?Chapter 514:


    “What did you tell them?”


    Melvin looked serious. “I didn’t say anything.


    This time, they offered more. After giving me the check, they said I should think it over. imed offers like this—money and sex—don’te often.”


    “Did they give a deadline?”


    “One week.”


    Whatever Freya asked, Melvin answered honestly.


    She twirled her pen, then gave her verdict.


    “In a few days, fill out the check. Pretend to agree and see what they’re nning.”


    Melvin frowned.


    “No.”


    “Why not?” Freya looked confused.


    “A woman’s name is not something to gamble with.”


    His eyes locked onto hers. “You shouldn’t take risks like that.”


    Freya set the pen down. “I know what I’m doing. Just handle it.”


    Seeing she wouldn’t back down, Melvin nodded.


    As he turned to leave, he looked back seriously. “Be careful who you trust. Especially men.”


    Freya chuckled, told him she got the message, and waved him off.


    The rest of the day flew by in a blur of meetings and paperwork.


    Anita International hadn’t expanded in years, but since Freya’s return, Melvin had secured multiple new deals. The workload exploded.


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    That evening, while Freya stayedte, Melvin came by her office to inform her that he had arranged for a meeting with Gerard.


    Freya simply nodded.


    Later, at a nightclub, Gerard and Melvin arrived, both sharply dressed, attracting nces the moment they walked in.


    Gerard seemed confused. After they sat, he nced around and frowned. “This is weird. Back then, when you were down, you always dragged me to the gym or for a run. Why the bar this time?” He knew Melvin hated drinking.


    Melvin looked away and muttered, “It’s different this time.”


    “How so?”


    “I had a breakup.”


    Gerard was stunned.


    Disbelief was written all over his face.


    A breakup? Melvin? That didn’t add up!


    “When did you even start dating? Why didn’t I know? And who is she?” Gerard asked, clearly shaken.


    Melvin kept a straight face. “I don’t want to talk about it.”


    Gerard was at a loss for words. But curiosity ate at him.


    “Come on. Let’s drink,” Melvin offered, handing over a ss. His usual cool gaze was clouded, like he was holding something in.


    That look hit Gerard in the gut. He suddenly felt bad. Melvin didn’t open up easily. And he had few friends.


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