Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 416, 417, 418, 419, and 420) 

Chapter 416

A girl suddenly plopped down beside her with a small painting in hand.

Melody glanced up and saw it was Nana, the one who had made that rude comment at the door earlier.

Ignoring the girl’s presence, Melody continued munching on her dessert with a poker face.

Nana, shifting gears from her previous mocking demeanor, then said cheerfully, “Miss Fox, I’m sorry for earlier. I can be a bit of a joker sometimes. I hope you are not too upset.”

Melody looked at Nana again, sensing something off about her sudden friendliness.

Thus, she replied indifferently, “You know, jokes are only funny if the person hearing them thinks they are.”

Nana’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly masked it with her initial cheerful facade.

After that, she said, “Looks like you are not a big fan of jokes, Miss Fox. My bad for not catching that earlier. To make up for it, I got a famous painting today and haven’t shown it to anyone else. How about I show it to you?”

“No, need. Thanks,” Melody replied, not interested. “I’m not into paintings.”

Nana persisted, “Well, how do you know that for sure? You might like it if you just take a look.” She shoved the painting for Melody to look at.

Melody glanced at it briefly and then frowned. The painting looked way too familiar.

Then, she quickly turned her gaze and said, “I really don’t want to see it.”

The conversation caught the attention of a few nearby girls. One of them scoffed, “Oh please, are you not interested, or just don’t get it?”

Another chimed in, “Nana, showing her that painting is like teaching a fish to climb a tree.”

“That’s right, Nana. I heard Miss Fox is from the countryside. They barely have enough to eat there, let alone understand art.”

Nana tried to hide her smile and said, “How can you say that in front of Miss Fox? If Ken hears this, he will think we’re bullying her.”

Melody could not stand the passive-aggressive games. She stood up and said, “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

“Miss Fox, wait!” Nana reached out and grabbed Melody’s arm, but as she did, she let the painting slip and it hit Melody’s glass, staining the canvas with the drink.

“Oh, no!” Nana exclaimed, grabbing Melody’s sleeve. “Miss Fox! Even if you don’t want to talk to me, don’t destroy my painting! I know what I said earlier was harsh, but I apologized, right? What more do you want? Do you even know who created this painting or how much it’s worth?!”

Nana looked like she was about to collapse, and the other girls immediately stepped in to help.

“Miss Fox, aren’t you taking it too far? Who do you think you are?”

“Even if Nana was wrong, there’s no need to ruin her expensive painting, right?”

Melody glanced at the girls, then looked back at Nana and said calmly, “Are you all blind? I never even touched that painting.”

Panic expression showed up on Nana’s face, but she quickly regained her composure and said sternly, “Miss Fox, I was hoping you’d apologize, and we could move on. Even though this painting is worth tens of millions and is a prized work by the head of the Oil Painting Association, I didn’t expect you to not only refuse to apologize but also accuse me!”

The surrounding people gasped. “What? The head of the Oil Painting Association? Is that a Yannick Frost painting?”

Nana nodded, looking pained as she answered, “Yeah, that’s right.”

“Oh my god! Mr. Frost is planning to retire. His paintings are nearly impossible to buy now, even if you have a lot of money.”

“This is really one of Mr. Frost’s works? Melody, that’s too much!”

Hearing them, Nana felt a mix of pride and heartbreak. She was proud that her plan was working, but heartbroken over ruining her precious painting.

Melody’s smile widened, though her expression remained cold.

She glanced at the painting and said, “Nana, right? If you’re going to put on a show, at least make it believable. When the painting ‘accidentally’ fell into the water, your first reaction wasn’t to save it but to grab me and complain. Isn’t that a little odd? Your acting could really use some work.”

Knowing her plan was directly exposed by Melody, Nana clenched her fists and tried to defend herself, “Of course, I had no time to save the painting when it fell.”

Melody shrugged and said, “Well, there’s no need to save this painting anyway.”

Nana’s expression darkened as she asked in an offended tone, “What do you mean by that?”

