She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 97

"If only my dad were as reasonable as you."

Melanie’s comment was brief. She took her soda and went into the master bedroom, looking much more relaxed.

Preston watched her confident back in silence. As the bedroom door closed, a flicker of loneliness crossed his stern face.

***

At noon, at Lakeview Ascend.

The place was an upscale eco-restaurant, one of the Royce family's properties.

As the host, Nathaniel had arrived early.

Gregory and Camilla followed soon after, also arriving ahead of schedule.

Dominic arrived right on time with Evelyn and Lila.

Only Melanie was missing.

Nathaniel glanced at his watch. It was already past noon.

His face immediately darkened.

Everyone at the table noticed his displeasure.

"Since everyone's here, let's have them start bringing out the food!"

Just as Nathaniel finished speaking, a young, beautiful woman dripping in jewelry gently patted his arm.

"Oh, don't. Melanie isn't here yet!"

"My dear, you're right. We're in no rush, let's wait a little longer!" Gregory added, following her lead.

The mention of Melanie only stoked the fire of Nathaniel's anger.

"She's a disrespectful girl who has never cared about her elders… We’re not waiting for her. Serve the food!"

Nathaniel’s tone was firm, and the server began to bring out the dishes.

Forty minutes later, Melanie finally made her appearance.

"Oh, Melanie, you're finally here! The food's about to get cold if you don't hurry."

Facing Sabrina Lowell's feigned warmth, Melanie let out a cold laugh.

"You didn't wait for me anyway, so of course the leftovers would be cold."

Ordinarily, it wouldn't have been an issue for Nathaniel to remarry after Melanie’s biological mother passed away.

However, Sabrina had been the other woman who had managed to legitimize her status.

She and Nathaniel had been having an affair even before Melanie's mother died.

The day after her mother passed away, Nathaniel and Sabrina got a marriage license.

The private room was full of people, but the temperature felt ice-cold.

Evelyn sized up Melanie and asked with feigned casualness, "Melanie, your outfit today is quite casual, isn't it?"

Among everyone present, Melanie was indeed the most plainly dressed.

Although Sabrina was perfectly fine, Nathaniel had made a big deal about her return from the wellness retreat, so the Hale family had all dressed formally.

Melanie, in contrast, was wearing a white t-shirt and cargo pants, looking as if she had just finished a morning run.

After hearing Evelyn's words, Nathaniel finally noticed Melanie's inappropriate attire and scolded her, "How improper."

"Oh, her clothes are the least of it!" Camilla interjected at the perfect moment, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Our Melanie has done things that are far more improper!"

Nathaniel turned to Camilla, his face grim. "It sounds like you have something to say?"