The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 91

"You're getting a divorce!"

The voice on the other end of the line was livid, practically screaming into the receiver.

"Chloe is an outsider! Once this divorce is finalized, you are going to marry Jenna! If you can't even protect her family, do you really have the heart to disappoint her like this?"

Chloe's nails dug unconsciously into her palms.

A moment later, she let out a self-deprecating laugh, her eyes turning to chips of ice.

Preston abruptly ended the call. Suppressing his frustration, he softened his voice.

"If they try to call you again, just ignore them."

When Chloe didn't respond, he glanced over at her. "Chloe, don't listen to Grandpa's nonsense. I—"

"Your grandfather is right."

"You..."

Preston froze. Seeing the utter indifference on her face, he swallowed whatever excuses he had prepared.

He knew she was just lashing out. His grandfather's words had been incredibly cruel; of course she was angry.

Once they were home, he would coax her, comfort her, and make it up to her properly.

Chloe turned her head away, staring blankly at the blur of the passing scenery.

The blood-red sunset slowly sank beneath the horizon, yielding to the encroaching night.

But no matter how dark the night, a new day always followed.

Wanting nothing more than to get home, Preston focused entirely on the road, leaving the silence unbroken.

As the Maserati pulled into the private gates of The Crestwood Estates, a figure suddenly darted out of the shadows, throwing herself wildly toward the hood of the car.

Preston slammed on the brakes. The tires shrieked against the asphalt, stopping mere inches from the woman.

Furious, he threw open the door and stepped out. "Are you out of your damn mind?"

Jenna's legs gave way, and she collapsed onto the driveway, weeping beautifully.

"Ms. Reed, my brothers were only doing their jobs for the county. If you had just told them your father was a hero, none of this would have happened. If you just drop the charges, we can compensate you! I know you don't want to put Preston in a difficult position..."

Chloe couldn't be bothered to watch the performance. Without sparing her a single glance, she turned on her heel and walked straight toward the front door.

Wendy Mason had opened the door early to welcome them. "Mrs. Hayes, where have you been? I was worried sick about you!"

In truth, Wendy had been glued to the online gossip all day. Her eyes darted over Chloe with poorly concealed judgment.

Everyone knew that wealthy families cared about status. Even if a bride wasn't old money, she should at least come from a respectable background.

Who would have guessed that the glamorous Mrs. Hayes was just a Cinderella wannabe? Her family drama was messier than a cheap soap opera—even worse than a working-class family like Wendy's.

Wendy's family might be poor, but at least they weren't a public disgrace!

With that thought, a blatant glimmer of contempt flashed in Wendy's eyes.

Chloe noticed the shift in her gaze. She stopped and looked at the housekeeper. "Do you have something to say?"

"N-no!" Wendy jumped, snapping back to reality.