Melody answered calmly, “Because your painting is a fake one.”

Then, the room fell silent before finally erupting into chatter.

“Fake painting? Did Nana really spend a fortune on a dupe?”

One guy added, “Or maybe Nana’s just using this as an excuse to blame Melody.”

“This is not a fake painting!” Nana’s voice trembled with anger. “I bought this from a reputable collector. It can’t be fake!”

The girls quickly jumped to Nana’s defense.

“Nana’s an expert collector of paintings. She would definitely know if it was a dupe,” one of them said.

“Exactly! You’re just trying to cover up after ruining her painting by calling it a fake!” another girl added.

“I don’t know why the hell Ken would marry someone like you!”

The chorus of girls backing Nana grew louder with more and more chiming in.

Sid and Janet, who had been on the second floor, quickly came downstairs after hearing the commotion.

After getting the rundown, Janet spoke up first. “Nana, how much did you spend on that painting? I’ll cover it for Melody.”

Nana frowned and replied, “Janet, it’s not just about the money. It’s her attitude! It’s bad enough she ruined my painting, but now she’s calling it fake and insulting me. I can’t just let that slide!”

Sid, thinking Melody really ruined Nana’s painting, said, “Melody, you need to apologize right away. Janet and I will sort out the compensation.”

Melody looked at Sid, asking, “So you think I’m lying too?”

“Umh, well.” Sid hesitated and asked, “Are you sure the painting is fake?”

“I’m a hundred percent sure,” Melody said calmly. “Because the real one is with me.”

Hearing the remark, Nana laughed out loud, clearly not buying it. “Miss Fox, even if you’re lying, don’t you think that’s a bit of a reach?”

Sid, sensing the absurdity, leaned closer and said quietly. “Melody now’s not the time to dig in your heels. This isn’t actually a huge deal. If you just apologize, I can sort the rest out.”

Chapter 417

Janet chimed in at the perfect moment. Melody,, just apologize and admit your mistake. Do you really want Ken to come over and clean up this mess? Though he may value your relationship with him, he won’t take sides unfairly. Better apologize now before things get worse.

She might have said that, but Janet secretly hoped Ken would show up soon.

She knew Nana’s scheme, even if clumsy, could put Melody in a tough spot. But she had not counted on Melody accusing Nana of forgery

Melody glanced at Janet calmly, about to respond, when someone suddenly announced “Coys, Ken is here!”

Everyone turned to see Ken, dressed in blue casual clothes, at the door.

Then, Nana quickly said, “Ken, we are all old friends. I trust you’ll handle this fairly, right?

But Ken did not even glance at her. Instead, he walked straight to Melody’s side.

“Are you okay?” His concern for Melody was clear, making Janet clench her fists in frustration.

Melody shook her head and said, I’m fine, but the painting is definitely a fake one?

Janet could not take it anymore. She took a deep breath and said, “Ken, I don’t know how much you heard, but this really is Melody’s fault?

Ken’s dark eyes locked onto Janet with such an intense stare. She felt a pang of guilt and looked away.

Ken then turned his gaze to Nana. “It’s just a fake painting. Is it really worth all this fuss?”

Hearing that, Nana felt the weight of Ken’s words and went pale, her heart beating faster.

But then she remembered Ken only married Melody because of his elders and relaxed a bit. “The collector who sold me that painting has dealt with me many times. He would never sell me a fake!”

Sid, worried about causing a bigger rift in their friendship, quickly interjected, “Ken, let’s not escalate this issue, okay? Melody can apologize, and we’ll compensate her a bit more. Then this will be over.”

Ken turned to Sid and asked, “Why should she apologize if she did not do anything wrong?”

“Well…” Sid started, but Ken quickly cut him off, turning to Melody. “Do you have any way to prove this is a fake?”

“Yes.” Melody nodded and said, “I left the real one back home. I can have someone bring it.”

