She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 365

As Aria spoke, she secretly observed Preston’s reaction.

She refused to believe that a man as handsome and outstanding as Preston could be interested in Melanie. A divorcée who was so eager to be a stepmother to someone else’s child—what did a woman like that have that she didn’t?

Elina shrank in her seat, too intimidated to say a word. In truth, she would have been happy to have Melanie as her new mother. But the woman named Aria spoke with a strange, passive-aggressive tone that she didn't like, and she didn't dare respond.

Bryant opened his mouth, a wave of regret washing over him. It was obvious Aria was deliberately targeting Melanie. He shouldn’t have invited her to sit with them.

The atmosphere at the table turned tense.

Just as a triumphant smile spread across Aria’s face, Melanie suddenly spoke.

“You’re right that I’m young, beautiful, and capable. It’s no wonder I’d have an easier time finding a partner than you.”

“You!”

Aria almost bit her tongue. Her intention had been to passive-aggressively call Melanie an old woman who was only good for raising kids, but Melanie had the audacity to take it as a compliment!

“I hope we’re not making a scene, Mr. Whitmore. My sister is great in every way, she’s just always been a bit tactless,” Aria said. For the first time, Preston looked at her directly, his dark eyes reflecting a sharp, cold light.

“Are you talking about yourself, Ms. Royce?”

Aria’s eyes widened.

Why?

Why was Preston so protective of Melanie?

Patting her chest, Aria looked smug and incredibly proud.

Melanie rested her chin on her hand, utterly unimpressed.

It was just an internship for a project. Was it really something to be so smug about? You'd think she'd just invented the atomic bomb or something.

“You must all be Aria’s friends. I’m her advisor. She truly is a rare talent, quite outstanding among this year’s students,” Dr. Hayes said, praising her publicly.

Aria squirmed, feigning modesty. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Professor… Oh, by the way, Professor, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Preston Whitmore. He also works for Stellaris PharmaTech.”

Aria adopted the air of someone doing Preston a favor by making a connection for him.

“He’s very talented, but unfortunately, he’s currently working in a branch office. Professor, do you think… you could put in a good word with someone at Stellaris PharmaTech and get him transferred to the main office to join our project?”