Chapter 418
Melanie was mainly accompanying Eugene and Theodore to verify information about George and the situation at home. Upon learning that she was George’s stepdaughter, the employees exchanged glances but did not say anything.
By the time they dealt with matters here, it was already past noon. “Is there anything else you need me to do?” Melanie asked Eugene.
Eugene paused before bowing his head to adjust his cufflinks. He clicked his tongue and replied, “Do you think this is all the mess he left behind?”
The head of the company branch then said in a low voice, “Those people have been hanging around the company entrance lately, demanding money. Two days ago, one of our employees accidentally got involved and ended up in the hospital after being attacked.”
Eugene sneered coldly, his gaze turning to Melanie again. “Did you hear that?”
Melanie’s expression soured as Viola said in a righteous sort of tone, “Things have gotten this serious and you haven’t reported it to the police?”
The branch head’s expression was grim. It was not until they left the police station that he explained, “It’s useless to report it to the police. Those people are local hooligans who have been around for more than a decade.
“As soon as they catch wind of us reporting them, they’ll disappear faster than anyone else.
“And it’s not feasible for the police to guard the company entrance every day. That would be a waste of public resources. Moreover, these people lend money at exorbitant interest rates and are ruthless. No one dares to provoke them.”
Viola nodded. “So, they’re just a bunch of annoying pests?” After saying this, she turned to Melanie. “Melanie, how did George get to know these people?”
How? Was it not just because he was a bad egg?
Viola’s question seemed to be an attempt to seek Melanie’s confirmation. She wanted to hear it from Melanie’s mouth, which would deal her a bigger blow.
They were headed to the branch office. Eugene was keeping silent, and Melanie had no choice but to follow.
Still likely dwelling on the morning’s events, Viola did not stop pestering Eugene by making conversation with him. Not only did she keep on talking, but she even raised her voice as if she was worried Melanie would not be able to hear her.
Melanie sat in front of the passenger seat, her eyelids slightly lowered as her mind churned. She was certain that Viola had instigated the issue with Dylan. However, she lacked sufficient evidence, so no one would believe her.
Listening to Viola’s soft and sweet voice prattling on at the back, Melanie could not help but feel annoyance grow within her. Even though she knew it was likely just an act, what could Melanie do when she had nothing?
As for Eugene, Melanie had lost any expectations she might have had for Eugene. She knew that he would only be partial to protecting Viola. It seemed like he had long forgotten the
Chapt
kindness her grandfather had shown him in the past.
Reflecting on this, Melanie’s lips curled into a bitter and self–mocking smile. It was their own and they fault for overestimating themselves. Now, they were reaping what they had sown, had no one to blame but themselves.
Melanie’s thoughts swirled in her mind during the journey, and the conclusion she reached was that she truly could not afford to provoke Eugene anymore. She looked out at the greenery rapidly receding outside the window with Viola’s voice echoing in her ears occasionally.
In her mind, only one thought remained–if she could go back in time, she would not let herself be as naive.
