Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255)

Chapter 251

Melody looked deeply at Ruby.

As expected of someone from a prestigious family, even when Ruby was chasing her away, Ruby’s tone was polite.

Melody could not help but have a favorable impression of Ruby. Although she had asked Colin to help her so that she could obtain the Taylor family’s secret pill, she now sincerely wanted to help Ruby get pregnant.

Aren’t you leaving? Mason’s face darkened when he saw Melody standing there indifferently. He took out his phone and was about to call the police.

However, at this moment, Melody calmly looked at Mason and said, You’ve been having headaches recently. When your headache is most intense, you’ll temporarily lose sight.

As soon as she said that, the phone in Mason’s hand fell to the dining table with a thud.

Obviously, Melody was right.

When Ruby saw Mason’s reactions, she knew that Melody was right. She was shocked and worried.

Ruby said, Hubby, have you been having headaches recently? Why did you hide such a serious problem from me?

I’m afraid that you’ll be worried. Mason did not have the time to explain at the moment. After answering Ruby, he looked at Melody deeply and asked: How do you know about these things?

He had not even mentioned to Ruby his illness because he thought it was caused by too much work recently. He originally planned to see a doctor after he was done with his work.

However, the situation has been getting worse recently. There would even be the temporary blindness that Melody had mentioned just now.

Melody said calmly, Traditional medicine emphasizes observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and pulse diagnosis. I can see your condition at a glance. If you let your condition worsen without treatment, it will eventually lead to permanent blindness.

Mason thought, “permanent blindness! He was stunned.

When Ruby heard that, she quickly tugged at Mason’s sleeve. Hubby, I don’t think she’s a liar. Why don’t you let her examine you?

In the beginning, Mason was not willing to let Melody remain in his sight for even a second longer. But now, she could actually see his symptoms at a glance. This meant that she was indeed capable.

Just as Mason was still hesitating whether to trust Melody, Melody calmly said, I can treat you, and cure you in less than ten days. However, I need to take your pulse first before I prescribe the medicine for you.

Ten days? Mason was tempted. This illness was really uncomfortable when it acted up. It was as if his head was about to explode.

What was even more torturous was the intermittent blindness. If it acted up at the wrong time, it was very easy for accidents to happen.

Mason gritted his teeth and said, Miss Fox, I’m really sorry just now. It’s just that there are so many liars now, so I misunderstood you.

Ruby also apologized profusely with an extremely sincere attitude.

Melody waved her hand and said nonchalantly, I understand. I won’t take it to heart.

Then, I’ll have to trouble you Miss Fox to take my pulse. As Mason spoke, he took the initiative to pull out a chair for Melody. Then, he sat opposite Melody and extended his hand for her to take his pulse.

Melody placed her fingers on Mason’s wrist and focused on taking his pulse.

After more than a minute, she retracted her hand and said, Alright! I’ll give you a prescription. Get Ms. Wilson to go to Herbathrive to get the medicine for you. You have to be careful not to drink alcohol during this period of time. You have to be accompanied when you go out, in case your illness suddenly flares up and an accident happens.

Alright! Alright… Alright! Mason hurriedly nodded and said, Then Ruby’s illness…

Melody glanced at Ruby and saw that her expression was a little stiff. Melody smiled and said, Ms. Wilson’s face is rosy, so it shouldn’t be a big problem. It’s just that the doctor she saw in the past didn’t find anything wrong, so she couldn’t treat it. However, I have some questions that I need to ask Ms. Wilson in private, so…

Mason stood up tactfully and said, I’ll order a few more dishes for you. You guys chat.

Melody nodded and watched Mason leave. When the door of the private room was closed and the footsteps faded away, Melody said: Ms. Wilson, Colin told me about your situation.

Ruby lowered her eyes and said with mixed feelings, Yes!… Dr. Herbert said that there’s nothing wrong with my body at all. The problem lies with my husband. But his personality… You should have sensed it just now. He’s completely straightforward and a little paranoid. He only believes what he wants to believe. I’m afraid that if I tell him, it will affect our relationship as husband and wife.

Melody patted Ruby’s hand and said, I know what you’re worried about, so I’ve already taken a look at his problem with the excuse of treating his headache.

