Chapter 303: Chapter 312

Chapter 312 Periodical Cicada On the stairs, Leo’s subordinate cautiously asked, “Mr. York, are you planning to make Melanie happy tonight with this event?

Are you hoping she’ll agree after you talk about the sponsorship of her perfume?”

Leo neither confirmed nor denied this.

The subordinate was puzzled. “But don’t you just want to have more opportunities to get close to her and make her happy by sponsoring the perfume she created? Isn’t that too indirect?”

Leo glanced sharply at him. “How many times have I said that Grandfather’s instructions need careful consideration? If he arranges for me to get close to Melanie in such an indirect way, how can I aggressively pursue her? If I mess up, I’ll be handing over the Yorks’ business to Harlow on a silver platter!”

“Yes, Mr. York. It’s my mistake.” The subordinate bowed his head.

“In the future, speak less nonsense and use your brain more!”

Leo descended the stairs and looked toward Melanie, who was chatting with others.

“Being a bit indirect has its benefits. Even if the result is not satisfactory, it won’t be too embarrassing. There’s still a way out.”

After saying that, he picked up a glass of wine and walked toward Melanie. “Miss Melanie, we meet again.”

“Mr. York.” Melanie smiled in response, and the two exchanged pleasantries for a few moments.

At this moment, the lights suddenly brightened. Duke Wilhelm took the stage amidst the pleasant music.” Thank you all for attending my birthday banquet tonight. I’ve prepared a small gift here to add some excitement to the event for everyone’s enjoyment.

“Next month marks the seventeenth year since William Group entered Harbor City. I’d like to ask everyone here to help me come up with a celebration theme. The target audience is young people and trendsetters. The person whose theme is chosen will receive this gift.”

Duke Wilhelm raised his hand, and a servant promptly brought a tray onto the stage. On the tray was a dark- colored brocade box with its lid open, revealing an ancient crown nestled inside.

The people below began to discuss in hushed tones. Duke Wilhelm’s generosity was apparent. Even a small entertainment prize was worth so much...

Melanie’s long eyelashes fluttered. What surprised her wasn’t Duke Wilhelm’s generosity, but the appearance of this crown.

The medieval crown Jeffrey had bought at the auction and given to his mother was the one the prince had given to the princess in the ancient times. Their unwavering love story had become a well-known legend. The crown on the stage now belonged to the prince, making it a matching pair with the one given to the princess.

“For those interested, please feel free to share your ideas!”

Duke Wilhelm appealed from the stage while staff members shuttled through the audience, distributing cards 143 +15 BONUS Leo and Melanie also received cards. Leo scrutinized Melanie’s expression, pretending to ask casually, “Why don’t you give it a try?”

“There’s no need.”

Melanie blinked, feeling that everything tonight was a bit coincidental.

From the moment she arrived until now, she hadn’t met Duke Wilhelm. She was curious about Duke Wilhelm’s sudden invitation.

Moreover, this crown that appeared as a surprise prize also seemed too coincidental.

If someone paid attention to investigate her preferences, they would find that she had gone to great lengths at the auction to bid for the crown of the princess. Therefore, she was worried that it might be a trap and didn’t want to attract attention in public.

“Worried that with so many talented people, you won’t be selected?” Leo continued.

“I’m not sure about that.”

Melanie looked at him without confirming or denying it.

“I have confidence in your talent. How about the photo series Mr. Smith shot? The one titled Siberian Butterfly- who else can match such creativity?”

Leo patiently persuaded, “Moreover, I have a strong premonition that tonight that this crown will go to you.”

“Is that so?” Melanie’s thoughts flickered. Why was Leo so eager?

This made her shift her doubts from Jeffrey to Leo. Things had suddenly become more complicated.

“Give it a try. If you really win the prize, I happen to have something I’d like to ask for your help,” Leo continued.

“What is it?” Melanie asked.

“We can write the cards first, and when the results are revealed, we can discuss it then. It won’t hurt.” Leo pretended to be mysterious, and went to write his card.

Melanie pondered everything that had just happened. Her brows furrowed.

When she had just arrived, she encountered Grace. Now that she thought about it, Grace’s sinister gaze was still vivid. With Grace, the vengeful young lady, she might not need to worry too much.

Thinking of this, Melanie became more certain. Contemplating Duke Wilhelm’s request, she wrote a few words on the card.

“Periodical Cicada.”

Then, she handed the card to the staff along with Leo. The staff placed it in the collection box backstage.

Backstage, Grace’s butler hurriedly approached her and whispered, “Miss, I just inquired. It seems that the Duke intends to give that prize to Melanie.”

213 +15 BONUS “What did you say?” Grace jumped up from her chair in a hurry.

The butler gestured for her to be discreet, and added, “Just now, the staff folded her card three times before putting it in the collection box. Duke Wilhelm will draw from the box later. So...”

Grace’s face was full of sinister suspicion. “Why would father do this? What benefits does he gain from befriending Melanie?”