“You mean your home in the countryside?” Nana scoffed. “How far is your countryside from Silverlake? You are not just stalling, are you?”

Ken’s cold gaze turned to Nana, silencing her.

‘Didn’t Janet say they were married under Ken’s parents’ orders? Why does he seem to genuinely care about Melody?’ she thought, growing uneasy.

Nana stayed quiet, so Janet stepped in. “Melody, your home is really far. Who knows how long it would take to get painting here? We can’t wait that long. Do you have any other way to prove that Nana’s painting is fake?”

“That’s right, Melody,” added another girl. “Are you sure you have the real one and Nana’s is a fake painting?”

Melody replied indifferently, “When I was in the countryside, Mr. Frost came by and painted that piece during our chat. That’s why it’s at my place.”

“Mr. Frost visited you?” Sid was taken aback. There were only a few people in Halcyon who could get a personal visit from Yannick.

Sid’s mouth twitched as he said, “Melody, this is not the right time for jokes. Plus, this one is really not funny.”

“I’m not joking, Sid,” Melody replied calmly. “If you’re unsure, why don’t we just ask Mr. Frost to come?”

Her words were like a bombshell, leaving everyone stunned and trying not to laugh.

Sid could not help but point out, “Melody, Mr. Frost is about to retire. He wouldn’t bother with something this minor. Even if Ken and I ask him, it’s unlikely that he’d come just for this.”

“I didn’t ask you to step in,” Melody said, glancing at Sid before turning back to Nana. “If I manage to get Mr. Frost to come over and prove that your painting is a fake, how will you make it up to me?”

Nana quickly shot back, “That’s impossible! If Mr. Frost actually comes and proves it, I’ll call you boss!”

Melody smirked and said, “That’s silly. I don’t need to be called a boss, but I’ve got a better deal: if I’m right, you should work for me for a month. What do you say?”

Nana’s face twisted in disbelief and said, “Work for you? No way!”

Melody teased, “So, you think the painting might be fake?”

“Of course not!” Nana said defensively. “I don’t believe you’ll ever get Mr. Frost to come here. If you failed, you owe me an apology and ten times the painting’s value!”

“Okay, deal,” Melody said, already pulling out her phone to make the call.

Everyone watched as Melody made the call. She held the phone to her ear and said, “Hey, it’s me, Melody. Where are you? Can you come over? I’m at the Swanson villa now, and there’s something going on here that involves you.”

No one could hear the response from the other end, but Melody ended the call and turned back to the group. “He’s eating in the nearby restaurant and should be here in about ten minutes.

Nana’s face turned pale. ‘Could this plain-looking person really get Mr. Frost to come over?’

Janet was also starting to get worried. While a painting could be a fake, it was hard to fake a real person.

Yannick was a well-known person, and everyone knew what he looked like, so it was unlikely Melody was lying.

But just then, Melody’s phone rang again.

After hanging up, Melody said, “Mr. Frost won’t make it in ten minutes, but he will be here in about an hour.”

Nana’s expression relaxed, clearly relieved. She was pretty sure Melody was just stalling, and that the call was a scam.

With a smirk, Nana said, “Miss Fox, it’s not too late to apologize right now. For Ken’s sake, I might let it slide.”

Melody was done arguing with Nana and responded, “You will see him in an hour.”

Nana rolled her eyes, thinking, ‘This woman is stubborn as a mule.’

Then, Sid jumped in to lighten the mood. “Looks like everyone’s hungry. I’ve got a ton of takeout on the way. Let’s order whatever else you need. It’s all on me!”

He handed his phone over, and the guys quickly rushed to grab it, excitedly placing their orders.

Chapter 418

Most of the people at the class reunion came from well-off families, but the guys had different ideas from the girls. Since someone was treating them, of course, they weren’t going to pass up the chance to mooch off the food.

From then on, the room quickly buzzed with energy again.

Nana watched Melody through the crowd, a smirk slowly forming on her lips.

