Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 286, 287, 288, 289, and 290)

Chapter 286

Seeing that Melody had already left with the dog, Mabel grabbed Yolanda’s sleeve in fear.

Yolanda was the first to speak before Russell lost his temper. “don’t worry. Even if something happens to the dog, you don’t need to be concerned. It’s just an animal. As long as Mabel sheds a few tears in front of Ulric, do you think that Cadence would dare to come looking for trouble over a dog?”

Russell grumbled darkly, “There wouldn’t have been any problem to begin with if someone hadn’t stirred things up!”

Yolanda quickly tried to persuade him nicely, then deliberately said, ” Melody’s medical skills are exceptional. She even brought Margaret back from the brink of death. How could she fail to save a dog with just a fracture? Unless.”

As Yolanda spoke, she secretly gave Mabel a look.

Mabel instantly understood what Yolanda meant. Mabel used Yolanda’s words to ask, “Mom, could it be that Melody deliberately did not treat that dog because she has a problem with me?”

“I don’t think so,” Yolanda said hesitantly.

Russell frowned again.

This was not impossible.

Russell recalled how Melody had looked at him with an unfamiliar gaze just now and felt uncomfortable. He immediately said, “Prepare another car at home. I’ll go and see it with my own eyes!”

“Yes!” The butler quickly responded and went to prepare.

Russell hurriedly left the Fox family.

Mabel quickly asked, “Mom, will that dog be alright?”

Yolanda snorted and said, “Regardless of whether it survives or not, we’ve planted a seed of doubt in your father’s mind. If the dog survives, all will be well. If not, your father will blame that wretched girl for deliberately neglecting it. At worst, you can turn to Ulric.”

The mention of Ulric made Mabel feel a little empty and uneasy.

Yolanda had already convinced herself that Ulric was infatuated with Mabel, but something didn’t sit right.

The number of men who liked Mabel could go from the Fox family to Epoch Square. Mabel was usually very sure if the other party liked her.

But when it came to Ulric, the certainty was gone.

Mabel bit her lip in regret and decided to set up a time to meet Ulric and show him her true charm.

Yolanda did not notice Mabel’s strange expression and said to the butler, “You, call Hattie to the living room. Don’t let her know that I’m looking for her, and don’t let Mrs. Fox know either.”

“Yes.” The butler, who had just sent off Russell, responded and went to arrange Hattie’s matters.

Mabel’s eyes lit up Hattie away?” and asked, “Mom, are you going to take

Yolanda glanced at Mabel and smiled. “You’re making progress. With all the commotion today, Mrs. Fox still hasn’t even come out. It might be because of medication issues, and her health is declining. But Hattie isn’t a pushover. This is a perfect opportunity for us to get rid of her.”

Mabel nodded repeatedly.

Everyone who stood on Melody’s side hoped to disappear from this world immediately.

“Let’s go. We’ll wait in the living room. No one from Mrs. Fox’s side can enter the living room.” said Yolanda.

“Good!” Mabel agreed eagerly.

On the other side.

At Herbathrive.

By the time Melody arrived at Herbathrive, Colin had already left on the earliest cruise to Melody’s hometown.

David was there today. When he saw Melody carrying a bloody dog in, he quickly went forward to ask about the situation.

“What’s going on? Is it a beaten stray dog?” David asked.

“It’s my pet. Something happened.” Melody replied simply and asked, “Is the operating room available? It has internal injuries and needs immediate surgery.”

“It’s available. There are very few patients who come to our surgery. I’ll get them to disinfect the operating room now.” said David.

“Okay,” Melody replied.

As soon as Melody finished speaking, Russell’s voice sounded from behind.

“Why did you bring this little darling to the traditional medicine clinic? Shouldn’t he be sent to the veterinary hospital?” Russell asked.

When Melody heard the word “little darling”, she almost threw up her overnight dinner.

