Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 636, 637, 638, 639, and 640) 

Chapter 636

The death of Yolanda relieved Melody, but she couldn’t fully relax. Her mother’s belongings were still not recovered, and her own revenge was not complete. She remained vigilant.

As Melody settled into the car, she dialed Mason’s number. “Russell gave me what I wanted. He might use the Justalion Group as collateral with you. If their assets aren’t enough, I can add some, but Russell mustn’t know.”

Though puzzled, Mason knew Melody was playing a strategic game. Without hesitation, he agreed, “Miss Fox, no need to worry. Your instructions will be executed. I have enough authority to handle this without troubling you.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“By the way, if Ruby still doesn’t have an appetite in a few days, let me know.”

“Sure…”

After ending the call, Melody realized the car was heading in the opposite direction of Serenity Villa. As she was about to ask, the car stopped at Silverlake Cemetery.

Melody looked at Ken in surprise as he gave a faint smile and said, “Your mother’s killer is dead. Aren’t you going to share the good news?”

Melody opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to thank Ken, but remembered he didn’t like being thanked. She quickly changed her words. “Ken, you’re a nice person.” She wondered if this would be better than saying thanks.

Ken’s forehead lined with frustration. “Go on,” he said, holding back his frustration, he handed her a flashlight and asked, “It’s a bit dark. Do you need me to go with you?”

Melody slightly waved her hand to turn down the offer. “No need. Humans are scarier than ghosts,” she said, stepping into the dark cemetery without hesitation.

Ken watched her disappear into the darkness and sighed softly. He didn’t know how long it would take to warm Melody’s heart, but he knew there were no shortcuts. The advice from Sid was useless. Melody wasn’t like other girls. Only with genuine feelings could he possibly win her over. He redirected his attention and made a call. “Hey, I remember you have a friend who sells…”

Half an hour later, Melody emerged from the cemetery, looking unchanged. But she was human, not made of steel. She had emotions and felt sadness and sorrow. She just hid them deep inside, showing no vulnerability. Her slightly reddened eyes, however, betrayed her feelings. Ken noticed but didn’t comment.

“Let’s go,” Melody said, smiling. “I’m in a good mood today. I’ll treat you to a late-night snack!”

“We should celebrate, indeed. But…” As Ken was speaking, he suddenly took out a bouquet from behind his back.

The flowers appeared in front of Melody out of nowhere. She was surprised and quickly realized that the bouquet in front of her was the same one she had seen in the backseat of the car. ‘So… is he giving me someone else’s flowers, or has he planned this all along? If the latter, why? Today isn’t a special day for me though…’ she wondered.

“Take them,” Ken said, holding out the flowers and thrusting them directly into her arms.

The fragrance filled Melody’s senses. All women were fond of flowers, and she was no exception, but she wondered what these flowers were for.

Ken, guessing her thoughts, explained, “Moon’s been acting strangely today, making a bunch of calls and insisting I bring you flowers. I’m starting to wonder if she has some kind of sixth sense, knowing Yolanda would die today.”

Knowing that it was Moon’s idea. Melody felt relieved but also a twinge of disappointment she didn’t notice. She moved her lips and said again, “Ken, you’re really a nice…”

“Enough,” Ken interrupted, glaring at her. “If you want to say thank you, just say it! This roundabout way of thanking is more annoying.”

Melody couldn’t help but laugh.

“By the way…” Ken cleared his throat. “Today marks a hundred days since we got our marriage certificate. Happy hundred days.”

Melody froze. She was surprised at the fact that Ken remembered this date. Emotions stirred within her, like a breeze rippling across a calm lake.

“There’s another surprise, but I’m not so sure if you would like it,” Ken added, snapping his fingers. Suddenly, a piercing sound shattered the suffocating stillness that had hung over the cemetery’s night sky.

It was fireworks! Melody watched in delight as a white light shot up rapidly into the sky, followed by a streak of gray smoke. Then, with a loud bang, a brilliant firework exploded. Shortly after, a second and third fireworks burst into the night sky, turning the darkness into a dazzling display as bright as day. Melody exclaimed, “So beautiful…”

Ken, watching her smile, couldn’t help but smile too. He wondered when Melody’s every expression started affecting him so much. Just as he was lost in his thoughts, an irate voice abruptly came from the cemetery the next moment. “Which brat dares to set off fireworks here!”

