Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30)   

Chapter 26

“Ulric?” Melody had to fight the urge to curl her lip in disgust. Thankfully, she managed to keep her emotions in check, digging her nails into her thighs to tamp down the seething hatred boiling inside her.

Melody scoffed at the very idea that Ulric could be a good husband,

As if a man who had brought his wife to the hospital, only to stand by and watch as his lover ripped out her heart, could ever be considered a good husband. And a husband who never truly loved his wife, only using her as a pawn–Melody could hardly stomach the thought. Ulric being a good husband was the biggest joke she’d heard in her entire life and she’d lived through two lifetimes.

Melody could feel the fury raging within her, a wildfire threatening to consume her from the inside out.

“What’s the matter, Melody? Are you feeling alright?”

Melody gave a curt nod. “Yeah, kind of.” She knew she needed to take a moment to collect herself before facing Ulric.
“Grandma, would you mind asking the Swansons to set me up with a room so I can rest for a bit?” she requested calmly.

Unaware of Melody’s true turmoil and assuming she simply wasn’t feeling well, Maria nodded quickly. “Of course, just give me a minute to go make those arrangements.”

Little did Melody know, a silent threat was quietly looming.

Given that Maria and Margaret were close friends, the Swanson servants promptly set up a guest room on the second floor for Melody to retreat to.

Alone in the room, Melody finally let out a heavy sigh. She’d thought she was prepared to face Ulric and the others, but even Marla’s praise of him had very nearly undone her.

The room was deathly quiet as Melody’s thoughts raced. Before long, she found herself drifting off into an uneasy sleep.

But she was suddenly jolted awake by snatches of conversation in the distance.

“As long as you claim her as your own today, I’ll promise you anything,” a woman whispered.

“You serious?” asked “Yes! Don’t worry, I’ve already cleared everyone e out of this floor. No one will notice,” the woman replied.

Melody blearily recognized the voice as Mabel’s. Melody’s eyes snapped open, only to see a man locking her room door.

At the same moment, a peculiar fragrance filled the air. Melody’s medical expertise gave her an exceptionally keen sense of smell, and she instantly recognized the delicate, almost floral scent–it was some kind of drug meant to knock people out.

Frantically, Melody tried to rise, only to discover her hands were bound to the bedposts. She was completely immobilized.

Panic set in as Melody strained against the bindings trapping her wrists to the bed. She glared daggers at the guy, desperately trying to get her hands free.

“Who the hell are you?” Melody spat in a frigid tone. “What do you know. Otherwise, you’re gonna regret this big time.”

think you’re doing? if you know what’s good for you, you’ll let me go right

“Heh, you’re a quick one to wake up,” t

the man scoffed as he turned around, revealing a face packmarked with scars. Melody’s blood instantly ran cold as she recognized him- this was the same man who had accused her of having a fake Snowblossom that day she returned home. His name was Barclay Lawrence, and he’d been obsessed with Mabel, though Mabel clearly wanted nothing to do

with him.

“Piecing together the conversation she’d overheard, a rush of urgency gripped Melody’s heart. Whatever Barclay and Mabel were planning, she knew it couldn’t be good.

Barclay approached the bed as his gaze swept over Melody, appraising her from head to toe with a look of disdain.

While he found her facial features extremely ugly, he couldn’t help but notice her slender, delicate figure, which far surpassed even Mabel’s alluring form. What a pity her face was so unpleasant

Still, Barclay held onto the hope that if he could just humiliate Melody, Mabel might finally agree to consider a relationship with him. Determination reignited within him at the thought.

After all, no matter how unappealing Melody’s face, a figure this beautiful was still a prize worth having, Barclay consciously averted his gaze from Melody’s face, and he felt an overwhelming urge to have his way with her. The temptation clawed at him, no matter how hard he tried to ignore it.

Barclay steeled himself and approached Melody with determination.

“Melody, be a good girl, and I’ll go easy on you,” he sneered.

However, the moment that Barclay pounced at her, Melody reared back and laid into him with a downright vicious kick right to the gut.

Wham! The impact was brutal. Melody really put her whole body into that shot, and it dropped Barclay like a ton of bricks. The guy let out a yelp of pain as he hit the ground, his body totally drenched in sweat.

