She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 770

"Vice President Whitmore?"

Leila's eyes went wide. She stared in disbelief as Gabriel shook Alastair's hand.

Which Vice President Whitmore?

As the question echoed in her mind, the color rapidly drained from Leila's face.

In Averin, the only person respectfully addressed as "Vice President Whitmore" was Gabriel Whitmore of Stellaris PharmaTech.

Leila's jaw practically hit the floor.

The Vice President of Stellaris PharmaTech was Melanie's new boyfriend?!

"So, Director Thorne, this psycho is a friend of yours?" Gabriel asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Uh..."

Alastair's mouth twitched. He suddenly didn't know how to answer.

Leila wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, but she certainly wasn't a psycho.

However, Gabriel using that term made it painfully clear she had deeply offended him.

If Alastair claimed her as a friend now, he would undoubtedly go down with the ship.

"No, no, she's not a friend. She's a rookie jewelry designer who begged me to host an exhibition for her sketches at the gallery."

Hearing Alastair's explanation, Gabriel shrugged and let out a dismissive scoff.

"And here I thought she was a big shot. Turns out she's just a designer..."

Hearing herself dismissed so casually made the panic in Leila's chest explode.

"Just a lowly designer, yet she has the nerve to stand right in front of me and slander Stellaris's most vital partner... Director Thorne, how do you think we should handle this?"

The ball had suddenly been kicked back into his court. Panicking, Alastair pointed at Leila and started scolding her.

"You have some nerve, spreading vicious lies about Vice President Whitmore's friend! Apologize to her right now!"

"What?"

Leila was dumbfounded.

"She slapped me! She should be the one apologizing!"

"You started it with your malicious rumors."

She knew Gabriel had targeted Leila entirely on her behalf.

"But aren't you worried that acting like this could damage Stellaris's reputation?"

Hearing her question, Gabriel suddenly grabbed her hands, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Mrs. Whitmore—oh, I mean, Ms. Royce—we really are family! The fact that you care so much about Stellaris's reputation proves you care about the Whitmore family, and you care about my brother... I'm going to tell him the moment I get back. You still have him in your heart!"

Melanie was speechless.

With an imagination like that, he should quit business and go write Viral Web-Dramas. He could probably save two industries at once.

Melanie withdrew her hands. Gabriel's expression sobered up slightly.

"Don't worry, Ms. Royce. I've always played the part of the reckless, playboy heir. Causing a little trouble outside won't put a dent in Stellaris's armor... because my brother is the real boss."

Seeing the genuine, unbothered smile on Gabriel's face, a thought suddenly struck Melanie.

Was Gabriel acting this way on purpose?

By doing so, he would forever remain the foolish, carefree son in Frederick and Marjorie's eyes, rather than a competent heir to Whitmore Enterprises.

He was making sure he'd never be an obstacle in Preston's path.