Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 176, 177, 178, 179 and 180)

Chapter 176

“What I have to say involves her,” Ken said.

This implied that Melody must stay.

As soon as these words were spoken, Janet’s face turned livid, her eyes clouded with a cold and indifferent look.

After the other executives left, Melody instinctively stood up and asked, “What involves me?”

Ken glanced at her indifferently, his expression unchanged. “Starting today, you will be a member of the HR department.”

“What?” Janet blurted out, her face full of shock and resistance.

“Me?” Melody was also surprised and couldn’t help but point to her own nose, doubting what she heard.

Janet quickly realized her outburst, bit her lip, and said, “Ken, we haven’t hired anyone for a long time. Bringing Miss Fox in so suddenly might make others uncomfortable.

Janet, feeling a bit guilty, looked at Melody and forced a smile, saying, “Miss Fox, our company is just a small tech firm. I’m afraid someone as talented as you wouldn’t be interested, or perhaps it’s not quite your field of expertise?”

As soon as the words were spoken, Melody felt Ken’s gaze fall upon her, seemingly asking with his eyes if she was willing.

Melody was eager to join Ximber Tech, as it meant she would be allied with Ken in some way.

Under Janet’s scrutinizing gaze, Melody promptly said, “Why wouldn’t I be interested? It’s an honor to join Ximber Tech. In fact, after touring the second–floor exhibition, I believe the company’s future is incredibly bright, and becoming the top in the Al tech industry is just around the corner. I’m really thrilled to be part of it!”

People needed to be flexible. When it was time to flatter, she would do it without hesitation. Besides, she was being completely honest.

Ken rarely saw this side of Melody. Normally, she was harsh.

He smiled slightly, but his smile quickly faded, and his expression returned to its usual indifference.

Ken said, “In that case, we’ll give you this opportunity.”

“Ken!” Janet was anxious, stepping forward. “Miss Fox has never worked in the HR apartment. It’s probably not suitable for her to join us. Besides, she knows nothing about Al technology and might not be helpful. Shouldn’t we reconsider?”

Ken looked at Janet with displeasure, his eyes cold.

Ken said, “Janet, I don’t want you bringing personal emotions into work.”

Having her motives exposed, Janet quickly explained, I’m not bringing personal emotions into work. I’m considering it from the company’s perspective. We shouldn’t hire someone so casually, especially for an important department. You know, your identity mustn’t be exposed lightly, so every hire is crucial

Melody said softly, “Miss Murphy if you’re worried that I’ll reveal Ken’s identity, you don’t need to. James follows me twenty–four hours a day. If I tried to leak information, he would stop me immediately. In other words, I’m the least likely person to reveal this secret.”

“Did you hear that?” Ken looked at Janet again.

Janet bit her lip, still unwilling to back down.

“But Miss Fox has never worked in HR, has she? I don’t think you have the ability to handle this position.” Janet paused and said, “Unless you can prove through your actions that you have the capability. At that point, not only would I have no objections to you being in HR, but even if you became the deputy manager of the personnel department, I would have no objections.”

Melody tilted her head and asked, “How do I prove it?”

Janet, with a subtle smile, said, “Aren’t you trying to poach Zack? If you can get him, as the director, I’ll wholeheartedly welcome you to join us.”

“Alright!” Melody nodded decisively. “The day I poach Zack will be the day I join the company. I hope you, Miss Murphy. will keep your word then.”

Janet smiled slightly and said. “Miss Fox, don’t speak too soon. It would be embarrassing if you can’t recruit Zack.”

Her face showed a confident smugness that Melody instantly caught. Melody’s eyes narrowed coldly as a suspicion flashed in her mind.

She thought, ‘Could it be that Janet leaked the information about Ford?”

If that was the case, she really overestimated Janet and felt ashamed of her.

But Melody didn’t show any of this and said calmly, “Whether I can or not, just wait and see.

Janet looked away disdainfully but noticed Ken studying her as if seeing through all her ulterior motives.

She averted her gaze in panic, asking nervously, “Ken, what is it?”

Ken said. “Janet, I hope you’re genuinely considering the company’s interests. Otherwise, I’ll question your ability to hold your current position.”

