Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10)

Chapter 6

The next day, after breakfast, Melody headed over to chat with Maria.

Despite living in a modest backyard house, Maria’s place was surprisingly cozy and tastefully decorated, and Melody’s room. was right next door. During their chat, Melody couldn’t help but notice Maria’s constant coughing.

Worried, she asked, “Grandma, are you feeling alright?”

After downing her medicine, Maria gave a weary smile and said, Ah, just the usual aches and pains of getting old. Who knows how much longer I’ve got? I might not even be around to see you get married.”

Then. Maria steered the conversation towards Melody’s arranged marriage with the Swanson family. “Your mom passed too soon, but she had big plans for you, darling. Marrying into the Swanson family could set you up for a life of luxury

As they talked, Maria sighed. “I just don’t know if the Swansons are really on board with this marriage.”

Melody’s thoughts immediately turned to Ulric, filling her with bitter resentment. In her past life, she’d been too naive, helping Ulric climb the ladder of power, all the while oblivious that she was just a pawn in his game.

Seeing Melody’s frown, Maria mistook it for worry about the Swanson family’s approval and reassured her. “Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll fight tooth and nail to secure this marriage for you!”

Melody had no intention of marrying into the Swanson family, but Maria’s heartfelt words still made her emotional. Maria had always been kind to her, and Melody felt a deep loyalty to her, the closest thing to the family she had left. She couldn’t stand the thought of losing the only family she had.

If her memory was correct, Maria had died only two months after Melody returned to Silverlake in her previous life. Back then, Melody felt something was off but dismissed it, trusting her stepmother too much. Now, however, she was convinced that Maria’s sudden death was linked to Yolanda.

With a mischievous smile. Melody changed the subject. “Hey, Grandma, let’s drop that for now, Back in the countryside. I picked up some medical skills from an amazing healer. How about I check your pulse?”

Maria laughed and shared a look with her loyal servant, Hattie Meyer. “Sure, why not? Let’s see how much time I’ve got left,” she said lightly

They indulged Melody, thinking she was just being playful. Melody took a deep breath and carefully found the pulse on Maria’s wrist. As she felt the rhythm, her eyes suddenly flew open–a look of shock on her face.

Maria wasn’t sick; she was poisoned.

It all clicked into place why Maria had died just two months after Melody returned to Silverlake. At the time, Melody felt something was off but chalked it up to paranoia due to her blind trust in Yonlanda.

Her father was a narcissist but deeply devoted to Maria, so he was off the suspect list. That left Yolanda as the prime suspect.

“What’s up?” Maria noticed Melody’s troubled expression and asked between coughs, “Did you find anything?”

Melody forced a smile and scratched her head. “Oh, it’s probably just me being clueless, Grandma. I couldn’t spot anything wrong, but your pulse feels strong. I bet you’ve got another fifty years!”

Melody knew Maria’s affection was likely just pity. Accusing her of being poisoned right then might just ruin everything. The family doctor must have been keeping quiet about it deliberately. If she were to expose this now, not only might Maria not believe her, but Yolanda would definitely use it against her.

This was going to be a long game if she was going to help Maria

Maria chuckled at Melody’s exaggerated prognosis. “Fifty more years? I’d turn into a witch by then!”

Despite her words, Maria’s face lit up with joy. Even as she often talked about being near the end, the fear of death lingered.

Melody had this goofy grin plastered on her face, like a totally innocent little bunny

As the sun set. Melody noted her father, Russell Fox, was still away on business, so he wouldn’t be joining them for dinner. Maria was the last to arrive at the table, invitation card in hand.

Yolanda immediately noticed the Swanson family seal on the card and her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Quickly masking her reaction, she feigned curiosity, “Hey, Mom, what’s that?”

Maria placed the invitation on the table, maintaining a serious yet calm demeanor. “It’s an invitation from the Swanson family. Margaret turns eighty tomorrow, and I thought it’d be nice for Melody and I to attend. You two should come along as well.

Yolanda’s eyes flickered with panic as the words sank in. Tomorrow was Margaret’s 80th birthday bash, and there was Maria, planning to bring the disgraceful Melody along Is she serious? Using the birthday bash to lock down Melody’s engagement?”

