Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15)

Chapter 11

“Mrs. Fox, it was in a pit in the backyard, the servant replied.

“Take me to see it, Maria commanded.

As the group trudged into the backyard, Melody instantly spotted Mabel’s necklace right in the pit she had dug earlier. It turned out Mabel had actually stooped so low as to stash the necklace there, but this just made things simpler for Melody.

“How the hell did the necklace end up here?” Mabel blurted out, pretending to be shocked as she snatched it up.

Just as she was about to point fingers at Melody, Melody cut her off. “Wait a sec! Why the hell is there a cigarette butt here?”

Mabel’s face drained of color. In her haste to hide the necklace, she’d completely spaced on the cigarette butt.

Maria scowled. “Since when are there cigarette butts in my backyard? I banned smoking in this house after I got sick. Who the hell has been breaking my rules”

Mabel gulped, clearly on edge, and stammered, “Grandma, let’s just focus on finding out who took my necklace, okay? We can sort out the cigarette thing later.”

Mabel. Melody said, rolling her eyes sarcastically. “Maybe the person who snatched your necklace is also the smoker. They might’ve lit up right before bailing”

She turned to Maria and said, “Grandma, we should get this cigarette butt tested. The DNA might tell us who it belongs to.”

Maria nodded. That makes sense. Have it sent for testing right away!”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Hattie responded, already on her way,

Mabel panicked and grabbed Hattie. “Wait, Hattie! Just because they smoked doesn’t mean they’re the thief. I just remembered I saw

But before Mabel could finish. Melody interjected, “Mabel, why are you so freaked about testing the cigarette butt? Sounds like you’ve got something to hide.”

“No way! It wasn’t me!” Mabel protested, her face flaming red.

Maria’s tone was firm. “Hattie, take that cigarette butt for testing Now!”

“Yes, ma’am!” Hattie said, pulling away from Mabel and heading off to get it tested.

Mabel broke into a cold sweat but didn’t dare to stop Hattie, knowing it would make her look even more suspicious.

Melody jumped in, “Hey Grandma, since we’re testing the cigarette butt, why not send in the necklace too? There might be fingerprints on it

“One more thing” Melody added, trying to clear the air. “I did dig that pit, but Mabel’s necklace wasn’t there at the time. Mabel can back me up on this Plus, wasn’t she about to take a bath? I clearly remember the necklace was still on her when 1 www Fire”

Melody decided to own up to digging the pit, figuring Mabel would spill the beans eventually.

Then Mabel quickly chimed in. “I don’t remember if the necklace disappeared before or after my bath.”

Yolanda, sharp as ever quickly came to her daughter’s defense. Maybe Mabel’s a bit mixed up. But what’s really bugging me is why Melody was digging around in the backyard in the middle of the night? And isn’t it a bit too convenient that Mabel’s necklace just happened to be in that very hole!”

Maria paused, giving a silent cue for a servant to confiscate the necklace for further testing, then turned to Melody. “What were you really doing out here digging at night?”

Melody, who was ready for this, didn’t directly answer Maria’s question. Instead, with a slight gesture toward a cluster of nearby plants, she casually asked, “Grandma, do you recognize these flowers?”

Before Maria could respond. Yolanda snapped, “Quit dodging the question with irrelevant flower talk!”

I’m actually answering her. Melody retorted as she picked a flower and handed it to Maria. “This is Aster. It’s known for soothing lungs, clearing phlegm, and stopping coughs. I saw it here and thought about cultivating some for your cough. That’s why I was digging”

You’re full of it Mabel blurted out, visibly irritated. “You’re from the countryside–what do you know about medicinal herbs? You’re just trying to throw us off

Melody remained unfazed. “If you doubt me, go ahead and ask the family doctor, she suggested calmly.

Maria accepted the flower from Melody and signaled for the servant to fetch the doctor. “Bring Dr. Finn here, she ordered. “Right away?” the servant replied, and soon after, the family doctor was brought in.

