Chapter 314 Seizing Opportunities
Surrounded by a mix of genuine and insincere compliments. Duke Wilhelm casually dealt with them while carefully observing Leo’s expression.
After a while, as the flattering individuals dispersed, Melanie seized the opportunity to express her doubts.
“Duke Wilhelm, I feel both honored and perplexed to receive your invitation to tonight’s birthday banquet. Could you clarify something for me?”
Duke Wilhelm chuckled. At a time like this, he would say whatever pleased Melanie. “My daughter Grace offended you before. Since I’m hosting friends from Harbor City tonight, it’s only natural to invite you as well. Consider it my way of apologizing on her behalf.”
“You’re too kind.” A sharp glint flashed in Melanie’s eyes, and she thought of a plan. “I just saw Miss Grace at
the banquet, and she seemed quite interested in the card I wrote. Perhaps she spoke well of me in front of you,
making you appreciate my creativity?”
Duke Wilhelm squinted his eyes, and subtly clenched his fist. Melanie’s implication was clear.
He couldn’t help but sigh. Melanie was indeed clever! She knew that the so-called “competition” earlier was
just a setup for her. Without revealing her cards, she effortlessly used his daughter’s jealousy to dismantle the
plot.
No wonder Leo was putting so much effort into winning her favor. With her assistance, dealing with Harlow in
the future would be even easier.
However, Duke Wilhelm didn’t have time to think about other matters right now. He was embarrassed and infuriated at the same time. Suppressing his anger, he politely excused himself from Leo and Melanie and went backstage straightaway. The butler had informed him that Grace was there.
Duke Wilhelm hurried backstage and found Grace. There, she was looking carefree and smug.
He was infuriated by the sight. He gestured to his subordinates to clear the backstage area. His subordinates quickly left and went to guard the entrances, leaving the space for the pair of father and daughter.
Grace felt the change in atmosphere. She turned around, and saw Duke Wilhelm staring at her. She was so scared that she couldn’t hold the wine glass steadily.
“Was it you?” Duke Wilhelm angrily questioned.
“Dad, what…what are you talking about?” Grace tried to act innocent.
“If you dare utter another lie, I’ll cut off your tongue!” Duke Wilhelm threatened sternly.
Grace knelt down in fright. She dropped the wine glass and it shattered, cutting her hand. Blood dripped onto the ground. She didn’t care about the pain, only pleading repeatedly, “Dad, I just couldn’t stand Melanie. I just didn’t want her to get the prize…”
“Idiot!” Duke Wilhelm couldn’t contain his anger. “You just couldn’t stand her, huh? Do you know you ruined my plan?!”
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Duke Wilhelm shouted angrily. He knew that the most urgent matter now was not to punish Grace, but to calm Leo’s anger. If Leo’s plan failed, he wouldn’t gain anything from the Yorks.
He tried hard to suppress his anger, and after he did, he said, “Quickly go out and apologize to Melanie!”
“But I…” Grace was afraid and unwilling. She sobbed in grievance.
“Shut up!” Duke Wilhelm didn’t want to look at her any longer. “Whether you please her or apologize, as long as you can make Melanie and Mr. York happy, I will let you stay in this family. If not, you’ll be kicked out
immediately!”
In the banquet hall.
The excitement of the competition gradually faded. The crowd dispersed, engaging in various conversations.
Melanie noticed that Leo was still standing by her side without leaving. She couldn’t help but smile and ask, Mr. York, you mentioned earlier that there’s something you’d like my help with. What is it exactly?”
Leo looked embarrassed. He had boasted earlier that the crown was Melanie’s, but now…
He was utterly humiliated because he had been so confident when he said those words. He could only swallow his embarrassment, and say straightforwardly, “Regarding your ‘Siberian Butterfly’ perfume, I’m considering promoting it. What are your thoughts?”
Unexpectedly, it was about this…
Melanie’s eyes flickered. The Yorks had already contacted Jones Enterprise’s perfume department yesterday, but Leo still talked about it in person.
It seemed he wanted to force her into a situation where she couldn’t refuse due to their past relationship. Fortunately, she had prepared for this…
She was about to respond, when a calm male voice next to her spoke on her behalf.
“Mr. York, you might be a step too late. My people have already negotiated with Jones Enterprise’s perfume department, and we’ve reviewed the proposal.”