Melody endured her discomfort and said, “Lucky’s injuries are too serious and ordinary veterinary hospitals can’t treat it. The operating room here is very complete. Moreover, the owner of the medical clinic is my friend and he is willing to provide an operating room for Lucky.”

“Your friend? When did you become friends with the owner of a medicine clinic?” Russell asked.

Russell was instantly displeased.

Previously, Russell felt that Melody was easy to manipulate, but now, he always felt that this daughter of his was unpredictable and even made him panic often.

This made Russell, who was extremely controlling, feel very displeased.

Melody succinctly replied, “Because I often come here to pick up medicine for Grandma so I gradually became familiar with the people here.”

Only then did Russell stop asking. He put his hands behind his back and said, “In that case, hurry up and operate on it. Yolanda said it looks serious, but it’s actually just superficial wounds. I can tell you that don’t think about any crooked ideas. If something really happens to it, you and your sister will be responsible. It’s because you didn’t manage it properly that it scared people.”

“Superficial wounds? Crooked ideas?” Melody sneered. “Rest assured, even if I have any crooked ideas, I won’t joke with my life.”

With that, she walked straight to the operating room.

Russell became even more displeased.

“Melody, come back here! How can you talk to me like that? You’re getting more and more out of hand!” Russell said that out in displeased.

Melody ignored Russell’s words and instructed David to close the operating room door. Out of sight, out of mind.

David who came in with her, could not help but ask, “Miss Fox, was that your dad?”

“Yes.” Although she didn’t want to admit it, it was the truth.

“But why do I feel like.” David stammered, “He’s not your biological father?”

Melody frowned. As she shaved Lucky’s fur, she asked, “What do you mean?”

David mustered his courage and said, “First of all, you don’t look at all like your dad. Second, that temperament, that personality there’s no resemblance at all. Besides, would a dad talk like that to his daughter?”

Melody took a deep breath and said, “I look like my mother. Although I’ve never seen her before, I’ve found out a lot of information about her. My personality is exactly the same as my mother’s.”

My mother was so innocent that she had fallen in love with the wrong person.

Even the outcome was the same. She died at the hands of a third party.

However, David did not think so. He suggested, “Do you want to do a paternity test sometime?”

Melody looked up at David unhappily.

“Don’t say such things in the future. My father is indeed the kind of person who flirts with women, but my mother is not.” Melody said.

“Alright, I spoke too much.” David also felt that it was inappropriate to say this, so he reached out and gently slapped himself.

Seeing this, Melody said impatiently, “Stop acting. I don’t blame you. I also often suspect that I am not a biological child, but this is a fact, there is no need to do any identification.”

As soon as Melody finished speaking, the heart rate monitor suddenly showed that Lucky’s heart rate had plummeted.

Chapter 287

“Things have taken a turn for the worse; we need to operate immediately!” Melody’s heart tightened as she quickened her pace in handling the dog’s fur.

Next to her was David, he is a newbie who had just learned medicine and he does not know how to operate.

But seeing the urgency and feeling helpless, he quickly said, “Miss Fox, I’ll get Dr. Hudson from the clinic to help. The clinic isn’t busy right now, he should be able to assist.”

“Alright,” Melody replied as she began to check Lucky’s physical condition with the device.

Melody’s diagnosis was correct, Lucky had multiple comminuted fractures and internal injuries, with the most severe being a bleeding stomach that needed immediate surgery.

A few minutes later, Michael was brought in.

As soon as Michael entered, his face darkened, and he angrily exclaimed, “Why is it a dog on the operating table? Who allowed you to perform surgery on a dog here? If other patients find out, who would still want to come to our clinic?”

David quickly interjected, “Dr. Hudson, this is Melody Fox, Miss Fox, who has a good relationship with Mr. Herbert and his wife. If Mr. Herbert was here, I believe he would agree as well.”

“Bullshit!” Michael cursed and said, “I’ve been working at the clinic for so many years, but I’ve never seen the boss bring an animal in for surgery. I order you to throw this woman and that dog out immediately!”