Without letting Mabel or Yolanda get a word in, Maria promptly asked the doctor. “Dr. Finn, is this an Aster plant?”

After examining the flower under the light, the family doctor confirmed. “Yes, it’s definitely Aster. Excellent for treating coughs”

Mabel and Yolanda were instantly silenced by the doctor’s confirmation, leaving Mabel seething with frustration

“How does Melody keep getting this lucky? Mabel fumed internally.

Just then, Hattie called in Maria switched her phone to speaker and inquired, “What are the test results?”

Hattie hesitated before revealing, “Mrs. Fox, the DNA on the cigarette butt matches Miss Mabel’s. And the only fingerprints on the necklace are Miss Mabel’s”

Maria’s face turned stern as she put the pieces together. “So you were the one smoking?” she demanded.

Mabel’s face paled, and she instinctively hid behind Yolanda

Seeing Mabel’s reaction. Yolanda quickly jumped to her defense, albeit confused and slightly frustrated Mom, don’t be too harsh on her. Mabel is still young, maybe influenced by bad company at school… She’s always been at the top of her class, perhaps someone envied her and led her astray.”

“Enough” Maria snapped, her voice firm. “Mabel! Get on your knees and tell us the truth!”

Stable legs shook as she fell in front of Maria. Grandma… I did pick up smoking from some friends at school. But I swear I’ll never touch a cigarette again!”

I’m not asking about that, Marta said, narrowing her eyes. I’m talking about the necklace”

Mabel shook all over, looking terrified.

Before she could come up with an excuse, Maria spoke again, “Melody dug that pit to get medicinal herbs for me. Your cigarette butt was found next to it, and you knew about the pit. Mabel, I can’t believe you’d frame your own sister!”

“No!” Mabel shook her head wildly. “I swear, I have no idea how the necklace ended up there!”

Maria let out a derisive snort. “Really? You don’t know how it got there? Well, the test results are in, and guess what? The necklace only has your fingerprints on it!”

Mabel was speechless. She panicked, rolled her eyes, and fainted on the spot.

Chapter 12

“Mabel!” Yolanda exclaimed, rushing to her daughter’s side. “Mom, this is all my fault, don’t blame her! We found the necklace, so let’s just put this behind us. She’s still just a kid!” Yolanda pleaded.

Melody couldn’t help but feel a twinge of bitterness. A kid? I have never met a 54–foot–tall kid. Yet, she kept her face empathetic, playing along with the act

“Grandma. Mabel passed out. Can we drop this for now? As long as you don’t think I took the necklace. I’m fine with whatever,” Melody said, maintaining her composure,

Maria looked from Mabel to Melody, her disappointment tempered with appreciation for Melody’s graciousness. She gestured for Yolanda to take Mabel away, then grasped Melody’s hand warmly. “You’re such a good girl. I nearly did you wrong. What can I do to make this up to you?”

Melody gently shook her head. “Grandma, I don’t want anything, I just want you to believe me.”

Tears welled up in Maria’s eyes as she assured. “Of course, I do! No matter what, I will always trust you.”

A subtle smirk played on Melody’s lips, Maria’s trust was worth more than any gift. And, she felt a twisted thankfulness. towards Mabel for unwittingly solidifying that trust, while Mabel and Yolanda had completely eroded theirs.

As Mabel was being carried back to her room, she caught Yoland’s stern warning. “Enough with the acting! Get up!”

Slowly. Mabel opened her eyes. “Mom…” But before she could say more, Yolanda’s hand came down hard across her face.

“Ouch!” Mabel winced in pain, looking at Yolanda in shock.

Despite her sympathy, Yolanda’s anger outweighed her pity. “You’re such an idiot! Didn’t I tell you? Don’t mess with Maria until she’s out of the picture. Can’t you ever just listen?”

Mabel’s tears flowed freely as she sobbed, “I didn’t want to, but the opportunity was just there. I… I just wanted to get rid of Melody as soon as possible!”