Ruby immediately asked in surprise, You’ve already helped him take a look?

Melody said, Yes! Besides, I can treat his headache and infertility together.

Ruby paused and asked, Miss Fox, may I ask what’s wrong with my husband? Is it serious? Is it easy to treat?

His sperm motility is too low. Although he’s only 30 years old, if he goes to the hospital for a test, I estimate that his motility level might be about the same as an old man in his 70’s or 80’s.

How did this happen? Ruby covered her mouth in shock.

Melody said: Actually, this is a common problem among men of this generation.

Their motility level is generally lower than that of men from the last century. This is because the men of this generation have great pressure in life and poor living habits. However, it’s rare for their motility level to be as low as his, but fortunately, it’s not a big problem. I happen to have a prescription, you guys can sleep together. I believe you’ll hear good news soon.

That’s great! Ruby exclaimed excitedly.

However, she immediately realized that she had lost her composure. She blushed shyly and apologized, I’m sorry, Miss Fox. I got carried away.

Melody smiled and said: That’s normal. However, if you’re worried that it will affect his mood or your relationship, you can always hide it from him. I’ll say that the prescription is to treat his headache. When his headache has improved, his infertility condition will also have improved. At the same time, I’ll give you a nourishing prescription that’s more suitable for pregnancy.

Ruby nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with excitement.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door of the private room.

Please come in, Melody said slowly. Only then did Mason push open the door and enter. He asked cautiously, Miss Fox, how’s my wife’s condition?

Melody replied: I’ve already found the problem. I’ll prescribe a prescription for her. Coincidentally, both of you are going to take traditional medicine. You can supervise each other.

Mason nodded repeatedly. He took out a check that he had prepared outside and stuffed it into Melody’s hand.

Mason said, Miss Fox. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it.

Melody looked at the check and realized that Mason had directly given her 20 million dollars.

She quickly rejected him. There’s no need for the money. I’m doing a good deed.

That won’t do. Miss Fox, just accept it. Ruby said.

Melody was silent for two seconds before saying. This money is too much. I really can’t accept it. How about this? When the two of you have good news, I want to ask the two of you for something. At that time, please don’t reject me.

Mason asked, What is it? As long as I have it, you can just ask me for it.

Melody smiled and said, I won’t accept a reward for nothing. When the prescription takes effect, I’ll look for the two of you to fulfill your promise.

Mason said, Alright then. I’ve ordered some dishes. Miss Fox, please have a meal with us.

Melody replied, Then, I’ll oblige.

It just so happened that she had not eaten lunch, and she had something very important to ask Mason.

Chapter 252

However, Melody was not in a hurry to ask Mason. She waited until the meal was almost done before she slowly said, Mr. Taylor, I have something to ask you. I don’t know if you know about it.

Go ahead, Mason said.

Whether his own headache could be cured by Melody was actually secondary. After all, the Taylor family was also a family of doctors. They could always help him treat his minor ailment.

As for Ruby’s illness, it was only because he didn’t want the Taylor family to know that the person he loved couldn’t get pregnant, so he had no choice but to seek doctors outside.

It was a pity that she hadn’t been able to conceive all these years.

If Melody could really let them have a child, he would be extremely patient even if she asked a hundred questions, let alone one question.

Melody thought for a moment before asking, Do you know a woman named Jennie Taylor?

As soon as she asked that, Mason’s expression instantly turned grim.

Am I being rude? Melody asked as she observed Mason’s expression.

No… Mason waved his hand and said in a low voice, it’s just that the person you’re asking about is a taboo for the Taylor family, so when I heard her name, I subconsciously felt a little disgusted. But since you asked, I’ll tell you.

Ruby’s face was filled with confusion. Obviously, she had never heard of Jennie before. She could not help but ask curiously. Taboo? Hubby, who is this person? Why is it a taboo in our family?

Mason subconsciously wanted to get the wine, but when he thought of Melody’s reminder, he held back and took a sip of water. Actually, Jennie is my aunt.

Ruby was even more surprised. I’ve never heard that our father has a sister.

Mason sighed and said: Before we met, Jennie had already been chased out of the house by my grandfather. As for the reason… it was because she wanted to poison my grandfather and seize all of the Taylor family’s assets.

