Chapter 37: The Arrogant Melinda

These days, with mobile payments so prevalent, who still keeps large amounts of cash in their wallet? If Melinda hadn’t done this on purpose, she wouldn’t be a Lu. “I’ve already compensated you for the clothes. If you couldn’t catch them yourself, don’t blame me,” Melinda said with a triumphant smile, raising her wrist to display her Patek Philippe watch. “Oh dear, I’m almost late for the proposal meeting. I’ll be off now.” With that, she strode confidently into Ying Tower, her heels clicking and hips swaying.

Lu Yao took a deep breath, suppressing her anger. Skirting the luxury car parked by the curb, she walked briskly toward the building.

Inside the car, Qiao Wan’er sneered, “That woman who just made things difficult for Lu Yao is my cousin. She’s a real actress—every time she wants a project, she gets involved with the male clients. This time will be no different. Lawyer Lu works so hard, but I’m afraid it’s all in vain.”

Ye Zehong’s expression was icy. When Melinda bullied Lu Yao just now, he’d wanted to get out and teach Melinda a lesson, but with Qiao Wan’er in the car, he could only hold himself back.

“Your cousin?”

“She’s a poor relative from my grandmother’s side. She’ll do anything, no matter how shameless, just to climb up the ladder. Let me tell you, ever since she was a child…”

Ye Zehong’s gaze turned sharp and cold, his lips pressed into a tight line, his face extremely unpleasant.

Qiao Wan’er immediately fell silent.

…

Before the proposal meeting began, Lu Yao went to the restroom.

She intended to dry her pants with the hand dryer, but it was screwed tightly to the wall, and even lifting her leg wouldn’t help. Just as she was growing anxious, a woman in a Ye Group uniform entered, handed her a bag, and said with a professional smile, “Miss Lu, these clothes are from Young Mr. Ye. Please change quickly.”

Lu Yao took the bag, about to ask more, but the woman hurried out. She glanced at the clothes inside, her heart stirring slightly. Young Mr. Ye? It couldn’t possibly be Ye Zehong—he must be at the hospital seeing patients at this hour. There’s no way he’d be at the Ye Group.

Lu Yao didn’t bother to ponder who this mysterious benefactor was. She quickly changed into the clean clothes and jogged back to the conference room.

The large room was already filled with people from all three parties. Melinda sat at the front, regarding Lu Yao with a victorious side-eye, but when she saw Lu Yao’s new outfit, her expression faltered.

It was Dior’s latest limited-edition business suit—the very dress Melinda had dreamed of, had pulled every string to get, but to no avail. And now, it was on Lu Yao.

Suddenly, jealousy and frustration surged within her. How could a bumpkin like Lu Yao get her hands on it?

Unhappy, Melinda sneered, “Miss Lu, even if you dress in the finest clothes, it’s all for nothing. I’ve already finalized all the details with Director Liang. It’s a done deal—today’s just a formality.”

Lu Yao let out a scornful laugh. Clearly, Melinda had no idea Old Master Ye had replaced the project lead.

She was about to retort when the conference room door opened.

Liang Yi entered with a grave expression, followed by a large entourage. The moment Melinda saw her new flame, she flashed a flirtatious smile and waved enthusiastically. But Liang Yi looked at her as if she were a stranger, his face stern as he averted his gaze.

Melinda’s smile froze, bewildered at his coldness.

The next moment, a handsome, cold face appeared before everyone.

Both Lu Yao and Melinda were stunned.

Ye Zehong?

Why was he at the proposal meeting?