Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Gary’s companions were well aware of Suzanna’s status as his publicly recognized younger sister. In their eyes, Melody seemed more akin to a servant lingering in Gary’s shadow.

They had grown accustomed to Gary’s misbehavior and frequent truancy from classes. He often participated in underground boxing matches and played pranks on the dormitory supervisor, consistently shifting the blame onto Melody for his actions and mistakes.

Essentially, Melody was expected to shoulder the blame.

They echoed, “Exactly, Melody, stop accusing others with a guilty conscience. If you cheat, just accept it.

Do you want to drag others down with you and get expelled together?”

*Suzie, don’t worry. You defend your brother so well. You’re truly an adorable sister…

“Melody, just because you’re bitter over your brother’s affections for Suzie doesn’t mean you can shift the blame to Cary instead. How audacious can you be?”

They routinely praised Gary, unaware of the shadows that began clouding his eyes.

Suzanna frowned, casting a disapproving glance at Gary’s friends as she lightly reprimanded them, “Don’t speak ill of my sister. Perhaps she just wants to avoid expulsion…”

“Mel, it’s alright. Even if you’re expelled, you’re studying finance. You can still work at Tim’s company,” Suzanna offered sympathetically, her eyes appearing sincere yet harboring a hidden sting. She knew well that Timothy would never hire a “thief into his company!

Melody understood Suzanna’s intent–to rub salt into her wounds.

Melody’s gaze turned icy and indifferent as she scoffed, “What a ridiculous notion. I haven’t cheated, so why should I face expulsion?”

“Suzanna, if you’re inclined to put on a third–rate performance, go home and entertain your oblivious. parents and brothers. Greenfield isn’t your personal stage. If you have an issue with me, confront me directly!”

“I’ve made myself clear. I’ve severed all ties with the Shield family. No one can speak on my behalf, let alone dictate my decisions.”

“The Shield family name means nothing to me, and I have no interest in Timothy’s company.”

Despite her slender frame, her unwavering resolve radiated from every fiber of her being, akin to a fearless lioness prepared to defend her territory against any intruders.

-An electric tension filled the air, causing Gary to nervously swallow and fidget with pursed lips.

When had Melody become so confrontational?

After a moment’s hesitation, Gary gathered his courage and attempted to reach out for Melody’s hand, but she deftly sidestepped his advance.

With a disapproving click of his tongue, Gary reproached, “Must you be so combative, Melody?”

“What do you gain from cutting ties with the Shield family?”

Melody smirked arrogantly, locking eyes with Gary as she enunciated each word deliberately, “There are numerous benefits.” She emphasized the word “numerous.”

“No more skipping classes, cheating, or forcing me to shoulder the blame. No more punishment of cleaning lecture halls at dawn, running laps around the football field, or standing outside the dean’s office for a reprimand. No more humiliating apologies on the podium, with the entire university laughing at me…..

“Gary, I’ve had my fill of it!”

“And you, you make me sick,” she spat.

Melody’s cutting remarks left Gary feeling small.

Over the past few years, his selfish actions had inflicted damage upon his own sister, Melody.

But she could have refused, couldn’t she?

Suzanna cast a worried glance at Gary, noting the dazed expression and flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. She nervously bit her lip and gently nudged Gary’s shoulder, her hand pressed against her chest in a gesture of distress, murmuring softly, “Gary…”

Her demeanor suggested she might collapse at any moment.

Gary, preoccupied with concern, swiftly moved to support her, his voice laced with worry. “Suzie, are you alright? Is it your heart again?”

“We can’t afford any issues; Dad and Nanny will be furious with me!”

The handsome, slender young man furrowed his brow, gripping Suzanna’s shoulder with more urgency.

Suzanna leaned into Gary’s embrace, tears welling in her eyes as she confessed, “Gary, it’s my fault. I misunderstood Mel…”

Her vulnerable state elicited sympathy from the bystanders.

With composed poise, Melody approached them and produced a stethoscope she had on hand. “It appears she’s experiencing another episode.”

Tll administer some supplements, and she’ll recover.”

Her tone, though calm, sounded stern and intimidating to Suzanna’s ears, freezing her in place.

Though Gary may have been unaware, he recognized that Melody had been studying medicine alongside his second brother for the past few years.

Her expertise had even garnered praise from their grandfather, a respected doctor.

Seeing Melody’s willingness to aid Suzie, Gary felt a mixture of guilt and relief.

“Okay, Mel, you can start.”