Melody’s expression was calm as she waited for Mason to continue.

Mason looked away. As he reminisced, he said: Jennie is extremely intelligent and proficient in medicine. However, later on, she went astray. Instead of using her medical skills to save people, she used them to harm people and become a Malicious doctor.

After my grandfather found out, he burned all the poison she had developed and warned her solemnly.

However, not only did she not mend her ways, she even poisoned my grandfather. Fortunately, she had a senior at that time called Quintin. He saved my grandfather.

After my grandfather recovered, he chased Jennie out of the house. After that, she seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth. She has never appeared in front of us again, and we haven’t heard anything about her.

After Mason finished speaking, he looked at Melody curiously and asked: Miss Fox, why did you suddenly mention Jennie who has disappeared for a long time?

Melody looked deeply at Mason and said: I recently discovered a poison that only she and Quentin have. I want to know if Jennie is planning to appear again.

What? Mason’s eyes were filled with surprise. She actually had the cheek to appear?

Melody nodded and then shook her head. I can’t be sure for the time being that she was the one who used the poison. I just want to find out more about her. Since she’s your aunt, I’ll tell you if there are any new developments.

Mason hurriedly said: If it’s really as you said, please inform me immediately so that I can tell the elders in the family. She hates my grandfather to the core. The Taylor family is not as powerful as before. If she appears again, it’s very likely that she will deal with the Taylor family.

Melody nodded. I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you immediately if there’s any news. However, if you have any news about her, please inform me immediately.

Mason said, sure.

After saying that, Melody stood up and said goodbye. Mason and Ruby watched her disappear from their sight before looking away.

Miss Fox… isn’t to be trifled with, Mason said with a frown.

Ruby asked in confusion, Are you saying that her medical skills are superb?

That’s not all. Mason said thoughtfully, Jennie has committed too many misdeeds. The traces of her existence have long been erased by us. However, Miss Fox actually knows Jennie’s name. This means that Miss Fox’s identity is not simple. I have to go back and find out who she is.

Ruby was not interested in Melody’s background. She only cared about Melody’s medical skills.

In the blink of an eye, it was night. After Melody bid farewell to Mason and Ruby, she busied herself in the spare laboratory for the entire afternoon. When she snapped out of her concentration she looked at the time, she realized that it was already past six o’clock.

She wondered when the auction would begin that night.

Just as she was thinking about it, Ken called. I have to deal with the Lawrence family. James will take you to the auction house.

Melody replied, Okay!

She thought. It doesn’t matter who accompanies me, However, the Lawrence family…

She couldn’t help but ask worriedly, The Lawrence family has a lot of connections in Silverlake. Can you handle it? If you really can’t, then forget it. Anyway, nothing happened to me.

Ken’s voice was cold. The Lawrence family isn’t so capable that I can’t handle them. I just want to give them a surprise.

Melody asked: What surprise?

Ken replied: You’ll know when the time comes.

Ken kept Melody in suspense, so she did not continue asking. Since she would find out sooner or later, there was no need to be anxious.

After she got a second chance at life, the first lesson she learned was patience.

A hunter could only capture his prey if he was patient enough. Otherwise, he would only become the prey’s plaything.

However, Ken would bring down the Lawrence family for her. She seemed to feel a stir in her heart.

Ken continued, There’s also something I want in tonight’s auctions. Take the two things you want as a gift. Just bid and let James pay.

Melody paused for a while before answering, Okay!

Ken had actually considered that she did not have much cash on hand. While she was surprised, her heart warmed slightly.

After the call ended, James called. Miss Fox, are you done? I’ll wait for you on the ground floor of Icy Clear Cosmetics.

Melody said: I’ll come downstairs now.

James replied, OK!

Melody packed her things and was about to leave when she happened to meet Leo, who had come to check on her.

Mr. Sherman, Melody greeted him out of courtesy.

Leo asked with a smile, are you off work?

Melody replied, yeah!

Leo asked, how’s the work coming?

She answered vaguely, I’m still working on it.

