Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker (Chapters 666, 667, 668, 669, and 670) 

Chapter 666

Wendell, though not particularly distinguished, was still a life. He thought, ‘Is my life so worthless in their eyes, just like that?’ Realizing the full extent of the betrayal, he was trembling with anger. However, since he was still recovering, everyone assumed his slight trembling was a result of the poison, and no one suspected otherwise.

“Let’s have you drink some more water before talking,” the officer said, bringing another cup of water with concern. They needed to ensure Wendell was fully recovered before asking more questions. Given the severity of the poisoning, they were cautious about handling the case too hastily.

However, one thing they could be sure of was that Melody had been saving a life. During a brief lull, they consulted with their team’s forensic expert, who confirmed that traditional medicine employed such methods and that the acupuncture points were precisely targeted. The forensic expert even remarked, “This doctor’s skills are exceptional! It would be great if she could join our team.” Of course, she couldn’t join their team, but it was enough to prove that Melody had not acted with malicious intent in her actions.

“Thank you…” Wendell took the cup of water and drank it, but only half of it before handing it back. “I’ve had enough.”

“Uncle, it’s good that you’ve had enough to drink. I’m not sure if you remember what happened before you were poisoned. Did that woman give you anything to eat or do anything suspicious?” Ulric pointed at Melody. His eyes squinted, clearly signaling to Wendell.

Wendell understood that Ulric was now trying to make him blame Melody for the poisoning since he hadn’t died. Although he had long despised her, the fact that she had saved his life caused him to reevaluate his feelings toward her. His thoughts became conflicted, torn between his lingering hatred and the realization of the complexity of their situation.

Wendell knew that Melody was connected to Cadence’s death, and it was clear to everyone involved. However, he wondered if Ulric could distance himself from the situation. If Ulric hadn’t threatened him with his life and coerced him into dealing with Melody, Cadence wouldn’t have been forced to take on that dangerous task and ultimately lost her life. Ulric was the catalyst for the entire chain of events.

Wendell coldly glanced at Melody and said, “Before I was poisoned, I did drink a cup of water.”

Ulric slightly raised his eyebrows. Hearing Wendell’s statement, he felt a sense of relief. Ulric had been worried that Wendell might turn against him, but now he was reassured. Ulric thought, ‘Even if Wendell realizes I poisoned him, what can he do? He’s just a worthless pawn. Wendell wouldn’t dare defy my orders. If he tries, it’s a dead end for him. Wendell is too cowardly to make such a mistake.’

Astrid, who was behind him, also let out a sigh of relief. She thought, ‘My brother is alive, and he’s managed to implicate Melody. It is the best outcome we could hope for.’

Before they could continue celebrating, Wendell suddenly pointed at Ulric and said, “But the person who gave me the water was one of his men! Officer, you must seek justice for me!” Ulric’s hand, resting on the wheelchair’s armrest, tensed visibly, with veins standing out in anger.

Astrid gasped in shock and exclaimed, “Wendell Hunter! What are you talking about? Ulric is your nephew!”

The officers, startled by what they thought was a woman deceiving them, now looked at Ulric with disbelief and concern. Initially thinking Wendell was lashing out at her, Melody was taken aback when he shifted his accusation to Ulric. She sneered and felt that what goes around comes around and that justice was finally being served.

Wendell scoffed and said, “A beloved nephew? Just ask him if he ever regards me as his uncle, even for a second. To him, I’m just nothing in his eyes!”

Ulric narrowed his eyes coldly.

“Wendell Hunter, do you even realize who you’re accusing? Are you sure your mind is evident?”

Before Wendell could respond, the officer stepped before him and professionally addressed Ulric. “Mr. Ulric, we apologize for the inconvenience but need you to come with us.”

Astrid quickly intervened, saying, “No! That’s not true! He’s always been a troublemaker, spoiled by our family, and became worthless. Please don’t believe what he’s saying! He just lost his daughter and is clearly out of his mind right now!”

“The truth will be investigated thoroughly. But as we’ve said, we won’t wrong any innocent person,” the officer said. Astrid’s face went pale, while Ulric’s expression remained unchanged. However, the knuckles of his hand, turning pale, betrayed his inner turmoil.

Melody’s mind was indifferent. She thought, ‘Ulric Swanson, you never expected this, did you? Even those you see as insignificant can fight back fiercely when pushed too far. The heavens won’t always favor you. My recounter is the best proof of that.’