Melody deftly affixed the adhesive electrode pads onto Suzanna’s tender spots, her movements efficient and practiced.

Suzanna winced, a sharp cry escaping her lips as she instinctively recoiled from Gary’s embrace, overwhelmed by the sudden surge of pain.

Activating the portable electrotherapy device, Melody watched as Suzanna’s pallor transformed into a rosy flush, the discomfort evident in her expression.

With an air of detachment, Melody announced, “It’s done.” Swiftly gathering her equipment, she stood preparing to take her leave up.”

His features etched with a mixture of concern and remorse, Gary hastened to catch up with Melody’s brisk pace.

“Mel. I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let you take the blame for my friend, letting you suffer so much injustice. I’ll talk to the faculty about rescinding your expulsion.”

“Please don’t hate me,” he pleaded.

Despite his often reckless demeanor, Gary’s sincerity and loyalty were unmistakable as he strove to bridge the growing chasm between them.

Desperate for the reassurance and warmth that Melody once provided, Gary longed for the comforting reminders and gestures of care that had once defined their relationship

“Gary, please stop skipping classes again; you’re going to fail if you keep doing it,” she would gently admonish.

“I have completed your assignments and submitted them on your behalf, she would assure him, her diligence a testament to her unwavering support.

“Gary, be careful in the boxing match. Mom and Dad will worry if you get hurt,” she would remind him, her voice laced with genuine concern.

“Your boxing gloves had loose threads; I’ve fixed them. Let me know if you need anything else,” she would offer, her commitment to his well–being unwavering.

Once, Melody had been his guiding light, offering solace and encouragement in a world fraught with uncertainty and disappointment. After all, even his own family members did not support him; Melody- was the only one who never held judgment and actively reassured him.

Though her admonishments had once grated on his nerves, Gary now feared the void left by her absence, yearning for the warmth and reassurance that had once defined their bond.

Yet, as Melody steadfastly maintained her course, her unwavering resolve apparent in her cool demeanor, Gary was left grappling with a sense of desolation.

With an icy tone, she said as she continued walking. “Admit your mistakes to everyone. Otherwise, not only will I dislike you, but I’ll also lose respect for you.”

After Melody left, Suzanna cautiously approached and asked, “Gary, why did Mel leave?”

“Her therapy skills are improving. Despite the pain, my chest feels much better,” she added.

Suzanna’s gentle tone couldn’t hide the after–effects caused by Melody’s treatment, her face growing paler and more fragile.

Gary, realizing Suzanna’s condition, furrowed his brow and supported her, but his gaze remained fixed on Melody’s retreating figure.

With a heavy heart and a voice tinged with sorrow, he lamented, “Mel has expressed her disdain towards. me. It’s all my fault.”

Suzanna’s eyes dimmed as she softly reassured Gary, “Don’t worry, Gary, Mel was just speaking out of anger…

The address left by Martin led Melody to the premises of YM Capital.

Alone, shered inside, greeted by the sight of a dozen employees. Each one was a research doctoral student meticulously selected by Professor Woodman from Greenfield University, boasting exceptional talent.

However, despite the caliber of its workforce, the company’s technological infrastructure lagged behind. The computer systems, relics of four years past, teetered on the brink of obsolescence.

For Melody, gearing up for her ambitious plan involving an extensive international financial algorithm database calculation, the outdated hardware posed a formidable obstacle.

With only a month remaining until the Golden Financial Summit in the capital, urgent measures were needed to update the equipment.

Back at the Moore Residence, Melody’s arrival was met by the sight of a chic and refined woman occupying the living room.

It was none other than Edward’s younger sister, Felicity–a figure familiar to Melody from her previous. life.

Felicity, known in social circles for her assertive yet genteel demeanor, had once been forced to curtail her vacation and seek refuge at the Moore Residence due to a severe allergic reaction afflicting her visage.

Repulsed by the unsightly red sores marred upon her face, Felicity harbored a deep–seated disdain for her own appearance. Melody remembered that during this period, Edward found her constant cries and complaints deafening, instructing Bernard to escort her out of the residence.

Recalling the past events, Melody watched as Felicity, now seated on the sofa, vented her frustrations. “What’s the use of all these doctors and beauticians if they can’t even address a simple allergy?” she lamented, her discontent palpable.

“I don’t care about the cost; I demand the finest treatment available!”

At that moment, a glimmer of hope ignited within Melody’s apricot–hued eyes. Money was on its way- flowing in from all directions.