Ch. 361..370

Chapter 361 Chapter 361 Tiffany’s hand was held tightly by her. The moment Melody fell, she could not stabilize herself due to the huge inertia.

The next second, she was also dragged down. The two of them fell from the cruise ship and fell from the high deck into the cold river.

Plop- There were two splashes, one after the other.

Thalia walked out of the inner cabin and happened to see this scene. Her eyes instantly widened in shock as she shouted at the top of her lungs, “Tiffany!” Her entire body was trembling. Without even thinking, she threw away the satchel in her hand and pounced on the deck, wanting to jump down and save her daughter!

However, in the river, there was a long distance between Tiffany and Melody. This meant that if she jumped down to save Tiffany, she would not be able to care Melody.

On the other hand, if she chose to save Melody, Tiffany would be in danger.

Thalia hesitated. She felt like her scalp was about to explode. For a moment, she did not know how to make a choice. Melody, who was struggling in the water, looked at her hopefully. “Mom, save me… Save me…” She had only called for help a few times before she choked on a few mouthfuls of water. Then, her body kept sinking Thalia did not hesitate anymore and jumped down. The person she chose to save was Melody.

The river water rose and fell, and drowning people could not find any life–saving straws.

Tiffany was not far away. The river water gradually drowned her head.

Before she sank to the bottom of the river, she saw Thalia swimming toward Melody in a panic.

It was the mother’s greatest explosive power. She was not strong, but she had unlimited potential. In the end, she successfully swam to the shore with Melody.

Because she was saved, Melody raised her head and looked in Tiffany’s direction. Her smile was dazzling and smug.

Then, she mouthed, “Actually, I can swim.” Isn’t it ridiculous?‘ Tiffany choked on water as she looked at the mother and daughter who were getting further and further away from her. All Thalia’s worries and anxiety were not for her.

At this moment, Tiffany finally understood what Melody’s words meant before Melody dragged her down to the deek. “Also, I’ll tell you another cruel truth. If we’re all in danger, will your family, whom you’re risking your life to protect, save you or me?” The answer to that question was already there, and this answer was indeed cruel.

Tiffany smiled bitterly. The river water was so cold, but it could not withstand the chill in her heart… On the cruise ship, a waiter finally realized that someone had fallen into the water.

He immediately shouted at the top of his lungs. The other security guards immediately rushed out and jumped into the river, saving the exhausted Thalia and Melody.

Hearing the sound of someone falling into the water, the other guests were also attracted over.

The security guard squatted down and asked, “Madam, Miss, are you alright?” “I’m fine…” Looking at the unharmed Melody, Thalia heaved a sigh of relief.

The next second, she seemed to have suddenly thought of something. Her expression changed drastically as she shouted sharply, “Tiffany, quick! Tiffany is still in the water!” She struggled to her feet and flung herself toward the edge of the deck.

However, the river water had already calmed down. There was no sign of Tiffany anymore.

Thalia instantly fell to the floor. Her face was completely pale, and her lips, which had turned blue from the cold, were trembling slightly.

The security guard said, “When we came over, we only saw the two of you. Did anyone else fall into the water? I’m afraid… she’s doomed.” “No!” Thalia grabbed the security guard’s hand like a madman and begged hoarsely, “Save my daughter. She doesn’t know how to swim!” ‘Oh my god, what have I done?‘ Thalia was furious. The next second, she spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

The scene became chaotic again.

“Mom!” Melody rushed over and sobbed worriedly. However, from an angle that no one could see, a smile appeared on her face/Serves you right! Let that bitch Tiffany drown to death!‘ Just as she was feeling smug, she heard the sound of someone falling into the water and what the security guard said before he could stop the person. “Mr. Harper, Mr. Harper, it’s dangerous. Please don’t…” Water splashed everywhere. Kenneth jumped down without hesitation.

Charlie heard the news and rushed over. He saw Thalia in a coma with emergency medical staff beside her. As for Tiffany… she had sunk into the water and her whereabouts were unknown.

Although it was said that her whereabouts were unknown, the river was actually so deep. To put it bluntly, Tiffany would definitely die.

Upon hearing this news, Eric cried toward the river, “Tiffany! Tiffany, where are you?” If not for the people beside him pulling him, he would have jumped down.

The security guards on the cruise ship had already arranged for a life raft and security guards with good aquatic abilities to go into the water to save Tiffany, but the hope was slim. Moreover, with such a long drowning time, even if they found her, there was no way to turn the situation around..

Charlie’s mind went blank. He slumped to the floor. The originally elegant middle–aged man seemed to have aged ten years in an instant.

Everyone’s eyes were filled with sympathy. Such a joyous occasion unexpectedly ended up like this.

*****

In the river, Tiffany’s mind was in a mess.

She could feel her consciousness being stripped away. She was holding her breath and was about to explode.

The water was deep and dark. All four sides were like the gaping mouth of a wild beast. Nothing could be seen clearly or sensed.

She tried to struggle, tried to levitate herself, but it all ended in filure.

Tiffany’s consciousness was blurry and she could no longer muster any strength. Finally, she slowly closed her eyes.

However, she did not know if it was an illusion, but at the last moment before she died, she actually saw an extremely fast figure rushing toward her.

The man hugged her and kissed her on the lips.

In her semi–conscious state, Tiffany greedily absorbed the oxygen provided by him. Her body was rising extremely quickly. Finally, with a whoosh, the two of them broke out of the water.

“Ahem…” Tiffany coughed violently and breathed heavily to obtain new oxygen.

After a long time, she looked up. In front of her was that handsome face that she could never get tired of looking at.

The man had sharp eyebrows and starry eyes. His nose bridge was high and straight. His thin lips were pursed tightly, and a pair of eyes as deep as the sea locked onto her.

It was Richard whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.

Tiffany was stunned. Suddenly, she felt a lump in her throat and threw herself into his arms.

“Boohoo, bastard, why are you only here now?” She cried profusely, her eyes as red as a rabbit’s.

Richard’s heart was about to melt from the pain. He carried her and got up, landing steadily on the shore.

Tiffany could not stop complaining. She said in a sobbing tone, “Didn’t you say that you would be back in two days? Liar, big liar!” “Be good, don’t cry.” Richard reached out to wipe her tears. His cold gaze was gentle and doting.

Tiffany gradually stopped crying.

However, he suddenly grabbed her chin. His eyes were burning with passion.

He looked into her eyes, refusing to miss any expression on her face. Then he opened his mouth and asked slowly, “Can you tell me the answer to the question I asked you before I left?”

Chapter 362 Chapter 362 Question? What is the question?‘ Tiffany was momentarily confused.

