The Unfaithful Mr. Scott

Melanie did not stay outside for long. Eugene mentioned that Matthew was a highly alert individual and that they could barely find any information about him.

However, even with just this bit they managed to glean, Melanie was able to speculate some things- such as the low-key relationship between Matthew and Howard. She did not reveal any of her thoughts to the man, though. She figured he did not need any reminders from her.

When Melanie made her way back to the meeting room, she saw Viola at the door and hesitated slightly. She could not be wearing a pleasant expression on her face when facing Viola.

Still, Viola stopped her. “Burning Star Studio won't stand a chance,” she said, her voice quiet but firm.

The mild winter sunlight cast no harsh shadows, but it made Viola’s already pale complexion appear even paler. Her lips seemed to lack color even more despite the lipstick she wore. Exhaustion was evident in her eyes.

Melanie glanced at Viola’s tidier—than—usual attire, a hint of fleeting mockery flickering in her eyes. She did not scrutinize for too long, but Viola’s heart still skipped a beat under her gaze.

Still, she remained proud with her chin held high as she issued her ultimatum to Melanie. “If you have any self-awareness left, you'll know that Burning Star Studio will never appear on Redwaves:' list, not with me around.”

With that, she turned and left triumphantly. The sound of her high heels echoed in the hallway. Melanie watched her retreating figure for a moment, her expression unchanged. She then turned to find Eric.

Eric said she should visit the studio again in the afternoon as Fuller had something for her. He was chatting with others when she arrived. Melanie did not want to interrupt, so she took out her phone and thought about calling Stephen to inquire about Matthew.

Upon turning on her phone screen, however, she immediately noticed a message from Howard. The content was the same as usual. He apologized and said he had been too impulsive before and that he should not have laid a hand on her.

Melanie had received many such messages. She had blocked Howard’s number, but then he changed his number and continued to send these messages.

Melanie simply ignored the messages as if she did not even see them. She could not be bothered to block Howard again. Changing her phone number was not an option either, so she simply ignored

him.

She dialed Stephen’s number, and the man promptly answered. “Mel?”

“Are you busy right now?”

“What's up? I’m in Rondon.”

12

“Do you have much contact with Matthew?” she asked. The last time Melanie contacted Stephen, he had vaguely mentioned Matthew when he asked her to see Nicole.

However, he had been vague back then, only mentioning that Nicole was young and had made poor choices in companions.

Stephen remained silent for a moment before responding, “Matthew, huh? Looks like you’ve bumped. into him. But Mel, I’ve already told you before that it’s best to have as little contact with him as possible.

“The Qiasa family’s power has been transferred to Matthew. He just doesn’t dare be too overt about it, so it’s not openly acknowledged.”Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Stephen sighed with worry, “Matthew is very intelligent, but the sinarter a person is, the more anti- social they tend to be. “Mel, I’m not joking with you. It’s best to minimize contact with Matthew. His mental state isn’t quite normal.” Stephen’s words lingered in Melanie’s mind. Her brows knitted together as her heart rate quickened.

“Melanie?” Eric interrupted her thoughts from behind her. Melanie turned around and saw Eric standing not far away, waving at her. “Let's go, we're heading to the studio. | called you several times. just now. Why didn’t you answer? What were you doing?”