Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20) 

Chapter 16

Wilmot smirked and retorted, “Ms. Mabel, I didn’t know you had a sister. Moreover, was it not you who told me she’s a good–for–nothing just now? You told me she had no medical knowledge, but now that she has successfully saved my son, you turn around and claim she’s your sister?”

“I… Mabel was stumped by his questions and was left red-faced.

“You tried to stop her from saving Shane earlier on, and now you have the audacity to ask me to hand over the shop to you. How shameless can you get?” Wilmot continued his rebuke.

People started to whisper to one another, berating her for her shamelessness

Mabel became agitated, as she had never experienced such humiliation before. “She’s really my sister! You can ask her when she comes back!” she said defensively.

Arching an eyebrow, Wilmot said, “Sure! We shall know when we find her. Pardon me for being harsh, but if you are found lying, then you will not be welcomed to any of my shops in the future, Miss Fox

“We shall see!” Mabel was not disturbed by that threat, as she was telling the truth. On the contrary, she was very confident that it would be only a matter of time before she took over the shop.

Meanwhile, at the mall’s emergency exit stairway, Ken had backed Melody into a corner.
With his palms placed firmly against the door, he trapped Melody’s body between his sinewy arms, making escape impossible for her.

Melody had her heart in her throat, overwhelmed by Ken’s imposing presence. Although she was married to Ulric in her previous life, they were never intimate with one another.

Ken’s behavior unnerved her.

“Keep your distance!” Melody grunted, feeling a little self–conscious.

Ken smiled mischievously and teased, “Shy? You weren’t so bashful when we were in bed on the cruise the other day.

Melody blushed when reminded of that awkward incident.

“Oh, shut up! Bug off before I scream for help!” she hissed.

“Ooh! Scream for help? Trust me, no one will dare to come near even if you scream at the top of your voice.”

Ken said.

Melody glared at him for a moment, then suddenly gave him a smirk and taunted, “I never thought a hunk like you would be interested in an ugly ducking like me. Sounds interesting! I have nothing to lose anyway, so bring it on!”

Encouraged by his bewildered expression, she teasingly reached out to his waist and started undoing his belt. As she was doing that, she accidentally touched a sensitive part of his body. He felt a lump in his throat and hurriedly backed off

“What’s wrong, Isn’t that what you brought me here for? Why shy away now? Come on!” she quipped.

Usually, it was beautiful people who got away with murder, but in her case, Melody was taking advantage of her ugly blotchy face. She was positive no men would be attracted to such a face, to she would be safe even if she teased him mercilessly.

Emboldened, Melody moved in closer to Ken, causing him to back away faster.

“Stop it!” he snapped, reaching out with one hand and effortlessly managed to restrain both her hands.

“It’s not what you think. I wanted to find out how good a doctor you are,” he said.

“Not too bad,” Melody replied.

“Are you willing to offer your service if I need your help to examine an elderly relative from my family?” he asked.

Shifty–eyed Melody slyly replied, “Elderly? No problem, but nothing is for free. My consultation fee is two million dollars. Is that acceptable to you?”

Ken’s eyes narrowed and dimmed. He was disappointed.

He had high hopes that Melody would be different from the women he encountered previously. Alas, she was a gold–digger. just like the rest.

All of a sudden, Ken became dispirited. He coldly said. “Forget it. There’s nothing much you can do about her problem anyway.”

Nevertheless, he whipped out a cheque of two million dollars for her and said, “This is the consultation fee for your service on the cruise. Remember to bring my items to the party. After that, we’ll be even.”

Chapter 17

After that, Ken strode out of the emergency stairway. The heavy door slammed shut behind him, severing any lingering interest he had in Melody.

Melody was not bothered by his sudden change in attitude. Her attention was on the cheque and the amount written on it. She could not believe he indeed paid her two million dollars.

Resolved to look into the health issue of his elderly relative if given the chance, she quietly muttered to herself, Two million dollars.

She realized that curing the red blotched her face would require at least five expensive ingredients, each costing a fortune. I really need to start saving up, she thought.

Melody carefully pocketed the check and stepped out of the stairwell. Just as she did, someone called out to her excitedly. “Doctor! I was hoping to find you here!”

