Chapter 21
Astrid deliberately raised her voice to ensure every high society lady in the room heard her clear disdain–not only was she declaring Melody ugly, but useless too.
As expected, Yolanda’s words intensified the looks of disgust on the faces of the ladies who already judged Melody for her appearance.
Despite both being daughters of the prestigious Tox family, Mabel, the stepdaughter, enjoyed a luxurious life. In contrast, Melody, the legitimate daughter, was practically raised to be irrelevant in the countryside.
However, Melody remained unfazed. Her composure only frustrated Astrid even more.
“Forget it,” Astrid said, satisfied with the outcome. She waved her hand dismissively, having no desire to watch Melody demonstrate her coffee making skills. “Mabel, since your sister doesn’t know how to, you do it.”
Mabel’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as she took a step towards the table when Melody’s voice cut through the room. “Who said I didn’t know anything about making coffee?”
Her words stopped Mabel in her tracks, and even Astrid, who had been ignoring Melody, couldn’t help but look back in surprise and curiosity. “You know how to make coffee?” she asked, her tone dripping with skepticism..
To make you a cup.”
“I know a bit,” Melody responded calmly, locking eyes with Astrid. “If you’d allow me, I’d be happy to
Before Melody’s declaration could sink in, Mabel blurted out, incredulously, “Melody, what do you even know about making coffee? You can’t tell the difference between coffee types, can you?”
Melody’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Whether I know how or not, why don’t we find out?”
“Melody” Yolanda hissed under her breath, audible only to Melody. “Haven’t you embarrassed us enough today? Just stop making a scene and let Mabel handle it!”
Yolanda was convinced that Mabel would dazzle everyone with her refined skills.
But Melody, unfazed, raised an eyebrow and challenged, “What’s the issue? Are you afraid I’ll steal Mabel’s thunder?”
“Cut the crap!” Yolanda snapped, frustration clear in her tone:
Though Astrid couldn’t hear their whispered exchange, the tension was palpable. It was obvious that Melody fed up with being looked down upon, was ready to prove herself, while Yolanda desperately wanted to avoid more embarrassment,
Seizing the opportunity to further demean Melody, Astrid couldn’t resist. With a cunning smile, she suggested, “Oh, so Miss Melody claims she can make coffee? This lounge is spacious, and there are several coffee stations. How about both you and Mabel each prepare a cup? Let’s see who truly has the talent.”
“Certainly,” Melody replied without hesitation,
She had never planned to marry into the Swanson family and initially didn’t want to showcase any talents in front of Astrid. But with so many distinguished ladies present today, she couldn’t let them look down on her from the get-go if she hoped to establish a foothold in Silverlake.
Does anyone doubt my coffee–making skills? Well, I just have to prove them wrong by seriously stepping up to the challenge!‘ she said to herself. Despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her, Melody kept a serene expression, masking her true feelings.
Meanwhile, Mabel couldn’t help but laugh out of frustration. “You’re overestimating yourself!” she scoffed, striding confidently towards the central French press. She had thrown herself into mastering the craft, even spending three months in rigorous training to refine her skills.
How could this country bumpkin even dream of competing with me? Melody wants to challenge me? That is a joke!‘ Mable thought.
Mabel was already at the table, starting to heat the water. Melody, maintaining her composure, walked over to pick another press, still calm and collected.
All eyes were drawn to the heated scene.
Yolanda watched Melody start to boil water, and she nearly lost it. “This ungrateful brat! Where does she get the nerve?‘ she fumed silently. ‘After this birthday bash, I’m going to make sure Grandma sees this country fool for what she is. She’ll despise her for sure!”
While Yolanda was seething with anxiety, Astrid was clearly delighted by the spectacle. If it had just been Melody making coffee, even if poorly done, as long as the steps were followed, there wouldn’t be much to criticize. However, with Mabel, the esteemed socialite, as a contrast, Melody’s efforts would seem all the more crude and unsophisticated.
These sisters… they really are something, Astrid mused, enjoying Mabel’s innocence.
