Chapter 15
Jeremy was the heir of Holt Group. His family was in charge of a global sea freight corporation, and he had boarded this ship to travel to various ports to conduct operational inspections.
He had first noticed Melanie during a banquet.
At the time, Melanie had sat quietly in a corner, her fingers moving swiftly across the keyboard. Her existence had seemed out of place amid the luxurious, flashy surroundings.
Jeremy hadn’t acted rashly and approached her. Instead, he had only ordered the waiter to send over a
glass of fresh orange juice. Then, he simply leaned against the bar and watched her as she worked.
The two hadn’t interacted with each other until a drunk man tried to harass Melanie. Jeremy had stood up for her and easily dealt with that man.
The two only started getting to know each other after that incident.
This was also when Jeremy learned that Melanie was a writer.
“What are you writing? Can I have a look?” He leaned in slightly, his fingers resting on the backrest of the couch. At the same time, his gaze remained fixed on the edge of her computer screen, and he didn’t cross the line.
Melanie’s finger paused midair. She turned to look at him and flashed a smile. “Of course, you can.”
Then, she sent the draft to Jeremy’s email. But following that, Jeremy seemingly disappeared for two days.
Just when she thought Jeremy didn’t feel like talking to her anymore because of how boring her novel was, he approached her with a publishing deal.
“I really like the novel you’ve written. I’d like to invest in you and publish it. Are you interested?”
For the very first time, Melanie felt that people might genuinely value her work.
She agreed to his offer without hesitation, and they became even closer thereafter.
With one hand in his pocket, Jeremy leaned against the railing. The sea breeze brushed against his striking face, and the sunlight cast a shadow over his defined features.
“The venue for the readers’ meeting is ready. From now on, I’ll always stay by your side.”
Melanie froze for a brief moment. The screeching seagulls and the sound of crashing waves echoed in
her ears.
She wrapped the scarf tighter around her neck and muttered, “Jeremy, thank you.”
Jeremy chuckled and rhythmically tapped on the railing. “We’re friends. Let’s not be so formal with each
other.”
Chapter 15
2/2
After the ship docked, Melanie booked herself a hotel room and got ready for the readers’ meeting that would be held two days later.
At this time, she was fully unaware that something was brewing.
On the day of the meeting, Melanie wore a simple white dress. She showed up at the well-decorated venue prepared by the publisher.
She was surprised to see many of her readers already gathered there.
As soon as she appeared, the crowd immediately erupted into cheers.
“Melanie, I really like the book you wrote!”
“Could you write a few motivational words on the title page?”
Melanie maintained a gentle smile on her face and patiently penned her signature for every reader.
When she finally signed the last book, her assistant suddenly leaned in and whispered, “A mysterious
reader bought all your books, hoping to invite you to dinner.”
Since Melanie was grateful to her reader, she didn’t give it much thought and agreed to the invitation.
That night, she went to the restaurant with gifts in hand.
The moment she opened the door to the private room, however, she held her breath.
Zachary stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his gaze burning as he looked directly at her.
“Mel, I’ve finally found you.” His voice was deep and low. It sounded like he was struggling to keep
himself in check.
