She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 709

Preston's thin lips parted slightly, but he remained silent.

He wanted to tell Daphne the truth—that he wasn't a germaphobe. But knowing her personality, she would instantly demand to know why he was wearing silk gloves indoors if he didn't have OCD. It wasn't something he could easily explain.

It was safer to let her believe he simply couldn't stand germs.

Daphne waited for him to elaborate, watching his brief hesitation. When he simply stayed quiet, she twitched her lips in mild exasperation.

Wouldn't a guy this closed off bore Melanie to tears eventually?

Instinctively, Daphne's gaze drifted back to the stage. Melanie sat at the judges' table, her focus entirely absorbed by the six contestants preparing their dishes. Her serious, concentrated expression made her look every bit the professional evaluator.

Daphne looked back at Preston. He certainly didn't seem like the type to whisper sweet nothings or sweep a woman off her feet with charm. But...

He was gorgeous. Absolute, undeniable eye candy.

With a face like that, who needed sweet talk?

"Melanie really is eating well... I'm officially jealous," Daphne muttered to herself.

For two solid hours, Melanie watched the contestants with unblinking focus.

Below the stage, Preston spent those same two hours with his eyes locked entirely on Melanie.

Beside him, Daphne spent the two hours happily demolishing her snacks.

Melanie paused.

Dominic slid his own napkin across the table toward her. "Use this one too. The extra layer will keep you from getting burned."

Melanie finally turned her head, meeting his gaze.

Down in the audience, Daphne saw the exchange and nearly jumped out of her seat. "What the hell is that jerk doing?! Doing this in public? Has he no shame?!"

Daphne cursed furiously. In reality, Dominic wasn't doing anything overtly scandalous—just acting overly attentive. But to Daphne, watching a cheating ex-husband try to play the knight in shining armor was sickening. Especially since Dominic had a new girlfriend.

"He's practically throwing himself at her while his girlfriend is probably at home. Once a bastard, always a bastard," Daphne fumed, turning to Preston. "Are you seriously just going to sit there? Aren't you jealous?"