Chapter 232

S2 62. Melanie’s Dark Secret

Frank tilted his head, trying to catch Melanie’s gaze. When he succeeded, he whispered, “Why? What was your reason for doing that? Isn’t Dad always nice to you?”

Melanie’s lips began to tremble. Her chest felt full of peeling wounds. “Nice you say?”

After snorting, Melanie looked away. Her gaze turned dreamy. “For years, I thought I was the queen. But apparently, he was still secretly sending letters to that woman.”

“He did that out of a sense of responsibility and guilt. Yes, he still remembered his old lover and their son. But, didn’t he choose us in the end? He’s always with us.”

“What’s the use of togetherness without warmth? It instead feels like a torturous bondage.”

Melanie’s voice was getting hoarse. Her sadness thickened. “Did you know that your father never smiled sincerely at me?”

The corners of Melanie’s lips twitched in disgust. “His smile in front of clients was even wider than in front of me. His laughter with the staff was louder than when he was with me. And his memories with Vivian were much more memorable than those with me.

Suddenly, Melanie returned Frank’s gaze. Her eyes sharpened. “Your father left that woman because of love, while he married me because he had to. That was the biggest insult in my life.”

“I know you’re hurt, but is that a good reason to break the rules? Committing attempted murder?”

“I just wanted to teach your father a lesson. Who would have thought

that he would actually die not long after that incident? And it’s not fault. His business opponents took action. I’m not a murderer.”

“But you once tried to kill.”

Melanie suddenly clutched her head. The pressure inside was enormous. “But it’s not my fault. Your father died not because of me. You can’t blame me.”

“Then why did you leave after he died?”

“Because your grandfather didn’t want to see me. He knew about the shrimp powder. He even wanted to kill me, but he couldn’t bear to destroy your feelings. Because of that, he forced me to leave your side.”

Frank shook his head briefly. “No. If Grandpa really hated you, how could your name be in his will?”

Melanie gasped. Her gaping mouth was forced to swallow back the words that almost came out.

“Answer me, Mom. Could it be the gold was the payment? You’re willing to exchange your son for an inheritance that you don’t know when to receive it?” Frank inquired, his breath starting to rumble.

“I did it for your good, Frank.”

Frank shook his head. “You did it for your happiness. You couldn’t live under Grandpa’s pressure and Dad’s shadow. You’re afraid of being haunted by regret and guilt.”

Suddenly, Melanie covered her ears. “That’s enough, Frank.”

However, Frank didn’t want to stop yet.

“And after all that, you haven’t learnt yet? You’re still selfish. You never thought about other people. You’re willing to sacrifice your family for your own interests. And because you’re carried away by

your emotions, you even injured your own daughter.”

“No, Frank. Barbara was injured in an accident.”

“You think I accepted you in this house because I didn’t know?” Pursing his lips, Frank shook his head. “In fact, I am the one who knows best. You are a big threat and danger to my family.”

Melanie’s chin twitched in disapproval. “I’m not a murderer,” she whispered, emphatically.

“That’s what Kara told me. She kept convincing me that you could change. I dared to take the risk to accept you because of her hope.” Melanie gasped. Her head was pushed back. “She knows?”

Frank nodded. His expression was still stiff.

“But now,” Frank rose to his feet, “that hope is gone. I have repeatedly given you the opportunity, but you always waste it. I no longer want to risk my family’s safety to save you. You can’t be left alone anymore.”

Melanie shook her head in disapproval. She tried to grab Frank’s knee, but Frank dodged it.

“Tomorrow morning, my bodyguard will take you to the rehabilitation center. Improve your mentality there. Reflect on what you’ve done and make peace with yourself. Only after you have completely recovered will I let you be free again.”

Melanie sighed in disbelief. Her head movements became faster. “No, Frank. I’m not crazy. I’m just a little depressed. Please don’t take me

there.”

“Good night, Mom.” Frank turned toward the door.

Melanie crawled after him. “Wait, Frank! I’m really sorry. I promise not to harm anyone again. I promise! Please don’t let me be locked up in such a cursed place!”

Frank didn’t look back at all. He came out and asked the bodyguard lock the door.

“Frank, please don’t abandon me. I promise not to make another mistake again. Frank!”

The man could only sigh. His gaze lowered, contemplating his mother’s future fate.

“You guys finished talking?”

Frank gasped at the soft voice. When he turned around, Kara’s smile immediately greeted him.

“Hey, why are you still here?” He walked over to Kara and rubbed her

arm.

“I’m waiting for my husband,” Kara caressed his face. “I feel like he needs support from me.”

While Frank sighed with emotion, Kara glanced at the door. Melanie’s voice still echoed from there.

“Please, Frank. Don’t send me to that place! I will really go crazy if I’m there. Frank…!”

Kara could imagine how Melanie was banging on the door with a look of panic and half-pity.

“So, you’ve made up your mind?”

Frank’s lips curved sadly. Exhaling heavily, he embraced Kara. “Sorry. I failed to change my mother.”

Kara patted Frank on the back. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault. You’ve tried your best. I’m actually proud to have a husband who is so wise and patient.”

Frank was silent for a moment. He let the soothing words sink into.

his heart.

“Besides,” Kara continued slowly, “we can’t change other people, Frank. The only one who can change them is themselves. We can only provide motivation. The will still has to come from within.”

Frank nodded. His heart felt more open. However, after returning the distance, his brows knitted together again.

“Do you think Barbara would be furious if she found out her mother was in rehabilitation?”

Kara shrugged. “I can’t guess. But, if you explain it slowly, she might understand. Especially with Philip beside her.”

Frank let out a chuckle. Kara never failed to relieve the anxiety within

him.

“Then let’s rest. We’ll have to leave early in the morning.”

Kara nodded. With relaxed steps, they walked towards the room. Melanie’s wailing was like the wind behind their back.

Barbara suddenly took a deeper breath. Her head moved faintly.” Mom….”

Hearing that very thin voice, Philip flinched. With round eyes, he got up from his chair.

Barbara, you’re awake?”

However, Barbara furrowed her brows deeper. “Mom….”

Philip had no heart to let her face the nightmare alone. He grabbed her hand. “Hey, it’s okay. It was just a dream.” He bowed, waiting for the girl to greet him.

Barbara’s eyes shook faster. It’s like she was trapped in that dream.

Only when Philip caressed her pale face was she able to come out the darkness.

“Hi! Are you okay?” Philip greeted her with a smile. His voice was so

soft.

Barbara blinked slowly. “Mom?”

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