Leo curled his lips and said, Miss Fox, you don’t have to make things so difficult for yourself. The improved version of Golden Water developed by the employees can be put into clinical trials soon. I think you might as well take a good rest these few days so that you can have the energy to fight when the day of our bet arrives.

Melody looked deeply at Leo and suddenly asked, Mr. Sherman, do you have a girlfriend?

Leo was stunned and asked suspiciously.

Miss Fox, why are you suddenly asking this?

Melody smiled and said: It’s nothing. It’s just that I happen to have an aunt who’s also single. I want to introduce her to you.

No need, Leo refused without thinking. I already have a girlfriend.

Melody asked, Really? How long have you been dating?

She was like a gossipy little girl. Leo was arrogant and did not see her as a threat at all. He answered naturally, I started dating recently. It’s been almost a month.

Melody nodded. Then I’ll wait for the company to win the bet and attend your wedding party.

Sure thing, Leo laughed and seemed to have lost the patience to chat with her. He turned and left.

Melody smiled coldly and said goodbye to Leo heading downstairs.

It was impossible for someone like Jennie to take a fancy to a middle-aged man like Leo who came from a middle-class family and had nothing special about him, unless… Leo had something that she wanted.

Melody wondered, But what does Jennie want? There are too many mysteries surrounding Jennie. Perhaps, it’s time for me to inform Quentin.

Chapter 253

Melody was lost in thought, and when she finally looked up, she was met with James’s scowling face. He immediately began complaining, Miss Fox, didn’t Mr. Swanson tell you? The auction is at seven, and there’s no way you’ll make it in time if you start getting ready now. And yet, you’re still moving so slowly!

Melody had lost track of time while talking with Leo, so she reluctantly said, I guess I won’t bother getting dressed up. It doesn’t make much difference with this face of mine anyway. Having lived with her plain appearance for so long, she had completely stopped caring about her looks.

James’s scowl softened, and he said, Let’s head straight to the venue then, but if Mr. Swanson asks, it’s not on me. You were the one who said you didn’t need to get dressed up.

Of course. Melody nodded. She had a lot on her plate, and today, she was dressed in simple jeans and a short-sleeved shirt-plain as could be. But she would buy things, not walking a runway, so what she wore didn’t matter. However, not everyone was indifferent to appearance and attire. When Melody arrived at the entrance of the auction, she was stopped by security. This is an auction; unauthorized individuals are not allowed in. She had been mistaken for an unauthorized person.

Melody had no choice but to explain, I’m here for the auction.

You? The security guard gave her a once-over and extended his hand, asking, Where’s your invitation? Let me check it.

Melody had been brought by James, who had gone to park the car, so she didn’t have the invitation with her. Frowning, she said, You didn’t ask people who just went in their invitations.

The security guard remained firm. NO invitation, no entry.

Just as Melody was about to argue, a familiar voice came from behind. What are you doing here? Instinctively, Melody turned her head and saw Mabel, arm-in-arm with Regina, looking at her with a displeased expression.

Mabel went to deliver desserts to Ken but was denied access by the front desk. After searching around, she finally got Ken’s phone number, but he promptly blocked her as soon as she introduced herself.

This humiliating experience, being blocked by Ken, had soured Mabel’s mood all day. Seeing Melody being stopped by the security guard, Mabel’s soured mood slightly eased.

She looked down at Melody with disdain and chuckled. Melody, I don’t know why you’re here, but some places aren’t just open for anyone to walk into. Unlike here, who didn’t need an invitation-just as face scanning would do. The Title of “Best Celebrity” held considerable prestige and importance.

Mabel continued to mock Melody, unaware of Regina’s increasingly unnatural expression. Regina never expected to encounter Melody here, and immediate anxiety about being exposed and losing everything consumed her mind. She wondered, Has this oddball seen the news? Will she expose me? The more Regina thought about it, the more frightened she became, fearing that everything she had gained could vanish instantly.

Unable to bear it any longer, Regina discreetly pulled Mabel, who was incessantly taunting Melody, and whispered, Stop talking. Let’s go in. You wanted something from the auction. I’ll give you.

Upon hearing this, Mabel’s eyes instantly lit up. Are you serious?

Regina’s eyes briefly flickered with disdain, which she quickly concealed, nodding subtly. I’m serious.