Seeing that his expression was getting more and more dangerous, she suddenly remembered that the night before Richard left, he climbed into her room through the window and asked, “When I come back, I’ll marry you, okay?” ‘Oh shit. Tiffany’s memory returned and her eyes darted around After considering her choice of words, she replied, “But I told you that I’m still in school. Isn’t it a little too early to get married?” Richard’s expression instantly brightened. As long as it isn’t a rejection. This reason is barely acceptable!

Richard nodded and said in his usual domineering tone, “Then let’s get engaged.” In short, he had to give her a title first so that everyone would know was his.

When Tiffany heard that, she did not know whether to laugh or cry you’ve already decided, why are you asking?” She sounded like she was forced.

Richard pinched her chin and caressed her lips with the fingers of his thumb. “I’ll give you a chance to go back on your word. If you say you don’t want to, I won’t force you.” But if she was willing to marry him… Tiffany blinked and asked, “Why should I go back on my word?” With that, she grabbed Richard’s collar, forcing him to bend over. She tiptoed and went up to him, using her actions to tell him that this was her determination.

When their lips touched, it was like honey, clouds, and soft and delicious jelly. This kiss was fleeting.

Tiffany took a step back and smiled slyly. “How is it, Mr. Hampton? Are you satisfied with my answer?” Richard’s eyes were burning, and there was a light jumping in his dark and deep eyes, as well as a ball of fire that was gradually burning.

“Satisfied, but not enough.” He chuckled, his magnetic voice alluring and pleasant to the ears.

Before Tiffany could react, he ran his hand through her hair, grabbed the back of her head, and kissed her hard. Their ears and hair brushed against each other as they kissed.

Tiffany could not take it anymore and almost collapsed. However, he held her waist and hugged her even tighter.. After a long time, he let go of her. His cold and handsome face was filled with unprecedented joy.

“Tiffany, listen up.” He called her name seriously, domineeringly and affectionately. “I’ll never let you go in this life.” They would be together forever. He swore on his life that he would protect her for all eternity. He was supremely loyal and would never betray her.

Tiffany’s eyelashes trembled slightly. In Richard’s eyes, she saw love, respect, and doting on her as if she was a rare treasure. She did not regret this decision at all.

She was even glad that she had found warmth in this cold world for her to rest in.

Tiffany opened her mouth and was about to speak when her vision darkened and she fell into his arms.

Richard picked Tiffany up and left.

Not far away, the cruise ship was still moored by the river.

The lights flashed. The lifeboats and lifeguards dived and fished up and down, but they did not find anything.

Kenneth was also among the search teams. He dived again and again. Even after a few hours, he still did not sleep or rest.

Thalia had already been sent to the hospital. Melody stayed behind. She looked at the figure bobbing in the water and was filled with anxiety. “Kenneth, come up quickly!” Kenneth ignored her and dived down again, “Kenneth, Kenneth!” Melody stood on the deck and stomped her feet anxiously.

A man who was watching the commotion at the side said, “It’s been so long. She’s already sunk to the bottom. There’s no way she can be saved. Even if she’s fished out, she’s just a corpse. Why… Charlie sat at the side dispiritedly. He, who had been motionless suddenly stood up when he heard this and punched the person’s nose. “You’re the fucking corpse! Nothing will happen to my daughter. Nothing will happen to her!” He emphasized twice in a row. It was unknown if he was saying it for others to hear, or if he was lying to himself.

The person who was hit knew that he was in trouble. He covered his nose that was bleeding profusely and ran away cursing.

Charlie rushed to the deck. Looking at the calm and wide river, he knelt down and shouted with tears in his eyes, “Tiffany, Tiffany, where are you…” A man who had a successful career and was calm and composed was now kneeling with tears streaming down his face. Now, he was just a father who had lost his daughter.

“Dad…” Melody knelt to help him up, but Charlie waved her away.

“Go. Leave me alone.” Charlie’s body was trembling. It was a silent cry.

Melody’s hand froze in mid–air. After a long while, she stood up and retreated to the side with tears in her eyes.

Before she left, she did not forget to comfort him. “Dad, don’t be too sad. I believe that Tiffany will be fine. She will definitely be fine.” ‘It’s better to drown her!‘ Melody’s heart was twisted with intense hatred and madness. No one knew how happy she was right now.

Tiffany did not know how to swim, so she dragged Tiffany into the river.

Originally, she was already prepared. If Thalia chose to swim toward Tiffany at that moment, then even if she could swim, she would have to pretend to drown and force Thalia to make a decision.

Unexpectedly, things went smoothly. Tiffany was really dead.

Melody covered her mouth and pretended to cry, but she was actually laughing.

The search and rescue team searched for a long time and still found nothing.

Under such circumstances, they could only ask a professional salvage team to bring equipment over to search for the corpse.

A group of security guards had already gone ashore, and the searchers had also gone up one after another.

Only Kenneth still insisted on not giving up in the water. His mind was blank. Thalia’s tearful words kept echoing in his mind. “Save my daughter. She doesn’t know how to swim…” Tiffany’s fatal weakness was probably in the water.

Therefore, at that moment, when he heard that Tiffany had fallen into the water, he jumped down without thinking.

After searching for so long, he clearly knew that the outcome would definitely be a tragedy, but there was only one thought in his mind. “The longer I delay, the more danger Tiffany will be in. I have to find her as soon as possible!‘ Kenneth looked at the water around him and dived down again.

However, this time, because the search and rescue took too long, his legs cramped. He choked on the water as soon as he dived.

The last rescuer to reach the shore immediately rescued him.

Kenneth was still struggling. “Let me go, let me go!” He didn’t want to give up… Melody ran over and hugged him. “Kenneth, Kenneth, don’t be silly. It’s already like this. It’s not your fault. If you want to blame someone, blame me!” She was crying pitifully, her face full of self–reproach.

Chapter 363 Chapter 363 Kenneth looked up at her. There was obvious fatigue on his handsome face, and… scrutiny. “Why did you and Tiffany fall off the deck together?” This cruise ship was meant to receive all kinds of banquets and parties. For the safety of the guests coming and going, there was a safety board on the deck at the very edge. Since there was a safety board, how could both of them fall down?

Melody lowered her head and said aggrievedly, “On such an occasion today, my presence more or less made Tiffany unhappy. When I came to the deck to look for her, she even hit me…” “And then?” asked Kenneth.

Melody replied, “Then I ducked back. She came after me. I’d already retreated to the edge of the deck. She wouldn’t let up. She pushed me again. I was trying to grab something when I fell, I accidentally pulled her down with me.” “Is that so?” Kenneth did not believe such an excuse.

