Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525) 

Chapter 521

“Hold on, I have to take this call,” said Zara.

“Okay,” Melody responded. She tightened the leash and led Lucky back to the small room.

Lucky seemed dissatisfied with being locked up again, but Lucky’s temper had softened considerably after the surgery. In addition, it was Melody. Although it was unhappy, Lucky only snorted twice.

“Be good. When you completely change your previous bad temper, I’ll let you out to play,” Melody said.

Lucky seemed to understand. Its tail wagged from side to side.

Dogs acted like their masters. Melody believed that Lucky would become more obedient and docile after her teachings.

On the other side in the private hospital.

Not long after Melody left, James received news that Melody had a conflict with Adrian.

He immediately reported to Ken and asked with a puzzled expression, “Mr. Swanson, what do you think Miss Fox is thinking? She was the one who performed the surgery. She saw Adrian take her credit, but she didn’t say anything. Besides, I’ve already told her Mr. Quant is biased against you. If she had told the truth back then, you and Mr. Quant might have been able to bury the hatchet.”

Ken glanced at James as if he was looking at a fool. “You should eat something good for your brain.”

James’s expression froze. He said rather aggrievedly, “Mr. Swanson, stop teasing me. Just tell me. What is she thinking?”

Ken couldn’t be bothered to explain too much to James. He said calmly, “You don’t need to know this. You only need to know that she did this to ease my relationship with Sebastian.”

Sebastian was prejudiced against Ken, to begin with. If Ken exposed Adrian directly, Sebastian might not have believed him.

Even if Sebastian believed Ken, he couldn’t change his opinion of Ken that soon. He would only think that this was what Ken and Melody should do.

However, if Sebastian were to come back to his senses after experiencing all this and come to them, the meaning would be completely different.

Ken knew about Melody’s plan, so he did not expose Adrian.

“But-“

“No buts.” Ken interrupted James and asked, “Have you gotten the surveillance footage?”

James realized that Ken was asking about the surveillance cameras he had set up at the airport. He could not help but feel surprised. “Miss Murphy cut her wrist out of guilt… Are you still suspicious of her?”

Ken narrowed his eyes. “Speak less and do more.”

“Okay…” James immediately did not dare to ask anymore. He made a call to retrieve the surveillance footage.

James was about to look at the surveillance footage when Ken said, “Send it to my email. I’ll look at it myself.”

James was shocked.

‘He is suspecting Miss Murphy… However, if there was a problem with Miss Murphy, would she have to slit her wrist?’ James realized that he was not smart enough.

However, he did not dare to say anything else. After replying with an “okay”, he sent the surveillance footage to Ken’s email.

“I’ll go to the car to watch the surveillance footage. Keep an eye on Janet and Sid. Also, during this time, check the identity of anyone who enters and exits the hospital before letting them go.”

James straightened his chest and tapped his feet together. He answered firmly, “Okay!”

Melody settled the dog down. After she returned to the courtyard, she heard Zara apologizing non-stop on her phone

Melody didn’t know what the person on the other end of the phone said. But Zara’s expression changed drastically Zara immediately said. “I’ll be right back.”

The call ended there. Melody walked over and asked, “What happened?”

“It’s the production team” Zara pursed her lips and said, “The director saidd everyone is waiting for me. If I delay everyone’s time, he will let someone else replace me as the female lead…

The more she spoke, the lower her voice became. It was obvious that she was afraid of the director.

Melody frowned and said. “Didn’t I speak up for you the last time I was on set with Ken? And I even chased Yana out of the production team. How dare this director treat you like this now?”

“I-I don’t know…” Zara lowered her head, looking confused and aggrieved.

However, Melody immediately understood. “This is a society where good people are bullied. Even if Ken and I had helped Zara, as time passed, they would have forgotten the lesson Ken and I had taught them back then if Zara had not changed. Naturally, they will bully Zara again.

However, Melody realized the director probably dared to shout at Zara because Yana had done something again.

‘It was just that Yana’s identity as a socialite had been exposed. Logically speaking, she shouldn’t be able to cause any trouble. Could it be that… Yana had found another backer?’ Melody raised her eyebrows slightly, and a thoughtful look flashed across her eyes.