Soon, both Melody and Mabel finished grinding their coffee beans.
The experienced ladies in the room, all adept at making coffee, recognized that both were set up for coffee extraction–a technique usually reserved for competitions, requiring high skill. No one expected a country girl like Melody to be capable of such feats, which piqued their curiosity.
Astrid, feeling slightly uneasy, wondered, ‘Could this ugly duckling actually know how to make coffee? No, it must be a fluke. Even if her setup is correct, it doesn’t mean she truly understands what she’s doing. She’s probably just copying Mabel.‘ This reassured her somewhat.
As Mabel waited for the water to boil, she noticed Melody had set up identically. She scoffed, convinced Melody was just imitating her. But mastering coffée extraction isn’t something one can pick up just by looking–it’s an easy way to embarrass oneself if he is a novice.
Confident in her superiority, Mabel taunted, “Melody, you’re trying extraction too? You know, coffee extraction is all about precise control- water temperature, contact time, grind size, and the water–to–coffe ratio. Do you even know what that means?”
Chapter 22
However, when Mabel spoke, Melody didn’t budge an inch. It was as if the words had flown right past her, her focus entirely on the water waiting to boil
In Melody’s rural upbringing, she was taught extensive knowledge of the art of coffee making.
Before Melody could even lift a kettle, her lessons began. Her confidence was brewed alongside her skills.
By the age of five, Melody could recite the intricate steps of making coffee–the coffee extraction like it was nothing. Mabel’s simplistic question just earned a silent, mocking smirk from her.
To Mabel and the others, it looked like Melody was ducking the question, pretending not to hear.
Just then, the water burst into a rolling boil. Everyone watched, expecting Melody to sneak a peek at Mabel for some pointers. Instead, Melody stood there, mesmerized by the kettle, not giving Mabel a single glance.
Pouring water is simple, but Melody turned it into a graceful art. Despite her blotchy, flushed face, her elegance was undeniable–if it weren’t for those blotches, she’d be a portrait of grace.
Meanwhile, Mabel was getting antsy. She kept sneaking glances at Melody, hoping to catch her imitating her technique. But Melody never once looked her way.
With one hand, water flowed in a steady stream, the other in a blur of practiced movements.
Even Mabel, a seasoned brewer herself, could feel it–Melody might actually know how to extract coffee.
The thought sent a wave of unease through her. Despite still believing Melody, that good–for–nothing bumpkin, couldn’t possibly outdo her, the pressure was mounting.
Meanwhile, outside the drawing room, someone called out, “Is that my fiancee?”
Ulric, in the wheelchair, had his eyes fixed on Mabel’s stunning figure. His features were strikingly handsome, though his pale complexion hinted at a delicate appearance, masking the ruthless coldness lurking in his eyes.
His assistant, aware that Ulric’s gentle demeanor was just a façade, mistakenly focused on Melody, who was seated to Mabel’s left, thinking she was the one Ulric meant. The assistant nodded. “Yes, that must be Miss Fox.”
Ulric’s gaze settled back on Mabel. He felt somewhat reassured by her allure, despite the stark difference in their families‘ statuses. Yet, he wasn’t particularly bothered.
For him, women were just for show. Unlike his mother, he didn’t see the need for a woman family empire would soon be his–if only his brother wasn’t in the way. to be
bolster his status, especially since the Swanson
When the time comes, whether this woman stays or goes is up to me, he mused, wondering, “Did Ken return unharmed?”
The drawing room doors were slightly ajar, allowing them to get a clear look inside while still remaining undetected.
The assistant nervously replied, “Yes. We lured him onto the yacht with his mother’s belongings for a trade, but after the deal, he vanished into thin air… He managed to escape from the yacht. Our men couldn’t catch him.”
Ulric scoffed. “Vanished? You think he’s magic? It’s just your incompetence! You wasted a perfect opportunity!”
The assistant bowed his head, unable to respond. Ulric gave him a sharp look and coldly instructed, “Forget it. He’s back now. We can’t afford to make another move against him yet–it would only raise his suspicions. But keep a damn close eye on him. Report everything to me.”
