I Became His Sweetheart

Chapter 16 Melanie Was Selected +15 BONUS “That’s correct.” Jeffrey Morgan's voice resonated in the room.

The statement finally put an end to Mr. Hans‘ need to impress. He adjusted his suit and thought. We might finally secure that investment from Morgan Group next quarter!’

“Miss Melanie.”

At that moment, Jeffrey spoke again, addressing Melanie, “Prep yourself. You'll be attending the International Socialites Gala with

representatives from Morgan Group.” What?

Mr. Hans had initially nodded along but his smile had now frozen in place. He looked as if he had seen a ghost. Mr. Hans stammered. “Mr.

Morgan, a—are you confirming your selection?” Jeffrey's voice turned cold, and he inquired, “What? Do you think | have poor judgment? Or that I’m blind?” “N-no, I-I dare not...”

Mr. Hans trembled in fear, no longer concerned about his company’s growth. He was solely thinking about how to save his own skin.

The other judges in the room exchanged uncertain glances, realizing that not speaking up earlier had been a stroke of luck amid it all.

The talent show had been meticulously prepared for three months, with numerous applications and screenings. In the end, the contestant was selected just after the first audition, and she happened to be a person with a disability. The decision was unconventional, but it was undoubtedly something Jeffrey Morgan would come up with.

After Jeffrey, Melanie Jones was the calmest person in the exhibition hall. After all, she knew that she had secured Morgan Group's trump.

card even before coming here.

Adjusting her dress, she confidently stepped down from the stage and added with a hint of sarcasm. “Mr. Hans, your judgment in people is lacking. Your business acumen must be subpar, too. I’ve heard that you are seeking investment from Morgan Group. President Morgan,

| suggest that you consider it carefully.”

With that, she flipped her hair and made her exit. As she walked out, she noticed that Mr. Hans was trailing after Jeffrey Morgan with a dejected look on his face, likely trying to find a way to save his reputation.

Once outside, Melanie was surprised to find that all the attention was still focused on Lena. “Lena, did you see those online rumors this morning? They're trying to smear your reputation.”

“Come on, we're all in the same industry. These baseless rumors will die down as quickly as they surfaced. Who would believe them?” She adjusted her dress impatiently.

“Right, Lena is about to become the belle of society. Her popularity will skyrocket once she returns from the gala. Why would she bother

with these rumors?” The flattering comments began pouring in.

“| heard that the head of Morgan Group will be attending and that the one to be selected today will be his companion. | wonder, will Lena be escorted by Stephen, or will it be Jeffrey Morgan?”

Despite being brushed aside by Stephen earlier, Lena knew how to bounce back. She claimed that it was her connection with Jeffrey Morgan that led to a collaboration with Stephen, so she had yet to meet Stephen in person. She also hinted that Jeffrey was the one backing her, which instantly sparked a ton of flattery.

“Oh, please, don’t exaggerate. I’ve only met President Morgan once... | might not even be selected.”

Lena blushed, playing the modest card.

“It's President Morgan We

Lena?”

talking about! Few people in the country have had the privilege of meeting him. Why are you being so humble, +15 BONUS

Compliments and congratulations poured in from all sides.

Lena nodded modestly, but her concealed pride was unmistakable.

She did not make things up, not entirely.

There was a time when she was on a flight, and she overheard that the CEO of Morgan Group was in the first-class cabin. She rushed over to catch a glimpse, only to be stopped by the cabin crew. Nevertheless, she managed to catch a side profile of Jeffrey Morgan. It was just a glimpse, but Lena was captivated by his handsomeness.

With his wealth and good looks, he must have impeccable taste. When Lena looked at the crowd around her, full of overdone makeup and vulgarity, she could not imagine why Jeffrey Morgan would be interested in them. The chosen beauty had to be her, especially with Bryan pulling the strings behind the scenes.

“Oh, my! Look, Lena. Your cousin’s completed her audition!”

Someone noticed Melanie standing in the background, eavesdropping on the gossip. Unable to mess with Lena, they vented their frustration on Melanie and exclaimed, “Look at that pale face! She must be feeling so humiliated!”

Laughter erupted, and someone said, “How could a cripple represent the entire Harbor City in the debutante ball!”

Amid the noisy crowd, Lena put away her smug expression and walked over to Melanie. “Mel, the result doesn’t matter. Just relax and take

it easy.”

“You're right. I’m feeling very relaxed right now,” Melanie replied with a smile.

At that moment, the event organizer came out and announced, “That concludes today’s audition. We've selected the debutante for the

International Socialites Gala!”

The crowd turned silent.

They were baffled. How could the judges have made a selection when they had only auditioned one person? Someone with quick thinking asked, “Wait, does that mean Melanie Jones has been chosen as the debutante?” “Exactly.”

“How is that even possible!”

*This is rushed and unfair to the other candidates!”

Lena’s assistant led the protest.

The event organizer maintained order and proclaimed, “This decision was personally endorsed by Mr. Jeffrey Morgan. Anyone have a

problem with it?” “Jeffrey Morgan?”

“Lena, you said you know President Morgan, right? Go talk to him. We’ve prepared so much, and we haven't even had a chance to audition yet...” The other aspiring candidates, discontent and desperate, began pushing Lena.

Lena’s face reddened. She had no connection with Jeffrey Morgan, so he certainly would not recognize her.

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