound like Chloe's voice," Mr. Lynch noted, perplexed.

He didn't understand modern relationship drama, but the ringtone struck him as odd. Chloe explained with complete indifference.

"It's a recording from his 'best friend,' Mr. Lynch."

"Best friend?"

Mr. Lynch repeated, confused.

Preston's face stiffened. He hurriedly declined the call and clumsily changed the subject.

"Mr. Lynch, have you had dinner yet? Maybe we could..."

"Oh, look at my memory!" Mr. Lynch slapped his thigh.

"You two head inside and make yourselves comfortable. I'll go pick some vegetables from the garden and make us a proper meal!"

He happily trotted off toward the vegetable patch. Preston looked at Chloe.

"He's getting older. We shouldn't make him work so hard. Let's just go out to eat."

Having grown up in extreme wealth, Preston had never stepped foot in such a rustic place, let alone eaten food straight from a dirt patch.

"You can leave," Chloe replied flatly. Without waiting for a response, she walked straight toward the garden. "Mr. Lynch, let me help you."

Preston felt a surge of frustration. He took a deep breath and followed her.

"I'll help too."

Under the fading evening light, Chloe and Mr. Lynch efficiently picked the vegetables, while a third person actively sabotaged the harvest. Mr. Lynch forced a pained smile.

"Haha, Preston, why don't you head inside and rest for a bit?"

Preston was fully invested in the task.

"It's fine, I'm not tired."

Mr. Lynch swallowed his protests, staring at his devastated crops, unable to maintain the polite smile. The vegetable rows were dense, and Preston clearly had no idea which leaves to pick and which to leave intact. Chloe finally swatted Preston's destructive hands away, looking at him with utter disdain.

"Just go away. The plants are innocent, stop ruining them."

Preston smoothly caught her hand, giving her palm a teasing squeeze, and flashed a charming smile.

"Then teach me."

Chloe yanked her hand back and turned away.

"Get lost."

She deliberately slowed her movements.

Preston watched her intently, quickly figuring out the technique. He mimicked her, pinching the vegetable stems one by one.

His long, elegant fingers applied just the right amount of pressure, his movements crisp and efficient.

Mr. Lynch's smile finally reached his eyes as he praised the young man's quick learning.

Preston laughed, looking entirely too pleased with himself, sticking to her like glue. Left with no choice, Chloe pulled a wet wipe from her bag and started cleaning the black marks off his face. Their faces were inches apart.

Preston's dark eyes locked onto her, unblinking, his gaze swirling with a predatory, teasing warmth. Chloe tried her best to avoid his eyes, holding her breath as she wiped his face a little too roughly.

"What are you hiding from, Chloe? Why won't you look at me?"

Preston's smile was wicked as he leaned even closer, his large hand wrapping around her wrist, forcefully lacing his fingers through hers. Chloe struggled against his grip.

"Stop acting crazy right here!"

"Oh? Then let's change locations. I had Ken book us a hotel."

"Get out!" Just as Mr. Lynch walked out with the final dish, he caught sight of Chloe slapping Preston's head away. Preston feigned injury.

"Mr. Lynch, look at how she treats me!"

"Hahaha," Mr. Lynch chuckled warmly. He set the dish down, took a seat, and looked at Chloe.

"Chloe, the guest room upstairs is always kept clean. Why don't you stay the night?"

Chloe nodded.

"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Lynch."

Preston ground his teeth, shooting her a resentful glare before forcing a bright smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Lynch. I'll stay the night too." Happy to have the company, Mr. Lynch beamed, and the dinner proceeded in a warm, harmonious atmosphere.