Chapter 53

As Mel looked at the phone screen thrust in front of her face, she sighed, realizing that Leah had just discovered the news as well. Taking a moment to compose herself, Mel decided to confront Leah directly.

"Yes, Ethan and I are in a relationship. What does it matter to you?" Mel asked, her tone laced with a mix of weariness and defiance.

Leah scoffed, clearly infuriated that Mel wasn't even trying to deny her involvement with Ethan. "There you go, trying to dodge my question. I knew you were plotting something all along."

"Why are you so bothered by this?" Mel retorted, her patience wearing thin. "I didn't need to scheme or plot anything. Only fake relationships require that kind of manipulation."

Leah's hostility persisted as she responded, "Oh, right. It's all over the news, and it involves President Ethan, so it's not something I can ignore. But I'm not quick to believe everything I see or read on the internet, including your supposed relationship with him."

Mel scoffed, realizin