Ch. 281..290

Chapter 281 Chapter 281 Tiffany closed her eyes and said slowly, “It’s simple. I want you to be a witness. You are to reveal everything when the time is right.” If Declan Jahn were to testify. it entailed turning himself in and admitting his guilt.

He gritted his teeth. After some hesitation, he finally nodded.

Even if he turned himself in, he was only an accomplice. Moreover, he had never done anything to Alexia Harper. He had only listened to orders and taken photos. He would receive at most a jail sentence of a few years.

If he did not agree to testify, he would still be implicated when Melody Princeton’s murder was exposed.

Caught in a “Damned if I do, damned if I don’t dilemma, Declan realized it was better to go for self–preservation than to end up as a scapegoat for the Princeton siblings. “Alright, I agree Now that the matter was settled, Tiffany gestured with her hand. “Good. You may leave.” After Declan was taken away, June Spencer asked worriedly, “Miss Kelley, will this person betray us later?

“He won’t. He doesn’t look like he’s so dumb that he’s beyond hope.

That’s good…” June nodded.

She could not help lamenting. That girl Melody Princeton is so young yet she is so ruthless!” She was even capable of taking the life of a classmate who had helped her so many times.

Jade Payne probably could not believe it herself at the point of her death Tiffany looked into the distance. After a long while, she suddenly said. The weather tomorrow… won’t be good.” June seemed to understand Tiffany’s underlying meaning. She immediately said, “Don’t worry, Miss Kelley. Everything is ready. All we have to do is wait for Melody Princeton to take the bait.” The next day, there was a slight drizzle accompanied by the autumn wind.

Melody came to the Payne family’s breakfast cafeteria to help for the third consecutive day. As soon as she stepped into the cafeteria, she shouted enthusiastically to her godmother, “Mrs. Payne, I’m here!” Mrs. Payne was overjoyed to see Melody. She held the girl’s hand affectionately as if the girl was her own daughter.

“Come, Melody. Try this sweet potato and lentil soup. Didn’t you say you liked it yesterday? I made it for you this morning!” “Thank you, Mrs. Payne!” Melody took a sip and smiled sweetly. It’s delicious!” Mrs. Payne was delighted..

Today was the seventh day after Jade Payne’s passing. With Melody’s presence to comfort them, Jade’s parents were able to bury the pain in their hearts more deeply.

At least they could hold back their tears in public.

“You are such a good girl.” Mrs. Payne’s heart ached terribly but she still felt a little gratified.

The murderer had taken her daughter, but God had compensated her with a replacement.

“Let me help you wash the dishes, Mrs. Payne” As Melody spoke, she put on the apron and went into the kitchen. She quickly started washing the dishes.

For the past few days. Melody had come here every day and helped for hours. The work was hard, but she never complained or said that she was tired.

Even the old men playing chess at the entrance and staff from the shops nearby could not help but compliment the Payne couple on their good fortune.

However, in reality… Melody was just putting on an act.

She believed that she was destined to be a rich man’s wife in the future. How could she be willing to wash dishes for others?

The reason she worked so hard without complaint was….

Then again, after listening to the fortune teller, she did have fewer nightmares lately, Although she still saw Jade Payne from time to time, the pressure was not as great as before.

Yesterday, when Melody went to consult the fortune teller, he said that this was a good development. It meant that the vengeful vibes had decreased.

Following this, she only needed to continue taking care of Jade’s parents and make them happy until the seventh day, after which she would have to go to the cemetery in the afternoon to seek forgiveness in front of Jade’s tomb.

Once she had done all this, Melody would never be harassed again. She would endure this period patiently.

After the breakfast cafeteria closed at 11 a.m., Melody brought Mr. and Mrs. Payne out for lunch and made sure the grieving couple enjoyed themselves thoroughly She even took the trouble to send them home at the end before bidding her godparents farewell.

“Mr. Payne, Mrs. Payne, I’ll come and visit you tomorrow!” “My dear child, your studies are more important. It’s good enough that you care for us. It’s fine even if you don’t come…” “Okay.” Melody smiled faintly. At any rate, after today, she would not come again.

The couple watched wistfully as Melody made her way downstairs.

She first took a taxi to the flower shop to buy a bouquet of flowers before heading for the cemetery in the suburbs.

As their goddaughter disappeared from their view, Jade’s parents felt a sense of emptiness in their hearts “Sigh!” It was clear that Mrs. Payne could not bear to part with her goddaughter.

She thought that Melody was such an obedient and sensible child, and she was so caring toward her and her husband.

At this moment, the doorbell rang Thinking that her goddaughter had returned, Mrs. Payne opened the door eagerly, only to see an unfamiliar woman standing at the door.

It was June Spencer.

Chapter 281 “You are…?” Mrs. Payne tookąd puzzled.

“I’m here to invite you and Mr. Payne to meet the murderer with your own eyes” It was already 2:30 p.m. when Melody arrived at the cemetery in the suburbs.

This place was quite far and the taxi took nearly an hour to get here.

The cemetery was very desolate. Other than the densely packed ombstones, there was no one else.

Melody took a deep breath and laid the bouquet before one tombstone.

She then knelt on the ground and followed the fortune teller’s instructions to make her confession piously.

Jade, I’m sentence sorry. You helped me many times in school, but in the end, L… L…” Melody couldn’t bring herself to finish her She did not have the guts to either.

Just as Melody was wondering if she should bluff her way through, a gust of wind suddenly blew past. Accompanied by the drizzle, the surroundings were eerie and chilly.

Not surprisingly, someone with a guilty conscience would feel afraid and paranoid at the slightest movement.

Moreover, Melody had been tormented quite badly recently, She shuddered and you… I’m sorry” immediately cried out, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Jade, I shouldn’t have harmed you. I shouldn’t have… killed Her trembling voice became increasingly softer, accompanied by a hint of fear.

Melody then began sobbing uncontrollably. She lay on the ground and cried bitterly to seek forgiveness.

Although there was no one around, what Melody did not know was that there were multiple hidden cameras and recorders set up around her.

Hence, her demeanor and confession were all captured by the devices.

In the cemetery’s management room, Mr. and Mrs. Payne felt as if their world had fallen apart.

How… how did things turn out this way? They couldn’t understand, they simply couldn’t understand!

Meanwhile, Melody did not notice anything. She was still sobbing and begging for forgiveness.

“Jade, can you forgive me? I promise I’ll treat your parents as my biological parents and take good care of them for the rest of my life!” The realization finally hit the grieving couple.

Melody had put in so much effort to please them and even took the initiative to ask to be their goddaughter. It turned out that she was actually trying to atone for her crime.

To think that the couple thought that the heavens had blessed them with this goddaughter so that they could turn the pain of losing their daughter into love and place all their affection on this replacement.

To their shock, their daughter’s life was taken by Melody, and she was also the one who set the fire!

What kind of despair did poor Jade suffer that night?

“Argh!” Mrs. Payne wailed piteously. Her voice was filled with gut wrenching grief, and every word she said was dripping with pain. “How ruthless, how ruthless! What did she do to you? low could you do that!”

Chapter 282 Chapter 282 Not surprisingly, Melody Princeton could not hear the older woman’s cries.

She was still crying and begging. Just take it that I was possessed for a moment. Just take it that I did something stupid on the spur of the moment. I apologize to you. Please forgive me… “She will never forgive you. A clear and calm voice rang out from behind Melody.

Melody turned around in shock and saw Tiffany Kelley standing behind her.

“Did Jade Payne beg for mercy when you were about to take her life? Did you relent? Did your heart soften?” Tiffany’s gaze was filled with mockery.

“You didn’t. So what makes you think that taking care of someone’s parents can atone for your sin? What makes you think that you can be forgiven just by saying sorry?” “I didn’t do anything!” Melody’s face turned pale.

She recovered from her initial panic and quickly denied everything. I don’t know what nonsense you’re talking about.” In any case, only Tiffany was present. So what if she heard everything? If Melody refused to admit to anything, what could she do without evidence?

Melody countered with a sneer. “By the way, I want to ask you something as well. Have you reflected on your actions? Aren’t you guilty of many unspeakable things too? Didn’t you drive Sandra Olson to her death back then?” This woman was indeed shrewd. No matter what charges were leveled at her, she had the ability to change topics seamlessly and turn things to her advantage.