With her attention now diverted to Regina’s offer, Mabel no longer bothered to insult Melody. She looked coldly at Melody and haughtily remarked, We’re going in. You better leave quickly and stop embarrassing yourself here.

When Mabel’s words fell, a male voice sounded, Miss Fox, why are you still standing at the entrance? Didn’t I ask you to wait for me inside? It was James who had arrived. Meeting James’s gaze, Meldoy spoke slowly, The security guard said I needed to show an invitation to enter.

The security guard, shocked, glanced between James and Melody, his face filled with fear and apologies. So, you’re Mr. Swanson’s associate! I apologize deeply for my mistake. You don’t need to show an invitation. Please come in, and please forgive my rudeness earlier! The security guard seemed on the verge of dropping his knees to Melody.

Upon seeing this, Regina’s eyes widened in surprise. She thought: James is known as Ken’s top confidant. This oddball has a connection with James. Could she possibly use this connection to expose my lies? Regina’s body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Oblivious to Regina’s changing expression, Mabel observed the interaction between James and Melody with increasing mockery in her eyes. She thought: no wonder Ken goes out of this way to help Melody. Turns out she’s gotten close to his right-hand man. How short-sighted of him. I’ll be Mrs. Swanson in the future, while Melody will be nothing more than the assistant’s wife. Or even James might not genuinely like her, maybe he’s just after a fleeting novelty. Mabel became increasingly pleased with these thoughts, to the point where she even hoped the Clark family wouldn’t deal with Melody too quickly. She eagerly anticipated the day Melody would have to address her as Mrs. Swanson.

On the other hand, Melody didn’t want to argue with a security guard, understanding it was simply his job, So, she remained silent and turned directly to James, saying, let’s go in.

James paid no attention to Mabel and Regina. He acknowledged Melody with a grunt and walked alongside her into the venue.

Regina stared directly at Melody’s back, realizing Melody hadn’t noticed her. She sighed in relief, thinking, Looks like she had no idea I took credit for her work. That’s good, then I’ll have to get Mom to spend some money to suppress those news stories to avoid complications. With these thoughts on her mind, Regina walked into the venue.

They arrived late, by now, the venue was nearly complete. Regina and Mabel struggled to find their seats in a corner, only to glance up and see Melody sitting in the front row of the VIP section. Upon seeing this, both of them couldn’t hide their jealousy.

Soon, the auction began. James pointed discreetly to an antique vase in the catalog and whispered, Miss Fox, this is what Mr. Swanson wants.

They had only one bidder’s paddle between them, and Ken had assigned it to Melody, so naturally, the responsibility fell to her. Melody looked at the antique vase in the catalog, her expression somewhat surprised.

Does he like antiques? Melody was surprised that someone who designed high-tech AI products had a liking for antiques.

James shook his head and said, Mrs. Swanson, Ken’s mother kept this in the Pearly Antiques before her passing. After her death, it was sold off. Somehow, it found its way back here and ended up in Benny Lawrence’s possession. That’s why we must secure it in this auction.

Got it! Melody understood instantly, but deep down, she felt today’s auction right not go smoothly.

Soon, the hostess brought the first item up for auction onto the state.

Chapter 254

The first item up for the auction was a necklace encrusted with diamonds. As the hostess brought it on the stage, nearly every woman in the room had their eyes light up except for Melody. She wasn’t fond of overly extravagant things. The auctioneer passionately described the item.

Regina quietly asked Mabel in the back row, Mabel, do you not like your sister?

Mabel always considered Regina a nouveau richer without any background, so she didn’t hold back and said directly, Yes! Ever since that jinx came back, our family hasn’t had a peaceful day. None of us like her, but she acts arrogant, not respecting anyone. It’s infuriating.

Regina smirked and said, I see… In that case, I’ll help you take down a notch today! Whatever she bids on, just outbid her, and I’ll cover the cost. She had come today to buy herbs for her mother, who had given her a generous budget- more than enough to outbid Melody.

She thought, After all, how much money could a girl who just returned from the rural possibly have? Even if Ken’s assistant is willing to pay for her, a mere assistant’s savings probably aren’t substantial. She wanted to make Melody fret over this matter, keeping her too preoccupied to pay attention to any news. Regina’s plan was coming together perfectly.

