She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 718

Preston held his breath.

His heart hammered against his ribs, beating a frantic rhythm.

Her kiss had been nothing more than a fleeting touch. Through the thick layers of gauze, he shouldn't have been able to feel much of anything. She had been incredibly gentle, terrified of hurting him.

Yet, a scorching heat seemed to flare across his entire back.

He knew it was just his imagination playing tricks on him, but the phantom fire was intense enough to make him break out in a light sweat.

"It's not ugly at all. Even if it scars, it's a badge of honor," Melanie said with absolute sincerity.

It was a mark he earned protecting her.

If he really hated the idea of scarring, she would just have to develop a revolutionary scar-healing cream. She'd formulate something that blew everything else on the market out of the water.

The thought made her smile; Preston's potential vanity was suddenly fueling her scientific drive.

"By the way, it's almost noon. Are you hungry? What do you want for lunch?"

"A double cheeseburger," Preston answered without missing a beat.

"With a Cherry Cola?"

"Exactly."

Melanie knew he'd say that. Out of everyone she knew, the two of them were the only ones who craved that specific, greasy combo when they were stressed.

It was proof that they really were meant for each other—at the very least, their appetites perfectly aligned.

Smiling happily, she pulled out her phone to order the food.

Meanwhile, at Stellaris PharmaTech.

Inside the Administrative Department manager's office.

"I know Preston got hurt... and it was because of Melanie again," she said, practically spitting the other woman's name.

Gabriel's cynical smirk vanished.

His brother had been right. Elara already knew about the injury.

Seeing his sudden shift in demeanor, Elara crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

"So he sent you to babysit me, afraid I'd run to Mrs. Whitmore and tattle? Is that really the kind of person he thinks I am..."

"Because you literally have a track record of doing exactly that!" Gabriel pointed a finger at her, cutting off her rant.

"I honestly don't get you, Elara. You're rich, you're powerful, and you're not bad looking. Why are you so obsessed with a guy who doesn't want you? Let me spell it out for you: no matter how much you scheme, my brother is dead set on marrying Melanie. All your little backstabbing maneuvers aren't going to make a dent in their relationship. You're just humiliating yourself!"

Instead of getting angrier at his brutal honesty, Elara's fury dissolved into a chilling smile.