Melody was startled and quickly turned to Ken, asking, “They don’t allow fireworks here. Did you get a permit?”

“Forget about that. Run!” Ken said, grabbing her hand and pulling her away, but the car they had arrived in was nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s the car?”

“I had James drive it up the hill to set off fireworks.”

“You…”

“Just run. We can deal with this later!” Ken tightened his grip on Melody’s hand and picked up the pace.

Melody hurried to keep up, and they ran all the way to a bustling street a few miles away before stopping to catch their breath.

“Ugh…” Melody panted, complaining, “When did you start doing things without thinking? Setting off fireworks in a place like that? We almost got caught!”

Ken shrugged and said, “Who was it that just said the fireworks were beautiful?”

Melody blushed and turned away, saying, “You should be embarrassed! If people knew the renowned Mr. Swanson was chased away by a cemetery security guard, they’d never stop laughing! You couldn’t handle something this simple? Honestly?”

Ken just smiled and remained silent. ‘Silly girl! I could have easily dealt with it, even without speaking, just by flashing a smile. But at that moment, I just wanted to run away with you like a normal guy would do. And it wasn’t so bad.’

“Didn’t you say you’d treat me to a late-night snack?” Ken said, pointing to the crowded food stalls. “Let’s eat here tonight.”

Chapter 637

“Are you sure?” Melody asked in disbelief, looking at Ken. “Are you really going to eat street food from a stall?”

“What? Is there a sign that says I shouldn’t eat this?”

“Of course not…”

Melody was just surprised. ‘In my past life, I was fooled by Ulric, mistakenly thinking we were in a serious relationship. I even invited him here to try street food on a whim, only for him to look disgusted just from the smell and refuse to eat anything from the stall. We ended up going to a five-star hotel for a late-night snack instead. Looking back now, I should have realized that Ulric never truly loved me. How could I have been so blind?’ lost in thought, a hand waved in front of her face. She snapped out of it and met Ken’s gaze.

“Thinking about something? You’re not planning to skip out on the bill, are you?”

“Of course not!” Melody’s bad mood was instantly lifted by Ken’s teasing. She regained her composure and warned him, “The food here isn’t exactly the cleanest. I’m asking you one last time. Are you sure you want to eat it?”

Ken didn’t answer. Instead, he walked over to the nearest food stall. “Hey, I’d like to get one of these…” He stepped back, looked at the sign on the stall, and read aloud, “Cheese balls.”

The vendor, amazed to see someone so well-dressed at his stall, quickly responded, “Sure! But I only sell them in boxes. 3 dollars and eight pieces per box.”

“3… dollars?” Ken’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief.

Melody chuckled and whispered so only they could hear, “Is this your first time buying something that costs 1 digit?”

Ken shot her a look and, with a hint of revenge, told the vendor, “I’ll take two boxes.”

“Hey…” Melody quickly reminded him, “You won’t be able to finish all that.”

“What, are you too stingy to spend 6 dollars?”

Reluctantly, Melody paid for the food. As the transaction was completed, the cheese balls were packed up. Ken popped one into his mouth.

“So, what do you think?”

Under Melody’s expectant gaze, Ken frowned and said, “This is what they call cheese balls? It only has a bit of cheese in it. Why even call them cheese balls?”

“Well, what should it be called then? Cheese strand balls? Does that sound any better?”

“Hmm.”

Ken went on to sample almost every food stall on the street, buying and trying everything, regardless of whether it was good or bad. Melody couldn’t help but worry. “You’re eating too much! You’d better not get a stomach ache later.”

“I won’t. It’s my first time having you foot the bill. Can’t let this chance slip by.”

“You’re…” Melody wasn’t quite sure how to describe her feelings, but it seemed like the guy who usually seemed aloof was finally showing a bit of human warmth.

Noticing Melody’s changing expression, Ken awkwardly asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’ve got something on your lip.” Melody used her thumb to wipe away the food residue from Ken’s mouth. Just as she was about to pull her hand back, he grabbed her wrist. Their eyes locked. The surrounding noise seemed to fade away, and the bustling crowd around them seemed to blur as their focus remained solely on each other.

