Chapter 314 Seizing Opportunities Surrounded by a mix of genuine and insincere compliments. Duke Wilhelm casually dealt with them while carefully observing Leoâs expression.
After a while, as the flattering individuals dispersed, Melanie seized the opportunity to express her doubts.
âDuke Wilhelm, I feel both honored and perplexed to receive your invitation to tonightâs birthday banquet. Could you clarify something for me?â
Duke Wilhelm chuckled. At a time like this, he would say whatever pleased Melanie. âMy daughter Grace offended you before.
Since Iâm hosting friends from Harbor City tonight, itâs only natural to invite you as well. Consider it my way of apologizing on her behalf.â
âYouâre too kind.â A sharp glint flashed in Melanieâs eyes, and she thought of a plan. âI just saw Miss Grace at the banquet, and she seemed quite interested in the card I wrote. Perhaps she spoke well of me in front of you, making you appreciate my creativity?â
Duke Wilhelm squinted his eyes, and subtly clenched his fist. Melanieâs implication was clear.
He couldnât help but sigh. Melanie was indeed clever! She knew that the so-called âcompetitionâ earlier was just a setup for her. Without revealing her cards, she effortlessly used his daughterâs jealousy to dismantle the plot.
No wonder Leo was putting so much effort into winning her favor. With her assistance, dealing with Harlow in the future would be even easier.
However, Duke Wilhelm didnât have time to think about other matters right now. He was embarrassed and infuriated at the same time. Suppressing his anger, he politely excused himself from Leo and Melanie and went backstage straightaway. The butler had informed him that Grace was there.
Duke Wilhelm hurried backstage and found Grace. There, she was looking carefree and smug.
He was infuriated by the sight. He gestured to his subordinates to clear the backstage area. His subordinates quickly left and went to guard the entrances, leaving the space for the pair of father and daughter.
Grace felt the change in atmosphere. She turned around, and saw Duke Wilhelm staring at her. She was so scared that she couldnât hold the wine glass steadily.
âWas it you?â Duke Wilhelm angrily questioned.
âDad, what...what are you talking about?â Grace tried to act innocent.
âIf you dare utter another lie, Iâll cut off your tongue!â Duke Wilhelm threatened sternly.
Grace knelt down in fright. She dropped the wine glass and it shattered, cutting her hand. Blood dripped onto the ground. She didnât care about the pain, only pleading repeatedly, âDad, I just couldnât stand Melanie. I just didnât want her to get the prize...â
âIdiot!â Duke Wilhelm couldnât contain his anger. âYou just couldnât stand her, huh? Do you know you ruined my plan?!â
142 +15 BONUS Duke Wilhelm shouted angrily. He knew that the most urgent matter now was not to punish Grace, but to calm Leoâs anger. If Leoâs plan failed, he wouldnât gain anything from the Yorks.
He tried hard to suppress his anger, and after he did, he said, âQuickly go out and apologize to Melanie!â
âBut I...â Grace was afraid and unwilling. She sobbed in grievance.
âShut up!â Duke Wilhelm didnât want to look at her any longer. âWhether you please her or apologize, as long as you can make Melanie and Mr. York happy, I will let you stay in this family. If not, youâll be kicked out immediately!â
In the banquet hall.
The excitement of the competition gradually faded. The crowd dispersed, engaging in various conversations.
Melanie noticed that Leo was still standing by her side without leaving. She couldnât help but smile and ask, Mr. York, you mentioned earlier that thereâs something youâd like my help with. What is it exactly?â
Leo looked embarrassed. He had boasted earlier that the crown was Melanieâs, but now...
He was utterly humiliated because he had been so confident when he said those words. He could only swallow his embarrassment, and say straightforwardly, âRegarding your âSiberian Butterflyâ perfume, Iâm considering promoting it. What are your thoughts?â
Unexpectedly, it was about this...
Melanieâs eyes flickered. The Yorks had already contacted Jones Enterpriseâs perfume department yesterday, but Leo still talked about it in person.
It seemed he wanted to force her into a situation where she couldnât refuse due to their past relationship. Fortunately, she had prepared for this...
She was about to respond, when a calm male voice next to her spoke on her behalf.
âMr. York, you might be a step too late. My people have already negotiated with Jones Enterpriseâs perfume department, and weâve reviewed the proposal.â