Janet felt a chill down her spine, her lips trembling before she bit down hard. She said, “I’m truly doing everything for the company. Why don’t you believe me? I’ve been with you from the start, building this company. Are you doubting me now over a newcomer?”

Janet struggled to control her emotions, yet managed to release just the right amount, making her appear extremely restrained while still making the anger in her heart impossible to ignore.

She looked truly wronged.

Ken’s thin lips moved as if to speak but said nothing. After a moment of silence, he sighed, Then let’s go with what you agreed upon. Once Melody proves her capability, she’ll become the deputy manager of HR.

Janet got what she wanted, feeling slightly relieved, and turned to smile at Melody.

That smile carried a triumph only Melody could understand.

Melody remained expressionless, not wanting to engage in the silent provocation

After the HR manager left, Janet turned to Ken and said, “Your trimmed eyebrows look nice and make you look more energetic. I should do it every month.”

“No need, Ken said.

He never cared about his appearance.

He glanced at Melody, who seemed lost in thought, her eyes unfocused. His dark eyes furrowed.

Janet asked, “Was the brokerage meeting this afternoon successful? Ramon will be back in a week, right? Pearly Antiques…”

“You don’t need to worry about the Swanson Group. something to do. Keep an eye on those points I mentioned.”

With that. Ken walked to Melody, looking down at her. “Let’s go.

“Oh… Melody quickly followed Ken.

Watching their backs, Janet stomped her feet in anger.

But she quickly collected herself, smiling at James. James, aren’t you leaving?”

“I have something to ask you.” James mustered the courage to look at Janet.

Chapter 177

James didn’t want to suspect Janet.

He wasn’t blind. He clearly saw that Janet’s expression as she watched Ken and Melody walk away looked like she wanted to devour someone, sending chills down his spine.

He had never seen this side of Janet before.

Given Janet’s bet on poaching Zack as a condition for Melody joining the company’s HR department, it was indeed hard not to suspect something related to Ford’s affair.

Janet asked in confusion. “What do you want to ask? Go ahead.”

James hesitated before saying, “Janet, I mentioned to you before about Miss Fox helping Zack’s grandfather with his illness. Have you told anyone else about it?”

Janet’s expression froze, then she looked bewildered and said. “No. I didn’t tell anyone.”

James asked, “Are you sure? Think carefully. Did you mention it to anyone unintentionally?”

Janet furrowed her brow as if recalling, and after a moment, she shook her head and said, “No, I haven’t told anyone. It’s not exactly an interesting topic to bring up everywhere, is it?”

After she finished speaking, Janet looked at James and asked, “Why are you suddenly asking me this?”

James fumbled for words, but under Janet’s gaze, he had to say honestly, “Zack suddenly moved, and the reason seems to be that he found out Miss Fox was treating Ford and became suspicious of her motives.”

Janet nodded, then suddenly asked, “Wait, James, are you suspecting me of deliberately leaking the information to prevent Melody from poaching Zack?”

“I didn’t…” James couldn’t lie. His expression immediately betrayed him when he tried.

“Well then…” Janet’s eyes filled with tears as she forced a bitter smile.

“James, I considered you a friend, but is this what you think of me? I admit, I don’t like Melody because of the way she is. I always feel she’ll harm Ken, and I don’t trust her, But that doesn’t mean I’d ruin the chance for Zack to join us just because of Melody. I’ve dedicated so much to this company over the years though you saw my efforts. Maybe I was mistaken.”

“No… Janet, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to doubt you. It’s just that so few people knew about this. James‘ face turned red as he explained, “I’m really sorry, Janet. I’ll never doubt you again! Please forget what I said and forgive me this once!”

Janet smiled bitterly and said, “I don’t mean to blame you, but please don’t think of me as someone who lets personal feelings interfere with work.”

James said, “I won’t. Ken won’t either. He’s just been busy and hasn’t had time to consider your feelings. You know he never lets personal feelings get in the way of business.”

Janet nodded. “I understand. Go ahead, I want to be alone for a while.”

James quickly nodded and left, afraid that saying more would only make things worse.

