She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 428

"Ms. Royce, what exactly have I done to be considered ungrateful to you?"

Preston countered calmly, completely unfazed by Aria's aggressive interrogation.

Aria pressed her lips into a thin line.

If she had a choice, she wouldn't have cornered him like this.

But if she didn't take a hardline stance now, Melanie was going to steal him away for good.

"Have you forgotten? Back then, you were just a low-level employee at a Stellaris PharmaTech branch. It was me... I was the one who recommended you to Dr. Hayes, and it was through his connections that you got transferred to the corporate headquarters."

As she spoke, she placed a hand dramatically over her chest.

"Do you have any idea how many people would kill for a position at Stellaris PharmaTech's headquarters? I did you a massive favor, and the second you got what you wanted, you turned around and started dating my sister? What do you take me for?!"

Aria shrieked at him in exasperation, playing the part of a devastated woman who had been used and tossed aside perfectly.

Even if she couldn't have Preston, she wasn't about to let Melanie enjoy him in peace.

She wanted the entire office to believe they had a secret history, ensuring Melanie would have to face a tidal wave of vicious rumors.

Around them, several onlookers were already pointing fingers and whispering.

However, Preston simply scoffed, shrugging with pure indifference.

"You want to know what I take you for? I'll tell you right now. I consider you... trash."

He spat out the final word with brutal emphasis. The predatory glare he leveled at her was so lethal it nearly made Aria's knees buckle.

Just then, the sound of slow clapping echoed from behind him.

Melanie strolled over, applauding with a smirk until she reached Preston's side.

The instant his gaze shifted to her, his harsh expression melted into something incredibly soft.

"That's exactly how you should talk to her."

Melanie smoothly linked her arm through Preston's.

"Aria, harassing my boyfriend in broad daylight. Have you absolutely no shame?"

"I—when did I harass him?!"

"Ms. Royce's boyfriend really got dragged into this for no reason."

"This is why you shouldn't date someone too handsome. Everyone tries to steal them, just look."

"Going after her own sister's boyfriend... that's pathetic."

With public opinion turning sharply against her, Aria covered her face and fled the scene in utter disgrace.

Melanie turned to Preston, raising an eyebrow in a look that clearly communicated: See how fiercely I protect what's mine?

Preston lowered his gaze, unable to suppress a chuckle.

"You have a really great smile, you know. You should use it more often."

Melanie patted his shoulder.

Preston smoothly caught her hand, intertwining their fingers.

"If you aren't in a rush to clock in, would you take a walk with me?"