Chapter 72
it was no surprise that Linda was on the verge of fainting.
Wallace paid no attention to the younger crowd and instead turned to the elders. standing behind him. “You guys, please take care of Melina from now on whenever you see her.”
Unlike the younger generation, the elders didn’t hesitate to respond.
“Of course! Melina’s such a delightful girl. Even if you didn’t mention it, we’d make sure she’s looked after.”
“Melina, you’re about to start your freshman year at Cyntia University, right? Here take my grandson’s number. He’s a senior there, so if you need any help on campus. feel free to reach out to him.”
Wallace’s face darkened. “It won’t be necessary for the contact!”
This old fellow was trying to steal Melina away! If only Melina had been willing to go public, Wallace would’ve stood up and declared her as his future granddaughter–in- law.
The way Wallace openly protected Melina stirred envy among the younger crowd. They had scrambled just for the chance to attend this exclusive event. Who among them had ever received such preferential treatment?
Linda was glaring at Melina with growing resentment. She could feel the judging eyes around her, pricking her like thorns.
In the gathering meant for three, Melina was the unnecessary addition.
After all, both she and Melina had fallen into the water earlier, but Andrew had saved her first. Everyone had seen how much Andrew cared for her. She had wanted to make Melina the laughingstock of the evening.
But instead, it was Wallace’s unwavering support of Melina that made her the joke.
Linda stood rooted in place and felt humiliated to the point where she wished to disappear. But she bit down on her frustration and refused to move.
Why should she leave? Why should she make space for Melina?
Not only did Linda refuse to leave, but she also made a point of walking over to Andrew’s side. Her eyes reddened as if she had just suffered a great injustice.
She stood silently next to him and waited for some form of acknowledgment.
Change
However, Andrew remained lost in his thoughts.
Wallace grew annoyed just seeing the two standing together and immediately stood up, pulling Melina with him. “Lina, let’s go. We’ve had enough fun for today. It’s time to leave.”
Melina instinctively glanced at Andrew, seeing him standing next to Linda.
She calmly looked away and then glanced at Wallace beside her. Suddenly, she didn’t feel as upset as before.
Feeling much better, Melina waved to the elderly guests. “Goodbye, everyone. I’ll see you all next time.“.
With that, she followed Wallace out of the banquet. This moment felt oddly familiar as it was almost like something she had always envied as a child when school ended. and kids would leave with their parents.
The thought brought a soft smile to her face, and her steps grew lighter.
Andrew suddenly stood up and began following him. Linda followed suit while biting her lip.
When Melina reached the door, she noticed the burly bodyguard who had brought her earlier was st
waiting.
Upon seeing her, the bodyguard grinned and said, “Ms. Crawford, you’re out. I’ll take you home.”
Melina looked at the bodyguard, then glanced back at Andrew, puzzled. “Aren’t your supposed to take Andrew?”
The bodyguard didn’t even spare Andrew a glance and replied earnestly, “Mr. Wentworth can drive himself. I brought you here, so I’ll take you home.”
His tone suggested he’d rather stay far away from Andrew and preferred to stick with
Melina.
Wallace glanced at the sturdy bodyguard before recalling how Melina had almost
drowned earlier.
With that in mind, he gave a firm order, “From now on, you’re assigned to Melina. Make sure to keep her safe.”
“Mr. Wentworth Senior, I don’t need a bodyguard,” Melina said.
“I think you do. How could a sweet and innocent girl like you outmatch a cold- blooded snake or a two–faced woman?”
Chap 72
The “cold–blooded snake” was clearly referring to Andrew while the “two–faced woman” was unmistakably Linda.
Linda’s expression twisted at the remark.
