She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 16

"Looking at your face right now, I suspect you just had a romantic encounter."

Seeing Daphne's burning curiosity, Melanie decided to tell the truth.

"It was just someone I met today who bought me some takeout. That's all."

"Is he handsome?"

As Daphne asked, Preston's face immediately came to Melanie’s mind.

That face certainly had the kind of capital that made it unforgettable.

"Yes."

Her reply was sharp and decisive.

"Is he trying to pursue you?"

Melanie shook her head.

"Doesn't seem like it."

Otherwise, why would he wait until now to send her a message?

Besides, he knew she was a married woman; he probably wouldn't entertain the idea of pursuing her.

Melanie picked up her phone and looked at it, her expression growing more confused.

The message wasn't from Preston.

After Preston ordered takeout for her, Melanie had a feeling he would message her again.

She had been waiting, only to receive a text from someone else.

After finishing her work-related chat, Melanie glanced at the time.

Since Preston wasn't making the first move, she would have to be the one to send a thank-you message.

Tapping on Preston’s profile, Melanie belatedly realized that Preston Whitmore was still using the app's default profile picture.

Even her father knew to change his profile picture, either to his own professional headshot or the company logo.

This Preston…

Could he have added her using a secondary account?

Melanie sent a message: [Thanks for the takeout.]

Five minutes later, Preston still hadn't replied.

Melanie didn't dwell on it and went back to writing her equations.

***

Evermont Residences.

After a passionate night together, Evelyn took a shower and went back to the master bedroom to sleep with Lila.

Dominic lay alone in the guest room bed.

Men often fall asleep quickly after sex.

Listening to Evelyn's words, Dominic gently wrapped his arm around the sleeping Lila.

Lila was his daughter.

His and Evelyn's daughter.

The three of them were supposed to be a happy, perfect family.

***

The next day, Melanie went straight to the office from the Eclipse Noir Club.

On the way, she received a call from Mr. Vellor, who said that the Hale Group's company size and brand credentials didn't actually meet the standard. However, if the restorative serum they were promoting could provide more trial reports and test data proving it had cellular-level efficacy exceeding current products on the market, then Luminaria Aesthetic Institute might reconsider.

As soon as Melanie walked into her office, she saw Evelyn sitting on her desk.

"Melanie, your seat is over there."

Following the direction Evelyn pointed, Melanie saw a small, dust-covered desk in the corner.

If Melanie remembered correctly, that desk was discarded and had been stored in the back of the restroom.

Just then, Dominic came in.

Evelyn theatrically flipped her hair.

"I'll let my brother tell you."

Melanie looked at Dominic. His gaze was evasive at first, but his attitude was firm.