“Yes, sir” the assistant affirmed.
Ulric’s gaze returned to Mabel, radiating charm inside the drawing room. He smiled slightly, his mood lightening at her sight.
His elaborate ruse had convinced everyone, portraying Ken as the one responsible for his crippled legs. Margaret, who once supported Ken staunchly, now distanced herself from him after the incident. The family was utterly disillusioned with Ken, and his mother showed visible contempt every time she saw him.
Ulric had successfully alienated Ken using his own injury as leverage. But the cost was his legs.
A surge of anger flashed through Ulric as he glanced down at his paralyzed legs. Despite the massive toll his scheme had taken, his father still valued Ken’s capabilities and had entrusted him with managing a significant part of the company. This deepened the sting of injustice for Ulric. He couldn’t wait much longer; he needed to reclaim his position and kick Ken out for good.
First, he was determined to find the best doctor money could buy–a doctor who could possibly reverse his condition. Once his legs were healed, he would take back everything that was rightfully his.
Inside the drawing room, Mabel realized that Melody wasn’t as clueless as she’d–assumed. Pulling herself together, she began to focus intently on her task.
Coffee extraction required meticulous precision, involving rounds of pouring and filtering.
Melody had just completed the final round.
“Phew, done.” Mabel exhaled, glancing over at Melody, only to find that she had finished even faster,
A wave of panic washed over Mabel, but she quickly shook it off. “Speed doesn’t matter; it’s all about the quality, she reminded herself.
The guests, unable to contain their curiosity, crowded around to examine both cups of coffee. Naturally, they first inspected the coffee prepared by Mabel, the renowned artisan.
Mabel’s coffee was undoubtedly impressive.
“Absolutely deserving of your reputation. This coffee is next level!” one guest exclaimed.
Flattered by the praise, Mabel beamed with a modest smile. “Thank you, everyone. Now, let’s check out my sister’s coffee,” she said eagerly, leading the crowd to Melody’s table, convinced that it wouldn’t measure up.
Astrid, feeling restless, followed the crowd to Melody’s table. The more professional Melody appeared, the more Astrid doubted her initial judgment. She refused to believe that Melody could possibly outshine her sophisticated sister’s skills. That would be a joke.
In stark contrast, Yolanda and Mabel, confident and composed, watched proudly as the crowd gathered around Melody’s table. Suddenly, a gasp cut through the murmurs.
“This coffee…..”“”
Chapter 23
A smug smile played on Mabel’s lips as the surprised exclamation rang out. She thought Melody’s amateur skills had led to some comical mishap.
But then, the voice continued, “This coffee… it’s the most perfect cup I’ve had”
The blood drained from Mabel’s face. Her face, moments ago alight with gloating, twisted into a grimace of disbelief. What the hell? How could this be?‘ she thought in shock.
Yolanda, sharing Mabel’s shock, pulled her through the crowd to get a closer look.
They saw Melody’s coffee, crowned with a dense, velvety crema that seemed to defy physics. While Mabel’s coffee was good, each bubble in Melody’s was perfectly uniform and impossibly fine, like crafted by a master.
Mabel stood there, frozen, staring at the cup in disbelief. ‘Am I seeing things?‘
Mable had spent years mastering the art of coffee, becoming the unrivaled queen of Silverlake’s coffee scene. She couldn’t believe that she was outdone by Melody, a supposed nobody from the countryside.
A flash of fear surged through Mabel, recalling the eerie similarities to an encounter at Wilmot’s boutique. This wasn’t just about coffee anymore—it was something more.
However, as Mabel’s gaze shifted to the blotchy, awkward face of Melody, her panic subsided slightly. ‘Skills, even medical skills, can be learned, knowledge acquired. But beauty–that’s an advantage I still hold, Mabel reassured herself.
Yet, she couldn’t shake off the irritation. “When the hell did Melody learn to master the art of coffee like this?” she wondered.
“Mom…” she muttered angrily, tugging at Yolanda’s sleeve.
