She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 786

Hearing that, Melanie quickly waved her hands in denial.

"No, Tessa, that's not what I meant at all."

It was exactly what she meant.

The only reason she hadn't immediately rejected the painting in front of Dominic was because she could tell he wanted her to.

And whatever Dominic wanted, she naturally had to do the exact opposite. How else was she supposed to ruin his day?

And if Dominic was miserable, she was thrilled.

Still, a painting worth millions of dollars—especially one gifted by Preston's grandmother.

Under normal circumstances, she absolutely shouldn't accept it.

So, the moment they had settled into Tessa's car, she made it perfectly clear that while she appreciated the gesture, she couldn't keep the artwork.

She had prepared the jewelry box a long time ago, too, but she knew perfectly well that handing it directly to Preston would result in an immediate refusal.

When that man dug his heels in, there was absolutely no reasoning with him.

That made attending the charity auction with Tessa the perfect loophole.

"Since Preston and I are over, it just wouldn't be appropriate for me to keep these."

"What's inappropriate about it? A gift is a gift. There's no rule that says you have to give it back."

For once, Tessa took a remarkably firm stance.

However, Melanie was even more resolute.

"Tessa, I know it's rude to return gifts, and I know the Whitmores have unimaginable wealth and don't care about a few pieces of jewelry. But... to me, this is just too much. I haven't even worn anything in this box. Right now, Preston and I are just... business partners. I'm hoping your family won't put too much pressure on me."

Melanie's heartfelt honesty clearly struck a chord with the older woman.

"You really are a wonderful girl, Melanie. Smart, sensible... and not the least bit vain."

The lavish praise made Melanie's cheeks warm with embarrassment.

"But what I really want to say is..."

Suddenly, Tessa's expression turned serious, a flicker of genuine sadness shining in her eyes.

"I will, Tessa."

Melanie nodded earnestly.

She wanted nothing more than to unravel the dark mysteries haunting her own mind.

Just as Melanie reached to close the jewelry box, Tessa quickly plucked one specific piece from the velvet lining.

It was the cluster-set diamond and ruby necklace, undeniably the heaviest, most exquisite piece in the collection.

To Melanie, it was by far the most extravagant gift Preston had ever given her.

"I won't pressure you too much. I'll take the rest back, but this necklace... you need to keep it."

Since Tessa was making such a heartfelt concession, Melanie couldn't bring herself to reject her kindness again.

Still, holding the breathtakingly expensive jewels, she felt completely at a loss.

She had already surrendered the box, leaving her with nowhere safe to store the delicate piece.

Just as she hesitated, a large, white-gloved hand reached over her shoulder from behind, smoothly snatching the cluster-set diamond and ruby necklace right out of her grasp.