Chapter 497
Word quickly got out that Eugene and Viola had quarreled over Melanie.
After all, Viola did not look happy when she returned to the secretary’s office.
Most people were happy to watch her suffer. The looks they gave her infuriated and hurt Viola
even more.
བུ་རས་ཆུང་པ་བས་ཕུང་པོའི་རིང་་་་་་་
‘Eugene had been so protective of Melanie,’ she thought. ‘Mason must be right! Something was going on between them.‘
Viola’s thoughts ran wild, and she became even more flustered and depressed. She could barely hold back the tears in her eyes when the phone on her table suddenly rang.
It was a message from Mason. [Viola, do you want to have lunch together? My friend owns a nice restaurant downtown. I want you to try it.]
Hesitation flashed across Viola’s eyes for just a second. [Okay.]
Yana gossiped about everything on the grapevine, so even if Melanie did not pay special attention to the happenings at LeapCo, she still received updates on Eugene and Viola every day.
They were giving each other the cold shoulder, that was all. Eugene went straight to Oskon City for a business trip, and Viola moped every day. She was late to work and left early more often.
Yana sent another message. [I really can’t stand her attitude! She comes and goes as she pleases, but the last time Whitney said she saw her watching a movie with another guy. Intriguing, isn’t it?]
Melanie looked at the messages and replied shortly before turning back to her work.
Henry had called her in the morning and reminded her to join him early that night.
The Scotts had especially thrown a birthday party for Henry, so Melanie had expected it to be grand. Contrary to her expectations, however, Cedric had only invited a few close family friends.
The birthday banquet was held in Mistyard, a classic Victorian mansion with a gorgeous garden.
However, autumn was approaching, so it was getting cold out.
Melanie arrived at Mistyard with Stephen. The Yorks had always been on good terms with the
Scotts.
Henry was already waiting at the door with Landon. When he saw Melanie and Stephen, he frowned slightly. “Mel, why are you so late? Those monkeys have practically stolen all the goodies I was saving for you.”
He stepped forward and pushed Stephen away without batting an eyelid. Then, he held Melanie’s arm and muttered under his breath, “I’ve been waiting for you. I was afraid that you wouldn’t come.”
Henry’s childish actions made Melanie laugh. She and Stephen looked at each other, and the
latter shook his head helplessly.
Stephen then handed Henry the present he had prepared. “Mr. Henry, my parents have to attend a meeting at the last minute, so I’m the only one who could come. Happy birthday.”
Henry smiled. “I haven’t seen you in years. You’ve gotten more sensible.”
Melanie also took the opportunity to pass her gift to Henry. “Many happy returns, Mr. Henry.”
“I’m happy as long as you’re here. You didn’t have to prepare a gift!” Henry was in a good mood today. He pulled Melanie inside and said, “I told Eugene that we’ll take a family photo tonight. Just indulge me, okay?”
Melanie paused for a moment, but she could not dampen Henry’s spirits now. She would find an excuse to step away later.
After all, it was the Scotts‘ family portrait. She should not be involved.
Henry took her directly to a hall where there were already many guests.
Stella and Cedric were inside, as was Carla.
Stella sneered coldly when she saw Henry coming in with Melanie. “The old man has truly gone senile.”
Carla patted her arm. “It’s his birthday. Watch what you’re saying.”
Stella rolled her eyes but did not say anything else.
Melanie caught Stella’s look of contempt, but she was not bothered. After all, Stella had never once liked her.
Chapter 498