“That’s why you’re a fool” Yolanda snapped back. “Didn’t I lay out the plan for you? Once we’re with the Swanson family tomorrow, Melody will be shunned by everyone in Silverlake. Why stir up trouble with her tonight?”

“Now look what you’ve done–your grandmother despises you and feels even more pity for that little brat. Are you happy now?” Yolanda berated Mabel, her anxiety peaking

Mabel shrugged, unbothered. “What’s the rush, Mom? Grandma’s practically on her last leg. Who cares if she’s on my side or not! It’s not like she can protect Melody forever.”
“Shut your mouth! Yolanda hissed in a low, menacing tone. “Don’t you dare say that again! If your father hears this, he’ll skin you alive!“

Mention of her father sent a shiver of fear through Mabel Russell always favored boys, obsessing over her half–brother abroad and barely sparing her a thought.

Any slip–up and Russell would lay into her, though in recent years, her dedication to her studies had somewhat improved her standing with him.

“Mom. Grandma won’t tell Dad about me smoking, right? Mable asked.

Yolanda snapped. “And you dare bring that up! You better stay the hell away from those things from now on!”

As for whether Maria would spill the beans, at all hinged on whether she could hold out until Russell returned.
Yolanda knew she needed to act quickly, to increase the dose of the mercury sulfide.

Thinking about this, Yolanda cursed her misfortune for not bearing a son. With a son, the carpet by Russell is necessary.

Now, all she could hope for was that Mabel could snag a wealthy suitor during their visit to the Swanson family.

With these thoughts, Yolanda pushed aside the evening’s events, focusing instead on planning for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, after leaving the Fox family, Ken immediately took off his jacket and instructed his bodyguard to burn his clothes.

The bodyguard was baffled when he found dirt in the pocket. He hurried to dispose of the dirty clothes.

After burning the clothes, the bodyguard returned to the car and respectfully asked, “Sir, heading straight home now?”

“Yeah. Ken replied, his expression slightly sour. He glanced out the window and smiled playfully, thinking. “That girl’s name is Mabel, huh?”

The next day came in a flash. Mabel flaunted her glamorous attire early in the morning, purposely showing off her jewelry in front of Melody. “Hey, Melody, looks like you don’t have anything nice to wear to the party. Want to borrow something from me!”

Melody smirked, seeing right through Mabel’s attempt to gloss over yesterday’s debacle with her flashy display. “Appreciate the gesture, Mable, but I’ll pass. Don’t fancy getting pricked by any more of your accidental needles,” she quipped with a cool smile.
Mabel was livid, feeling like she could explode, She realized Melody was mocking her, hinting at the trap she and her mother had fallen into with the fox fur coat incident. Anger from past and present grievances surged within her. “You little bi-”

“Melody!” Maria’s voice cut through just as Mabel was about to burl more insults, saving Melody from her venom.

Mabel clenched her jaw and shot Melody a venomous look, but quickly resumed her faux sweet demeanor. “Grandma,” she greeted with forced warmth.

Maria eyed Mabel with a hint of disapproval and then turned to Melody, handing her a bank card. “This is for you.”

Confused, Melody asked, “Grandma, what’s this for!”

With a warm smile, Maria explained. The birthday bash calls for formal wear. I’m not so Sharp-eyed anymore. Take this card and treat yourself to some nice clothes and jewelry at the mall

Melody immediately recognized the card as one from Maria’s private savings. In her previous life, Maria’s remaining assets could have bought a dozen homes in the city, so this card was undoubtedly loaded. Melody was deeply moved by Maria’s lavish trust

This heartfelt gesture reaffirmed Melody’s resolve to protect Maria at all costs. Knowing now about the poisoning that had led to Maria’s demise in her previous life, Melody was determined not to let history repeat itself under Yolanda’s scheming

Thanks, Grandma” she said gratefully

“No need for thanks, we’re family” Maria dismissed with a wave of her hand. I’ve arranged a ride for you to Epoch Plaza.

find something perfect there. Perhaps get your makeup done too, cover up that.”

slued off. Appearance meant a lot for teenagers, It was so bad that Melody’s face had turned out this way.