Startled, Melody turned to see a woman dressed in the uniform from Wilmot’s beauty shop.

“Is everything alright? I thought the paramedics had arrived by the time I left, Melody asked, puzzled.

“Oh, everything’s fine. Our boss just wants to thank you personally the woman said, pulling her towards the shop without waiting for a response.

As Mélody reentered, Wilmot approached her with a look of deep remorse. “Miss, I’ve come to realize you weren’t trying to hurt my son, you were actually saving him! I was wrong to doubt you and almost prevented you from doing so…”

Melody dismissed it with a wave of her hand. “It was nothing, really. No thanks needed.”

She had only demanded a hefty fee from Ken to avoid getting tangled up with him. But when it really mattered, Melody never hesitated to help.

Just then, Mabel came up to Melody, beaming from ear to ear. She held onto Melody’s arm and chirped. “Melody?”

“ Are you out of your mind?” Melody asked, baffled by her change in attitude. She found Mabel’s pretentious mannerisms. and nauseatingly sweet voice repulsive.
Mabel’s smile froze, and she had to work hard to suppress her rising annoyance. “What are you talking about, Melody? I’m perfectly fine…

Wilmot walked up to them and asked, “Doctor, is Mabel your sister?”

“Of course,” Mabel cut in, before Melody could utter a sound.

At that point, Melody could tell that something was amiss. She met Wilmot’s inquisitive gaze, curled her lips, and said, “I’m afraid this lady made a mistake. I don’t know her.

“I knew it!” Wilmot took out an ownership transfer document and handed it to Melody, saying, “I can’t thank you enough for saving Shane’s life. As a gesture of our gratitude, I would like to gift you this shop. Please do not reject us. We’ll feel indebted eternally if you do not accept our token of appreciation.”

Melody instantly pieced the puzzle together. Mabel’s sudden outpour of affection was with an ulterior motive. She was eyeing Wilmot’s shop.

Melody knew all about Wilmot’s extraordinary talent in makeup artistry. Not just Wilmot himself, but his entire team was also top–notch. Whenever the elite ladies of Silverlake had an important event to attend, they would flock to Wilmot’s salon for their makeup needs. Taking over his shop meant gaining direct access to half of the city’s high society network. So Melody didn’t hesitate for a second and immediately accepted the transfer of ownership.

When Melody was signing the ownership transfer document, Wilmot turned his attention to Mabel.

“Ms. Mabel, I hope you remember what we have discussed earlier. Since you are not related to Shane’s savior, please honor our agreement and do not patronize my shops from now on!” He had a cold glare in his eyes when he said that.

Wilmot was no fool; he suspected that Melody and Mabel knew each other. Yet, his integrity wouldn’t allow him to respect someone as opportunistic as Mabel, so he immediately concluded that she was lying.

Mabel’s face turned ghostly pale when she heard Wilmot’s declaration. Not only had she lost the chance to own the shop. but she was now permanently banned from receiving any services from Wilmot’s highly sought–after salon.
She panicked and started pleading with Melody. “Melody, please, don’t be mad at me. Clarify our relationship with him, will you?”

She deeply regretted instructing Melody to act as if they were strangers earlier, thinking it would save her from embarrassment. Now, she was desperately in need of Melody vouching for their relationship.

However, Melody promptly brushed off her hand and aloofly said. I’m sorry, but we are not acquainted at all.” She finished signing the ownership transfer document, exchanged contact details with Wilmot, and made her way out.

Wilmot was in a hurry to visit his son at the hospital, so he did not hold Melody back. He left as soon as she departed.

Mabel was left standing alone in the shop, enduring scrutinizing looks from the staff in the shop

Furious, she ran after Melody and shouted, “Stand still, Melody!”

Melody stopped in her tracks and gave Mabel a hostile glare. “What can I do for you, Miss Fox?

“Stop your act, you slut! Why did you say you don’t know me? Mabel demanded.

Melody put on an aggrieved face and said, “Isn’t that what you wanted? You told me to pretend we didn’t know each other so I wouldn’t embarrass you, right?”

Mabel could not find her retort, as Melody had used what she said against her.

