Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Exposed +15 BONUS The next day was the pageant for the International Socialites Gala.

Last night, Melanie had slept peacefully. Her skin was glowing this morning. She carefully applied her makeup and had breakfast with Eliza.

“Melanie, I’ve transferred half of my shares to you. You will be a board member of the Jones Enterprise from now on,” her mother said, before pausing to inquire. “Which department do you plan to oversee when you join the company?”

“I’ll start from the weakest portfolio in Jones Enterprise–I’d like to take charge of the research and development for the new perfume line,”

Melanie replied.

She presented the proposal she had been working on to Eliza. “Here’s the new perfume product line I’ve been planning. I’ve gotten it looked over by professionals. What do you think?”

Eliza skimmed through the proposal and her eyes lit up. “I trust you. With your abilities and talent, you can bring that portfolio back to life.”

With her mother’s approval, Melanie smiled from the bottom of her heart.

After finishing her meal, she changed into an elegant dress that showcased her graceful figure and headed out to participate in the talent show.

Just as she got into the car, she received a message that Annie had posted pictures of Lena’s night out with a mysterious man just ten minutes ago, and it was already causing a buzz online.

Melanie instructed the driver to go to Harbor Mall, all the while scrolling through the online comments with a cold gaze.

*Lena claimed she had never been in a relationship, didn’t she? She said so in an interview. What’s this? It’s all but a lie!”

“Who’s this man?”

“They say he’s her brother–in–law who’s also her boss. Her cousin’s the manager with a broken leg. What a horrible pair!”

Before she could even finish reading the comments, Bryan West called.

‘Melanie.”

“What?”

“Let me explain.”

Sensing her anger, Bryan’s tone grew anxious. “Don’t believe everything you see... I did have too much to drink last night, but I promise you, nothing happened between me and Lena.”

“How can you guarantee that?” she calmly asked.

“I...” Bryan hesitated for a moment before changing his tone. “Mel I don’t care if others doubt me. But after all this time we’ve spent together, don’t you know how much I care about you? How could I possibly be in love with someone else?”

Melanie pursed her lips. He would not even dare to make a promise. Was he afraid of divine retribution? He was truly the worst!

Suppressing her disgust, she replied, “I understand. Right now, the most important thing is to manage public opinion.”

“Exactly.” Bryan thought she could still be easily appeased and quickly followed up with more sweet talk. “My dear, with you handling all those online opinions, I’m not worried at all.”

With a cold look, Melanie glanced at the incoming call and said calmly, “I need to take another call.”

She hung up on the lousy man’s call and answered the other. It came from one of the company’s subordinates, and their tone was filled with despair. “Boss, what should we do? Several of Lena’s sponsored brands and shows are taking a beating online.

They want us to come up with a solution.”

“Do you have any ideas?” Melanie asked.

“We’re thinking of announcing that these are just photos of Lena acting in a drama and that the man is just a co–star. That should divert public attention.”

1/2 Han.

+15 BONUS Melanie raised an eyebrow, amused by the suggestion. Over the past two years, she had taken charge of everything within the company. be it from managing talents and legal affairs to publicity. It was her competence that allowed Bryan West to keep so many incompetent employees. The proposed suggestion had so many flaws that Internet users would tear apart in an instant.

With a smile, she replied. “Very well, let’s go with your suggestion.”

Before hanging up, she heard jubilant voices on the other end.

The inept subordinates had endured her harsh scolding for two years and they thought they had finally earned her recognition.

She chuckled to herself. Let Bryan have a taste of how his company would run without her.

Melanie paid no further attention to the online discussions and put away her phone. She wanted the discussions to continue heating up while she attended the pageant. (1)

The elevator doors opened.

The crowd waiting in the outdoor seating area glanced her way, and what began as a casual glance soon turned into silent admiration. This woman was undeniably beautiful!

Moreover, she looked naturally elegant. The elegance did not stem from the high–end jewelry she wore but from her distinctive aura.

After a brief moment of astonishment, the crowd noticed the cane in her hand. Wait. She was handicapped?

“An unknown, handicapped girl is trying out for the pageant... What a joke!”

+