CHAPTER 44: CHAPTER 44: YOU’RE WELCOME

Seraphina Sinclair withdrew her hand indifferently, the calm exterior masking a sea of overwhelming hatred.

"Mrs. Lloyd, when it comes to relationships, you probably no longer have the right to stand here. It’s better we keep things strictly professional."

Melanie Lloyd’s smile froze: "Seraphina, what do you mean by this? It’s been five years, do you still hold a grudge against us?"

Hearing Melanie Lloyd’s words, Seraphina Sinclair almost laughed out loud. If she didn’t hold a grudge, she wouldn’t have survived until now.

Seraphina Sinclair’s tone hardened: "Since President Lloyd isn’t prepared to discuss cooperation, let’s not waste each other’s time. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving first."

"Stay right there."

Melanie Lloyd could no longer contain her temper, gripping Seraphina Sinclair’s hand tightly.

"It’s been five years, and now you’re here with such arrogance? This is Lloyd Group’s territory. I’d like to see what more you can do. I haven’t even settled the score from Azure Cloud Shores yet!"

Melanie Lloyd’s expression turned venomous, signaling to her assistant, and the office door was promptly shut tight.

"I’m telling you, Seraphina Sinclair, you had better sign this contract yourself today, or I won’t be polite."

Seraphina Sinclair remained very composed; after so many years apart, how could she possibly be unprepared?

She briefly glanced at Melanie Lloyd, appearing utterly indifferent, her demeanor a total domination—who was stronger was obvious.

"Is this a threat or a kidnapping? Who would have thought the once-renowned Lloyd Group now resorts to such low tactics just to secure a contract?"

"You!" Melanie Lloyd couldn’t bear such ridicule. Ever since Seraphina left, she had been riding high in Lloyd Group, never having suffered such humiliation. Especially after being shamed by Seraphina at Azure Cloud Shores, she’d long wanted to act. Now, she wasn’t afraid with Ethan backing her!

She raised her hand directly to slap Seraphina Sinclair across the face.

The slap echoed throughout the office, but the one who got hit wasn’t Seraphina Sinclair.

Melanie Lloyd’s face swelled and twisted, her eyes wide: "You! How dare you?"

Seraphina Sinclair sneered coldly: "Who wouldn’t strike back when about to be hit? That would be foolishness."

Melanie Lloyd turned her face, only to find Ethan not even looking at her, his eyes fixed intensely on Seraphina Sinclair.

"I’ll kill you!"

Melanie Lloyd’s last shred of reason snapped under Seraphina’s sarcasm and Ethan’s awestruck gaze.

She grabbed the fruit knife from the desk and charged at Seraphina Sinclair.

Seraphina Sinclair clearly did not expect Melanie to act like a rabid dog, retreating hastily.

Turning and lifting her leg, her actions were decisive and smooth.

Effortlessly, she brought Melanie Lloyd to the ground, who fell to her knees in utter disarray.

In Seraphina Sinclair’s eyes flashed a hint of disdain. Five years ago, facing imminent danger from several men, she realized how weak she really was.

Over the years, to protect both herself and Jude Sinclair, she had continuously practiced sanda, though not an expert, it was more than enough to handle someone like Melanie Lloyd.

"Ethan! Help me." Melanie, tears in her eyes, pleaded weakly, not faking it, but genuinely because her hand was twisted so painfully it felt like it would break.

Ethan Lloyd looked at the pitiful Melanie Lloyd, then glanced at Seraphina Sinclair’s elegant face, hesitated for a few seconds, and finally stepped forward.

"Let her go!"

"And if I refuse? President Lloyd, is it your intention to assault a business partner?" Seraphina Sinclair raised her head, meeting Ethan’s gaze, unaware that beneath her, Melanie Lloyd had stealthily picked up the fallen fruit knife again, her face full of malice.