Chapter 111

Melanie, secretly happy, couldn't help but look around the first-class cabin. The environment was far superior to economy. Turning to Frank, seated beside her, she realized she owed this luxury to him.

She had never flown first-class with Nathaniel. He always stressed the difficulty of starting a business, emphasizing the need to save money due to the company's substantial expenses. Melanie had accepted his reasoning, believing their hard times would eventually lead to wealth and comfort. Yet, here she was, already enjoying the fruits of first-class travel.

"Mr. Moreau," she said with a smile, "I'm honored to attend the sampling event with you. Please tell me if I do anything wrong or rude; I still have much to learn."

Frank looked her up and down. "You're a brilliant woman," he said slowly. "You'll learn quickly enough."

"Really?" Melanie touched her hair, unable to hide her joy. "Then I'll trouble you to teach me more."

Frank's eyes fell on her hand as he said softly, "Of course. You'll learn from the best."

Melanie started to speak, but a voice interrupted her. She turned to see Lily. 'Why is she here?!'

Lily and Jenny, guided by a flight attendant, had settled into their seats. Jenny then received a call from George. Rebirth, he explained, had upgraded them to first-class to ensure they performed well at the event. Jenny was delighted and moved Lily to the upgraded seats. Lily, however, mused, 'Is this Rebirth's doing, or someone else's? No company would spend this much on two people for a two-hour flight. If they valued us so much, they should have booked first-class initially.'

Though puzzled, Lily couldn't call Alexander. She suppressed her doubts and followed Jenny, never imagining the smallness of the world—or the proximity of her enemy. Melanie was on the same flight.

Their eyes met; surprise mirrored in both.

"How disgusting," Melanie murmured.

Frank, hearing this, turned to see the two women. "Do you know them?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Leaning close, Melanie whispered, "She's the troublemaker behind the essential oil issue. That woman is scheming. Be wary, Mr. Moreau. Don't get too close to her."

Frank turned to face her. "I don't know her. Why would I get close? If I wanted to be close to someone, it would be you." He gently placed his hand on her back. Melanie froze, wanting to move, but hesitated as she met his gaze. Smiling, she said, "Well, of course. We're friends, after all."

When Lily looked at Melanie, Jenny, already aware of the past incident and industry gossip, recognized her.