Chapter 22: Chapter 22

“Drake Crawford, the esteemed scion of the Crawford Group, and Harry Lincoln, proprietor of Lincoln Designs, a man who, having recently lost his wife, now contemplates a second marriage…

“I daresay either of these gentlemen might suit you admirably.”

There were whispers about Drake, whispers laden with the weight of his reputation as a notorious playboy in the capital, whose exploits involved mistreatment of numerous women and indulgence in debauchery.

Similarly, Harry wasn’t devoid of rumors either; his penchant for ostentation in public contrasted starkly with reports of domestic discord, with some suggesting a grim fate befell his previous wife by his hand.

By mentioning them, Elana implied a dire fate for Melody, akin to the unfortunate women associated with Drake and Harry.

Elana scrutinized Melody’s exclusive custom–made red Chanel dress with a discerning eye, though the longer she examined it, the more unease crept into her demeanor.

Her keen gaze swiftly discerned its authenticity.

The simmering anger within her erupted into a blazing fury, her eyes alight with indignation.

Why should someone who commodifies her body adorn herself in opulent attire beyond her means?

With a glass of crimson wine in hand, she leaned forward, feigned a stumble, and deliberately spilled the wine onto Melody’s luxurious dress.

“What a pity, Melody, wasting a glass of my wine,”

Elana’s smirk dripped with malice, her mastery of sarcasm honed within the echelons of high society.

She sought to diminish Melody intentionally, to impress upon her the notion of her undeserving status.

Andrew, observing quietly from the sidelines, hesitated to intrude upon Melody’s familial affairs. Yet, he could remain silent no longer, delivering a stern rebuke, “Miss Summer, this is a distinguished gathering. yet you comport yourself with such lack of decorum!”

Elana’s smile turned more haughty as she lifted her chin, a gesture of disdain. “And what of it?”

“Dare Melody retaliate against me?”

Upon the Summer family grounds, she believed none would challenge her authority, no matter her

arrogance.

Unnoticed by many, a coldness descended upon Melody’s countenance, a glimmer of resolve in her eyes.

The smile upon her lips turned saccharine, sickeningly sweet. “Elana, has your countenance undergone alteration through surgical means?”

With a single utterance, Elana’s face contorted with anger. “Melody, you spout nonsense!”

Yet Melody’s grin widened, mischief dancing in her eyes.

“Shall I venture a guess at the composition of the implant within your nasal cavity?”

“Oh, it’s quite a challenge to surmise.”

“Perhaps I should extricate it for all to scrutinize, hmm

Melody advanced, an air of innocence and curiosity about her, before seizing Elana by the neck and slamming her to the ground.

The force caused the silicone implant in Elana’s nose to rupture her skin, blood splattering in all directions.

The ensuing cacophony resembled the slaughter of a swine.

A touch of malice gleamed in Melody’s eyes, a hint of crimson hinting at a darker intent,

With a delicate touch, she released Elana’s neck and lifted the wine–stained dress, regarding Suzanna with narrowed eyes as she remarked nonchalantly. “Ah, you’re bleeding.”

“It complements the hue of the wine quite beautifully.

Melody’s once–pristine red dress was now tainted with the blood from Elana’s ruptured implant.

With a lofty gaze, she surveyed Elana’s prone form, her tone playful.

“Miss Summer, should you insult my husband again by referring to him as a cripple… I may find it necessary to employ a surgical blade to retrieve the implant beneath your bosom.

The girl squatted, lifting Elana’s chin.

A devilish smile graced her lips.

The curve was flawless, yet her narrowed eyes held a warning..

“You… you!! How dare you treat me thus! You’re finished! You’ll pay dearly!”

“Someone, apprehend Melody for me; I demand her hand be broken!”

Despite the agony, Elana’s screams persisted unabated.

Soon, the venue’s security intervened, dispersing the crowd.

Surrounded by guards, Melody stood composedly, addressing the throng outside in a casual manner, Bernard.”

Bernard broke into a cold sweat, wondering why he suddenly felt as if he were on a death list when she called his name.

“Madam, your orders?” he replied, clad in a bespoke black suit bearing the emblem of the Moore family.

Those astute enough could discern the potent influence behind him.

But the fact that he addressed Melody as “Madam” raised questions.

Has Melody been officially recognized as the legal spouse of the Moore family?