Tiffany raised her eyebrows and casually gestured with her hand. Turn around. Look at the photo behind you and continue talking.” Behind Melody was Jade’s photo.

What used to be a living being had now turned into a tombstone Tiffany watched Melody closely. Her intention was clear. As long as Melody had the guts to say it, Tiffany was all ears.

Melody was stumped. She subconsciously clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white.

Tiffany glanced at her and taunted her. “Why? Do you want to silence me too?” “Tiffany Kelley, don’t go too far!” “How did I go too far? Didn’t you say that I was in your way, so you arranged for someone to eliminate me? You keep pushing the blame to other people. How can I reason with you? Tiffany gave a helpless shrug.

“How did you know all this?” Melody’s gaze turned sharp.

She had changed her plan to target Alexia Harper at the last minute in order to turn the Kelley and Harper families against each other.

Moreover, she had risked her life to save Alexia. This way, even the Harper family still looked down on her, they would por oppose her romantic relationship with Kenneth Harper because of this favor It was only a matter of time before she became Mrs. Harper Yet how did Tiffany know all this?

“Take a guess, Tiffany replied.

Melody was not a fool. She figured it out after thinking for a while.

Since Tiffany knew so many details, it was clear that she had bribed the people around Melody!

Melody’s face turned ominous. She really felt like silencing Tiffany now!

However, before she could do anything. Jade’s parents had already rushed over. The moment they saw Melody, they hit her with the things in their hands.

“How can you face us! How can you still face my daughter? How can there be such a ruthless person like you in this world?” Mrs. Payne cried until her voice was hoarse.

The couple was heartbroken after finding out the truth and furious that they had been taken for a ride. Overwhelmed by grief and myriad conflicting emotions, they only wanted to fight Melody to the death.

“Mrs. Payne…” Melody pleaded pitifully.

However, it was precisely this sentence that made Mrs. Payne so angry that she shouted agitatedly. “Don’t talk to me! I don’t have a goddaughter like you!” Before she could catch her breath, Mrs. Payne fainted from anger.

The couple were on the verge of tearing Melody apart but now, one had fainted and the other was busy getting medical help. Who could be bothered with Melody?

Melody stared at Tiffany defiantly. “So what if you brought these two old farts here? That old woman can’t even take a single sentence of provocation, yet she still wants to bring me to justice? What a joke!” Melody was about to leave when a flurry of footsteps could be heard in all directions.

In the next second, dozens of men in uniforms rushed up and surrounded her.

They were all police officers.

“Melody Princeton? Stop right there. You are under arrest.” At this moment, Melody was dumbstruck.

Even when she was restrained and handcuffed, she was still in a daze. “Why? Why are you arresting me?” No one answered her.

She then turned to Tiffany. “It’s you! You set me up on purpose, didn’t you? You also asked that so-called fortune teller to lure me here, didn’t you?” Tiffany kept quiet.

It didn’t matter whether she had set Melody up or not. It also didn’t matter whether the fortune teller was real or fake.

The important thing was… Melody did something wrong.

Therefore, justice must be served How could Melody not understand such a basic tenet of morality “Do you think you’ve won? Before Melody was taken away, she stared at Tiffany with a mysterious smile. Then, she mouthed something silently.

Tiffany understood at once and her face clouded over.

“Miss Kelley? June Spencer approached Tiffany. She wanted to ask what Melody said wordlessly earlier as she did not Tiffany gestured dismissively. “Get medical help first.” Mrs. Payne was still lying unconscious on the ground. June got down to check on her. “She’s fine. She only fainted.” To play safe, she fed Mrs. Payne a pill to stabilize her heart rate.

Before long, Mrs.. Payne regained consciousness.

“Let’s go.” As June was the one who drove Jade’s parents here, she had also made arrangements for a driver send them back After sending the grieving couple off, June turned back and saw Tiffany frowning. She offered some words of comfort. “Miss Kelley, the 100 thousand dollars you instructed us to transfer to the Payne family previously is enough for them to retire on. With this gesture, you’ve already done your best.” Tiffany shook her head in response. I’m not thinking about that Let’s go. It’s time to go back.” “Sure, Miss Kelley.” At this moment, the rain had stopped, and a few faint rainbows appeared in the blue sky.

The scenery on the way back was exceptionally good, but Tiffany was not in a good mood. She curled up in the backseat with her eyes closed the entire time.

June wanted to speak a few times but hesitated after some thought. ‘What exactly did Melody Princeton say to make Miss Kelley so distracted? In fact, she seemed to be in a bad mood…” The car came to a stop at the entrance of Tiffany’s family villa.

“June, you can go back. There’s nothing else to do for now. You guys should also rest for a few days.” After saying that, Tiffany got out of the car with a yawn.

When the servants saw Tiffany, they immediately welcomed her “Miss Kelley, you’re finally back. It was raining outside today. You didn’t get wet, did you?” “No, I didn’t.” Tiffany was about to go upstairs when a loud bang from outside was heard.

One servant hurriedly ran out to check and then returned to report This is terrible, Miss Kelley! Mrs. Harper got someone to drive a bulldozer into our villa’s entrance! The big m

Chapter 283 Chapter 283 Lately, things did not go smoothly for the Harper family.

Firstly, Alexia Harper got into trouble. From time to time, a few nude photos would be leaked in public. There were both real and modified photos so it was difficult to tell which were genuine.

Even if the photos were all fake, as long as Alexia’s face was imposed on them along with a scandalous headline, everyone would believe what they saw to varying degrees, even if they were just gawking, The Harper family was utterly humiliated. During this period, none of the family members stepped outside their home.

Although they used various methods to intercept the photos, they could not stop their spread on the Internet.

Secondly, the Harper family was being investigated for tax evasion. As Ryan Harper was still under investigation, the company’s shares plummeted and the company’s value had dropped drastically.

Mrs. Harper could not take it anymore. She threw caution to the wind and simply hired someone to drive a bulldozer to Tiffany’s family villa.

“Destroy it! Just destroy whatever you see! Do the same for this villa!” When Tiffany walked out, she saw Mrs. Harper behaving like a mad woman. She did not have the bearing of a matriarch of a wealthy family at all. Her face was filled with vindictiveness and hysteria.

This woman did not think that causing trouble at other people’s homes was shameless behavior at all.

If this ruckus was allowed to continue, both families would be in the news tomorrow.

Upon seeing Tiffany, Mrs. Harper became even more incensed.

She pointed at Tiffany from afar and lashed out. “You still have the check to stand in front of me? You filthy b**h, you got my daughter into trouble, and your shameless father screwed our family’s company. Your family really have a lot of nerve Tiffany stopped in her tracks.

So this woman was pushing all the blame to the Kelley family.

Tiffany gave a scornful laugh as she watched the bulldozer move closer. It had already knocked down the big metal gate at the entrance. As it got increasingly closer, it seemed intent on destroying the villa.

Thus, Tiffany took a step forward.

The bulldozer pressed on.

She took another step forward.

The bulldozer driver looked troubled. He could drive forward but if Tiffany refused to step aside, wouldn’t he end up hurting her?

However, Mrs. Harper was hell-bent on teaching the Kelley family a lesson. She waved her hand and ordered, “Continue driving She did not believe that Tiffany Kelley, a mere slip of a girl, would dare to risk her life to block the bulldozer. That girl was just putting on an act The servants behind Tiffany were extremely anxious and tried to shield her. “Miss Kelley, watch out!” The other servants called Charlie Kelley on the phone in panic. As soon as he heard about the situation at home, Charlie rushed back from the office. On the way back, he also instructed the servants, “Hold Tiffany back. Ill be back soon!” At this moment, the bulldozer was only a small distance away from Tiffany.

Her slender figure looked even more petite in front of this big vehicle. If she were to take another step forward, the sharp bucket teeth in front of the bulldozer would gore a few b*dy holes in Tiffany’s body.

Mrs. Harper’s expression changed. Although she wanted to cause trouble, she did not want the trouble to lead to death.

When he saw Mrs. Harper’s hesitation, the driver was even more troubled. He asked, “Madam, why don’t we…” “Continue! Drive over her! Mrs. Harper gritted her teeth a few times and abandoned her earlier intention to back down.

When she thought about what happened to her daughter and how the Kelley family must have been responsible for tipping off the taxman about the tax return discrepancies of the Harper family’s company, anger surged in her heart. She couldn’t be bothered about the consequences anymore.

