She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 888

That man... Melanie narrowed her eyes.

Unless she was mistaken, the man trading laughs with Dominic was Reginald Thorne, Vice Director of the Averin Health Commission.

Seeing Melanie's attention shift to Dominic, Leila cleared her throat loudly.

"What's the matter? Wearing fake gems from your pathetic ex-boyfriend while drooling over your ex-husband? You really have no shame."

Melanie paused.

When Leila had first called the necklace a lab-grown fake, she hadn't cared. But hearing it phrased like that unlocked a specific memory.

The necklace resting against her collarbone wasn't just any piece of jewelry. It was the heirloom Preston Whitmore had given her—a breathtaking chain of blooming lilies, the centers crafted from flawless rubies, surrounded by a blinding array of pavé diamonds.

After their brutal breakup, she had tried to return every luxury gift he had ever given her to his grandmother. But Tessa Rowland had insisted she keep this one specific piece.

Tonight, Nathaniel had demanded she look her absolute best. Naturally, she chose the stunning Crimson Silk Slit Gown. And out of her entire jewelry collection, the only piece grand enough to match the gown's striking elegance was Preston's necklace.

She remembered the day Preston had given it to her. Dominic had been standing right there. He had made a snide, jealous remark, claiming the stones were cheap lab-grown knockoffs.

She couldn't believe that after all this time, Dominic was still so deeply insecure that he was gossiping about it with Leila.

How much did he hate this necklace?

No. He didn't hate the necklace. He hated Preston Whitmore.

Across the room, Dominic's eyes drifted away from Vice Director Thorne and landed squarely on Melanie.

He was captivated.

She looked breathtaking tonight. Since their divorce, Melanie's career had skyrocketed. To Dominic, she had morphed into the cold, untouchable Ms. Royce—a corporate titan.

But tonight, draped in that vibrant, seductive red gown, she looked entirely different. Her makeup was bold and striking, carrying a fierce, predatory edge. She was a wild, thorny red rose. The more dangerous she looked, the more fatally attractive she became.

But then... Dominic's brow furrowed in deep irritation.

He despised the necklace resting against her skin. It was too brilliant, too opulent. It felt like it was overshadowing her natural beauty.

Driven by an urge he couldn't control, Dominic excused himself and walked straight toward her. Reginald Thorne, eager to keep the conversation going, followed closely behind.

"Babe!" Leila chirped, assuming Dominic was coming over to rescue her, and immediately latched onto his arm.

Dominic coldly peeled her hands off him.

Leila's triumphant smile shattered, especially when she realized his gaze was locked entirely on Melanie.

"That necklace doesn't suit you, Melanie," Dominic said bluntly, ignoring his current partner. "Tonight is Minister Halevy's gala. You're representing the Royce Group. Don't you think parading around in fake stones from your broke ex-boyfriend is humiliating for your brand?"

Melanie let out a soft, mocking laugh. "You're awfully invested in the Royce Group, VP Hale. Anyone listening would think you were our CEO. Doesn't micromanaging someone else's company feel a bit humiliating for you?"

"You..." Dominic gritted his teeth, struggling for a comeback.

Before things could escalate, Reginald Thorne chimed in. "Wait a second... The Royce Group? VP Hale, that wellness supplement you were just telling me about—the one causing your patients severe gastrointestinal distress—is that manufactured by the Royce Group?"