The auction began.The first few plots of land presented were highly sought-after. Some had prime locations, some were close to water sources, and others offered great value. All of them sparked intense bidding wars.However, Melanie remained indifferent. Occasionally, she'd glance at updates on her phone. Vivian's talent agency had completely abandoned her, and the internet was filled with criticism against her. Melanie felt she got what she deserved.As the auction neared its end, the final plot of land up for bidding was the one Melanie was interested in.After a brief description by the host, the opening bid was announced at forty million."Forty-five million!" Melanie announced loudly, raising her paddle.Some men turned their heads in surprise. Hers was the first female voice heard in the auction. Everyone seemed satisfied when they saw her appearance, as her looks matched her confident bid."Fifty million," came a voice from another direction.Lily glanced over and
Lena almost choked on her saliva!She had tried so hard to get close to Nathan, and now she found herself near him, only for Melanie to ruin the moment completely!Melanie seemed like her jinx!Lena clenched her fists tightly as Nathan and Melanie moved away. Her lips turned pale from how hard she was biting them.-"Mr. Nathan, thank you for your concession earlier," Melanie said, breaking the silence first.Nathan smiled and shook his head. "Just call me Nathan. Why were you interested in that plot? It doesn't seem to offer much value."Melanie explained about Jones Enterprise's plans for a factory location and then turned the question around, "What about you? Why did you want that piece of land? If I hadn't persisted, you would have had it."Nathan looked down with a smile and paused before he said, "Because... it's a place someone I once loved dearly was fond of.""Oh," Melanie quickly responded, sensing Nathan's hesitation and the pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that
Ten minutes later, Nathan appeared in front of Melanie. "Miss Melanie, why did you suddenly change your mind again?"Melanie smirked and said, "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"A glint flashed in Nathan's eyes as he chuckled. "Why don't you tell me both?""The lie is that I couldn't wait to repay you this favor. The truth is, I just found out that there's a business partner at this banquet whom I've been wanting to meet."Observing the charm radiating from Melanie's eyes, Nathan's lips twitched into a meaningful smile.Melanie continued, "But truly, I don't like owing favors to others. So, the lie isn't entirely false."Nathan laughed heartily. "Miss Melanie, you truly are amusing."Melanie's lips curved into a beautiful smile.Nathan gestured with his arm, and Melanie looped her arm through his. Then, they walked side by side toward the banquet hall.Nathan presented the invitation, and the attendant at the entrance checked it. Once done, the attendant politely ushe
Outside the dessert shop, a black Maybach slowly approached the street corner and stopped. The window was halfway lowered, revealing Jeffrey's narrowed eyes on the woman inside the shop.The shimmering tear at the corner of her eye stabbed at his heart, leaving a bitter taste.Was she crying because of him?Reflecting on his words from earlier, he realized he had gone too far.He had always been a man of extreme rationality. How could he have acted so impulsively today, letting his emotions get the better of him and uttering words that hurt both him and her? He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his brows furrowed deeply.Just as he was about to step out and meet her, he received a call from William."President Morgan, your guess was correct. Nathan indeed had someone tamper with the banquet. However, since you took Madam away, he probably ordered them to retreat. We've only found some faint traces. Would you like to come and see for yourself?""I got it. I'm on my way!"End
It had been a while since Melanie last saw her mother. Rushing home, she quickly freshened up and playfully crawled into her mother's bed, insisting on sleeping together.After a night of heart-to-heart with her mother, Melanie felt replenished with love and energy, ready to face the world again. However, the unanswered questions that her mother deliberately avoided remained untouched.The next day, Eliza took a break to rest at home.Melanie made it a point to leave work early to spend more time with her mother. However, as soon as she arrived home, her assistant called to consult her about the next phase of the new perfume testing.After the recent Vivian incident, the upcoming trial would undoubtedly attract widespread attention. The perfume department at Jones Enterprise was on high alert, anxious not to make any more mistakes.Meanwhile, Eliza and Nancy were busy preparing Melanie's favorite dishes in the kitchen when a servant returned with news. "Madam, Mr. Moore is here.
Ha!Haha!Jeffrey turned his gaze towards William, his eyes radiating an icy coldness that could freeze one to the bone.William wore a pained expression. At this moment, he wished he could find a well to jump into and disappear. But what could he say? In front of Jeffrey, he had no voice or authority!Jeffrey and Melanie were playing this game of a secret marriage, yet every time something went awry, he found himself bearing the brunt of it in front of Eliza. To make matters worse, Jeffrey would never blame Melanie. Instead, William always found himself at the receiving end of Jeffrey's wrath!That was truly unbearable!"What were you two discussing?" Jeffrey broke the awkward silence."Oh, I was just reminiscing with Mr. Moore about Melanie's childhood," Eliza replied."Was it interesting?"Jeffrey stared coldly at William next to him. William was as stiff as an ice sculpture and did not dare to move, knowing that nodding or shaking his head would mean death."These are p
Melanie bit her lip hard in an attempt to stifle her laughter.Was he really trying to placate her like this?Anyone unaware would have thought he was attending a funeral!Keeping a straight face, Melanie said, "I'm fully aware of my standing in your eyes, President Morgan. Why would I overstep my bounds and cause trouble with you?"Jeffrey's narrowed eyes tightened slightly.Ever since he saw the photo of her with Tyler in the album earlier, his emotions had shifted. Indeed, she shouldn't hold such significance in his heart."I have an appointment with Cyrus in Willowfort tomorrow. So, I won't be returning," Melanie added."What are you going to do in Willowfort?" Jeffrey inquired.With feigned impatience, Melanie explained, "There's a rare flower called emerald vine that only blooms in Willowfort this season. Naturally, Elder Gibson is taking me there for fragrance blending. President Morgan, don't waste your time on matters you're not interested in."After saying this, she
However, things didn't go as planned.When Melanie hurriedly accompanied Cyrus to the garden that cultivated emerald vines, they were informed that someone had bought it all at a high price."All of them?"Cyrus became anxious, his beard bristling with anger.The shopkeeper nodded. "I'm truly sorry, Elder Gibson.""If you wanted a higher price, I could've paid! Any price would have been acceptable. But how could you not leave a single one for me? We've known each other for so many years! This is deliberate humiliation!" Cyrus raged.The shopkeeper looked distressed. "This year's situation is truly exceptional. The buyer has a significant background. They insisted on purchasing all of them, leaving none for you. I couldn't possibly keep any aside..."Melanie held Cyrus back from erupting further as she asked, "Sir, can you at least tell us who the buyer is? We might be able to contact them privately."The shopkeeper shook his head. "I genuinely don't know who it is. I'm not lyin