“Dr. Hudson? Haven’t you seen Miss Fox a few times? Why are you.”

David looked at Michael in disbelief.

David did not want to believe that Michael, who had always treated others with a smile, would say such words.

However, Michael had his own plans.

Since Colin and Beverly did not have any children, they had the intention to leave the clinic here and travel the world.

In addition, Michael was the most experienced doctor here, he assumed the clinic would eventually be his. However, recently, this ugly woman had been too close to Colin and his wife. Colin even agreed to let her come to the clinic when she was free.

This made Michael feel threatened.

Coincidentally, since Colin was away on a business trip. Michael can now teach this woman a lesson.

Michael glared at David coldly and said, “You’re just an errand boy who’s learned medicine for two days. Are you defying my orders? For the last time, throw her and the dog out now!”

David gritted his teeth.

David’s status was naturally incomparable to Dr. Hudson’s, but he could not chase Miss Fox out, nor did he dare to argue with Dr. Hudson. He could only stare at his toes in silence.

“If you won’t do it, I will!” Michael said.

Michael strode to the operating table, reaching for Lucky’s scruff.

But before he could grab it, a slender hand caught his wrist, twisting it behind his back and pinning him to the wall, immobilized.

Michael was already traditional medicine years old. Usually, everyone was polite to him. When had he ever been held on the wall like this?

Despite being an experienced doctor, Michael found himself helpless against her strength. He struggled but couldn’t break free, only managing to sweat profusely.

He was a man in his prime, but his skills and strength were inferior to a little girl.

Anger surged from his heart to the top of his head.

Michael shouted, “Let go of me, you little wretch!”

David widened his eyes in shock and quickly went forward to persuade, “Miss Fox, Doctor Michael is our second most senior doctor. Please, go easy on him.”

Although David was furious with Michael’s actions, he couldn’t watch Melody beating him up.

Melody pushed Michael away and said coldly, “I’m in a rush

to operate and don’t have time to waste on you. You can choose not to help, but if you try to interfere again, you’ll regret it.”

Melody had no impression of Michael’s face, but the name Michael sounded familiar though she couldn’t recall from where.

Based on Michael’s lack of respect for life and attitude towards Melody, she knew he wasn’t a competent doctor and held great animosity towards her.

Melody had no intention of showing Michael any courtesy,

Melody only refrains from hurting Michael out of respect for Colin.

However, Michael felt utterly humiliated and, with a darkened face, threatened, “Fine, Miss Fox. If you won’t drink a toast, you’ll drink a forfeit. You won’t be operating here today!”

As Michael spoke, he picked up his phone and began to call the police.

“Hello, police? I need to report a disturbance at our clinic. Someone is occupying our operating room! Please come immediately.”

Before Michael could finish, Melody snatched the phone and threw it into the operating room sink,

His phone was soaked in water, and the screen immediately

turned black.

“I just bought that phone!” Michael cried out in pain. He rushed towards Melody with a red face.

Melody swiftly chopped the back of Michael’s neck, rendering him unconscious.

“Dr. Hudson!” David was shocked and quickly checked if Micheal is still breathing.

Fortunately, Micheal was still breathing and was not dead and had only fainted.

Melody said expressionlessly, “Tie him up so he doesn’t interfere when he wakes.”

“Miss Fox, this.” David was panicking.

Melody frowned and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll bear all the consequences alone.”

David gritted his teeth and said fearlessly, “It’s okay, Miss Fox. That’s not what I’m afraid of. I’m only worried that without Dr. Hudson, our clinic will lose a very experienced doctor. But he was indeed out of line… If the police come, you can blame me. After all, I owe you a big favour.”

Melody continued her preparations, “Don’t worry about taking the blame. Just tie him up and inform Beverly about this.”

“Got it,” David replied.

The surgery proceeded tensely.

However, not long after, Michael woke up.

Michael saw himself tied up and shouted for a long time. When he knew that Melody would not let go of him, he finally stopped struggling in vain. He sneered and said, “With this dog’s situation, based on my experience, your operation was in vain. It can’t survive! You might as well think about how to escape before the police arrive.”

