She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 524

Preston couldn't tell Melanie the truth just yet.

Until he uncovered whether Stellaris PharmaTech was truly involved in her mother's death, he couldn't reveal his identity as the head of the Whitmore family and the ultimate boss of Stellaris.

However, he refused to lie to her.

So he told her the technical truth.

"Then why do you trust him so much?" Melanie pressed.

It wasn't that she deeply distrusted Gabriel.

But Gabriel was essentially a stranger; helping her was a favor, not an obligation.

Meanwhile, Aria could clearly offer him far more tangible benefits.

It made logical sense for Gabriel to switch sides.

"Because... he is a genuinely good guy," Preston replied.

Melanie's lips twitched.

That was the most generic excuse he could have possibly given.

Still, she didn't push the issue.

She had promised she trusted Preston, and if Preston trusted Gabriel, she wouldn't second-guess the plan.

She just needed to keep a close watch on Aria over the next few days.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, her gaze clashed with Aria's across the room.

Aria had just stepped away from Gabriel and was staring directly at Melanie, her eyes burning with a triumphant, victorious glare.

Melanie didn't back down from the silent challenge. She met Aria's stare with an effortless, regal confidence that easily overshadowed Aria's petty bravado.

They held the standoff for several intense seconds before Aria scoffed, spun on her heel, and walked away.

"Then I'll carry you into the office myself. I guarantee you won't be late."

An image of Preston literally carrying her through the corporate lobby flashed through her mind, and Melanie burst into laughter.

They lingered outside the grand hall, wrapping each other in a sweet, lingering embrace before finally parting ways.

Melanie hadn't driven her own car that night; she had hitched a ride with her father.

But she had zero desire to ride back to Rosevale Heights with Nathaniel Royce.

"Melanie," a familiar, grating voice called out from behind her. It was the absolute last person she wanted to hear.

She tried to ignore it, but Dominic Hale quickly stepped into her path, cutting off her exit.

Melanie stared at his fake, plastic smile with icy contempt.

"What, do you want to get locked up in a holding cell again?"