Some were still worried that Melody might actually pull off getting Yannick to show up. They whispered to Nana, “Are you really going to do work for her in a month if Mr. Frost actually shows up? What if he does come?”

Nana was confident as she remarked, “Not a chance! She said he would be here in ten minutes, and now it’s pushed to an hour. I’m sure she is just buying more time. I’ll deal with her as soon as the hour’s up!”

Meanwhile, Melody followed Ken up to the second floor, where he picked a guest room and led her inside.

Melody followed Ken into the room, feeling a bit apprehensive.

Once they were inside, Ken got straight to the point. “Dad’s about to sign the acquisition deal with Owen in the next couple of days. Ulric’s been meeting with the regional managers from the East and South divisions of Swanson Group. Those two have always played it neutral between us. But if the Owen deal doesn’t get wrapped up soon, they might start leaning towards Ulric.”

Melody listened, a bit taken aback. She had expected Ken to bring her upstairs to talk about the drama at the reunion but it seemed he had other things on his mind.

Is that all you wanted to talk about here? She asked.

Oh right, there’s one more thing, Ken said, his expression growing more serious. “Ulric met with a woman today. I don’t know who she is yet, but it looks like she’s treating his leg.

A woman? Melody asked, now intrigued. “Do you have photos Do you know what’s her name?”

Ken shrugged and said. “My people haven’t been able to get close enough to find out. But I should have more info in the next couple of days. I’ll fill you in then”

Alright. Melody fell silent. Hearing that the woman was treating Ulric made her feel uneasy for some reason.

Don’t worry about it, Ken said, suddenly patting her shoulder. The place here is quite relaxing. How about I show you around? Maybe you’ll find something fun to do.

Melody quickly remembered her real concern. Apart from Ulric and the company’s matters, is there anything else you want to talk about?

Anything else? Like what? he asked.

About Mr. Frost’ she said getting straight to the point Aren’t you worried I might be long and won’t be able to get him to come.

Ken gave her a faint smile before turning serious. Melody, if I didn’t trust you, do you think I would share all this news about Ulric?

Melody was taken aback. It felt like a warm breeze had swept through her heart.

For a moment, tears welled up in her eyes. ‘Is this what it feels like to be trusted?’ she thought.

Melody quickly looked away, not wanting Ken to see her expression.

At that moment, Sid knocked on the door and walked in. “What are you two doing up here? The takeout’s arrived- barbecue and everything. Come on down and eat now.”

Melody replied, “Alright, I’m getting hungry too.” She quickly left the room, clearly flustered.

Sid noticed something was off and asked Ken, “Did you say something to her just now?”

Ken was about to respond, but Sid continued, “You know how women are. They care about saving face. She probably did not mean to ruin Nana’s painting. There’s no need to give her a hard time.”

Ken frowned. “When did I ever give her a hard time?”

Sid looked puzzled and asked, “If you didn’t, why did she leave so fast?”

“Why are you asking me?” Ken retorted.

Sid laughed. “Yeah, why am I even asking you about women?”

Ken twitched as his patience was wearing thin. “Don’t forget that I’m married now, Sid.”

Sid snorted and responded, “We all know why you got married. Come on, let’s go. I know you don’t like takeout, so I ordered your favorite food.”

With that, Sid dragged Ken out of the room.

As Melody made her way downstairs, she saw the large round table in the living room, loaded with an impressive spread of food.

She was about to take a seat when Nana suddenly slid into the chair, blocking her from sitting down.

“Sorry, first come, first served,” Nana said with a smug smile.

Melody raised an eyebrow, her patience wearing thin. She moved to another chair, but Nana cut in again. “That seat’s taken too.”

Just as Melody was about to respond, Ken’s voice cut through the tension. “Nana, this isn’t your house, is it?”

Nana’s smile vanished, and she looked down, clearly embarrassed.

“Sit here,” Ken said, stepping forward to pull out a chair for Melody. He signaled with his eyes for her to take the seat.

“Thank you,” Melody nodded and quietly sat down, ignoring the stares around her.

