She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 9

But it also felt like a mask.

For some reason, Dominic suddenly felt a pang of panic and gently removed Evelyn’s hand from his arm.

“Melanie is right here.”

Evelyn's face fell.

“It’s fine. She’s your sister, after all. It’s normal for a sister to be close to her brother.”

Ordinarily, Dominic would have been relieved to hear Melanie say this.

At least she didn't suspect anything was going on between him and Evelyn.

But the fact that Melanie wasn't the least bit jealous made his chest feel tight.

“So, what were you all talking about?” Dominic asked, changing the subject.

“Ms. Royce wants me to move her things to her new desk and organize them,” Emilia said, her tone a mix of complaint and a plea for Dominic’s sympathy.

“Well then, you should…”

Before Dominic could finish, Evelyn cut in.

“I have some documents that Ms. Hartwell needs to help me with. I’ve just become director, and I have a lot on my plate…”

She shot Emilia a look.

“That’s right! The previous director left so much work undone. Evelyn has to deal with a mountain of paperwork as soon as she starts. Mr. Hale, you see, I’m…”

Dominic looked troubled and cleared his throat.

“Ms. Hartwell, why don’t you help Evelyn with the documents first. Melanie, you can set up your own workstation…”

This outcome didn't surprise Melanie.

In Dominic's eyes, Evelyn was family, the one he was supposed to side with.

“Okay, sure.”

Melanie’s compliance surprised Dominic. He was about to say something when someone else approached.

“Mr. Hale, the manager from Luminaria Aesthetic Institute called. He said he wants to discuss the serum we've been promoting with our director. He’s scheduled a meeting for two o’clock this afternoon at their demonstration center.”

Luminaria Aesthetic Institute was a high-end cosmeceutical retailer in Aldoria. Dominic had been desperate to get their products on its shelves, but they had always been looked down upon.

“That’s wonderful, Mr. Hale!” Emilia exclaimed excitedly. “It seems our new director has earned the trust of Luminaria Aesthetic Institute… unlike someone else.”

“As the director, of course.”

“In that case, Ms. Hartwell, please move my things back to the director’s office,” Melanie said to Emilia, then turned to Evelyn. “I have to go work on a deal, so you’ll have to handle my work here. You’re not going to say you can’t do it, are you?”

Evelyn tugged hard on Dominic’s sleeve.

“Don’t worry about a thing. Evelyn will handle your work,” Dominic assured Melanie.

“Dominic!”

Ignoring Evelyn’s protest, Dominic urged Emilia on. “Hurry up and move Melanie’s things back.”

And just like that, Melanie was reinstated as director, at least for now.

She had met the procurement manager from Luminaria Aesthetic Institute once before. They weren't friends, and she couldn't understand why he had specifically requested her for this project.

At two o’clock that afternoon, Melanie arrived on time at the Luminaria Aesthetic Institute’s demonstration center.

She was led by a staff member into a conference room.

Mr. Vellor was already waiting inside.

Melanie noticed another man sitting beside him.