Mabel, who was beside her, was also pleased. She thought, typical nouveau riche- dumb and loaded! She liked people like Regina.

On stage, the auctioneer finished describing the item and announced the starting bid of 2 million dollars. Mabel loved the necklace, believing she was the only one in the room worthy of wearing it. However, she had squandered her money on the black market and felt a bit embarrassed to ask Regina for help directly. She saw Melody raise her paddle just then. 2.2 million dollars.

Mabel immediately found a good excuse and gave Regina a signal. Seeing Regina nod, she quickly raised her paddle and said. 2.4 million dollars.

In the VIP section, Melody heard the familiar voice and a slow smile formed on her lips. Her suspicions were confirmed; those two didn’t want her to get what she wanted. She rolled her eyes and raised her paddle again. 2.6 million dollars.

2.8 million dollars! Mabel swiftly continued bidding without hesitation.

Melody paused briefly and declared: 4 million dollars.

5 million dollars! Mabel continued bidding without hesitation, unconcerned since it wasn’t her money. She thought, 5 million dollars must be Melody’s limit, right?

However, Melody calmly declared the next moment, 6 million dollars.

Mabel gritted her teeth in frustration, thinking, how dare she! She doesn’t even assess whether she deserves this necklace! She raised her paddle again and shouted 7 million dollars.

Without hesitation, Melody raised her paddle and declared: 10 million dollars.

Mabel took a deep breath and spoke coldly. “11 million dollars”

The entire room’s attention shifted to Melody and Mabel. Sitting in the front row, Melody presented only a slender and graceful back, leaving everyone to focus on Mabel instead. Mabel relished the attention, feeling immensely pleased.

Sitting beside Melody, James couldn’t help but frown and quietly warn, Miss Fox, we didn’t come here for you to buy jewelry. Even if you like it, please prioritize correctly. Besides, bidding up to 10 million dollars isn’t a problem, but I don’t want to attract too much attention and affect what Mr. Swanson truly intends to buy.

James’s expression darkened further as Melody, seemingly oblivious to his warnings, raised her paddle: 16 million dollars, she declared.

Upon hearing “16 million dollars”, a collective gasp swept through the room; instinctively, all eyes turned to see Mabel’s reaction. It was clear that 16 million dollars was quite a hefty sum, far more than the necklace was likely worth. Despite knowing this, the pressure of the competition, especially from Melody, made her hesitate and glance towards Regina seated beside her.

Regina’s expression darkened as well. Her mother had given her 40 million dollars, with 20 million dollars explicitly designated for buying herbs, and it was highly likely that knowledgeable competitors would vie with her. In other words, if she continued to bid, she might not secure the desired herbs. Yet, she was unwilling to back down easily. After much consideration, Regina gritted her teeth and said firmly, continue bidding.

She could only afford to spend up to 4 million dollars the most. She refused to believe Melody had more money to add to the bid. But reality struck swiftly, within seconds, Melody continued with 18 million dollars.

Regina’s face instantly soured as if she had bitten into something foul. However, her pride was as strong as Mabel’s next to her, refusing to be outdone by what she considered a village girl. With gritted teeth, she declared, Keep adding up to 20 million dollars. She thought: I must surpass this village girl.

Upon hearing this, Mabel’s heart raced. She thought, 20 million dollars! I’ve never spent so much money at once! Her vanity was greatly satisfied, and she deliberately expressed the amount of money involved indifferently. With a composed demeanor, she raised her paddle and confidently called out: 20 million dollars.

With that statement, the room fell silent, the kind of silence where you could hear a pin drop, followed by murmurs of discussion that began to rise. Who is this wealthy young lady? She’s so willing to spend such a fortune.

Do you not recognize her? She’s Mabel Fox, last year’s Best Celebrity. Rumor has it she’s set to become the future Mrs. Swanson of the Swanson family.

Ah, the Swanson family… That explains it. She’s indeed rich. I have to get to know her after this and build a good relationship with her in advance. The whispers around her filtered into Mabel’s ears. She felt a sudden rush of pride as if she were already the mistress of the Swanson family.