Seeing this, Janet’s smile faltered as she gripped her spoon tighter. Then, she quickly recovered, saying, “Ken, don’t blame Nana. Someone was sitting there, but he went to the restroom.”

Ken did not respond to Janet and took a seat next to Melody, making Janet feel even more awkward.

Sid clapped his hands to lighten the mood. “Alright, everyone, since we have so many people here, let’s introduce the people you brought!”

A chubby guy stood up first, proudly introducing the wife.” the woman next to him. “Hey, everyone, this is my wife.

Following his lead, others who brought family or partners started introducing them one by one.

When it was Ken’s turn, everyone expected him to skip the introductions. Instead, Ken surprised everyone by saying, “This is my wife, Melody Fox.”

His voice was steady, but there was a little sparkle in his eyes that caught people off guard.

The room went quiet as people looked at Ken in shock. Whispers started.

“What’s up with Ken?”

“Does he have a whole new personality now?”

Ken had never cared much for these formalities before, and his style was a big change from the usual black-and-white business look.

Melody, hearing the introduction, felt a flutter of nerves. Her cheeks turned a bit pink, despite knowing this was all just part of the act. She took a deep breath and said, “Hi, all, I’m Melody Fox.”

There was some light applause, but it was nothing compared to the enthusiastic responses others got.

Chapter 419

After the other partners introduced themselves, there were cheers and friendly teasing. But when it was Melody’s turn, there was almost no applause, just skeptical looks and whispered comments.

Melody expected this reaction, so she remained calm.

Ken, however, noticed and said with a faint smile, “What’s wrong? You all seem a bit skeptical.”

Despite his smile, his tone had an edge, and everyone felt the pressure. The room fell silent before people forced smiles.

“Oh, it’s not that we don’t believe you, Ken. It’s just… unexpected,” someone finally said.

“Yeah, exactly,” another chimed in. “You were always so focused on studying and work. You’ve never been involved in any scandals, so we’re just a bit surprised.”

Ken responded calmly, “Well, get used to it. Since you call me Ken, you can call her Melody. Calling her Miss Fox is too formal.”

“Yes, of course,” a man quickly agreed. “Melody, Ken, you two make a great couple. You can call me Jesse from now on!”

Melody nodded slightly. “Jesse.”

The others who wanted to tighten their connections with Ken also chimed in. Others chimed in, eager to connect with Ken, “Melody, it’s great to meet you. Let’s be friends!”

Janet, unable to keep smiling through the compliments, suddenly stood up. “I need to go to the bathroom,” she said, leaving quickly.

Nana watched Janet’s retreating figure, her dislike for Melody growing.

As the meal wound down, Janet returned from the bathroom. Nana checked her watch and, seeing an hour had passed, smirked.

She coughed to get everyone’s attention. “Miss Fox, you said Mr. Frost would be here in an hour. Where is he? Don’t tell me he’s delayed again and we have to wait another hour. If we keep waiting, who knows how long this will drag on. Why don’t you call him again?”

Melody, unfazed, replied, “No need. He should be here soon.”

Nana smiled coldly and asked, “Soon? When exactly is soon? It’s almost eight o’clock.”

Melody set down her spoon, amused. “The reunion ends at ten. We’ve still got two hours. Are you that excited to do chores for me for a month, Nana?”

“You!” Nana started to snap but caught herself when she saw Ken’s piercing gaze. She bit back her words, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

“Alright, alright!” Sid clapped his hands, trying to lighten the mood again. “Are you all full? How about a round of Truth or Dare?”

“Sure! It’s too boring just sitting around.”

“Yeah, let’s do it! Clear the table, and let’s get started!”

The guys quickly cleared the table, leaving only an empty wine bottle for the game.

Sid was the first to spin the bottle. “Same old rules,” he said. “Whoever it lands on has to choose truth or dare!”

The bottle spun quickly and landed on Melody.