As soon as James turned away, the grievance on Janet’s face vanished.

Her expression turned cold, her eyes narrowing with a sharp, icy light.

Janet thought, “So, Melody is already trying to drive a wedge between me and James?

She wouldn’t let Melody succeed.

Ken would drive himself. Melody was about to sit in the back seat when she heard Ken’s deep voice asking, “Am I your chauffeur?”

Melody paused, hesitated for a second, then closed the door and sat in the passenger seat.

The car sped away from Ximber Tech, heading toward the Swanson villa.

Melody knew this trip to the Swanson family was to discuss the divorce.

She had been worried that after the divorce, she and Ken might no longer be allies. But the recent events rekindled her hope of joining forces with Ken to deal with Ulric.

While waiting at a red light, Ken glanced at Melody and couldn’t help but ask, “You don’t seem curious about Ximber Tech at all. Aren’t you curious why I founded this company and kept it a secret?”

He wasn’t gossiping. It was just that Melody’s calm reaction was too unusual.

Ken said. “I feel like you know more about me than I do about myself, including Ximber Tech.”

“Well…” Melody felt a bit guilty. “It’s not that I’m not curious. I just think you’ll tell me if you want to. If you don’t want to, there’s no point in asking”

This successfully dispelled Ken’s suspicion. He looked away, then after a moment of silence, said, “It started as an interest, then unintentionally grew from a small lab to a small company, and now into Ximber Tech. The Swanson family’s business is too dirty for my liking, and I don’t want to compete with Ulric Once I reclaim my mother’s Pearly Antiques, I’ll take my grandmother and cut ties with the Swanson family,”

Melody was surprised, looking at Ken. She didn’t expect Ken to tell her this.

These were things she didn’t know in her previous life.

Hearing that Ken wanted to cut ties with the Swanson family, Melody couldn’t help but say, “Besides Margaret, I don’t like the Swanson family either. But you have a share in it. There’s no need to let Ulric take it all. Plus, he accused you of crippling your own brother. Are you willing to give the entire Swanson family to him?

“To me, only my grandmother and my mother’s Pearly Antiques matter. What others think or say doesn’t matter. As for Ulric, as long as he doesn’t bother me, he can do as he likes, Ken said.

“Your tolerance… If Ulric had half of it, he wouldn’t have done what he did,” Melody said.

If Ulric knew that the Swanson family, which he schemed so hard to get, was something Ken didn’t even care about, he would be furious.

Melody opened her mouth but didn’t continue to persuade Ken.

She knew that no matter how much Ken conceded, Ulric would still stop at nothing to eliminate him.

Their war would never end until one of them was defeated.

All Melody could do was wait for Ulric to make a move, wait for Ken to change his mind, and then join him to deal with Ulric.

Striking now would only be counterproductive.

Soon, they arrived at the Swanson villa.

Chapter 178

Wendell did not expect to run into Ken.

He knew that even if Ken returned to Silverlake, he wouldn’t spend the night there. However, today was an exception.

Feeling a bit guilty, Wendell rubbed his nose and forced a smile, saying. “Mr. Swanson, what are you saying? You are now in charge of the company, and the brokerage conference slot naturally belongs to you. I wouldn’t be worthy of attending.

Despite his words, Wendell was seething inside.

Previously, when the chairman was absent, he was the one attending the brokerage conference on behalf of the chairman. This conference was the best channel for networking.

But now. Ken was managing the company, and due to the Taynorma Capital matter, Wendell didn’t dare provoke Ken and had to give up this golden opportunity.

“It seems you’re not foolish and know your place,” Ken said with a playful smile.

“You…” Wendell flared up but quickly suppressed his anger, forcing a dry smile. If you have nothing else, I’ll take my leave…”

“Wait.” Ken stopped him. “The acquisition of Thaynorma Capital nearing completion. Don’t you have anything to say to me?

Wendell stiffened, his face twitching

He gritted his teeth and said, “I don’t understand what you mean. The project is now in your hands. What could I possibly have to say?”

Ken smiled faintly and said. “In that case, just leave.”

Wendell clenched his fists, said nothing, and quickly left.

