She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 396

Melanie recognized the sarcastic man instantly. It was Terrence Aldwin, the owner of Herbanthus Remedies.

For years, Herbanthus Remedies had considered the Royce Group its biggest competitor.

Yet, as far as Melanie knew, the Royce Group had never paid them any mind.

Whether it was market share, company size, revenue, or stock prices, Herbanthus Remedies simply wasn't in their league.

"You must be joking, Mr. Aldwin," Melanie said smoothly. "If there's a family scandal, it belongs to Dominic and the Hale family, not me. If my divorce was a disaster, why are the Royce Group's stock prices climbing higher every day?"

Terrence had wanted to use her divorce to humiliate her, but her quick pivot to the soaring stock prices nearly made him bite his tongue.

He let out a sharp scoff, his face flushing with irritation.

"You've got quite the attitude for someone so young," he sneered. "Do you honestly think your stock is rising because of your little divorce drama?"

Terrence eyed her with pure disdain.

"It's only because you're developing a new cold medicine with Stellaris PharmaTech!"

"Speaking of which, it's pathetic," he continued. "A pharmaceutical dynasty built on generations of holistic healing partnering with a global giant like Stellaris. You're turning your back on your heritage. I'm surprised you even have the nerve to show your face at a traditional medicine expo. Have you no shame?"

"Companies like yours, always riding on the coattails of others... what kind of quality ingredients could you possibly produce?"

The moment his voice dropped, Aria stepped forward.

Her outfit today was a stark departure from her usual style.

Normally, Aria favored a sweet, innocent aesthetic, dressing like a porcelain doll or a quiet, refined socialite.

Today, however, she had pinned her long hair up and wore a sleek, pastel-yellow business suit, clearly aiming for a powerful, corporate look.

"Mr. Aldwin, everyone knows the Royce Group produces the highest quality ingredients on the market. Slandering us like this just makes you look petty!"

After delivering her confident retort, Aria stole a glance at Preston.

She had thrown herself at him multiple times before, only to be met with total indifference.

That coldness had led her to a realization: Preston wasn't interested in sweet, submissive girls.

Everyone had a type, after all.

Maybe Preston preferred strong, independent career women.

That would certainly explain why he treated Melanie so differently.

She unceremoniously threw Melanie under the bus.

"Melanie, Mr. Aldwin is asking you a question!"

At Aria's words, the gathering crowd immediately shifted their gaze to Melanie.

Melanie offered a small shrug and a knowing smile.

So, the moment things got tough, Aria expected her to clean up the mess.

"Well then, let's hear it from the new COO," Terrence said, turning his crosshairs back to Melanie.

"I have nothing to explain to you," Melanie replied evenly.

"Ha!"

Terrence's smile widened into a gloating sneer.

"You second-generation trust fund kids are all useless! How did you even inherit the Royce Group? The company really has gone down the drain."

"This is why a solid education matters in pharmaceuticals. See this, everyone? This is what happens when someone with zero qualifications gets handed a title. She doesn't know a damn thing."