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
Derrick’s performance was supposed to mark the end of the banquet, but the atmosphere reached a peak.Gabriel found himself surrounded by elders he was familiar with, eager to exchange pleasantries with him. Melanie avoided the crowd, and headed to the washroom alone.She felt great remorse.It would have been all right if she were unaware, but she clearly knew about the grudge Yancey Group had against Morgan Group. Why was she still so careless as to allow Yancey Group to resort to decoy tactics, and thereby successfully attack Morgan Group’s most major business lines?She stood before the sink in the washroom for a long time, rinsing her hands with cold water. The cold water pierced through her numb hands and right into her bones.She forced herself to remain calm, reminding herself to remember this painful lesson. Morgan Group was on the cusp of collapse, and couldn’t withstand yet another wrong move…Tonight’s banquet was organized by Mr. Sheppard.Sheppard Co. had been work
“Ha!”Melanie smiled coldly.Give the man an inch, and he’ll take a mile!She retracted her stubborn expression and sneered. “I just didn’t want to waste all the risk I took for a few days. You died from an infection after I saved you... Then I shouldn’t have saved you in the first place.”Jeffrey’s eyes darkened as he flapped his wounded arm. He had bandaged it in a rush, so he didn’t properly sanitize it. He pursed his thin lips and agreed.Melanie led the way and walked around to the back of the party.“How did you know that there’s an infirmary here?” Jeffrey asked in shock. This was where he’d found the medkit just now.Melanie didn’t answer.In order to get closer to Derrick, who had asthma, she had specifically asked where the infirmary was, just in case.The two of them soon reached the infirmary.Melanie opened the medkit, familiar with its workings, and removed all the bandages that Jeffrey had put on himself. While she had an idea of what his injuries were like, it
“Calm down!”Jeffrey immediately raised his hand to stop her.This woman thought that he was Jefford Yancey and detested him. If she suddenly missed...Melanie sneered. “If you’re afraid, then you better hold your tongue. I don’t want to listen to any of your sexual harassment.” “Is it sexual harassment? It’s obviously normal for a man to flirt with a woman,” Jeffrey continued to speak with Jefford’s personality.Melanie rolled her eyes. “In your understanding, is this something that you can say to a woman so simply?”She was learning new things again.“Correction. It’s a man flirting with a woman that mutually likes him back,” he explained with careful use of words.Mutual?Likes?There was a bit too much information in that sentence of his!“First of all, allow me to emphasize that I don’t hold any “liking” towards you at all. Also, what do you mean by ‘mutually like’? Do you like me too?” Melanie asked attentively.Jeffrey was just going to answer when suddenly, there w