The bulldozer kept going The servants shielding Tiffany screamed in fear, “Miss Kelley!” Tiffany was not so foolish as to use her own body to block a metallic monster.

Therefore, she leaped at the crucial point. She clambered over the bulldozer and jumped into the bulldozer cockpit Then, she gave the driver a big slap. “Get lost!” The young driver felt very aggrieved after receiving a slap but before he could react, he was kicked out of the seat.

Tiffany then got into the driver’s seat.

However, she did not even know how to drive a regular car, let alone a bulldozer.

Anyway, it didn’t matter. She didn’t need to perform any complex maneuvers. She just needed to get rid of that annoying shrew.

That should be easy.

Hence, Tiffany operated the control levers furiously and managed to turn the bulldozer around. Then she headed straight for Mrs. Harper…..

Mrs. Harper’s face turned pale. She became fearful that this brat would really hurt her so she tried to get into her car to hide. To her horror, as soon as the car door was opened, the bulldozer bucket smashed down on her car.

A car worth millions was flattened into a pancake!

“Argh!” It was not known whether Mrs. Harper screamed out of fear or heartache. Nevertheless, she tried to get out of harm’s way.

Tiffany was quite satisfied with her performance. The corners of her mouth curled into a big grin as she asked loudly, “Mrs. Harper, are you leaving? Shall I send you off?” With that, she lowered the bulldozer bucket and made her way toward Mrs. Harper.

Mrs. Harper’s face turned ashen. Was this brat going to send her home in the bulldozer bucket?

The mere thought of this possibility sent shivers down Mrs. Harper’s spine!

09:08 Sat, Oct 26 Chapter 283 “Tiffany Kelley, how dare you lay a finger on me?” Mrs. Harper raised her head in disbelief and saw Tiffany sitting high up in the bulldozer cockpit. The smile on that brat’s face was like a demon’s, ferocious and terrifying.

Tiffany replied leisurely, “Why not? Besides, don’t I have to personally send you home as a show of my respect to you?” Mrs. Harper nearly exploded with rage.

A show of respect indeed!

Mrs. Harper gave a scornful laugh. “What a sharp tonguel How could I have been so blind as to accept you as my daughter- in-law “Then you guys should be thankful to me for not marrying into your family.” Even as Tiffany spoke, her hands on the controls did not stop moving.

The bulldozer continued to move under her control, gradually getting closer to Mrs. Harper.

The older woman stood on the same spot and stuck her chin out defiantly in imitation of Tiffany’s earlier posture. She looked like she was prepared to go all out. “Lay your filthy paws on me if you dare!” This woman’s courage would be truly commendable if not for the fact that her body was trembling so badly Tiffany smiled sweetly. “Challenge accepted!” With that, she accelerated.

Mrs. Harper did not expect the brat to take her up on her dare. Before she could recover from her shock, the bulldozer bucket swung down and she fell into the dirty bucket clumsily.

Trapped in the swaying bucket, Mrs. Harper was jolted around and could not hold on to any support to stand up.

Tiffany raised the bulldozer bucket as she chanted merrily, “Let’s go, let’s go! Let’s send our elders off!” “What the fuck!’ Mrs. Harper’s head was buzzing.

She could feel her blood pressure soaring. Before she could start yelling, she saw two commercial vans stopping at the entrance of the Kelley family’s villa Then, the camera flashlights began going off… Tiffany continued driving in the bulldozer cockpit, smiling radiantly while Mrs. Harper was rolling haplessly in the bulldozer bucket.

Mrs. Harper looked up at the sky in exasperation.

She wanted to die! She had never been so humiliated before!

What an absolute disgrace!

Tiffany realized that it was difficult for the reporters to take photos when the bulldozer bucket was raised so high so she thoughtfully lowered the bucket. “Now you guys can capture the full face!” When Charlie was rushing back from the office, he was so anxious that he urged the driver to run several red lights in a ro He was worried that the overbearing Mrs. Harper would bully his precious daughter.

On the way, he had already made up his mind. If anyone from the Harper family so much as touched a strand of his daughter’s hair, he would tear the perpetrator apart in minutes!

Chapter 284 Chapter 284 In the end, Kenneth Harper, who had heard the news, brought his mother back with a sullen expression. As for the photos taken by the reporters, they were all deleted under his threat.

He thought the matter would come to a close at this juncture To Mrs. Harper’s dismay, when she came home, she found out that the imported flowers that she had spent a lot of money to buy last week had been flattened by a dozen bulldozers!

Such a gorgeous, expensive, and meticulously nurtured sea of flowers was gone, just like that!

Not a single stalk was left. Only the dug up soil was left.

Mrs. Harper grabbed her son’s hand tightly and asked with wide eyes, “Who did it? Who did it? Is it that girl from the Kelley family! Just because I knocked down her gate, she retaliated by destroying my flowers, didn’t she?” Kenneth did not say anything. He was a little tired.

However, Mrs. Harper was adamant and gathered her staff with the intention to charge to the Kelley family’s villa again to settle the score.

The Kelley family really have some nerve. I must have been blind to think of letting you marry her! I’m so mad! I must deal with that girl today at all costs!” Having learned her lesson the last time, Mrs. Harper was determined to bring enough people with her this time and not let herself end up on the losing end.

Just as she was about to storm off, she heard a voice from behind. “Mom, have you caused enough trouble?” Kenneth’s voice was very chilly but it still exuded a deep sense of helplessness.

His father was being investigated, and the company was in chaos. He had been busy dealing with various matters since early in the morning, and Melody Princeton had been arrested by the police for some reason.

He was already stretched to the limit yet he still had to rush to the Kelley family’s place to bring his mother back.

The problems just kept piling up non-stop!

“What trouble? You’re my son. How dare you speak up for that wretched girl?” Mrs. Harper refused to back off and call it quits. “Don’t tell me you still have feelings for her? I won’t agree to you two reconciling!” This child did not agree to break off the engagement on account of the old man’s wishes previously. Now that the two families had already fallen out so badly that it was impossible for them to remain friends, marriage was definitely out of the question!

Kenneth massaged the spot between his eyebrows and said in a deep voice, “Mom, don’t you want to know who flattened your flowers? Let me tell you. It was Uncle.” “What? Are you referring to…. Richard?” Mrs. Harper was downright incredulous.

Now that she thought about it, only Richard Hampton had the guts to carry out such deeds in the entire Lovell City.

As it was his order, the dozen or so bulldozers barged into the villa without any scruples.

So what if the inhabitants were angry? So what if they were displeased? Who dared to stop Richard Hampton?

But why did Richard dethatto his elder sister?

Mrs. Harper staggered backward and muttered, “Impossible. I don’t believe it. I’m going to ask him right now!” She was also a member of the Hampton family. Even though she and Richard were not born to the same mother, Richard was still her half-brother and should not do such a despicable thing to her!

Kenneth sighed. “Mom, you still don’t understand Uncle’s message?

“You can’t mess with the Kelley family. No one can. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up as his enemy” “Today’s matter is a minor punishment but a major warning to our family. Knowing Uncle’s ruthless personality, he has already shown mercy” Moreover, Kenneth’s mother was in the wrong, to begin with.

No matter who was behind the company’s tax problem, there was no evidence pointing to the Kelley family. Yet his mother went to look for trouble with so much fanfare.

It was only a matter of time before disaster struck.

Mrs. Harper was no longer listening. There was only one thought in her mind. “So, Richard… has taken a fancy to that Kelley girl?” Yes, Mom Kenneth thought his uncle’s actions already made things very clear.

Even when Alexia was kidnapped and everyone pointed their fingers at Tiffany, those families who had been the most vociferous in their condemnation were crushed overnight.

As for the others, from the prestigious families to the business tycoons, they received a personal warning from Richard. “Lay a finger on Tiffany Kelley, pay with your life.” His protective attitude was obvious enough.

When Mrs. Harper heard this, her expression turned downright unsightly. “No! I won’t allow that wretched girl to become the future Mrs. Hampton!” How could she allow the former daughter-in-law she had made things difficult for back then become her sister-in-law? Moreover, with the Hampton family’s influence, she would have to be respectful to this wretched girl!

And now, Kenneth was telling her to bow down to Tiffany? How could she swallow that?

