Chapter 37
The business partner in Hearth City sent someone to wait at the airport early in the morning. In the past, Eugene had always brought Melanie with him, so the business partner walked up to them and tried to curry favor with them.
Viola felt neglected on the side. She tugged on Eugene’s sleeves, and her face was pale.
Having cooperated with this company many times, Eugene negotiated the new terms without a hitch. Melanie took out the documents from her bag and handed them to Eugene and the business partner. Then she habitually reminded Viola, “Don’t forget to make a reservation for dinner later.”
Viola froze on the spot. She was already embarrassed that she could not join in the conversation.
On top of that, Melanie bossed her around like she was a mere intern.
Viola pursed her lips. She did not move for a while and only looked at Eugene with red eyes.
Melanie only came to her senses afterward. She said, “Sorry, I mistook you for Yana.”
Viola said in a soft voice, “It’s okay, Melanie.”
Melanie paused, glanced at her lightly, then turned to Yana, who was behind her. “Make a reservation for dinner. Do you still remember Mr. Zimmer’s food restrictions?”
Viola’s face turned even paler.
She did not join the dinner and excused herself to go back to the hotel to rest because she felt unwell.
Viola looked at Eugene eagerly. “Eugene, can you take me back?”
Melanie thought that Eugene would not agree to take Viola back because he wanted to have dinner with Mr. Zimmer. However, Eugene nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll send you back.”
Eugene turned to look at Melanie. “I’ll join you guys in a moment.”
However, Eugene stayed with Viola for so long that he missed the dinner party.
After Melanie sent off Mr. Zimmer, she hailed a taxi back to the hotel.
The door to Viola and Eugene’s room was tightly closed. Melanie did not know if they were in there.
The business deal in Hearth City was handled quickly. Melanie thought it would be fine from then on.
However, a photo of Melanie and Frank drinking together intimately was circulated online.
The angle it was taken from looked like Melanie had taken the initiative to throw herself into Frank’s embrace.
Yana had shown Melanie the photo and asked worriedly, “Melanie, will you be okay?” Melanie looked at the photo for a while and clicked on the group chat expressionlessly.
2/2
The group chat was active at the time. The guys were talking about games, beauties, and sports cars.
Melanie scrolled through the messages but did not find anything about the photo of her.
Just as she exited the screen, a message popped up in the group chat. [Who took that photo of Melanie and that old geezer, Frank? How scandalous!]
Melanie stared at the screen and read the messages of people making fun of her.
Someone even tagged Eugene. [How did you feel when you saw Melanie hugging Frank? @ EugeneScott]
This question seemed to spark the group’s excitement. The group started to tag Eugene one after another.
Half a minute later, Eugene finally replied. [Get lost.]
Melanie turned off her phone expressionlessly. On the day she returned to Jepton, this photo still caused quite a stir. More people in the company were talking about her behind her back.
“Melanie, someone is here to see you.” Yana came in with copied documents. She was one of the rare people who was still willing to talk to Melanie.
Melanie nodded and went to the reception room.
Stephen was sitting inside with a familiar–looking young man.
Melanie thought about it for a moment and recalled that the young man was also a part of Eugene’s circle. However, this man did not usually have a strong sense of presence.
When the man saw her, he stood up awkwardly and said, “I’m sorry, Melanie. I took that photo and posted it in the group. I didn’t expect it to have such a big impact on you.”
