She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 1036

The sky had darkened completely.

Against the pitch-black canopy of night, the roaring bonfires on the beach burned brighter, catching the eye of anyone passing by.

A gentle ocean breeze swept by, tossing Melanie's hair and the hem of her dress. The delicate white lace caught the firelight, shimmering like a flowing galaxy.

The flickering flames illuminated her face.

It traced the breathtaking contours of her features with rippling shadows, casting her as the most exquisite masterpiece ever sculpted.

Sebastian guided her through the steps, his gaze never once leaving her.

Perhaps it was his new prescription glasses.

But standing this close, her features seemed even more striking, radiating an intoxicating allure like a vibrant, blooming rose.

He had acknowledged her beauty when they first met.

Yet, it hadn't been the kind of beauty that made his heart skip a beat.

But right here, right now...

His heart hammered against his ribs as he stared at her.

Was it the change of scenery?

Or her outfit?

Subconsciously, his gaze lowered, taking in the swimsuit she wore.

The pure white bikini was strikingly clean.

Free of unnecessary embellishments or fussy designs, its sheer simplicity only accentuated her unparalleled elegance.

But the real magic was the lace cover-up, which allowed tantalizing flashes of white fabric and smooth skin to peek through.

He couldn't help but let his eyes drift further down, lingering on the curve of her waist.

The length of the lace naturally fueled a man's imagination.

"Ahem."

A sudden, pointed clear of her throat broke his trance.

Sebastian snapped his gaze back up, locking eyes with her.

Her expression was easy to read—

She found his wandering eyes inappropriate.

Sebastian chuckled softly.

"I don't know what's gotten into me tonight. I'm acting a bit out of character."

His tone was light, murmuring the words as if to himself rather than answering her.

The crackle of the bonfire beside them mixed with the rushing waves and the ocean breeze, blending with the music like a symphony orchestrated by nature itself.

His eyes finally drifted from her, gazing into the distance.

If they kept going, they were about to complete a full circle around the iconic Statue of Amora.

Bringing his focus back, Sebastian offered a deep, meaningful smile.

Meanwhile, behind a massive cluster of rocks.

Elara was hysterically screaming at Preston.

"Do you think a little water got me here? It was you and Melanie! If it weren't for the two of you, why would my life be such a mess?! Why would I end up in this miserable state?!"

"Preston! Are you truly this cold-blooded?!"

"Don't you think you owe it to me to take responsibility and pull me out of this living hell?!"