A moment later, she said, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll get Ken to help you apply for leave. Stay here and recuperate today. You can return to the production team when you’ve fully recovered.”

“No, please don’t… I don’t want to trouble Mr. Swanson with such a small matter. I’ll go back now,” Zara said and was about to leave.

However, she had only taken two steps when her vision suddenly darkened and she felt dizzy.

Melody quickly went forward to support Zara. Only then did Zara stabilize herself.

“What did I say?” Melody glanced at Zara and said, “With your current state, you must recuperate well. You can’t force yourself. Listen to me.”

Zara was helpless. She wanted to say something but…hesitated. Then, she nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll apply for leave from the director myself.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll take care of it for you. Lie on my bed and rest first. You’ll feel dizzy again later.” After Melody finished speaking, she pulled Zara into the room.

She only heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Zara lying down properly.

“This girl probably doesn’t know who she had saved at all. However, this is also good. I don’t want Zara to get involved in this mess, Melody thought.

Once Ulric was involved, it was difficult for her to ensure she could take care of Zara at any time.

“Have a good rest. Leave the production team to me. I’ll go and see if your medicine is ready,” said Melody.

“Okay.” Zara nodded honestly. After the dizziness just now, she also understood that she could not continue to hold on with her health condition now.

Melody covered Zara with the blanket and left the room with the phone in her hand.

A moment later, she dialed Ken’s number.

The call was picked up almost instantly. Melody only heard the rustling of human voices from the other side, as if Ken was watching a movie.

‘At this juncture, he is still in the mood to watch a movie?” With that thought in mind, Melody’s tone carried a hint of displeasure as she said calmly, “Please send someone to Zara’s production team. They don’t know she ran out of the production team to save Sid and blame her for skipping work.”

“Alright…” Ken had just responded when Melody had already hung up.

The expression on Ken’s handsome face darkened as he was hung up like that.

Chapter 522

However, Ken immediately composed himself.

Melody was angry with him, though he wasn’t sure why. Still, he considered it a good sign.

Over the past few days, Ken had sensed a coolness in Melody’s demeanor. Hence, her current emotions were a positive development.

Ken immediately dialed a high-ranking executive at Swanson Universal Entertainment.

The call was promptly answered, and the executive’s voice sounded anxious. “Mr. Swanson, what can I do for you?”

Ken was straight to the point. “There’s an artist in our company, Zara. She hasn’t feeling well for the past two days. I want you to go to her set and get her a two-day… No, a three-day leave. If she needs more time, extend it accordingly.”

The executive was shocked. “Z-Zara?”

Every artist in the company underwent a thorough background check. As far as he knew, Zara was one of the least connected individuals in the company. He wondered what she had done to warrant this level of attention from Ken.

Ken replied, “That’s right, Zara.”

After confirming Ken’s instructions, the executive felt even more astonished but dared not question further and promptly answered, “Yes.” Then, he quickly drove to Zara’s film set.

The film set was at a school just ten minutes away from the company.

His arrival caused a stir among the crew. The director himself greeted the executive with heightened vigilance.

The director was dumbfounded when informed that the executive was there to secure leave for Zara. “Z-Zara?”

The executive noticed the director’s reaction and was reminded of his own initial shock. He understood the director’s surprise but knew he must get the job done.

He cleared his throat and said authoritatively, “That’s right! Zara is not feeling well. Please bear with us and reschedule her scenes for later. The company will compensate for any losses incurred during this time. Just continue doing your work as planned.”

The director was flabbergasted. He still couldn’t process what was happening.

Yana had assured him that Zara was a simple country girl who got a bit lucky and gained some fame, leading her to where she was today.

Ken’s earlier defense for Zara was supposedly out of sympathy for the underdog. But now, even a high-level executive was here for her.

Sweat trickled down the director’s forehead as he caught the high-level executive’s stern gaze. Snapping back to attention, he hurriedly agreed. “Yes, of course. Her health is the most important. We wouldn’t want her to strain herself or compromise the quality of the footage.”

“Good.” The executive nodded and added, “Take good care of her. She’s not someone you can afford to offend!”