Suddenly, she recalled Ken also appeared and helped Melody earlier in the day. She reckoned Melody became more. arrogant after being backed by Ken.

She got closer to Melody and said in a hushed voice, “If you think Ken Swanson has your back, and now you can act high and mighty, you are wrong! That’s wishful thinking on your part!”

Ken Swanson? So he’s Ulric’s brother?” Melody was dumbfounded. She thought Ken was just a member of the extended Swanson family and had not expected him to be so closely related to Ulric.

“Let me tell you something. Ken may be running the Swanson Group for now, but he can never be the true heir! He injured Ulric for his selfish gains. Do you think he would still stand a chance when Ulric recovers from his injuries? No way! Everyone may appear to respect him, but they are talking behind his back. Once Ulric regains control of Swanson Group, Ken will be in trouble. So if you are counting on Ken to be your backer, you can forget it. An evil man like him would never fall for an ugly duckling like you, Mabel added.

Chapter 18

Melody’s face clouded over when she heard what Mabel said. She had already heard those accusations from Ulric in her previous life. But based on her recent encounters with Ken, she was certain that Ken was not the wicked man–the kind who would harm his own brother–that Ulric and Mabel made him out to be.

A sense of certainty grew within Melody. The truth about Ken could not have been as simple as it seemed.

She knew deep down that Ulric, who put on an act of gentleness and humility for everyone, was actually the true snake in the grass. Melody was convinced that Ulric had cunningly used her as a pawn to hurt Ken in countless ways, all without her ever realizing it.

Back then, Ulric had spun a web of lies that painted Ken as a villain the kind who’d stoop to any underhanded trick, even harming his own brother, all to secure the family inheritance for himself. And Melody had totally fallen for his lies.

Moreover, thanks to Ulric’s deliberate machinations, Melody had never even crossed paths with Ken in her previous life, nor had she so much as seen him.

Given the chance, she was dead set on helping Ken and taking Ulric down, no matter what.

With a newfound resolve. Melody plastered on a fake smile and questioned Mabel. So, what are you trying to get at here”

Infuriated, Mabel extended her hand and demanded bluntly, “So, be smart and hand over the contract right now.

Melody dropped the phony smile and fired back coldly. “In your dreams.

She had already lost enough to Mabel in her previous life. But now that she had been given a second chance, there was no way Melody would just take everything lying down all over again. This time, she was determined to turn the tables

That was impossible.

Mabel’s face twisted with fury as she said, “Well, look who’s suddenly decided to tune in. You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you! What, you think you can just waltz in here and sink your claws into Ken or Ulric? Let me make this crystal clear neither of them is an option for you. Your only future is right back where you crawled out from, got it?”
“You done with your little meltdown there?” Melody yawned, unfazed. “If so, I’m outta here”

Mabel was fuming, her face turning beet red. But then she remembered her mother’s plan and quickly cut Melody off. “Hold up a second! Mom scored you an appointment at that fancy new salon downtown. So let’s get going, huh?” she said.

“Like hell,” Melody shot back, shoving past Mabel with ease. She turned on her heel and made a beeline for the exit.

Mabel scrambled after her, but Wilmot, who’d witnessed the whole scene, gestured to two impeccably dressed security guards to intercept her.

“What do you two think you’re doing?” Mabel demanded, her voice dripping with entitlement.

“Nothing, ma’am,” one of the guards replied politely. “Just making sure you don’t give Miss Fox any more trouble.”

Free from Mabel’s bothersome presence, Melody emerged from the boutique half an hour later, a navy blue dress bag clutched in her hand. The dress itself was elegant and understated, a perfect fit for her.

However, the way the sales staff kept exchanging looks and whispering made it clear they thought Melody’s face ruined the whole look. But Melody ignored their snarky comments and paid for the dress before heading out.

Stepping out of the cool air-conditioned mall into the bustling city street, she realized with a frown that the driver who was supposed to be waiting had vanished. Mabel, of course, seemed to be enjoying the situation. A glimpse through the rearview mirror of a sleek car revealed her waving mockingly at Melody, a triumphant smirk plastered on her face.

