Chapter 5 Confrontation

• Melody's words and her step back had the intended effect, casting a shadow over the faces of Timothy and Carson.
• Carson's voice was icy as he addressed Melody, "What are you scheming now?"
• "Timothy is concerned about you, and Suzie is also affected. They're giving you a chance to own up to your mistakes. Don't be ungrateful!"
• In the past, Melody would have suppressed her grievances, putting on a smile and trying to placate the two brothers first.
• But this time, her eyes were colder than theirs, her demeanor more challenging.
• Suzanna, sensing the tension, intervened as a peacemaker. She approached, gently tugging at Carson's sleeve, and softly spoke, "Carson, don't be too hard on Melody. She married Edward for my sake. I won't hold it against her..."
• Her words were generous, yet her expression showed a hint of resentment and endurance.
• "Marrying on behalf of someone is one thing, but stealing the plan is another. How can you conflate the two?"
• "Moreover, she agreed to marry on your behalf and promised our parents and grandmother willingly. You were completely unaware. This has nothing to do with you, Suzie. Don't always be so passive, letting Melody walk all over you."
• Carson comforted Suzanna with gentle tones and soft words, reaching out to stroke her head, displaying a vastly different attitude towards Melody.
• Suzanna's innocent face lit up with a charming smile as she coyly said, "Carson, you're the best."
• "But Mel is also part of our family. She just had a moment of anger."
• Timothy observed his younger sister's sensible behavior, contrasting it with Melody's cold and obstinate stance. His brows furrowed tightly, his displeasure palpable.
• "Where does she get off being angry? She's been coddled by you, a sister who's easily manipulated."
• "Incapable of discerning right from wrong, bullying her younger sister, defying her elder brother—truly becoming more insolent by the day."
• "Melody, regardless, you must hand over the USB drive with Suzie's plans today, or you won't be allowed to leave."
• "Are you here just to pack up and leave?"
• "Nothing in Shield Residence belongs to you; you can't take anything with you!"
• Timothy's gaze was cold and piercing; his lips were pressed tightly together, his demeanor fierce and unyielding, and his words were cutting like a blade aimed squarely at Melody.
• He didn't feel compelled to be hostile towards Melody, but in his view, she simply needed to acknowledge her mistake and take responsibility.
• If you're wrong, you're wrong; you must own up to it!
• Melody couldn't be bothered to engage in argument, coolly remarking, "Out of the way, a good dog doesn't block the road!"
• With that, she ascended the stairs.
• "Mel, why not just apologize to Timothy? We're all family; we should strive for harmony..."
• Suzanna attempted to intervene, reaching out to grasp Melody's arm as she moved to depart.
• However, Melody's pace was brisk, and her long skirt snagged, causing her to stumble forward. Just before falling, she was caught by Timothy's steady hand.
• Suzanna let out a whimper, "Ah! That hurts..."
• "Mel, I'm sorry. Timothy and Carson didn't mean to come down so hard on you. If you're looking to blame someone, blame me alone..."
• Carson swiftly moved forward, squatting down to attend to Suzanna's twisted ankle, visibly distressed. "Suzie, I'll call the family doctor right away!"
• He shot a glare at Melody, the instigator; his tone tinged with frustration. "Melody, when will you stop?"
• "Apologize to Suzie!"
• Despite the pain, tears welled in Suzanna's eyes as she weakly interjected, "Carson, don't blame Mel; it's my own carelessness that caused the twist."
• "Mel is just still upset and wasn't paying attention."
• Her voice grew increasingly strained, but she gritted her teeth and endured.
• Carson's frustration boiled over, and he seized Melody's wrist firmly. "I told you to apologize!"
• Melody coolly shook off his grip, causing Carson to stagger back, his gaze incredulous.
• "If I don't apologize, then what?"
• "Is it my fault that Suzanna twisted her foot?"
• Melody arched an eyebrow, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she sauntered towards Suzanna, whom Carson supported.
• "This suffering is what you've brought upon yourself."
• In front of everyone, she raised her foot and delivered a forceful stomp on Suzanna's ankle.
• 'Click.'
• The sound was unmistakable.
• "This kick, that's on me!"
• Melody's smirk remained, her demeanor unflinching.
• The chill on her face dissipated instantly, revealing the arrogance and disdain lurking beneath.
• This action only fueled Timothy and Carson's anger.
• Timothy, being closest to Melody, raised his hand to strike her, his eyes ablaze with fury.
• But just as his palm was about to connect with Melody's face, it was abruptly halted by a large hand.
• Timothy's hand froze mere inches from Melody's face before he was forcefully shoved backward, causing Suzanna, who had been supporting him, to tumble to the ground.
• "Madam, are you alright?"
• Bernard stood beside Melody like a sturdy oak tree.
• Towering at 1.9 meters tall, he had once been a boxer before becoming a bodyguard, imbued with formidable strength.
• Casting a stern glance at the trio, he spoke curtly, "Madam is now part of the Moore family; it's not Shield's place to reprimand her."
• His words were sharp, sending Suzanna cowering into Timothy's embrace.
• Timothy shielded Suzanna, rising to his feet with a pallid and grim expression.
• Carson's rage simmered, though his gaze remained fixed on Melody with bloodshot eyes.
• "It's fine. Come with me upstairs to retrieve the portable electrotherapy device."
• Melody's voice was cold, devoid of any inclination to spare them a second glance.
• Though slender, her posture was unwaveringly erect. Despite her current disheveled appearance, there was an enigmatic aura about her that begged exploration.
• Like a fragile yet aloof lotus emerging from the murky waters, serene and poised, standing gracefully on its own.
• Timothy watched Melody ascend the stairs, a sense of unfamiliarity creeping over him.
• Carson suppressed his anger, bending down to tend to Suzanna's ankle.
• Meanwhile, Suzanna observed Melody's departure, her light brown pupils deepening ever so slightly...
• Ascending the stairs, Melody entered her room to discover it ransacked.
• The electrodes within her portable electrotherapy device were twisted and carelessly strewn across the bed, posing a risk of injury if she were to lie down.
• Meanwhile, a group of servants lurked outside, led by Mrs. Swenson, who tended to Suzanna, wearing a smug grin.
• "Melody, you are already married, aren't you? And to a disfigured, disabled man at that."
• "Couldn't wait to bring a stranger into our home and cause a stir on the second day, could you?"
• Mrs. Swenson sneered as she waited in the attic of the Shield Residence, having observed the arrival of the Moore family's car.
• Spotting a healthy man accompanying Melody, she couldn't resist making snide remarks.
• Mrs. Swenson's pride was stoked by Melody's continuous attempts to please the Shield family and her respectful conduct towards her.
• She became fearless of Melody.
• With calm yet determined eyes, Melody advanced, seizing Mrs. Swenson by the neck and forcefully tossing her onto the bed amidst the tangled electrodes.
• "Ahh! Ahh!"
• The shrieks resembled those of a distressed pig, resonating throughout the Shield Residence.
• A subtle yet eerie smile graced Melody's lips as her almond-shaped eyes narrowed with a sweet curve, a hint of mischief lurking in her dimples. "Repeat it."
• "What's wrong with Edward?"
• Standing by the bed, Melody's clear gaze turned dark and intense, her smile taking on a sweeter tone.
• But to Mrs. Swenson, it sent uncontrollable shivers down her spine.
• In just one night, Melody had undergone a transformation!