Yolanda, now regaining her composure, seemed much calmer than Mabel. She gently patted Mabel’s hand, signaling her to stay calm.
The crowd continued to rave about Melody’s coffee–making skills, even including Yolanda in their praise.
“Mrs. Fox, you’re hiding treasure in plain sight! To think you have such gems at home and didn’t tell us! You lucky woman!” remarked.
“Truly, Mrs. Fox is blessed, Miss Mable is so beautiful, and Miss Melody is so talented. You must be so proud,” another added.
Yolanda forced a stiff smile in the face of this praise, her heart twisting with resentment. These compliments taste worse than swallowing flies, she thought grimly.
Back when Melody’s mother was alive, she had always overshadowed Yolanda in every way. And now, she couldn’t tolerate her daughter being compared to what she considered a throwaway.
Yolanda’s eyes narrowed, a chilling glint flickering within them.
Meanwhile, Astrid was biting back her frustration, her smile cracking under the strain.
Melody’s remarkable success had thrown her plans into disarray. She had orchestrated this to watch Melody fail, not to inadvertently crown her the belle of the ball. Unable to maintain her facade any longer, Astrid snapped, “Ladies, it’s about time. Shall we head downstairs?”
“Yes,” the group agreed, but not without first insisting that Melody make a visit to each of their homes to teach their daughters coffee-making. In Silverlake, where the coffee culture ran deep, being skilled in coffee making was a prestigious affair. If Melody could pass her skills on to their daughters, Mabel might well kiss her title of belle of the year goodbye.
Surrounded by an admiring crowd, Melody walked out of the drawing room. Once overlooked, she was now the star everyone orbited around.
She responded graciously to the ladies‘ compliments, seasoned by years of varied experiences, handling the spotlight with calm ease.
The ladies, initially taken aback by her plain appearance, had now been won over by her poised demeanor, treating her with a newfound warmth and respect.
Mabel, on the other hand, felt like she was suddenly left in the cold, her earlier shine stolen. Fury and humiliation brewed inside her, burning hot and ugly. As soon as the last guest left the room, leaving only her and her mother, Mabel could no longer hold back her tears.
“Mom, what the hell is going on?” she cried. “How in the world does Melody know more about coffee than me? And how is she better at it?!”
Yolanda was equally as perplexed. However, it was not the time for questions but for immediate action. Years of navigating social situations had trained her well, and she was quickly able to regain her composure,
“Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan that’ll ruin her completely. But I need your help,” she whispered to Mabel, her voice a mix of cold determination and quiet fury. As Mabel listened, her eyes lit up with a dark anticipation, eager to see the plan unfold.
“You must follow my instructions exactly. Not a single step can go wrong.” Yolanda said.
“Trust me, I’ll make sure she won’t be able to show her face in Silverlake ever again!” she responded, her tone laced with venom.
If this plan works, she won’t just be ousted from the Swanson family; no one of repute in Silverlake will let her through their doors again.” Mabel clenched her fist, resolute. “Mom, don’t worry, I won’t screw up like last night,” she vowed.
After discussing their scheme in detail, they stepped out of the drawing room, renewed and resolute.
Elsewhere in the estate, Maria was being led by a servant to Margaret’s bedroom, where they were met by two imposing bodyguards at the door.
“Why are there guards at the door?” Maria asked, puzzled.
Despite her illness, Margaret was highly respected by Ramon Swanson, the family patriarch. It seemed out of place that she would be so heavily guarded, almost as if she was being held captive.
The servant did not respond to Maria’s question but spoke briefly with the guards, who then allowed them entry. Maria entered the dimly lit room, where the strong smell of medicine permeated the air, making her wrinkle her nose in disgust.
As she approached the bed where an old servant stood watch, he began, “Mrs. Fox, you’re here? I’ll wake Mrs. Swanson up.
“No, let her rest a bit longer,” Maria quickly intervened, but the stirring in the bed interrupted her, a raspy voice asking, “Who’s here? Is it Astrid?”
“Margaret, it’s me,” she replied.