After making the statement, the lead officer turned to Wendell and asked, “Sir, can you come with us now to assist in the investigation of your poisoning?”

“Yes!” Wendell nodded vigorously. He thought, ‘Ulric won’t allow me to live. Since I will die anyway, I might as well take him down with me! This way, I might have a slim chance of survival.’ He wasn’t doing it for Melody. Whether she lived or died was irrelevant to him; what mattered was his own life.

The officer approached Melody and said, “Miss, you must also come with us for a statement. You were the first witness to the incident.”

Melody nodded. “Okay.”

Ken stepped forward, taking her hand and saying, “I’ll go with you.”

Melody smiled, feeling a warm sense of gratitude. She thought, ‘How fortunate I am to have met him in this lifetime.”

“Melody,” Margaret said as she took her hand. “I will be waiting for you at home.” At this point, what more could Margaret possibly fail to see?

However, the situation unfolded differently than Melody and the others had anticipated. Wendell also miscalculated-shortly after the police car set off, he began to vomit once again. The officers were startled and quickly instructed Melody, who was in a separate police car, to come over and assist with the emergency.

Melody quickly focused her full attention on treating Wendell, only to discover that he was suffering from not just the acute poison but also a chronic toxin. This chronic toxin, she realized, had likely been administered about a week prior. It was this slow-acting poison that was ultimately endangering his life.

Melody could manage the acute poison through methods like bloodletting and acupuncture, but the chronic toxin had already penetrated Wendell’s internal organs. What was even more chilling was that the two toxins worked in tandem. If the acute poison weren’t fully absorbed and were forcibly expelled, the chronic toxin would increase, eventually leading to death.

Chapter 667

In other words, if she had neutralized the lethal poison in Wendell, the slow-acting poison would have started to take effect. But if she hadn’t intervened, Wendell could have died immediately. Either way, Wendell would have died.

Melody pondered, ‘Only someone as ruthless as Ulric and Jennie could pull off something so vicious. No wonder Ulric was upset but didn’t show any panic-he had already secured his escape plan. Every move he made was calculated far in advance. Looking back, it’s no surprise I fell into his trap previously; I was too naive to see it coming.’

Melody seethed with anger, clenching her teeth in frustration. Yet, as she looked at Wendell, who was in so much pain, a flicker of sympathy appeared in her eyes. She thought, ‘How pitiful, just like I was previously realizing right before my death that I was nothing more than a pawn in Ulric’s game, ready to be sacrificed at any moment to serve his purposes.’

“How did it go?” the officer asked anxiously.

Melody let go helplessly and said, “I’m not capable enough. I couldn’t save him. I’m truly sorry…”

The officer didn’t bother to respond to her and urgently shouted to the driver, “Hurry, hurry! Get to the nearest hospital!”

The nearest hospital was still a twenty-minute drive away, but before they could even get there, he had already lost his pulse. By the time they arrived, the doctors could only pronounce him dead.

Melody sat in the car, her eyes cold and resignedly heavy. She pondered, ‘Ulric Swanson, do you even have a conscience? If it were Astrid, your mother, in Wendell’s place, would you still be capable of doing the same thing?’

The answer was almost too obvious to consider-it was a definite yes. Melody didn’t feel any sadness, only a sense of ridicule towards her past self for believing that someone so heartless could genuinely love her.

Suddenly, a large hand covered hers. It was Ken. He had also gotten into the police car to keep her company. As her hands were icy cold, his warm hand brought a comforting warmth, and she finally snapped out of her agony.

Melody forced a smile and said, “Life is so insignificant.”

“It’s not your fault we couldn’t save him,” Ken murmured gently.

Melody shook her head with a complicated expression. “That’s not what I meant…” But they were in the police car, and with the two officers sitting up front, there wasn’t much more she could say.

Wendell’s body was taken directly for an autopsy, while Melody went to the police station to give her statement. The process took over two hours; by the time she finished, it was already past three in the afternoon.

Melody didn’t find it particularly exhausting because she knew Ulric wouldn’t be able to get out as quickly as she did. Although Halcyon was known for its principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” Ulric might still face consequences. His influence would be diminished- at least Margaret and Ramon; Ulric wouldn’t be able to maintain his previous level of trust or continue playing the victim who had his legs ruined by Ken. Melody took a deep breath, feeling a rare relief in her chest.

