Chapter 83

Melanie hesitated at the door, carrying a steaming cup of tea, only to find Derrick staring at her intently. She set the cup down and hesitantly asked, "Mr. Quinton, is there something on my face?" Derrick's fingers grazed her jaw, holding her in place before she could react. Melanie's eyes widened in shock, frozen under his sudden grip. Her clear eyes reflected Derrick's face—sharp, mesmerizing, and almost unnaturally intense. "You're a little pale," he said, his fingers hovering near the lines at the corner of her eyes. "Are you wearing makeup? Your wrinkles…" Melanie stepped back, frowning in irritation. "Mr. Quinton, I'm divorced, but that doesn't mean I'm at anyone's mercy," she snapped. "You tell me not to cross the line, yet you keep touching me. Or is it that you—" Derrick shot her a sharp, dismissive look and said, "I can have any woman I want. I wouldn't waste my time on you." Melanie let out a small, relieved laugh. "Then that's settled." As Derrick watched her walk t