She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 780

Melanie could hear the hidden implications in Leila's words, but she simply didn't understand what there was to brag about.

"Are you done? If you're done, I'm leaving."

"Stop right there!"

Leila stomped her foot in frustration.

She had dropped so many hints, so why wasn't Melanie showing even the slightest hint of envy or jealousy?!

Leila marched right in front of Melanie, hands on her hips, acting incredibly high and mighty.

"Do you really need me to spell it out for you?"

Melanie tilted her head, looking genuinely perplexed.

Leila gritted her teeth.

"I'm telling you, don't think that just because you seduced the Vice President, he can back you up. The VP doesn't run the Whitmore family. Forget about the mysterious eldest heir who's actually in charge—even Lady Whitmore holds more power than the VP!"

Melanie massaged her temples, completely speechless, feeling like listening to another word from Leila would actively damage her IQ.

Just then, a commotion broke out near the museum entrance.

Melanie, Leila, and the others all turned to look.

Flanked by two rows of bodyguards, Tessa Rowland walked gracefully through the crowd.

Though no longer young, Tessa was impeccably maintained, radiating an elegance that was beyond words.

"Lady Whitmore!"

Leila instantly plastered on a sycophantic smile and hurried forward to ingratiate herself.

"Hello, Lady Whitmore, I am Dominic Hale's girlfriend, Leila Langley..."

Leila enthusiastically introduced herself to Tessa.

But Tessa acted completely deaf to her words, completely ignoring the eye-searing red-and-green dress, and walked right past her.

"Lady Whitmore?"

Leila stood frozen like a statue.

Tessa didn't even glance sideways, heading straight for Melanie.

"Melanie, my dear! It's been far too long, I've missed you so much."

Tessa grasped Melanie's hands, her eyes overflowing with genuine affection.

Leila let out a long breath, forcing herself to calm down.

Even if Tessa treated her like air, she had to do whatever she could to show off in front of her.

Because this was the task Holden had given her through Dominic.

When she went to Stellaris to apologize to Gabriel, she had stood outside his office for a full five hours, only to get a harsh dressing down once she finally got in.

She felt incredibly wronged when she left, but Dominic told her they couldn't afford to openly offend Gabriel or Stellaris right now.

To make up for the negative impact she caused, Dominic and Holden had deliberately brought her to this charity auction just so she could perform well in front of Tessa, leaving a good impression that would help the Lockridge Group secure future collaborations with Stellaris.

Leila herself desperately wanted to cling to Tessa's powerful coattails. If she could leverage Stellaris's influence, her path as a high-end jewelry designer would be paved in gold.

"Lady Whitmore..."

Just as Melanie was about to speak, Leila suddenly interrupted:

"I know Lady Whitmore loves Marisse Vale's art more than anything. To match the elegance of this museum, I specifically wore this deeply artistic gown today..."

She shot a disdainful look at Melanie.

"Unlike Ms. Royce here, wearing such depressing black to an occasion like this."