Melody watched Wendell’s car leave, then turned to Ken and asked, “Why does he seem so afraid of you? Doesn’t he have Astrid and Ulric backing him?”

Ken didn’t answer and only said, “You’ll know in a week”

Seeing that Ken didn’t want to explain, Melody wisely nodded and didn’t press further.

But she vaguely remembered that Wendell seemed to have no presence later on

After getting in the car, Wendell immediately called Astrid, saying in a flustered manner, “Astrid, the acquisition is almost complete, and your husband will be back soon. What should I do now?”

Astrid replied impatiently, “Didn’t I just tell you? Money makes the world go round. I’m preparing the funds. Taynorma Capital took my money, so they won’t fail to deliver. Ken can’t offer a very low price, and as long as we promise to cover his losses, he won’t pass up the chance to make money by betraying you.”

Wendell finally calmed down.

“My future depends on you,” he said.

Astrid said, “Alright. Just make sure you find someone skilled in sine–line acupuncture. I promise you’ll never have to worry about anything for the rest of your life.”

Wendell said, “Don’t worry, as soon as the person from the forum logs in, I’ll set up a meeting!”

Astrid ended the call, standing by the window watching Ken and Melody enter, a look of doubt on her face.

Astrid thought. These two are supposed to have gotten their marriage certificate under Margaret’s orders. Why did their interaction seem so much like that of a real couple? Ken’s taste couldn’t be that bad, right?‘

With these doubts, Astrid turned and walked downstairs. She needed to know what Ken was up to.

As soon as they entered, Margaret received the news and rushed downstairs, abandoning the flowers she was arranging.

“You come over without any prior notice.” Margaret’s face was full of joy, but her tone carried a bit of reproach.

Seeing Margaret’s delighted expression, Melody felt a twinge of guilt.

She looked at Ken, silently asking when they would bring up the divorce. Ken, without even glancing at her, stepped forward. to support Margaret, saying, “It was a last-minute decision, so we didn’t have time to inform you. Next time we come, we’ll definitely tell you in advance.”

Melody thought, ‘Next time?”

She was even more puzzled.

Weren’t they here to discuss divorce? Why was Ken following Margaret’s wishes?

Using Ken’s support, Margaret sat steadily on the sofa, then gestured for Melody to sit beside her. With a cheerful smile, she said, “You two are just in time. A friend of Astrid’s brought over a lamb, and we’re having a roast lamb in the garden tonight I was thinking of calling you, but I was worried you might be busy. I didn’t expect you to have such good timing, arriving just as the lamb is being prepared”

Margaret loved lamb, but she hadn’t had any due to her illness. The “gift” from Astrid’s friend was perfect.

Her previous dissatisfaction with Astrid for her role in Ken’s predicament seemed forgotten.

Elder people often deceive themselves. Melody knew Margaret didn’t want to believe that Astrid and Ulric had framed Ken, It seemed the investigation needed to be prioritized.

As soon as Margaret finished speaking, Astrid’s voice came from the stairs.

“What are you saying about me?” Astrid said.

Margaret laughed and said, “You have sharp ears. I was just telling them your friend brought a lamb, and we’re having a roast tonight.”

Astrid descended the stairs with a broad smile.

“Oh, you two came back. I’ll have the chef slaughter the lamb now. Although it looks ugly, my friend assured me it tastes amazing, Melody, you must try it,” Astrid said.

Melody sensed Astrid’s deliberate emphasis on “ugly,” and she responded with a smile.

“Some things can’t be judged by appearance. Some pretty things are rotten inside, but people still consider them treasures, I’ll be sure to taste it carefully,” Melody said.

Both spoke in veiled terms, but Margaret, oblivious, thought they were merely discussing the lamb, and continued to smile happily.

Astrid’s smile stiffened, and she forced out a compliment through gritted teeth, “Miss Fox, you’re quite eloquent. No wonder Ken agreed to marry you. Truly a perfect match.

Melody was about to respond when Ken casually asked, “I heard you were looking for a doctor to treat my brother’s leg, Have you found one yet?”

Astrid’s smile vanished, and she quickly changed the subject, saying, “Til go check with the chef about the lamb.”