Hearing the name, tears began to roll down Margaret’s cheeks as she struggled to sit up in bed.
“Take it easy,” Maria said, stepping forward to support Margaret gently. “I’m fine,” Margaret insisted with a difficult smile. “I’ve been waiting for you for so long, and now you’re finally here.”
“I came as soon as I could,” Maria reassured, sitting down in the chair beside the bed, her eyes full of concern. “Margaret, how long have you been sick? Why aren’t you in the hospital? Why are you bedridden here?”
Margaret sighed bitterly. “My illness can’t be treated at a hospital.”
Her voice trembled with shocked concern. “What do you mean? What kind of illness can’t be treated at a hospital? You have to get help!”
Chapter 24
Margaret didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she instructed her maid to prepare her a cup of tea. Once the maid had left, Margaret began to speak. “My illness… if I went to the hospital, it would bring nothing but shame to the entire Swanson family.”
Maria was bewildered. “What do you mean by that?”
Margaret sighed heavily and pulled back her blanket. “See for yourself,” she said.
Maria looked down, her eyes widening in shock. “Your… your stomach”
Margaret’s abdomen was rounded and swollen, resembling a woman who was about to give birth.
Maria was frozen in disbelief. So Margaret isn’t sick; she is pregnant? At eighty years old?”
In that moment, it all made sense–the guards at the door, Margaret’s reluctance to seek hospital care, the potential scandal it could cause. If this news leaked, it would tarnish the Swanson family’s reputation irreparably.
It took a while for Maria to collect herself. With tears welling up, she took Margaret’s hand. “Margaret, please, tell me everything. Who did this to you?”
“No one,” Margaret replied, her eyes brimming with tears. “I’m nearing the end of my life. Who would…? Her voice was laden with shame; it seemed unthinkable that someone would target her, given her status.
“So, what’s really going on? Have you seen a doctor? Could it be some other illness?” Maria asked.
Margaret wiped a tear from her eye and shook her head. “I haven’t seen a doctor. My symptoms are similar to those of pregnancy–nausea, vomiting, feeling like something’s moving inside me… It’s almost certainly that. If I went to a doctor and the news got out, the Swanson family would be ruined.”
“I used to enjoy long baths; perhaps something happened then…” She trailed off, clearly reluctant to discuss the topic further.
Her vulnerability was apparent. If not for Maria, her closest confidant, Margaret wouldn’t have disclosed such a secret.
“But you really should see a doctor,” Maria insisted, sensing the issue was more complex than it appeared.
Margaret gripped Maria’s hand, pleading, “Just talking to you has helped a lot. Please, don’t make me see a doctor. I’m not just thinking about myself–I’m doing this for our family.” Understanding Margaret’s fears, Maria ceased her urging. She realized that even the most discreet doctor might not keep this explosive secret, given the stakes involved.
“If you truly are pregnant, what will you do about the baby?” Maria inquired.
“…I don’t know,” Margaret replied, her voice filled with despair. Seeing her friend so despondent broke Maria’s heart.
Then, suddenly, her eyes turned hopeful as if she had just been with an ingenious idea. “I might have a solution, but I’m not sure if you’ll be willing to hear it.”
“Go ahead,” Margaret urged.
Maria said, “I have a granddaughter named Melody. When we were younger, we had arranged a marriage between her and your second grandson. Maybe she could marry into your family and we could adjust the child’s birthdate? It would legitimize the baby, and they could rightfully carry the Swanson name: She was genuinely concerned about her friend but also saw this as a chance to secure a brighter future for Melody.
Your granddaughter Margaret pondered for a moment, then recognition dawned “Ah, I remember now! How old is she?”
“She just turned twenty,” responded Maria.
Margaret’s lips twitched with excitement. “Good, very good. Let’s go with your plan. After the banquet, bring her to see me.”
Maria’s heart fluttered. She was more than happy to agree
At that moment, Margaret’s maid, Lucy, entered the room. “Madam, your son has returned and wishes to see you. He’s at the door… shall I let him in?”