Thump, thump, thump… Melody could almost hear her own heartbeat.

Ken’s lips parted. “Melody, I…” Before he could finish, James’s voice interrupted, “Mr. Ken! I finally found you!”

Melody felt like she’d been jolted and quickly pulled her hand away from Ken’s. She turned to see James rushing over.

James, who had been blocked by the crowd earlier, now spotted Melody and visibly relaxed. “Miss Fox, you’re here too. I’ve been looking for you…” As he spoke, he noticed the tension in the air and looked at Ken, who was glaring daggers at him. James shuddered, not knowing what was going on.

“Let’s go,” Melody said. “It’s getting late, and I need to head to Herbathrive early tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Ken coldly turned his gaze away from James and followed Melody out of the street.

However, what they didn’t notice was a pair of cold, watchful eyes were fixed on them. The owner of those eyes was reminded by a man behind her, “Miss Janet, we should be leaving. If we stay any longer, they might notice.”

Janet, clearly frustrated, shot a glare at the man. “Is this your way of bossing me around? My father sent you to assist, not to order me around.”

“I didn’t mean to…”

“Just know your place!” She glared at the assistant her father had sent and reluctantly got into the car to return to the hospital.

On the way, the assistant couldn’t help but comment, “Miss Janet, why bother? Mr. Swanson is blind and has his eyes on someone unattractive while never even giving you a second look. Why you’re still chasing after him? Why put yourself through this?”

“Shut up! Since when do people like you get to criticize Ken?”

“I’m sorry…”

“Just stop talking!”

The assistant fell silent, knowing better than to provoke Janet further, though still feeling pity for her.

The next morning, Melody was jolted awake by the sound of coughing. The room she was staying in was next to Ken’s, and even through the thick wall, she could hear his severe coughing. She quickly threw on slippers and went to knock on Ken’s door. At the same time, Susan heard the noise and came over.

Inside Ken’s room, they found him, lips pale but still dressed in a suit, clearly preparing to head out.

“What are you planning to do?” Melody asked.

“I’m heading to the headquarters.” Ken continued to cough while speaking.

“Hold on a minute.” Melody turned to Susan. “Please brew the traditional medicine I brought.”

“Of course,” Susan said, hurrying downstairs.

“I’m fine,” Ken said, looking at Melody. “It’s probably just a sore throat.”

“Just a sore throat? You ate so much spicy food last night.” She shot him a glare and commanded, “Let me check your throat.”

“I really don’t…”

“Open up!”

Ken reluctantly opened his mouth. Melody took a quick look and checked his pulse. “It’s inflammation from eating too much spicy food. Fortunately, there’s no fever yet. But if we don’t address it soon, it might turn into one.”

“I’m not that weak.”

“I’m a doctor. Do you not trust my judgment? No matter how urgent things are, you need to take the medicine first. It’s specifically prepared for you to help with the cough and reduce inflammation.”

Reluctantly, Ken agreed, “Alright.”

Half an hour later, the medicine was finally ready. Just as Ken finished taking it, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, and a look of surprise crossed his face.

Chapter 638

Melody had initially thought about packing some of Susan’s vegetable soup for Ken to take with him. But when she caught sight of his expression, she hesitated and asked, “Is it work again?”

“No,” Ken replied, not taking the call and instead ending it. He said directly, “It was from someone at the company. A higher-up named Quinn. He’s the one managing Pearly Antiques.”

“The antique shop that your mom left behind, the one you’ve been trying to get back?”

“Yeah.”

Hearing Ken’s confirmation, Melody’s eyes lit up. “Isn’t that great news? If he’s reaching out, it must be about Pearly Antiques. Congratulations, you’re finally close to getting it back.”

Ken forced a smile and told her, “Mr. Quinn, the one managing Pearly Antiques, works for Ulric. If he’s contacting me now, it’s likely on Ulric’s orders.”

Melody’s face grew serious. “Could it be a trap?”

