She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 405

Gabriel pulled out his phone, already scrolling through fashion lookbooks.

"Spring/Summer Fashion Week is right around the corner. All the top luxury houses are debuting their ready-to-wear collections. Should I pick out a few pieces for your future wife? Or do you want to handle the gifting yourself?"

Gabriel watched as Preston gave a slow shake of his head.

"If I buy her anything too extravagant, it'll just overwhelm her."

"Then what's the plan? We can't exactly buy her something cheap!"

Preston lowered his gaze, falling into a contemplative silence.

Just before the end of the workday, Melanie received a formal invitation.

It had been couriered directly to her office, yet there was no sender's name attached.

Since the card invited the COO of the Royce Group to a gala at the International Banquet Hall the following night, Melanie naturally assumed it was a corporate event.

She had her assistant verify the details. Sure enough, there was a gala booked at the venue for tomorrow night, hosted by NewTech Pharmaceuticals.

As far as Melanie knew, the Royce Group had zero business dealings with NewTech Pharmaceuticals.

Why on earth would they invite her?

And why send an anonymous envelope out of the blue?

The whole thing felt off, but at least the event itself was legitimate.

The next evening, Melanie changed into a sleek, elegant black evening gown.

It wasn't overly flashy, but it fit perfectly. Grabbing the signature orange Hermès handbag Preston had given her, she drove to the venue.

She hadn't chosen the bag to show off.

The vibrant pop of classic orange contrasted beautifully with her understated black dress, elevating the entire look with an undeniable edge.

Melanie had walked in expecting to network and discuss potential partnerships with industry executives.

Instead, she was greeted by a sea of heavily dressed-up socialites and trophy wives.

It hit her immediately—

Melanie glanced down at the purse in her own hand.

It was an identical match.

Elara glided over, projecting her usual sickeningly poised, innocent persona.

She cast a deliberate, condescending side-eye at Melanie's bag.

"What a wild coincidence. Ms. Royce seems to have brought the exact same bag."

Melanie gritted her teeth in pure annoyance.

She had personally custom-ordered this handbag from the boutique. But the way Elara phrased it made it sound like Melanie was some pathetic copycat trying to emulate her style.

"Miss Bennett was just telling us that the Hermès designer custom-made that piece specifically for her," another heiress chimed in obnoxiously. "It's a one-of-a-kind original."

"Well, that's strange. If it's truly a one-of-a-kind custom for Miss Bennett, then how did the heiress of the Royce Group end up with the exact same thing?"

"Do you think hers is a cheap knockoff?"