Melody immediately nodded. “I can swear that everything I said is true!” “And…” She tooked dejected and added, “And Mom saw it with her own eyes. At that time, Tiffany wanted to push me off the ship. You can verify this at any time.” She spoke frankly and without any loopholes.

Moreover, Thalia had seen it with her own eyes. As a mother, it was impossible for Thalia to harm Tiffany. Hence, these words should be true.

Kenneth rubbed the space between his eyebrows and did not say anything else.

Seeing this, Melody smiled bitterly and asked, “Kenneth, do you not believe me?” “No, I’m tired. Stay with Mr. Kelley. I’ll go back first.” After soaking in the river for the entire night, Kenneth’s head was spinning. He left.

The remaining people gradually dispersed.

Charlie sat on the deck in a daze. He supported his head with his hand and his eyes were washed–out.

Melody walked over and gently stroked his back to comfort him. “Dad, you have to pull yourself together. Mom is still in the hospital…” Charlie finally reacted when the wife he cared about the most was mentioned. He stood up in a daze and got into the car with the help of his driver.

Melody followed, and everyone dispersed. All the staff on the cruise ship changed their clothes and got off work after finishing their work.

The waiter named Wayne did not return to the staff locker room after the manager dismissed him. Instead, he rushed to the cabin door. He wanted to pick up his phone.

Along the way, Wayne was worried. He muttered to himself, “Please don’t let the guests pick it up. Please don’t let others pick it up!” He ran over and saw that his phone, which he had dropped but did not dare to pick up, was still standing in the corner.

“That’s great!” Wayne heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, this corner was very hidden, so no one had discovered it and picked it up.

But then again, the guests on the cruise ship were either rich or noble. Even if they saw it, they would not care about his lousy phone.

He carefully picked up the phone and carefully wiped the dust off it before lighting up the phone screen.

However, when he saw the time that kept jumping on it, he was instantly stunned. ‘Why is a video recorded?‘ Wayne scratched his head. He must have been careless when he turned on the camera to secretly take a photo of the girl’s back. He had accidentally recorded the entire process.

Filled with joy and nervousness, Wayne saved the video and played it back.

The girl on the deck was dressed in a red dress and looked stunning. Her every movement was breathtakingly beautiful. This was an almost fatal attraction.

Wayne’s heart was beating wildly, but when he thought of the accident that happened tonight, he could not help but feel regretful. ‘Why did Miss Kelley fall into the river out of the blue? Alas…!

The video continued to play, but another girl barged into the camera Wayne recognized her at a glance. This girl in a beautiful gown was the protagonist of tonight’s banquet, the daughter of the Kelley family who had been found.

He continued to watch, and then his face changed. He was shocked, aghast, and in disbelief.

‘So… Miss Kelley was pushed off the deck by her sister!‘ Wayne could not stop trembling. ‘What should I do… Should I expose such a big matter to Mr. Kelley?

‘However, Mr. Kelley has already lost a daughter. If I expose this matter, would Mr. Kelley accept my kindness?

‘What if he takes revenge on me for being nosy?^

Wayne was at a loss. He heard a colleague call out to him not far away, “Wayne, what are you standing there for? Don’t you want to go home after work?” “Here we go.” He carefully put away his phone and suppressed the panic in his heart. He returned home without changing out of his work clothes.

After thinking about it, he felt that it was necessary to tell Charlie about this even at the risk of offending Charlie.

With this thought in mind, Wayne immediately applied for leave and prepared to visit the Kelley family the next day.

**

At the same time, after Kenneth returned to his manor, his head was dizzy and his footsteps were heavy. He asked the servant to take a thermometer and indeed, he had a high fever due to the cold river water.

The servant said, “Mr. Harper, the family doctor is at Mr. Romeo Harper’s place. I’ll call him over.” “There’s no need. I’ll go over myself.” Kenneth got up and walked toward the courtyard where his grandfather lived.

It was already so late, but Romeo was still awake. Kenneth was a little surprised. He called out as soon as he entered, but he -realized that Romeo was not in the bedroom at all.

‘Grandpa must be in the bathroom… Kenneth leaned against the wall and sat down. His hand accidentally touched a mural on the wall.

With a click, there was the sound of a mechanism working. The next second, a secret compartment appeared on the originally flat wall.

Stunned, he got up to take a look.

There was a dark blue box in the secret compartment.

There were strange but exquisite patterns on the box. It was definitely not an ordinary item.

Kenneth reached out to touch it in surprise when he heard a furious voice behind him, “Stop it!” Romeo rushed over with his walking stick. His face was filled with unprecedented nervousness.

Trembling, he glared at Kenneth and shouted, “Who told you to move it?” “Grandpa…” Speaking of which, this was the first time Kenneth had seen his grandfather get angry.

In the past, no matter how big a mistake he made, Romeo would only reprimand him. But this time, it was as if Romeo wanted to hit him.

Romeo quickly closed the secret compartment. The aura on his body was shocking and terrifying. “Just pretend that you’ve never seen it. You’ve never discovered it. You’re not allowed to ask or mention it!” Kenneth asked, “Why?” “There’s no reason! Anyway, you have to remember my words. Otherwise, you’ll bring disaster to our entire family!” Romeo warned.

‘Is it that serious?‘ Kenneth frowned. Looking at Romeo’s tense face, he nodded. “Got it.” Romeo’s expression softened a little. “Alright, you can leave.” “Grandpa, rest early.” Kenneth turned around and left.

When he returned to the front hall, he found that the family doctor had already returned from Romeo’s place. He prescribed Kenneth medicine and instructed Kenneth on the dosage. Kenneth took it and returned to his room.

Kenneth was still worried about the mysterious blue box. ‘Since Grandpa said that the box would bring trouble to the Harper family, why does he keep it? Unless that box… is very important!” Kenneth took the medicine, but he couldn’t fall asleep. He got up and drew a rough sketch of the box, then handed it to his trusted subordinate. “Go and find out what this thing is.”

Chapter 365 Chapter 365 Royal Bay. In the low–key and luxurious master bedroom, Sidney, who had been called over late at night, gave Tiffany a checkup and said, “Miss Kelley is in good health and has strong self–healing abilities. She’ll be fine when the fever subsides.” Richard was relieved and corrected him. “She’s not Miss Kelley. She’s my wife.” “What?” Sidney’s eyes widened. He did not expect Richard, who had always been cold and aloof, to say such words.

He was excited and immediately teased, “It’s not easy. You have always avoided women like snakes and scorpions, but you are finally moved!” Moreover, once Richard set his heart on someone, his nature wa such that he would never let go.

While Sidney was excited, he could not help but feel a little emotional. “This is both a good and a bad thing. This also means that the powerful and indestructible Mr. Hampton will have a weakness from now on. Hopefully, Tiffany will not become his weakness… Sidney lowered his eyes. His eyelashes covered the worry in his eyes.