She didn’t want to play, but it was Ken’s class reunion. Reluctantly, Melody said, “Dare.”

Sid nodded and pulled up an app on his phone. “Alright, Dare

it is,” he said as he tapped his screen. “Choose a person to kiss for one second.”

Melody stiffened. “Sid, I’ve changed my mind. I will go with the truth.”

“That won’t do!”

“No way!” Nana interjected with a smirk. “You can’t switch once you’ve chosen. Those are the rules. Besides, you and Ken are married. What’s a little kiss between husband and wife? It’s just one second anyway.”

Nana was sure Ken didn’t have any romantic feelings for Melody and knew he was a bit of a germaphobe. She thought there was no way Ken would let Melody kiss him.

In that case, Melody would be caught in a tough spot. Nana was clearly enjoying watching her squirm.

“Can I just quit now?” Melody asked, her frustration showing.

Nana shrugged with a smirk. “You can quit the game, but you’ve gotta finish this round first.”

Melody clenched her fists and looked at Ken, silently pleading for help.

“Need a hand?” Ken asked, his voice soft.

“Yes, please!” Melody nodded eagerly.

In a surprising move, Ken leaned in and kissed her. His lips brushed against hers for a brief second.

Melody’s eyes widened as the world seemed to slow down around them. Everything around them seemed to freeze, and the chatter and glances of the crowd faded into the background. It felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

Melody was stunned when Ken’s “help” turned out to be him actually completing the dare for her.

She was so surprised that she forgot to pull away and just stared at him, her eyes wide.

At the same time, the rest of the room seemed frozen in shock, their eyes glued to the scene.

Ken had always been the pinnacle of attractiveness in their minds, and seeing him kiss someone they thought of as less appealing was like being hit by lightning.

Nana’s jaw dropped as she rubbed her eyes, struggling to believe what she was seeing. The shock quickly turned to fear as she realized it was all too real.

Sitting across Nana, Janet was also frozen, her eyes wide in disbelief. She couldn’t catch her breath, stunned that Ken had actually kissed Melody.

‘Could it be that Ken’s feelings for Melody go beyond just gratitude?’ Janet’s mind was racing, struggling to come to terms with what she’d just witnessed. She felt like her heart had been ripped out, and every beat was painful.

‘No way! I don’t want to believe it!’ She couldn’t stand it. Her face twisted with anger and jealousy.

‘Ken is mine, and no one, especially not someone she considered an ugly monster, was going to take him away.’

She bit her lip so hard it almost drew blood, glaring daggers at Melody as if her gaze could burn her to ashes.

Meanwhile, Sid snapped back to reality and glanced at the clock. “Ken, time’s up,” he said, breaking the stunned silence.

Melody finally got herself together and was about to push Ken away when he pulled back and whispered something that only the two of them could hear, “You’re welcome.”

Chapter 420

When Ken said, “You’re welcome,” Melody finally grasped what had just happened.

Her cheeks were flushed like ripe apples, and her expression was dazed.

Shock, confusion, shame, and anger all swirled together, leaving her mind a mess.

‘Why did Ken do this to me? Was it really just to help me with the dare?’ she wondered, subconsciously touching her lips.

They felt as if they had been burned, a tingly sensation running through them. It was an indescribable new sensation.

And this… this had been her first kiss.

Although Melody had married Ulric in her previous life, they had only held hands at most.

But just like that, her first kiss was stolen by Ken.

Melody looked at Ken, who seemed completely unbothered and as calm as ever as if nothing had happened.

“Was he really just helping me with the dare?

It was almost amusing. His nonchalance made her feel like the joke was on her.

Melody gritted her teeth, trying to suppress the whirlwind of emotions inside. “I need to leave. I’ve got something to take care of,” she said nervously. She couldn’t believe Ken even expected her to thank him.

Right now, she wanted nothing but to crawl into a hole and hide. But first, she had to give Ken a piece of her mind.

Not here, though. Ken was her ally, and she had to give him some respect in front of his old friends.