With an ice–cold stare, Melody looked down at the helpless Barclay sprawled out at her feet. “Scram, you little punk!” she spat.

Barclay went scarlet with fury after he heard Melody’s mocking words. He hauled himself up off the ground, let out a venomous spit, and then fired back at her with pure venom dripping from every word. “You think you’re so damn special, don’t you? Consider yourself lucky even bothered lookin‘ your way, you ugly witch! How dare you kick me like that? Don’t you dare try to blame me for getting a little rough with your sorry ass!”

Driven by that white-hot fury, he lunged at Melody, sitting on her legs to restrain her. Then, with his big, meaty paws, he wound up and delivered a brutal, stinging slap right across her cheek. “You shameless bitch, I’ll show you what it means to face a real man!” he snarled, pure venom dripping from his words.

Melody could feel the fiery pain radiating from her cheek where he struck her. But Barclay didn’t stop there – he forcefully gripped her jaw and leaned in, planting a forceful, unwanted kiss on her neck,

“Fuck off” Melody shouted. Melody attempted to turn her head away to avoid Barclay’s advances, but the effects of the drug and the restraints on her feet rendered her powerless.

She struggled desperately, akin to a fish on a chopping board making its final, futile attempts at escape.

“Let go of me! Get lost…” she struggled, refusing to let herself be defiled by Barclay.

Meanwhile, outside in the corridor, Mabel heard the commotion from behind a closed door. With a cold smirk, she turned away, showing no sympathy.

Just wait, she thought spitefully. “Soon, Melody will become such a scandalous disgrace, she’ll be cast aside by Silverlake!‘

Chapter 27

On the third floor, Ken and his subordinate, James, were going down the stairs when they were startled by cries for help coming from the last room on the second floor.

Ken’s brow furrowed. “Go and find out what’s going on.”

“Yes, Mr. Swanson” James immediately nodded promptly. Their network of Informants within the Swanson family quickly returned with information.

“Mr. Swanson, it looks like the only son of the Lawrence family is up to no good with a woman named Melody. Seems like she might have rubbed someone the wrong way,” reported James.

“Melody?” Ken’s eyebrows arched in surprise. He had not heard of that name before.

“Yes,” James responded before inquiring. “Shall I go rescue her?”

Ken cast a disinterested glance at James. “Do you not have anything else to do?”

James quickly dropped the idea of helping and shook his head. “You’re right, Mr. Swanson. I’m just being nosy. You’ve only just got back to Silverlake. No need to get involved in unnecessary stuff. Please watch your step.”
Ken indifferently looked away and went downstairs

At the same time, in the guest room, Melody’s clothes lay in tatters around her, her flawless skin tempting Barclay.

“I have to say, despite your ugly face, you do have a top-notch figure and skin,” said Barclay before seizing Melody by the neck and leaning in for a kiss.

However, just as his lips were close to her, Melody landed a powerful punch on his face. In an instant, he was knocked senseless. In shock, he looked at her hand that had broken free. The wrist was rubbed raw and oozing with blood,

“How did you…” Barclay was utterly stunned, wondering how she managed to find the strength to free herself. The rope used to the her up was supposed to be incredibly strong.

Before he could figure out what was happening, Melody swung another punch, sending him hurtling under the bed.

“Ah.. Barclay moaned, clutching his head in agony.

Melody seized the opportunity to hurriedly untie the rope with her free hand. After regaining her freedom, Melody grabbed the lamp from the bedside cabinet, poised to strike Barclay.

But just then, a wave of dizziness washed over her. The effects of the drug suddenly take hold of her. Melady’s strength vanished in an instant, and the lamp slipped from her hand, crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
Barclay quickly took the opportunity to rise to his feet, seizing Melody by her hair.

“You bitch! How dare you blindside me? You just don’t know when to give up, do you? I will definitely kill you today!” he yelled as he dragged Melody and tossed her back onto the bed.

Despite her desperate struggles, Melody’s vision blurred. She could not even see Barclay clearly. ‘Damn it! I would rather die than be violated by Barclay‘ she thought, despair flickering in the depths of her eyes. With a resounding bang, the room’s door was suddenly kicked open. Startled, Barclay turned towards the door, only to find two burly men storming towards him. Before he could react, they forcefully yanked him off the bed.

