She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 14

Without even looking up, Melanie casually replied, “Just a friend.”

“I see…”

The Hale and Royce families had been friends for generations, and their social circles overlapped considerably.

Even though Melanie had secretly gone abroad four years ago behind her family’s back, Dominic still prided himself on knowing her well.

He knew her circle of friends.

And there was definitely no one named Whitmore in it.

So, this “Mr. Whitmore” who had ordered her delivery—

Who was he?

And he had ordered a limited-edition, viral dish from a famous chef that was virtually impossible for the average person to buy.

Dominic’s mouth tightened. A sour feeling twisted in his gut, like he’d just swallowed a fly.

After dinner, Melanie and Dominic left Camilla’s house together.

Evelyn held Lila’s hand with one hand and carried a bag of leftovers in the other.

She didn’t want to take the food at all, but Camilla had insisted.

In contrast, Melanie was carefree and content.

The four of them squeezed into the same elevator.

“Uncle, hold me…”

Lila was tired and reached her small hands out to Dominic.

“Lila, you’re a big girl now. You can’t always ask to be carried.”

Evelyn looked at Dominic in surprise.

This was the first time Dominic had ever refused to hold Lila.

“That's right, Lila. He’s your uncle, not your dad. You can't be so demanding.”

Evelyn shot Dominic a pointed look, her words a veiled accusation criticizing him for not fulfilling his duties as a father.

Dominic’s expression soured even more.

He was already anxious about the sudden appearance of “Mr. Whitmore” in Melanie’s life.

Now Evelyn was putting him on the spot. He was damned if he held Lila, and damned if he didn’t.

“Honey, Lila is your niece. Just hold her for a bit,” Melanie said with a smile.

Dominic’s tense features immediately relaxed.

“You’re right.”

He picked Lila up, but Lila didn’t look happy.

Beside them, Evelyn didn’t look happy either.

Once they were out of the elevator, Dominic put Lila down.

Evelyn caught up to them with Lila in tow.

“You should have your brother give you a ride. I’m not going home.”

“You’re not going home?” Dominic was surprised.

“I’m going to Daphne’s place.”

At the mention of Daphne's name, Dominic’s face fell.

Daphne had a shady past, and the club she ran wasn’t exactly a respectable place. Melanie’s father had long forbidden her from associating with Daphne, but Melanie never listened.

Of the hundred million dollars she had taken from him, Melanie had said that aside from buying luxury goods, most of it was invested in Daphne’s business.

Dominic looked at Melanie, his eyes filled with disappointment at her squandered potential.

Melanie was beautiful and came from a good family. Her only flaw was her tendency to hang out with the wrong crowd.

Dominic had tried to talk to her about it before, but she wouldn’t listen, and they had fought over Daphne more than once. Eventually, he just stopped bringing it up.

“Fine. Evelyn, Lila, you’re with me.”

At the side of the road, the four of them parted ways.

Dominic took Evelyn and Lila eastward, while Melanie walked west alone.

Dominic looked back twice, but he never saw Melanie look back at him.

Even after getting into the car, Evelyn’s expression remained grim.