She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 364

Aria was dressed in her usual sweet and pretty style, wearing a pink floral dress with a bow-shaped clip in her hair.

Although she clearly saw Melanie, she acted as if she were invisible. Her eyes were fixed on Preston, as if she had fallen into a trance.

Preston seemed to react a beat too late, finally turning his gaze to Aria.

“Who are you? How do you know my name is Whitmore?”

Melanie couldn't help but smile as she saw the grin on Aria’s face freeze instantly.

She didn't believe for a second that Preston didn't remember Aria. He was most likely pretending not to know her just to embarrass her.

“You must be very forgetful, Mr. Whitmore. We met before, at the Royce family dinner to celebrate Father’s Day, remember?”

At Aria’s reminder, a look of sudden realization crossed Preston’s cold face.

“I remember now…”

Seeing that Preston remembered her, Aria’s lips curved into a proud smile.

“You’re Melanie’s stepsister… I’ve forgotten your name.”

The corners of her freshly raised smile twitched, but Aria couldn’t bring herself to get angry at Preston.

She still wanted to leave a good impression on him!

“So you do remember me, Mr. Whitmore. I’m Aria. You can just call me Aria.”

“I prefer not to be so familiar, Ms. Royce.”

Preston didn’t even glance at Aria, his intention to keep his distance all too obvious.

As much as Aria wanted to pretend to be unfazed, she couldn't hide her embarrassment.

Melanie watched from the side, somewhat surprised. In her experience, while Preston had an icy demeanor, he was always courteous. She hadn't expected him to be so blunt with Aria.

Bryant felt a pang of disappointment at the introduction. He would have preferred to hear Melanie introduce him as “my friend,” something that defined their relationship, rather than just his job and title.

“So you’re Mr. Lennox. A pleasure to meet you,” Aria said, but she made no move to shake his hand.

Her eyes moved to Elina, who was sitting next to Bryant.

She had heard of the youngest deputy director at the Averin Bio-Data Center. If she remembered correctly, her advisor had mentioned that this Bryant was divorced and had a daughter. That must be the little girl in front of her.

“This child is so cute… Is she…”

“She’s my daughter, Elina,” Bryant introduced.

Aria gave a fake smile and turned to Melanie.

“By the way, sis, I heard from Mom that you’ve already finalized your divorce with Dominic. A woman should find her next husband while she’s still young. Mr. Lennox is such a great catch, so handsome and successful. And since you’re already used to taking care of Dominic’s illegitimate child, you’d make a perfect stepmother for Mr. Lennox’s daughter.”