Chapter 108
“The Lopez Group’s quarterly product launch event officially begins.” As the host’s voice rang out, spotlights swept across audience shrouded in darkness.
the stage, leaving the
Harrison still hadn’t shown up. Knowing he was usually busy with work, Gwyneth didn’t give it much thought until the empty seat to her left was finally taken.
Melanie walked in arm–in–arm with Adrian and took her seat with deliberate grace. The blue stage lights caught the smug triumph in her eyes. She was every inch the proud peacock, chin held high as she clung to his arm.
With a defiant smirk, she shot a challenging glance at the empty seat beside Gwyneth
With a defiant smirk, she shot a challenging glance at the empty seat beside Gwyneth
Melanie felt like she’d punched thin air. Her attempt at provoking had no effect whatsoever, leaving her with a dull, gnawing sense of frustration,
Halfway through the launch event, it was time for a break.
“Here are our latest smart glasses. Interested guests are welcome to come over to the side and try them on.” Techies clustered in small groups. animatedly discussing the latest upgrades.
Meanwhile, the businessmen stood around rubbing their chins, scheming how to get in on the action and grab a share of the profits. The crowd scattered in all directions, the air buzzing with a cacophony of voices and movement.
Gwyneth felt stiff from sitting too long and decided to step out for some fresh air. Just as Gwyneth rose to leave, Melanie stuck her foot out. How childish. Gwyneth thought, her eyes darkening. Deliberately, she brought her stiletto heel down right on Melanie’s ankle.
“Ouch.” Melanie cried out, looking up to catch the smirk on Gwyneth’s lips. Furious, she shot to her feet “How dare you kick me in front of everyone and embarrass me like that—*
Before Melanie could finish speaking, a sudden ripping sound echoed–the zipper on the back of her strapless mermaid gown gave way, sending the dress sliding down.
“Oh my god
“Oh dear.”
Gasps erupted all around.
Melanie barely managed to hold up her dress, feeling the chill on her exposed back. As the crowd’s gasps echoed around her, her face burned crimson with humiliation.
The nearby waiter reacted instantly, draping an overcoat over her shoulders to cover her exposed back.
Melanie barely managed to straighten up, clutching at her slipping dress as she shot Gwyneth a venomous glare. “Gwyneth, you did this on purpose. You just wanted to humiliate me.
“You deliberately picked out this ridiculously tight dress for me and came over just to rub it in–just so you could humiliate me in public. l–I’m going to ler Dad know about this.”
Gwyneth scoffed, “Only crybabies go running to Mommy and Daddy about every little thing. Besides, you insisted on wearing that dress. Did I ever force you?”
“You – Melanie was practically shaking with rage
The waiter nearby, sweating bullets as more and more people stared and with Melanie sitting right next to Adrian, rushed over to help.
“Ms. Melanie Jenkins, perhaps you should change into another evening gown. Mr. Adrian Lopez will be back shortly, and in your current state- The wallecuncifully left the rest unsaid.
Melanie knew all too well slic couldn’t afford to make a bad impression on Adrian. But seeing the smug look on Gwyneth’s face, she could only grit herteeth, stomp her foot angrily, and jab a finger right at her.
“Gwyneth, just you wait, Melanie spat, shoving the waiter aside. Ducking her head, she scurried away, her face burning with humiliation.
In the corner, a press photographer silently captured the scene, smirking in the darkness. “Adrian’s date is such a mess. This will make headlines.”
1/2
Just now. These will fetch a pretty penny, he smirked inwardly.
