Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Observing the scene, Mr. Shield offered Suzanna a tender smile, “Suzie, your kindness allows Melody to think she can bully you. What would you do if it weren’t for your parents and brothers protecting you?”

With a gentle gesture, he retrieved the USB flash drive from the table and handed it to Suzanna, then affectionately tousled her hair, his gaze warm, “Keep it safe this time; don’t let Melody snatch it again.”

Accepting the USB drive, Suzanna furrowed her brow slightly, her expression tinged with concern for Melody, “Dad, maybe Mel is facing some challenges…”

“Stealing is unacceptable! What challenges could justify her actions?”

“By tolerating her behavior, our family’s reputation will suffer!”

Mr. Shield’s tone turned stern, his disappointment in Melody evident.

Her defiance warranted consequences; she needed to face the repercussions beyond the confines of their home.

“Timothy, ensure that no one in the industry hires Melody!”

He aimed to discipline her and prompt her return.

Otherwise, how would others view the authority of the Shield family?

“Understood,” Timothy nodded, supporting the decision to block Melody across various sectors in Maycrest.

Given Melody’s recent rebelliousness, corrective measures were necessary to prevent further misconduct.

Cameron sat in a wheelchair, his sharp features etched with a subtle air of detachment and indifference.

Yet, beneath his outward calmness, he believed Melody deserved consequences for her actions.

Derrick, wearing a discontented expression, complied with his father’s directive.

Suddenly, Suzanna emitted a soft groan as if on the verge of collapse.

Carson rushed to her aid, his anger still evident, “If Melody wishes to depart, let her. When she realizes the challenges outside, she’ll return to us.”

“First, let’s tend to Suzie’s injuries!”

Mrs. Shield nodded, her expression a mixture of complexity and displeasure. “Why was I fated to have a daughter with such unfortunate circumstances? Even if she returns home to live a comfortable life, it seems she won’t find contentment.”

“If she’s unwilling to embrace her role as a lady of the Shield family, then she shouldn’t bother returning in this lifetime!”

Mr. Shield concurred, offering comfort as he embraced his wife’s shoulder. “Never mind her, Suzie’s well-being is paramount.”

The group accompanied Suzanna in seeking medical attention.

As they departed, Gary stood motionless at the staircase, fixated on the front door.

Suzanna delicately bit her lip and furrowed her brow. “Gary, do you plan to go find Mel?”

“Unfortunately, she’s still upset with us. Once my foot heals, I’ll seek her out and offer my apologies. I’m confident I can convince her to return.”

Observing Suzanna’s obedient and fragile demeanor, still prioritizing the family despite her injury, Gary’s heart softened in the end.

With a touch of bewilderment in his gaze, he spoke firmly, “Who needs to go find her anyway.”

“She should have the decency to return on her own. Can’t she return herself?”

Melody couldn’t stay away from home forever!

Gary furrowed his brow, reassuring himself, before pushing the matter aside.

Considering Suzanna’s condition, though it was just a sprained ankle, the family doctor conducted a thorough examination in the presence of the entire family.

After tending to her ankle and with the sun setting, Suzanna limped over to check on Mrs. Swenson.

Mrs. Swenson, lying on the bed in distress, anxiously clasped Suzanna’s hand, tears brimming in her elderly eyes. “Ms. Suzie, you’re too kind. Melody has taken half of what rightfully belongs to you. Only by driving her away can you receive the full love and attention from Mr. and Mrs. Shield!”

Suzanna appeared startled by her words, her hand trembling as she covered her lips, her moist eyes quivering.

“Mrs. Swenson, Mel is family, and that part belongs to her too… I’m fine; as long as the family is united, I’m content with anything.”

The loneliness in the frail girl’s eyes was palpable.

Mrs. Swenson’s demeanor turned icy as she admonished, “Ms. Suzie, the more you tolerate, the more Melody will exploit you!”

Fortunately, Melody had been temporarily ousted.

Mrs. Swenson’s bandaged form resembled that of a mummy, her aged bones nearly fractured.

Suzanna scowled, reprimanding, though feigning anger, “Mrs. Swenson, such remarks are unacceptable!”

Disappointment shadowed Mrs. Swenson’s expression, a glint of cunning flickering in her clouded eyes.

With the house masters feeble and ineffectual, someone had to do the unsavory tasks!