James was visibly frantic, abandoning formalities and addressing Melody directly. Miss Fox, calm down! Since when did you become so obsessed with vanity? Despite her rural upbringing, he had always thought Meldy had a long-term perspective. Now it seemed he had misjudged her. You are not allowed to bid any further! Spending 20 million dollars is fine anywhere else, but not in this situation – I’m afraid I must disagree! James warned firmly.

Melody didn’t respond to James but instead glanced at the back row. Her eyes quickly scanned Regina and Mabel’s expressions before placing her paddle on her knee. She smiled faintly and said, Don’t worry, mission accomplished. I won’t bid any further.

James looked puzzled and asked, what do you mean?

Melody smiled without saying a word, watching as the auctioneer on stage enthusiastically hammered the gavel. 20 million dollars once, 20 million dollars twice, 20 million dollars thrice… SOLD!

As the auctioneer declared SOLD, Mabel, breathed a sigh of relief, her face brightened with a victorious smile. She thought- I knew it; Melody couldn’t compete with me at all! Whether it’s this necklace or the position of Mrs. Swanson in the Swanson family.

Meanwhile, Melody smiled, her expression deep and calm. Beside her, James watched Melody’s demeanor with a slowly furrowing brow. He thought: What is she up to exactly? I hope she doesn’t pull any more tricks!

Soon, the second item was brought up a vase that Ken wanted. The starting bid remained at 2 million dollars.

Melody immediately raised her paddle and declared 4 million dollars.

Mabel was eager to give it a try.

Chapter 255

However, Mabel’s paddle was barely raised when Regina swiftly pulled it back. What’s going on? Mabel asked with a furrowed brow. Didn’t you want to take her down a notch? We just won one; isn’t that enough to dent her ego?

Regina hesitated before speaking the truth. Mabel, I don’t have enough money with me today. I still need to bid on the herbs my mom wants later. We can’t keep competing with her like this. One win is enough; she’s already lost face before us.

Mabel’s eyebrows formed a clear frown as she responded displeasedly, You’re out of money? Why did you talk about taking her down a notch if you don’t have money?

Regina’s expression darkened. Knowing she and her mother needed to establish connections in Silverlake, she couldn’t afford to antagonize Mabel, who was currently prominent in Silverlake’s social circles. She reluctantly apologized, I’m sorry, Mabel. I didn’t bring enough money today…

Mabel pursed her lips but reconsidered,, remembering she now owned a necklace worth 20 million dollars. Her anger subsided a bit. Forget it then!

Regina breathed a sigh of relief when Mabel didn’t bid again. The bidding progressed to 6 million dollars and Melody, from the front row, immediately bid 8 million dollars. The bidder who initially bid 6 million dollars hesitated and did not raise their paddle again, seemingly afraid Melody would drive the price up to 20 million dollars again.

Despite the interest in the vase due to the previous necklace auction, no one else continued the bidding.

Melody successfully acquired the vase Ken wanted for 8 million dollars. James felt relieved. You managed to accomplish something, too. Bid on whatever else you want later. As long as Mr. Swanson’s matters are settled, the rest is up to you.

When Melody heard this, she remained quiet and patiently waited for the desired items. The subsequent items for auction included expensive luxury goods, many of which were gemstones favored by women.

James thought Melody might start revealing her true colors, but she remained still as a mountain, seemingly deep in meditation. He couldn’t help but smirk. He thought, why start pretending now? Why didn’t she control herself from the beginning?

As James was silently criticizing Melody, she suddenly lifted her eyelids. He instinctively looked towards the stage, expecting to see jewelry, but instead, it was an inconspicuous instrument.

The auctioneer announced that the starting bid was 180 thousand dollars.

Melody immediately raised her paddle: 200 thousand dollars.

Seeing no further bids, the auctioneer scanned the room and hammered down the final price. 200 thousand dollars, SOLD!

Melody felt a slight relief as she secured the instrument. Tomorrow, she could begin her experiments, bringing her closer to the successful development of her new product. Not long after, the auction finally began for the herbs. When it came to the Uvograss that Melody desired, she immediately sat upright and alert. Missing the opportunity meant she might not find Uvograss again anytime soon.

