She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 887

The voice belonged to Leila Langley, and it was the last thing Melanie wanted to hear.

She turned and raised an eyebrow. "Is the Great Designer Langley attending a cosplay convention tonight?"

Leila's face instantly turned an ugly shade of green.

"What do you know! This is high fashion! This is art!"

Melanie slowly looked her up and down. Leila was dressed like a literal peacock. Her teal and emerald gown was aggressively stuffed with dozens of real peacock feathers. Melanie had been to countless galas, but she had never seen anyone dress like a deranged turkey.

Catching the thinly veiled disgust in Melanie's eyes, Leila merely flipped her hair with unwarranted arrogance.

"You obviously didn't get the memo. Tonight's guest of honor is Minister Lilian Halevy. The Minister has impeccable taste and a deep appreciation for high-end jewelry."

Leila smugly touched the gaudy malachite peacock necklace draped over her chest, then tapped the matching feather-shaped earrings.

"I designed this entire set myself. I have no doubt Minister Halevy is the only one here with the vision to appreciate my artistry."

Watching Leila's desperate display of superiority, Melanie connected the dots. Leila was dressed like a walking aviary to pitch her jewelry line directly to the Minister.

Ever since Leila had lost their bet and was forced to read a humiliating apology letter at Vanessa Ellington's birthday bash, she had been blacklisted from the elite jewelry circuit.

Melanie had assumed Dominic would just turn her into a pampered housewife, but clearly, Leila was still clawing for relevance. Or, perhaps, Dominic had cut off her allowance.

Either way, Leila was plotting to use Lilian Halevy as her golden ticket back into the industry.

If she could win over a heavy hitter like Lilian, her client list would explode overnight.

However... Melanie had to hold back a laugh.

Not only did Leila look absurd, but she had cast her entire collection in malachite. Lilian Halevy was a woman who dealt in flawless diamonds and rare sapphires. Did Leila honestly believe malachite was going to turn heads?

"Whatever makes you happy," Melanie said dismissively, turning to walk away.

"Stop right there!" Leila snapped. "I know you're looking down on my malachite."

"I didn't say a word." Melanie leveled her with a cool stare.

Leila's face flushed with anger. The fact that Melanie hadn't even bothered to critique the stones proved exactly how worthless they were, striking a massive blow to Leila's fragile ego.

Stepping forward, Leila sneered at Melanie's chest. "My malachite might not be priceless, but it's a hell of a lot better than that cheap junk hanging around your neck."

Instinctively, Melanie's hand went to her collarbone.

The necklace she wore was the most breathtaking, priceless piece in her entire collection.

Taking Melanie's silence as a victory, Leila closed the distance between them.

"Don't think I don't know. That thing is nothing but a worthless lab-grown fake."

She pointed a manicured finger toward the bar, where Dominic Hale was schmoozing with another executive. "My man told me everything."

Melanie followed Leila's gaze. Dominic looked polished in his tailored suit, sipping champagne and laughing comfortably with the man beside him.