A mix of emotions flashed across Margaret’s features. “I’m tired. I need to rest.”
Lucy quickly understood the dismissal and relayed it to Ken at the door, “Sir, the madam is resting right now. Maybe come back later?”
Ken’s expression faltered, his hope dimming “I understand,” he said, resignation lacing his tone. “Please tell her that the issue she heard about isn’t true. Whenever she feels up to it, I’m ready to explain everything
“Understood,” Lucy replied. “It’s quite lively downstairs, perhaps you could check in to see if they need any help. It is, after all, Madam’s birthday, and things might be getting quite busy.”
“Of course” Ken nodded, before turning to leave. His tall figure seemed to leave an aura of loneliness as he walked away.
Lucy waited until Ken’s silhouette disappeared around the corner, She let out a sigh, and returned to the room.
She relayed Ken’s message to Margaret, asking gently, “Are you sure you don’t want to see him?
“No,” Margaret replied firmly.
Maria couldn’t help but ask, “Is this about Ulric’s injury?”
Margaret didn’t want to hide the truth from Maria. “Yes, it’s really very perplexing. That boy has always had a kind heart. Others might not know it, but I do. But with the evidence being so undeniable, I can’t protect him. Given my current state, I can’t investigate it any further. The best I can do is to make sure he doesn’t worry about me.”
Maria was taken aback. She had believed the rumors that Ken was ruthless and that he had even harmed his own brother. But now, she realized that there may have been other sides to the story.
“Alright, I am indeed quite tired. Go enjoy the birthday party downstairs. After it’s over, please bring Melody to see me,” Margaret said, her eyes weary.
Margaret’s eyes were plagued with signs of fatigue.
Maria, having achieved her purpose, didn’t want to disturb her friend any longer. After ensuring that Margaret had properly settled in for the night, she left the room. She couldn’t wait to share the good news with her granddaughter.
Meanwhile, Ken had no intention of attending the birthday banquet. Just as he was about to return to his room, he encountered Ulric on his way back.
Ulric sat regally in his wheelchair, exuding an air of scholarly refinement. A faint glint flickered in his eyes as he saw Ken.
“Ken,” Ulric said, his voice a low murmur “You’re finally back.” Ulric looked like he genuinely missed Ken. Ken, however, ignored him, intending to walk past Ulric without uttering a word.
Just as he was about to walk past Ulric’s wheelchair, Ulric let out a chuckle. “Looks like Grandma doesn’t want to see you. After all, who would want to see someone cruel enough to cripple his own brother?”
Chapter 25
Ulric was expecting Ken to get angry after his little taunt. If Ken lost his temper on such a special day, his reputation would take another hit.
However, that wouldn’t be the case.
“Are you done?” Ken’s tone was indifferent. He continued at his usual pace, showing not a single inkling of rage.
Ulric turned in astonishment only to catch a glimpse of Ken’s retreating figure. Ken’s demeanor was merely a minor annoyance rather than a real threat.
Ulric’s frustration boiled over. “Kent Stop right there!” he shouted.
But Ken continued walking, turning the corner without another backward glance.
Composed, almost dismissive, as if Ulric
“Damn it!” Ulric slammed his hand on the armrest of his wheelchair, cursing himself for not being able to confront Ken physically. Ulric had always been overshadowed by Ken, no matter how hard he tried, he always seemed to fall short.
He recalled the time when he had exhausted himself for three months to get into Halcyon’s top academy, only to hear later that Ken had been accepted into an even more prestigious international university.
Ken had always been the Swanson family’s golden boy. His presence alone seemed to brighten any room–until his legs were damaged, turning him into the most notorious villain in Silverlake.
Since that incident, Ken had mostly stayed away in Insterimond, and his reasons for returning now were unclear. Ulric was determined not to let Ken take away everything he had worked so hard to maintain.
He had neglected his legs for far too many years;
s; it was imperative that he started treatment as soon as possible.