“No, it’s definitely not a trap. In fact, it might be a pleasant surprise.” Seeing that name instantly made Ken think of the situation with Regina, so he had a pretty good idea of what was going on.

“What do you mean?” Melody was momentarily confused. Ulric was synonymous with bad news in her mind, so she couldn’t quite think rationally. She was about to press for more when Susan came out of the kitchen with a bowl of vegetable soup.

“The soup is ready.”

“I’ll have this one. Can you get a thermos and pack the rest for him to take to the office?”

“Of course!” Susan happily went to prepare the thermos. Even though she knew Ken and Melody were still sleeping in separate rooms, she couldn’t help but notice that their relationship seemed to be growing closer.

While Susan was busy, Melody took the chance to remind Ken, “Just be extra careful with anything involving Ulric.”

“I know.”

By the time they finished talking, Susan had returned with a thermos full of vegetable soup.

Melody firmly placed the thermos into Ken’s hands and, as she saw him out, reminded James, “Make sure he has it. The thermos will only keep it warm for a few hours. It won’t be as effective if it gets cold.”

“Yes, Miss Fox,” James responded, taking the thermos from Ken.

“You be careful too. Seventeen isn’t around, so I’ve sent a new death warrior over. He should be here soon.”

“Alright.” Melody didn’t object. There was a time when she resented Ken for having someone watch over her, but now she didn’t mind at all. She had nothing to hide anymore, especially after what happened with Regina. She was almost entirely exposed to danger, so she had no choice but to be extra cautious.

Melody was right. As soon as Ken got to the office, he was swamped with work. His abrupt departure during yesterday’s meeting had left the board members, who were already on shaky ground, scrambling to hand over their projects for his review. He didn’t get a moment’s rest until just before lunch when he finally had a few minutes to sit down.

James saw his chance and approached with the thermos. “Mr. Ken. Don’t forget to have the soup.”

Only then did Ken remember Melody’s instructions to have the vegetable soup while it was still warm. He unscrewed the lid, but the steam had already dissipated.

James quickly offered. “There’s a microwave in the break room. I can get a bowl and heat it up for you.”

“No need. Just add some hot water to it. I still need to visit the construction site in the west suburbs.”

James didn’t argue, but as he was leaving the office, he quickly returned. Ken gave him a questioning look, and James reported. “Mr. Quinn, the one in charge of Pearly Antiques, is here to see you.”

Ken massaged his temples, pondering, ‘So eager to meet me, just as I suspected. Ulric must be worried that I would tell Dad about Regina mentioning his name.’ Without any change in expression, Ken said, “Tell him to come back this afternoon. We’re heading out to the site now.” He picked up his coat from the chair as he spoke, ready to leave.

James moved faster, politely showing Mr. Quinn out before Ken could step out the door.

When Ken exited his office, James handed him a card that had been slipped into his palm. It was obviously a gift from Mr. Quinn. James handed over the card and quietly said, “Mr. Quinn seemed very eager to see you.”

Ken raised an eyebrow but didn’t take the card. He only said, “Check the balance later.”

“Yes, sir.”

On the way to the construction site, James checked the balance. “There’s 2 million dollars on the card.”

Ken scoffed. “Seems like Pearly Antiques is quite profitable.”

“Could it be…” James lowered his voice. “his money?” James was clearly referring to Ulric.

Ken shook his head. “Quinn’s made enough from Pearly Antiques to retire. He wouldn’t dare take Ulric’s money. When he comes back this afternoon, make him wait a bit before bringing him in to see me.” If Mr. Quinn wanted to curry favor, Ken might as well make him sweat a little longer. The surprise might just get bigger.

“Yes, Mr. Ken,” James responded, though his mind had wandered to another matter, thinking, ‘That vegetable soup… Mr. Ken still hasn’t had any of it. Should I remind him or not?’ In the end, James decided to let it go. It’d probably be better not to have cold soup anyway.

Meanwhile, Conor Quinn, who hadn’t managed to speak with Ken either time, was as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof. After much deliberation, he dialed Ulric’s number.

The call was answered quickly, and Ulric’s voice came through. “Did you give him the ledger of Pearly Antiques?” Pearly Antiques had hundreds of locations in Halcyon, including several underground trading spots. Without that ledger, it would take Ken at least a few years to map out the entire network.

