She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 369

Melanie had indeed worn an evening gown, but no matter how formal it was, it couldn't compare to Aria's outfit.

Because Aria was the star of tonight’s party.

She wore a white, tiered lace dress studded with crystals, with a matching white lace and crystal bow in her hair. She looked like a princess who had stepped right out of a fairy tale.

Accompanied by Sabrina, she flitted among the guests, the very picture of a social butterfly in high society.

The guests were all showering Aria with praise.

Nathaniel was beaming with pride.

In stark contrast, Melanie sat listlessly in a corner.

She wore a classic black gown—elegant but understated, not nearly as eye-catching as Aria’s.

Several times, Nathaniel had glanced in Melanie's direction, not so subtly signaling her to go and mingle.

But Melanie pretended not to see him.

“Who do you think Mr. Royce will choose to inherit the company?”

“I’d say it’s definitely the younger daughter. Haven’t you seen her networking all night, building her connections?”

“But she’s not Mr. Royce’s biological daughter!”

“So what? It’s not unheard of for a child to gain status through their mother. And Mr. Royce’s wife is her biological mother.”

“That’s true… And isn't the older daughter in the middle of that messy divorce?”

“It’s not just the divorce. Her academic credentials aren’t great, and she's very rebellious.”

“Even though the younger one isn’t his biological daughter, she's highly educated, incredibly capable, and exceptionally obedient to Mr. Royce. If you were him, you’d want someone like that as your successor too!”

The guests’ hushed whispers reached Sabrina’s ears, and a self-satisfied smile spread across her face.

Perhaps Melanie's divorce was genuinely about her intolerance for a cheating scoundrel with an illegitimate child.

But the whole ordeal had certainly played right into her Aria’s hands.

Before, Melanie was not only Nathaniel’s biological daughter and the eldest, but also Dominic’s wife, serving as the bridge between the Hale and Royce families.

Sabrina was hoping to use this party to find a suitable marriage candidate for Aria.

Aria, being dragged around by Sabrina to mingle, was not oblivious to her mother’s intentions.

But…

She had no interest in an arranged marriage with any of these rich heirs!

They were all either playboys or ugly. Some of them were already greasy and sleazy despite their young age, making her feel nauseous just looking at them.

Her heart was already set on someone else.

Aria craned her neck, gazing intently at the entrance of the estate, waiting with bated breath.

Finally, a dark figure entered her line of sight.

“Mr. Whitmore!”

Aria hiked up her lace hem and swept toward Preston, her crystals catching the light with every desperate step.