The thought alone made Yolanda’s hand clench into a tight fist. This can’t fucking happen, she thought. “Melody getting cozy with the Swansons is my worst nightmare

Melody, catching the shift in Yolanda’s expression, had a good guess what was on her mind. But she kept her cool, her head down, shoveling food into her mouth while her brain went into overdrive.

In her previous life, she hadn’t exactly left the best first impression on Maria. After the engagement talk started, Maria had thought Mabel was a better fit for the Swanson family, leaving Melody out in the cold during events like this

But now, she was back for revenge, and getting an early in with the Swanson family was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Chapter 7

Yolanda glanced at Melody, completely engrossed in her meal, and couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. The Swanson family. they’re global big–shots. A sneeze from them and the whole damn country feels it. There’s no way they’d ever look at Melody. Only someone like my daughter is fit for such a high–class alliance!

Despite thinking this, Yolanda responded outwardly with a commitment. “Got it. Once we’re there, I’ll make sure Melody rubs elbows with all the right high–society ladies in Silverlake.”

Maria gave Yolanda a doubtful look. “Are you actually gonna follow through?”

Yolanda’s smile faltered momentarily but quickly regained composure. “Of course, Melody is my daughter too, after all. Who wouldn’t want the best for their own child?”

Just then, Mabel chimed in. ‘Grandma, Mom might not say it, but I have to. I checked the coat myself–it was the one that recently got resized. The tailor accidentally left a needle in it, and that’s what caused all the fuss.”

“Mabel, enough! Yolanda feigned a scold, stealing a glance at Maria’s reaction, which seemed to soften a bit. Maria wasn’t Yolanda’s biggest fan but certainly had a soft spot for Mabel.

Mabel often stepped in to explain things, and even though Yolanda acted like she didn’t want her to, it always made Maria believe Mabel more.

Maria sighed and resolved the tension. “Well, if it was just a misunderstanding, let’s move on. Melody, don’t be upset with your mom. We’re all family here.”

Melody was irked but masked it with a compliant smile, thinking she’d just play along for now. “Understood, Grandma. I wouldn’t hold a grudge against family,”

That’s my girl. Now, eat up. You need to put some weight on, Maria encouraged, passing more food to Melody, who pretended to enjoy her meal, though it now tasted bland.

After dinner, Yolanda promptly took Mabel upstairs. Mabel protested. “Mom, come on! I’m still eating here!”

“Always about food with you! Do you have any idea what Maria is trying to pull by parading Melody in front of the Swanson family! Yolanda retorted.

Mabel looked puzzled. “What could she possibly be up to? Isn’t it just introducing Melody to the high society of Silverlake?”

Yolanda took a deep breath and laid it out. “You’re clueless. Back when Melody’s mom was alive, she brokered a marriage with Ulric Swanson, the second young master of the Swanson family.”

Jealousy contorted Mabel’s face. “I can’t even get near the Swansons, and Melody gets a golden ticket because of her mom? Are you seriously trying to help her climb up to the Swansons?”

“You’re such an idiot!” Yolanda snapped in exasperation. Think about it. If even you don’t dare to dream about getting into the Swanson family, how could Melody possibly have a chance?

“You’re right… With Melody’s face that could scare off ghosts, Mr. Swanson wouldn’t even give her the time of day. So, what’s the plan Mable asked.

Yolanda squinted and said, “We’ll casually bring up that marriage in front of everyone. The Swanson family and others will think Melody is just some desperate girl trying to snag herself a rich guy. Then, you have to show off your best self, and make it clear you’re nothing like her. As for the rest of the plan, I’ll fill you in later.

Mabel finally understood Yolanda’s scheme and smirked. “So, tomorrow everyone’s gonna see Melody as this clueless girl trying to climb the social ladder.

Yolanda nodded. “Exactly! Then, I’ll suggest you take Melody’s place at the right moment. Who do you think Mrs. Swanson would choose, compared to that plain Melody?”

Definitely me! Even if the second son is disabled, the Swanson family is a cut above the rest. Mabel felt a rush of excitement. She is about to step into the Swanson family.

Night descended swiftly, cloaking everything in darkness. Melody had learned Maria’s routine; three doses of medicine per day, with the last one just before bed. She bided her time in the kitchen until Hattie came in to prepare Maria’s evening dose.

