Chapter 22

Chapter 22

However, when Mabel spoke, Melody didn’t budge an inch. It was as if the words had flown right past her, her focus entirely on the water waiting to boil

In Melody’s rural upbringing, she was taught extensive knowledge in the art of coffee making.

Before Melody could even lift a kettle, her lessons began. Her confidence was brewed alongside her skills.

By the age of five, Melody could recite the intricate steps of making coffe–the coffee extraction like it was nothing. Mabel’s simplistic question just earned a silent, mocking smirk from her.

To Mabel and the others, it looked like Melody was ducking the question, pretending not to hear.

Just then, the water burst into a rolling boil. Everyone watched, expecting Melody to sneak a peek at Mabel for some pointers. Instead, Melody stood there, mesmerized by the kettle, not giving Mabel a single glance.

Pouring water is simple, but Melody turned it into a graceful art. Despite her blotchy, flushed face, her elegance was undeniable–if it weren’t for those blotches, she’d be a portrait of grace.

Meanwhile, Mabel was getting antsy. She kept sneaking glances at Melody, hoping to catch her imitating her technique. But Melody never once looked her way.

With one hand, water flowed in a steady stream, the other in a blur of practiced movements.

Even Mabel, a seasoned brewer herself, could feel it–Melody might actually know how to extract coffee.

The thought sent a wave of unease through her. Despite still believing Melody, that good–for–nothing bumpkin, couldn’t possibly outdo her, the pressure was mounting.

Meanwhile, outside the drawing room, someone called out, “Is that my fiancee?”

Ulric, in the wheelchair, had his eyes fixed on Mabel’s stunning figure. His features were strikingly handsome, though his pale complexion hinted at a delicate appearance, masking the ruthless coldness lurking in his eyes.

His assistant, aware that Ulric’s gentle demeanor was just a façade, mistakenly focused on Melody, who was seated to Mabel’s left, thinking she was the one Ulric meant. The assistant nodded. “Yes, that must be Miss Fox.”

Ulric’s gaze settled back on Mabel. He felt somewhat reassured by her allure, despite the stark difference in their families‘ statuses. Yet, he wasn’t particularly bothered.

For him, women were just for show. Unlike his mother, he didn’t see the need for a woman family empire would soon be his–if only his brother wasn’t in the way.

to be

bolster his status, especially since the Swanson

When the time comes, whether this woman stays or goes is up to me, he mused, wondering, “Did Ken return unharmed?”

The drawing room doors were slightly ajar, allowing them to get a clear look inside while still remaining undetected.

The assistant nervously replied, “Yes. We lured him onto the yacht with his mother’s belongings for a trade, but after the deal, he vanished into thin air… He managed to escape from the yacht. Our men couldn’t catch him.”

Ulric scoffed. “Vanished? You think he’s magic? It’s just your incompetence! You wasted a perfect opportunity!”

The assistant bowed his head, unable to respond.

19:44 Thu, 4 Jul

Chapter 22

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Ulric gave him a sharp look and coldly instructed, “Forget it. He’s back now. We can’t afford to make another move against him yet–it would only raise his suspicions. But keep a damn close eye on him. Report everything to me.”

“Yes, siri” the assistant affirmed.

Ulric’s gaze returned to Mabel, radiating charm inside the drawing room. He smiled slightly, his mood lightening at her sight.

His elaborate ruse had convinced everyone, portraying Ken as the one responsible for his crippled legs. Margaret, who once supported Ken staunchly, now distanced herself from him after the incident. The family was utterly disillusioned with Ken, and his mother showed visible contempt every time she saw him.

Ulric had successfully alienated Ken using his own injury as leverage. But the cost was his legs.

A surge of anger flashed through Ulric as he glanced down at his paralyzed legs. Despite the massive toll his scheme had taken, his father still valued Ken’s capabilities and had entrusted him with managing a significant part of the company. This deepened the sting of injustice for Ulric. He couldn’t wait much longer; he needed to reclaim his position and kick Ken out for good.

First, he was determined to find the best doctor money could buy–a doctor who could possibly reverse his condition. Once his legs were healed, he would take back everything that was rightfully his.

Inside the drawing room, Mabel realized that Melody wasn’t as clueless as she’d–assumed. Pulling herself together, she began to focus intently on her task.

Coffee extraction required meticulous precision, involving rounds of pouring and filtering.

Melody had just completed the final round.

“Phew, done.” Mabel exhaled, glancing over at Melody, only to find that she had finished even faster,

A wave of panic washed over Mabel, but she quickly shook it off. “Speed doesn’t matter; it’s all about the quality, she reminded herself.

The guests, unable to contain their curiosity, crowded around to examine both cups of coffee. Naturally, they first inspected the coffee prepared by Mabel, the renowned artisan.

Mabel’s coffee was undoubtedly impressive.

“Absolutely deserving of your reputation. This coffee is next level!” one guest exclaimed.

Flattered by the praise, Mabel beamed with a modest smile. “Thank you, everyone. Now, let’s check out my sister’s coffee,” she said eagerly, leading the crowd to Melody’s table, convinced that it wouldn’t measure up.

Astrid, feeling restless, followed the crowd to Melody’s table. The more professional Melody appeared, the more Astrid doubted her initial judgment. She refused to believe that Melody could possibly outshine her sophisticated sister’s skills. That would be a joke.

In stark contrast, Yolanda and Mabel, confident and composed, watched proudly as the crowd gathered around Melody’s table. Suddenly, a gasp cut through the murmurs.

“This coffee…..”“”