She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 526

"Come on, you don't have to look so homicidal just because you couldn't drive her home yourself! Prince Alaric from Zendaria just dropped into Darsenia out of nowhere. Mom and Dad demanded you get over there immediately. Your hands were tied," Gabriel reasoned.

"Yeah."

Seeing Preston offer nothing more than a distracted nod, his mood clearly plummeting, Gabriel let out a dramatic sigh.

Bros before hoes clearly didn't apply here.

Preston was never this cold when Melanie was around.

A heavy silence settled in the luxurious cabin until Preston surprisingly broke it.

"Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Gabriel immediately put on a theatrical pout.

"What else is there to say? You're ignoring me anyway. I'm not even worth a fraction of her attention."

"Glad you know your place."

"You're so mean to me, I'm wounded," Gabriel whined, fully leaning into the act.

Knowing Gabriel was just trying to lighten the mood, Preston reached over and casually ruffled his hair.

Gabriel instantly broke into a grin, looking like an overgrown golden retriever.

"I wanted to ask about what happened with Aria tonight."

Hearing Preston shift to business, Gabriel's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by sharp focus.

"I was planning to wait until I had drawn her in a little deeper before briefing you."

"You plan to keep stringing her along?"

"Absolutely."

Gabriel held Preston's gaze and gave him a word-for-word rundown of his exchange with Aria at the gala.

"So, what do you think? Doesn't a woman like that need a little more... personal attention?"

"Yes."

Preston agreed with a curt nod.

"But watch your back."

They both knew that while Evelyn Hale had been the primary mastermind and contact point behind the ambush in The Marlowe District, Aria was undeniably involved.

Gabriel was a notorious flirt who had a soft spot for beautiful women, making him an easy mark for manipulation.

When it came to pure ruthlessness, Gabriel couldn't hold a candle to Preston.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Preston shot him a glare so cold it could freeze boiling water.

"Uh..."

Gabriel winced. Preston gritted his teeth and muttered:

"There's a fly buzzing around her."

Gabriel instantly understood.

A woman as stunning and brilliant as Melanie was bound to attract endless admirers, boyfriend or not.

"Look, I know you're crazy about her, but... being overwhelmingly possessive might end up stressing her out. You know that, right?"

Gabriel offered the advice as delicately as possible.

Because Preston looked ready to commit a felony.

Preston exhaled a long, heavy breath and typed a reply to Philip.

Outside Rosevale Heights.

Melanie stepped out of the car and walked through the gates with Everett by her side.