Melody picked up on her grandma’s expression, but she wasn’t worried, knowing her looks would be back sooner or later.

Meanwhile, Mabel, recognizing the card, was overcome with jealousy. She pinched her thigh hard enough to draw

“Grandma…” Mabel’s voice trembled as she clutched Maria’s hand, her eyes brimming with feigned tears. “I’ve spent the whole night reflecting. I realize my mistakes. I promise to get along better with Melody Mease, both of you, give me one last chance to make things right.”

Maria’s face clouded over as she remembered the drama from last night. Yet, as she looked into Mabel’s sincere, innocent eyes, she found she couldn’t distance herself from her granddaughter.

After a long sigh, Maria finally said, “Alright, go with your sister to the mall and pack something you like. But listen, if this happens again. I’ll act as though I don’t have a granddaughter.

Chapter 13

“I’ve learned my lesson, I swear I’ll change!” Mabel vowed.

Maria sighed, her eyes filled with conflicting emotions. “Melody, we’re all family. About yesterday.”

“Yesterday is water under the bridge, Grandma. I promise, Mabel and I are gonna get along just fine, Melody responded with a sweet smile that somehow seemed to deepen Maria’s discomfort.

Just as they were speaking, the car arrived. Maria brushed aside her mixed feelings. There’s your ride. Don’t forget, you need to be back by eleven.

“Got it, Grandma, Melody replied, giving her a reassuring wave before slipping into the car. Mabel slid in right after her.

As soon as Mabel ducked into the car, she snootily said to Melody, “Don’t think for a second you’ve won Grandma over. She still favors me, no matter what. And sitting next to you, looking like that? It’s a freaking curse!”

With that, Mabel made a beeline for the front passenger seat, leaving Melody alone in the back.

Melody, unbothered, just closed her eyes and settled in for a nice, peaceful ride. She turned our Mabel’s petty jabs,

Mabel, planning her grand entrance at the party, thought to herself, With Wilmot Sherman’s makeup wizardry and my stunning outfit, I’m gonna shine like the star of the show tonight

In comparison, Melody would be the troll lurking in the shadows next to Mabel’s radiant fairy princess.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Epoch Plaza. Both sisters stepped out of the car simultaneously

Mabel, fearing Melody might embarrass her, hurried ahead into the building “Listen up, keep your distance and pretend you don’t know me. I’ll come get you after I’m done with my makeover, and then we can look for your dress. Just stay out of my way until then,” she warned before storming off.

Epoch Plaza was a familiar haunt for Mabel, a place where she was known as a leading socialite. The idea of being seen with Melody, who she considered an eyesore, was mortifying

“Fine by me.” Melody shrugged nonchalantly and followed at her own leisure.

Mabel rushed ahead to Wilmot’s shop. Upon arrival, she found a worried crowd. She overheard people anxiously asking if the doctor had arrived yet.

Mabel stopped one of the receptionists and asked, “What’s going on here?”

Initially reluctant to engage, the staff member recognized Mabel and explained. “Mr. Sherman’s son is very ill. We’ve called. for the building’s emergency doctor and are waiting for him to arrive.

In fact, Epoch Plaza had a doctor on duty who would only be summoned in the event of a real emergency.

Realizing Wilmot’s son could be in a dire state, a worried Mabel pushed her way through the crowd and saw an anxious-looking Wilmot knelt beside a boy on the ground. The boy was drained of all color and looked critically ill.

Ugh, why does this have to happen now? What am I gonna do with my makeup then? Mabel thought with annoyance, eager to get Wilmot to do her makeup as soon as possible.
Just then, someone burst in and blurted out, “Mr. Sherman, there’s trouble! The on-call doctor is off today.”

Wilmot’s expression instantly dropped, and he scooped his son into his arms, preparing to dash to the hospital.