In a haze, Melody spotted a familiar silhouette walking towards her amidst the brightness. “Can you still get up?”

She recognized the figure as Ken. His familiar voice gave her a huge relief. For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating from the drugs.

She snapped out of it quickly. Without hesitation, she swiftly reached for the silver needle she had concealed. With precision and

determination, she jabbed it into her temples, clearing her vision.

“I’m fine,” Melody replied.

Chapter 28

“I’m sorry,” Melody murmured.

“You’re quite a troublemaker,” Ken replied sarcastically.

“Thank you.” Her voice was low.

Melody clenched Ken’s jacket tightly, pursing her lower lips while her body still trembled slightly. She knew that Ken had saved her. If it wasn’t for his timely arrival, she might have been killed by Barclay,

She glanced at Barclay, whose face was now swollen beyond recognition from the relentless beating.

Barclay did not expect the beating to continue after he mentioned Fairlee. Even worse, the beating only intensified.

Spoiled all his life, it wasn’t long before Barclay hit his breaking point. He huddled up, softly asking for forgiveness as his voice trembled. “I’m sorry. It’s all my bad. I won’t dare to do it again, Miss Fox, tell them to stop, please…”

Melody remained resolute, showing no signs of pity. To her, he wouldn’t be deserving of sympathy even if he were beaten to death. However, his life was not enough. Her vengeance would not be satisfied with just Barclay’s life.

With a quick massage to her temples, the dizziness went down a lot for Melody. She waited until the drug wore off completely before she raised her hand, telling them to stop beating

The two bodyguards glanced at Ken, halting their actions upon seeing his lack of objection.

After adjusting her clothes, Melody stepped forward. While Barclay was not paying attention, she stealthily slipped her hand into her purse. Then, she squatted in front of him and spoke coldly. “I can let you go, but you must tell who’s behind the scenes. ”“”
Barclay initially refused to betray Mabel, but with punches and kicks, he was forced to admit. “Mabel. It was Mabel!”

“Mabel? She’s my sister. Barclay, don’t slander her. Why would Mabel do this to me? You’re not telling the truth.” She deliberately said it slowly, as though she was about to order the bodyguards to beat hi again.

Barclay hurriedly said, “Everything I said is true. Mabel asked me to do this. She said if I ruined your reputation, she would agree to date me” Melody heard what she needed to do and withdrew her hand from her purse, gesturing dismissively. “Alright, since you’re owning up to it, I’ll take your word for it. Please help me bring him downstairs. Given that this involves the Swanson family, Mrs. Swanson should decide what to do next.”

“Understood!” The bodyguard answered, paying no heed to Barclay’s resistance as they hauled him towards the hall downstairs.

Just as Melody was about to follow, Ken abruptly blocked her path with his arm. “You owe me one,” he said.

Melody nodded. “I know, I’ll help cure your grandmother.”

Ken seemed unconvinced of her ability and left expressionlessly.

Downstairs, the birthday party was in full swing, with everyone enjoying the warm and lively atmosphere. People were eager for Margaret to show up and to sing her a birthday song

Of course, it was impossible for Margaret to join the festivities in this situation, Astrid, upon hearing the suggestion, merely smiled and said, “Mrs. Swanson really appreciates your sincere wishes. She can’t come downstairs due to her health, but don’t worry I’ll make sure she knows how you all feel.” Her smile was professional and her words firm, but inwardly, her heart sank. She did not know how long this cover-up would last, though truthfully, it wasn’t something anyone should be suspicious about. After all, no one would expect an eighty–year–old woman to be pregnant.

At the same time, both Yolanda and Mabel waited anxiously, wondering what took Barclay so long.

Just then, screams echoed from the direction of the revolving staircase. “Ouch! it hurts! Let go of me! Watch where you’re going, you fools!” yelled Barclay.

Everyone’s gaze shifted in surprise toward the ruckus near the spinning staircase. Suddenly, Barclay, looking wild-eyed, bit down hard on a bodyguard’s hand, prompting the guard to let go in pain. Barclay tumbled down the stairs with a loud thud, making onlookers cringe at the sight.

