She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 778

Melanie's mouth twitched awkwardly.

The people in that private room were likely either clients or business partners of Stellaris PharmaTech, meaning every single one of them was undoubtedly wealthy and influential.

And they had definitely all witnessed Preston stepping in to protect her just now.

Her cheeks warmed slightly, though Melanie didn't quite know why she was feeling flustered.

"If you have a business dinner, you should hurry back! I'm leaving anyway."

With that, Melanie turned and took a step.

But before she could take another, Preston caught her arm.

His grip wasn't tight; it wouldn't hurt her.

But his eyes immediately landed on the red mark on her skin.

The mark Dominic had left earlier.

An oppressive tension instantly flooded the hallway.

Melanie could tell Preston was angry, and she knew exactly why.

"It's fine, it'll fade in a bit."

"I should have broken his arm just now."

His heavy tone sounded completely serious. Melanie quickly tried to soothe him.

"You're the head of Stellaris now; you need to watch your image."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Melanie met Preston's intense gaze.

His stare felt like a net, capturing her completely.

"Stellaris... means nothing compared to you."

The calm delivery of those words made Melanie's heart skip a beat.

She blinked her long lashes, avoiding his deeply affectionate and burning stare.

"Alright, alright, spare me the sweet talk, Mr. Stoic CEO. Flattery won't work on me."

Melanie spoke contrary to how she felt, gently pushing Preston toward his private room.

When Preston's chiseled face turned toward his guests, Mr. Halevy was the first to pull out his phone.

"Hello? Oh, I understand, I'll be right there!"

Mr. Halevy barely spoke two words before hanging up.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Whitmore, I have an urgent matter at my company, I need to head out! I'll treat you to a meal next time to make up for it."

Melanie turned her head, looking at Preston, and refused without hesitation.

In the moment their eyes met, Melanie saw the heartbreak and disappointment in his gaze.

She was dangerously close to caving in.

But until she investigated whether the Whitmore family was truly involved in her mother's death, she wanted to keep her distance from him.

They had finally broken up. If they got too close again, she was terrified she would fall too deep.

Once she reached a point of no return, discovering that the Whitmore family really was the mastermind behind it all would completely break her.

The smooth sensation on her arm vanished.

Preston had let go.

"Thank you."

After Melanie voiced her thanks, she watched Preston pull a beautifully gold-stamped envelope from his suit pocket.

"This..."

Preston handed the small envelope to Melanie.

"There's a charity auction at The Marisse Vale Museum of Fine Arts this weekend. It's co-hosted by Vale's disciples. This is an invitation."