Chapter 677

Chapter 677

Howard looked at Hugh incredulously before turning to Melanie, “Are you… Are you messing with

me?”

It was obvious he did not believe this farce and was even glancing back at the stern–faced Eugene. He had already told most people that his daughter was dating and soon marrying the boss of LeapCo.

Now, Melanie was telling him that the child was not Eugene’s but instead, this insignificant guy’s.

Howard asked Melanie incredulously again, “Mel, even if you don’t want to help me out, you wouldn’t play such a joke on me, would you? Is this really necessary? You’re ruining your reputation!”

Melanie looked at Howard’s shocked and reluctant expression. She chuckled and wrapped her arm through his. “There’s no reason for me to lie to you. Would I get the father of my child wrong?”

Her tone had relaxed slightly, and she glanced at Eugene with a serene expression. She added, “Mr. Scott has also been affected during this time. Because of your rumors, he has suffered a lot of grievances alongside me.”

Holding onto Hugh’s arm, it was as if Melanie had found her pillar of support. Her demeanor became more lively when she spoke.

Eugene was standing some distance away, and his stern expression showed no signs of relenting. His dark eyes were fixed firmly on Melanie’s hand that was wrapped around Hugh’s.

Hugh was dressed in a street hip–hop style while Melanie wore a light–colored business suit. She gave off a competent and neat appearance. Despite their completely different styles, they looked surprisingly good side by side.

Hugh was tall and well–built, not losing to Eugene in stature. Plus, with regular exercise, he naturally exuded a youthful vibe.

Standing beside Melanie, they looked like the lady and the tramp.

As Melanie and Hugh went upstairs, they could see Howard looking utterly devastated. It was as if Melanie had done something terribly wrong to him.

Once inside the empty elevator, Melanie let go of Hugh’s arm. The calm demeanor on her face shattered, and she pinched the bridge of her nose while saying, “I’m sorry.”

Hugh looked at her, his face devoid of any embarrassment. He took out his phone and started fiddling

with it.

Sensing Melanie’s gaze, Hugh explained without changing his expression, “I’m reporting my progress to Yvonne. I almost thought this job was going down the drain,”

Melanie pondered for a few seconds. “What job?”

“Yvonne asked me to pretend to be the father of your child for 5,000 a day. I was about to head back to

Jepton today since nothing had happened for so long.”

No wonder he had already packed his bags. Melante still had a question. “When did she tell you this?”

Hugh raised his phone. “Just now,”

Melanie saw the chat history on his phone, and it indeed showed that the conversation just happened. Ivonne clearly stated the 5,000 per day fee. It was quite an eye–catching figure,

After a moment of silence, Melanie then understood why Hugh had circled back earlier, With Hugh as her shield, Melante felt much more at ease. At least the matter with Howard was resolved. Even Eugene might be held at bay for a while.

She went to the balcony to call Yvonne. She should not be the one to foot the bill for Hugh,

“Hello, sweetheart. What made you call me?” Yvonne’s playful voice came through the phone,

Not wanting to indulge her coquettishness, Melanie sighed and said, “It’s about Hugh’s fee. I’ll give it

to him.”

“What money? Why would you give him money?” Yvonne feigned ignorance.

“Stop pretending. Hugh showed me your chat records. 5,000 a day.”

Even saying it made her want to laugh, but Yvonne’s approach was pretty solid. At least both parties knew it was purely for money. That could help avoid any unnecessary complications. It was clean and straightforward.

“Thank you,” Melanie whispered.

Yvonne did not seem to have heard her, however. She was too busy scolding Hugh, calling him a little traitor and a leaky glass bottle that could not hold anything in.

you

Melanie shook her head. “When you have time to come to Oskon, I’ll introduce you to a friend. You two should get along well.”

She was referring to Yvette. Yvonne and her were both quite unconventional people.

“I have no time at all. I’m constantly battling my parents. You have no idea how unreasonable they are. They’re even pressuring me to marry Carlisle,” she complained.

Yvonne did not want to dwell too much on the topic and hung up after just a few sentences.

When Melanie returned to her room, Hugh had already left. He had sent her a message saying he had

a discussion.

After settling down, Melanie recalled that she had not told Eugene about Fuller. She hesitated for a moment before calling him.

Eugene answered quickly but only said two words before hanging up. “Open up.”

Melanie was stunned for a moment before looking toward the door. She lowered her gaze and sent a message to Hugh before going to open the door.

3/3

Sure enough, Eugene was outside the door. A strong chill emanated from his body. His deep black eyes seemed even more bottomless. He observed Melanie with his thin lips pressed together tightly, but his suppressed emotions were evident.

Melanie met his gaze. Having not changed out of her clothes, she looked clean and fresh. She exuded an air of openness and generosity. She blocked the door, her voice indifferent as she said, “I’m not letting you in. It’s not good to indulge a child throwing a tantrum.”

Eugene narrowed his eyes slightly.

“I went to visit Mr. Fuller’s lab today and found out something. The power outage we experienced in the lab last time was his doing,” she informed evenly.

Eugene said nothing, his gaze still fixed on Melanie’s face. His eyes were deep as if trying to ensnare her into the abyss

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice deep but with a bit of hesitation.

“Mrs. Lyney wouldn’t lie to me,” Melanie replied.

Eugene’s tone remained unchanged as he asked, “I meant about the child and that man.”

Standing in the corridor, the warm light above cast a certain loneliness on his shoulders.

Melanie was quiet as she looked at Eugene for a while. She saw her reflection in his deep, dark eyes. Lowering her gaze, she casually responded, “Why would I lie to you?”