She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 202

“My daughter?”

Melanie blinked her large eyes, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

“Director, I think you’ve misunderstood something… I don’t have a daughter.”

Hazel froze.

“The little girl at the amusement park yesterday, with Mr. Hale…”

“That’s Lila. She’s this young lady’s daughter, Evelyn’s,” Melanie explained directly.

The next second, a look of realization dawned on Hazel’s face.

“No wonder…”

Melanie’s performance at the seminar didn’t seem like that of someone who could raise such a child.

“So I had it all wrong…” Hazel murmured to herself, then looked at Evelyn.

“Perfect. Since you’re the child’s mother, then I’ll be seeking compensation from you for my one-hundred-and-eighty-thousand-dollar dress!”

“What?!” Evelyn exclaimed in shock.

“Didn’t your brother tell you? Your daughter splattered ice cream all over my brand-new dress. The worst part is, she lied about it, played the victim, and then your brother covered for her… What a small world. Here we are again.”

After hearing Hazel’s explanation, Melanie finally understood why Hazel had been so hostile toward her at the seminar. It was because Hazel had a run-in with Dominic and Lila and had mistaken her for Lila’s mother.

Evelyn’s face flushed and paled by turns.

She turned to look at Dominic, whose expression was equally grim. He said nothing.

“Miss Evelyn, one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. I have the receipt. You can pay me now.”

Evelyn opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

She had been hoping to cozy up to Hazel and use her as a weapon against Melanie. Now, out of nowhere, she was on the hook for $180,000.

“Dominic…” Evelyn tugged at his suit sleeve.

Hazel stopped him without any ceremony.

“I’d like to speak with Ms. Royce alone. You should go keep her company!”

With that, Hazel took Melanie’s hand and pulled her far away from Dominic.

“I’m sorry. I misunderstood you before. I didn’t realize that child wasn’t your daughter,” Hazel said in a quiet corner, handing Melanie a glass of champagne.

Although she was still skeptical about the Hale Health Center’s investment in Adrian Mercer’s studio, she was personally impressed with Melanie.

“Honestly, you’re wasted on Mr. Hale. He married up.”

Melanie was surprised by Hazel’s directness.

“Dominic treats me very well…” Melanie lied without batting an eye.

After all, Dominic had firmly established his “loving husband” persona, and it wasn’t yet time for that image to crumble.