Chapter 419
Melanie’s first encounter with Eugene had been quite awkward. Her grandfather’s accident had forced her to spend all her time in the hospital. As a young woman who had just started college, she did not know much about anything.
She was running around in a panic, hoping to bring some justice for her grandfather.
However, compensation from the driver responsible for the accident was not forthcoming. Despite her grandfather’s job as an educator, his savings were not substantial. He had already set aside funds for Melanie’s college education. There was not much left.
She could not delay the payment of the hospital fees. Besides, with her grandfather recovering from surgery and in a weakened state, he needed proper care.
Even with Melanie working part–time after classes every day, the money needed was still far from enough. During that period, Melanie was like a person made of iron, resting only five hours a day. The prolonged stress had her nerves stretched to the limit.
One day, caught in a sudden downpour, she clumsily sought shelter while dressed in a cumbersome mascot costume. When she looked up, she met the gaze of a tall and handsome young man. Before she could apologize, she met his indifferent eyes.
Later, those eyes frequently appeared in Melanie’s mind. She could not describe the emotions she felt at that time. It was as if the gloominess of the rainy day melted away, transforming into a gentle breeze that surrounded her.
The recollection abruptly came to an end as Melanie closed her eyes. She could feel the tension building within her.
The gentle breeze that blew by back then had long since disappeared. The murmurs from the back seat continued, and Melanie fished out her phone. Just as she unlocked it, she received a message from Yvonne.
By the time she sent her reply, they had already reached the branch office.
Near the flower bed at the entrance of the company were a few men who looked like
troublemakers. They were crouching on the ground.
The head of the branch said, “It’s them. They wait here every day, and when the police show up, they run away. Even if they get caught, it doesn’t matter. They’ll just come back again.”
It was complete impudence. Melanie’s jaw tightened, and after a moment of silence, she asked, “Did George bring them here?”
Eugene did not answer. Instead, it was Theodore who said somewhat awkwardly, “They do have some connection with him.”
Melanie nodded and said nothing else. Viola blinked, her face wrinkling with worry as she asked Theodore anxiously, “What do these people even want by coming to the company’s entrance every day? Do they want money?”
“It’s not just money. I don’t know where I heard it from, but there’s this rumor going around that Mr. Scott is related to them somehow. They won’t leave until they’re paid,” the branch head said after parking the car and looking at the people outside with concern.
Melanie’s gaze lowered. Her back stiffened slightly when she heard a cold sneer from the back seat. Voice cold and deep, Eugene scoffed. “Relationship? What relationship?”
Viola faintly replied, “How dare these people spread such rumors?”
She then looked at Melanie through the rearview mirror and tentatively asked, “Melanie, since these people are your father’s friends, haven’t you explained things to him? What kind of relationship could there even be between them and Eugene?”
There was, of course, no relationship tying Eugene and them. However, Viola insisted on having Melanie answer the question.
What she was trying to imply was obvious.
Melanie’s gaze turned colder, her chest heaving as she said in a low voice, “What is there for me to explain to them?”
At this counter–question, Viola found herself unable to respond.
Any relationship between Melanie and Eugene that needed to be explained would involve their romantic relationship. Viola had initially just wanted to tease Melanie. She had not expected to make herself uncomfortable.
Melanie withdrew her gaze, calmly pushed open the car door, and got out. The branch head and Theodore followed closely.
Only Viola and Eugene remained in the car.