—

After departing from the Shield family, Melody instructed Bernard to transport the luggage to Moore Residence while she ventured alone to a private sanatorium.

The autumn air was chilling, casting a desolate ambiance all around.

Melody adjusted her collar, cautiously navigating the labyrinthine corridor until she reached a particular ward.

The room lay vacant, save for medical apparatus and a man lying in a deep coma on the bed.

His pallid complexion contrasted starkly with his dark locks, his countenance appearing distant and unapproachable.

With lips devoid of color and breath growing faint, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon his slender neck.

Clad in an oversized hospital gown, he seemed exceedingly fragile, as if a mere breeze could whisk him away.

Melody lingered at the threshold, peering through the transparent window but hesitating to venture further.

“Miss, are you here to see Martin?”

“He’s been in a vegetative state for four years, and it’s been ages since a stranger has come to visit him. You must be Melody, am I correct?”

A doctor stood behind her, exuding refinement and gentility.

Melody turned, her almond eyes betraying surprise and bewilderment.

“Surprised that I know your name?”

“Four years ago, when Martin was first admitted here, he still had moments of lucidity. He mentioned having a sister who used to visit him.”

“He waited for ten days, but his strength waned, and he slipped into a deep slumber…”

The doctor’s words carried a weight that twisted Melody’s heart into a knot.

They also evoked memories of Martin, her elder brother, from her foster family.

In her previous life, she had gone missing at the tender age of three and was discovered by eight-year-old Martin, who brought her home.

Despite their modest means, the Tucker family had always fostered a deep bond.

At five, when a mischievous child pulled her braided hair, Martin shaved the culprit’s head and made him run ten laps around the kindergarten, enduring his own punishment of kneeling for three nights.

By ten, Melody’s love for the piano blossomed. At fifteen, Martin worked tirelessly in various internet cafes to fund her musical passion, gifting her the most exquisite piano he could afford on her thirteenth birthday.

He declared, “Mel is the sole princess in our family, deserving nothing but the finest.”

At fifteen, Melody aspired to study finance at Greenfield University, with Martin promising to establish a financial firm for her upon her maturity.

However, at sixteen, she departed from the Tucker family, severing ties before Martin could fulfill his promise of bestowing upon her the cherished gift he had longed to present on her subsequent birthdays.

In the Shield family, she was relegated to the role of a servant, but within the Tucker household, she was cherished like a princess.

Upon her return to the Shield family, Melody found herself ensnared in the duties imposed by Old Mrs. Shield, who justified her servitude by citing Melody’s past recognition of others as her parents.

This restriction tethered her to the Shield family, limiting her interactions with the Tucker family.

Despite six months passing, she only met with the Tuckers clandestinely once.

Meanwhile, Martin’s promising career in finance was abruptly halted by a devastating accident that left him paralyzed, potentially in a vegetative state.

Desperate, the Tucker family sought Melody’s aid.

Mrs. Swenson mistakenly believed that the Tucker family had come to borrow money from the Shield family. Without hesitation, she drove them away, falsely asserting that they had to wait for Melody’s approval before being seen. This cruel deception left them stranded in the rain overnight, subjected to the elements and the anguish of uncertainty.

Suzanna swiftly intercepted Melody’s attempt to scale the wall for escape.

The girl’s brows knit slightly as she gently chided, “Mel, think about it. If Mom and Dad discover you’re still in touch with those rough country folks, and if they believe you’re trying to take our family’s property to aid them, won’t they question your motives? It might make them doubt your upbringing.”

“Mel, don’t be silly…”

Melody’s brows furrowed in rebellion, rare defiance flickering in her eyes as she pushed Suzanna towards the foul ditch by the wall. “Suzanna, have some respect. They’re not just some rough country folks! They’re the relatives who raised me!”

She fixed a cold stare on Suzanna, her usually weak and gentle demeanor now marred by the ordeal of being pushed into the foul ditch.

With a sudden movement, she turned her head and forcefully thumped her forehead against the stone ditch, a light chuckle escaping her lips. “Mel, you can’t escape this.”

With urgency gnawing at her, Melody wasted no time.

She pivoted to resume her climb over the wall, only to find herself apprehended by the bodyguard Suzanna had stationed there.

That night, she faced the harsh punishment of thirty strokes by the family rules.