With that, Astrid left quickly.

Melody couldn’t help but chuckle and gave Ken a thumbs up behind Margaret’s back.

Ken’s words had hit Astrid’s sore spot perfectly.

Margaret, however, stopped smiling and frowned slightly. “Ken, it’s best not to mention Ulric in front of your mom. It really hurts her.

Ken had forgotten Margaret was there, and in his eagerness to support Melody, he spoke without thinking. He lowered his head in regret. “I’m sorry, Grandma.”

“I’m not blaming you, just reminding you. No need to apologize Margaret said with a smile. “But there’s good news about Ulric’s leg. They say if we find someone skilled in nine-line acupuncture, his leg can be healed.”

Melody’s hand paused as she drank water, but she quickly resumed her composure, not responding to Margaret.

Chapter 179

Melody remained silent, but Margaret still focused her gaze on her.

Margaret said, “Melody, you’re skilled in medicine. Do you have any friends who also know nine–line acupuncture?”

“I’m sorry, Grandma, but I’ve never heard of nine–line acupuncture,” Melody said…

Melody didn’t want to lie to Margaret, but regarding Ulric’s matter, she had to.

“I see.” Margaret sighed. “Astrid and the others have been looking for days without finding anyone who knows nine–line acupuncture. If everyone could do it, it wouldn’t be so hard to find.

As she spoke, a female voice came from the entrance. “Margaret! I heard there’s roast lamb today!”

Melody instinctively looked up and saw a lady in a fashionable dress running in.

She immediately recognized that the lady was Cadence Hunter, Wendell’s daughter.

Melody’s heart tightened with an overwhelming sense of disgust.

In her previous life, Cadence had humiliated Melody multiple times. After Melody got together with Ulric, Cadence often teamed up with Astrid to bully her, making her life miserable.

But in her previous life, Melody loved Ulric deeply. Because Cadence and Ulric were close, she endured and never fought back against Cadence’s oppression.

Cadence had even been involved in the plot where Ulric tricked Melody into going to the hospital to have her heart removed.

It was Cadence who pretended to be sick, giving Ulric an excuse to take Melody to the hospital.

Melody had been foolish. When Cadence refused to let her feel her pulse, Melody should have sensed something was wrong.

But Melody’s love for Ulric had dulled her senses, making her worry about Cadence instead of being suspicious.

How laughable!

Melody pressed her lips together, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped her dress.

Ken noticed something was amiss and asked Melody quietly, “What’s wrong? That’s Wendell’s daughter, and she’s like my cousin, very close to Grandma. Do you know her?”

Melody shook her head and quickly composed herself, saying, “No, she just looks familiar.”

“That’s normal.” Ken didn’t think much of it and introduced Cadence, saying, “She’s a fashion designer and model, quite popular lately.”

Melody nodded and looked up to find Cadence staring at her with a mixture of curiosity, disdain, and dislike in her probing gaze.

When Margaret saw Cadence, her smile grew even wider, her face wrinkling with joy.

Margaret said, “What a special day, you’re all here!”

Cadence averted her gaze, smiling as she ran to Margaret, pushing Melody aside to sit next to Margaret, and coquettishly said, “Margaret, I heard you recovered. I’ve been wanting to visit you, but I was in Masmana Nation for the fashion week and couldn’t come back. I came straight here as soon as I returned to Halcyon!”

“You are the most considerate, always thinking of me! Stay for the roast lambs and go shopping with me tonight. You have a good taste. Help me pick some clothes Margaret beamed.

“Great. I love shopping with you, Cadence said sweetly, then greeted Ken enthusiastically before pretending to just notice Melody. She asked in surprise. “Margaret, is this your guest?”

Margaret said, “You mean Melody? She’s not a guest, She’s….

Ken coughed, signaling Margaret with his eyes not to tell the outsider Melody’s identity.

Margaret paused and said, “Melody is my doctor. She cured my illness”

“Doctor?” Cadence looked at Melody skeptically. “Doctors are the young? Margaret, don’t let her deceive you. There are many scammers these days.”

“Cadence, don’t speak nonsense” Margaret frowned and scolded.