Melody pressed her lips together, a flicker of anger sparking in her eyes. There was no denying it: Mabel had gotten on her nerves

Just then, a sleek Maybach drove past her. The driver spotted Melody on the curb. He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. With a tap on the brakes, he brought the car to a stop. He stole a glance at her through the tinted windows, then turned to address the occupant in the backseat. “Mr. Swanson, perhaps we should…”

Drive! came a curt reply from the back. Ken hadn’t even bothered to lift his head.

“Yes, sir, the driver said, easing off the brake.

The driver recalled witnessing Ken help this woman previously. He figured he had mistakenly believed they were acquainted.

Melody looked up only after the car had driven away, but that didn’t stop her from clearly hearing the driver address “Mr. Swanson, who had responded with a cold and curt, “Drive”

Melody shrugged, not bothering to wonder why Ken’s attitude had changed so drastically There was nothing going on between them anyway, just a couple of chance encounters. Once she returned the dagger, their paths would likely never cross again Melody watched as the Maybach disappeared into the stream of traffic, a furrow creasing her brow Content belongs to NôvelDrama.Org

Should I be teaming up with Ken to deal with Ulric? Lost in thought, Melody flagged down a taxi.

Meanwhile, Mabel was the first to reach home sobbing uncontrollably as she recounted the day’s happenings.

Yolanda rubbed her temples in exasperation. The initial plan had been for Mabel to sabotage Melody’s dress. Not only had that plan backfired, but Melody had also secured Wilmot’s store

“You bumbling idiot!” Yolanda hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. There’s no way we can let that store fall into her hands!”

By the time Melody had returned to the Fox family bungalow, it was almost time to go.

As she stepped out of the taxi, Yolanda greeted her with a big stride, urging her to enter the car and wait for their grandmother with the rest of them.

Melody could tell from their expressions that these two were after the store. Feigning ignorance, she calmly got into the car.

As soon as she was seated, Yolanda linked arms with her affectionately and inquired, “I heard from Mabel that Wilmot gave you the store’s contract?”

“Yes,” Melody replied, with a casual shrug.

Yolanda nodded and continued, “Mabel told me everything. You accidentally saved Wilmot’s kid, and he gave you the store as a thanks. But you’re young and don’t know the first thing about running it. Hand me the contract for now. I’ll manage things until you get the hang of Silverlake. I promise I won’t pocket a cent of the profit.”

Melody looked back at Mabel, who was smirking like she’d already won. Melody couldn’t help but return the smile.

Melody continued with a laid–back tone, “Sure, take it. She handed over the contract to Yolanda as if it was nothing.

They are so desperate to get their hands on the store, she thought. Well, let them have it. But holding onto it? That was another story. Yolanda, holding the contract, paused, visibly shocked. This is not at all what I expected. Why is she so damn accommodating all of a sudden? Is this some kind of trap? Or is she just a pushover who can’t stand up for herself?” she wondered

“I’ll look after the store for you, for now, Yolanda said with a forced smile, though she couldn’t shake off a nagging unease.

Before Yolanda could make sense of it all, Mabel snatched the contract with a triumphant look that screamed, “This contract is mine, like it or not.”

Chapter 19

Not long after, Maria emerged, and Melody quickly moved to help her into the car.

Yolanda caught sight of Melody’s plain dress, which looked utterly drab next to Mabel’s sparkling ensemble. The contrast brought a smirk to her face.

With Melody’s homely mug, they didn’t need to lift a finger–she was a natural foil to Mabel’s shine. Still, it was a pity their plot to mess up Melody’s dress hadn’t panned out. It would have been a treat to see her embarrass herself even more.

As they drove towards the Swanson family estate, Maria leaned in to give Melody some advice. “When we get there, just zip it and follow my lead. Astrid isn’t someone you can just sweet–talk, but she won’t dare refuse the marriage with me around.”

Melody nodded, all too aware of how formidable Astrid Swanson could be, especially since she was also Ulric’s mom. She had once bent over backwards trying to win Astrid’s approval, all for a shot at marrying Ulric. Despite all her efforts, Astrid had never shown her a shred of warmth.