The director was shaken and nodded with a complex expression. He replied, “Understood.”

The executive raised an eyebrow and then gave detailed instructions. He meticulously ensured that Zara’s resting area in the set was well arranged before leaving.

Leaving the set, the executive called the agent with the most resources in Swanson Universal Entertainment, speaking bluntly. “Starting today, you’ll be managing Zara.”

“What…?” The agent, Thomas Bush, was taken aback. He hesitated and asked, “Did you say Zara? All my artists are top-tier, and she’s barely a third or fourth-tier…”

The executive questioned, “What? You don’t understand my orders or you’re unwilling to comply?”

Thomas nervously replied, “No, of course not…”

“Then it’s settled.” The executive paused and added, “Also, Zara will be a permanent guest on the upcoming variety show ‘Artist’s Wardrobe’ next month.”

“What?” Thomas exclaimed, raising his voice. “But there are only two permanent guest spots aside from the host, and the female spot is already assigned to Yana…”

“Then find another show for Yana!” The executive grew impatient and hung up.

Thomas gripped his phone tightly, unable to snap out of shock. “Artist’s Wardrobe” was now in its second season, and the first season was incredibly popular. Everyone knew it was an invaluable opportunity.

He didn’t know how Zara was able to seize this opportunity. He was also curious how this wretched girl gained favor from the executive.

After a moment of shock, Thomas dialed Yana’s number. “Yana, come to the office immediately. We need to talk!”

On the other end, Yana was having dinner with an important benefactor. Hearing this, she frowned and said, “I’m busy right now, Thomas-“

Thomas interrupted. “I don’t care what you’re doing. If you don’t want to lose another opportunity, get back here now!”

Yana was alarmed and quickly agreed. “Yes, I’ll be there right away.”

*****

Meanwhile, Melody closely supervised the pharmacist as he prepared the medicine.

Despite Herbathrive’s well-equipped apothecary room, which required minimal manual intervention, Melody insisted on overseeing the process herself. It made the pharmacist quite nervous.

At that moment, David rushed in urgently and reported, “Miss Fox, bad news! The woman who caused trouble the other day is back!”

Melody was puzzled. “The woman causing trouble?”

Melody’s eyes narrowed as she quickly recalled the incident where Ken and Janet’s classmate, Nana, had come to the clinic and caused a commotion. Melody had dealt with her and sent her away.

To avoid further hassle from Nana, she informed Ken about the matter.

She had assumed that Ken would resolve the issue completely, but apparently, that wasn’t the case. Or perhaps he didn’t care about her problems.

With a frown, Melody instructed the pharmacist to watch over the medicine before heading toward the clinic’s main hall with a stern expression.

As Melody approached the back entrance of the hall, she saw Nana standing in the middle, accompanied by an older woman who bore a resemblance to Nana. She wondered who this woman was to Nana.

Melody paused briefly before striding up to them. She asked with an unkind tone, “Nana, what do you want now? Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?”

Nana’s eyes lit up upon seeing her, but she quickly shook her head. “No, Miss Fox, you misunderstand. We’re not here to cause trouble…”

“Oh?” Melody raised an eyebrow in surprise.

She scrutinized Nana, noting the stark contrast from her previous aggressive demeanor. Now, Nana appeared utterly defeated, as if she hadn’t slept for days, with sunken eyes and wearing the same clothes from her last visit to Herbathrive. Her demeanor was low, and her eyes held a hint of pleading.

Something was definitely off. Someone like Nana, who always prided herself on appearances, wouldn’t wear the same clothes for several days. It didn’t seem like she was here to pick a fight again.

“We aren’t here to cause trouble!” the middle-aged woman beside Nana hurriedly added, worried Melody wouldn’t believe them. She introduced herself, “I’m Nana’s mother. We’ve come today to apologize for what happened the other day.”

Chapter 523

Talia quickly gave Nana a look, which she immediately understood.

She offered a bag of fruits with a flattering smile. “Miss Fox, I didn’t know what fruits you like, so I bought some. Please accept it.”

Talia chimed in, “Nana has been spoiled by me since she was a child and made the mistake of offending you. Please forgive her this time! I assure you, she won’t trouble you again.”