Melody ignored him and continued the surgery.

Minutes turned into hours, and Michael dozed off, only to wake to Melody announcing, “It’s done. Now for the sutures.”

Michael raised his eyelids and frowned deeply.

‘Done?’ he questioned.

This was impossible.

Melody’s medical skills were about to surpass Colin’s. How could this girl do something that even he could not save?

Michael’s eyes snapped open in disbelief. Finished? Impossible. She must be bluffing to save face!

Just then, the door knocked.

“Open up! This is the police. We received a report of a disturbance. Please cooperate!” the police said.

Chapter 288

Melody frowned when she heard the voice.

Melody had asked David to inform Beverly about what happened in the operating room. Beverly was smart enough to handle it, so why were the police still here?

Logically speaking, Beverly should have taken care of it, and the police shouldn’t have come.

Could something have gone wrong?

Beverly’s voice sounded outside the door.

“Officers, as I mentioned, the people inside are all from our clinic and they are in the middle of an operation. There isn’t any case,” said Beverly.

“We need to see for ourselves. We received another anonymous call about a disturbance and must ensure everyone’s safety. Open the door.” the policeman said.

Michael laughed arrogantly, “You’re done for!”

David asked nervously, “Miss Fox, what should we do now?”

“The door to the operating room is made of special materials. They won’t be able to enter for a while. Don’t worry about them. I’ll deal with the final suture first.” said Melody.

Melody spoke and her hands did not stop moving. She was not distracted by the police and Michael at all.

The policeman outside the door shouted a few times to no avail, and his tone became cold and solemn.

“If you don’t cooperate with us, we’ll see the door.” said the policeman.

David was already sweating profusely but found solace in Melody’s calmness. After about ten minutes, the sound of sawing began.

About ten minutes later, the sound of sawing came from outside the door.

David could not help but feel anxious again.

“Miss Fox, they seem to be sawing the door,” said David.

“It’s done,” Melody announced.

As Melody spoke, he gave Lucky a painkiller and walked towards Michael.

When Melody was suturing just now, she suddenly remembered why the name Micheal Hudson sounded so familiar.

It was because Mr. Parker had once mentioned his name.

At that moment, the police sawed open the door.

Before the police could enter, Melody quickly untied Micheal and whispered something in his ear.

David quickly walked towards Melody and asked nervously in a low voice, “Miss Fox, are we alright? If anything happens just now, Anyway, I was the one who kidnapped him.”

Melody did not say anything but reached out and patted David’s shoulder.

As soon as the door opened, a few police officers confirmed that no one inside was in danger and immediately entered to check on the situation.

David’s hands and feet were trembling slightly from fear.

Beverly, who was following behind the police, lowered his voice guiltily and said, “I’m sorry, Melody. They came earlier, and I managed to send them away. But someone called again, and they insisted on checking.”

Melody vaguely felt that something was wrong.

Who was watching her in the dark and called the police after Micheal did.

Before Melody could ponder, Russell heard the commotion and rushed over.

Russell saw a group of police officers and yelled, “What’s wrong with you? Isn’t it just treating a dog? Why did you call the police? Are you trying to cause trouble for me? You’re always causing problems!”

Melody was already used to Russell’s attitude towards her. Just as she was about to ignore him, Beverly, who was beside her, couldn’t stay silent, “Sir, you don’t even know what’s happening. Today’s issue was caused by one of our doctors, not her.”

Melody tugged at Beverly’s sleeve and introduced with a complicated expression, “Beverly, this is my father.”

Beverly choked and did not know what to say.

Russell’s expression was dark.

“Who are you to interfere with how I discipline my daughter? She’s caused enough trouble before!” Russell retorted.

“You.” Beverly was about to fight back.

Seeing that the two of them were about to quarrel, Melody quickly said, “Dad, Beverly, stop arguing.”

