She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 170

“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

Melanie stood up. As she moved her chair back, the man beside her, Mr. Marcelline, deliberately reached out, pretending to help steady her but actually trying to grab her backside.

“I’m not drunk, Mr. Marcelline. You don’t need to worry.”

Melanie dodged just in time, not letting his groping hand touch her.

Mr. Marcelline’s smile instantly froze on his face.

After Melanie left the room, the long-time partners of the Hale Group suddenly lost interest in the dinner.

They glanced over at Evelyn for a moment.

But without Melanie there for comparison, Evelyn’s looks and figure failed to hold their attention.

During the meal, Dominic tried to propose several toasts, but Mr. Marcelline and the others were dismissive.

They were all from Gregory’s generation.

In their eyes, Dominic was just a junior.

“Mr. Hale, as you know, recent environmental policies have tightened, causing the cost of raw materials to skyrocket. Shipping prices have gone up quite a bit, too. So, we’ve discussed it, and from now on, when we supply the Hale Group, the price… well, it can’t stay the same as before.”

As Mr. Marcelline spoke, he made a gesture at Dominic.

“It’s going to at least quadruple.”

The wine glass in Dominic’s hand clattered as it tipped over.

“Mr. Marcelline, how can you do this!”

“And why can’t we?” another executive, Mr. Wallace, chimed in.

“We have a long-standing relationship with the Hale Group. For anyone else, we’d multiply the price by eight. This price is already a favor to you, for your father’s sake.”

“Of course, this matter… it’s not entirely non-negotiable…”

Mr. Holt gave Mr. Marcelline a look, and Marcelline suddenly changed the subject.

“Hey, where’s Mrs. Hale? Why isn’t she back yet?”

“Mr. Hale, you should give Mrs. Hale a call. Ask her what’s taking so long to touch up her makeup.”

Urged by the executives, Dominic reluctantly called Melanie.

“Sorry, Dominic, I’m not feeling well, so I’ve gone to the hospital. You stay and have a few more drinks with the executives. Tell them I’ll make it up to them another time.”

On the phone, Melanie’s voice didn’t sound like she was unwell at all.

“Mr. Hale, you can’t just think about your own interests. You have to think about us, too!”

“Quadruple the price… if you don’t accept, we’ll just find someone else to work with,” Mr. Wallace said forcefully.

“Hey, Mr. Wallace, don’t make things difficult for the young man!” the man next to him, Mr. Holt, said, stroking his beard with a smile.

“Mr. Hale, you’re still a bit too rigid when it comes to business. Young people need to learn to be flexible… Next time, let Mrs. Hale talk to us. Maybe a deal could be made then, right, gentlemen?”

Listening to the executives’ lewd laughter, Dominic gritted his teeth.

By the end of the meal, he was full of nothing but fury.

On the drive back to Rosecrest Villas with Evelyn, Dominic didn't say a word.

Evelyn, of course, knew exactly what was bothering him.

The black Maybach pulled into a parking spot, and Dominic turned to her.

“Why aren’t you getting out?”

Evelyn looked at Dominic with a serious expression.

“What are your thoughts on what happened tonight?”