She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 398

"This is where you wanted to take me?"

Melanie stood by the entrance, looking at Preston in absolute bewilderment.

"Yeah," Preston nodded. "Let's go inside."

Following a step behind him, Melanie walked into Averin's largest Hermès boutique.

The store manager and the lead designer were already waiting near the front.

The moment they spotted Preston, their faces lit up with polished, professional smiles.

"Mr. Whitmore, Ms. Royce. Right this way, please."

Melanie shot Preston a confused look. How did the staff already know her last name?

Preston didn't offer an explanation, simply guiding her deeper into the luxurious store.

Melanie came from old money; she was a wealthy heiress in her own right. But she wasn't fiercely materialistic, and this was actually her first time stepping foot in this particular boutique.

They were seated in a plush VIP lounge, and attendants quickly brought out sparkling water and espresso.

"These are the trending color swatches for this season, along with our new releases, leather samples, and hardware options. Please take your time browsing, Mr. Whitmore, Ms. Royce."

The manager respectfully presented an exquisite box filled with leather squares and metal clasps, setting it gently on the table between them.

"If none of these catch your eye, our lead designer, Vilsha Lane, can sketch a completely bespoke piece for you."

Melanie finally put the pieces together.

Preston was buying her a Hermès handbag.

And not just buying one—having one custom-made.

Hermès was the pinnacle of luxury in the handbag world. Even off-the-rack pieces cost a fortune, let alone a fully bespoke commission.

"What are you doing?" Melanie leaned in, keeping her voice low.

"You're a smart woman. Can't you tell? I'm getting you a bag."

"I know you're getting me a bag. My question is why? And even if you wanted to get me a gift, bringing me to Hermès for a custom order is completely overkill."

Her eyes were filled with absolute refusal.

Preston noticed. He fell silent for a long moment.

"What if I said... I don't want to see you carrying a bag given to you by someone else?"

"Someone else?"

Melanie paused, her brain connecting the dots. "Wait. Do you... do you know Dominic gave me a Hermès bag?"

"Yeah."

Preston nodded, not even trying to hide the heavy jealousy swimming in his dark eyes.

Melanie couldn't hold back a laugh.

When she first met Preston, he had seemed so cold and intimidating, radiating an icy aura that kept everyone at arm's length.

But now, she was discovering a surprisingly childish, possessive side to him.

"I looked into it. The one he gave you is the trendy one right now... so I wanted to have an even better one custom-made just for you."

Melanie's lips twitched.

His competitive streak was honestly ridiculous.

They had crossed paths before, but only in fleeting moments.

Melanie hadn't ever gotten a good look at her features.

Yet, as if guided by instinct, she instantly knew that this woman—dressed in an immaculate ivory suit and radiating old-money elegance—was Elara, the woman who had once been engaged to Preston.

Elara wasn't breathtakingly gorgeous in a flashy way.

She had a subtle, refined beauty that grew on you the longer you looked. She carried herself with the undeniable poise of a high-society heiress.

Two men in sharp black suits flanked her.

Bodyguards, Melanie assumed.

It made sense. The last time she saw Elara, the woman had been sitting in the back of a Rolls-Royce. It would be stranger if a woman of her status didn't have security.

Instinctively, Melanie glanced at Preston.

Because Elara was staring straight at him.

"What a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Elara's voice was perfectly modulated, revealing no obvious emotion.

But Melanie didn't need to hear it in her voice. She saw the way Elara looked at him.

It was affection.

It was love.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and no matter how hard someone tries to hide their feelings, their gaze always gives them away.