Beverly was more reasonable. She knew that the other party was Melody’s father so she reluctantly fell silent.

Melody heaved a sigh of relief and said to Russell, “Dad, you came to ensure that Lucky is away from danger and Lucky is fine now. You can go about your business. I’ll handle the matters here myself and I won’t affect the Fox family.”

Russell was indeed in a hurry to go to the company. When he heard Melody’s words, he glared at her warningly.

“Dogs don’t have big problems to begin with. You make it sound like it’s dangerous. It’s just a fracture. Don’t exaggerate your medical skills. Behave yourself in the future and don’t cause trouble for me!” Russell said.

After Russell finished speaking, he did not want to deal with

the police anymore so he turned around and left, not caring if Melody would be implicated.

Beverly looked at Russell’s back and she was speechless and heartbroken as he asked, “Is he really your father?”

Melody’s expression stiffened as she pursed his lips and said, “David asked me the same question, but he is really my father.”

“Alright.” Beverly shook his head. She finally understood what it meant by “every family has its own difficulties”.

Beverly stopped mentioning Russell and walked in to negotiate with the police.

“Officers. I’ve already told you, there’s nothing going on here,” Beverly explained patiently.

However, one of the police officers picked up the phone soaking in the sink and asked, “There’s nothing wrong? Then what is this?” His tone was skeptical and accusatory.

The other police officer noticed the rope that had fallen beside the chair and asked with a serious expression, “Who’s the person who reported this? Is the caller here?”

David nervously hid behind Beverly, waving his hand discreetly to signal Melody to come and hide as well.

In David’s eyes, without Colin around, Beverly is their only protection.

“Is the first caller present?” one officer demanded, scanning the room.

“This seems to be the phone of the person who reported the case,” another officer noted, holding up the soaked

“May I ask why you didn’t open the door when we asked you to?” an officer questioned sternly.

The policemen’s expressions grew colder and more solemn.

Seeing that no one was speaking, the leading police officer waved his hand authoritatively and said, “Take everyone away and ask about the situation.”

“Yes, sir!” the officers responded in unison.

David miserably closed his eyes.

Oh no, oh no… His imprisonment was inevitable.

If David had known this would happen, he would have stopped Miss Fox from bringing the dog into the operating room or not called Michael for help.

But it was too late to regret now.

David could only blame himself for not thinking things through.

David gritted his teeth and mustered all his courage to say, “Officers, actually.”

At this moment.

“Wait!” Micheal spoke.

Micheal who had been silent all this while, suddenly spoke.

“I’m the one who called it in,” Micheal declared confidently.

David opened his mouth and wanted to speak before Michael could complain, but a slender hand directly covered his mouth and nose, preventing him from making any sound

David turned around in surprise and realized that the person covering his mouth was Melody.

David looked at Melody in confusion, his eyes questioning why she wouldn’t let him speak.

Melody did not answer him, nor did she let go. She only pursed his lips and looked at Michael with a deep frown.

In the next second, Micheal continued.

Chapter 289 – Malicious Doctor

“Guys, I was the one who called the police. I was also the one who accidentally dropped the phone into the water. As for the rope… we treated a dog today. We were worried it might bite our medical staff, so we tied it up before administering anesthesia. Once the anesthesia took effect, we untied the rope,” Michael explained.

When Melody heard Michael’s words, she heaved a sigh of relief. She had been betting that the Michael Quentin mentioned was the same one standing before her. Like Jennie, Michael was a poison doctor, a profession that had long been severely punished by Halcyon.

Malicious doctors could easily take lives, and years ago, there had been a large-scale case involving many innocent people being tortured and killed by them. As a result, Malicious doctors were considered more terrifying than many criminals and faced severe penalties, often at least 20 years in prison.

Melody wasn’t sure if the Michael Quentin mentioned was the same one, but she had a backup plan to ensure she could escape from the police if she was wrong. Fortunately, her gamble paid off.

