She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 844

"So, Ms. Royce, did you intentionally bring someone to crash my birthday party?"

Vanessa rested a hand on her hip, strutting up to Melanie with an overbearing presence.

At that moment, Melanie had two men standing on either side of her.

One was Shawn Sterling, and the other was Preston Whitmore.

"Oh, so Mr. Sterling actually knows Ms. Royce!"

Vanessa asked with genuine curiosity.

"We more than just know each other..."

Shawn deliberately shot a flirtatious wink at Melanie.

"I'm currently pursuing my angel right now!"

Melanie froze, completely caught off guard by Shawn being so blatantly straightforward in such a setting.

Hearing this, Vanessa didn't seem the least bit surprised.

Instead, she simply looked at Shawn and shook her head.

"Then forgive my bluntness, Mr. Sterling, but I don't think you have a shot with Ms. Royce."

"What makes you say that?"

Shawn wasn't ready to give up, but Vanessa directly pointed at Preston.

"Because I think Ms. Royce has her eyes on this handsome gentleman right here! Ms. Royce, aren't you going to introduce us? Who is this?"

"He's my assistant."

Melanie kept the introduction strictly professional and concise.

Vanessa raised an eyebrow, looking Preston up and down.

Though she didn't think Melanie had any reason to lie to her.

From head to toe, Preston didn't look anything like a typical assistant.

Never mind the clearly exorbitant custom-tailored suit he was wearing; just his striking features and that commanding aura alone...

"I'm in need of an assistant too. Want to jump ship and work for me?"

Vanessa spoke with a playful smile, reaching a hand out toward Preston, intending to tug at his suit jacket as a flirtatious gesture.

However, the moment her hand extended, she quickly pulled it back.

It was the first time she had ever been so intimidated by a man's predatory gaze.

It scared her enough to immediately hide her hands behind her back.

Because Leila had lost their initial bet, she was forced to follow Melanie's orders unconditionally.

Vanessa held significant prominence in the jewelry design world, and tonight's guest list was packed with highly influential figures.

Leila publicly reading the penance was equivalent to publicly destroying her own reputation, turning her into a laughingstock and ensuring she would never have a place in the jewelry design industry again.

It was a punishment Melanie had perfectly tailored specifically for Leila.

At the same time, the family behind Vanessa owned the largest pharmaceutical company in Palisadia. Melanie could use this stunt to catch Vanessa's attention, knowing she despised mediocrity and appreciated bold, unconventional tactics.

Melanie was certain this move would bridge the gap between her and Vanessa, paving the way for future business collaborations.

Exactly as Melanie had predicted, she and Vanessa were having a thoroughly enjoyable conversation.

Standing to the side, Shawn couldn't get a single word in and looked utterly bored out of his mind.

Preston was also silent on her other side, but unlike Shawn, he remained sharply vigilant.

"I'm going to grab a drink..."

Just as Shawn turned and took a step, a tiny, lightning-fast figure suddenly dashed past his line of sight.

He stopped in his tracks and turned, watching as the small figure lunged right into Melanie's embrace.

"Auntie Melanie, I missed you so much!"