Barclay, now sprawled at the foot of the staircase, bore evident signs of agony. Covered in blood, his face was swollen and completely unrecognizable. The injuries from the beating and the fall had left him in excruciating pain, rendering him incapable of uttering a sound. Lying sprawled on his back, he could only roll his eyes in agony, teetering on the brink of death

“Mom! He…” Mabel recognized Barclay at a glance. She gripped Yolanda’s sleeve in a panic, quivering in horror. According to their plans, Barclay was supposed to descend the stairs alone, while loudly accusing Melody of seducing and drugging him. This was completely unexpected.

“Calm down!” Although Yolanda was also taken aback by Barclay’s unexpected appearance, she swiftly composed herself. Looking upwards again, she saw Melody calmly emerge from behind the two bodyguards and descend the stairs.

Yolanda bit her lips in frustration, thinking, “Dammit, he failed. I may have underestimated her.’

The guests, witnessing Barclay’s beaten state, fell into a momentary silence before erupting into a discussion.

“What happened?”

“What in the world happened here?”

“Who’s he? Quickly call an ambulance!”

Astrid quickly realized what was going on and stepped in, ordering the butler to attend to Barclay after reassuring the guests. “Don’t worry everyone. Nothing happened. It seems that there has been a misunderstanding. He could have accidentally fallen down the stairs…”

But before she could finish, she saw a figure approach Barclay, who was about to be escorted away. It was Barclay’s aunt, Fairlee Lawrence. “Barclay, are you okay? What happened?‘ Fairlee inquired, her expression fraught with concern as she watched Barclay lie on the stretcher, unable to respond. In a fit of anger, Fairlee then turned her gaze towards Astrid. “Astrid, you owe me an explanation! Why was he beaten up by your people?”

Astrid froze. She did not expect the man on the stretcher to be Fairlee’s nephew.

However, she swiftly composed herself and approached with a grave expression. “Relax, Dr. Lawrence. I’ll immediately have someone look into this. Turning towards the butler beside her, she exclaimed, “What are you still waiting for? Go get a doctor now!”

“Yes, ma’am!” The butler hurried off to call for aid. Meanwhile, the banquet descended into chaos.

Suddenly, a brittle voice rang out.

Chapter 29

Astrid and Fairlee turned simultaneously in the direction of the unexpected voice. Their eyes fell upon a girl with an ugly face, marked by red spots, looking indifferently at Barclay on the stretcher.

Since Fairlee did not go to the coffee room, she didn’t know Melody. Nevertheless, she felt an immediate dislike for not only her ugly but also her strong presence.

“Who are you?” Fairlee asked coldly.

How can I ask Barclay? He can barely talk, she thought incredulously.

Yolanda watched the scene with keen eyes, recognizing a good opportunity. Quickly, she instructed Mabel to remain still and rushed towards Melody, her words dripping with accusation. “Melody, what have you done? How could you beat Mr. Lawrence like this? This is absurd! I regret bringing you back from the countryside. Do you even understand how much trouble you’ve caused?”

“It’s you?” Astrid glared at Melody, furious that a supposedly celebratory eightieth birthday had been marred by her.

Melody, you’re being so rude. Is this how the Fox family raised you?” Astrid scolded Melody, her face pale. She then reassured Fairlee, “Dr. Lawrence, don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything is sorted out fairly.”

“Did you hit him?” Fairlee’s icy glare and trembling body revealed her intense rage. As her brother’s only son, Barclay held a special place in her heart since she never married or had children of her own. Seeing Melody strike Barclay felt like an attack on her personally. She could not contain her fury.

“…” Before Melody could respond, Fairlee interjected, “Send her to the police station. This matter needs to be dealt with strictly!”

She would not be satisfied until Melody was locked away for more than a decade.

Upon hearing these words, Yolanda’s heart leaped with joy.

She knew that offending Fairlee would spell a lifetime of misery for Melody, ‘Fairlee loves and spoils her nephew. Melody got herself in big trouble this time, she thought gleefully.

Though Yolanda harbored these thoughts, outwardly, she feigned pleasantry. “Dr. Lawrence, please don’t get mad at her. She’s new here and hasn’t learned manners. It’s just teenagers fighting. Don’t be so serious.”

These words only serve to exacerbate the situation. In a moment, Fairlee’s expression turned even more furious.