Their unusual behavior piqued Melody’s curiosity.

Unsure if they were setting her up, she maintained her stern tone and gave a mocking smile. “This is interesting. A few days ago, you were threatening me to have people beat me up and smash my place. Now, you’re here to apologize. What exactly are you two trying to pull? Speak up. I’m busy and don’t have time to waste.”

Her words were full of disdain. Based on what she knew of Nana’s temper, Nana would not tolerate such open contempt. If she were pretending, she would surely slip up.

As Melody finished speaking, she watched Nana closely, scrutinizing her every expression. She determined not to miss any subtle change in her expression. However, Nana lowered her eyes, looking unsure of where to start.

This surprised Melody even more. She couldn’t believe this was the same Nana from before.

She seemed to have lost all her edge in just a few days. Even Talia, who briefly showed a flash of embarrassment, displayed no signs of anger.

The next moment, Talia became even more submissive. She said, “Miss Fox, Nana truly knows she was wrong this time. She understands she has offended the wrong person. She understands she shouldn’t have relied on her family’s past status to trouble anyone.”

Melody caught the key phrase. “Past status?”

Nana gritted her teeth and said, “Miss Fox, to be honest, because of what happened with you, my father has kicked my mom and me out of the house. We had nowhere to go, all our cards were frozen, and even my mom’s savings were taken back. The fruits we brought for you cost us our last bit of money.”

“Your father?” Melody’s eyes narrowed as she quickly realized what had happened. Ken hadn’t been indifferent to the situation. He had quietly taken action without her knowledge. It was no wonder Nana and her mother had come to apologize in person.

Melody repressed her mocking expression and said indifferently, “This isn’t the place to talk. You’ll disturb my patients. If you don’t mind, let’s go to the lounge upstairs.”

Nana and Talia were visibly relieved and nodded eagerly. “Thank you for giving us a chance to apologize, Miss Fox!”

Melody didn’t respond but led the way upstairs. It wasn’t out of compassion but because Nana had a unique background.

She was Janet’s classmate and was close to her. If Melody wanted to expose Janet’s true nature, she might find a lead through Nana.

Soon, the three of them arrived at the lounge.

David was concerned about Melody being alone with them. He followed and stood guard at the door like a sentinel. Melody, though a bit exasperated, did not refuse his well-intended protection.

As soon as Melody sat down, Nana began to recount the past few days’ events like a torrent. “My dad is really determined to cut ties with us. We’ve also just discovered that he has a secret lover and even has an illegitimate child…”

She continued, “We tried seeking help from relatives and friends, but once they found out we were kicked out, not a single one was willing to take us in. They even refused to let us step inside their homes!”

Nana was trembling as she spoke, either from sadness or anger. Melody’s face remained impassive as she asked, “Didn’t you seek help from your good friend, Janet?”

At the mention of Janet, Nana’s fists clenched tightly, veins standing out on her arms from the force.

It was Talia who spoke up. “The first thing Nana did after we were kicked out was to seek out her friend. But she was thrown out and mocked. Janet even threatened to call the police if Nana bothered her again.”

Nana bit her lip hard and then said, “It was then I realized she was using me all along! The conflicts between us were all stirred up by her. You and I were never at odds until she intervened. Otherwise, why would I be bothering you?” Nana’s voice shook with anger.

However, Melody wasn’t surprised upon hearing this. It was indeed the kind of thing Janet would do. She would cut ties with someone when they were no longer needed.

When the airport project hadn’t started, Janet must have known Nana and her mother were kicked out because of Ken’s intervention. Janet wasn’t foolish enough to openly defy Ken. Besides, Nana had no value to Janet anymore.

Melody raised an eyebrow. “I sympathize with should know that since your father has another woman, he you, but you might not take you back even if I forgive you.”

“I know…” Nana lowered her eyes. “I didn’t come here hoping everything would return to how it was if you forgave me.”

Melody was puzzled. “Then why go through the trouble of apologizing?”

Nana bit her lip and looked up. “I wanted to make a clean break from the past. My previous life ended here with you, and I want to start anew. After apologizing to you, I can fully move on and start living a better life. Also, I wanted to make it clear that Janet was the one causing you trouble, not me. But seeing your reaction, you already knew that.”