As Melody walked out of the final door of the police station, she immediately spotted Ken waiting at the entrance, along with James, who looked sorrowful, standing beside him. Since the police station wasn’t easy to enter and Ken couldn’t use his status casually, Melody had expected him to wait in the car on such a cold day. Instead, she was surprised to see him standing outside the station, waiting for her.

‘Is he being foolish because of the weather? Melody thought as she quickly walked over and asked, “Aren’t you cold?”

Although it was afternoon, the temperature had already dropped to around 45 to 46°F, and Ken was wearing only a thin layer of clothing, making him highly susceptible to the cold. As Melody approached, she noticed his ears were red from the cold, and his lips had turned pale. Despite this, Ken didn’t think the chill was a big deal. Instead of answering her question, he asked her, “Did you have a hard time in there?”

Melody shook her head and said casually, “No, I wasn’t questioned as a suspect. I went in just as a key witness to help with the statement. Besides, they were quite polite and even gave me coffee.” She was uncomfortable accepting the coffee, but everyone inside was genuinely considerate and attentive to her needs.

Hearing her, James muttered, “Could they not be polite? Mr. Swanson even used connections he usually doesn’t rely on…” These connections were ones Ken had usually kept hidden to avoid drawing attention. He rarely contacted them. But today, he had made an exception for Melody.

The wind was blowing in the opposite direction, so Melody didn’t hear James. She asked in confusion, “James, what did you say?”

James was about to repeat himself loudly but was silenced by a sharp look from Ken. “N-Nothing, I was just saying it’s good that you didn’t have a hard time,” he stammered.

Melody didn’t think much of it and nodded. “Right, you don’t need to worry.”

Although Ken had connections inside, they hadn’t passed along the details of what happened. As he led Melody to the car, he glanced at his watch and asked, “Since you were just a witness, why did it take so long?”

When Ken asked, Melody couldn’t help but smile and said, “Actually, the statement was finished a while ago. But guess what…”

Ken asked cooperatively, “What’s wrong?”

Melody pulled out a business card with the contact information of a forensic expert from the precinct. Ken immediately got an inkling of what was going on.

Melody explained, “The elder members of the Hunter family have agreed to let the precinct perform an autopsy on Wendell. The forensic expert saw the detox methods used on Wendell and came to consult me about a few questions. I couldn’t refuse, so I ended up answering them.” Melody didn’t mention that the forensic expert had previously studied traditional medicine and recognized that she used two nine-line acupuncture techniques. After confirming her expertise, he insisted on becoming her disciple.

Melody hadn’t agreed to that. It wasn’t out of stinginess; instead, the nine-line acupuncture was a unique skill her mentor taught her, and she couldn’t teach it to others without her mentor’s permission.

Ken frowned and said, “These people know how to waste time.” As he complained, he handed her a packet of biscuits. “Here, have something to tide you over.”

Melody patted her belly, realizing she was indeed starving. She didn’t hesitate and started eating, but she shared some with Ken. Seeing her enjoy the biscuits, Ken reluctantly waved his hand and said, “I’ve already eaten.”

Melody quickly finished the packet of biscuits, but then she realized the car wasn’t headed toward the Swanson family but rather in the opposite direction. She turned to Ken with a puzzled expression and asked, “Where are you taking me?”

“Blue Moon Lounge,” Ken replied.

It seemed Ken had arranged things in advance. As soon as they arrived at the familiar private room, dishes started arriving. Melody only noticed that Ken was eating much faster than usual after she had almost finished her meal. It dawned on her that his claim of having eaten was a lie.

Melody felt a mix of emotions, but the small, unmistakable joy of his attention was undeniable. It seemed she was becoming increasingly dependent on his care, even starting to wish for more.

Chapter 668

She thought, ‘That wouldn’t do!’ Melody quickly ignored her lingering emotions, realizing she couldn’t let them distract her. Once Ken finished his meal, she shifted the conversation to the matter. “From my discussion with the forensic expert, it’s clear that Ulric will ultimately walk away unscathed. The principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has always been a cornerstone of Halcyon’s legal system.”

“The poison can’t be detected?” Ken asked.

Melody nodded. “The poison is extremely sophisticated. It behaves like a parasite within the body, disappearing entirely once the host dies. Even when the autopsy is conducted, there won’t be any trace of it left.”

Wendell’s final words alone weren’t enough to convict Ulric. Unless something unexpected happened, he would likely be released within three days.