On stage, the auctioneer had already begun introducing the Uvograss, highlighting its benefits and rarity. He mentioned, that Uvograss only grows in oases in the desert and currently, no traces of Uvograss have been discovered in Halcyon. Hence, it’s scarce. The starting bid is 2 million dollars per stalk, and we have 5 stalks available, not auctioning individually.

The starting price is 2 million dollars was market value, precisely what Melody had paid for on the black market. Therefore, this price was fair and reasonable. As soon as the auctioneers finished speaking, bidding commenced from the audience below.

11 million dollars!

12 million dollars! The price soared until it reached 16 million dollars, and fewer people raised their paddles.

Regina tightened her grip on the hands, thinking now was the time. She raised her paddle: 18 million dollars!

Melody looked up; her guess was correct; Regina had appeared tonight, aiming for the Uvograss.

The auctioneer raised his voice, 18 million dollars once, 18 million dollars twice…

Regina smiled contentedly. She thought, 18 million dollars, already double the market price, no one should compete with me now.

However, the next moment, Melody raised her paddle: 20 million dollars.

Regina’s eyes widened in astonishment. She thought 20 million dollars! Melody offered 20 million dollars!

She had 40 million dollars and spent 20 million dollars on that diamond necklace earlier. She had no spare cash left to bid. Feeling helpless, Regina had to turn to Mabel for help. Mabel, if I don’t bring back this herb, my mom will skin me alive. Do you have any money on you? Can you lend me some?

Mabel frowned. She thought: This nouveau richer is asking me for money? Isn’t she supposed to be very wealthy? Is she afraid of spending that 20 million dollars on me and trying to make some back? I’m not falling for that.

Mabel feigned guilt as she said: I’m sorry Regina. I spent all the money I saved recently and don’t have much now. I’m sorry.

Regina angrily exclaimed. Y-You must have at least 200 thousand dollars on you, right? I did give you a necklace worth 20 million dollars!

Mabel became displeased. You insisted I bid on that necklace yourself; it wasn’t me something I begged you to give me. Are you trying to guilt-trip me now?

Regina was infuriated; her eyes reddened with anger. She never expected Mabel to be like this. In desperation, she had to call her mother.

At that moment, the auctioneer began counting, 20 million dollars once, 20 million dollars twice, SOLD for 20 million dollars! Congratulations to the lady; the Uvograss is now yours. Melody nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Regina was frantic and unable to call because the venue’s mobile signal was blocked. Seeing this, Mabel, not wanting to entirely fall out with Regina, who still wanted the necklace, said softly, Regina don’t worry. Melody can’t possibly come up with 20 million dollars. She’s just bidding like this to get back at you for the necklace. Just wait; when she goes to pay, she won’t be able to come up with the money. According to the procedure, the Uvograss will still be yours.

Regina uncertain, asked Mabel, are you sure about your sister? Are you sure she can’t come up with 20 million dollars?

You’ve acknowledged she’s my sister. Do you think I wouldn’t know? Rest assured! She’s just someone who returned from the rural with no background, no money whatsoever, just a stroke of luck and nothing more.

Regina’s complexion regained some color, but she still felt uneasy. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Melody might not be as incapable as Mabel described. Yet, Mabel’s words were based on truth. Melody’s background was widely known in Silverlakes’s social circles. Perhaps Regina was overthinking it.

She thought: Melody had some medical skills, but that didn’t mean she could afford to pay 20 million dollars for the auction. Regina could only hope that Mabel was right in her assessment. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to explain to her mother once she returned. Regina took a deep breath and patiently waited for the auction to conclude.

Finally, an hour later, all the items were auctioned off, and the host gave a closing speech. The proceeds from tonight’s auctions, on behalf of our auction house supported by the Silverlake Customs, will be donated entirely to charity. We sincerely thank everyone for attending. Guest who have successfully bid on the items, please proceed to the backstage to sign the auction documents and make payment to collect your purchases.

Regina immediately felt relieved. She thought: Finally, it’s time for the payment process!

Mabel, who was beside Regina, could barely contain her excitement. She thought, Finally, I’ll see Melody’s embarrassed face when she can’t pay! I’m going to livestream this for Dad to see.

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