Melody was somewhat surprised but understood Nana’s change in attitude. Only after a significant setback did a person reassess and change themselves. Melody herself had changed profoundly after she died once. She was not the Melody of her past life.

After a moment of silence, Melody said with a hint of admiration, “Nana, you’ve really made me see you in a new light.”

Nana pursed her lips and stood up, bowing deeply to Melody. “I’m sorry for what happened before. I won’t appear in your life again. Rest assured.”

With that, Nana and Talia prepared to leave.

Melody stood up as well. “Wait, what are your plans now?”

Nana replied with some embarrassment, “My major is in finance, but without the Jensen family’s backing, I can’t find any job in my field… My mom and I plan to find work somewhere that offers food and accommodation.”

Melody nodded thoughtfully. “If you’re looking for work anyway, why not stay and work here?”

Chapter 524

Nana was stunned. She asked in disbelief, “You are willing to take us in? I caused you so much trouble before and even framed you at the class reunion…”

It wasn’t just that Nana considered herself an enemy of Melody. Even their relatives and friends avoided them like the plague.

Melody’s expression remained unchanged as she said calmly, “It’s not about taking you in. I happen to need help here, and you need a job. It’s mutually beneficial.”

Talia tugged at Nana’s sleeve excitedly. “Nana…”

However, Nana was still hesitant and did not immediately agree.

Melody could tell what Nana was thinking. She decided to be direct. “If you decide to stay, you’ll be part of my team. You will need to tell me everything you know about Janet, in detail. Take your time to think it over. I’ll be waiting for your answer.”

With that, Melody left the lounge. She instructed David, who stood at the door, “Once they’ve made their decision, bring them to the backyard to inform me.”

“Yes,” David responded. Although he didn’t like Nana, he wouldn’t question Melody’s decision.

*****

When Melody returned to the backyard, she saw Zara laughing over her phone. Melody couldn’t help but smile as well and walked over to ask, “What’s making you so happy? Did the director approve your leave?”

“Not just that!” Zara exclaimed excitedly, sitting up too quickly and feeling a bit dizzy. Melody quickly supported her and softly said, “Take it easy. There’s no rush.”

“Okay!” Zara said. She rubbed her nose with her finger. “The company suddenly changed my agent.”

Melody was unfamiliar with the entertainment industry. She asked in confusion, “Is changing agents a good thing?”

Zara patiently explained, “My previous agent was nice, but she was a junior agent with very few resources. I only got the role in this film because the Clark family incident boosted my popularity and landed me the opportunity.”

Melody asked, “So, your new agent has more resources?”

“Exactly!” Zara said. She was unable to hide her excitement. “His name is Thomas Bush, a well-known top agent in the industry. He’s launched many A-list celebrities and award-winning actors. He’s the agent with the most resources at Swanson Universal Entertainment.”

Melody was genuinely happy for Zara but couldn’t shake the feeling that this change was due to someone else’s influence.

The same feeling surfaced when she learned about Nana being kicked out by her family. She realized she had misunderstood Ken. He was taking action, just not openly.

Melody composed herself and was about to congratulate Zara when she noticed Zara’s mood deflate. Zara said,

“But… Thomas is also Yana’s agent.”

Melody understood Zara’s concern. She placed a reassuring hand on Zara’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. So what if you two share an agent? Do you think she’ll openly undermine you? Remember, you have me as your backing.”

Zara gave a bitter smile, clearly not convinced that Melody could wield much influence within Swanson Universal Entertainment.

To Zara, Melody was just another employee under Ken, someone who might have some sway on a film set but not within the entire company.

Melody chose not to explain further and continued, “I believe Thomas will recognize your talent. If he starts favoring Yana and neglecting you, just let me know.”

“Okay,” Zara replied, but she didn’t want to burden Melody with her problems.

Zara quickly regained her spirits. “There’s more good news. Thomas invited me to participate in a popular variety show next month called ‘Artist’s Wardrobe. The first season was a huge hit. Normally, with my current standing, I wouldn’t have access to this kind of opportunity. I’m not sure why he chose to give me this chance.”

