“Mr. Fitzgerald, you owe me an exnation!” Brendan’s voice was thick with anger as he spoke,


    Melody looked terrified, her eyes wide as she nced at me, clearly afraid of stirring up trouble for


    Dexter. “Foebe, President Langley, I didn’t mean it that way…”


    “Grandpa, she’s been listening.” I said, nodding towards the nanny standing nearby.


    The nanny nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes.”


    Melody clung to Dexter’s arm, her nerves palpable. “Dexter… I…”


    “Mr. Fitzgerald, when you’re picking a secretary, you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled for skill, not just


    someone easy on the eyes,” Brendan sald sternly. “I’ve heard rumors about you and your secretary.


    Better straighten things out when you get back, or you’ll ruin the partnership between our families!”


    Dexter knew he had to smooth things over. “Understood.”


    Melody was on the verge of tears, the height of distress. She shot me a resentful look, then turned to


    Dexter. “Dexter…”


    But Dexter’s voice was low and firm. “Let’s head back.”


    With a bite of her lip, Melody turned and ran off.


    I watched her go with a cold smirk. Brendan had been stewingtely, and here was someone foolish


    enough to walk right into the fire.


    My gaze followed Melody’s retreating figure, a mix of emotions swirling within me.


    Ridiculous!


    Indeed, these people only pick on the weak.


    I was an orphan with no parents to stand up for me, dependent on the kindness of others. They knew


    they could bully me with no consequences, no big scene to worry about. I was meant to endure their


    insults, bullying, and harm forever.


    And Dexter, he never thought to stand up for me. His concern was his reputation, always weighing the


    pros and cons. To him, I was insignificant. He resented me for clinging to him, for the engagement he


    couldn’t shake off. He once imed undying love for Melody, didn’t he? And yet today, to preserve the


    partnership with the Langley family, Melody had to suffer?


    That’s just Dexter for you, his love cheap and fickle.


    “Grandpa, I’m not feeling well. I’m going to head upstairs,” I said, climbing the staircase and casting a


    nce back at Dexter.


    His gaze remained on me, deep andplex.


    13:14


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Retreating to my room on the pretext of feeling unwell, I sent the nanny away and peered out the


    second–floor window. Seeing no one outside, I changed clothes and climbed down.


    “Ste, it’s me.” Having left the Langley estate, I called Ste. “Have you found where Hank is?”


    I narrowed my eyes, still fueled by the desire to embarrass Melody at the party. It was just the


    beginning. I nned to peel away at Melody’s facade slowly but surely.


    Of course, starting with Hank was the first step.


    “He’s at a bar. Where else would that lowlife be? Drowning in booze every day, as if he’s not scared to


    drink himself to death,” Ste scoffed. “I’m keeping an eye on him. Youing?”


    “Of course, I’m heading over. Tonight I’m going to scare him to death,” I said through gritted teeth,


    gging down a taxi.


    I’d start with Hank, then take them down one by one!


    “Foebe, quick change,” a voice suddenly called out from behind me.


    I frowned and turned to see Dexter. “Mr. Fitzgerald, not mingling with the guests? Where are you off


    to?”


    “Where are you headed? I’ll give you a ride,” Dexter offered casually.


    “No need, thanks,” I said, climbing into the taxi.


    He leaned against the door, watching me. “Foebe, you’re bing more and more intriguing to


    1. me.