Kenneth frowned. “Mom, you’d better not have such thoughts.” “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything. How can I jeopardize the welfare of our whole family?” Mrs. Harper smiled faintly.

Even if she wanted to take action, she would get someone else to do her bidding.

She had long mastered the art of making use of other people to do the dirty work for her This time, it was simply a different target.

As Kenneth looked at the enigmatic smile on his mother’s face, he had a bad feeling, However, since she had given her word, he no longer paid any attention to this matter. He had already wasted so much tim and he still did not know how Melody was doing.

Following this, Kenneth said, “Mom, I’m going out to settle something. I won’t be back tonight.” “Go, go. Be careful. Mrs Harper smiled as she watched her son leave.

Once her son was out of sight, the smile on her face immediately vanished.

“All of you can go.” Mrs. Harper dismissed the servants with a glum expression. She did not even care about her disheveled appearance. She could not wait to dig out a number that she had been hiding for long time and make a call….

Before long, an extremely pleasant female voice could be heard from the other end of the line. “Hello.” Kenneth arrived at the police station When he saw Melody, he was shocked. “What… what happened to you?” Melody’s face was so pale that it was almost transparent. She looked as if she could collapse at any moment.

It had only been a few days since they last met, and she was in police custody for just a short while. How come she underwent such a drastic change?

“Did someone do something to you?” Melody shook her head and smiled weakly. “No… I’m just… a little scared. They said that I killed someone, but I had no choice. At that point, I only swung the kitchen knife twice.” She wept as she spoke. “I really didn’t hurt anyone. I was also very afraid at that time. It wasn’t easy for me to frighten them away so that I could save Alexia “Kenny, do you believe me? Do you also suspect that I killed someone?” Kenneth did not know what had happened and was baffled. However, when he saw the girl in his arms in this state, he could not help but shake his head with heartache. “No. I believe you. Don’t be afraid. I’ll get you out of here now.” While speaking. Kenneth picked Melody up and prepared to leave.

However, an officer stopped him. “Mr. Harper, we’re still investigating this murder case. You can’t take the suspect away without permission.” “What suspect? That’s nonsense! Get out of the way!” “No, Mr. Harper. You can’t…” “You want evidence, is it? Fine, I’ll get the evidence for you, but I still have to take her away!” Melody had turned into such a state despite being detained for only a few hours. If she continued staying here, wouldn’t she die?

Kenneth brushed the officer aside and strode out.

Melody appeared frail as she lay in Kenneth’s arms. However, before she left, she glanced at Declan Jahn, who was locked up in another cell.

Then, a smirk spread slowly across her face. ‘Declan Jahn, wait for your death!’

Chapter 285 Chapter 285 Declan Jahn, who was still in police custody, shuddered.

He saw Melody Princeton’s smug look and the chilliness that flashed in her eyes for a fleeting moment.

It felt as if he was being targeted by a venomous snake whose sharp fangs could bite his neck at any moment.

This was a harbinger of death.

Declan kept trembling, and the hairs on his body stood on end.

He had known Melody for quite some time now.

As he was on good terms with Jansen Princeton, he met Melody often. However, in his impression, she was just a punching bag for the members of the Princeton family.

Though she was beaten and scolded, and other people made things difficult for her, she never once fought back.

But now, he finally realized… he was wrong about her.

In fact, everyone was wrong about her.

This seemingly quiet and often–bullied girl was the real ruthless character!

Declan was regretting a little now.

He had listened to Tiffany Kelley and turned himself in. He also testified that Melody was the mastermind behind Alexia Harper’s kidnapping. Was his decision right or wrong?

If Melody decided to kill him, who could protect him?

Despite Tiffany repeatedly assuring him that he would not be subjected to retaliation from anyone other than his due culpability, could her words be trusted?

After all, Melody had Kenneth Harper’s backing. It was like what happened just now. There was ample evidence and she was the number one suspect, but when Kenneth arrived, he was able to get Melody out with just a few words….

The more Declan thought about it, the more regretful he became. He sat on the ground with a dispirited expression.

Meanwhile, at Cedar Ridge Villa, the damaged gate had already been replaced with a new one. The security had also been revamped.

Tiffany’s parents were downright furious with Mrs. Harper and her antics. This woman was too much!

Fortunately, she did not gain anything in the end. Instead, she was taught a hard lesson by Tiffany.

The servants in the Kelley household even secretly took a photo of Mrs. Harper’s disheveled appearance. She looked so comical and laughable, and it was truly satisfying to gloat over her plight.

At present. Tiffany was upstairs talking on the phone with June Spencer.

“Miss Kelley, Kenneth Harper bailed Melody Princeton out. He also said that the evidence was not valid. As for the video of Melody admitting her guilt, he denied everything without even viewing it.” “I’m not surprised.” Tiffany replied.

Then what should we do? IDeclan Jalin’s testimony is not valid it will be cult to pin the crime on Melody,” June said with a frown.

“Send a copy of all the evidence and videos to Alexia Harper. Also, arrange for Jeremy to stay by Declan Jahn’s in the lock- up. Although this person is not important, since I promised to protect his lowly life, I can’t go back on my word.” “Sure.” After June ended the call, she proceeded to carry out the instructions.

Tiffany lay on the big bed in her bedroom and massaged the spot between her eyebrows.

Even now, Melody’s words before she was taken away still echoed in Tiffany’s mind.

That woman had said wordlessly. “Even if the evidence is conclusive, I won’t be convicted. Do you know why?” Since Melody dared to make such a provocative statement so confidently, it meant that she had the required trump cards and backing Was Kenneth Harper’s blind protectiveness the only thing giving her so much confidence?

It should be far more than that.

Tiffany frowned. She could not grasp the deeper meaning behind those words.

Yet vaguely, she had a bad feeling… Perhaps she was thinking too much.

She shook her head and told herself to stop thinking about it.

The next day was the long–awaited Halloween The Kelley family members had always liked festive celebrations. Early in the morning, not only did they distribute pumpkin pies and other goodies to the drivers and servants at home, but they also allowed the staff to take a day off so that they could go home and celebrate with their respective families.

Since there was no servant to cook for them, what would the family eat? Charlie Kelley patted his chest and said, “Ill cook! Il personally cook for all of you!” Charlie had gone through much hardship when he was young. His culinary skills were honestly not bad.

Even though he lived like a prince for many years, after putting on an apron, he skillfully sorted and washed the vegetables. He no longer displayed the merciless decisiveness he was famed for in the business world. He was just a down–to–earth chef.

His wife Thalia helped out by his side. The couple chatted and laughed, and the huge villa was enveloped in a heartwarming atmosphere.

Charlie said as he kneaded the flour, “Honey, meatballs are your favorite, aren’t they? You’ll definitely like the ones I make for you!” “Yes, meatballs are indeed my favorite!” Thalia cast him a look of reproach. She then blurted out without thinking. I’m not the only one who likes it. Our Muffin likes it too… Halfway through her sentence, both Thalia and her husband froze.

Thalia’s eyes glazed over. While distracted, she accidentally nicked her hand as she sliced the cabbage.

Gasp! Thalia recoiled from the pain.

She didn’t know if it was because of the cut on her hand or the pain in her heart, but in the next second, tears fell.

Charlie’s heart ached terribly when he saw the wound. He quickly located the first aid kit and chided Thalia as he applied the medicine, “Look at you. Why did you start thinking about this all of a sudden? You even cut your hand. You are so…” Thalia didn’t say anything, but her tears wouldn’t stop flowing.

Seeing this, Charlie could only comfort her. “Don’t dwell on this anymore. It’s all in the past. Anyway, we have a son and a daughter now. Everything is fine now, isn’t it?” “How can I not dwell… Thalia choked back her tears. “She’s my flesh and blood after all. I worry about her day ht, wondering whether she’s leading a good life, eating well, or wearing warm clothes.

“If it weren’t for… if I hadn’t been careless, she wouldn’t have…” “Okay, okay, I understand. I understand everything. It’s not your fault.” Charlie’s eyes had also turned red–rimmed.

We were unfortunate. It’s not your fault. If anyone should be blamed, it’s me.” Eric Kelley came downstairs and was about to take his new camera out to shoot some pictures when he heard the sound of sobbing coming from the kitchen.

He was about to run to the kitchen when he heard his mother’s choked voice.

