She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 616

"Let go," Melanie whispered.

Elias immediately realized his blunder and released her.

"Sorry, sorry! It's been so long, I just got way too excited!"

He pressed his palms together, putting on a pleading, puppy-dog expression to apologize.

Melanie curled her lip and let out a heavy sigh. The look she gave him practically screamed, *Dude, read the room.*

Everett stood close to both of them, and his intuition told him one thing—

Melanie and Elias were close.

Incredibly close friends.

Perhaps, even more intimate than just friends?

At the thought, Everett couldn't help but frown, his hands unconsciously curling into tight fists inside his pockets.

The other guests, seeing the dignified CEO of the Carter Group acting so eager to please in front of Melanie, couldn't resist leaning in and whispering amongst themselves.

Throughout the entire gala, except for the moments he was required to give a speech on stage, Elias stuck to Melanie's side like a shadow.

However, because Everett was also constantly hovering nearby, Elias couldn't delve into the specifics of the pharmaceutical projects he needed Melanie's help with.

After all, he was the only person in the world who knew that Melanie was Schrödinger's Pill.

He had promised her he would never leak that secret, and he was a man of his word.

"Do you think... Mr. Carter is trying to court the CEO of the Royce Group?"

"She's gorgeous, so it's only natural he'd try, right? Wouldn't you? Oh wait, she's out of your league!"

"But... I heard this CEO is the eldest daughter of the Royce family. She's divorced, and the split was incredibly messy and public."

"So what? People get married, divorced, and remarried all the time these days... Personally, I think Mr. Carter and Ms. Royce are a perfect match. A handsome billionaire and a beautiful executive."

The swirling gossip naturally drifted into Melanie's ears. Her mouth twitched as she turned and whispered to Elias.

And she, in turn, needed a corporate titan like the Carter Group to bring her scientific research to life.

Plus, the Carter Group was far away from Averin. As long as Elias kept his mouth shut, it was nearly impossible for her father to discover she had been secretly developing pharmaceuticals all along.

Yet, even knowing Elias was complimenting her intellect over her looks, his phrasing still sounded like an insult.

She grimaced, feeling that traditional compliments sounded much better.

"Next time, just say we're both geniuses with stunning looks."

When Melanie said this, Elias immediately snapped a mock military salute.

"Yes, ma'am! Whatever the Oracle says goes. I follow orders without question."

Just as Melanie burst into a fit of giggles at his antics, Jordan Brooks stepped up to Elias's side and whispered.

"Mr. Carter, reception said a seven or eight-year-old girl named Lily Miller is asking for Ms. Royce."