The Billionaire Twins Need A New Mommy! novel Chapter 352

Chapter 352: Perfect Until It Wasn’t

Chairman Lancaster gazed at the young couple across from him and sighed.

"Since it has come to this, just get it done and over with," he said. "But, Melissa—your dress is a little too short. You should change into something more proper. It looks like you’re going clubbing instead of celebrating an engagement party. Be decent is what I’m saying."

"Grandpa, don’t be so mean to Melissa. She’s perfect," Derek frowned, his eyes falling on Melissa’s lap. "Though... she might, right, Melissa?"

He looked up at her again, only to find her oddly distracted.

"Melissa," he called once more, tugging her hand to bring her back to reality. "Are you okay?"

"Ah—of course." She forced a smile and turned to the chairman. "Thank you, Chairman. I’ll keep everything you said in mind."

"See, Grandpa?" Derek grinned. "Melissa’s a good girl. She’ll listen and change before our dance."

"Huh?"

The small sound she made made Derek look back at her again.

"Grandpa said your dress is a little short. He may sound harsh, but he’s just looking out for your image," Derek said gently. "You’ll get used to him. He’s just... old and grumpy."

Chairman Lancaster glared at his grandson. "I’ll let that slide since it’s your engagement party. Now, off you go. Don’t keep people waiting. I need to leave before my bedtime."

"Yes, Grandpa!" Derek almost saluted before helping Melissa up. "Come on, I’ll walk you."

"Walk me where?" she asked quietly.

He frowned. "Weren’t you listening? Grandpa told you to change because your skirt’s too short."

"Too short?" She looked down at her legs, then back at him. "But I always wear this length."

"Melissa." Derek sighed, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "Grandpa doesn’t see you every day. So for him, it’s short. Just listen to him, okay? As long as he goes home satisfied, he won’t make trouble for us. It’s just a dress. I’m sure you have plenty decent ones."

She pursed her lips. She loved this dress—it was expensive, custom-made, and she had saved it for this night. Still, since Derek was insistent and she wanted to please the chairman, she reluctantly nodded.

"Alright."

Derek walked her to where Jasmine and Lawrence were seated. The chairman had moved to another table for comfort, leaving them to handle the arrangement.

"Oh, what are you two doing here?" Jasmine beamed. "Shouldn’t you be preparing for your dance?"

"Mom, I need to change first," Melissa said with a polite smile. "And the chairman’s a bit tired, so could you and Dad move to his table?"

"Of course!" Lawrence nodded quickly. "Don’t worry about it, Melissa."

"What’s wrong with your dress? It was beautiful," Jasmine asked, but Melissa forced a short smile.

"Nothing, Mom. I just want to change for our dance."

"Do you need help?"

Melissa shook her head.

"I’ve got it." She then turned to Derek. "Entertain the guests while I change, okay?"

"Sure."

With that, Melissa walked away while Derek helped her parents move. Since this was the engagement party, the heads of both families were supposed to sit together. They simply couldn’t argue with the chairman to sit in his arranged seats, so they had to adjust.

*****

Meanwhile, as Melissa made her way through the exit, she couldn’t help but glance around nervously.

"I saw him," she whispered. "Or... did I?"

Her stomach churned. Could she have imagined it? Of all people, why would she think she’d seen Hudson?

Her breath hitched. No. No, that can’t be—

Did he come here to ruin everything for me?

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