She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 403

"Thank you for this."

Truthfully, she hadn't wanted him to buy something so expensive.

She had only just accepted his family's heirloom diamond and ruby necklace—an item she still hadn't figured out how to return—and now he had bought her a designer bag on top of it.

Catching the faint trace of hesitation in her smile, Preston spoke up.

"Am I putting too much pressure on you?"

"Yes."

Melanie didn't bother sugarcoating it and gave a firm nod.

"Then turn that pressure into motivation."

"Motivation?"

Melanie tilted her head in confusion. "Motivation for what?"

Preston leaned in slightly, closing the gap between them.

The sudden proximity was suffocating in the best way, their bodies nearly brushing against each other. A strange, breathless flutter of nerves bloomed in Melanie's chest.

"Motivation to fall for me."

His low murmur sent her heart into an absolute frenzy.

She quickly put her hands on his chest and pushed him back, desperately establishing a safe distance.

"You make it sound like I'm completely shallow—like a few pieces of jewelry and a designer bag are all it takes to buy my affection."

She had only meant it as a casual quip, but Preston instantly tensed, a flicker of panic in his eyes.

"That's not what I meant."

He gripped her shoulders gently, catching her completely off guard.

He looked at her with an intense, burning sincerity, yet failed to form the words.

A pang of guilt hit her. She felt like she had said the wrong thing and unnecessarily rattled him.

Preston opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out.

He wanted to tell her that he simply wanted to give her the absolute best the world had to offer.

He had never actively pursued a woman before, and he was entirely out of his depth on how to properly romance one.

Sensing the storm of unsaid words tumbling through his mind, Melanie didn't try to pull away. She stayed perfectly still in his firm grip.

He was incredibly strong, yet his touch was always impossibly gentle.

"Melanie!"

A sharp, furious yell shattered the tender moment, making Melanie flinch.

It was a voice she knew all too well.

She and Preston turned in unison to see Dominic storming toward them.

Melanie remembered a time when Dominic had always carried himself with the poised arrogance of a wealthy heir; rarely had she ever seen him this unhinged.

"Now I get it! No wonder the designer bag I bought you ended up with Evelyn—you thought it was beneath you!"

His silence was deafening. He shot the manager a chilling, predatory glare that sent an immediate cold sweat down the man's spine, leaving him too terrified to even breathe.

"I didn't realize your security was paid to react at such a leisurely pace," Preston stated coldly.

The manager immediately launched into another flurry of apologies, urgently directing an associate to pack up two complimentary silk scarves as a peace offering for Melanie.

Melanie lightly tugged at Preston's suit sleeve.

"Let it go. They're just doing their jobs. Besides... that kick just now was incredibly hot."

Seeing the genuine admiration on her face, the icy danger in Preston's demeanor melted instantly, replaced by a devastating softness.

"Tell me again."

"...What?"

"I like hearing it."

It almost felt like he was shamelessly fishing for compliments. Melanie suppressed a grin and cleared her throat.

"The way you stepped in to protect me was extremely attractive. Very alpha."

"In that case..."

Preston reached out, smoothly threading a hand through her hair as he pulled her flush against his chest.

His deep, magnetic voice rasped right by her ear, sending a delicious shiver straight down her spine.

"Since I was so impressive... don't you think I deserve a kiss as a reward?"