CHAPTER 88: CHAPTER 88: KILLING WITH A BORROWED KNIFE

Suddenly, Melanie noticed a business card the assistant had just placed on the table, which read Manager Zane from Goldstar Group.

At that moment, a flash of inspiration struck her, and she knew exactly what to do next.

This Manager Zane from Goldstar Group, although not a well-known figure, was reportedly among those who attempted to collaborate with Kevin Group when Seraphina Sinclair had just returned to take over, only to be declined by her.

Of all the firms, Goldstar Group was the most infuriated, considering that they had partnered with Kevin for nearly three years, and Seraphina’s new leadership abruptly halted the collaboration, which resulted in significant financial losses for Goldstar.

Otherwise, this Manager Zane wouldn’t have gone out of her way to deliver a business card, seeking cooperation with the Lloyd Group.

Once she had figured it out, Melanie immediately asked her assistant to contact Manager Zane from Goldstar Group and propose a meeting. To her surprise, the manager readily agreed and could meet right away.

Thus, Melanie arranged to meet at a café below the office, and within twenty minutes, Manager Zane arrived.

When Melanie saw Manager Zane walking towards her gracefully, she immediately stood up and took a few steps forward to greet her with a perfectly timed smile.

Though they met for the first time, they put on an act as old acquaintances, shaking each other’s hands warmly and continuously.

"President Lloyd, I’ve heard about you before, but we’ve never had the chance to meet. Hello, I’m Leah Zane, project manager at Goldstar Group."

Leah Zane was responsible for PR at her company and treated conversation as an art form—she was quite the conversationalist.

Melanie naturally was no less adept, politely responding, "Manager Zane, you’re too kind. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

After exchanging pleasantries, Melanie held Leah Zane’s hand and called over a waiter to order some dishes.

Once everything was ready, Leah Zane gathered her courage to tentatively ask, "President Lloyd, I assume you invited me out to discuss something? Perhaps your company has reviewed the project proposal I submitted?"

Despite Leah Zane putting on a facade of instant familiarity with Melanie, the business world was akin to a battlefield, and every meeting was essentially a duel.

Leah Zane didn’t for a second believe that Melanie would invite her out without an agenda.

Seeing Leah Zane so proactive, Melanie decided not to beat around the bush and immediately responded, "Manager Zane, I’ve heard something about Goldstar Group’s difficulties, and I deeply sympathize. Of course, our company is willing to collaborate with Goldstar Group, but there’s a small favor I’d like to ask in return."

"Please, go ahead, President Lloyd. If it’s something I can handle, I’ll certainly do my utmost to assist you."

Leah Zane was a veteran in the business world and understood its rules. Given Goldstar Group’s current disadvantageous position, earning a partnership was difficult, making Melanie’s other requests reasonable.

"It’s actually not that difficult. I have an old rival, and we’ve been at odds for years. I’ve heard that you have some connections, and I’m wondering if you’re willing to help me with this. If you can take care of this rival for me, I guarantee the cooperation is yours."

After Melanie spoke, Leah Zane’s expression changed involuntarily, and she sank into contemplation.

Though Leah Zane did have some resources, she was rational enough to know there were some lines she couldn’t cross.

Considering this, she cautiously asked Melanie, "May I ask who this rival you’d like me to deal with is?"

"Actually, you know her too. It’s the new head of Kevin Group, Seraphina Sinclair."

Just as Melanie predicted, Leah Zane’s face changed noticeably at the mention of Seraphina, her expression practically spelling ’disgust.’

"I didn’t expect that you had a grudge against someone at Kevin Group?"

Although Leah Zane didn’t think highly of Seraphina and wanted to seize an opportunity to put her in her place, she still needed to ask some necessary questions.

If Melanie was merely using her as a pawn, and things went awry, it might not be worth it.

Seeing Leah Zane’s caution, Melanie’s brow furrowed, but she quickly reeled it in without letting Leah notice.

"Manager Zane, there are some things I didn’t want to elaborate on, but since you brought it up, I’ll just say a few words. My husband is interested in her, and you can imagine why I’m upset," Melanie, being astute, avoided revealing past grudges with Seraphina and instead shifted the conversation to recent events.

Even though Ethan hadn’t spoken about it, Melanie could see the unmistakable admiration for Seraphina in his eyes, realizing that his affections were slowly shifting back to his ex-wife.

For precisely this reason, Melanie aimed to nip Ethan’s feelings in the bud.

"What? Something like this? The first time I met Seraphina Sinclair, I felt she wasn’t up to any good! Turns out I was right!"

Leah Zane, upon hearing Melanie’s words, was equally enraged and quickly chimed in support.

Pausing momentarily, Leah continued, "If that’s truly the case, President Lloyd, I’d be willing to help you."

What Leah Zane despised most were women who would snatch someone else’s husband, not to mention, Seraphina was the one who severed their company’s contract with Kevin Group, something Leah would not let go lightly.

Seeing that she had achieved her desired effect, Melanie’s smile broadened, and she eagerly grasped Leah’s hand, saying excitedly, "Manager Zane, are you really willing to help me?"

"I’m willing, and besides, I have some personal issues with Seraphina that need resolving. Let’s settle it all at once!"

This year’s circumstances for Goldstar Corporation were already complicated, with Leah pinning her hopes on collaborating with Kevin Group for achievements, only for the management at Kevin to undergo a sudden change, and out of nowhere, Seraphina appeared to terminate their partnership with Goldstar.

The failed collaboration resulted in immense losses for Goldstar and sparked an intense loathing in Leah towards Seraphina.

That night, Leah began plotting against Seraphina, seeking an ideal moment.

Coincidentally, the following evening, Seraphina was set to attend a charity gala at the Hilton Hotel, which she was certain to attend.

A bright idea struck Leah, giving her a concrete plan.

The next day arrived swiftly.

Knowing she had to attend the charity gala, Seraphina took extra care to dress up at home.

"Oh, godmother, where are you heading dressed so beautifully?"

Just as Seraphina finished getting ready and was about to leave, Austin White suddenly appeared in her room.

Hearing Austin’s voice, Seraphina turned to look at him and smiled.

"I have a charity gala tonight, so I’ve gotten dressed up. What about you? How are things keeping you busy lately?"

Though Austin called Seraphina his godmother, their interactions were more akin to peers.