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” the leading police officer asked, not noticing Melody’s relieved expression. Since you were the one who called the police, tell me what happened. Who caused trouble in the clinic and occupied your operating room?”

Michael subconsciously glanced at Melody. He desperately wanted to tell the truth, but her calm demeanor gave him pause. Could she have evidence that he was a Malicious doctor? The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Clenching his teeth, Michael said, “It’s all a misunderstanding. I thought someone unauthorized was using the operating room, but later discovered it was the lady boss of our medical center who had given permission. I’m really sorry. I intended to make another call, but I accidentally dropped my phone into the water. Given the urgency of the surgery, I forgot to follow up. I’m willing to bear all the responsibility.”

The police officer’s frown deepened. However, since the person who called the police had already reassured them, and there were no irregularities at the scene, there wasn’t much more to say. “Please come back to the police station with us to verify the situation and provide a statement,” the officer said.

“Of course. I’ll go with you now.” Michael nodded repeatedly to show his cooperation.

Within moments, Michael was taken away in the police car. As the police car drove away, David couldn’t contain his curiosity. “Miss Fox, what’s going on? What did you say to Dr. Hudson back there? He looked like he wanted to tear you apart earlier. Why did he suddenly cover for us?” Melody did not answer immediately. It was better for David, who wore his heart on his sleeve, not to know that she had threatened Michael with revealing his secret as a Malicious doctor. “You don’t need to know that. My dog’s condition is still unstable. Please help me take a look at him.”

David recognized Melody’s dismissive tone and wisely refrained from pressing further. He hurried to check on Lucky, leaving Melody and Beverly alone in the corridor. Beverly broke the silence first. “Melody, I can’t understand why Michael acted that way. He used to be so friendly and always had a smile for everyone. Is there some misunderstanding between you two?”

Melody sighed and said, “Beverly, there’s a type of person known as a ‘smiling tiger: Michael is one of them. I strongly suggest you find another doctor. Michael is dangerous. It won’t do you any good to keep him around.”

Beverly was taken aback. “What? That can’t be true. He’s been with our clinic for over ten years…”

“I know him. He used to…” Melody hesitated. The matter involved Quentin, and although Beverly was aware of the situation, it was better if fewer people knew.

Melody remained silent for a moment before saying,”

Forget it. You might not understand. I’ll explain everything to Colin when he returns.”

Although Michael was currently treating patients, Melody knew that his past as a poison doctor could resurface if Halcyon relaxed its vigilance. Michael might revert to his old ways. Moreover, if this information spread, Herbathrive, being such a small clinic, would undoubtedly suffer. Lacking the means to protect Herbathrive herself, Melody understood the urgency of removing Michael. However, Colin had the final say, so they could only wait for his return. Seeing Melody’s serious expression, Beverly nodded. “I don’t know much about medicine but don’t worry. I’ll make sure Michael has as little work as possible until Colin gets back. Even though I could dismiss him now, he’s been with our medical center for so long. Many of our staff were trained by him. I’m concerned that his departure could lead to others leaving too. It’s better to wait for Colin. You two can discuss it in detail. In the meantime, I’ll start posting the recruitment online.”

“Thank you, Beverly. I have some other things to take care of Please look after my dog,” Melody said, her eyes filled with gratitude.

“You’re treating me like a stranger. I love dogs too. I’ve even thought about getting one myself. I’ll take good care of Lucky. Don’t worry, just go,” Beverly replied with a reassuring smile.

Melody nodded and walked out of Herbathrive.

Instead of hailing a taxi immediately, she turned into a quiet, empty alley. “Everyone, come out,” she called softly. Within seconds, several shadows emerged from the alley’s entrance. They swiftly approached Melody, stopping in front of her.

“Miss Fox,” they greeted her respectfully.

Melody nodded slightly, her expression cold as she surveyed the group in front of her. These bodyguards had been arranged by Ken to protect her. She didn’t hold back her commanding presence, her gaze sweeping over them with intensity.