“Children fighting?” She gestured towards Barclay on the stretcher, being examined by the doctor, and continued, “Look at the injuries on his body. Is this what you call children fighting?”

Yolanda wore a strained expression as she grabbed Melody’s arm and said, “Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and bow to apologize. to Mr. Lawrence and Dr. Lawrence,”

A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Melody’s lips. “Yolanda, I think you’re mistaken. It’s not me who should be bowing and apologizing, but Barclay and Mabel”

At the mention of Mabel’s name, Yolanda’s eyes widened in shock. “I can’t let her involve Mabel in this mess, Yolanda thought in a panic. Clenching her teeth, she dragged Melody and scolded her as she walked out. You foolish girl. You refuse to apologize when asked and now you dare to shift the blame. I’ll give you to the police for our family’s name.”

The instinct to protect Mabel caused a surge of adrenaline within her, granting her an unexpected strength to overpower Melody. Melody, being weakened previously, was unable to break free.

“Let go of me!” Melody’s voice resonated deeply.

“Not until you apologize” Yolanda growled.

Their struggle resembled a tangled knot, with Yolanda ruthlessly pressing Melody down, one hand clamped firmly over her mouth to stifle any outcry. Around them, people whispered and gossiped. Some of them took photos with their cell phone.

Just at this moment, Barclay regained consciousness. His cries of pain pierced the air.
Fairlee, who had intended to follow them to ensure Yolanda handed Melody over to the police, stopped in her tracks. She quickly instructed her men to halt Yolanda and Melody. Then, with genuine concern, she approached Barclay and asked, “Barclay, how are you? Where does it hurt? Please tell me…

“I feel a little better now… Barclay managed a whisper.

With the Swanson family’s family doctor having administered a painkilling injection to Barclay a while back, his pain was gradually lessening. This made Fairlee breathe a sigh of relief.

Yolanda, who heard that Barclay had regained consciousness, hurried over. She hastily interjected, “Don’t worry, Mr. Lawrence. I got this. Whatever Melody did to you, I’ll tell the police exactly what happened. The justice will be done.”

Barclay took her hint, knowing she was warning him not to spill the beans.

Recalling what Melody had done to him, he immediately said, “Aunt Fairlee, you have to help me. She attempted to seduce me, and when I refused, she then accused me of trying to rape her. She even called someone to beat me up!”

Barclay did not realize that the one who gave the order was Ken instead of Melody since he was being held down and beaten at the time.

Upon hearing Barclay’s accusation, Fairlee’s eyes narrowed dangerously as she glared fiercely at Melody.

She couldn’t believe this woman had the audacity to toy with her beloved nephew, whom she had lavished with so much care.

The guests, too, murmured in disapproval upon hearing Barclay’s accusations.

“What’s wrong with this daughter of the Fox family? Such disgraceful behavior!”

“What a shame! If I were her, I’d be too ashamed to

Ito show my face!”

“It was my mistake for trusting her! Even though she is ugly, I thought her coffee–making skills indicated good character. Thank goodness! didn’t let her near my daughter, or she might have corrupted her!”

Melody tried to explain, but Yolanda’s hand covered her mouth, silencing her completely.

“Good for you, Melody!” Fairlee’s voice dripped with hatred. “If the Fox family doesn’t resolve this today, mark my words, this won’t be the end of it!”

At Fairlee’s fury, Astrid smirked faintly.

Chapter 30

Astrid was convinced that Melody would never again have the chance to marry Ulric. No matter how soft-hearted Margaret was, she couldn’t possibly allow a convict into the Swanson family. “Everything is perfectly resolved. Barclay’s beating was truly worth it, and I will thank him properly, she thought with satisfaction.

What are you still waiting for? Take Miss Fox

Astrid suppressed the urge to smile, maintaining a stern face as she instructed the bodyguards. “What are you still going to the police station!”

Just as Melody was about to be escorted out, Astrid took a deep breath. She gathered her strength and swiftly slammed Yolanda onto the ground with an over–the–shoulder maneuver.

“Ah, Yolanda let out a pained cry.

Mabel rushed forward, supporting Yolanda while reproaching Melody, “Melody, you’re too much! Even if you lack manners, how dare you lay a hand on Mom!”

Melody turned a cold, sinister gaze toward Mabel, sending a shiver down her spine. Subconsciously, Mabel averted her eyes.

