She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 117

She and Preston were, after all, just a landlord and a tenant.

Roommates, more than friends.

They each had their own bedroom and didn't bother one another.

Unless there was a specific reason, or if she happened to be cooking when Preston was around, they rarely interacted.

Still, even without deliberate greetings or conversation, they would occasionally cross paths.

Lately, however, Melanie hadn't seen Preston even once.

A gut feeling told her—

Preston was avoiding her.

“Could he be mad at me?” Melanie muttered to herself in the living room, her eyes fixed on the front door.

For the first time, she found herself hoping that the door would open and Preston would walk in.

She had been a bit out of line that day.

Preston had helped her, after all, but she had abandoned him on the bridge to leave with Dominic.

Taking out her phone, Melanie thought about sending Preston a text to apologize.

But so many days had passed. It would be awkward to bring it up now.

Melanie paced around the living room a dozen times, feeling conflicted.

She was making herself dizzy.

***

Zyre Isle.

An archipelago nation renowned worldwide for its tourism.

Each hotel was its own small island.

The islands were blessed with stunning natural beauty, pleasant weather, and every imaginable form of entertainment.

Silvergate Regency Hotel.

The matriarch of the Whitmore family, Tessa Whitmore, was vacationing here.

The entire hotel had been booked by the Whitmore family, and Tessa was accompanied by her two grandsons, Preston and Gabriel.

Tessa was nearly eighty this year and wanted to travel a bit while her legs were still strong enough.

It was also a chance to subtly probe into her eldest grandson’s romantic life.

Gabriel mentally added the second half of the sentence:

How could they break up when they haven't even started dating?

***

There was a several-hour time difference between Zyre Isle and Aldoria. Back in Averin, the sun was just setting.

Melanie sat in her office. Her work efficiency wasn’t low, but she knew she had been distracted several times today.

Last night, she had held her phone, trying to compose a message in her head, but she had ended up falling asleep.

She had missed another chance to text Preston.

“I wonder if I’ll see Preston when I get home tonight…”

The words had barely left her mouth when the office door was pushed open.

The person hadn’t knocked.

Melanie looked up, her eyes filled with displeasure.

Dominic walked in, holding a large, high-end gift box.