Ulric tried to compose himself, taking deep breaths to calm his nerves. He prided himself on his ability to remain emotionally stable, but Ken always managed to get under his skin. Despite Ken initially losing control when the scandal first broke, he had somehow regained his composure over the years, which only irked Ulric further.
Taking another deep breath, Ulric wheeled himself forward, only to unexpectedly encounter Maria just as she exited a room.
In public, Ulric always maintained a calm and collected facade, and today was no different. He greeted Maria with his usual warm smile. “Hello, Mrs. Fox.”
Maria, on a mission to find Melody, was momentarily distracted by the encounter. “Ulric, bave you met Melody yet?”
Ulric, typically well-liked for his amiable and generous nature, responded gently, unaware of Maria’s urgent agenda. However, Maria couldn’t help but wonder if Ulric could truly accept Melody’s unique appearance.
But then Ulric surprised her by smiling and saying, “Yes, I have,” His handsome features softened, a touch of bashfulness evident in his expression.
Great! Then it is settled!‘ Maria felt
It was even happier, so she figured chatting up Ulric a little more wouldn’t hurt. The more they talked, the more delighted she felt. Ulric was polite and well–mannered in his speech, which pleased her greatly.
Meanwhile, Ken had just reached the bottom of the stairs when he saw Melody on the second–floor landing.
As he has just seen Ulric and now encountering his supposed fiancée, Ken’s initial interest has completely vanished, replaced by a wall of coldness
He approached her with a flat tone. “you didn’t expect to catch Miss Fox eavesdropping” Melody looked taken aback. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, I was actually just heading to see my grandmother,” she explained innocently.
Ken, however, seemed indifferent to whether she was eavesdropping or not. He coldly asked, “Where is it?”
Feeling the tension, Melody stiffened, sensing Ken was in a bad mood. She bit her lip and reluctantly pulled a dagger from her bag.
Ken quickly snatched it from her, handed back the necklace he owed her, and turned to leave.
“Wait!” Melody called after him, holding the necklace tightly. Ken paused, his frown deepening as she hurried to continue, “About the check you gave me I intend to honor our agreement. The patient you mentioned, that’s your grandmother, right? I can help.”
Having overheard Ken’s conversation with Ulric, Melody knew she needed Ken as an ally–after all, the enemy of her enemy was her friend.
Ken scoffed sarcastically. “No need. If you really want to help, just pretend you don’t know me and stay out of my sight.”
Confused, Melody pressed, “Why? Do you have something against me?”
As she tried to explain her earlier actions with the dagger, Ken abruptly cut her off. “Miss Fox, do you not grasp what I’m telling you? Acting like this, especially as Ulric’s supposed fiancée, what are you playing at?!
He was visibly impatient, and his expression even showed a hint of disgust.
Melody felt a lump in her throat. “I’m actually not his fiancée, and I don’t want to marry him…”
Ken wasn’t interested in discussing this further. He turned sharply and walked away, clearly not considering Maria as a potential family connection and wanting nothing to do with anything related to Ulric.
Ken briskly walked away without looking back at her. Seeing that he was about to leave, Melody blurted out, “About Ulric’s legs, I believe you! I think you’re innocent!”
As soon as she said this, Ken halted in his tracks.
However, just as Melody was about to continue, Ken started walking even faster.
She scratched her head in confusion, wondering if she had said something so unbelievably wrong to cause such a drastic change in Ken’s attitude.
But it didn’t matter, as allies, she needed to prove her value first.
At that very moment, footsteps sounded from upstairs–someone was coming down.
It was Maria, seemingly in high spirits.
“Grandma?” Melody approached eagerly, taking her grandmother’s hand. “Is Mrs. Swanson feeling better? You seem really happy.”
Maria’s smile dimmed at the mention of Margaret, “No, her condition is… let’s not talk about it now. Come with me to meet her after the party.”
“Okay.” Melody nodded, her curiosity about Margaret growing. She wondered why someone of her stature and means would contemplate suicide.
“By the way,” Maria added casually, patting Melody’s hand. “I just saw Ulric. He seems like he’d make a good husband someday. Make sure you hold onto him, okay?”