At this moment, Tiffany, who was on the bed, moved. She was about to wake up.

Richard immediately chased Sidney away. “There’s nothing else for you to do. Get out.” “What?” Sidney dug his ears. “No way. I was summoned by you in the middle of the night and worked hard to treat and save her. In the end, she was saved and you want to chase me away.” “What else do you expect?” Richard’s tall figure stood by the bed and he looked at Sidney disdainfully. He replied matter–of factly, “The first person my wife sees when she wakes up must be me.” ‘How could he be so jealous?‘ Sidney felt extremely shocked. ‘Alright, you lovebirds keep being cuddly!‘ “Bye.” The single Sidney left with a heartbroken expression and didn’t forget to close the door.

On the big bed, Tiffany frowned. The scene of her drowning still reverberated in her mind. The feeling of fear and powerlessness was still clear and strong.

She even thought that she was still floating in the river and had no one to rely on.

Until the moment she opened her eyes completely, she saw the spacious and bright bedroom in front of her, as well as the handsome man in front of her.

Tiffany blinked. “Where am I?” As soon as she opened her mouth, she realized that her voice was dry and hoarse.

Hence, she looked at Richard pitifully and pouted. “I want to drink water…” Tiffany’s hair was disheveled, and her long black hair cascaded down like a waterfall. Her exquisite face was pale and heartbreaking. Especially those eyes that could speak. They were wet and looked like those of an abandoned kitten.

‘How adorable!‘ Richard’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and his voice unknowingly became a little hoarse. “Wait.” He turned to get some water. Then, he personally brought the cup to Tiffany’s mouth. “Drink it. It’s warm.” Tiffany sat up. She wanted to do it herself, but her throat was burning badly. She could not care less and lowered her head to drink.

After drinking the entire glass of water, she felt a little better.

“Do you want more?” Richard asked.

“No, thanks.” Tiffany shook her head..

When she lay back on the big bed, she realized that she was in Royal Bay and was wearing an extremely conservative set of pajamas.

Needless to say, the servant must have changed it for her. Tiffany did not ask further.

Unexpectedly, Richard sat down beside her and suddenly said calmly, “I changed it.” “Huh?” Tiffany was stunned. Her eyes widened. “What? You changed it? You changed it for me?” “Then wouldn’t I have been… seen naked?‘ ‘Tiffany was stunned. Her entire face instantly turned red.

Richard suppressed the laughter in his heart and said in a serious manner, “Yes.” Tiffany was speechless, ashamed, and angry. She picked up a pillow and threw it at him. “You bastard! Shameless!” He moved back, and the pillow only touched the corner of his shirt.

Tiffany was unwilling to give up. She chased after him and continued to beat him up.

However, she had just woken up and was exhausted. Coupled with the fact that she was still having a fever, she only took two steps before her vision turned blurry and she fell to the floor.

A pair of hands held her firmly. The next second, she was carried back to the bed.

“Be good and recuperate well.” Richard bent down and tucked her in carefully.

Before getting up, he chuckled in her ear. “When you recover, no matter what you want to do, I’ll let you.” This voice was magnetic and hoarse, and it was completely bewitching.

As Tiffany listened, she felt her ears tingle and itch. She could not help but shrink back into the blanket.

Indeed, she could not withstand the dizziness in her head. She closed her eyes and fell asleep not long after.

When she woke up again, the sky was already bright.

Tiffany lifted the blanket and got up. A servant knocked on the door to deliver the clothes.

“Come in.” After getting permission, the servant pushed a moving clothes rack in and asked with a smile, “Mrs. Hampton, which one do you want to wear?” Tiffany looked up and saw several dresses of different styles and series hanging on it. Judging from the style, they.were all limited edition brands that had yet to appear on the market.

Tiffany was speechless. “There’s no need to make such a big fuss. Just give me a set to change inte The servant, Allison, only asked, “Mrs. Hampton, you don’t like any of them? Then I’ll get someone to send some over.” “Don’t.” Tiffany could only casually point at one set. “That one then, the blue one.” After saying that, she thought of something and asked in a low voice, “By the way, Allison, who… changed my pajamas yesterday?” Allison replied with a smile, “It was me, Mrs. Hampton.” “Oh, thank you. I’ll do the rest myself. Go ahead.” After watching the servant leave, Tiffany heaved a sigh of relief and touched her burning face. Stupid man, to think that I actually believed him last night!‘ On the other side, after Allison sent the clothes back, she reported this matter to Richard. “Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Hampton asked me who had changed her clothes, and I told her the truth,” “Yeah.” Richard nodded with a faint smile on his handsome face.

He knew that she would definitely verify it, and he was just teasing her.

If he really had to change her clothes personally… That wouldn’t do. He was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to control himself.

At eight o’clock in the morning, Wayne was still wearing the waiter’s clothes from yesterday. He took a taxi to the Cedar Ridge Villa.

Because the video on his phone was too important, he covered his pocket the entire time and was extremely nervous.

After paying the fare, he finally stood at the entrance of the Cedar Ridge Villa.

It was still early and he wasn’t sure if Charlie would be home. He could only press the doorbell with the thought of giving it a try.

A servant came out of the villa and walked through the huge courtyard to the iron gate. She asked, “Who are you? Who are you looking for?” “I…” Wayne was about to speak when a car drove over from afar. Seeing this, the servant immediately opened the big metal door.

The car drove in, but the person who got out was Melody.

Chapter 366 Chapter 366 Melody had spent all of last night at the hospital, making do as best she could. Early this morning, Thalia finally woke up, and once it was confirmed she was out of danger, Charlie told Melody and Eric to go home and rest.

But Eric was stubborn. He’d rather stay at the hospital than share a car ride home with her.

With no other option, Melody had to head home by herself.

A servant approached her respectfully, asking, “Miss, have you eaten yet?” “No,” Melody said.

“Then I’ll instruct the kitchen to prepare breakfast for you.” Melody responded with a nod. She was about to go inside when she caught sight of Wayne.

Surprised, she thought, ‘Who is he? His clothes looked familiar… Is he the server from last night’s cruise? Why would a mere server come all the way to the Kelley family?‘ Just as Melody was about to question him, Wayne quickly walked away. He felt a surge of guilt and fear.

Knowing the truth about last night’s incident, he now saw the delicate–looking Melody in a new light. She was someone cunning and even frightening.

He’d come here today with the intent to expose her real motives, If Melody knew his intent, she might retaliate against him.

The more Wayne thought about it, the more anxious he felt, so he quickened his pace.

Just then, a pair of slender, fair hands suddenly landed on his shoulder from behind.