“Hattie. Melody began with a seemingly innocent smile. “You’ve really put in the hours today. How about I take over brewing the medicine from now on? Grandma’s been so kind to me, I’d love to repay her in some way

Hattie touched, nodded, and handed her the herbs, saying. “That’s very thoughtful of you, dear. Go on then, put the herbs in, add two bowls of water, and simmer it for half an hour.”

“Sure thing. Hattie, Melody replied.

Melody clutched the herbs and, once out of sight, she veered towards the secluded back garden. Shielded by the dense plants, she opened the bag of herbs.

She fiddled with the bag a bit before pulling out a piece of Corydalis Rhizome and sniffing it closely.

Suddenly, Melody’s expression darkened.

Chapter 8

The Corydalis Rhizome was perfectly safe, a prized herb for cooling down the heat. The kicker, though, was that it had been soaking in mercury sulfide.

If she kept taking it long–term, it was only a matter of time before Maria kicked the bucket.

No wonder Hattie hadn’t picked up on anything. Unless one knew a thing or two about pharmacology, the flaw would go unnoticed.

Melody immediately got rid of all the contaminated Corydalis Rhizome, planning to bury it on the spot. But just as she was about to fill in the hole, she heard a noise from the nearby wall.

Who’s there?” Melody gasped, her foot hastily covering the hole hiding the Corydalis Rhizome,

The next second, a towering figure vaulted over the wall.

As soon as Melody saw the man’s back, she recognized him–the nutjob from the cruise ship she had helped with the bullet. It was Ken.

And then, Ken slowly turned around. Bathed in moonlight, his face was fully visible to Melody for the first time.

He was stunning. Thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, well–defined facial features, a strong nose, and those brooding eyes held a wild, seductive charm.

At that moment, his lips curled into a reckless smirk. “Finally found you! Didn’t I tell you to meet me at the Blue Moon Lounge? Why the hell didn’t you show?”

He had figured out that Melody was the daughter of the Fox family, engaged to his cunning younger brother. The Foxes had two daughters, and he hadn’t known which one she was, but luckily, he’d found her here.

His strong arms seized Melody’s delicate ones, hoisting her up like she was a feather.

“Let go of me!” she snapped, struggling but careful not to make too much noise to avoid alerting her household,

If Maria caught wind of her mingling with a stranger, she’d be furious. She wouldn’t accept this kind of disrespect and probably start disliking Melody. But no matter how much Melody struggled, she couldn’t shake him off.

“Let me go! Or I swear I’ll scream for help!” Melody spat out, furious.

On the surface, she kept her composure, but inside, she was a hot mess–angry and frantic. ‘How the fuck have I ended up bumping into this guy here of all places?‘ she cursed internally.

Ken grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Go ahead, scream. You’re out here in the middle of nowhere at night- surely you don’t want anyone finding out what you’re up to, right”

Melody’s face flushed red with frustration as the man’s words left her speechless.

“Fine, he suddenly said, his demeanor softening. “I don’t want to screw up your reputation. Just give me back what’s mine, and I’ll leave.”

Melody instantly grasped his intentions this time. He realized she’d swiped the knife that could cut through iron like butter.

She reluctantly admitted, with a cough, pretending to be confused. “What are you talking about?

He chuckled lowly, looking her up and down, then casually said, I thought you were a kitten, but you’re actually a crafty little mouse! That dagger’s useless to you, but it’s vital for me.

Chapter 9

“Hey there, sneaky mouse,” Ken called out

“What do you want now?” Melody asked, her voice laced with anxiety.

“That thing.” Ken nodded towards the small hole under Melody’s feet. “Need a hand getting rid of it?”

Melody was caught off guard by his observation. She quickly placed her other foot over the hole, but the action, under his piercing gaze, only made her feel more exposed.

Gritting her teeth and unsure why she trusted him, she relented. Fine, help me get rid of it. She scooped up the mud-covered Corydalis Rhizome and stuffed it into his coat pocket. Dusting her hands off, she added, “There, it’s done. Now heat it.”

Ken, who turned out to be a bit of a clean freak, looked startled. But Melody saw nothing wrong.