Now, Melody couldn’t stand the sight of Ulric and had zero interest in currying favor with Astrid ever again. She just nodded absently in response to Maria’s instructions.

The car pulled into the parking lot of the Swanson villa, where luxury cars filled the space and well–dressed guests disembarked.

In her past life, Melody would have been extremely nervous in such a place like this, but she could now remain calm and focused. She helped Maria out of the car, making sure she didn’t trip or stumble.

Maria was pleased with Melody’s composure. The four of them were walking towards the mansion, when security stopped Melody at the entrance

“Who are you with? Got an invitation? We don’t let strangers in the security guard demanded, eyeing Melody with overt distaste.

Her ugly mug and simple outfit made her stick out like a sore thumb amid the opulence of the event, clearly not fitting in with the glitz of the Swanson’s high society.

Mabel couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, but it died as Maria’s cold stare pierced her. She quickly forced out a cough to cover up her laughter.

Yolanda, catching Maria’s cold stare, hurried forward to address the guard. “Look, this is my daughter, Melody. And here’s the invitation,” she said with a hint of impatience. Reaching into her purse, she presented the invitation with a flourish.

Normally, guests wouldn’t need to show their invitations again, but with Melody in tow, Yolanda felt compelled to prove their legitimacy at the event.

Yolanda was mortified but felt a perverse sense of satisfaction too
After years of being overshadowed by Melody’s glamorous mother, seeing her daughter now struggling to even enter the gates of the Swanson estate felt like a twisted victory.

She might not have been able to outshine that woman, but her daughter had certainly outshone Melody.

The security guard scrutinized the invitation carefully. Satisfied was genuine, he mumbled an apology and let them through.

Melody didn’t utter a word. She shot the guard a withering glance before following Maria inside.

The estate was buzzing with festive energy, decorated with strings of colorful lights, but Melody felt a thrill despite the celebratory atmosphere. She was met with disdainful stares and hushed whispers, feeling the weight of judgment from every corner.

She pretended not to notice, quietly staying by Maria’s side.

A familiar voice called out from the grand staircase, “Oh, Mrs. Fox is here!”

Melody turned to see Astrid, whose smile cracked for a moment into a grimace of repulsion.

How could someone be so… hideous? Astrid thought to herself, barely maintaining her smile. The mere sight of Melody was enough to turn her stomach.

Is this eyesore really supposed to marry my Ulric? Astrid fumed internally.

However, as a seasoned socialite, Astrid quickly composed herself, plastering on a fake smile. “Mrs. Fox, my mother has been asking about you. Unfortunately, she’s feeling ill and can’t attend the party. Let me take you to her, she said, leading Maria away.

Astrid glanced past Melody without a second look, her eyes landing on Mabel with a critical gaze.

Seizing the moment, Mabel quickly introduced herself, “Hello, Mrs. Swanson, I’m Mabel”

“Mabel, right…” Astrid nodded with a forced smile. You were the belle of the ball last year, weren’t you?”

Mabel blushed, proud, while Yolanda beamed beside her, sharing in her daughter’s glory.

Seeing this, Maria felt a twinge of annoyance.

Although both Mabel and Melody were guests, today was supposed to be about Melody. Mabel’s forwardness had thrown off

the focus. Frustrated, Maria cut in before Astrid could dismiss Melody any further. “Astrid,” she interjected. “I don’t think I’ve properly. introduced you to Melody. You remember I mentioned her before–she’s…”

Astrid cut her off. “Let’s not go there right now. You really should visit my mom first. It’s been ages, and she’s been asking about you.”

Clearly, Astrid had no intention of letting anyone find out that Melody was connected to her.

She hadn’t expected that Wilona Fox, once celebrated for her beauty, would have such a ugly daughter. So she had dismissed. the rumors as mere gossip just yesterday. But seeing Melody in person was a reality check that hit her like a slap in the face.

This only cemented Astrid’s resolve to call off the engagement.

Maria, picking up on Astrid’s barely concealed distaste, quickly caught on to her true sentiments,

Though Astrid liked to think she ran things in the Swanson family, she wasn’t the end–all. As long as Margaret approved, Astrid’s objections wouldn’t stand in the way of the marriage.