Ken also said sternly, “I saw her cure Grandma. Don’t talk nonsense, Cadence.

Cadence was displeased. Margaret had never scolded her before.

Cadence’s gaze towards Melody turned even more hostile.

She clung to Margaret, saying in a hurt tone. “I was just worried about you being deceived.”

“You.. Margaret shook her head helplessly and affectionately, looking at Melody. “Don’t mind her, Melody. This child is not malicious, just spoiled by me.”

Having already composed herself, Melody smiled faintly in response. “I won’t take it to heart. Cadence speaks straightforwardly, and I prefer people like her who speak their minds over those who beat around the bush. People like Cadence usually have nothing to hide.

Cadence pursed her lips, thinking, Judging by her taste in clothes, she’s no socialite, just someone trying to climb the social ladder!‘

But outwardly, she said, “I’m glad you don’t mind. I was just worried about Margaret. Now that I know you’re not a scammer, I’m relieved. By the way, where do you live? Which family are you from?”

Before Melody could respond, Margaret said first, “Cadence, isn’t your idol Wilona? She’s Wilona’s daughter, Melody Fox.”

“What?” Cadence raised her voice, her eyes wide as she looked at Melody. “You’re Wilona’s daughter?”

Melody nodded. “Yes, Wilona is my mother.”

“That’s impossible!” Cadence blurted out. “My idol is so beautiful How could she have such an ugly daughter? Wait, you’re Melody? Then Mabel is your sister? You’re the one they talk about in the group.”

Cadence heard that Melody, who was said to be unattractive and from a rural background, was plotting and maliciously stealing Mabel’s lover.

Of course, Cadence didn’t say the rest because she noticed Ken’s and Margaret’s faces darken.

She quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, Miss Fox. I just thought Wilona’s daughter would be more beautiful. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Melody smiled and shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m used to people saying I’m not good–looking.”

Chapter 180

Cadence pretended to admit her mistake and nodded. Then, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure descending the stairs.

She looked over in surprise and then exclaimed joyfully, “Ulric Your leg is healed?”

When she heard this, Melody’s heart tightened.

She quickly turned her head to see Ulric walking down the stairs, his back straight.

Her heart sank for a moment.

Melody thought Ulric’s leg was healed ahead of schedule. When did this happen? Who healed him?”

As Ulric walked down step by step, reaching the corner of the stairs, Melody felt a wave of relief.

Ulric hadn’t healed his leg but had equipped it with mechanical support, allowing him to walk like a normal person, albeit slowly and somewhat awkwardly.

Thank goodness… Melody exhaled in her mind but noticed Ken’s meaningful look at the mechanical tool on Ulric’s leg.

She glanced back at Ulric and saw the tool was branded with an

Kimber Tech manufacture.

She couldn’t help but find it amusing, though she quickly hid the mocking smile.

Cadence, realizing her mistake, quickly changed the subject “Ulric, there’s roast lamb today. Did you come down because of the smell?”

Although Cadence’s earlier words made him awkward, Ulric remained as warm as ever, smiling gently, “I came down because I heard voices. No wonder it’s so lively. Turns out you’re here. How did the fashion week go?”

“Very well. I will soon have my own brand. I’ve already decided on the name, Cadence’s World”

Ulric shook his head and said, “That’s not a good name. I’ll ask a professional team to help you come up with a name.”

Cadence was overjoyed, her cheeks flushing with happiness as she nodded. “Okay, thank you, Ulric

Melody looked at Cadence in surprise, then glanced at Ulric, sensing an unusual atmosphere….

The expression on Cadence’s face was that of a girl in love.

Melody thought, ‘Could it be that Cadence has feelings for Ulric.

Melody raised an eyebrow, deciding to find an opportunity to confirm this suspicion.

At that moment, Ulric’s gaze fell on Melody and Ken, who seemed to be much closer, standing shoulder to shoulder.

His smile remained unchanged, looking genuinely pleased.

Before leaving, Ramon had ordered that Melody and Ken’s engagement should not be made public, so Ulric didn’t reveal their relationship. Additionally, there was a subtle displeasure in his heart. He simply greeted them, “Ken, Miss Fox, you’re here too.”

