She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 693

She had definitely overindulged tonight, and the world was spinning just a bit. Sitting in the back meant she could sprawl out and rest instead of being confined to the passenger seat.

Preston had picked up on her exhaustion instantly, skipping their usual seating arrangement.

Melanie slid into the spacious backseat, immediately lying down and tucking a plush cushion under her head.

Throughout the drive, Preston kept his speed incredibly steady, clearly making sure she had a smooth ride.

"By the way, honey, how did you even know I was at that bar?"

Melanie asked with her eyes closed, sounding like she was murmuring to herself.

"...Philip told me."

"Philip?"

Melanie's long eyelashes fluttered open.

"That Philip guy... exactly how much are you paying him? He seems incredibly loyal. And really good at what he does."

"Yeah."

Preston nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "He respects his contracts."

"Respects his contracts..."

Muttering those words, Melanie let her eyes drift shut again.

When she had been dealing with Elara, she'd played it cool, but her nerves had been strung tight the entire time.

The adrenaline had kept the alcohol from hitting her system too hard.

But now, enveloped in the quiet safety of Preston's car, she was back in her personal sanctuary.

The second her guard dropped in that comfortable environment, the exhaustion hit her like a freight train.

The buzz washed over her, heavy and warm.

A wave of peaceful lethargy pulled her under.

Glancing through the rearview mirror, Preston checked on her.

Ever since Shawn Sterling had nearly hurt Melanie, Preston had given Philip strict orders, leading to the man shadowing her every move.

But that suffocating level of security had made Melanie uncomfortable, so Preston had dialed it back, instructing Philip to protect her from the shadows.

Instead, he gently laid her down on the massive bed and carefully undressed her, making sure she was comfortable enough to sleep soundly.

Tonight, her second round of drinks hadn't been with Regina—it had been with Elara Bennett.

Philip had given him the full rundown.

But...

He still didn't know why Elara had insisted on buying Melanie a drink.

A predator didn't invite its prey to dinner without an ulterior motive.

A dark, calculating alertness flared in Preston's eyes.

He wouldn't contact Elara or demand to know her intentions.

He knew she wouldn't tell the truth anyway, and showing his hand would be a rookie mistake.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Preston sifted his long, elegant fingers through Melanie's thick hair, gently untangling the dark strands.

"If you dare to hurt her, I will ruin you... Elara."