With this in mind, Maria kept her thoughts to herself. Turning to Melody, she said, “Melody, let’s go see Mrs. Swanson together.”

Just as Melody was about to respond, Astrid interjected, “Mrs. Fox, Margaret is really not up for visitors. How about I show Melody around a bit, and you go see her first?”

Maria, not being in a hurry, nodded in agreement,

A servant escorted Maria away while Astrid led Melody, Yolanda, and Mabel toward the drawing room upstairs.

“There are quite a few guests today, and most of the ladies are upstairs enjoying coffee. Please, join them,” Astrid directed. As they ascended, Astrid’s focus was entirely on Mabel, treating Melody as if she were just part of the backdrop. It was obvious Astrid preferred Mabel over Melody by a long shot.

Chapter 20

Mabel and Yolanda exchanged a knowing glance, quickly picking up on Astrid’s intentions, and they couldn’t help but feel a thrill of delight.

Mabel subtly nudged Melody to the back of the group, effectively pushing her out of the spotlight. Yet, Melody remained. unruffled, her expression steady.

As the grand double doors swung open, they were greeted by a scene straight out of a high–society magazine, with an array of elegantly seated ladies sipping coffee. The sight of such prominent guests from both Silverlake and Insterimond sent a shiver down Yolanda’s spine.

Noticing Yolanda’s discomfort. Astrid glanced at Melody. She was eager to see if Melody would be intimidated by the grand drawing room and its high society guests.

But turning her attention to Melody. Astrid was taken aback to find her standing serenely behind Mabel, her calm demeanor and graceful smile somehow making her more striking than her sister

Astrid paused, a hint of disdain crossing her mind. She figured Melody was just too naive to grasp the dynamics of high society, hence her lack of nervousness.

After settling in, Astrid introduced Yolanda and the others, emphasizing Mabel while barely mentioning Melody. The sharp ladies in the room, keen observers of social cues, quickly engaged Mabel in conversation.

The room buzzed with disapproval as everyone’s gaze fell on Melody, the “ugly duckling” betrothed to the Swanson family’s most eligible bachelor. Despite the arranged marriage, it was clear no one thought she belonged.
Just then, a socialite eagerly stepped forward, offering to demonstrate her coffee–making skills to Astrid. Being a coffee lover, Astrid was about to agree when her gaze shifted to Melody.

“Ms. Melody,” she began. “I recall your mother’s renowned coffee-making skills. Would you honor us by preparing some coffee?”

A murmur of anticipation swept through the room. Yolanda, sensing an opportunity for Mable, quickly interjected before Melody could respond. “Mrs. Swanson, speaking of coffee, Mabel has recently mastered the art. Perhaps she could demonstrate?”

Yolanda knew that showcasing her daughter’s talents would impress the elite gathering, potentially elevating her social standing, regardless of the marriage prospects with the Swansons After all, any connection made here could be beneficial. but with the Swanson family in the picture, she aimed high.

However, Astrid stood her ground. “Mrs. Fox,” she said sharply. invited Melody, not Mabel. Are you suggesting that Melody can’t even make a simple cup of coffee?”

Astrid’s tone was laced with disdain, her expression a mix of mockery and amusement. She wanted nothing more than to see Melody humiliated, to make everyone in the room believe, deep down, that Melody was in no way worthy of her precious son

Yolanda felt the scornful gazes of all the guests in the room, her face flushing with embarrassment. She muttered to herself, wondering why her meddling mother–in–law had insisted on bringing Melody of all people to such a grand event. Ruining my own reputation is bad enough, but she’d be damned if my Mabel, my precious pearl, got tarnished in the process! She cursed internally.

Struck by a sudden idea, Yolanda spoke up. “Regardless of whether Melody can handle it, since we’re supposed to be making the best coffee for you, I think we should let Mabel take the lead. She knows what she’s doing…”

Mabel quickly chimed in, supportive as always, “Mrs. Swanson, it’s alright with you, I’d love to make the coffee instead. Astrid, pretending to be shocked, turned to Melody and scoffed. You can’t even handle making a simple cup of coffee? I thought despite your country upbringing, you were at least educated to the standards of Silverlake’s other socialites…”

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