Wayne froze. Nervously, he turned around and saw Melody smiling with a gentle, harmless expression.

“Were you the server on last night’s cruise? Why come to my home so early? Is there something you need?” Melody asked.

He thought, ‘Oh, no. She has a graceful, delicate appearance, but she’s a viper in disguise. No matter how beautiful she is, I’d better keep my distance.’ Wayne took a step back, fumbling for an excuse. “No, nothing much, you that the salvage team is I came to inform already on–site.” Melody thought, ‘Charlie has already been informed about the salvage team this morning, to make a special trip?” why would a mere server need Melody’s gaze flickered slightly.

Wayne was clearly flustered, unskilled at lying. A thin sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead as he fumbled for words.

Melody chuckled softly, her voice warm and charming. “Thank you so much; I feel bad making you come all the way here. Since you’re here, why don’t you come inside for some coffee?” As she spoke, she hooked her arm around his, giving him no chance to refuse.

“Oh, no, no need. Really, you’re being too kind. I don’t deserve it” Wayne said.

Melody said, “Nonsense, we’re all the same here.” Wayne thought, ‘Is there no way out of this?‘ He steeled himself, shook Melody’s hand off, and said, “I have to rush back to work. Goodbye.” With that, he turned and ran.

Melody shook her hand slightly, her brows knitting together.

She thought, ‘Something’s off.

The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. She dialed Karl’s number, saying, “Help me tail someone. Make sure he doesn’t notice.” “Alright, no problem,” Karl agreed without hesitation, then chuckled, “But I’m running low on funds lately, so maybe you…” “Okay,” Melody agreed immediately.

She knew Karl just wanted money.

Before, she didn’t have it, but now, as one of the heiresses of the Kelly family, she was loaded.

She still gave money to Karl merely because he and his wife still had some use. She might as well treat it as doing good things.

Once they outlived their usefulness, Melody would make sure they disappeared permanently.

-Wayne headed back to the riverbank.

His colleagues on the yacht looked surprised, one asking, “Didn’t you take the day off? What are you doing back here?” “I… I just came by to check things out,” he said.

“Oh.” The colleague returned to his work on the yacht.

In the river, a search team was still combing the waters.

Wayne spent a while scanning the crowd, but he couldn’t find Charlie.

Finally, he couldn’t hold back any longer and started asking around, eventually learning that Charlie was still at the hospital with his wife.

This made things difficult.

He couldn’t just show the video to anyone, and he’d hit a dead end at the Kelley family. That left him with one option: the hospital.

Gripping his phone tightly, Wayne headed to a nearby bus stop.

Luck seemed to be on his side as a bus approached right away.

Relieved, Wayne didn’t notice the middle–aged man tailing him closely.

Karl was on his phone.

“The guy you told me to follow is by the river asking around about Charlie. He’s on a bus now, and it looks like he’s heading to the hospital,” Karl said.

Melody frowned as she mulled it over, and then her expression shifted. “Stop him!” Whether or not it was what she suspected, she couldn’t take the risk. Any trace of trouble had to be snuffed out.

She couldn’t let him meet with Charlie, even if it mean “Got it.” silencing him permanently.

Karl hung up and hurried after Wayne, but the bus was already pulling away from the crowded stop.

Gritting his teeth, Karl climbed onto the bus after him.

Crowded with people and traveling through multiple stops, it wasn’t the right time or place to act.

Karl’d have to wait.

At Royal Bay, Sidney read the thermometer in his hand. “Good news, her fever’s gone. Mrs. Hampton is perfectly fine.” “Good,” Richard replied, glancing at Sidney with a look of approval.

Tiffany blushed again.

Up until recently, only John had called her Mrs. Hampton, and he’d stubbornly refused to switch titles.

Now, however, it seemed everyone had fallen in line, from Royal Bay’s servants to the entire household staff, and even Sidney had adopted the title.

Tiffany thought, ‘It is… Well, it is kind of nice.

Tiffany couldn’t help but smile; she was clearly in high spirits.

But there was no time for jokes right now. Standing up, she said, “I need to go to the hospital to check on my mom now.” She didn’t know if her family was aware that she had been rescued.

To keep them from worrying, Tiffany needed to visit Thalia in the hospital immediately.

Richard didn’t stop her and gave a slight nod.

John promptly went to prepare the car.

Just as Tiffany was about to rush out, she doubled back and, in front of Sidney and the rest of the staff, planted a quick kiss on Richard’s cheek.

Then, blushing furiously, she dashed out.

“Oh my…” Sidney muttered, grinning as he slapped the table. The day had barely started, and he was already drowning in sweetness. It was nearly too much to handle.

The other servants quickly ducked their heads, covering their mouths to stifle their giggles.

Richard stood in place, his face calm, yet the smile tugging at his lips grew broader by the second.

He was pleased.

Tiffany arrived at the hospital in no time.

John smiled as he opened the door for her. “Mrs. Hampton, your chariot awaits.”

Chapter 367 Chapter 367 John had recently gotten more and more comfortable with addressing Tiffany as Mrs. Hampton.

And he had a smug grin on his face.

Tiffany glanced at John, half–annoyed and half–amused. “Did you win the lottery recently?” “No, but I’m even happier than if I had,” John chuckled, his voice full of pride and glee.

He could already picture the grand wedding that wasn’t far off.

“Oh, right.” Tiffany suddenly remembered and asked, “Why couldn’t I reach you when you went on a business trip a few days ago? Where were you all?” This question had been circling in her mind for a while.

She had intended to ask Richard about it once he returned.

But somehow, with just a few words and a light smile from him, Richard’s devastatingly charming face had her heart racing so much that she completely forgot about the question.

John scratched his head and answered, though somewhat vaguely, “Oh, we didn’t really go anywhere…just took over a small company. Yeah, that’s it.” They had dismantled Felix’s organization, which could loosely be considered “acquiring a small company” in business terms. John nodded emphatically as he spoke, looking like quite the clever fellow.

But his uncertain tone made Tiffany suspicious. “Are you sure that’s all?” Tiffany thought, ‘If it was just business, it wouldn’t be some huge secret. Why wouldn’t anyone tell me?‘ “Yep, that’s it. Just the people from the other company were a bit tricky, so we…uh…we caught… I mean, we acquired them, and then…” He couldn’t continue the story.

John’s face fell, and, after stammering for a while, he muttered, “Mrs. Hampton, goodbye.” Then he quickly got in the car, hit the gas, and disappeared in a flash.

Tiffany shook her head.

She’d have to save this question for Richard tonight.

She walked ahead and entered the hospital.

At that moment, a bus pulled up by the roadside.

A crowd of passengers disembarked, including Wayne.

Karl was closely following Wayne.

