Chapter 38

"Of course!" Six years ago, when Melissa just went abroad, she worked hard to find jobs everywhere. Back then, her English was not too fluent. Peter was the person who discovered Melissa's abilities and also her supervisor. In the same way, Melissa also made Peter proud by designing many excellent fashion pieces. She had won awards at Paris fashion shows before, and her designs had been modeled by world-famous models and featured on the covers of well-known Italian magazines. She had also designed wedding dresses and formal wear for many notable figures in the industry. Her design philosophy has always been unique, making her an unparalleled talent in innovation. "By the way, Melissa, are you planning on staying at the Clarkson's residence indefinitely?" Peter had to ask the pressing question he can’t ignore any longer. "As the plan stands now, I’m afraid I must stay for a while longer." Melissa replied nonchalantly, while eating heartily. "Have you considered getting a job?" Peter felt that living with the Clarkson's was not a permanent solution, so he had to remind her. "I did. Yesterday morning, Amy proposed that I become her English tutor." Melissa casually mentioned. "And what do you think about that?" asked Peter "I still feel staying in my original field is more suitable for me." Melissa replied candidly. Peter paused for a moment before making a solemn invitation "How about joining my head office as the Design Director?" He looked sincerely at Melissa, hoping she would consider his offer seriously. "I lack the confidence. I don’t yet fully understand the local fashion industry here, and it’d be too much for me to become a director right away." Melissa spoke frankly.The acceptance and aesthetic of foreigners did indeed vary from the culture and the citizens here. She could not handle such a position. "I have confidence in you. But if you don't wish to take such a big step at once, you can start off from the basic level. You can prove your worth without saying a word. Can you agree to this?" Peter underestimating none of Melissa's character, knew that she did not accept substantial favors from others without fully being sure about it. "I'll consider it." Melissa nodded, she took Peter's words to heart. "How long will you need to consider?" Peter asked, looking up at her. "Three months" Melissa confidently declared, three months will be more than enough to orchestrate her revenge plan. "Alright, if there's anything you need my help with within these three months, don't hesitate to reach out." Peter sounds like an enigmatic character who takes things little seriously, but he always stands by his promises once made. "Don't worry, there definitely will be a chance for your assistance!" Melissa joyously responded, raising her chin with pride. "Well, I will be at your disposal whenever you need me then," Peter laughed heartily. In his mind, Melissa always remained his top priority. After their meal, Melissa and Peter left the western restaurant. More patrons gradually began entering for their meals due to the ongoing lunch hours. "Melissa, should I see you off?" Peter took the initiative to propose. "No need, Peter, I'll drive myself home" Melissa glanced at a white sedan parked at the restaurant's entrance, her countenance somewhat mysteriously unreadable. "It appears that young master Clarkson treats you quite well," Peter glanced at the car and exuded a knowing smile. The price of this car is at least several million, no less! "It's not his gift, it's from the old lady of the Clarkson family," Melissa quickly clarified. How could that rascal Joseph possibly be so kind to her? Melissa checked her phone: "Oh dear! I need to hurry back; otherwise, Joseph will start brainwashing Alvin and Alvina again." "Alright, you should go. Remember to stay safe on the road," Peter nodded and sent off Melissa with a gentleman-like smile. "Yes, I'll leave now then. See you when I have time!" Sliding into her car, Melissa waved goodbye. "Sure, let me know once you're there" Peter reminded her one last time, his gaze lingering until her car disappeared in the distance. As Melissa left, a twinge of furtiveness appeared in Peter's eyes, reflecting some unsaid thoughts... When Melissa arrived at the entrance of the Clarkson Mansion, she met Joseph coming from the opposite side. The two of them drove into the mansion one after the other. "Damn, what a coincidence." Melissa couldn't help but curse under her breath. She stopped her car in the garage, opened the door and got out calmly, acting as if she didn't see Joseph not even offering a greeting. "Melissa! Stop!" Joseph growled irritably, quickly approaching her. "What's the matter, you need something?" Melissa stopped, her big eyes staring at him without any expression. "Hand me the car keys." Joseph stretched out a hand, his voice cold. "Why? This car was a gift from Grandma." Melissa blurted out without thinking. "Melissa, you've got quite the nerve! To shamelessly ask an elderly person for things, hand over the car keys!" Joseph couldn't tolerate this woman any longer, he repeated his demand. She cast a disgusted glance at Joseph "I won't give it to you. Your family is so rich, does one car matter?" Melissa scanned the entire garage, where there were dozens of cars. "Even if our family is rich, we won't give you a penny more." Joseph declared resolutely. He would only pay her according to the agreed transaction, any more is wishful thinking on her part. "It wasn't me who asked for it, it was Grandma who gave it to me." Melissa defended herself while tightly holding the car keys and moving her hand behind her back. "Melissa, don't forget your place. Is she your grandmother?" Joseph reminded her coldly. He hoped Melissa won't get too carried away and use deceptive means to get the Clarkson family's property. Melissa was stunned for a few seconds. She had almost forgotten the fact that she had no actual relationship with the elderly mother. Even though she might be at a disadvantage, Melissa was not cowed and, with her head held high, she confronted Joseph. "So what? It's not polite to take back a gift, is it?" "I really don't want to reason with someone like you." Joseph reached out to snatch the keys from behind Melissa. Melissa reacted quite quickly, slipping away from the side. Upon seeing this, Joseph decisively pushed Melissa up against the car door, blocking off her escape in either direction. He reached out towards Melissa's lower back, attempting to pry open her fingers. Neither of them was willing to admit defeat; the clothes on their chests constantly rubbing against each other, making physical collisions unavoidable. "Hey! What are you doing? Are the keys so important to cause such a ruckus?" Melissa had to speak, because she noticed during their fray over the car keys, there was something pressing against her from underneath. Upon hearing this, Joseph paused his actions, lowering his gaze onto Melissa's enraged face. "What were you up to just now?"