Pam pursed her lips. After hesitating for a few seconds, she said, “Nathan…”Melanie’s eyes dimmed further. She glanced at the overly-sensuous gown that Pam was wearing, and asked, “Was he the one who gave you this gown?”“Yes,” Pam said, looking even more embarrassed.“How far have you two taken this relationship?” Melanie pressed further.“Huh…?” Pam exclaimed shyly.“Can you show me his text?” Melanie cut to the chase.Pam was surprised by Melanie’s request. After pondering for a moment, she swiped on her phone and raised it up. “You look really beautiful today. Can you come up and be with me?” Melanie couldn’t help but feel disgusted by Nathan’s thinly-veiled attempt at flirting.Most of the proceedings of the banquet were held on the first floor. Amidst the bright lights, colorful array of drinks, and hordes of beautiful women, it was common for guest rooms on the second floor to be reserved for some men who needed them…The banquet had already started. If Nathan didn’
Derrick had noticed Melanie much earlier on.Her white dress, her long wavy hair, and her crystal clear eyes reminded him of his late daughter. When Gabriel approached him to exchange pleasantries with Melanie in tow, Derrick was very friendly to them.“I heard that you’ll be singing a song on stage later, Mr. Lynch? What a rare treat for us!”Gabriel’s father knew Derrick, and that gave Gabriel some context to speak with him.Derrick laughed, and dished out his perfect excuse. “Mr. Sheppard, who's at the banquet today, is my good friend of many years. Although he doesn’t want to make it public, his birthday is two days away. I just want to sing a song for him.”“No wonder,” Gabriel remarked.Everyone knew that Mr. Lynch was taking this opportunity to make a huge comeback.Derrick struck up a conversation with Melanie. “What do you do for a living, Miss Melanie?” “My family is in the perfume business. I concoct perfumes and practice medicine,” Melanie said.“She’s being too
Melanie and Gabriel’s eyes widened in shock.They were talking about Mr. Lynch…Both of them reacted quickly, and hid around the corner. The gears in Melanie’s brain shifted as she whispered to Gabriel, “Follow that man.”Gabriel nodded. If they managed to nab someone who wanted to hurt Mr. Lynch, it would undoubtedly help them gain his trust and favor.When the man who was on a phone call walked out of the balcony, Gabriel discreetly followed behind him.Melanie emerged from the dark corner after they walked off in the distance, and continued walking toward the balcony. Just as she was about to step through the entrance of the balcony, a hand reached out from a narrow passageway next to the balcony, grabbed Melanie, and pulled her hard.She looked up in shock, and saw that it was Jefford.“Shh!”He bent over, and warned her to keep quiet with an aggressive look on his face.Melanie’s brows furrowed. She didn’t expect Jefford to be back at Delfino.In that case, Mrs. Yancey a
Derrick Lynch shook his head.He walked out of the dark corner, and said, “Let’s go back.”“You don’t need the fresh air anymore? You just took your medicine. The doctor said it’s best for you to get some fresh air,” the designer said.“Nah,” Derrick said as he turned to leave.The designer followed him, more or less understanding the situation. There was a member of the Yancey family on the balcony. His master had been on an equal footing with Linda in the fashion world over the years, and shared a peculiar relationship with her. He was reluctant to interact with the Yanceys beyond what was necessary.Melanie had just returned to the banquet hall when Gabriel came back as well.The moment he walked to her side, he asked, “Did you see Mr. Lynch? How did it go?”“I explained myself, but I’m not sure if he believed me or not,” Melanie said, leaving out Jefford’s involvement in the matter.“How did things go on your end?” Melanie asked.“I’m still tracking that man, but I’m not s
Derrick’s assistant had initially wanted to grab the scores, but he stared at Melanie when he heard her say she could play the song.Derrick was equally surprised, and surveyed Melanie.“Are you sure you can?” the assistant asked in disbelief.“This is Mr. Lynch’s first hit, which I’ve listened to since I was young. I’ve practiced playing the accompaniment version of his song during my piano lessons in the past, too. The only thing is, Mr. Lynch recomposed the song and there are seven differences I have to take note of. I’ve kept them in mind, and will pay extra attention when I play the song,” Melanie said with quiet confidence.Seeing everyone’s worried faces, Melanie added, “I need Mr. Lynch’s favor. Wouldn’t I be causing trouble for myself by claiming that I can do this and then failing in the end?”What Melanie said sounded harsh, but it made sense. The assistant looked at Derrick, who was looking at Melanie.She was right to say he had changed the song in seven different pl
Someone grumbled, “I came here just for Mr. Lynch’s performance. I hope this woman doesn’t ruin it.”Linda shot a glance at her subordinate standing behind her before issuing him instructions. He immediately understood what she wanted, and said to the crowd, “You’d better prepare yourself. I’ve never seen her come near a piano before!”Everyone was shocked. “Why is she playing the piano for Mr. Lynch, then?”Linda’s subordinate flashed them a smile, and they immediately came to the conclusion that the innocent-looking woman onstage was one who was willing to sell her soul to achieve her goal.Everyone started looking at her in disdain.Melanie tidied up the scores, adjusted her posture, and rested both hands on the keys.Before she started playing the piece, she glanced at the audience and was surprised to see Linda.She had just seen Jefford earlier, and now, she spotted Linda.Seeing Linda’s wicked expression, waiting expectantly for Melanie to embarrass herself, realization
Melanie stayed backstage.Gabriel wasn’t back yet, and she had no idea what to do if she headed out. What’s more, both Nathan and Linda wanted to make life tough for her, be it secretly or openly.A while later, it was Derrick who ended up going backstage first instead of Gabriel.“Ms. Melanie! Apologies for keeping you waiting,” Derrick said.“Don’t say that. Is anything the matter?” Melanie asked as she stood up.“Your performance just now was absolutely stunning! It’s unbelievable!”Derrick was generous with his praise. “I’ll be honest and say that your performance is on par with that of professional pianists. I’m flabbergasted. You didn’t rehearse this piece at all, but you were able of playing it so perfectly! You’ve completely exceeded my expectations!”“Perhaps you didn’t expect much from me?” Melanie joked.Derrick chuckled. “Did you learn how to play the piano when you were young? Your skills clearly sound as though they’ve been honed from your childhood.”“I did le
“Ms. Melanie, why would a quote exist in a co-branding effort?” Derrick asked.“Mr. Lynch…you mean…?” Melanie asked in surprise. “I’m still willing to collaborate with you,” Derrick said with certainty.Just then, Gabriel joined them backstage. He winked at Melanie, who then figured out why Derrick made such a sudden decision.“I know your piano skills well, but I also know of your family background. I know you’re single-handedly running your family business, and you went to great lengths to come to me for help for the sake of your company’s products. It’s clear to me that you’re a responsible woman. Someone like you is an ideal business partner,” Derrick said sagely.“Mr. Lynch, are you sure about this?” Linda said with arched brows, deliberately sowing doubt.“Why would I not be? Having been fellow players of this industry for many years, despite the arguments that our fans have had, I’ve never offended you on a personal level. Yet, you refused to spare me tonight. I think I’v