But Melody couldn’t accept it. Whether it was the incident at the youth center, what happened to Cadence, or even this funeral, Ulric had tried to take her down every time. Yet, she realized there was only so much she could do, and this overwhelming sense of helplessness weighed heavily on her.

Ken remained silent for a long moment before a sudden smile curved his lips. “Ulric is someone who cares about nothing but his interests. While he may eventually be released, he’s already lost something that matters greatly to him.”

“What is it?” Melody asked.

“The conscience,” Ken said.

Melody lifted her gaze and said, “I’ve thought about that too. After everything that’s happened, your father and Margaret will start to see him for who he is. But even so, I still feel it’s not nearly enough.”

Ken poured her a cup of coffee and spoke calmly, “If that’s how you see it, then you’re underestimating my father’s suspicious nature.”

“How so?” Melody asked.

“He’s like a ruler from ancient times. Although he’s getting older and his health is declining, he still doesn’t want to relinquish any authority to either me or Ulric.”

“Didn’t he arrange for you to join the headquarters of the Swanson Group?”

Ken shook his head and said, “That doesn’t help. Even though I’ve been busy lately, most of what I handle are minor tasks, just trivial matters. He keeps all the major projects for himself. Otherwise, why would he handle business trips himself instead of sending me? Business trips are the most exhausting, and just sitting in a car can leave him, someone who gets car sick easily, feeling completely drained.”

Melody was taken aback momentarily and asked, “So what are you implying?”

“He’s the kind of person who would immediately realize that his seemingly indifferent son is targeting his other son. Don’t you think he’s figured out that Ulric’s ultimate goal isn’t me but the Swanson Group, which he values most?”

“But, after all, he is your father’s son.”

Ken suggested she drink the coffee to warm up before continuing, “Just wait. We don’t need to do anything. Whatever we do now will be under his watchful eye. If we hold back, he’ll inevitably take action himself.”

“So, are you saying Ulric thought he was foolproof this time but still lost out?”

“That’s right. And don’t forget about Regina’s involvement with the malicious doctors. Although I’ve kept quiet due to my agreement with Ulric regarding the Pearly Antiques account, he won’t be able to ignore this issue. The Special Task Force isn’t something he can bribe his way into.”

Melody felt a sense of relief and began to look forward to Ramon’s return from his business trip.

As they chatted and spent time together, with Moon joining them for a while, it wasn’t until the sky darkened that Ken suggested heading back to the Swanson villa. Melody hesitated and asked, “Are we also staying there tonight?”

“Yes.” Ken nodded. “It looks like we’ll stay at the villa for a while.”

Melody hesitated for a moment but then accepted it. Compared to the tension and unease of sharing a bed with Ken, dealing with Ulric was the absolute priority. Everything else paled in comparison. Staying at the villa would allow them to stay attuned to Ramon’s stance.

Noticing that Melody showed no apparent signs of resistance, Ken’s usual icy demeanor softened noticeably. When they arrived at the villa, Margaret immediately greeted them, clearly having been waiting in the living room for their return.

Melody felt a bit guilty; she should have returned earlier. However, Ken had deliberately delayed their return, claiming that the more anxious Margaret seemed, the more it would emphasize her innocence. Not wanting to deceive Margaret, Melody chose to be honest, letting her know she was fine and had already had dinner.

However, Margaret didn’t believe Melody’s reassurance. Frowning, she said, “With something so serious happening, how could you be fine? You must be shaken up…”

Call…

Melody felt helpless. “Grandma, I am really…” Ken immediately intervened, pulling Melody close and addressing Margaret, “Grandma, she was shaken up; I’ll take her upstairs to rest first. You can go ahead and have dinner without waiting for us.”

Margaret nodded repeatedly. “Take her upstairs to rest. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a glass of chamomile I used to have so she can get a good night’s sleep.”

Ken nodded and half-dragged her back to their room without giving Melody a chance to say anything. Once inside, Melody couldn’t help but protest, “I’m really fine. Why did you lie to her?”

Ken suddenly grew serious. “Melody, I know you truly care about grandma. But think about it-do you believe that my grandma’s mysterious illness had no connection at all with that mother and son?”

Melody was taken aback and fell silent. She hadn’t considered that possibility and had no way of verifying it. Previously, she had interacted with the Swanson family too late, and by the time she did, Margaret had already committed suicide.