Ken turned away and said expressionlessly, ‘Grandma, I’ll go check on the roast lamb.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Melody, signaling her to follow.

However, Melody had her own plans and pretended not to see Ken’s signal. She walked over to Margaret and said, “Grandma, roast lamb can be a bit greasy. If you don’t mind. I can cook some side dishes to go with it.”

“Great!” Margaret was delighted. “I didn’t know you could cook. I’d love to try your dishes.”

Melody smiled and nodded. Just as she was about to head to the kitchen, Cadence said, “Margaret, I know a bit about cooking too. I’ll help Miss Fox.

Margaret said, “Good. I’m glad you’re willing to help, just don’t overwork yourself,”

“Got it!” Cadence smiled proudly.

Melody also smiled, this was exactly what she was waiting for.

But she also noticed Ken leaving with a displeased look on his face.

Her smile stiffened slightly, but she still walked to the kitchen.

She and Cadence entered the kitchen one after the other. Just as Melody was about to start, Cadence pushed her aside and said like a hostess, “Clean all the available ingredients.”

The servants knew Cadence well. Even though it was a big task, they didn’t dare refuse and immediately got busy.

Cadence’s lips curved into a smug smile. She turned to Melody and apologized, “Sorry, Miss Fox. I don’t know what dishes to make, so I need to choose the ingredients first, You don’t mind, night?”

Melody smiled and shook her head. “No. Go ahead and choose.”

Cadence raised an eyebrow and picked the ingredients without hesitation.

Cadence said. This, this, and this… All of these.”

She chose almost all the expensive and fresh ingredients, leaving Melody with only some common, everyday ones.

After selecting the ingredients, Cadence covered her mouth in feigned surprise and said, “Oh dear, Miss Fox, it seems there aren’t many ingredients left for you.”

Melody didn’t respond, only asking. “Miss Hunter, have you finished choosing? Can I start cooking now?”

Cadence glanced at her and haughtily nodded. “Yes, you can.”

With the remaining ingredients, Melody wouldn’t be able to make anything impressive.

Melody walked around the kitchen and finally stopped in front of an inconspicuous pot.

“What is this?” Melody asked, even though she had already smelled it.

A servant stepped forward to say, “This is our homemade pickled radish and ginger. Nothing fancy…”

Hearing this, Cadence laughed and asked, “Miss Fox, you’re not going to use these servants‘ food to cook for Margaret, are -you?”

“Ingredients have no class distinction, Melody said calmly, pointing at the pot. I’ll take some of this.”

The servant, surprised but flattered, nodded eagerly. “Yes. Right away!”

Seeing this, Cadence felt even more disdainful and didn’t bother to look at Melody anymore. She started making her own dishes.

Though she said she was cooking, it was actually the Swanson family’s head chef doing the work while she pointed and Instructed.

Melody took some of the contents from the pot and found half a duck in the refrigerator.

She skillfully cut the duck into appropriately sized pieces, then blanched and stir-fried them.

The duck had a lot of fat, and after being stir-fried on high heat, the fat rendered out, turning a beautiful golden color.

The head chef, helping Cadence, couldn’t help but glance at Melody repeatedly

Melody didn’t pay attention to others, focusing on filtering out the fat and then adding pickled ginger and peppers.

When the time was right, she added the pickled radish, then poured in a can of beer and water, covered the pot, and let it simmer.

After this, she made a strawberry mousse.

While waiting for everything to cook, Melody casually approached Cadence.

“What dishes did you make, Miss Hunter?” Melody asked.

Cadence quickly grabbed the spatula from the head chef, trying to appear busy, and dismissed the chef. “Just some simple dishes, like braised abalone and sea cucumber

The abalone was the best and largest, and the sea cucumber had been freshly flown in from abroad. Selling these dishes outside would fetch prices well over a thousand dollars.

Melody smiled, not discussing the dishes further, but instead asked, “Miss Hunter, are you close with Ulric?”

“Why do you ask?” Cadence immediately turned unhappy.

Melody lowered her eyes, feigning shyness. “I guess you don’t know. Ulric and I are betrothed. I want to learn more about him from you.”

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