Chapter 9 Determined
After Edward drifted into slumber, Melody refrained from disturbing him and quietly exited the Rose Chamber.
As she made her way out, Bernard respectfully addressed her as “Madam.”
The dignified manner in which he referred to her filled Melody with a sense of honor.
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Acknowledging his presence with a nod, she ascended the stairs to organize the scattered items in the corridor, relocating them to the master bedroom.
Bernard willingly lent a hand in the endeavor.
Once everything was arranged, Melody settled in front of the dressing table, beginning her skincare routine with a beauty cream she had meticulously crafted. The cream, which contained medicinal herbs, rose dew, and spring water, was meticulously applied. Particular attention was given to the eye cream, which was formulated to alleviate puffiness and dark
circles.
In her past endeavors, Melody had delved into the realms of beauty and skincare while immersing herself in medical studies for the benefit of her second brother, Cameron. She had devoted significant efforts to concocting beauty concoctions to cater to the preferences of Madam Shield and Suzanna, both ardent admirers of skincare.
Gathering rose dew necessitated an early start, with Melody rousing herself at four–thirty each morning to collect the dew from the thorn–laden rose garden.
Similarly, the spring water had to be sourced from a natural mountain stream. Melody would venture alone into the deep mountains for days to find the purest and most suitable spring water as an ingredient.
Melody nostalgically reminisced about the brief period of tranquility she encountered upon her return to the Shield household two years later.
During the application of beauty cream to Madam Shield’s visage at that time, a grateful Madam Shield clasped her hand, expressing her gratitude, “Mel, you’re truly thoughtful.”
However, their tender moment was abruptly disrupted by Suzanna’s sudden appearance at the door. The fragile girl appeared visibly distressed as she watched them.
Melody didn’t need to glance at Madam Shield to discern her unease. Hastening to Suzanna’s side, Madam Shield. accidentally spilled the beauty cream, her concern evident as she inquired. “Suzie, are you alright? Ill summon the doctor for you immediately!”
In an instant, Melody felt as though she had become invisible to Madam Shield’s eyes.
Madam Shield escorted Suzanna to see a doctor, sparing a fleeting glance at Melody before departing. Her eyes betrayed a myriad of emotions in that brief moment.
Although Madam Shield appeared poised to speak, she ultimately remained silent.
Thereafter, they all used the beauty creams Melody had prepared, with Melody promptly replenishing them whenever they ran out to preserve their beauty.
Despite her endeavors in gathering flower dew and spring water, Melody’s wounds never fully healed, leaving her in a pitiable
state.
Frowning, Melody vowed never to undertake such futile tasks again in the future.
-That evening. Melody opted not to disturb Edward’s slumber, knowing she still needed to gather all the medicinal herbs.
required for his leg treatment.
She settled onto the sofa in the master bedroom.
Although Edward paid her no mind, his movements as he retired to bed seemed notably tenser than usual.
The maxi mornina Ualodu sora anche sind donacted from the rarisanna
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Chapter 9 Determined
Bernard perceived a distinct chill permeating the entirety of the Moore Residence following Melody’s exit
To sever her familial ties entirely, Melody required sufficient funds to repay her grandfather.
For consecutive days, she encountered rejection from various job opportunities within the capital.
A sympathetic human resources representative revealed that she had been blacklisted by the Shield family.
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Timothy’s financial firm wielded considerable influence in the capital, and its policies were stringent. Once à decision was made, its ramifications were far–reaching.
Melody recognized their attempt to coerce her into returning and seeking forgiveness.
Subsequently, they would likely disparage her for her perceived arrogance.
However, Melody remained steadfast in her refusal to compromise.
Without hesitation, she punched in the phone number she had acquired from Martin
Unable to secure employment, she was resolved to embark on entrepreneurship.
In her previous life, she had generously handed over her meticulously crafted financial plan to Timothy, propelling him to success at the annual Colden Financial Summit in the capital, resulting in a staggering net profit of one billion,
Given the plan’s robustness, she pondered the significance of entrusting it to another
company.
