She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 952

His lips looked so cool and unyielding, yet the breath ghosting across her skin was scorchingly hot.

Despite the blast of the banquet hall's air conditioning, a sudden, suffocating wave of heat washed over Melanie, drawing a sheen of moisture to her forehead and neck.

"Give me a chance to prove myself, of course."

His gravelly whisper slipped into her ear, plucking at her heartstrings like a masterful hand.

Melanie knew exactly what he was implying, her cheeks flaring with a deep crimson flush.

"Don't forget we're broken up, Mr. Whitmore. This is technically harassment."

She tried to shove him away, but his chest felt like a wall of solid granite. Not only did he refuse to budge, but her shifting balance sent her stumbling straight into his arms.

Preston caught her effortlessly, his arm wrapping around her slender waist and pulling her flush against his chest.

"Ms. Royce, from where I'm standing... you're the one harassing me."

"You!"

Embarrassed and infuriated, Melanie's face burned hotly.

"We're in public! What are you doing?"

"My point exactly. We're in public, so why did you throw yourself at me?"

Melanie's mouth opened and closed in speechless outrage.

It had been an accident.

And he knew it perfectly well.

Trapped in his embrace, all she could do was glare up at him in silent protest.

Several guests were already casting knowing, suggestive glances their way—including one person in particular.

Elara Bennett.

She had attended the event as Alistair Davenport's arm candy.

She was little more than a decorative vase he toted around to boost his ego.

Standing at the edge of the crowd, she had spotted Melanie and Preston a mile away.

It was impossible not to.

Their looks and their attire demanded absolute attention.

"What are you staring at?"

Alistair demanded, a sinister, empty smile plastered on his face.

"Nothing."

Elara shook her head, fighting the violent shudder of disgust rippling through her.

Alistair sneered, tossing a dirty look toward Preston and Melanie.

"What? Still pining after your old flame? Oh wait... you weren't even an old flame. You just had some useless piece of paper saying you were engaged, but Preston wouldn't even look twice at you."

Hearing Alistair ruthlessly rip open her deepest insecurities made Elara's heavily contoured face drain of color, then burn with humiliated rage.

"Look at him. You're in the same room, and has he spared you a single glance? No. He's too busy fawning over that Melanie woman."

"You need to learn your place... A cheap commodity like you belongs exactly where you are—with me. Isn't that right? Hahahaha!"

Staring at Alistair's bloated stomach and yellowing teeth as he barked with laughter, Elara felt a wave of suffocating despair crash over her.

When would the Bennett family finally bounce back and reclaim their throne in Quarevia?

When would she finally have the leverage to sever ties with this monster for good?