She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 513

The moment the words left Nathaniel's mouth, Melanie fired back with obvious displeasure.

"Why? I'm the lead on this project and the COO of the Royce Group. Aria started her own independent studio. Why should I answer to her?"

Melanie demanded angrily, shooting Aria a fierce glare.

She had fully expected Nathaniel to call this meeting.

A stalled project of this magnitude wouldn't just stay a rumor.

As their business partner, Stellaris PharmaTech had naturally provided a formal explanation to the Royce Group's management.

So, Nathaniel would have received the official notice.

And he would inevitably conclude that she was incompetent.

And, like clockwork, Aria wouldn't miss a chance to seize the opportunity.

If Melanie had acted nonchalant and willingly handed over the reins, Aria would have instantly been suspicious.

"How dare you ask why!"

Nathaniel roared, slamming his hand onto the desk and glaring at Melanie.

"Look at the mess you've made!"

"If you hadn't arrogantly insisted on altering Stellaris's extraction technology, this project wouldn't be falling apart! You're nothing but an amateur when it comes to pharmacology. Aria has her Ph.D. and is miles out of your league. You will cooperate with Aria and cultivate the Silver-Leaf Orchid Variant, or I'll hold you personally responsible for destroying this deal!"

Watching Nathaniel tear into Melanie sent a rush of smug satisfaction through Aria.

She had never believed Melanie possessed the skills to improve Stellaris's technology.

This was Stellaris PharmaTech.

Their pharmaceutical engineering was world-renowned, matched only by the Carter Group.

The internal meeting dragged on, spending ninety percent of the time publicly executing Melanie's character.

When Melanie finally walked out of Nathaniel's office, her expression was incredibly grim.

Aria sidled up to her, dripping with fake sympathy.

"Don't take Dad's words to heart, okay! He just wants what's best for you. After all, you've dug a massive hole, and I'm probably the only one who can pull you out of it. Just relax and leave the heavy lifting to me. You never really had a mind for academics anyway, so it's better to accept your limits and just follow my lead!"

Aria flashed a triumphant smirk and strutted down the hallway, her heels clicking sharply against the tile.

Melanie turned to leave, but Dominic stepped into her path.

"Melanie..."

Her already sour mood plunged into absolute disgust after being blocked by him.

"What is it? If it's business, talk to my assistant. If it's personal, save your breath. I don't want to hear it."