After enduring four days and nights of kneeling in the ancestral hall as punishment by Mrs. Shield, Christina, Melody clung to her last ounce of strength.

Despite her weakened state, she mustered the resolve to retrieve all the savings Mr. and Mrs. Tucker entrusted to her upon her return to the Shield family, pleading with Mrs. Ingrid to send the money out.

Upon reencountering the Tucker family, Melody was met with a hostile and disdainful reception. Each family member regarded her with suspicion and disdain, treating her like an ungrateful outsider.

Faced with such animosity and hostility, Melody decided to cut off all contact with the Tucker family.

The burden of guilt towards the Tucker family weighed heavily on Melody’s conscience, preventing her from mustering the courage to face them for years.

However, while packing her belongings with Mrs. Ingrid, Melody realized something significant. Mrs. Ingrid was unaware of her personal preferences, such as her favorite toys and street snacks—details that only the Tucker family remembered.

In her previous life, during her five-year stint in prison, it dawned on Melody that it was always the Tucker family who silently stood by her, offering their unwavering support and care.

Melody snapped back to reality, her complexion paled once more. “Doctor, is there still hope for my brother to awaken?”

A pang of realization struck her as she remembered Martin’s consciousness upon his admission to the hospital.

When the Tucker family sought her out at the Shield residence, their intent was solely for her to bid farewell to her comatose brother.

It was not for any financial assistance!

Yet, Melody failed to show up, choosing instead to return the money the Tuckers had provided out of concern for her well-being, a gesture that seemed to mark the end of their connection.

With a heavy heart, the doctor shook his head and guided Melody into the room, both of them standing somberly beside Martin’s bed. “It’s been four years,” he sighed, “and unfortunately, he may never regain consciousness.”

Melody’s spirits sank as she absorbed the grim news.

“This is what he left for you, finally returning to its rightful owner,” the doctor remarked solemnly as he opened a hidden cabinet.

With a sense of reverence, he retrieved a set of keys and a letter, passing them to Melody before quietly exiting the room.

As Melody unfolded the letter, she discovered nothing but contact information, an address, and a pre-written birthday card.

“Wishing my little princess Mel a happy 18th birthday! The adult ceremony gift is YM Capital. -Martin.”

An electric jolt seemed to course through Melody’s body, leaving her rigid with shock.

It became evident that in the corner she had long neglected, someone had consistently valued her as a treasure and worked diligently to nurture dreams for her.

Consequently, she couldn’t afford to let Martin’s efforts go to waste.

The company couldn’t remain stagnant, and she couldn’t allow Martin to lie there indefinitely.

Melody fixed her gaze on the frail figure on the sickbed, her eyes resolute: “Brother, Mel has grown up. This time, it’s my turn to protect you.”

In this lifetime, she must become even stronger.

Protect those she should protect.

Love those she should love!

Before leaving, Melody carefully placed her newly developed “Awakening Aroma,” previously intended for Derrick, in the drawer.

She instructed the doctor to occasionally light it up for Martin, hoping to invigorate and soothe his mind.

As she hurried away, Melody remained oblivious to the slight movement of Martin’s slender and weakened fingers on the sickbed at the moment she turned and left.

However, like a fleeting mirage, the movement vanished in an instant.

Meanwhile, at Moore Residence.

Bernard was startled by his boss as he placed Melody’s luggage in the master bedroom.

“Where is she?” Edward’s voice cut through the room, his features etched with cold intensity, his eyes dark and brooding, radiating a chilling aura.

“Who told you to put her things in the master bedroom?” His tone was sharp, conveying his displeasure.

Bernard felt a shiver run down his spine as he hastily responded, “Madam said she wants to give you therapy tonight…”

“So, sleeping together, no! Living together would be more convenient.”

Bernard broke into a cold sweat, feeling a surge of anxiety.

Help!

You tacitly agreed to let me follow Madam home; isn’t that just indirectly supporting her?

How do you manage to change your demeanor so quickly, almost like flipping a page?

Edward’s eyes narrowed slightly, a faint cold smile playing on his lips as he spoke, “Throw them out!”

“Who allowed her to sleep with me?” His tone was authoritative, demanding an explanation.

But for a moment, his fingers paused on the wheelchair armrest as if still feeling the lingering touch of the girl’s hand on his leg.

Tsk, that woman is bold as a wildcat!