Things were getting more and more tense.

The area was crowded. There was no good chance to make a move.

Karl made another phone call to report the situation.

On the other end of the line, Melody, frustrated, lowered her voice and warned, “I’m on my way to the hospital now. You better stop him. Don’t expect any more money from me if you fail.” “Got it.” Karl hung up, sticking close to Wayne, looking for an opportunity to act.

By now, Wayne had already gone up to the reception desk.

“Hi, I’m looking for someone,” Wayne said.

He gave Charlie’s name, but after checking, the nurse shook her head and said, “Sorry, sir, we don’t have anyone by that name admitted.” Wayne explained, “The one admitted is his wife, but I don’t know her name…” Seeing the helpless expression on the nurse’s face, Wayne scratched his head and said, “Thank you.” He’d just have to go floor by floor.

He was about to start heading up the stairs when a middle–aged man behind him called out, “Looking for Mr. Kelley? What a coincidence. I’m his relative here to visit him. Come with me.” “Oh, sure!” Wayne, feeling a bit lost, was glad to hear this and agreed readily.

The middle–aged man casually put an arm around Wayne’s shoulders and started leading him outside.

Wayne asked, “Isn’t he in this building?” This man was Karl. He chuckled, “You’re in the wrong place. This is Building 1; they’re over in Building 2, just over that way.” But the further they walked, the more isolated the surroundings became.

Finally, Wayne realized something was off.

Wayne thought, ‘If this man really was Charlie’s relative, why would he meet me here?‘ Alarmed, Wayne turned and ran.

But a low, sinister laugh sounded, and in the next moment, Karl had grabbed him tightly.

A knife pressed into his stomach.

“If you dare call for help, I’ll kill you,” Karl said:

“Don’t.” Wayne regretted it all. He shouldn’t have come.

Karl glanced around and saw that this was an under–construction area of the hospital, with no people around.

He kicked Wayne to the ground, brandishing the knife. “Why did you come to the hospital?” “I…” “Tell the truth, or my knife might just slip,” Karl said.

Wayne gritted his teeth and admitted, “I have a video on my phone that I was going to give to Mr. Kelley. Let me go, and I’ll give it to you.” “What kind of video? Show–it to me,” Karl said.

Wayne said, “Promise to let me go, and I’ll hand it over.” “You think you’re in a position to negotiate with me? Do you even know who I am?” Karl’s eyes flashed with malice as he raised the knife to teach Wayne a lesson.

Just then, a voice came from behind them, laughing mockingly “Oh? And who might you be?” Both men turned around.

Standing there, bathed in sunlight, was a young woman in a light blue dress.

Her skin was flawless, radiant, and soft, her gaze bright and captivating–a beauty rare and unmatched.

Wayne, in utter disbelief, widened his eyes. “Miss Kelley? You… you’re not dead?” He was both shocked and delighted.

Karl, on the other hand, had already risen, knife in hand.

Wayne hurriedly shouted, “Run, Miss Kelley. Run!” Tiffany casually rubbed her ear, completely unperturbed.

Karl wouldn’t dare touch her.

Sure enough, Karl turned back to Wayne, his expression menacing. “Hand over the phone, and I’ll spare your life.” “What…what phone? I don’t know…” Wayne stammered, backing away.

“Playing dumb, huh? I’ll kill you.” Karl reached out to grab him, waving the knife wildly.

Wayne closed his eyes in despair.

But the expected pain never came.

Surprised, he opened his eyes and saw Karl being kicked to the ground.

The girl in the blue dress gave him a lazy smile and extended her hand to him. “Get up.” **:

Wayne stood there, dumbfounded.

Only when Tiffany pulled him up did he finally come back to his senses.

“Miss Kelley, you…” Wayne was overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration but didn’t know what to say.

Tiffany gave a light smile. “Room 8 on the twelfth floor. Go on.” Wayne immediately understood. It was Charlie’s hospital room number.

He nodded solemnly. “Miss Kelley, I’ll make sure to clear your name.” “Thank you.” Tiffany nodded in return.

She had been following along for a while now and had overheard what Wayne said to Karl.

Although she didn’t know what kind of video he had, it seemed to be something beneficial to her.

As Wayne ran off, Tiffany glanced down at Karl lying on the ground. “My father doesn’t have relatives like you. Get as far away as you can.” Realizing his cover was blown, Karl threw down the knife and ran.

As he left, he called Melody to report the situation.

Hearing the news of his failure, Melody, who was still halfway to the hospital, felt faint and almost blacked out.

Wayne had found the hospital room door.

Just as he was about to knock, the door opened, and Charlie stepped out.

They looked each other in the eye.

Wayne, overcome with emotion, said, “Mr. Kelley, I have something to tell you.”

Chapter 368 Chapter 368 Charlie hadn’t slept all night and was too exhausted to waste energy. “If you have something to say, just say it.” With people frequently passing by in the hospital hallway, Wayne hesitated and asked, “It’s something important, about your daughter’s fall into the river. Could we talk inside?” At the mention of Tiffany, Charlie’s body tensed. He immediately pulled Wayne into the hospital room “Quick, tell me,” he urged.

“Here’s what happened. Last night, during the fall, my phone dropped by the entrance to a cabin near the deck, and I accidentally captured the entire scene on video.” Wayne hurriedly took his phone from his pocket, opened the video, and held it up to Charlie Thalia, lying in bed, opened her eyes when she heard the commotion. “What’s going on? Did you find Tiffany!” Charlie had wanted to keep Thalia in the dark, seeing her pale face, but he steeled himself and decided otherwise.

“When I asked you before, didn’t you say you saw Tiffany push Melody, and that’s why they both fell?” Charlie asked. “Fine. Here’s footage of what actually happened. Let’s watch it together Charlie’s fingers trembled as he spoke, and he pressed play The sound of howling wind came through the speaker.

On the deck, Tiffany stood in a stunning red dress, graceful and noble, letting the wind blow around her. Then, Melody appeared.

They exchanged words that were inaudible, but then an argument ensued.

Tiffany didn’t move a muscle the entire time. Melody was the one who started taunting her. Though the phone’s distance and the wind mulled the sound, a faint sentence could be heard “Don’t think acting all high and mighty will fool me. And you want to know the truth about my health? Well, guess what? It’s fake. I’m not sick at all.” That was Melody’s voice, full of smug arrogance.

Charlie and Thalia froze and thought, ‘Is this really our sweet, innocent daughter!

The video continued.

Tiffany slapped Melody, saying, “I didn’t want to deal with a rabid dog, but you, the one who ever schemes against her mother, deserve a slap.” Melody only laughed and replied, “So what? Survival of the fittes, and I want what should rightfully be mine. What’s wrong with that?” It was then that Tiffany grabbed her by the neck in warning.

