Chapter 417
Eugene’s words were laced with sarcasm, making Melanie feel as if a hand was squeezing her heart firmly. She looked at Eugene, whose face seemed somewhat like a stranger’s. He was defending Viola so fiercely that he immediately cut her off at the slightest suspicion.
“Eugene…” Viola murmured, her already red eyes turning even redder. It looked like she had finally understood the probing nature of Melanie’s words.
“Melanie, did you misunderstand something? If you want to ask me anything, can’t you just say it directly?” she said in a hoarse voice. “I’m not as clever as you. I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”
Viola then tugged at Eugene’s sleeve. “Eugene, don’t be angry. Melanie has been through a lot lately. We should be understanding.”
Eugene continued to look at Melanie. Then, in a low tone, he said, “It’s hard for me not to suspect that you’re intentionally delaying time right now.”
He glanced at the time and said in a calm tone, “I made an appointment for nine o’clock. How much longer do you plan to delay things because of your baseless suspicions?”
Melanie felt a sharp pain in her heart at the man’s impatience. Her grandfather had always treated Eugene well, even going so far as to pray for him all the time. How could he be so cold and sarcastic now? It was as if there could not be the slightest doubt about Viola.
Perhaps her grandfather had never been important to him.
Viola stood beside him like she was a principled person and said in a soft tone, seemingly consoling Melanie, “Melanie, I know you’re feeling upset, but can you please not look at me with that expression and use that tone on me?”
She hesitated a little before adding, “I’m a little afraid of making you unhappy.”
With just these words, she had labeled Melanie a bully. Melanie felt a bitterness surge in her heart as Eugene watched her. The entire situation was laughable.
Lowering her gaze, she remained silent for a moment and suppressed her emotions. She still did not have evidence to prove Viola’s involvement. Relying on verbal statements alone was not enough to convince anyone.
Lashes drooping slightly, she maintained her calm tone and said, “You’ve misunderstood. Peachie just mentioned last night that she wanted to play with you, so I came over to ask you if you’d be up for it. If my words offended you, I apologize.”
Viola’s expression stiffened. “Is that so? If that’s the case, I’ll make time to accompany Peachie in the future. I like her too.”
Melanie nodded and said nothing more.
Eyes as deep as a cold pool, Eugene merely glanced at her for a moment before quickly shifting his gaze away. He snorted disdainfully as well.
Theodore was about to mediate the situation as per habit when his phone rang. His expression changed as he reminded Eugene, “We can go over now.”
Eugene nodded. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were calm and
serene. He took a step away. Viola promptly followed him, calling out his name as she stepped forward.
After watching Viola leave, Theodore walked over, his face revealing some of his inner conflicts. He seemed to be unsure of what to say. Finally, he sighed and said, “Let’s go. Eugene needs you over there.”
Their visit to Hearth City was to handle the mess George left behind. The employees of the LeapCo branch were also present. Melanie had worked with Eugene on tasks in this area before, so the branch’s staff recognized her.
Out of habit, they addressed her as if she were still a secretary there.
Viola smiled and said, “Melanie is no longer with LeapCo. She’s relieved of the hard work that comes with being a secretary.”
Melanie heard her but did not react.