Luckily, Melody happened to be in the right place at the right time – she caught wind of the commotion and took one look at the boy, immediately realizing he was in no shape to be moved around. “Put him down right here, I can take care of him!” Melody said without hesitation.

Mabel turned around, surprised to see Melody behind her. She thinks she can play doctor! Fat chance, Mabel thought, disdainful of Melody’s offer.

Before Mabel could say anything, Wilmot’s eyes lit up as he scanned the crowd and asked, “Who said they can help my son?”

The crowd parted, and Melody stepped forward with a serious expression. Wilmot’s hope dimmed slightly upon seeing just a young woman, barely looking old enough to be out of college, claiming she could help. Yet with his son’s limbs stiffening by the second, he was willing to grasp at any straw

“Excuse me–let her through,” Wilmot said, stepping aside to let Melody near his son. “Miss, please, check my son. He was fine just moments ago, playing with the dog, and then suddenly he couldn’t breathe.”

Melody gave Wilmot a reassuring nod and knelt down next to the boy to examine him.

“It’s a collapsed lung! We need to take care of it right away, or he won’t even make it to the hospital, Melody declared with urgency.

Wilmot was struck dumb by what she said as he knew that was a serious, potentially fatal condition. With concern etched on his face, he asked, “Can you treat him?”

“Absolutely!” Melody responded firmly, already digging into the medical bag she always had on hand.

Mabel, however, was not convinced and grabbed Melody’s wrist in panic. “Are you out of your mind? This is a life–or–death situation! Can you even comprehend the responsibility here? What if you make it worse?”

Wilmot was well–connected within the elite social circles in Silverlake. If Melody got in his black books, Mabel feared the entire Fox family would be dragged down as well.

“Let go of me!” Melody snapped, frowning with displeasure. I’m trying to save him!” “Save him? Who the hell do you think you are?” Mabel retorted, then turned to Wilmot. “Mr. Sherman, don’t be fooled by her. She’s just a country bumpkin without any real training. She never even went to college. let alone medical school Handing your son to her would be like sending him to his grave

Wilmot was shocked to hear that. He glared at Melody and demanded, “Is that true! You don’t have any medical knowledge?”

“No, that’s not true!” Melody said, starting to sweat nervously, “Please, you have to trust me. I can save your son’s life!”

Time was running out the boy was in critical condition, and Melody only had a few minutes to perform the emergency procedure he needed.

Wilmot was in a bind, not knowing whose words to believe.

Mabel pressed on. “Mr. Sherman, don’t listen to her! She’s a nobody from nowhere. If she’s so skilled, why hasn’t she been cured? that hideous rash on her own face?”

Wilmot’s gaze turned to Melody’s face, and when he saw the angry–looking red blotches all over it, he too started to wonder, “Yeah if she is truly a medical professional, why hasn’t she taken care of that herself?”

“Get out of here! We don’t want your ‘help‘!” Wilmot concluded that Melody was a fraud, and he pushed her aside, causing her to tumble to the ground.

Just as Wilmot was about to scoop his son into his arms, the boy suddenly started vomiting blood. Horrified, Wilmot cried out, “Shane! Oh no, Shane, don’t scare me like this!”

“There’s no time left!” Melody shouted as she scrambled back to her feet. “If you don’t let me treat him, he’ll die!”

Next, she whipped out a thick needle and decisively plunged it into Shane’s chest.

Wilmot and Mabel were both stunned by Melody’s sudden move. Mabel was quick to recover from the shock, and she began to yell, “Murder! She’s killed him!”

Shane suddenly started to convulse violently and was foaming at the mouth as well. It was a scary sight. Shortly, his convulsion stopped and his lips turned ghostly white. It seemed he had lost all signs of life.

Wilmot pushed Melody away and wailed despondently. “Shane! Wake up, Shane!” he cried.

“Don’t worry. He’ll be fine,” Melody comforted him, even though she was suffering from back pain caused by her fall.

Mabel was furious that Melody had brazenly attempted to treat the boy, resulting in his death.

