She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 557

Selling the property the minute he moved out proved that Everett was dead set on never returning to Bresford. He was firmly planting his roots in Averin.

Faintly, Melanie sensed that this old apartment was a place of deep sorrow for him.

"Ugh."

Melanie let out a heavy sigh.

"I still don't know what you were thinking back then, insisting on marrying Evelyn. Was it really just for Dominic?"

It sounded like a question directed at Everett, but it was more of a frustrated mumble to herself.

If Everett hadn't married Evelyn, his life would undoubtedly have been much smoother.

Everett opened his mouth, but no words came out.

He couldn't tell Melanie that everything he did back then was entirely for her.

That had always been his own desperate, one-sided devotion.

With everything packed, Melanie walked downstairs with him.

As they reached the entrance of the residential complex, an elderly man passing by suddenly called out to Everett.

"...Are you Walter's boy?"

Everett froze, clearly not recognizing the man.

"Your dad and I were in the same military unit. I was a bit older than him. He passed away way too early, and we lost touch after that... But seeing you now, you look exactly like he did when he was young. I just had a feeling you were his son..."

As the old man spoke, his eyes naturally drifted over to Melanie.

"Is this your wife?"

Before Everett could deny it, the old man beamed and added, "She's stunning! You're a lucky man."

Without waiting for a response, the old man launched into a rambling stream of nostalgic stories from their time in the military.

It was obvious he was lonely, lacking people to talk to in his daily life. Having finally caught the son of an old acquaintance, he couldn't stop talking.

Everett had wanted to leave ages ago, but he couldn't bring himself to ruin the old man's mood.

"Yes."

Melanie nodded firmly.

The old man thought for a moment.

"I knew him, sure, but I was much closer to Walter. He did spend a lot of time with Gregory and... who else was it?"

"Oh, right! Nathaniel... The three of them were inseparable."

Seeing that the old man still had a sharp memory of their military days, Melanie continued her questioning.

"Do you remember... how well Gregory could swim back then?"

"Well..."

The old man pondered.

"I never heard anything about him being a swimmer. He could probably do a doggy-paddle at best... A lot of guys back then could only doggy-paddle. Just thrashing around enough to move and not sink to the bottom. He couldn't hold a candle to Walter. Walter was practically a professional."