Melinda's POV
I noticed a slight frown on Cliff's brow after Mr. Stephen finished speaking.
To be honest, upon hearing the news, my mood plummeted into an icy abyss.
I was deeply unsettled, but I forced myself to remain composed and said, "Mr. Stephen, you must be joking, right?"
In my heart, I was worried whether the increase in the value of this land would make Vanya's position in Cliff's heart even more secure, and whether my relationship with Cliff would be impacted even more.
I have always regarded Vanya as my competitor, and this news was undoubtedly a bucket of cold water on me.
"How could I be joking? This is all serious! What? Alpha Cliff, haven't you heard the news?"
Mr. Stephen looked at Cliff with a puzzled face, his eyes carrying a hint of inquiry.
When I heard this news, my heart was instantly in turmoil.
This was great news for the real estate industry. Such planning changes meant huge benefits and opportunities, and others in real estate had already heard the news.
I looked at Cliff, and saw his brows furrowed, his deep eyes full of doubt and annoyance.
I just heard Elliot say that he hasn't been in contact with Vanya since this morning.
I knew his heart must be in turmoil at this moment, and in this chaos, I saw a glimmer of hope.
I thought to myself, 'Vanya has done such a big thing behind Cliff's back, which is undoubtedly a great opportunity for a rift in their relationship.'
'I must seize this opportunity well. Perhaps this is the key turning point for me to replace her and become Cliff's true mate.'
"Mr. Stephen, let's drink," I forced a smile, suppressing the surging emotions inside, picked up the wine pot, and poured wine for Cliff.
I knew at this moment that Cliff's mind must be full of Vanya, and he had no willingness to socialize.
'But how could I be willing? I have been by his side for so long, and I have given so much. Can't I compare with Vanya?'
'No. This isn't fair.'
But to my surprise, Cliff stood up directly and left the private room without looking back.
"Ah? Alpha Cliff!"
Everyone was stunned, at a loss.
I looked at Cliff's back as he left, and my heart was extremely distressed.
I clutched the corner of my clothes, my heart full of resentment and unwillingness.
I really couldn't understand how that land was planned into the green zone?
In the restroom, I looked at myself in the mirror, trying to calm down and tidy up my makeup, but my hands couldn't help but tremble slightly.
After coming out, I saw Cliff making a phone call in the corridor, and my heart tightened.
I knew it must be about Vanya.
Cliff held his phone, and the call seemed to be connected.
Vanya's voice on the phone sounded very calm. "What's up?"
"Where are you?" Cliff's tone was very unfriendly.
Vanya seemed a bit impatient and said, "I'm having dinner with friends. Let's talk about it when I get back tonight."
At this moment, I approached Cliff and said in my most delicate voice, "Cliff, hurry back. Everyone is waiting for you."
I wanted Vanya to know that I was the one who was with Cliff. I was the one who could attend various banquets with him.
I was complacent in my heart.
As long as I could keep brushing my presence around Cliff, one day, he would find my good.
Cliff was hung up and was obviously in a bad mood.
He turned around and went back to the private room without saying hello to me, and I hurriedly followed.
As I was about to close the door of the private room, I looked up and saw Vanya coming out of the restroom.
A flash of surprise crossed my face. I didn't expect to meet her here.
Then, I closed the door quickly, not wanting her to see the situation in the private room.
I didn't want to give her any chance to stay with Cliff. I wanted to isolate her from Cliff's sight completely.
"Melinda, come here," Cliff called me inside.
I looked back and saw that Cliff didn't notice Vanya outside the door.
I said, "Alpha Cliff, I want to go out for some air."
I didn't want to miss this opportunity. I wanted to see what Vanya was up to.
I wanted to find her handle and let her lose Cliff's trust.
"Go ahead," Cliff's tone was quite gentle. He obviously had no mind to care about me now.
The people around saw this scene, and they looked at each other. They must be guessing the relationship between me and Cliff.
In fact, I also knew that in their world of men, they would not call their wives for such private business dinners, and they would always bring female companions when they went out.
And as for what the identities of these companions were, everyone knew in their hearts.
I had been trying to become the indispensable person around Cliff. I thought I had done well enough, but Vanya's appearance broke all this.
'But I will not give up easily. I believe that as long as I persist, I can definitely replace her.'