Chapter 23: Chapter 23

On the second floor of the venue, Edward surveyed the scene from a lofty vantage point, bathed in the soft illumination that swept across his features. The scar tracing from his brow to his jawline lent an air of ruthless resolve to his stern countenance.

When Melody impulsively referred to him as her “husband,” a faint glimmer danced within Edward’s dark eyes, momentarily catching him off guard. His throat tightened, parched with the weight of her words.

How long had it been since anyone publicly defended him?

Even he had grown accustomed to his condition, too weary to muster indignation in the face of mockery and insult.

Yet here was Melody, fiercely advocating for his dignity, Why, he wondered, did the feel compelled to do so?

Edward’s calloused fingertips brushed together as if still tingling from the memory of a gentle touch. With a decisive press of the consent key on his wheelchair, he granted Melody full control over Bernard’s actions.

The flickering light cast sharp shadows upon the contours of his jaw, highlighting the faint dimple etched ipto his check

“Melody, you possess a keen eye for selecting allies.. Impressive. This time, I’ll lend you my support as an exception,” Edward’s voice resonated, slow and seductive.

Bernard received the directive on his wristband and inwardly nodded in acknowledgment. Indeed, his reserved master had succumbed to the allure of his wife’s charms.

Towering and robust, he effortlessly parted the crowd, the surrounding bodyguards instinctively yielding ground.

Seizing the moment, Suzanna interceded, aiding the bloodied Elana to her feet. Expressing her grievances, she pleaded, “Melody, Lana is still young. Even if she speaks without restraint and accidentally stains your gown, must you resort to violence? Moreover, Lana’s father hosts this gathering. Your actions will implicate the Shields. Your recklessness brings undue hardship upon Dad and the rest of us. How can you be so selfish?”

Suzanna portrayed herself as an innocent victim, standing tall like a guileless rabbit confronted by predators. Tears welled in her eyes, though they remained unshed. The commotion caught the attention of Carson and Gary. With a single glance, Melody stood condemned.

Carson rushed to shield Suzanna and Elana, his icy gaze piercing into Melody’s soul as he reproached, “Melody, how long will your envy of Suzie persist? Aside from causing trouble and embarrassment to the Shield family, what more do you intend to do?”

His clenched jaw accentuated his intimidation. He could no longer endure it; in his eyes, Melody had strayed too far beyond redemption.

Melody rose gracefully on slender heels, her crimson–stained dress still exuding elegance despite the blood.

Ignoring Carson’s tirade, she addressed Elana icily, “As the latest model in this Chanel creation, it is valued at eight hundred thousand. Miss Summer, choose between cash or credit. Fail to compensate, and you shan’t leave here.”

Elana, accustomed to lavish spending on cosmetic enhancements, found herself constrained by familial allowances and credit limits.

Carson’s eyes twitched as Melody swept past him, a vein pulsing on his forehead.

Suzanna, her voice trembling and faint, implored, “Melody, Lana is but a child; must you be so aggressive…”

Her excuse of Elana’s youth drew a derisive eye roll from Melody. Meanwhile, Suzanna attempted to depart with Elana, only to be obstructed by Bernard’s imposing frame

Her eyebrows knitted in a way that showed confusion as if she didn’t understand why her sister was being so cold–hearted.

Gary observed the scene, familiar with the fragile postures and familiar patterns of conflict between. Suzanna and Melody. But this time, he noted the wine stains marring Melody’s attire.

It seems that every time Suzie and Mel have a conflict, Suzie is always the innocent victim.

This time, however, he noticed the red wine stains on Mel’s skirt.

Stepping back, he discreetly bribed a waiter for a detailed account of the incident. As he listened, his expression grew increasingly somber…

Raising an eyebrow, Melody countered, “Indeed, Lana may be young, but you and I, Suzanna, are of the same age. If you truly regret Elana’s predicament, take action.”

“Aren’t you her close friend? Can’t you extend financial aid?”

It was a subtle form of moral coercion.

If Suzanna refused to assist her friend, it would reveal her callousness. Yet compliance would entail yielding to Melody’s demands. Caught in a dilemma, damned if she did and damned if she didn’t.

A smirk danced upon Melody’s lips. She was determined to outmaneuver deceit with cunning and reclaim what was rightfully hers.

With a single remark, Suzanna’s façade crumbled, her expression stiffening under the weight of Melody’s scrutiny.