“Artist’s Wardrobe…” Melody remembered the show. It wasn’t that she enjoyed watching variety shows, but this one had become a cultural phenomenon. If she recalled correctly, the second season would be as popular as the first.

Melody vaguely remembered that in the second season, Yana was a regular. Moreover, Mabel made her first significant mark in the entertainment industry during one of the episodes. She eventually rose to become the next top female star.

Mabel’s participation in that variety show significantly boosted the sales of the Justalion Group’s clothing line. It ultimately led Russell to elevate Mabel to an executive position within the company.

With Yana being replaced by Zara, Melody wondered if Mabel’s career would still follow the same trajectory as she did in her previous life.

She didn’t share these thoughts with Zara but said, “It shows that Thomas sees potential in you. Don’t worry about Yana. Just focus on doing your best.”

“Yeah!” Zara responded. Her confidence had been restored.

Just then, the herbal medicine was ready. A cup of dark, thick liquid was brought to Zara.

The bitter smell permeated the air, but Zara didn’t hesitate and drank it all in one gulp. Melody noted her resilience. Zara was a girl who could endure hardships, though she was too kind-hearted.

Melody saw in Zara a reflection of her past self in her previous life. She subconsciously clenched her fists and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

Zara smiled and replied, “I should be the one saying that. Once I make it big, I’ll protect you!”

Their eyes met, and they both sensed the sincerity in each other.

At that moment, David entered the room. “Miss Fox…”

Melody looked up. “Have they made their decision?”

David replied, “Yes, they have decided to stay.”

Zara quickly said, “Melody, go ahead. I’m feeling a bit sleepy and want to take a nap.”

“Alright.” Melody nodded and followed David out.

She saw Nana and her mother sitting on a stone bench in the backyard. As she approached, they both stood up.

Nana was the first to speak. “We’ve decided. We’re willing to work here. We’ll do our best wherever you need us.”

Melody replied, “Good. Then you can stay. As for accommodations, I’ll have David take you to the dormitory after the clinic closes at night.”

Talia nodded repeatedly. “Thank you, Miss Fox. Your generosity is more than we deserve. We are willing to work for you, but we don’t have any medical skills. What can we do?”

Melody had already thought about this. She asked Talia, “Can you cook?”

Talia’s eyes brightened with confidence. “I’ve been a housewife for many years. While I’m not skilled in other areas, I’m a good cook.”

Melody nodded. “Great. You can handle the clinic’s meals.”

Since Beverly had been hospitalized, the clinic staff had been relying on takeout. Having someone cook was a welcome change.

“And what about me?” Nana asked eagerly.

Melody considered for a moment. “The clinic’s accountant is quite busy. You can assist with accounting and procurement. Your salary will be determined by the accountant.”

“Okay!” Nana agreed immediately.

“But…” Melody continued, “There’s something even more important than assisting.”

Chapter 525

Nana was not naive. Hearing Melody’s words, she immediately understood that she wanted to discuss Janet.

She promptly suggested, “Let’s find a place to talk in detail.”

Melody nodded and instructed David, “Please show Mrs. Jensen around the clinic and the kitchen, and inform the accountant. Nana and I will discuss some matters at the coffee shop across the street.”

David did not question this and nodded. “Yes, Miss Fox.”

Soon, the two of them were at the coffee shop across from the clinic. The coffee shop offered good privacy, so they didn’t have to worry about eavesdroppers.

Melody got straight to the point. “I believe you have something to tell me regarding Janet, whether from your school days or after graduation…”

Nana took a sip of coffee, seemingly using it to bolster her courage. Betraying Janet was not an easy decision for her.

Melody was patient. She waited for Nana to gather her thoughts.

Fortunately, Nana didn’t take long before she began. “Janet and I kept in touch frequently during university, but less so after graduation. However, I’ve always known she is a dangerous person.”

Melody raised an eyebrow and asked, “What do you mean?”

Nana replied, “We both attended university abroad. The Halcyon students at our school often gathered together. Janet knew Ken and Sid before university, so she was closer to them. They even started a business together during university.”

Melody listened attentively.

Nana paused for a moment before continuing, “The three of them had always been close, but not many people in Halcyon knew that they weren’t just a trio during university. It had been a group of four.”