But Melody leaned back, using the opportunity to pull Tiffany down with her.

A loud splash echoed as the water rose up.

Thalia appeared in the viden, rushing over in a panic, then ultimately choosing to swim toward Melody… Everyone knew what happened after that.

Thalia was dumbfounded, her lips trembling as she muttered, “So…everything I saw was a lie? So the choice I made…was wrong?” A wave of terror overtook her, and suddenly she screamed. “I kill Tiffany, my own daughter… I kill my child…” Eric, standing nearby, saw his mother’s breakdown and rushed to comfort her. He was about to reveal that Tiffany was safe when a sudden splatter of blood landed on his face.

“Mom!” “Honey!” Thalia had passed out.

Panicked, Charlie pressed the emergency button, and doctors rushed in. After an examination, one of them said, “The shock was too much for her.” They placed an oxygen mask on her and connected her to a heart monitor, instructing, “She’s stable for now, but she can’t handle any more stress. Press the button immediately if anything changes” “Understood, Charlie said, wiping the sweat from his forehead, feeling a lingering sense of dread.

He hadn’t anticipated things to turn out this way.

It was like unknowingly dealing another blow to Thalia.

Eric, his face streaked with tears, stayed close by her bedside, unwilling to leave her side.

Watching the scene, Wayne felt immense guilt. “Mr. Kelley, I’m so sorry.” “It’s not your fault. Thank you for showing me the truth.” Sometimes, even brutal truths needed to be faced.

Wayne nodded, then added, “By the way, Mr. Kelley, I stopped by your home this morning but only met Miss Melody.

“On my way here, I realized someone was following me. Once I got to the construction area behind the hospital, that person tried to kill me to silence me.” Charlie pressed, “What happened then?” “Miss Kelley saved me. She kicked the guy away in one blow. It was incredible.” Wayne’s ears turned red as he spoke, clearly in awe.

Charlie was stunned, but he didn’t dwell on the thought that this could be another suitor of Tiffany, He latched onto one crucial word and asked urgently, “What did you say? Are you sure you weren’t mistaken? Was it Tiffany?

“Of course.” Wayne nodded earnestly, “She’s too beautiful. There’s no mistaking it.” Charlie’s body shook with a mix of laughter and tears.

“Wonderful, just wonderful! That girl didn’t even bother telling us she was safe, making us worry needlessly,” Charlie started to cry as he spoke Wayne left with a feeling of satisfaction, as if he’d accomplished something great.

With a sense of relief, he left without asking for any reward or needing any thanks, departing without a word.

Ten minutes later, Melody arrived at the hospital.

She’d been nervous and afraid the whole way.

Melody thought. What could be on that video?!

She regretted not forcing the server to stay when she saw him at the villa gate. If she had, then none of this would be happening now.

Anxiety filled her heart.

As she entered the hospital room and felt the tension in the air, she looked up to see Charlie’s ice–cold expression.

Melody’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly walked forward, smiling as brightly as ever.

“Dad, Mom. I brought clam chowder from home for you both. Please have some while it’s still hot, Melody said.

The atmosphere was strangely silent.

After a long pause, Eric was the only one to speak. “What a hypocrite! Who knows if there’s poison in that clam chowder, you scheming snake,” Melody looked at him, hurt. “Eric… I’m your sister. How could you say that about me?” “Shut up. I don’t have a sister like you” Eric turned his head away, his face full of disdain.

he had truly been as innocent and pure as she appeared, he might not harbor such animosity.

But now, he was absolutely done with her.

Melody’s face was full of sadness as she turned to Charlie, pitifully holding out the thermos. “Dad, I had Lucy make it specially, and it’s still hot. Please, have a taste.” Charlie didn’t take it. Instead, he held up his phone, and, with a cold expression, opened the video and asked, “Care to explain this?”

Chapter 369 Chapter 369 Melody’s face changed instantly.

It trally was just as she had feared.

She regretted not detaining the server earlier.

No matter how meticulously she planned, she hadn’t counted on lowly server ruining everything, dragging her name through the mud in the process.

Melody clenched her teeth, but her expression was one of tears on the verge of falling “Thad, how can you question me like this? What did I do wrong?” Charlie’s expression remained cold. “Don’t you already know what you did wrong? Fine. I’ll let you see it for He played the video.

or yourself The footage captured her confrontation with Tiffany on the deck, along with snippets of incriminating words.

It was all Melody, saying things to provoke Tiffany, like how the Kelley family’s wealth was her rightful due.

Despite the distance and the wind muffling the sound, the most crucial words were clear, making her statements all the more chilling Charlie’s voice turned icy. ‘Do you have anything to say for yourself?” If it had been any other issue, perhaps he wouldn’t have been so angry.

But Tiffany was his bottom line.

It wasn’t me. I didn’t do it…” Melody shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Was I wrong to back away instinctively attacked? Falling into the river was an accident. I didn’t want it to happen either How can you condemn me based on a video that was probably tampered with? Or is it that, if I had been the one who drowned, you wouldn’t be so upset?” Melody sobbed, gasping as she cried.

Her performance was flawless, with no hint of insincerity.

To anyone unaware of the truth, she could easily seem like a victim Charlie closed his eyes, his voice steady but firm. “Then was Karl following that server just a coincidence? Should I bring your adoptive father here to confront you?

Karl was so greedy that if he were offered enough incentive, he would spill everything.

Melody thought, ‘Would he really go that far? I was his biological daughter, after all.

Melody stood up, tossing the thermos aside.

She said, “I see. My existence was a mistake from the very beginning. I could handle not being believed by others, but to think even my own parents doubt me..

Melody suddenly laughed bitterly, her expression unhinged.

Amid the commotion. Thalia slowly regained consciousness, and the first question she asked was, “Did you find Tiffany? Is she safe?” If anything had happened to Tiffany, she didn’t know how she would Charlie stepped forward to comfort her, but Melody quickly interjected, raising her voice, “She’s dead. She drowned long ago. Accept it.” In the next instant, the door burst open.

Everyone looked up to see a young woman in a blue dress standing against the light.

“Am I” Tiffany’s smile was faintly mocking, her radiant face flush with health.

Melody froze.

Last night, she had seen Tiffany sink into the deep water. In those circumstances, survival was impossible. And yet, here she was, looking perfectly fine.

Melody’s face filled with horror.

Charlie and Thalia, however, were overwhelmed with emotion, laughing and crying as they rushed toward Tiffany.

Thalia said, “Oh, thank goodness, Tiffany is back! Thank goodness!” “She’s alright” Charlie, having already heard the news from Wayne, was relatively composed.

