Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Chapter 91 - Bear Humiliation

Before Ben's call could connect, a tall woman in a crisp black suit approached the guards. She leaned in and whispered something, her sharp gaze flicking toward Melanie.

"She's not a guest," the woman murmured loud enough for everyon to hear. "She's here for work." She then turned to Melanie and said pretentiously," Miss Melanie. You should have used the back entrance when you realized that there was an ongoing gathering."

Melanie stiffened at the words. It seemed the reason for Peter agreeing to meet them was to humiliate her. Before she could have said a word, the woman continued," You can wait outside. Peter will see you later. He's going to be entertaining his guests now."

Even though things were not explicitly said, the woman's meaning was clear. You're not exactly on the priority list. So, wait until Peter sees fit to see you.

Ben scowled. "This is ridiculous. We have a scheduled meeting."

Melanie, however, gave a smile so sharp it could cut glass. "I understand. Clearly, there was some misunderstanding." She turned slightly towards Ben and gestured for him to move along, as if preparing to leave. "Since Mr. Berkus is busy, we'll speak with him later. There is no need for him to hurry his guests. We'll leave now.

Before the woman could reply, a rich, gravelly voice cut through the air. "Melanie?"

Both the guard and the suited woman stiffened as Peter Berkus himself strode out onto the grand patio. Dressed in a sleek navy suit, his grey hair slicked back, he was every bit the powerful designer his reputation claimed.

Peter Berkus came forward and despite the 'warmth' in his tone when he'd called out to her, his gaze swept over her coolly. "I didn't know you valued me so little that you'd refuse to wait for my time."

Melanie's smile didn't waver as she stared at him, "I value your time immensely, Mr. Berkus. I was simply ensuring I was available whenever you wished to meet and did not want to intrude today."

Peter's lips curved in what barely passed for a smile as he gestured to the assistant beside him as he asked, pointing towards the file in her hand, "Is this what you've prepared for me?"

"Yes." Melanie extended the file, and the assistant took it from her grasp, clutching it tightly like she might run off with it.

Peter barely spared the file a glance before turning back to Melanie. "I'll take a look later," he said, his tone dismissive. "But before that, today's party is for a special reason. To announce a collaboration." His gaze locked back on Melanie. "I hope you'll stay for a while. Then we can discuss the contents of your file."

Melanie narrowed her eyes. There was something calculated in his invitation. This wasn't mere politeness; this was him pulling strings, ensuring she danced to his tune. Still, she nodded. "Of course. I'd be delighted."

After all, she had come here to clear the air and lay to rest the grievances of the past.

"Good." Peter turned and signaled to a passing waiter. "Bring Miss Melanie a glass." He gestured broadly to the crowd. "We'll be toasting the announcement shortly."

Moments later, the waiter returned with a slender glass of sparkling wine, placing it delicately in Melanie's hand. Around her, more waiters swept through the crowd, distributing glasses until every guest held one.

Peter stepped forward, climbed to the stage and then raised his own glass as he stood in front of the microphone. The murmurs in the room faded as guests turned their attention to him.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Peter began,"Thank you all for being here. Today marks a new Chapter, a union of artistry and innovation. I'm pleased to announce our collaboration with one of the finest upcoming names in the industry! From now on, Peter Berkus Designs will collaborate exclusively with FineArt."

"I'm proud to be partnering with an exceptional visionary, someone who understands the future of design as well as the importance of nurturing young talent." He turned slightly and extended a hand toward the side of the stage. "Please welcome Madam Collins."

The room erupted in applause as Madam Collins walked gracefully to his side, her smile smug as she cast a glance at Melanie as if wanting to tell her, "Look. This man was your last hope,wasn't he? But I have already taken him from you.." 

As she accepted Peter's outstretched hand with poise, she thanked him and said, "Thank you, Peter. I'm incredibly honored by your faith in me, and I assure you, our collaboration will only bring greater success for us both."

Peter nodded in agreement as the guests all applauded.

"And," Madam Collins continued, her tone shifting into something more triumphant as she gestured for everyone to calm down, "I'm particularly thrilled to announce our new mentorship program—one that will give aspiring designers the opportunity to collaborate directly with Peter himself." She lifted her glass, eyes gleaming. "Here's to shaping the future of design."

The applause rang out louder this time, glasses clinking as guests cheered the announcement. Melanie, however, stood frozen in place, the glass trembling slightly in her hand.

"This..." Ben's voice broke through her shock. He turned to her, voice low yet urgent. "This was your idea, boss. This mentorship program was to put LuxeArt back on it's feet. How... how did she get it?"

Melanie forced her breathing to steady as she swallowed hard. "I don't know," she muttered, eyes narrowing at the stage where Madam Collins basked in the crowd's praise. "But I'm going to find out."

However, Ben was even more worried as he watched Peter make his way towards the assistant who was still standing with their file in hand. He hurriedly tugged at her sleeve and continued," Boss. It is clear that Mr Peter has no intention of signing up with us and only wanted to humiliate us. But now, if he sees your proposal and realizes that it is same as the one that Madam Collins just announced, things will go further south. The man is hell bent on getting revenge on you. I think we should take the file and leave."