Ken took a deep breath, his expression growing more serious. “I hadn’t considered this before, but recent events are making me think that everything that happened in the past might not have been mere coincidence. My dad listens most to my grandma. With her gone, the only woman in charge of the household is Astrid. And with Astrid in charge, the only one who benefits is Ulric…”

Melody broke out in a cold sweat as she recalled her grandmother, who Yolanda had similarly harmed her previously.

“I understand what you mean now,” she said, lowering her gaze. “Deceiving Margaret for a while allows us to protect her for longer. Don’t worry; I won’t dwell on these small matters anymore.”

Ken felt relieved and instructed her to take a hot bath and rest before heading downstairs. Downstairs, although Margaret was seated at the dining table, it was clear that she hadn’t touched her bowl.

Ken sat down and immediately reprimanded the servants. “Can’t you see that the dishes on the table aren’t to grandma’s liking? Have the kitchen prepare a completely new set of dishes!”

“Don’t,” Margaret waved her hand. “It’s not their fault; I just have no appetite.” She dismissed all the servants and turned to Ken, saying, “I’ve sent Astrid back to the Hunter family.”

Chapter 669

The villa was filled with Ken’s people, so the news didn’t surprise him. However, he still asked, “If Dad asks about this, what should we tell him?”

Margaret’s face darkened. “Just say the truth! I know Wendell well enough. He was so antagonistic towards Melody that he even tried to kill her when he was with the Hunter family. But then he turned around and blamed Ulric, which shows that Ulric was behind everything!”

Margaret had witnessed everything firsthand. Even though she was older and her mind wasn’t as sharp, she could still piece together that Ulric had used Wendell to try and eliminate Melody. “Melody is my savior, and I truly don’t understand why he would go to such lengths against her, especially at such a high cost. That’s his uncle! It’s a misfortune for our family, truly a misfortune!” Margaret’s frustration grew, and she had trouble catching her breath by the end.

Ken quickly started to head upstairs to get Melody, but Margaret stopped him. “I’m fine; I just need a bit of water!” With the servants dismissed, Ken poured a glass of water and gave it to Margaret. Thankfully, after drinking the water, her chest felt somewhat relieved, though the anger she felt in her heart was something she knew would never truly settle.

Margaret sighed and said, “I’ve always tried to be fair to you and Ulric, giving you a bit more care in daily life since he still has his mother looking after him. I wonder if my greater concern for you has contributed to Ulric’s current behavior.” Ken remained silent, feeling it was inappropriate to voice his opinions in front of Margaret.

At that moment, Margaret suddenly asked, “Ken, tell me the truth- what exactly happened with Ulric’s leg back then?” This matter had been bothering her for a long time. On one hand, she couldn’t believe that Ken could be responsible. On the other hand, she found it painful to doubt Ulric. As a result, even years after the incident, she refused to see Ken.

Ken gave a bitter smile and said, “Grandma, after all these years, I’m finally hearing you ask me about it directly.”

Margaret felt a sharp pang of guilt and sorrow. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see Ken; she was afraid to face the truth, fearing it might be even more painful than knowing Ken had injured Ulric’s legs. “I’m sorry… I’ve been selfish, wanting to see the family united but without considering your feelings.”

Ken shook his head, gazing out the window as he began to speak, almost as if recalling a memory. “That day, Ulric broke a vase in my study. It was my mom’s relic. You know, she loved collecting antiques.”

Margaret nodded. Ken continued, “I had treasured that vase because I’d heard my mom liked it. She had placed it on a high shelf to prevent it from being accidentally knocked over. But that day, when I walked into the study, I saw the vase’s shattered pieces lying near Ulric’s feet. He had used the vase and his words to provoke me, and I lost my temper and acted against him…”

Margaret’s heart skipped a beat. “So, you reacted by…”

Ken shook his head again. “Even if I hated him, I wouldn’t have crippled his legs. I only struck him, and you all heard the commotion and rushed over quickly. By the time you arrived, he had already injured his legs. I was young and scared at the time, and by the time I managed to explain, you were already discussing whether to send me to a juvenile detention center.”

In the end, Ramon intervened and prevented Ken from being sent away. However, shortly after, Ken was sent abroad to study. During that time, he spent daily with Sid, Janet, and the others. It could be said that those were the darkest days of his life.

Upon hearing this, Margaret felt even more heartbroken, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. “It’s my fault, I’m so sorry… It’s all my fault…”

Ken shook his head and took Margaret’s hand. “It’s all in the past now.”

