Chapter 942:
Sensing his stare, Melany flicked him a quick glance before looking away, pretending not to notice. Her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.
As they ate, Alyssa gathered Melany and a few other staff members together, lifting her glass to propose a toast. She also pointed out the online buzz Sweetberry’s two new designs had caused earlier that day.
“Several top fashion designers and magazine editors shared our work,” Alyssa said, practically glowing. “Orders for Sweetberry’s new collections are already booked through next year. Ms. Owen, you’re phenomenal! You’ve turned a struggling company into a fashion leader!”
Rylie smiled back and raised her glass. “Producing designs this good so quickly was a team effort. This success belongs to all of us.”
Still buzzing with excitement, Alyssa nudged Melany. “And Melany deserves recognition too! She tailored every piece perfectly for you and Mr. Owen, paying attention to every tiny detail!”
Alyssa caught Melany’s gaze, puzzled by her silence tonight—she hadn’t even lifted her glass once.
Luckily, Leif Martel—the observant man beside her—gave a light tug on her sleeve, quietly urging her to toast Rylie. Melany followed his lead. Then, together, they raised their glasses toward Deandre.
Deandre didn’t even look at him. “I don’t toast with just anyone,” he said, his voice cool and measured.
Leif’s cheeks flushed with awkward embarrassment. Melany immediately understood the comment wasn’t really meant for him. It was meant for her.
She stepped slightly in front of her companion and met Deandre’s gaze head-on. “We may be ordinary, Mr. Owen, but that doesn’t give you the right to be rude.”
“Let’s go, Leif,” Melany said, tugging her colleague toward the door.
Suddenly, the sharp crash of breaking glass cut through the room.
Deandre gripped the shattered glass in his hand, blood trickling down his palm. He rose, his face calm as if he didn’t feel the pain at all. “These are ruined. I’ll change,” he said, voice steady.
A chill shot through Melany’s chest as she watched him.
Rylie stepped forward to help, but Brad gently squeezed her hand, stopping her. “We’ve had enough. Let’s go take a walk outside.”
The restaurant didn’t truly relax until the distinguished guests finally left. Only then did the Sweetberry staff begin to unwind, quietly speculating about what had triggered Deandre’s sudden outburst.
Melany let out a sharp laugh. “Honestly? Probably just some personal quirk.”
Alyssa arched an eyebrow. “He keeps looking at you like that. Do you two know each other well, Melany?”
Melany’s words stumbled. “N-not really.”
Outside, a walkway lined with lush greenery glowed softly beneath scattered yellow lamps.
Rylie walked beside Brad, her mind still replaying what had happened earlier. “Why did you hold me back back there?”
Brad gave a short laugh. “Looks like your brother left that little injury for someone else to fuss over.”
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