Seventeen years ago, I lost her on the day of the Halloween. If she has grown up now, she must hate me deeply. I did not fulfill my duties to her…” Recalling the past always made one emotional Thalia did not notice the small figure at the corner. She was still immersed in her sorrowful memories.

Thalia had another daughter, but she was taken away on Halloween 17 years ago. There had been no news of her since then Thalia and Charlie spent 5 years searching. The girl was just one year old when she was secretly taken away. In the end, they were told that there was a high chance that the girl had died in the second year of her disappearance… Thalia was wracked by self–blame, guilt, and grief. This was the reason she suffered from mental health problems for many years.

Charlie patted his wife’s back and comforted her wordlessly.

This was a wound that could not be healed. No one could talk her out of her grief.

At the corner, Eric’s eyes widened in disbelief.

What did these words mean? Could it be… he had a lost elder sister?

No, he only had one elder sister. And he only wanted one elder sister.

Eric shuddered. His festive mood vanished and he tossed the camera that he loved so much on the floor.

He did not dare to think further. He immediately dashed out from the corner and asked with a grave expression, “Dad, Mom, what did you mean just now?”

Chapter 286 Chapter 286 “Eric?” Charlie and Thalia were caught off guard.

They did not expect their son to overhear them.

The couple instinctively looked behind the boy and was relieved to see that no one else was behind him.

Thalia went forward and stroked her son’s head as she explained, “It’s nothing. You heard wrongly. Your father and I were discussing the content of a book we read yesterday.” “Really?” Eric stood rooted to the same spot.

His eyes, which were originally exquisite and likable, now bore a hint of sternness and chilliness.

He was not completely ignorant. Therefore, he did not believe his mother.

Thalia was stumped. For a moment, she did not know how to pacify her son.

It was her fault for losing control of her emotions when she recalled the past.

Why did she have to go and dig up the past for no reason?

Thalia blamed herself once more.

Charlie intervened at this moment, “Eric, you’re still young. There are many things you don’t understand. Don’t ask anymore. In short, forget what you just heard and don’t tell your elder sister.” “I was about to tell you the same thing. I don’t want Tiffany to know about this either,” Eric said with a sullen expression.

“I’ll pretend that I never heard what you said today. Mom, Dad, also hope that you will continue to keep this matter a secret just like you have done in the past. Don’t bring it up ever again, please? The boy was practically pleading when he uttered the last sentence.

Eric was aware that his words might sound selfish to his parents.

However, he did not want to see Tiffany agonize over things that happened so long ago… Charlie and Thalia were very surprised.

They did not know that their eight-year-old son was so astute. He had even sensed something, and that was why he used the tone of an adult to beg them.

When Thalia realized this, she felt even more guilt-stricken. “Silly child, it’s Mom’s fault. We will not bring this matter up again, okay?” “Okay!” Eric nodded earnestly.

Just as Eric finished speaking, footsteps could be heard from the stairs and a clear and crisp voice rang out casually. “What are you guys saying behind my back?” Tiffany strolled into the kitchen with a smile on her face.

She was just in time to catch Thalia wiping away the tears from her red-rimmed eyes in a fluster. It was obvious that she had just cried.

Tiffany stopped in her tracks. Before she could ask, she heard Charlie explaining, “It’s nothing. Your Mom cut her hand while cutting vegetables. It’s a small matter.

“Oh? Really?” Tillany was not convinced.

She kept feeling that the mood was odd. In short, something was not quite right… “Everything’s fine. Alright, don’t crowd around here. I’ll let all of you know when the food is ready. Go, go, go! Go out and play.” Charlie chased the siblings out of the kitchen as he uttered these words. He even made a show of wiping the sweat off his forehead as if he was feeling very hot and busy.

“Tiffany, come with me to try out the new cameral Eric pulled las elder sister along and ran outside excitedly.

There didn’t seem to be anything unusual about his behavior.

Tiffany raised her eyebrows but decided to drop the matter.

It was late at night, and there was a full moon. A gloomy atmosphere hung over the Harper family’s residence.

Ryan Harper was finally released, but he had to make restitution for the company’s criminal tax evasion, On top of that, he had to pay a fine of a few million dollars. This was already the lightest sentence.

His wife was very relieved.

However, this setback was really painful. Even though it was Halloween today, no one in the Harper family was in the mood to celebrate.

Upstairs, Alexia Harper had just finished reading an anonymous email.

Photos and videos were included in the email. The email also included information that the charges had been dropped.

She sat in her room without turning on the lights. Only the faint LED light from the computer screen illuminated her face intermittently.

Her fists had become clenched tightly at some point.

Ding! Another email notification popped up. She opened the new email and her eyes glinted faintly. Thereafter, she turned off the computer and left her room.

The views in Kenneth Harper’s personal vacation villa were breathtaking. Melody Princeton had just finished a cup of herbal mint fea. She gently wiped her mouth and leaned into Kenneth’s arms.

“Kenny, are you… going back tonight?” “No. How can I be at ease when you look so sickly?” Kenneth replied gently, Ever since he got Melody out of police custody yesterday, he had not left her side. He even arranged for a doctor to examine her. Fortunately, she was just suffering from a weak constitution and there were no other problems.

Kenneth’s gentleness and meticulousness pleased Melody.

“Don’t you she asked. have to check on things back home?” “No need Kenneth answered.

“That’s good.” Melody’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled. Her pale face which was tinged with a slightly rosy hue became even more charming.

Kenneth gazed at the woman in his arms for a long time. After a while, he asked softly. “I want to ask you a question. Can you answer me truthfully?” Melody subconsciously tightened her grip. She could guess what he wanted to ask. “Go ahead.” “Did you have anything to do with Alexia getting kidnapped and humiliated?” “Of course not. I have no enmity with Alexia, and she is your younger sister. After she disappeared, I was even more anxious than you. That’s why I risked my life to save her.” Melody was somewhat agitated and she looked a little aggrieved.

Kenneth nodded and asked again, “Does Jade Payne’s death have anything to do with you?*

He had seen the video of Melody kneeling in front of Jade’s tombstone to confess tearfully.

He had heard Melody say that she was in the wrong and should not have killed Jade… Kenneth did not want to speculate on the authenticity of this video.

It was simply too tiring to second-guess people.

If possible, he only wanted to hear Melody’s answer with his own cars.

Melody’s eyes became red-rimmed. “It wasn’t me. I didn’t do those things” “But those videos are authentic, Kenneth countered.

Melody lowered her eyes. “Yes, but I didn’t do anything against any conscience. I… only left Jade Payne to die.” “What do you mean?” Kenneth probed calmly.

“At that time… at that time, I left with the fainted Alexia. When we passed by an alley, I saw with my own eyes those men killing Jade Payne “But I didn’t dare to go help her. I was afraid that Alexia and I would die there, so I cowardly escaped…” Melody’s shoulders were trembling. “This was the only thing I did that let her down. I was afraid so I tried to atone for my sins. But Kenny, believe me. I really didn’t do anything bad!” It wasn’t just Alexia who was left traumatized by her ordeal that night. In Melody’s words, Melody herself was also deeply affected.

Kenneth kept quiet. Then, he reached out and hugged the weeping girl.

“It’s human nature. You were already very brave to save Alexia. You are not to blame.” “Sob, sob… Melody’s face was covered in tears. Her entire body was on the verge of collapse. She looked so frail that it seemed she could faint at any moment.

It was too late at that time, so when I saw you that night, I didn’t dare to say anything. I was afraid that you would blame me. I was afraid that you would hate me because of this.

“But I really couldn’t help it. I didn’t have the courage or the confidence to face so many fierce men. Sob, sob… please believe me.” Melody was crying her heart out now.

Kenneth could only comfort her. “Tunderstand, I understand.” What did he understand? Melody didn’t know, and she didn’t dare to ask.

However, trust could crumble if cracks in it were not repaired in time.

Melody clenched her fists, Declan Jahn must die tonight!

As for her good-for-nothing brother Jansen… The only use for him now was to help Melody clear her name.

Chapter 287 Chapter 287 The next morning. Kenneth had to take care of some company matters, so he left early After he left, Melody came downstairs. While she was being served breakfast by the servants, she gave her brother Jansen Princeton a call.