Conor stammered, and Ulric immediately understood. “You didn’t meet him.”

Conor’s hand trembled, and even over the phone, he could feel the immense pressure. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault…”

“It certainly is. I went through all the trouble of getting you that position at Pearly Antiques, and you’ve done nothing to repay me…”

Conor’s face went pale, and he hurriedly said, “Please, give me one more chance. He’s at the construction site in the west suburbs right now. Once he’s back, I’ll make sure to hand him the ledger myself.”

Ulric was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “When you see him this afternoon, give him not only the ledger but also copies of Pearly Antiques’ account book from the past few years.” The ledger alone might not be that significant, but the account books were invaluable.

Chapter 639

With the account book in hand, Ken was on the verge of taking full control of Pearly Antiques. Once Ramon eased up, Pearly Antiques would be Ken’s. Letting go of such a lucrative opportunity was almost physically painful for Ulric. But compared to the issue with the malicious doctors, Pearly Antiques was insignificant.

“If he refuses, tell him I’m not going to fight him for Pearly Antiques,” Ulric instructed.

Conor wiped the sweat from his forehead. “May I ask why you’re going this far? Did something happen?” He wondered, ‘I owed this position to Ulric; even a fool could see that. But now that Ulric is handing Pearly Antiques to Ken, what am I supposed to do? Switch sides to Ken? There is no guarantee Ken would keep me. Continue relying on Ulric? How can I, when Pearly Antiques will soon belong to Ken?’

Ulric’s cold voice came through the phone. “Don’t pry into matters that aren’t your concern.” He paused before adding, “Once Ken officially takes over Pearly Antiques, I’ll find you another suitable position. Don’t worry, you won’t starve.”

Only then did Conor feel reassured. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll get this done.”

After the call ended, Conor collapsed onto the couch, limbs feeling like jelly. Everyone in Silverlake thought Ulric was a gentleman, but those of them who worked for him knew the truth, he was much harder to please than Ken. Conor’s thoughts began to waver, considering aligning with Ken, but he didn’t dare act on it until the situation truly turned dire.

Conor was a distant relative of Astrid, and it didn’t take long for her to catch wind of the situation. She quickly went to Ulric. “Ulric, why are you giving up Pearly Antiques? Your dad promised it to me!”

Ulric’s eyes turned icy. “Conor’s loose lips, no doubt.”

“Don’t blame him. He needed the account book and they’re in my hands now. If he hadn’t told me, how would he have gotten them?”

Ulric frowned deeply. “When did the account book end up with you?”

“I’ve been eyeing Pearly Antiques for ages. That woman left behind such a valuable asset, I’ve been dreaming of getting it. Now that Conor’s finally in charge, what’s wrong with me taking over the account book for a while?” Astrid spoke with unsettling confidence.

Ulric’s expression darkened further. “Does Dad know about this?”

“He doesn’t.”

“It had better stay that way! If he finds out Conor is in that position because of us, he’ll start suspecting both of us immediately! Don’t forget. He’s not even thinking of retiring yet. He’s more cautious of us than he is of any outside competitor!”

Astrid started to panic. “I… He doesn’t know. I’m not stupid enough to let him find out.”

Ulric’s expression softened slightly. “He knows one of my weaknesses, and Pearly Antiques is my bargaining chip.”

“A weakness?” Astrid’s face went pale. “What kind of weakness?”

“That’s not for you to worry about. Just know that in the grand scheme of things, Pearly Antiques is insignificant.” Ulric had no intention of telling Astrid about the situation with the malicious doctors. Astrid might have a sharp mind, but she lacked foresight, and no one knew what rash actions she might take if she knew the truth.

Ulric had already prepared a cover story, anticipating that Astrid might press him for details, but his concern was unnecessary.

Astrid turned even paler when she learned that Ken had leverage over Ulric. She grabbed Ulric’s sleeve and asked, “What are we going to do? Ken’s been out to get us for ages, and he’s made no secret of it. Do you think he’ll give up Pearly Antiques just to use your weakness to get your dad to kick us out of the house?”

A vein throbbed in Ulric’s forehead. “It’s not as bad as you’re imagining.”

