She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 164

“What is *she* doing here?”

Lila’s wide eyes glared at Melanie, unable to hide her displeasure.

“Lila, be polite,” Dominic chided.

At his words, Lila lowered her head, reverting to her usual obedient and well-behaved demeanor.

“I’m sorry, Melanie. I just… I didn’t know you were coming. I was surprised.”

“It’s okay,” Melanie said, noticing Lila glance at Evelyn with a look of childish appeal for help.

Melanie could tell that Lila really didn’t want to see her.

Let alone go to a buffet with her.

“Aunt Melanie, Uncle said you’ve been busy with work lately. Maybe you should go handle your work. You don’t have to keep us company. It would be bad if it delayed your project.”

At first glance, Lila’s words sounded incredibly considerate. If Melanie hadn’t already seen through this mother-daughter duo’s true colors, she might have been moved to tears.

“Lila, you’re so thoughtful… but your uncle specifically wanted to treat me to this dinner. If your mom hadn’t reminded him, he would have forgotten he promised you a trip to the buffet!”

As soon as Melanie finished speaking, she saw Lila’s eyes turn red and her little lip tremble.

“Was it really necessary to say that? Look how upset Lila is. She’s crying,” Evelyn said, immediately scooping Lila into her arms.

Melanie lightly tapped her own mouth.

“My fault. Why did I have to go and speak the plain truth? But Lila is so sensitive; you must spoil her too much, Evelyn. That won’t do her any favors when she grows up and has to face the real world.”

Evelyn was stunned that Melanie was lecturing her. Just as she was about to retort, Melanie spoke again.

“And technically, I’m the lady of the house, so you should really take my words to heart.”

“You…”

Evelyn was rendered speechless, able only to glare resentfully at Dominic while holding Lila.

But the more Evelyn looked at Dominic with those pleading eyes, the more he turned away, avoiding her gaze.

Melanie found his pathetic act of a deadbeat trying to shirk responsibility for his mistress and illegitimate daughter quite amusing.

Preston was in a meeting. After reading Gabriel’s texts, he immediately put the meeting on hold.

[Gabriel: Bro, I overheard Ms. Royce and her husband talking about that new anti-cancer drug project. But that damn Evelyn keeps interrupting and seems to be attacking Ms. Royce. I wish she were a guy so I could just go punch her.]

Preston stopped texting and simply summoned Philip.

“Mr. Whitmore, you called for me?”

“Look into the Hale Health Center and the Hale Group. See what they’ve been up to recently.”

Preston’s command was sharp, and Philip’s efficiency was high.

Looking over the investigation results, Preston’s expression turned cold, his voice low.

“Philip, issue a press release in the name of Stellaris PharmaTech.”

Back at the new buffet restaurant.

Melanie was eating and chatting with Dominic about the new anti-cancer drug project.