Vanya's POV
Melinda's shouting was so loud that, for a moment, it seemed as if everything around us had been muted.
All eyes turned to her.
Of course, it also included Cliff's and mine.
In the eyes of everyone present, Melinda appeared to be a shrewish and ill-mannered woman.
The stooped old gardener was carefully picking up the roses from the ground.
He kept muttering apologies all the while.
Melinda seemed to finally notice the piercing gazes from the surroundings, and her face turned extremely embarrassed.
Then, as if changing masks, she quickly put on a face full of apology.
She said, "I'm so sorry. I was just too anxious. Are you alright?"
I stood not far away, watching this scene quietly.
I knew in my heart that Melinda's belated remedy was useless and only made her seem even more affected.
At this moment, Melinda also noticed me standing next to Cliff.
"Why is she here?" Cliff frowned and muttered to himself.
I looked at Cliff's expression and speculated in my heart that he really didn't know Melinda would show up here.
Could it be that Melinda really came on her own?
I pondered silently without speaking.
This plot was completely different from my previous life.
I clearly remembered that in my past life, Cliff brought Melinda to the banquet, and Melinda won the praise of Mr. Winston at the dinner.
Because of this, her path to studying abroad was smooth, and after graduation, she rose swiftly with the support of Cliff and Mr. Winston.
I thought that this time, since Cliff didn't bring Melinda, she wouldn't appear, but I didn't expect her to force her way in.
"Alpha Cliff!" Hearing the commotion inside the club, Elliot hurried in.
Cliff's tone was clearly displeased, "Who let her in?"
"I..." Elliot lowered his head and stammered, "I thought Ms. Coleman could help you."
Cliff rubbed his forehead in resignation.
I watched coldly from the side. Of course, this had something to do with him.
He has always been tolerant towards Melinda, which led Elliot to make such a judgment.
However, on such an occasion, since he had already brought me, it was really inappropriate for Melinda to show up.
"Ms. Coleman is unfamiliar with the area. You should go check on her," I feigned indifference and took a sip of champagne.
Cliff looked at Melinda, who seemed like a panicked fawn not far away, and in the end, he couldn't bear to leave her there alone. "I'll go over for a moment and come back soon. I'm worried that if something happens to her, my wolf..."
I didn't respond but turned around and started talking to others.
It was within my expectations that Cliff would go over.
He had always found it hard to let go of Melinda.
Cliff's POV
I walked straight to Melinda, my tone questioning, "Why are you here?"
Melinda, like a child who had done something wrong, meekly lowered her head.
She whispered, "I'm sorry... I just wanted to come and see."
With her head down and her body trembling slightly, her sobs were barely audible.
Seeing her like this, I really couldn't bear to say anything harsh.
After all, she was a student I had nurtured, and I had witnessed her efforts and dedication over the years.
Moreover, she was my true mate.
When I was close to her, I could smell the faint scent of figs on her.
This fragrance intoxicated me, and my wolf was also stirring subtly.
"I'll have Elliot take you back," I said helplessly.
Seeing me about to leave, Melinda hurriedly reached out, grabbing the cuff of my sleeve, her eyes full of pleading. "Alpha Cliff, can I stay?"
I frowned, feeling a bit displeased.
The Melinda I knew was always obedient and had a clear understanding of her place, never uttering such overstepping words.
Melinda seemed to sense my dissatisfaction and her face showed a look of panic. "I'm sorry, Alpha Cliff... I..."
Seeing her pitiful expression, I still couldn't bear to scold her harshly, "Stay. This party will also be helpful for your study abroad."
Hearing this, Melinda's face instantly bloomed into a sweet smile like a flower, filled with joy and excitement.
"Can I follow you?" she asked cautiously.
I glanced around at the crowd, thinking to myself that I really wasn't comfortable leaving her to deal with this place on her own.
"Okay," I nodded in agreement.
Melinda was as happy as a child who had just received her favorite toy.
Elliot couldn't help but ask, "Alpha Cliff, what about Luna..."
"You go and accompany her. Don't let her cause trouble like last time," I said casually.
In my opinion, although Vanya often attended dinners, she knew nothing about finance and was just here to pass the time.
As long as she didn't spend money recklessly and act out like last time, it was fine.
Melinda followed me and talked eloquently in front of several big shots. Although Melinda's grades at school were decent, she was, after all, just a student with little experience in the world.
In front of these presidents who had been in the business world for years, her words were hardly outstanding.
Soon, Melinda stood in front of a foreign old man, looking distressed and at a loss.
If I remember correctly, this old man should be a financial tycoon from France.
The trouble was, his interpreter was not here at the moment.
"Alpha Cliff..." Melinda bit her lip, looking at me helplessly, her eyes full of expectation that I could help her out of this predicament.
As I was thinking about how to resolve this awkward situation, I saw Vanya walk over calmly and start communicating with that man in fluent French.