Jansen arrived very quickly. When he saw the luxurious vacation villa Melody was staying in, his eyes were filled with envy and greed “This place is so much better than the small villa we live in. Look at this scenery and pool! Tsk, tsk! It must have cost at least a few million dollars!” After saying that, he leaned towards Melody with a wicked smile. My dear sister, why don’t you get Mr. Harper to transfer this villa to your name! This way, our family can move to a bigger place!” Melody shot him a glance and said with a sarcastic smile, “Under my name? Or under yours?” “Isn’t it the same? We’re family after all!” Jansen replied.

In Jansen’s eyes, his younger sister should do this for him as a matter of course.

Since Kenneth Harper was going to marry his sister sooner or later, what was wrong with gifting a small property to his future brother–in–law?

Melody did not want to criticize him. She did not even mock him. Instead, she agreed to his request, much to Jansen’s surprise.

“Sure, you can have it.” “Are you serious, Melody? Are you really giving me this vacation villa?” “Didn’t you say that we’re family? You’re my biological brother. I can only rely on you so I have to treat you well.” Melody’s words pleased Jansen immensely. Simply thinking about the immediate and future benefits alone made him grin from ear to ear.

“Go on, tell me. Did you encounter some difficulties again? Don’t worry, Melody. I’ll definitely help you. After all, we’re family!” “There is something I need you to do.” Melody beckoned to her brother. “Come here.” Jansen immediately leaned forward as she whispered to him.

A moment later, he almost jumped up from his seat, his face filled with shock. “Melody, you’re out of your mind!” She was asking him to disguise himself and enter the cell late at night to silence Declan Jahn.

This was murder, a serious crime!

He would have to pay with his life if caught!

Jansen shook his head furiously. “No, I can’t do that for you.” As he had blurted out his reply loudly, the servants nearby turned to look at him in surprise. Melody lowered her voice and. whispered. “Don’t worry. This is the last thing I want you to do.

“After you complete this task, this vacation villa will be yours. I can fulfill any request you have It was hard for a greedy guy not to be tempted when such a coveted reward was dangled before his eyes.

Jansen frowned and thought seriously for a while. In the end, he shook his head. “No, I can’t do it.” Putting aside the fact that he was friends with Declan, even if he didn’t know Declan, he didn’t want to have anybody’s blood on his hands.

Even if there were great rewards awaiting him, they would be useless if he did not live long enough to enjoy them.

Therefore, this was not a good deal..

Melody wasn’t surprised that Jansen turned her down.

No one in this world understood her older brother better than her.

Her brother had been timid and cowardly since young but he was greedy, proud, and vain. He often pretended to be rich for the sake of his pride.

It was indeed not very likely that he would undertake such a risky endeavor.

Melody sighed and pushed a glass of red wine to Jansen. She said with a smile, “Try it. It’s vintage wine.” Jansen gulped a few times before holding up the glass carefully with both hands to take a sip of the wine.

This expensive red wine looked good, but… why did it taste so awful?

Jansen frowned but he raised his head and drained his glass as he believed that this vintage red wine must be very expensive. He even pushed the empty glass to Melody. “Not bad Fill it up!” He thought to himself that he would have something new to brag about after this.

Melody smiled and poured Jansen another glass.

However, this time, when she pushed the glass back, she flicked her wrist and a small white pill fell from her sleeve into the wine glass.

Jansen did not notice anything. He raised his head and downed the wine, together with the small white pill.

Whether due to drunkenness or other reasons, within minutes, Jansen was swaying in his chair with a vacant look. It was as if he would fall asleep at any moment Melody’s eyes glinted.

Then she lowered her voice and said, “It was your idea to kidnap Alexia Harper. Because you didn’t know her identity beforehand, you only wanted to extort a sum of money. Later, when you were found out, your younger sister risked her life to protect her. Only then did you leave with Alexia.

“While fleeing, you bumped into Jade Payne. You did not want her to expose your deed so you silenced her. You were the one who did everything. Your sister was just being kind and wanted to take the blame for you. Do you understand?” Melody enunciated every word slowly as the mind–control spell started to take effect.

This voice reverberated endlessly in Jansen’s mind.

After a while, he answered in a dazed fashion, “Understood.” Dark, windy nights, Criminals‘ delight.

It was 2:30 am when the autumn rain started falling.

Declan Jahn lay on the single bed in the cell, his head resting on his hands as he gazed at the ceiling.

His eyelids had been twitching non–stop since this afternoon.

He kept feeling that something would happen tonight.

However, after thinking things through carefully, he felt that he might be safer in the lock–up than if he were outside. He even felt that he was such a coward to worry so much.

As he pondered, Declan couldn’t help giving a scornful snort. Then, he turned around and looked at the good–looking guy lying on the other single bed opposite him.

This new guy was brought in last night and had not said a word since he came in. He simply slept day and night… Was this guy mule?

Declan pursed his lips and gradually fell asleep when drowsiness overcame him.

At this moment, a man in uniform walked rapidly toward Declan’s cell. He did not open the cell gate. Instead, he gestured through the bars. “Declan Jahn, you have a visitor.” Declan had just fallen asleep when he was woken up. When he saw that it was a staff member, he got up grumpily and walked to the staff. “It’s so late at night. Who is he?” After saying that, he froze.

Indeed, what kind of visitor would only come in the middle of the night?

Declan immediately sensed that something was wrong and tried to back away.

To his shock, the other party was already prepared. Before Declan could back away, the man had slipped a noose easily around Declan’s neck through the fence.

The noose suddenly tightened, and Declan struggled with all his might. “Ugh.” He wanted to shout for help but the only sound he could muster was some pitifully soft, guttural grunts. Who could hear his cry for help?

I’m going to die… Declan thought.

Declan’s face was filled with terror and his heart was full of despair.

He… didn’t want to die… At this moment, a pair of hands suddenly reached out and quickly gave a yank. The guy outside was slammed against the bars and his face which was hidden in the darkness was pressed against the cold metal bars.

Jeremy Cooper then grabbed hold of the other party’s hair but his eyes were instantly filled with disgust.

When was the last time this fellow washed his hair? His hair was so greasy and disgusting.

The pressure on Declan’s neck suddenly eased and the noose was removed. Only then was Declan able to take in deep breaths. His face was flushed but the fear was still visible.

He was surprised to find that the person who saved him was his cellmate, the good–looking guy who had not said a word for a day and a half except sleep, And the guy in uniform who wanted to kill him through the bar was… Jansen Princeton.

Chapter 288 Chapter 288 Who would have thought that this good buddy, who had professed to go through thick and thin with Declan, would try to strangle Declan to death with a sinister expression?

Although Declan had expected this, he could not help feeling disappointed..

“Argh!” At this moment, Jansen Princeton seemed to have gone crazy.

He tried his best to break free from Jeremy Cooper’s iron grip, roaring and struggling madly.

However, Jeremy was surprisingly strong. He still had his hand on Jansen’s hair. Every time Jansen tried to pull away, he simply slammed Jansen’s head against the metal bars.

The repeated banging echoed through the long corridor.

Jansen was almost numb from the head trauma. He only came back to his senses when warm blood flowed down his forehead. He then cursed and swore non–stop.

This cellmate was such a busybody! If it wasn’t for this fellow, Declan Jahn would have died long ago and his mission would be completed But now, someone had appeared out of nowhere and ruined all his plans.

Jansen’s face was filled with anger and resentment, and there was a hint of dark redness in the depths of his eyes.

His demeanor was definitely not normal.

Jeremy frowned and wanted to reach out to check Jansen’s eyes. However, the moment he reached out, Jansen broke free from his grip and dashed out.

However, it was already too late.

The commotion just now had alerted everyone and the corridor had already been cordoned off.

Jansen could not escape even if he had wings.

His crime was not small. He impersonated a police officer and infiltrated a restricted area to commit murder. He also. kidnapped Alexia Harper and killed innocent passerby Jade Payne. There was no way he could get off the hook.

Jansen was subsequently arrested.

Surprisingly, he did not defend himself and admitted to all the crimes.

His account of the facts and the details matched. In addition, a necklace was found on him. After investigation, they found that it belonged to Jade Payne.

According to Jansen, he had yanked it off Jade’s neck after he killed her and was going to destroy the evidence. He decided to keep it first and wait for the hoo–ha to die down before selling it off.

After a night of investigation, the evidence was irrefutable.

When this outcome was announced, Melody Princeton heaved a huge sigh of relief.