“Fine? He has stopped breathing and you call that fine? Why do you have to disgrace the whole family with your stupidity?” Mabel was on the verge of breaking down.

If Wilmot ended up holding a grudge, it wouldn’t just be against Melody, but the entire Fox family. Mabel’s reputation in Silverlake’s high society circles was hanging by a thread.

Wilmot’s grief-stricken wailing was cut short by Mabel’s furious ranting. Snapping out of his sorrow, he lunged at Melody grabbing her by the neck and tackling her to the floor. “You killed my son!” he screamed, his bloodshot eyes burning with rage. “You’ll pay with your life!”

Melody tried to explain herself, but Wilmot’s hands were clamped tightly around her throat, choking off her words. She thrashed and struggled violently, desperate to free herself from his strangling grip, but he only squeezed harder in response

Melody’s face flushed red, then started to turn blue as her oxygen was cut off. She could feel her consciousness slipping

away..

Just then…

Chapter 14

“Stop it” A cold, emotionless male voice cut through the chaos

In the next instant, Wilmot was struck by a powerful kick that sent him stumbling backward nearly six feet.

Melody’s heart raced at the voice. With great effort, she lifted her head, but the comer was standing against the light. obscuring his face from view. Her lungs ached from the strangulation, and she broke into violent coughs,

On the other hand, Wilmot was furious at being kicked. Cupping his sore spot, he glared in the direction of his attacker.

However, he was stunned at the sight of the man’s face it was a fall, handsome stranger with piercing dark brown eyes. The man radiated a palpable aura of danger.

“M–M–Mr. Swanson… Wilmot stammered, struggling to greet the imposing figure.

With his lips curled into a cold sneer, Ken huskily mocked, “Is Mr. Sherman planning on committing murder in broad daylight?”

With a slight tilt of his head towards Melody, Ken cued his bodyguard, who quickly rushed over to help the breathless woman up from the ground,

As soon as Melody regained her composure, she turned to seek out her rescuer. She froze when their eyes met – just as she had suspected, it was the same man she had encountered on the cruise

Mr. Swanson? How was he related to the renowned Swanson family? Melody wondered. But there was no time to ponder that now.

Wilmot had quickly gotten back on his feet, ready to fight back verbally. “It’s not me. She’s the one who’s committed murder! She killed my boy!” he snapped.

“Hold up, it’s not like that,” Melody jumped in. “The kid was having trouble breathing, you know, pneumothorax or whatever. So I had to do this needle thing to let the air out. If I didn’t, his lungs would have collapsed and he’d have kicked the bucket!”

“Nah, you’re lying!” Wilmot shot back. “Ms. Mabel said you’re just some scrub who doesn’t know what she’s doing!”

Mabel, who’d been staring at Ken like a lovesick puppy, quickly snapped out of it and stepped up to throw Melody under the bus. That’s right! She ain’t got no medical training, but she thought she could just swoop in and play doctor. And look what happened – she killed the kid!

Fired up by Mabel’s words, Wilmot growled, “So that’s how it is. An eye for an eye. She took my boy, so now she’s gotta pay with her life!”

Ken raised one eyebrow, looking less than impressed. “Oh yeah? And what if I say I’ve got a problem with that?”

Nobody messed with his girl without going through him first.

Wilmot wracked his brain, trying to figure out how to answer that, when suddenly someone in the crowd yelled, “Hey, Shane’s coming too!”

“What!” Wilmot turned his back on Ken and ecstatically ran back to his son. Shane feebly opened his eyes and murmured, “Daddy…”

That brought tears to Wilmot’s eyes, and he held Shane tightly is his arms, thankful that his son was still alive.

Realizing he might have made a mistake, he turned to look at Melody and hesitantly asked, “You saved my son?”

Before Melody could respond, Mabel cut in and said. “That’s impossible, Mr. Sherman, Shane is a blessed boy, and he’s alive because he was born under a lucky star. On the contrary, she had pierced a needle deep into his chest, so you should rush Shane to the hospital for treatment.”