Melody asked coldly, “Are none of you guys going to be reasonable?”

Fearful of things going out of control, Mabel hastily retorted, “There is no need for any reasoning. Just confess quickly and spare the Fox family from further embarrassment!”

Astrid waved her hand. “Take this woman away quickly!”

The bodyguards responded and immediately walked towards Melody. Melody took two steps back, her hand reaching towards her pocket where she kept the evidence. But before she could retrieve it, the bodyguard was already upon her.

Melody’s two hands were held up, unable to take out the evidence.

Just then, a towering figure intervened. “Is it fair for so many adults to bully a young woman?”

The voice sent a jolt of awareness through Melody. Her spine stiffened as she looked in shock at the figure before her. The tall and imposing presence, along with his straight nose and sharp facial features, left no doubt in Melody’s mind it was Ken. Even from just the side profile, it was unmistakable.

She hadn’t expected Ken to step in.

Out of the corner of her eye, Melody noticed Maria hurrying over.

it dawned on Melody that Maria had been conspicuously absent until now as she was trying to find help for her.

Melody couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading in her heart. For the first time, she felt that she was not alone in this. She regarded Ken as skeptical, wondering if her rescuer would truly help her.

As if sensing her scrutiny, he glanced sideways at her. His eyes carried a hint of reproach as if to say, “Troublemaker”

Yet, she felt a strange sense of reassurance wash over her.

“Melody, it’s okay, Maria reassured, finally reaching her side with hobbling steps. Her presence dispersed the bodyguards immediately, as they gripped Melody’s hand with her wrinkled ones.

A warm feeling enveloped Melody’s heart at that moment when Maria held her hand, Matody made a silent vow to herself that she would protect her at all costs. She would not allow the same tragedy to befall her as in her previous life.

As Mabel observed this scene from the crowd, she bit her lip in envy. Despite her efforts to curry favor with Maria for over a decade, she had never received the same affection as Melody did.

Furious, Mabel stormed out from the crowd, her steps purposeful and determined.

“Grandma!” Mabel quickly strode in front of Maria. “Melody has disgraced our family. Why are you still backing her up? People are going to think of our family as a joke.”

As these words echoed, the guests began to regard Maria with less respect. When Melody’s mother was alive, the Fox family business flourished. But now, the guests wondered if Maria’s lack of action had led to the family’s declining fortunes. Unfazed by the shifting perceptions of the crowd, Maria straightened her spine and positioned herself in front of Melody.

Fairlee, noticing the scene, directed a dissatisfied query at Ken. “Mr. Swanson, what are you doing?”

Ken, however, ignored Fairlee. His gaze coldly fixed on Barclay lying on the stretcher, “Barclay, tell us the truth.” he said.

“Mr. Swanson, what do you mean? Are you implying that I lied just now?” asked Barclay.

Since Barclay seemed not to recognize Ken, Ken responded playfully, “Wasn’t that the case?”

Barclay scoffed, “Look at her ugly face! What could I possibly see in her? It’s obvious she failed to seduce me, so she called for someone to beat me in retaliation.”

Melody narrowed her eyes. “Barclay, I’ll give you one last chance. Do you want to tell the truth or not?” Her voice sliced through the air like a blade dipped in ice water, chilling enough to make one quiver.

Barclay, meeting her steely gaze, felt as though he was being suffocated.

At that moment, Fairlee patted his shoulder reassuringly, saying, “You don’t need to fear her. She can’t threaten you. Just speak the truth. With me here, no one can falsely accuse you.”

Barclay’s scared heart slowly calmed down. He pointed at Melody and said, “I’m telling the truth, Aunt Fairlee. You must help me seek justice!”

Fairlee heard this and cast a cold smile towards Melody. “My nephew doesn’t lie. He’s always an honest man. Are you trying to bully an honest person, Miss Fox?”

Melody pursed her lips and said in a deep voice, “Mr. Lawrence, since you refuse to admit it, shall we all listen to this recording together?”

Without hesitation, she played the recording on her cell phone.

Barclay’s eyes widened abruptly. He never expected her to have recorded their conversation.

Barclay desperately wanted to stop it, but he was powerless. Wordlessly, he could only stand by while Melody’s voice started playing.

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