It wasn’t until the bodyguards instinctively lowered their heads that she spoke, her voice icy. “I went to the clinic today. Was anyone secretly following me?”

“No!” The bodyguards answered in unison.

“Okay, then tell me. Why did the police come back after they left?” Melody asked.

One of the bodyguards dared to lift his head. “We don’t know either. I was concerned for your safety, so I contacted Miss Murphy. She said she would handle the situation, but for some reason, the police returned.”

“Janet Murphy?” Melody’s eyes narrowed.

“Yes,” The bodyguard replied. “Mr. Swanson said that Mr. Deeds won’t be around for the next few days. He’s also very busy. He told me to contact Miss Murphy first if you encounter any trouble.”

Relief flashed across Melody’s eyes as she finally understood why the police had returned – it was thanks to Janet’s “help.” Janet had not let her down.

Melody took a deep breath, trying to remain composed in front of the bodyguards. Their answers reassured her that they were doing this for her own good, not betraying her. Calming herself, she said, “Miss Murphy is also very busy with work. Don’t trouble her with such small matters in the future.”

“Yes, we understand,” they replied in unison.

Melody waved her hand. “All of you can leave.”

“Yes!” Within seconds, the bodyguards had vanished from sight.

Melody exited the alley and hailed a taxi. She pulled up Ander’s address on her phone and handed it to the driver.

“Mister, please take me to this address.”

“Alright, sit tight!” The driver responded.

At that time, Leo had just finished his morning meeting. He called Jessica. “Miss Summers, I’m done here. When are we leaving for the Morgan family?”

“Now, come to my office first. We’ll go over together,”

Jessica said.

“Okay,” Leo replied.

Chapter 290 – Everyone’s Visit

Half an hour later, Melody arrived at the address. She dialed Ander’s number, and an old servant came out to greet her.

“Are you Dr. Fox?” the old servant asked kindly.

“Yes, that’s me,” Melody replied.

“I didn’t expect you to be so young. Please come in,” the servant said, gesturing for her to follow.

Melody nodded and followed the servant inside.

The Morgan family’s home was designed in a traditional Japanese style, with wooden structures, pavilions in the courtyard, small bridges, and flowing water. Owning such a house in Silverlake indicated that the family was either very wealthy or of high status.

However, since the Morgan family were not businessmen and were not rich, it could only be that Ander’s status was particularly special.

Silently, she followed the old servant to a breezy reception hall.

Zoe spotted Melody from afar and quickly approached her. Dr. Fox, you’re here. I was afraid you might have to wait, so I came back from the hospital early.”

“Sorry for the trouble. I’m here to borrow some equipment. And please, just call me Melody. I don’t deserve the title of Dr. Fox.”

“Okay! If you don’t mind, you can call me Zoe,” Zoe replied. “Zoe,” Melody agreed, making Zoe nod with a bright smile. As Zoe led Melody inside, she said, “Thanks to you, Lucas is recovering very well. He even woke up once before I came over. Although I can’t visit him in the ICU, I can read his lips through the glass. He told me not to worry and that he was not uncomfortable. The fact that he can reassure me shows that his condition has improved.”

Zoe couldn’t help but cry as she spoke, and Melody comforted her. Once Zoe calmed down, she said, “I have a question, but I’m not sure if I should ask.”

“Go ahead. You’re Lucas’s savior. I’ll tell you everything I know,” Melody replied, her eyes filled with sincerity.

Melody nodded and asked carefully, “I would like to know… how did you meet Regina?”

At the mention of Regina, Zoe’s expression darkened. However, because it was Melody who asked, she restrained her anger and answered, “It all started with Lucas. He was weak from birth and caught a severe cold shortly after, which damaged his lungs. He finally recovered, but when he was three, he fell into the water and nearly drowned. Then, when he was ten, a massive earthquake struck Halcyon. Lucas had gone there with a friend’s child to play and barely escaped. After that, he faced one misfortune after another, including serious illnesses. Last year, I couldn’t help but find a fortune teller. The master said Lucas had bad fortune and needed to change his fate. He suggested changing one word in his name to match a word in mine. He also said Lucas needed to befriend someone who can turn his fortune around.”