Having grown up in the countryside, playing in the mud was second nature to Melody. After ensuring no Corydalis Rhizome was left behind, she shooed him away. “Hurry up and go!”

Ken’s mouth twitched, clearly uncomfortable with whatever was in his pocket. He managed to force out a question. “What’s your name?

“M–Mabel Melody hesitated, sensing something off, before settling on a different name.

Alright, Mabel. I’ve got you pegged,” he said and gave her a deep, mysterious look which, despite its brevity, felt overwhelmingly intense.

Luckily, the guy just gave her a quick glance before taking off.

Melody finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as she was about to leave the garden, she heard footsteps approaching, along with Mabel’s voice calling out, “Who’s there?

Melody realized hiding was futile. She squared her so she had nothing to hide from Mabel.

“It’s just me,” Melody said, trying to sound casual.

shoulders and faced forward. The herbs were already long gone with Ken.-

Spotting Melody, Mabel quickly tossed her cigarette and stomped out the butt.
However, Melody watched her every move.

Back in her past life, not long after Melody had joined the Fox family, Mabel had framed her for smoking, which only fueled Maria’s dislike for her. And here was Mabel, the real smoker.

Honestly, smoking wasn’t a big deal for most women, but Maria saw it as downright scandalous. If she ever caught Mabel in the act, it wouldn’t be pretty.

But Melody decided to keep her mouth shut for now, Feigning ignorance, Melody strolled up to Mabel with a smirk. “Hey Mabel, out for a late-night puff? Why aren’t you tucked in bed?”

Mabel squirmed a bit, caught off–guard by her blues–busting secret smoke being discovered. But she thought Melody was clueless about this.

Mabel let out a sigh of relief before throwing out her jab. “I should be asking you! It’s pitch black out here, What’s a country bumpkin like you doing out here alone? No funny business, right?”

With a scoff, Mabel pushed Melody aside and crouched down to inspect the hole behind her.

It was empty, not a trace left. She found it strange that Melody was out here digging holes in the dead of night.

Melody was secretly relieved she had trusted Ken to take the Corydalis Rhizome. If he hadn’t, her cover would’ve been blown wide open

She faked a bashful smile. “Ah shit, sorry about that. Let’s keep this our little secret, yeah? Old habits die hard. I guess I just love digging around in the dirt.”

Mabel

Mabel scoffed, her face twisted in contempt. “I knew it! You’re still nothing but a hick at heart!”

“Yup, you caught me.” Melody played along, chuckling lightly. Had my bit of fun, now it’s time to hit the sack. Night, Mabel”

With the medicinal bag clutched tightly to her chest, she made her exit from the backyard.

Mabel’s expression soured as she watched Melody walk away, lost in her own thoughts.

Once out of sight, Melody got to work on making medicine for Maria

This blend was supposed to be soothing for coughs and all, and skipping the Corydalis Rhizome wasn’t a big deal.

The medicine was ready in no time, and Melody hurried it over to Maria’s room. “Grandma, drink this while it’s still warm, she urged.

“Alright.” Maria nodded, relieved. She gulped down the medicine in one go just as there was a frantic knock at the door.

“Who’s there?” Hattie called out, heading to open the door.

It was Yolanda’s servant, which made Hattie furrow her brow. “What’s up? Mrs. Fox just finished her meds”

The servant looked apologetic. “Sorry to disturb you, but Mrs. Fox’s needed in the living room. We have a thief situation at our house.

Hattie’s eyes widened in shock. She hurried back to Maria’s room to fill her in.

Thief?” Maria shot up in bed, suddenly wide awake. “What’s missing?”

The servant stepped into the room, looking troubled as she explained, “It’s Miss Mabel’s gemstone necklace, the one her dad gave her as a birthday gift today. It’s worth over 6 million.”

“More than 6 million?” Maria’s eyelids twitched. That was no small sum, “Help me to the living room, and gather all the servants there” she instructed urgently.

“Madam’s already rounded up everyone except those who can prove they didn’t do it. It’s just both of you and Miss Melody left,” the servant added.

Melody’s heart sank as she took in the news, a sense of unease selling in.

