She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 525

The threat of being locked up stung Dominic's fragile ego.

His plastic smile instantly froze.

He had never expected Melanie to be so utterly ruthless toward him, ruthless enough to permanently stain his spotless record.

He had rushed over hoping to offer her a ride home, but now he realized he was just wasting his time kissing her ass.

Instead of groveling, he needed to focus entirely on stealing the Royce Group's nutrient formula.

A stubborn, ungrateful woman like Melanie needed to be broken, to learn the hard way just how powerful he was.

That was the only way she would finally remember her place and who she truly belonged to.

Erasing his smile, Dominic spoke with chilling arrogance.

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm not here to pester you. I just felt sorry for you. Your boyfriend won't even give you a ride home. Sticking with a loser like that will only bring you misery. You'd be much better off—"

"Stop," Melanie demanded, holding up a hand to cut him off instantly.

"If you only came over to trash-talk my boyfriend, save your breath. I don't want to hear it."

"Furthermore, I am a grown adult, not a toddler or a fragile porcelain doll. I am perfectly capable of getting myself home. It's not a tragedy, and it certainly isn't misery. Do yourself a favor and buy a dictionary before you try to act superior."

After thoroughly dressing him down, Melanie strode confidently down the steps.

Dominic took a step to chase after her, but a sharply dressed man suddenly appeared, blocking his view.

Melanie didn't recognize him.

"Excuse me, are you—"

"Good evening, Ms. Royce. I am the designated driver hired by Mr. Whitmore to take you home. You can call me Philip."

Philip introduced himself with utmost respect.

He deliberately omitted the fact that he was Preston's executive assistant.

But he didn't consider it a lie.

His sole professional duty tonight was to be her chauffeur.

"A designated driver?"

Melanie was confused.

She hadn't even brought a car. Why would she need a driver?

Philip easily read the confusion in her eyes.

Preston and Gabriel sat in the spacious backseat.

"So you had Philip take her home?"

"Yes."

"Man, you think of absolutely everything."

Gabriel shot Preston a thumbs-up.

In truth, Preston didn't want to micromanage Melanie's life.

He wanted to protect her, not suffocate her.

But knowing Dominic was at the gala had put him on edge.

The memory of Dominic's past harassment was still burning in his mind. He couldn't relax.

Once Philip picked Melanie up, he discreetly texted Preston to confirm that Dominic had indeed cornered her again.

Preston's brow furrowed into a dark, lethal scowl.

Sitting next to him, Gabriel felt a shiver run down his spine at the sheer, murderous intensity radiating from Preston's gaze.