After a while, Margaret managed to steady herself, but it seemed she had aged a decade instantly. Her voice was hoarse as she said, “Rest assured, I couldn’t give you an explanation back then, but now I will make things right with Melody. However, you need to be honest with me. Since you and Melody have been married, is it because of my insistence, or do you truly have feelings for her? If you don’t have any feelings for her, I won’t force you. I’ll be the one to take the blame.”

“Grandma,” Ken said with utmost sincerity, “At first, I didn’t accept this marriage, but now, I want to spend my life with her. Our relationship is something we need to handle ourselves.” He pondered, ‘I won’t force her to stay with me if she genuinely doesn’t have feelings for me. As I told her, their happiness matters most if I truly love someone.’

Margaret smiled with relief. “I knew she was a good person, so I arranged for you two to get married. It seems my stubbornness wasn’t in vain after all.”

“Yes, thank you for bringing such a wonderful person into my life.”

Margaret forced a smile and said, “I’m tired. I’m going to rest now. You should get some rest, too.”

“Alright,” Ken said, helping Margaret back to her room before heading to his study.

An antique restorer had repaired the shattered vase, but the cracks were still visible upon close inspection. Ken traced his finger gently over the line of the crack. After the incident with Ulric’s legs, he wanted to escape from the Swanson family, which led him to join forces with Sid and others to establish Ximber Tech.

But over the past six months, he had a sudden realization. Endless retreat and endurance would not bring peace. Only by taking proactive action and dispelling the shadows could he hope to secure a future bathed in constant sunlight.

There was a knock at the door of the study.

“Come in.”

As the command was given, James quietly entered. “Mr. Swanson, per your instructions, the most capable members around Ulric have been dealt with.”

Ken gave a curt nod and, after a moment, finally spoke. “The weather’s about to change. Make sure to dress warmly.” With that, he walked out of the study.

James stood there, puzzled, wondering, ‘Change in the weather? Which one is he referring to?’

After some thought, James realized he wasn’t the best at deciphering such cryptic messages. He turned to his phone and ordered three down jackets, figuring it was always better to be prepared.

The following day, Melody learned that Margaret sent Astrid back to the Hunter family. However, before Melody could fully enjoy the news, a servant informed her, “It seems Mrs. Margaret has fallen ill again; she woke up this morning covered in cold sweat. Mr. Swanson had pressing matters, so he only checked on her briefly before leaving. He asked me to remind you to visit her after breakfast.”

Melody immediately set aside her half-eaten bowl of oatmeal and said, “I’ll go check on her first.”

Chapter 670

The servant who delivered the message was surprised to see Melody immediately leave her meal.

However, she quickly seized the opportunity when no one was watching and followed Melody.

Once they reached the second floor and found themselves alone, the servant whispered, “Mrs. Swanson, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

Melody slowed her pace. Since the message had come from Ken, she assumed the servant was trustworthy. She nodded patiently and said, “Go ahead, what is it?”

The servant spoke rapidly, explaining that when they returned yesterday, Margaret had instructed Astrid to return to her family under the pretense of visiting her parents. Astrid, panicking, had packed up and left without fully understanding the implications of the request. This morning, realizing what had happened, she returned with her suitcase, only to be stopped by Margaret’s servant.

Melody raised an eyebrow and asked, “So she was stopped?”

“Yes.” The servant nodded. “Mrs. Astrid’s face turned quite pale when she saw it. But Lucy, one of Mrs. Margaret’s most trusted servants, didn’t flinch. She quoted Mrs. Margaret directly, saying that Mrs. Astrid should reflect on her parenting and that she couldn’t return without explicit orders. Unable to tolerate the humiliation, Mrs. Astrid had no choice but to leave angrily.”

Margaret’s authority within the Swanson family was immense; even her servants had the power to enforce her will. Astrid didn’t dare argue. Astrid might have reacted differently if the servant had been someone else.

Melody nodded. “I understand. You can go back to your duties now.”

“Noted.” Once the servant had left, Melody knocked on Margaret’s door.

Soon, Lucy answered the door. Seeing Melody, she quickly ushered her inside. “Mrs. Swanson, you must check on Mrs. Margaret. She’s started talking unclearly, and no matter how I persuade her, she refuses to go to the hospital.”

“Don’t worry, I’m here,” Melody reassured Lucy before quickly heading into the room.