Melody was surprised. “A quartet? Was it James?”

Nana shook her head. “No, James was just one of Ken’s subordinates.”

“Then who was the fourth?”

“It was a girl… She was beautiful, a mix of three nationalities, with stunning blue eyes. She joined their group later. I wasn’t very familiar with her, but everyone called her Mango because she loved eating mangoes. Mango’s family was originally wealthy, but after they went bankrupt, she had to work part-time to pay for her tuition while studying.”

Nana continued, “Initially, she and Ken were just friends, but they grew closer and often went out together. But one day, Mango suddenly dropped out of school. None of us could contact her. Ken looked for her for a long time, and so did we…”

She added, “In the end, all we found was a letter she left behind, saying she was tired of this life and had returned to her home country. If Mango hadn’t suddenly disappeared, she would still be with Ken today.”

Melody’s grip on her coffee cup tightened.

“Do you know something about Mango?” Melody asked.

Nana nodded, seeming to summon all her courage to continue, “Mango… she died.”

Melody was shocked. “What did you say?”

“I saw with my own eyes that Janet pushed her off the back hill of the school…” Nana’s voice trembled. “Janet doesn’t know I saw it, and I’ve never told anyone. But Janet used me and then discarded me, so I don’t want to keep her secret anymore.”

Melody remained silent for a long time before asking, “Does Ken know about this?”

Nana shook her head. “Ken doesn’t know, but there’s another person who does.”

“Who?”

“Sid.”

Melody felt a turmoil in her chest, struggling to digest this information.

She couldn’t help but wonder if Sid would expose Janet even if he regained consciousness. She thought probably not. Melody realized she couldn’t rely on Sid alone to reveal Janet’s true nature.

Nana continued, “Sid was there, but he didn’t see me. I always thought he would speak out, but he chose to remain silent.”

Melody asked with a complex expression, “Was Mango’s body ever found?”

“No.” Nana shook her head. “I’ve been keeping an eye on this, but there’s never been any news from the school. I think either Janet and her family managed to suppress it, or Mango’s body was never discovered.”

Melody noted this information, listening as Nana recounted more of Janet’s minor misdeeds.

As the sky darkened, Melody finally interrupted. “Let’s leave it at that for today. If you remember anything important, let me know.”

“Okay.” Nana agreed.

As they were about to leave the coffee shop, Nana suddenly said, “Miss Fox, there’s one more thing. I’m not sure if I should mention it.”

Melody responded, “Go ahead.”

Nana hesitated and said, “Your eyes… They look a lot like Mango’s.”

Melody’s eyelids flickered, a complex emotion surging in her heart. She quickly composed herself, smiling faintly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“What?” Nana was puzzled.

Melody’s smile deepened. “Didn’t you say Mango was a beautiful girl?”

Nana was momentarily stunned but understood Melody’s meaning. Melody indeed wasn’t conventionally “pretty,” but her eyes were reminiscent of Mango’s. However, they held a steadiness and sharpness Mango lacked.

Back at Herbathrive, Melody handed Nana to David and went to the backyard.

Zara was sound asleep, and after a glance, Melody returned to the front hall to help. She worked until past eleven.

David said, “Miss Fox, there’s one last patient. Let me handle it. You haven’t rested for hours.”

Melody replied, “It’s alright, I’ll take the last one.”

David was puzzled. “Miss Fox, are you in a bad mood?”

Melody looked up in confusion. “Why do you say that?”

David shook his head. “Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems you’re deliberately keeping yourself busy.”

Melody was startled and suddenly lost the desire to continue. She stood up and said, “I am a bit tired. You take the last patient.”

“Alright, you should rest.” David nodded.

自

Melody tried to smile but couldn’t manage it. She felt lost and upset and couldn’t tell why.

She wandered the streets aimlessly, unsure of how long she walked until her phone’s vibration stopped her.

Mechanically, she took out her phone and saw “Ken” on the caller ID. The name seemed to snap her back to reality.

Looking up, Melody realized she had walked from the city center to the outskirts. It was already past 2 am.

She had been walking for three hours! Her feet ached, and even her knees felt sore.

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