Mabel would never believe a lowly person could possess such lifesaving skills. Melody was a thorn in her flesh, someone she could not wait to get rid of. She was not about to let go of such a great opportunity to find fault with Melody.

Wilmot was swayed, and he brushed aside his earlier suspicion. He agreed that a young country bumpkin like Melody could not possibly possess medical skills.

For a brief moment, he saw Melody as Shane’s savior, so he was grateful for Mabel’s timely reminder. Otherwise, he would have expressed his gratitude to an undeserving liar.

Just then, someone shouted, The ambulance and doctor are here!”

Chapter 15

For fear of causing further harm, Wilmot did not move Shane. Instead, he led the doctor to his son and pleaded, “Doctor, please! You’ve got to take a look at my son, Shane. He’s hurt bad.

The doctor gave Wilmot a reassuring nod. “Alright, let me take a look.” He hurried over to Shane’s side and began examining him.

“How’s my son?” Wilmot could not help asking after the doctor did the initial checks..

The doctor, who was apprehensive when he arrived, was visibly more at ease.

He breathed a sigh of relief and said. “It’s not critical. We’ll send him to the hospital for further treatment and he’ll be fine.”

“What’s wrong with my son?” Wilmot probed.

“It’s pneumothorax, probably due to vigorous physical activity, the doctor replied.

‘Pneumothorax? Isn’t that exactly what that girl diagnosed it to be Wilmot was at a loss for words.

He looked at Melody in bewilderment, his mind still in a daze as the doctor continued, “Thank goodness the boy received the appropriate treatment. The needle thoracostomy was done in time to remove the excess air, relieving the pressure on the lungs. It was a close call.

“N–N-needle thoracostomy? Mabel was standing close by and overhead what the doctor said. She was dumbfounded.
‘So Melody was indeed trying to save the boy? That’s impossible! How can a country bumpkin knows how to perform such a medical procedure. Even I don’t know that!‘ Mabel’s mind was spinning.

Judging by Mabel’s blank look, the doctor assumed she did not understand what he was saying, so he pointed to Shane’s chest and elaborated, “See this? For such an emergency, a decisive needle thoracostomy would save a life. Of course, that applies only if it is tension pneumothorax.”

As he spoke, the doctor summoned the ambulance staff to carry Shane off on the stretcher.

Wilmot was about to leave with them but he quickly stopped in his tracks and asked two of his staff to accompany his son to the hospital instead.

He decided to head back to the shop as he wanted to express his appreciation and also offer his apology to Melody.

Wilmot’s eyes swept around the shop but Melody was nowhere in sight.

He grabbed one of the staff and anxiously asked, “Where’s she? Where’s Shane’s savior?”

“I have no idea. She was still here a while ago…

“Find her! I wish to gift her this shop as a token of appreciation Wilmot said, and everyone in the shop chipped in to search for Melody.
Wilmot’s wife passed on many years ago after succumbing to illness. Shane was the only family he had left. Saving Shane meant saving his life as well, so he had no qualms about gifting Melody the shop.

Wilmot’s shop was one that many people could only dream of patronizing, yet Melody effortlessly got to own such a shop. Mabel was filled with jealousy and resentment toward Melody.

She went up to Wilmot and said, “Mr. Sherman, the girl who saved Shane is my sister. On account of her kind act, could you do my makeup for me? I’m attending a party this afternoon and would like to get a glamorous makeup look Wilmot set his eyes on Mabel and asked, “She’s your sister?”

“Yes!” Mabel nodded and said, “But she grew up in the village and would have no idea how to run a business. If you wish to gift the shop to her, it would be wiser to hand it to me so I can help her manage the business.

The turnover for that particular shop of Wilmot could easily be millions of dollars per month. What was even more valuable was his customer base. With that shop in hand, it meant she could gain access to almost all the socialites in Silverlake. The social connections would provide her with limitless opportunities.

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