She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 886

"Ouch..." Daphne groaned, barely swallowing a string of curses.

Seeing Everett's panicked face, she bit her tongue. She didn't even understand why she was trying so hard to play the refined lady around him.

"I'm so sorry, I'm sorry," Everett stammered, frantically rubbing his forehead.

"It wasn't your fault, don't apologize!" Daphne waved him off. "You're just... too nice for your own good sometimes."

As the words left her mouth, Everett froze. Daphne immediately realized how it sounded.

"Ah, I meant that as a compliment! I'm saying you're a good guy..."

But calling him a 'good guy' sounded even worse, like she was friend-zoning him. She wanted to bash her head against the table.

*Daphne, you absolute idiot!*

While she was internally berating herself, a warm hand suddenly clamped around her wrist.

She stiffened, staring wide-eyed at Everett.

He yanked his hand back as if he had been burned.

"No... I just didn't want you to hurt yourself," he stammered, his eyes darting everywhere but at her.

"I know what you meant. You were complimenting me... Thank you, Daphne."

Hearing his shy, earnest gratitude sent her pulse into a chaotic frenzy.

What was happening to her? Why was she acting like a middle-schooler with her first crush? She took a deep breath, ordering her lungs to function normally.

But the skin where his fingers had gripped her wrist burned like wildfire.

*Stop romanticizing him just because you slept together,* she scolded herself. *There is no way you're actually falling for him!*

But despite her internal lecture, looking at the ridiculously awkward, devastatingly handsome man sitting across from her, she couldn't deny the attraction.

"I... I'll let you get started on that drink!" she blurted out, turning on her heel and speed-walking away.

If she stayed a second longer, she was going to pass out. *Get a grip, Daphne. He's in love with Melanie!* She pressed a hand hard against her chest to calm her racing heart.

Back in the booth, Everett sat in total confusion.

She told him to get started on his drink, but he stared at the completely empty table. Drink what? She hadn't even brought him a water.

Meanwhile, at The Crimson Coast Pavilion.

The upscale restaurant was legendary for its elite seafood dining, making it the perfect venue for tonight's high-stakes political and corporate gathering.

The moment Melanie arrived, she finally understood why Nathaniel had demanded she dress to impress.

Glancing around the opulent ballroom, every socialite and executive was dripping in couture and excessively lavish jewelry.

Walking through the crowd, she spotted a familiar face near the front. It was Minister Lilian Halevy, the former head of the National Health Commission.

Rumors had been swirling that Lilian planned to retire in Averin, and it looked like they were true.

"No wonder everyone who's anyone is here tonight," Melanie murmured to herself.

They were all vying for Lilian's favor. The Minister was notoriously glamorous, and retirement hadn't dulled her love for high fashion. She was a renowned jewelry connoisseur and a frequent high-roller at luxury auctions.

It was glaringly obvious that tonight's entire event was orchestrated specifically for her.

"Melanie? What are you doing here?"

A grating, familiar voice interrupted her thoughts just as she stepped into the main hall.