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
During the season when emerald vines blossomed, it was the hottest time in Willowfort. Various heat-loving flowers bloomed enthusiastically, igniting the passions of the people.Nobles and celebrities from around the world were eager to come here during this season to hold gatherings.To match the fervent atmosphere, Melanie chose to wear a stunning red gown to the ball.The moment she entered, she immediately caught the attention of many. Though a newcomer to the ball, her beauty and elegance were unparalleled, causing whispers about her identity to spread.As Melanie scanned the surroundings, contemplating where to start searching for clues about the emerald vine, a voice full of provocation came from behind her. "Isn't this my dear cousin? It's been a while!""Lena?"Melanie turned around in surprise to see Lena. Her dress was full of intricate and beautiful elements, and she exuded an overwhelming aura."It hasn't been that long. Didn't you walk off in a huff from me at th
Melanie was taken aback as she turned around.Why was Jeffrey here?Wasn't this Willowfort?Staring at each other, the covert glints between Jeffrey and Nathan's eyes made Melanie feel as if she were still in Harbor City."You know Miss Melanie, President Morgan?" Nathan's lips still held a hint of a smile.However, Jeffrey's face turned ashen with a hint of disdain. "I do, more than you'd think."With that, Jeffrey reached out and pulled Melanie away, not caring that Nathan could hear him. "Don't make perfume for him."As Melanie followed closely behind Jeffrey, she asked, "Aren't you afraid he'll figure out our relationship?""Not afraid," Jeffrey replied coldly.What he truly feared was Melanie's involvement with Nathan.Once they reached a secluded balcony, Jeffrey released her hand. "Remember my words. Stay away from that man.""I understand."This time, Melanie was more compliant.Nathan seemed like a thorn in Jeffrey's heart. Since he feared the pain of that thorn,
Melanie raised her glass and leaned casually against the bar counter, reflecting on Cyrus's call and her experiences upon entering the ballroom.Two individuals had raised her suspicions—Lena, who mysteriously knew her intentions, and Nathan, who had also inquired about the emerald vines.Suddenly, a group of women nearby erupted in whispers. "Did you all see the news?""What happened?""Just now, Morgan Group acquired the Trade Center in Willowfort!""Really? That's a massive move! Morgan Group is incredibly wealthy!"As they chatted, their gazes involuntarily shifted toward Jeffrey, who stood nearby. His demeanor was so regal that he seemed almost ethereal. Marrying him would mean endless luxury. One could never exhaust his wealth!"I've heard that as soon as Morgan Group acquired it, Jeffrey swiftly replaced the previous management. He's decisive and impressive!"The women continued to gossip, clearly smitten.However, one woman interjected with a note of caution. "A man li
Jeffrey was stunned.He watched in disbelief as Melanie was led away right before his eyes by another man, the two seamlessly making their way onto the dance floor. The man introduced himself, chatting animatedly while Melanie responded with approving smiles.Jeffrey's eyes narrowed. Throughout his life, everything he desired was almost within his grasp.Yet, at this moment, his own woman had publicly turned him down!Just then, a woman stepped in front of him, obstructing his view of them. When Jeffrey looked up, he found Lena standing there!He calmed down and extended his hand to Lena.Lena was absolutely flabbergasted!Nearly on the verge of tears, she eagerly took his hand.Lena had come over initially to taunt Jeffrey for being upset with Melanie. She wanted to drive a wedge further between Melanie and Morgan Group. So, Lena was surprised by this unexpected attention.Taking Lena's hand firmly, Jeffrey led her onto the dance floor. As they danced, his gaze seemed fixed o
The ball had reached its climax.In the center of the dance floor, men and women reveled in their joy. Inside the VIP lounge, Lena found Nathan's female subordinate and asked, "I've done everything you asked me to tonight. Am I free now?""Free?" The female subordinate sneered, "And what exactly have you accomplished?""Mr. Nathan told me to spread rumors about Jeffrey to the other female guests, deliberately causing them to gossip and influencing President Morgan's attitude towards Melanie. Didn’t you see it? Melanie, that foolish woman, chose someone else to dance with instead of President Morgan. In the end, President Morgan came to dance with me!"Lena argued logically, "I don't owe Mr. Nathan anything. We were mutually benefiting from each other. Now that I don't want to be involved with him anymore. I am free!""People that Mr. Nathan favors don’t have the right to leave on their own," the subordinate coldly remarked."Ridiculous!"Lena cheered herself on inwardly. Though
While Lena dialed Daniel's number, her heart was still pounding irregularly with excitement.She relayed the unexpected encounter at the ball to Daniel. On the other end, Daniel and Lily listened and practically danced with joy!"Excellent!" Daniel exclaimed enthusiastically, "Rest assured, I'll make the arrangements immediately! You won't be embarrassed by tomorrow's banquet!""It's not just about not embarrassing me. It's about not embarrassing President Morgan," Lena replied, her tone playful and full of pride."Exactly," Daniel echoed in excitement, "I’ll transfer some money to you soon. Buy yourself some high-end clothes and jewelry. We can't let President Morgan look bad in front of his friends."After hanging up, Lily was both shocked and delighted. She asked, "Lena… really managed to catch Jeffrey's eyes?""We're meeting for dinner tomorrow. What's there to doubt?" Daniel shot a skeptical glance at Lily. "President Morgan not only agreed to dine but also entrusted me with