Melody found Margaret writhing in pain, her lips pale, and her forehead drenched in cold sweat.

She immediately checked the temperature and confirmed it was a fever, though thankfully, the temperature was not high. Recognizing that fevers can be more severe for older individuals, Melody didn’t let her guard down. She carefully pulled Margaret’s hand from under the covers and took her pulse.

Lucy, standing behind, eagerly asked when she saw Melody had let go of her wrist, “How is Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Swanson?”

Melody, feeling slightly relieved, said, “It’s nothing serious. It’s just chills and a fever caused by wind and cold.”

Lucy glanced at Margaret and said, “It seems like she is in a lot of discomfort. Are you sure it’s just a cold?”

“It’s normal. Older people are much more affected by a fever than the young. Once the fever goes down, she’ll feel much better. She likely caught a chill at the funeral yesterday.”

Lucy sighed, saying, “If that’s the case, then it’s my fault. I only noticed in the middle of the night that she was crying in a thin gown by the window. That must be when she caught the cold.”

Melody nodded. “That’s likely the case. But you don’t need to worry too much. Even though the illness came on strongly, it will pass quickly. I’ll prescribe some medicine for you. Have someone go to Herbathrive to get it. Once she drinks it and sweats it out, she should feel much better by tomorrow.”

Lucy breathed a sigh of relief, clasped her hands in gratitude, and said, “Thank you so much, Mrs. Swanson.”

“Don’t mention it.” Melody got up, filled a basin with water, and soaked a towel in it. She folded the towel into a square and placed it on Margret’s forehead. The cool compress seemed to offer some relief, and her furrowed brow began to relax.

Seeing that Margaret looked a bit more comfortable, Melody took the opportunity to call Ken. Knowing she was calling about Margaret, Ken asked, “How is Grandma doing?”

“It’s just a cold with a fever, compounded by her emotional stress. I’ve already prescribed a remedy to help with the cold and fever and ease her worries. You don’t need to worry about it; focus on your work.”

Ken was utterly relieved by her words. “Then I’ll leave it to you to care for her today.”

“No problem.” The two of them no longer needed many words; everything was understood without being spoken.

After ending the call, Ken instructed James, “You don’t need to accompany me. Go back to the villa.”

James hesitated, feeling that returning would only leave him as a passive observer, unable to assist Melody. But then Ken added, “Since Astrid isn’t around, use this opportunity to replace her and Ulric’s people. Bring in more of our people, and don’t hold back.”

James’s eyes lit up. He thought, ‘Ah, finally some action!’

“Got it!” he responded loudly, quickly nodded before turning on his heel and leaving.

He had been waiting for this day for a long time. He thought, ‘In the past, Mr. Swanson never fought back or argued, even when he was wrongly accused and labeled as the villain who ruined his brother’s legs. But now, he’s finally decided to fight back and take them on.

Lucy quickly brought back the medicine from Herbathrive inside the villa per Melody’s prescription.

Melody stood by brewing the medicine and personally carried it to Margaret’s room. In such critical times, every detail mattered, and nothing was left to chance.

After taking the medicine, Margaret soon fell into a deep sleep. When she woke up, she had sweated profusely, and her condition had noticeably improved. Most reassuringly, she even began to feel hungry.

Feeling hungry after a fever is a positive sign. Melody instructed Lucy to have the kitchen prepare a bowl of banana oatmeal while she took the opportunity to check Margaret’s temperature.

At nearly 99°F, Margaret’s temperature was slightly elevated compared to her usual, but she was expected to recover fully soon.

After finishing a bowl of banana oatmeal, Margaret could sit up by herself. She held Melody’s hand and said, “I’m sorry to trouble you again.”

Melody shook her head and replied, “Don’t mention it. As your granddaughter-in-law, it’s only right for me to care for you.”

Although the title was temporary and could be removed at any time, she had previously been urging Ken to get a divorce. However, she was hesitant, even reluctant, to say it out loud.

She knew it wasn’t right, but even the sharpest mind can falter once emotions take over. She now understood that her heart had already been given away.

The only silver lining was that even if she and Ken don’t become actual spouses or lovers, they will remain lifelong allies. Just thinking about this brought her some relief from the bitterness.

Melody shook off the confusing thoughts and said, “You have a task today. You need to drink at least nine glasses of water.”

Margaret, who disliked drinking water, bargained with Melody, “How about six glasses of water?”

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