This time, she was resolute in securing the lucrative deal herself!
Melody was taken aback to discover that Martin’s contact belonged to Andrew Woodman, a finance professor at Greenfield University.
Andrew had been Martin’s former roommate, and together they had established YM Capital Limited.
Following Martin’s incapacitation, the company’s funding stream dwindled, prompting Andrew to return to his alma mater to teach while utilizing the company’s name to undertake minor projects with a handful of graduate students to sustain operations.
However, in comparison to Timothy’s behemoth, Goldman Pax Corporation, YM Capital Limited paled in significance.
To finalize arrangements with Andrew and YM Capital Limited, Melody ventured alone to Greenfield University.
Shortly after ironing out the details of legal succession with Andrew, Melody made her way to the counselor’s office.
In her previous life, Melody had been made the scapegoat by Gary when he cheated on exams, leading to her being a target of expulsion from Greenfield University.
“I won’t yield anymore!” she resolved as she made her way to the office building
Not far away, she heard the echoes of a familiar laughter. Gary and Suzanna, accompanied by a group of Gary’s friends, were seen strolling together.
The
group was taken aback when they saw Melody, their widened eyes reflecting amazement.
After four or five days, the red sores and dark circles on Melody’s face had nearly vanished. Her complexion was fair and radiant. Her lips were soft and full, her figure slender and delicate. Her almond eyes shone like stars against her black pupils.
Even in a simple white outfit, her beauty was impossible to ignore.
A tinge of envy flickered in Suzanna’s heart, though she was the first to approach Melody, pretending to be concerned. “Mel why haven’t you been home? Mom and Dad have arranged for you to withdraw from school. Are you here to pack your things?”
Though seemingly caring. Suzanna’s words carried a dual message: Melody had been absent from home and was facing expulsion.
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10:51 AM
Chapter 9 Determined
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For a girl, either scenario was scandalous.
Melody sneered in response, “We’ve severed ties. Why should strangers decide my fate and force me to drop out?”
“And besides, I’m already married. Is it so strange to live with my husband?”
Her voice was firm and devoid of emotion as she held Suzanna’s gaze.
Startled, Suzanna retreated, grasping Gary’s sleeve with a look of distress.
Gary, accustomed to carefree living, now found himself under scrutiny, obliged to protect his younger sister.
Expressing his displeasure toward Melody out of habit, he said, “It’s been five days, Melody. Why are you still upset?”
“Suzie is just worried about you. Do you have to be so ungrateful in front of everyone?”
“Timothy is right. You always create problems out of nothing, competing with Suzie for attention!”
“You’re sisters. As the older one, can’t you be kinder to Suzie?”
Gary frowned as he met Melody’s icy gaze. His eyes were clear, his figure tall and lean.
Melody raised an eyebrow, unwilling to engage in further argument. A sudden pang of guilt gripped him. Her demeanor remained calm as she addressed Gary directly, “I won’t take the blame for your cheating.” “I was never the one who should have been expelled!”
In her previous life, she had borne too many punishments for him. In this life, she wouldn’t do so again.
Gary choked, suddenly recalling that one of his friends had been caught cheating. Initially, he had taken the blame out of loyalty but then shifted it to Melody, who had always been compliant with him at school.
He hadn’t realized the consequences would be so severe.
Melody’s determined stance to clear her name left Gary stunned. Though he bit his lip and lowered his head, he couldn’t bring himself to apologize.
Tension hung thick in the air.
Meanwhile, Suzanna reached out to grasp Gary’s hand, her voice weak yet imbued with a sense of strength. “Mel, even though Gary struggles academically, he would never cheat.
“If I’ve un
you, you can hit me or scold me, but please don’t blame Gary…
Believing Suzanna’s defense, the onlookers turned their doubtful and disdainful gazes toward Melody.
Yet, as Gary gazed at the delicate Suzanna, his eyes clouded with a mix of emotions…
