She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 590

"Is that really how it happened?"

Melanie's voice suddenly cut through the tension.

It was sharp, authoritative, and instantly silenced the entire room.

Gregory snapped his head toward her, his eyes blazing with disgust and accusation.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," Melanie replied, offering a dismissive shrug.

"For decades, you've been using this so-called 'life-saving debt' to extort us. You've leeched resources off the Royce family like a parasite..."

Before she could finish, Dominic exploded.

"Who are you calling a parasite?! Watch your mouth..."

He didn't even get to finish his sentence. Melanie shot him a glare so icy it forced his mouth shut.

Deep down, Dominic remembered a time when the Hales were genuinely grateful for the Royce Group's help.

But when handouts became a daily routine, entitlement took over.

Eventually, Dominic just assumed the Royce wealth was his by right.

They were family friends, after all. It was just business.

Except, looking back, the Hales had never actually brought any value to the table.

"Even so, calling us parasites is taking it too far," Dominic muttered, lowering his head.

Nathaniel remained silent.

Which was essentially a tacit agreement with Melanie's assessment.

Gregory's hands, hidden in his pockets, clenched into tight, trembling fists.

Melanie slowly scanned the room, drinking in everyone's reactions before continuing at a methodical pace.

"Dad, you told me you panicked. You thought you were going to die, and you quickly lost consciousness in the freezing water. When you finally woke up, you were in the base infirmary. And you were told that Gregory saved you, and that Walter had drowned. Gregory claimed that by the time he dragged you out and went back for Walter, it was too late... That's the story, right?"

Unsure why Melanie was reciting a story she already knew, Nathaniel nodded slowly, looking perplexed.

The veins on the back of Gregory's clenched fists bulged violently.

Melanie's dark eyes locked onto her target.

"Then there's a massive plot hole here..."

She looked straight at Nathaniel and dropped the bomb.

"Dad, it was pitch black. You fell into freezing water. You were terrified, hypothermic, and you blacked out. So... how exactly do you know Gregory saved you? Did you see him do it? Did you physically watch him risk his life to push you onto the ice? Or... did you just assume it because he was the one who survived, and you just blindly swallowed his side of the story?!"