Chapter 117

After listening to Nathaniel's words, Melanie looked around the room, but all she could think about was Frank's room. She took a deep breath and said, "It's not bad."

Nathaniel was dissatisfied. "What do you mean, 'not bad?' You should know the price difference is significant."

"Well, it's not much different from the other rooms," Melanie replied perfunctorily, wanting to avoid the discussion.

"How can your room be almost the same as the others? It cost several hundred dollars more," Nathaniel said, oblivious to Melanie's feelings. He continued, "Mel, we're relatively well-off now, but you know the company is facing major problems. We need to recruit new talent and expand our market, so we must be careful with our spending. It might be difficult now, but if you think about the future"

"Oh, here we go again with 'the future!' You always talk about the future!" Melanie thundered, unable to bear Nathaniel's rambling. "What I want is the present! You always talk about the future, and it feels like you're showing me something unreachable! I can't see the future, Nate! I just can't!" Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Nathaniel was silent for a long time. He hadn't expected such anger from Melanie. "Mel?" he called hesitantly. "Are you mad?"

"Yes, I am!" Melanie affirmed.

"Is it because of me?" Nathaniel pondered. "Or did Frank do something?"

Melanie felt guilty when Nathaniel mentioned Frank. She shouted, "Is that your first thought?! Do you always think about those things, Nate? Let me tell you why I'm upset. It's because I saw Lily!"

"L-Lily?" Nathaniel was startled. "Where? Is she in Middle Valley?"

"Yes," Melanie continued. "Not only is she in Middle Valley, she was in first class, receiving special treatment. She even had a private car pick her up—a Rolls-Royce! Did you hear me, Nate? Frank and I have a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz, but Lily's riding around in a $500,000 Rolls-Royce?!" Melanie's voice calmed as she vented her frustration.

Nathaniel was quiet, stunned by the revelation. "Mel, I didn't expect"

Melanie interjected through gritted teeth, "Of course you didn't, and neither did I. Lily betrayed us, yet she's living lavishly. Why, Nate? I'll make sure she gets what she deserves!"

Nathaniel asked, "What are you going to do?"

"I know Lily will be at the sampling session. I want to embarrass her!" Melanie said bitterly.

"Don't be impulsive, Mel. Assess the situation, then we'll talk. Lily is no longer an MN Inc. employee, and Rebirth is protecting her. She won't listen to me. You"

"Do you feel sorry for her, Nate?"

"What? Why would you say that?" Nathaniel denied immediately. "You're the only one for me, Mel. You should know that. As for Lily, she"

"That's it. You take care of the essential oil issue and wait for my good news!" Melanie hung up.

"Mel? Mel?!"