But just as she was about to make her exit, Nana shouted, “Wait!”

Melody paused, frowning.

Nana walked over quickly and said, “Miss Fox, are you trying to skip out on our bet? Thinking a game will get you off the hook?”

Ken glared at Nana coldly, thinking he had been too nice to these people, so now Nana had the nerve to bully Melody right in front of him.

What he did not realize was that Janet had quietly encouraged Nana, assuring her that Ken was just keeping up his reputation and didn’t genuinely care about Melody.

Before Ken could speak, Melody cut in. “Nana, are you that desperate to start doing chores for me for a month that you can’t even wait?” she asked coldly.

Nana chuckled and said, “You know as well as I do that Mr. Frost wouldn’t bother with this. He’s a Sanctuary-level Grandmaster in oil painting and has an international medal! He’s indifferent to fame and fortune. No matter how rich you are, there’s no way he’d waste his time on something like this.”

She believed that even if Ken or Ramon personally asked, they might not be able to get Yannick to come.

But just as she finished speaking an old but energetic voice came from the door, “Who says I won’t come?”

Nana froze, shocked. ‘Who was that?’ she wondered.

She turned to look at the door, and when she saw who it was, her eyes widened in disbelief. Yannick Frost himself was standing there.

Yannick had actually shown up. Nana rubbed her eyes, but no matter how many times she did, he was still standing there.

At the same time, everyone else saw Yannick and erupted in excitement. “No way! It’s really Mr. Frost!”

“So she was not bluffing then. Melody actually called the real Mr. Frost.”

“Melody must be something special. Now I understand why Ken married her, she’s not just anybody.”

Some couldn’t contain their excitement and rushed to Yannick for a photo.

Meanwhile, Nana’s legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. But she still did not want to believe it. “My painting… It can’t be a fake!”

At this moment, Janet quietly approached Nana and said, “Nana, don’t worry. Mr. Frost is here, but he won’t lie. If your painting is real, you’ll win the bet.”

Nana forced herself to stand up and nodded. “That’s right! I spent good money on that painting. Melody still owes me an apology!”

Janet hesitated for a moment and asked, “Are you sure the person who sold you the painting is reliable?”

“He’s definitely reliable!” Nana said firmly. “My dad and I have bought lots from that collector. If he wants to keep working with us, he wouldn’t sell us fakes.”

Hearing this, Janet’s anxious heart finally eased. “That’s good. Get a grip, okay?”

Janet patted Nana’s shoulder and quietly went back to her seat, unaware that Sid had seen and heard everything.

Sid’s brow furrowed slightly as he watched Janet with a concerned look.

Meanwhile, after Yannick finished taking photos with everyone, he hurried over to Melody. “Master! When did you come to Silverlake? You should’ve let me know sooner. I would’ve thrown a welcome party!”

Everyone was stunned when they heard this. “Master? Did Mr. Frost just call Melody ‘Master’? Am I hearing things?”

Janet and Nana’s faces turned ashen, their minds racing with so many questions.

Melody replied calmly, “I didn’t want you to make a fuss, so I kept it quiet. But I’m calling you now, aren’t I?”

Yannick quickly smiled, then pulled out a long box from his bag, and handed it to Melody with a big smile. “Master, I brought you a little something a thousand-year-old ginseng I picked up from Silverlake. I know you love herbs, so I thought you might like this.”

“Thank you.” Melody accepted the box from Yannick and noticed the “Herbathrive” label on it.

Melody’s mouth twitched slightly as she asked, “Did you get this ginseng from Herbathrive?”

Yannick nodded enthusiastically and replied, “Yep, that’s right! The Herbathrive boss wasn’t around, and the staff wouldn’t sell it to me. I had to track down his number and call him, which took over an hour. But I managed to get it for you!”

Melody raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching again. “This is quite a coincidence.’

However, She did not bring up her connection with Herbathrive, though. Instead, she asked, “So you came an hour late just to buy this ginseng for me?”

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