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Chapter 23 The Wests‘ Grand Celebration
In Bryan West’s office, hidden cameras were already in place. All the footage streamed to Melanie’s
smartphone in a grid pattern. She instructed the driver to send her home.
Not long after, Annie’s people disguised as paparazzi arrived and positioned themselves outside the
West Corp’s building, just as Lena Jones peered out from Bryan’s office window.
Lena panicked and dialed Bryan’s number on her phone.
On the other end, Melanie picked up the phone and answered the call.
“Babe, I’m trapped at the West Corp. You have to come and…”
Before Lena could finish her sentence, Melanie pressed the play button on her computer, playing a
pre–recorded conversation Annie had prepared for Lena to hear.
“Whose call is that, Bryan?”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re the one I’m focused on.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
“You know, I see you hanging around Lena often. I thought you liked her type.”
“That’s impossible. She’s a celebrity. And she’s friendly with many men. You, on the other hand, are
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtelegant and capable. I’m not a fool I can tell who’s better. Don’t worry, I’m just using her to benefit the
company.”
The synthesized voices of Melanie and Bryan were very convincing, and it left Lena trembling and she
collapsed to the ground.
No wonder Bryan had warned her earlier that he would be busy with preparations for the West Corp’s
anniversary celebration. He explicitly told her not to contact him and to lie low.
That was what he was busy with tonight!
Lena dug her nails into her palm as she listened. The sound that came next was of Bryan, panting. It
was a sound Lena knew too well confirming her suspicions that he was indeed lying to her.
Bryan had claimed he would never be with Melanie, but it seemed he had been enjoying himself.
He had been deceiving her all along!
Lena was torn between anger and frustration. She wanted to storm out and confront Bryan, but the
growing crowd of paparazzi and fans outside made it impossible for her to escape. Overwhelmed and
desperate, she paced back and forth in Bryan’s office. However, as time passed, she began to feel
physically and mentally drained. Her vision blurred, and a profound weariness overcame her, making
her long for nothing more than to curl up and sleep.
Early the next morning, a chauffeur from the West Corp arrived at Melanie’s residence to escort her to
the anniversary celebration at the West Corp headquarters.
Melanie had taken the effort to prepare herself meticulously, wearing an elegant and tasteful outfit that
perfectly suited the occasion. She stood confidently alongside the Wests and several board members,
greeting the prominent figures of Harbor City’s business world and
representatives from well–known media.
Bryan, observing the surroundings, noticed the large presence of journalists. He remarked warily.
“There seem to be many reporters here today, not just the ones covering business topics.”
Melanie replied calmly, “Yes, I know how important today is to you. That’s why I made sure to invite
entertainment media who would
interview me for the International Socialites Gala.”
“Thank you, my dear, for your support,” Bryan said insincerely, leaning close as he feigned intimacy in
front of the cameras. “After today. I’ll
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Melanie wore a practiced smile on her face, concealing her inner contempt as she silently wished for
his downfall.
Bryan paused, unable to suppress his concern as he asked, “By the way, Mel, where did Lena head
last night?”
“She probably went home.” Melanie responded casually, her tone nonchalant, “Last night, she asked
me to help her distract the paparazzi, and we lost each other.”
Bryan nodded, though his gaze betrayed his unease. He refrained from mentioning that he had been
unable to contact Lena throughout the night. His phone had gone missing too. Even now, his
subordinates had not managed to reach Lena.
Although he found the situation suspicious, he dared not let it distract him in front of so many cameras.
He would address it once the interviews were over.
“What’s wrong? Worried about Lena?” Melanie teased knowingly.
Bryan quickly shook his head and replied, “Not at all. It’s just that with all these entertainment reporters,
it feels as though you’ve organized a press conference for Lena.”
Melanie smiled, her lips sealed in secrecy.
You wouldn’t know but this proce conference isn’t for long!
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