Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Ulric was expecting Ken to get angry after his little taunt. If Ken lost his temper on such a special day, his reputation would take another hit.

However, that wouldn’t be the case.

“Are you done?” Nen’s tone was indifferent. He continued at his usual pace, showing not a single inkling of rage.

Ulric turned in astonishment only to catch a glimpse of Ken’s retreating figure. Ken’s demeanor was was merely a minor annoyance rather than a real threat.

Ulric’s frustration boiled over. “Kent Stop right there!” he shouted.

But Ken continued walking, turning the corner without another backward glance.

Composed, almost dismissive, as if Ulric

“Damn it!” Ulric slammed his hand on the armrest of his wheelchair, cursing himself for not being able to confront Ken physically. Ulric had always been overshadowed by Ken, no matter how hard he tried, he always seemed to fall short.

He recalled the time when he had exhausted himself for three months to get into Halcyon’s top academy, only to hear later that Ken had been accepted into an even more prestigious international university.

Ken had always been the Swanson family’s golden boy. His presence alone seemed to brighten any room–until his legs were damaged, turing him into the most notorious villain in Silverlake.

Since that incident, Ken had mostly stayed away in Insterimond, and his reasons for returning now were unclear. Ulric was determined not to let Ken take away everything he had worked so hard to maintain.

He had neglected his legs for far too many years;

s; it was imperative that he started treatment as soon as possible.

Ulric tried to compose himself, taking deep breaths to calm his nerves. He prided himself on his ability to remain emotionally stable, but Ken always managed to get under his skin. Despite Ken initially losing control when the scandal first broke, he had somehow regained his composure over the years, which only irked Ulric further.

Taking another deep breath, Ulric wheeled himself forward, only to unexpectedly encounter Maria just as she exited a room.

In public, Ulric always maintained a calm and collected facade, and today was no different. He greeted Maria with his usual warm smile. “Hello, Mrs. Fox.”

Maria, on a mission to find Melody, was momentarily distracted by the encounter. “Ulric, bave you met Melody yet?”

Ulric, typically well–liked for his amiable and generous nature, responded gently, unaware of Maria’s urgent agenda. However, Maria couldn’t help but wonder if Ulric could truly accept Melody’s unique appearance.

But then Ulric surprised her by smiling and saying, “Yes, I have,” His handsome features softened, a touch of bashfulness evident in his expression.

Great! Then it is settled!‘ Maria felt

It even happier, so she figured chatting up Ulric a little more wouldn’t hurt. The more they talked, the more delighted she felt. Ulric was polite and well–mannered in his speech, which pleased her greatly.

Meanwhile, Ken had just reached the bottom of the stairs when he saw Melody on the second–floor landing.

As he have just seen Ulric and now encountering his supposed fiancée, Ken’s initial interest had completely vanished, replaced by a wall of

coldness

He approached her with a flat tone. “ydidn’t expect to catch Miss Fox eavesdropping”

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Chapter 25

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Melody looked taken aback. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, I was actually just heading to see my grandmother,” she explained innocently.

Ken, however, seemed indifferent to whether she was eavesdropping or not. He coldly asked, “Where is it?”

Feeling the tension, Melody stiffened, sensing Ken was in a bad mood. She bit her lip and reluctantly pulled a dagger from her bag.

Ken quickly snatched it from her, handed back the necklace he owed her, and turned to leave.

“Wait!” Melody called after him, holding the necklace tightly. Ken paused, his frown deepening as she hurried to continue, “About the check you gave me I intend to honor our agreement. The patient you mentioned, that’s your grandmother, right? I can help.”

Having overheard Ken’s conversation with Ulric, Melody knew she needed Ken as an ally–after all, the enemy of her enemy was her friend.

Ken scoffed sarcastically. “No need. If you really want to help, just pretend you don’t know me and stay out of my sight.”

Confused, Melody pressed, “Why? Do you have something against me?”

As she tried to explain her earlier actions with the dagger, Ken abruptly cut her off. “Miss Fox, do you not grasp what I’m telling you? Acting like this, especially as Ulric’s supposed fiancée, what are you playing at?!

He was visibly impatient, and his expression even showed a hint of disgust.

Melody felt a lump in her throat. “I’m actually not his fiancée, and I don’t want to marry him…”

Ken wasn’t interested in discussing further. He turned sharply and walked away, clearly not considering Maria as a potential family connection and wanting nothing to do with anything related to Ulric.

Ken briskly walked away without looking back at her. Seeing that he was about to leave, Melody blurted out, “About Ulric’s legs, I believe you! I think you’re innocent!”

As soon as she said this, Ken halted in his tracks.

However, just as Melody was about to continue, Ken started walking even faster.

She scratched her head in confusion, wondering if she had said something so unbelievably wrong to cause such a drastic change in Ken’s attitude.

But it didn’t matter, as allies, she needed to prove her value first.

At that very moment, footsteps sounded from upstairs–someone was coming down.

It was Maria, seemingly in high spirits.

“Grandma?” Melody approached eagerly, taking her grandmother’s hand. “Is Mrs. Swanson feeling better? You seem really happy.”

the

Maria’s smile dimmed at the mention of Margaret, “No, her condition is… let’s not talk about it now. Come with me to meet her after th party.”

“Okay.” Melody nodded, her curiosity about Margaret growing. She wondered why someone of her stature and means would contemplate suicide.

“By the way.” Maria added casually, patting Melody’s hand. “I just saw Ulric. He seems like he’d make a good husband someday. Make sure you hold onto him, okay?”

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