When Melody heard this, she asked, “Could the person who can change his fortune be Regina?”

“That’s right. What a coincidence. That day, Regina also went to have her fortune read. The master said it was fate, so I asked Lucas to acknowledge her as his sister. That’s how our families became acquainted. After that, except for this car accident, Lucas didn’t get sick or have any incidents.”

Zoe paused, worry clouding her expression. “Melody, I’m not afraid you’ll be angry because I can tell you’re a sensible girl. I just want to ask, do you think it’ll affect Lucas’s fate if I send Regina away? His health has always been poor, and I’m really afraid.”

Melody looked deeply at Zoe and said, “Do you really believe in fate?”

Zoe looked ashamed as she responded, “Our Morgan family is at the forefront of scientific research. I shouldn’t believe in these things and have also been hiding this from Lucas’s father. But… as a mother, your thoughts change

with your child’s needs. Melody, you won’t laugh at me, right?”

Melody shook her head. “No, maternal love is great. It’s not something that can be laughed at.”

Zoe sighed. “Melody, then this matter…”

“Zoe,” Melody interrupted, a suspicion forming in her mind. She paused before continuing, “There’s a saying that if something seems too unusual, there might be a reason behind it. Don’t you think this matter is a bit too coincidental?”

Zoe was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Melody shook her head. “I think you understand what I’m implying. I’m not entirely sure, but it’s worth investigating. With the Morgan family’s influence, you can use both

persuasion and pressure to get the fortune teller to reveal the truth.”

Zoe was silent for a long moment, then clenched her fists.” If this is a scheme by Regina and her mother, I won’t let them get away with it!”

Melody was also worried she might be wrong. Perhaps it was just a coincidence. After all, strange things do happen sometimes. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. We need to confirm our suspicions first. What they’re doing could be considered fraud. Gather evidence of any benefits they’ve gained from you. Once we have enough, we can confront them in a legal and reasonable manner.”

Melody’s thorough and clear explanation made Zoe see her in a new light. “Melody, you’re the most mature and steady young woman I’ve ever met. You’re even more thoughtful than I expected. If only Lucas had known you back then.” Melody shook her head. “It’s not too late for us to get to know each other now. I believe that children raised by the Morgan family will turn out well.”

Zoe was very happy. She quickened her pace and brought her to the studio at home.

Zoe smiled happily and quickened her pace, leading Melody to the home studio. Inside, various instruments were neatly arranged. The studio was larger and better equipped than the laboratory at Icy Clear Cosmetics.

Melody had an idea and said, “Zoe, my previous laboratory might not be safe for me anymore. If you’re okay with it, could I develop new products here? I promise I won’t touch anything in your studio and will try not to cause any trouble.” “Melody, there’s no need for formalities. If you want to use the studio, feel free. I don’t usually use it myself, so it’s yours for as long as you need. I’ll also take care of your meals three times a day,” Zoe responded warmly.

Thank you…” Melody began but was interrupted by a knock on the door. The old servant entered.

“Madam, there are two guests outside looking for you,” the servant said, directing his words to Zoe.

“Guests?” Zoe asked, “Who are they?”

“They said they’re from Silk Beauty Cosmetics. They want to work with you,” the servant responded.

At the mention of the company, Melody looked up with interest.

Zoe frowned. “A collaboration?”

“Yes. Would you like to meet them?” the servant asked.

Zoe instinctively wanted to refuse, but Melody, who was beside her, spoke first. “Zoe, if I’m not mistaken, these two people are the ones who stole my equipment. Can you cooperate with me?”

“Of course! Those two thieves actually came here. I will definitely cooperate with you!” Zoe agreed eagerly. “What should I do?”

Melody leaned over and whispered into Zoe’s ear.

Ten minutes later, Zoe returned to the reception hall.

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