Chapter 10

Melody remembered she had seen that gemstone necklace on Mabel in the backyard. How the hell could it vanish in just half an hour? she wondered.

“Let’s go,” Maria said, already changed and urging Melody to head to the living room with her.

The living room was ablaze with light, and a cluster of servants stood around, looking guilty as sin. Yolanda and Mabel were sitting there with faces like thunder. But Melody noticed Mabel’s eyes flicker with something unreadable as she entered.

“Hey Grandma, you’re here!” Mabel rose up from her seat and motioned for Maria to take over.

Then Yolanda chimed in. “Mom, I’ve grilled them all, but these eleven can’t prove they were anywhere else.”

Maria’s expression darkened as she turned to Mabel. “Did you check your room?”

“I’ve torn it apart,” Mabel replied, her eyes brimming with tears. I swear, I was wearing it right before my bath, and in less than half an hour, poof, it’s gone. I left it right on the vanity. Her voice broke as she added. “It was a gift from Dad. How the hell do I explain this to him when he returns?”

Yolanda quickly consoled Mabel, then whirled on the servants with a glare that could curdle milk. “Who here took Mabel’s necklace! Spill it now, and we can forget this mess ever happened

“I swear it wasn’t me! I was on night duty, and hit the sack early today, one servant protested.

“Same here. I needed to crash because I’m up early tomorrow, another piped up.

As everyone scrambled to defend themselves, one servant hesitated before stepping forward. “Ma’am, while Miss Mabel was showering. I was cleaning here and saw Miss Melody head upstairs.
All eyes turned to Melody who stood by Maria’s side.

Melody’s gaze turned icy, and she realized in an instant that the blame for the missing necklace was being squarely placed on her.

Do you want to borrow

Her face turned to ice as she glared at the maid who’d singled her out. “You can throw around accusations don’t fucking pin this on me. I was in the kitchen brewing up some meds for Grandma. I didn’t go upstairs. You got any proof, or are you just talking out of your ass!”

Mabel surprisingly jumped to Melody’s defense. “Look, my sister might’ve grown up in the sticks, but she’s no thief. The folks who looked after her were straight as arrows. You sure you didn’t fuck this up?”

The maid, shocked, dropped to her knees with a thud, looking utterly devastated. “Mrs. Fox, I’ve been here nearly ten years. Everyone knows I’m straight–up. Why the hell would I frame Miss Melody! I never said she took the necklace, just that I saw her go upstairs. I didn’t touch Mabel’s necklace, swear to God!”

Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded her innocence, clearly distressed.

At that moment, Maria’s gaze landed on Melody.

Mabel seized the opportunity to talk with a sympathetic expression. “Melody, if you took it, just give it back, okay? I get it, life in the countryside can be tough, and maybe you just wanted something nice for a change. If you want something else, just ask me. But that necklace means the world to me. Can you please return it?”
Melody clenched her fists in frustration. She knew Mabel was a master at playing the victim card. This was exactly where Melody had faltered last time. But this time, Melody was ready. The crying kid gets the milk, and now she understands that better than ever.

“Grandma,” Melody choked, her voice thick with a swirl of fresh and old resentments. Tears welled up without any effort, as raw emotions took over.

“I swear I didn’t take it, and I’ve never even been upstairs. If you doubt me, go ahead and search my room,” Melody declared with firm resolve.

As she spoke, her gaze turned icy, landing on the trembling servant kneeling on the floor. “And if it turns out I’m innocent, I expect a damn apology from you,” she added sharply

Despite being just a young girl, Melody emanated an intimidating presence that sent shivers down the servant’s spine. The servant shuddered under the weight of Melody’s intense stare. She quickly averted her eyes, too scared to meet Melody’s piercing gaze any longer.

Maria’s heart melted at the sight of Melody’s distressed expression. She gently patted Melody’s shoulder, reassuring “Don’t worry, sweetheart. As long as I’m here, no one’s gonna falsely accuse you of anything here.

Melody’s tension eased slightly at Maria’s comforting words, Just as she was about to thank her, a servant hurried into the room, breathlessly announcing. “I found the necklace

All eyes darted towards the servant, causing Melody’s heart to leap into her throat.

Maria’s brow furrowed deeply as she demanded. “So where is it?

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