Even in the worst-case scenario, if Ken has a sudden change of heart and decides to give up on Pearly Antiques, and goes straight to Dad and exposes Regina’s secret, Dad won’t turn his back on his own son without concrete evidence. Unless, of course, Regina is foolish enough to tell the Special Task Force about my involvement with Jennie. Only then, if the Special Task Force comes after me, will Dad consider disowning me, Ulric analyzed the situation in his mind, ‘But Regina can’t be that stupid. Admitting to being one of the malicious doctors would be a death sentence, and everyone in Halcyon knows that. Still, if Ken does go down that path, it will damage my image as the good son in Dad’s eyes, which is why I have to make the painful decision to stop fighting Ken for Pearly Antiques.’

Astrid was still crying. Her fear of Ken was bone-deep, and she was terrified, repeatedly saying she would hand the account book back to Conor immediately.

Ulric’s headache intensified from her crying. “Enough! If you want to cry, do it in your room!”

Astrid forced herself to stop, her eyes red as she asked, “Ulric, do you really think Ken will want Pearly Antiques?”

“He only cares about one thing. Do you think he’ll accept? Just wait. Hand the account book over to Conor and keep your mouth shut. Go back to your usual activities, and don’t breathe a word of this.”

Astrid nodded. Ulric was her anchor, and if he wasn’t panicking, she couldn’t afford to panic either. She needed to stay calm. Taking a deep breath, tears still in her eyes, she left the room.

As soon as she was gone, a figure stepped out from behind the curtains. It was Jennie. Jennie immediately said to Ulric, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Swanson. This is all my fault.”

Ulric waved a hand dismissively. “It’s not entirely your fault. It’s that ‘wonderful daughter’ of yours. My people have already made contact with the team responsible for transporting supplies. In a couple of days, you’ll have your chance. In the meantime, prepare the medicine without leaving any traces. I’m worried that if we delay any longer, your ‘wonderful daughter’ might not make it.”

Jennie clenched her teeth, her resolve hardening. “Yes, the medicine is almost ready.” Once Jennie made up her mind, she never looked back. If Regina had to die, better it be by her own mother’s hand. “I’ll start today’s treatment now,” she said.

“Go ahead,” Ulric responded, pushing himself out of his wheelchair and walking unsteadily to the bed.

The treatment Jennie had been administering was beginning to show results. Ulric could now walk at least a hundred steps without any assistance. It wouldn’t be long before his legs were fully healed.

Chapter 640

The treatment was working, but it was excruciatingly painful. A gold acupuncture needle, dipped in medicinal solution, was inserted into a pressure point on Ulric’s thigh. The pain shot through him as if it was piercing his very bones, and he couldn’t help but cry out.

Jennie quickly handed Ulric a folded towel. He bit down on it, and the treatment continued. About half an hour later, today’s session finally ended.

Jennie let out a sigh of relief, feeling so drained that her lips had turned pale. Ulric was in even worse shape, his face ghostly white, completely devoid of color. But despite his condition, he quickly sat up on the bed as if nothing had happened and said, “Go take care of what you need to. Finish making that colorless, tasteless poison you mentioned-something that leaves no trace in the body.”

“Sure.” Jennie marveled at Ulric’s extraordinary willpower. She quickly straightened her maid’s uniform, gathered her things, and left.

Meanwhile, at Herbathrive. Ken was so busy managing the company and the construction site that he hadn’t had a moment to have his vegetable soup. Melody wasn’t faring much better.

It was late autumn, the time of year when people’s immune systems were weakest. Herbathrive was packed with more patients than usual, especially today-it was almost overflowing. Melody had been in the clinic since morning, diving straight into patient care and not emerging until after lunch when another doctor finally came to relieve her.

David had just finished his shift and was heading for lunch when he saw Melody walk out of the clinic. He hurried over to her. “Miss Fox, at this rate, everyone’s going to burn out. We really need to hire more help, and fast. Preferably people who can start immediately.”

Melody nodded. “Medical skills are crucial, but character is just as important.”

David’s expression darkened as he recalled Charlotte, some troublemaker they’d dealt with recently. “Don’t worry. Before anyone even interviews, I’ll make sure they pass the character test.”

