She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 174

He had already changed into his tennis gear—an all-black outfit that stood in stark contrast to Melanie's all-white one.

"Ow!" Gabriel suddenly cried out.

"I can't go on, I've got a blister on my foot! I'm dropping out... Someone, anyone, please come finish this match for me!"

He exaggeratedly dragged one leg, wincing in mock pain as he limped off the court.

At the same time, Preston had already walked silently onto the court, holding a matching black racket.

Across the net, Melanie's eyes widened when she saw Preston step on.

*What's he doing here?*

Was it a coincidence?

Given Preston's wealth, it wasn't impossible for him to be at a resort like this playing tennis.

Melanie's attention was involuntarily drawn to him.

Preston was wearing an all-black tennis outfit.

That didn't surprise her. From his usual attire, it was clear he had a preference for black.

His tennis racket was also entirely black, which, when held in his hand, further accentuated the white silk gloves he never seemed to take off.

*Is he going to play tennis in silk gloves? Won't they be slippery?*

Melanie tilted her head, wondering silently but not saying anything to Preston.

Preston wore those white gloves constantly. Whether it was due to being a germaphobe or not, Melanie guessed he had his reasons. Therefore, pointing it out now would be unnecessary and meddlesome.

The game wasn't over yet, and Melanie didn't ask Preston why he had suddenly appeared.

She got into position, focusing on receiving the serve.

Preston served.

The first ball was an ace down the T.

The second, an ace out wide.

The next two were also aces out wide.

Preston's deep gaze remained fixed on Melanie, but she was too busy talking to Oliver to notice.

His already grim expression darkened instantly, and a terrifying pressure from him enveloped the entire court.

Gabriel sat on the sidelines, not even daring to look up. He was afraid of making eye contact with his brother.

*It really wasn't on purpose... Who told my future sister-in-law not to pick you!* Gabriel muttered under his breath, shrinking into himself.

Preston hadn't expected Melanie not to choose him, either.

He had waited for days, expecting her to invite him. Instead, she had invited her classmate.

Preston knew it wasn't Melanie's fault. Nor was it her classmate's fault. But he just couldn't suppress the simmering discontent inside him.

Before this, Melanie and Oliver had been leading 4-3. With Preston's arrival, the score was quickly reversed to 6-5 in his team's favor.

As the game progressed, Preston's female partner voluntarily left the court. She had been brought in by Gabriel and had no idea who Preston was. Although she was happy to be partnered with such a handsome guy, his intensity on the court was so frightening that she just wanted to get away.

On the other side, Oliver also left the court. In fact, he made an excuse and bolted. He knew that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't win. Worse, he might even be in fear for his life.

Melanie didn't try to stop Oliver.