With Jansen taking the flak, what she said in the cemetery was no longer considered valid. Compared to her, Jansen was obviously more suspicious.

Now that the “truth” of the matter was revealed, all her previous actions were considered efforts to protect her brother.

Her only mistake was that she did not expose Jansen’s crimes in the name of justice right from the start.

As for those compromising photos, after Jansen and his accomplices were captured, the original photos had all been destroyed.

For Alexia Harper, the fact remained that this incident had taken place and caused her irreparable trauma. Fortunately, the photos were destroyed now.

Her last shred of dignity could be restored.

Now that the culprits had been caught, this development finally brought closure to this matter. Alexia felt very happy naturally.

Correspondingly, her gratitude towards Melody disappeared totally During the first few days, Alexia locked herself in her room and ignored everyone. It was Melody who comforted her gently, but her words always seemed to divert the topic to Tiffany Kelley, whether intentionally or otherwise.

At that juncture, Alexia also believed that Tiffany was taking revenge on her.

Therefore, she listened to Melody’s seemingly innocuous advice and slandered Tiffany without restraint, She incited internet users and fanned adverse public opinion to launch online attacks on Tiffany.

As a result, Tiffany was condemned by many people. She was even suspended from school at one stage.

Yet, who was behind all this?

When Alexia recalled Melody’s hypocritical words of comfort, she found it laughable that the culprit was pointing fingers at others.

The more she thought about it, the more disgusted she felt, to die point where she felt like vomiting.

In short, she would never forgive Melody. Even if this matter had nothing to do with Melody, the fact that her brother Jansen was involved made Alexia hate Melody in tandem.

Furthermore… Alexia recalled the email she received yesterday.

The email had an attachment of a video showing Melody weeping hysterically at the cemetery. The video had a line of bottom caption in bold. “Do you believe everything you see on the surface?” Did Alexia believe? She didn’t know anymore… Nonetheless, she had some doubts. Jansen had admitted too quickly, and Melody had cleared her name too smoothly. She did not believe that there was nothing fishy between those two.

Could it be that their roles were reversed in reality?

At this thought, Alexia’s expression changed slightly.

No! She must continue to investigate this matter.

She had suffered so much humiliation but the other party wanted to put a lid on the matter just like that? She would never allow it None of those responsible would be allowed to escape.

Alexia became so worked up that she ran out immediately. Along the way, she grabbed the butler to ask, “Where’s my brother? Where is het “Mr. Kenneth has been staying at the villa in Saint Montagne for the past few days “Send me there! Hurry!” Alexia urged the butler.

At this moment, in Saint Montagne where the vacation villa was located, it was drizzling, and the autumn wind was blowing Melody was wearing a white cotton dress. Her figure was svelte and she looked like a willow swaying in the wind She was not using an umbrella and seemed oblivious to fine, denise raindrops pelting her. Her face was panic–stricken as she staggered after the tall figure in front of her. “Kenny, let me explain!

Kenneth Harper did not say a word. It was clear from his demeanor that he was not pleased. After some time, he snapped at Melody. Thate liars the most.

Ever since his younger sister got into trouble, he had been trying everything to find out who was responsible.

Later. Melody was arrested and the police said they had to detain her for questioning as she was their number one suspect. He tried his best to get her released and risked everything to save her and clear her name.

Though Melody’s name was eventually cleared, it turned out that Melody knew all along that the person who kidnapped and harmed Alexia was her own brother Jansen, yet she kept quiet.

Wasn’t that lying?

Chapter 289 Chapter 289 Melody’s words sounded sincere, and there was a strong pleading look in her eyes, Kenneth looked at her silently with mixed feelings.

He felt both heartache and frustration.

He couldn’t describe what he was feeling. The only thing that was clear… At some point, the girl in front of him whom he fell in love with at first sight gradually had impurities in her clear eyes that he could not understand.

Those clear eyes that he had glimpsed on that bloody night were so clean and bright, but now they were getting increasingly murky.

In fact, those eyes seemed unfamiliar.

Kenneth could not resist reaching out and rubbing Melody’s eyelids gently with his thumb.

Finally, he nodded. “Okay” Only then did Melody smile and snuggle into Kenneth’s arms happily, This was what Alexia Harper saw when she arrived.

Enraged by this sight, she immediately ran up and forcefully separated the two of them. Then, she raised her hand and gave Melody a vicious slap.

Alexia acted suddenly and without warning. No one expected it. Melody was stunned for a moment. Then she asked in bewilderment, “Alexia, what’s wrong?” “You still have the nerve to ask me what’s wrong?” Alexia gave a scornful laugh. The arrogant and overbearing demeanor of the rich Harper family’s daughter had reestablished itself. She raised her chin in a haughty manner. “You’re quite good at pretending, aren’t you?” “What are you talking about? I don’t understand Melody stood there, looking aggrieved. She seemed anxious and confused at being wronged.

Kenneth frowned and said, “Alexia, what’s wrong with you? Why did you hit people? Did Melody offend you?” He did not know who his younger sister took after. A few days ago, she was addressing Melody affectionately but today, she suddenly did a complete about–face.

She even hit people without warning. This younger sister was quite a handful.

“Apologize at once,” Kenneth instructed.

“Apologize?” Alexia gave a scornful snort. “Dream on! Kenneth, it was only on your account that I did not slap her more than once!” “What on earth happened?” Kenneth’s face clouded over at this point.

Worried that he would blow his top, Alexia could only explain. “Kenneth, I want this case to be re–opened!

“Think about it. Since Jansen and Melody are siblings and they are so close, who can say for sure that she was innocent and was only implicated? What if she was behind this all along?” Chapter 289 Alexia continued to give her analysis. “And didn’t the other two accomplices insist that they were instructed by Melody? Their claims can’t be groundless, so I want the case to he re–opened and investigated again.” Upon hearing this, Kenneth was very surprised.

His sister’s explanation was clear and logical.

It did not seem like something his brainless sister was capable of uttering.

Although Kenneth was surprised, he had to admit that Alexia bad a point.

Jansen Princeton had two other accomplices. One was called Declan Jahn, and the other was a skinny chap. Those two men’s testimonies were uncannily consistent and they both pointed out that Melody Princeton was the mastermind.

During the cross–examination, they gave consistent answers on the most minute details so there was no possibility of them acting in cahoots to give false statements.

According to their statements, the three of them took action on Alexia under Melody’s arrangement and instigation. Thereafter, they left.

They never bumped into Jade Payne on the way out at all, so there was no such thing as Jansen having to silence her.

Yet, not only did Jansen admit to the crime, but he also produced Jade’s necklace as evidence. Naturally, he was convicted Then now, the question was, who was telling the truth and who was lying?

One could argue that Declan Jahn and the skinny chap wanted to frame Melody and had deliberately lied. Yet, one could also argue that Jansen took the blame to protect someone.

Many things seemed logical on the surface, but once one started analyzing, a worrying pattern emerged whereby all the pieces didn’t quite fit together.

Kenneth’s belief began to waver.

It was not that he was suspicious of Melody. He simply wanted badly to know the truth and what happened behind the scenes.

Melody did not miss the slight change in Kenneth’s bearing. She smiled bitterly in disappointment. “Kenny, didn’t you just say that you believed me? Why are you suspecting me in the blink of an eye?” Before Kenneth could say anything. Alexia lashed out. “Shut up!” After that, she shook Kenneth’s arm and pleaded petulantly. “Kenneth, I’m your biological sister. Surely you want to help me find the person responsible, don’t you?” “Of course,” Kenneth replied firmly.

“Then let’s get the case re–opened. Perhaps a surprise may be unearthed during the retrial.” As Alexia spoke, she gave Melody a meaningful look.

The provocation in her eyes was especially obvious. There was also a sense of confidence and determination.

From the looks of it, Alexia seemed very sure about the outcome of the retrial.

Melody subconsciously clenched her fists.

She did not know who had brainwashed Alexia so thoroughly that it led to a complete falling out between them. Alexia had totally forgotten who had rescued her earlier.

Although she was filled with hatred, Melody was calm outwardly She even played along. “In order to prove my innocence, I agree to a retrial. I will cooperate at every stage.” What a lofly statement! And she proclaimed it so righteously. Alexia greeted Melody’s proclamation with derision.

At any rate, it was fine as long as Alexia could achieve her goal.