“Good.” Melody nodded and joined David in the kitchen at the back.

At this hour, most people had already eaten. Only a few doctors who had just finished their morning shifts were left to eat. To keep the food warm, Talia bought a warming tray with her own money. The dishes were kept on the tray, so when Melody and the others came in, the food was still warm and ready to eat.

As soon as Melody entered, she noticed the warming tray. “Nice touch,” she complimented.

Talia blushed with pride. “Well, I can’t do much to help, but at least I can make sure you all get a good meal.”

Melody sat down and glanced at the tray’s brand. Ximber Tech… “This must have been expensive. Make sure you report it to Nana so she can reimburse you.”

“Oh, no need!” Talia quickly waved her hands. “I’m just happy to do something for you all.”

“Fair is fair,” Melody said, turning to David. “Make sure she gets reimbursed for this.”

“Sure.” David nodded and added, “Talia, please don’t refuse. We reimburse everything we buy for the clinic; it’s always been this way.”

Talia and Nana were struggling financially. Ximber Tech products were great but notoriously pricey. Seeing the seriousness in their faces, Talia finally relented. “Alright… So, what do you all want for dinner? I’ll make it for you guys.”

With Melody around, the others deferred to her. “Miss Fox, what would you like?”

“I’m not picky,” she replied, then suddenly had an idea. “How about some pasta?”

“Pasta sounds great! I love it!” Everyone agreed enthusiastically.

Talia nodded. “I’ll go and buy some flour to make the pasta.”

Melody shook her head. “Handmade pasta might take too long. Let’s buy pre-made ones.”

Talia quickly responded, “Don’t underestimate my speed! Handmade pasta is tedious, but I can make enough for all of you in one afternoon.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Melody shared her idea. “Since it’s flu season, I’m thinking of writing a prescription for a flu-prevention mix. We could grind the herbs into powder and mix it into the pasta sauce, then give the pasta to patients who come for medicine. That’s going to be more than just the portion enough for us. We should definitely buy pre-made pasta to save time. If anyone else finishes their work early, they can help with the pasta sauce. It’ll be too much for Talia.”

David and the others quickly chimed in, “No problem!”

Even the dullest task became fun with enough people, and making pasta sauce was no exception. Afternoons were usually less busy than mornings, so they were all able to pitch in.

“Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll finish eating and write the prescription. You all sort out the rest.”

“Leave it to us!”

Melody smiled, quickly finished her meal, and headed back to the clinic. On the way, she suddenly remembered Ken’s cough and called him.

The call connected quickly, and the sound of machinery clattering filled her ears. “Where are you? It’s so noisy.”

“Inspecting the site in the west suburbs,” Ken replied, his voice slightly muffled as he moved away from the noise. “Why, what’s up? Did something happen?” His tone was full of concern.

“No, I just finished lunch and wanted to remind you not to forget your vegetable soup.

Ken froze for a second, the silence on the line confirming Melody’s suspicion that he’d forgotten. She sighed. “Remember to have it when you get back. And don’t just mix it with hot water. Make sure to heat it up properly so it works for your cough.”

Ken’s mouth twitched as he thought, ‘Of course. She knows everything.’

“Got it. I’ll have James heat it up before bringing it to me.” Then, he stifled a couple of coughs. The medicine Melody had him take in the morning had already eased his cough, but he had smoked a cigarette during a conversation at the site, which had brought it back.

The next moment, Melody’s voice came through the phone. “Did you smoke?”

“No…” He denied it reflexively, then found it amusing. ‘Why should I be afraid of her?’ he thought to himself but still said, “Don’t worry. I won’t touch a cigarette until my cough is gone.”

“It’s best if you don’t smoke even after you’re better. It’s not good for you.”

He sighed and said, “Alright, boss. Satisfied now?”Melody stiffened at the playful tone. “Ken, when did you become so cheeky?”

Ken shrugged, about to tease her further, but James suddenly ran over. “We’ve found the issue. It’s with the foreman…”

Melody heard James’s voice and wisely said, “You better get back to work. I’ll hang up now.” Before Ken could respond, she ended the call.

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