Kenneth didn’t say anything else. Just as he was about to get someone to investigate again, he received a call As soon as he answered the call, he heard his subordinate’s urgent report.

“Bad news, Mr. Harper. Jansen Princeton killed himself in prison When the authorities discovered him, he was already on the verge of dying. They tried to save him without success and he was later pronounced dead…” Over at Luna Villa… “What did you say?” Tiffany was dumbfounded when she heard the news.

She found it hard to believe that Jansen would kill himself. He was such a greedy and mercenary fellow. It was highly unlikely that he would sacrifice himself to pave the way for Melody.

Besides, the siblings didn’t seem to get along that well.

Tiffany did not anticipate this development.

June Spencer chimed in, “I also find it unbelievable, but since it has already happened, there doesn’t seem to be a need to re open the case… With Jansen’s death, all the guilt was heaped on him..

There wouldn’t be any evidence to incriminate Melody even if the case was re–opened.

This move was akin to a Queen Sacrifice. It was indeed a stroke of genius.

Tiffany gave a scornful snort and shook her head. “Putting aside the other fellows, what I want to know is why is Jansen so obedient?” Based on what they found out previously, Jansen was undoubtedly a cowardly person.

What benefits did Melody promise him?

Jeremy Cooper interjected at this point. “Jansen Princeton’s state of mind that night was not quite right. The only explanation and possibility is that he might have been put under a spell so his thoughts were controlled.” “Spell?” Tiffany suddenly remembered that at Sandra Olson and Jordan Booth’s wedding, Sandra had also tried to cast a spell on Tiffany but she did not succeed.

It never occurred to her that Melody also knew how to deploy mind–control spells.

What was this woman’s background?

Chapter 290 Chapter 290 Jeremy Cooper explained, “That day in the cell, I wanted to check, but Jansen Princeton broke free. Thereafter, he was restrained so I never found a chance” Tiffany Kelley nodded and said with resignation, “There’s nothing we can do about this matter now so we can let this go. The main thing is this mind-control spell. You guys have to be carefid in the future and don’t fall for it.” Once they fall under the mind-control spell, they would be at the mercy of other people and could be manipulated at will.

Just the thought alone was terrifying.

A rare smile appeared on Jeremy’s face. “It’s not that easy for a person to both administer the mind-numbing pill and recite the mind-control spell successfully It was considered an amazing feat if that fellow was able to pull off twice.

Otherwise, wouldn’t everyone in the world know how to deploy mind-control spells and turn anybody into puppets?

Tiffany raised her eyebrows and asked with intrigue, ‘Lord Cooper, you seem to know a lot about such things, don’t you?” Jeremy clammed up at once.

This had something to do with his background.

-Although he believed Tiffany and had also told her that he came to Lovell City to look for someone, he could not say anything else.

Otherwise… it might endanger Tiffany.

June Spencer’s eyes shifted surreptitiously to steal a glance at Jeremy. She then said meaningfully, “I remember there’s a mysterious country whose natives are very skillful at using black magic. Moreover, the people there have amazing abilities and excellent medical skills.” These words piqued Tiffany’s curiosity. “Who are they?” June turned to Tiffany. “The Azure Sea Royal Family.

“In addition to black magic and medical skills, it is said that the Azure Sea Royal Family also possesses a secret treasure. Anyone who obtains it can not only view his previous life and current life but can also change his fate in defiance of the heavens.” Tiffany’s eyelids twitched.

She had a past life and she also fulfilled the condition of the fate-changing heaven-defying type.

If such a secret treasure really existed, was it heaven’s blessing that she was born into this present life or was there something else at work?

The more Tiffany thought about it, the more curious she became. She asked again, “If this treasure is truly so magical, doesn’t that mean that everyone wants it?” June nodded. “That’s right. More than 20 years ago, there were several factions fighting over it. At that time, there was also a major power struggle within the Azure Sea Royal Family. At one point, the family was split into many branches.

“Later on, that treasure and the key to unlock it disappeared together. Until now, we don’t know where these two items are, and no one has found them”.

As she spoke, June glanced at Jeremy again.

She continued, “Rumor has it that the key to the treasure was stolen by a servant. The youngest princess of the Azure Sea Royal Family, who was the most doted on, was also taken away by the same servant at the same time.

“If this rumor is true, then the key to unlock the treasure is very likely in the hands of this lost young princess.

“As far as I know, there are already many factions looking for her and the treasure. Once these people locate the young princess before the Azure Sea Royal Family, I’m afraid…“ June did not finish her sentence, but one could easily draw lils conclusion from there.

Just as wealth invited envy, the young princess and her treasure would inevitably invite covetous eyes.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Tiffany and her group. Whatever happened to the young princess was also none of their business.

However… Tiffany noticed the change in Jeremy’s expression as he listened to June. As such, her suspicions grew stronger.

She did not miss the fact that June kept glancing at Jeremy every now and then while talking. She appeared to be observing his reaction and expression.

She was testing Jeremy Based on what Jeremy d before, there was no doubt he was sent by the Azure Sea Royal Family.

And his mission was to locate the missing young princess. So… June’s identity and background were also a mystery. Since she knew so much and even guessed Jeremy’s identity, did this mean that she and James Quinn were also connected to the Azure Sea Royal Family in some way?

Tiffany did not ask and would not ask.

Anyone who spilled the beans under interrogation was not trustworthy.

Tiffany trusted these people. Whether it was James Quinn, June or Jeremy, they were all on her side and she never doubted them.

She had never doubted them in the past and she would never doubt them in the future.

The only thing that puzzled her and made her feel conflicted was Melody Princeton.

If she thought about it carefully, the lost young princess of the Azure Sea Royal Family would be about the same age as Melody now. Coincidentally, Melody also knew black magic Could it be that Melody was the young princess who was secretly taken away by the servant?

Tiffany was shocked by her own speculation.

She subconsciously looked at Jeremy with mixed feelings.

If that was the case, then Jeremy, who had been entrusted with a mission, would have no choice but to stand against Tiffany in the future… It was like a situation whereby, as they got closer to the finishing line, they drifted further apart.

Tiffany shook her head to stop her mind from thinking in that direction.

By contrast, Jeremy was remarkably calm.

When he felt Tiffany’s eyes on him, he simply said, Tm hungry Tiffany was stunned momentarily before she burst out laughing Lord Cooper wanted to be fed now.

She had to admit that it was a little heart-warming.

Jeremy was expressing his stance in his own way.

There was no need for promises or oaths, and repeated emphasis was even less necessary.

Jeremy was telling her in a roundabout way that he also treated her as one of his own.

Therefore, in the future, no matter how things change or what the difficulties might be, even if he had to stand against her, loyal Jeremy would never do anything to hurt Tillany, Tiffany recollected herself and broke into a smile. “Come, let’s eat. I’ll give you an extra serving tonight “Mm-hmm.” Jeremy was still as placid as ever.

His emotions were restrained, and it was impossible to tell if he was happy or angry.

Yet, at this moment, the corners of his lips curled up imperceptibly. That vague hint of joy seeped out and made his originally delicate and neat face look even more dazzling.

Tiffany wanted badly to see what he looked like under the mask.

She gulped a few times. Should she try it tonight?

Should she sneak into Jeremy’s room in the middle of the night and remove the mask on his face to see his true appearance while he was asleep?

Of course, she would never dare to try something so bold.

With Jeremy’s capability, she would probably be caught before she even got close. Sigh!

The murder case had come to an end. Although the final outcome was different from what Tiffany expected, Melody did not gain anything despite losing a great deal.

Adverse public opinion dissipated with the publication of the evidence, and all the hoo-ha gradually died down.

When Tiffany returned to school, no one dared to call her a murderer, whether publicly or behind her back. Even if they were resentful, they did not dare to show it on their faces.

By accident, she found out that those few trouble-making thugs who locked Ged Moody in the abandoned equipment room, and whom she beat up viciously subsequently, had quit school.

When Tiffany inquired, it was said that something had happened at their respective homes. Those few thugs who spewed profanities at her did not end up well either. One of them broke his leg and the other broke his arm.

Another became a cripple outright.

Zoe Stevens felt very vindicated after hearing the news. “Almighty God is just. I knew they would get their comeuppance. Almighty God is punishing them!” Tiffany murmured a reply but one thought swirled in her mind It seemed like she had to make a trip to Royal Bay to express he thanks.