But for Thalia, who had been wracked with guilt, seeing Tiffany safe and sound was a shock. Her emotions swung between joy and sorrow, “It’s all my fault, Thalia cried. “Punish me, scold me. I’m not fit to be your mother…” Tiffany wrapped her arms around Thalia. “It’s not your fault, Mom Although she had felt a twinge of sadness at the time, under such circumstances, no one would have had a moment to hesitate.

Besides, they were the family she owed so much in her past life and was determined to protect in this one. She couldn’t possibly resent them.

“Stop crying. I’m fine, Tiffany said.

Smiling, Tiffany gently wiped away Thalia’s tears, comforting her until she finally calmed down.

Eric took the opportunity to pounce on her, grinning as he hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go. Melody’s expression darkened. She thought, ‘From beginning to end, I have been the outcast… No matter where she went, she was met with rejection and disdain.

It was both pathetic and laughable.

Melody choked back tears, her lowered gaze revealed a calculating glint.

Then she stood up, picking up the fallen thermos and clutching it to her chest, taking slow steps toward Thalia Melody opened the lid, and the rich aroma of clam chowder waffed out.

She ladled a spoonful herself and held it to Thalia’s mouth.

Mon, Nov Melody said, “Mom, I know you don’t want to see me right now and I don’t expect you to believe me. But for your health. please have some soup.” Thalia looked at her, her expression complicated.

Originally, she had thought that once this hurdle was overcome the family could begin to accept each other, moving forward with love and understanding.

But after last night, she didn’t know how to face Melody.

Thalia turned away. “I don’t want it. Take it away.” “Mom, you have to drink it,” Melody said.

If Thalia didn’t drink the concoction in the chowder, the medicine wouldn’t take effect.

Melody’s tone grew pleading. “Just a sip, so I can feel a little better. Otherwise, if even my family rejects me, I really don’t have a reason to go on, Melody said.

Seeing Melody put it this way, Thalia reluctantly took a sip.

But she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more than clam chowder in that sip.

Melody smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction There was something called the Obedience Poison.

Once the poison took effect, the victim would have no choice but to obey the one who had given it.

On her way here, Melody had prepared this, carefully lacing the clam chowder with the substance.

Unlike bloodbite, this poison left no taste or odor that Tiffany could detect.

Telody had gone to great gone to great lengths.

Melody flashed a carefree smile, even turning her head with a challenging look toward Tiffany, who was caught up with Eric.

Tiffany’s brow furrowed slightly.

The room was filled with the strong aroma of clam chowder, mixed with the scent of nourishing herbs from the broth. Nothing else stood out… Tiffany thought, “What kind of scheme could she be plotting now?

Noticing Tiffany’s concerned expression, Eric asked, “What’s wrong?” “Oh, it’s nothing. What were you saying just now?” Eric said, “I was saying that Richard is even more impressive than I thought

Chapter 370 Chapter 370 Eric had said things like this more than once; in his eyes, Richard was almost awesome.

Richard publicly stood up for Tiffany last time.

And now, Richard had managed to rescue Tiffany from the river a feat no one else could achieve, yet he had.

The more Eric thought about it, the more admiration he felt., Tiffany couldn’t help but laugh. “Since when did you become his line fanboy?” “Not a fanboy, Eric corrected.

As the siblings whispered to each other, Charlie sat nearby, deep in thought.

After wrestling with it for a long time, he finally made a decision He had accepted Melody as his daughter. It wouldn’t be right to abandon her completely.

After all, as a father, Charlie couldn’t deny he shared responsibility for her mistakes.

But he couldn’t reconcile it with himself to let this pass without consequence.

So be decided to marry Melody off He would give her a grand wedding gift, and from that moment, she’d belong to another family. No matter how much she might still try, she couldn’t reach across that distance to harm Tiffany.

Charlie shared his decision with his wife.

He’d expected Thalia to hesitate, but to his surprise, she agreed immediately, Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Once I’m out of the hospital, we’ll visit the Harper family, Thalia:

“Alright.” That afternoon, after another round of tests confirmed there were no issues, Thalia was discharged said.

As they left the hospital and prepared to get into the car. Tiffany and Eric both reached out to support her, saying, “Mom, watch your step.

But Thalia brushed past them coldly, walking straight over to Melody with warmth. “Come on, Melody, let’s go home.” It wasn’t just Tiffany and Eric who were stunned. Even Charlie was baffled.

Charlie thought, Has she suddenly forgotten everything that had happened today? Otherwise, why was she acting so strangely?

Charlie reached out to check her forehead, only for her to slap his hand away. “What are you doing?” Her tone was light and teasing, no different from usual.

Charlie was left perplexed.

He called their doctor, who explained, “Your wife’s response suggests a form of post–traumatic stress disorder. To put it plainly, she has a dissociative identity issue. Take her to a therapist as soon as possible.” Charlie readily agreed and shared the situation with his children, urging, “Don’t worry too much. Your mom’s been under a lot of pressure these past few years.

“I’ll arrange for a therapist to come to the house tonight. She’ll be fine; don’t worry!

Eric nodded, still slightly dazed.

Only Tiffany frowned slightly, remaining silent.

If this truly was a split personality, then this version of Thalia was weighed down by a decade of guilt toward Melody. Her extreme fondness for Melody would make sense.

Was it really just a coincidence that she’d happened to have an episode at this very moment? Tiffany thought.

Tiffany’s brows knit together.

Thalia’s behavior at the hospital had been unusual, but once they got home, she’d practically forgotten she had two other children.

She hovered around Melody all day, fussing over her like a devoted mother, In her mind, it seemed as though she’d been transported back over a decade.

Unable to hold back, Charlie asked. “Aren’t you being a bit biased, only focusing on Melody? What about Tiffany and Eric? Thalia’s response was both dismissive and sharp. “What are you talking about? I only have one daughter.” She shot a frosty glance at Tiffany and Eric, adding bitterly. “Who knows who their mother is. Don’t bring them home again. 1 don’t want to see them.” Charlie was stunned.

Even the servants, who overheard, were dumbfounded. They nurmured that perhaps the brief hospital stay had left Thalia addled.

Yet, when it came to Melody, Thalia was as meticulous as ever, nstructing the servants, “Lucy, make sure the milk is at the right temperature. Has the bathtub been filled? And is Melody’s fruit platter ready?” The servants rushed around, bending over backward to serve her.

Only Melody seemed relaxed, lounging as she had her nails done In the hospital, after she fed that spoonful of clam chowder laced with bloodbite, she had whispered softly, I’m your only daughter. It’s only right for you to love me.” That line echoed in Thalia’s mind.

Eventually, it had become a command that Thalia had no choice but to obey.

Unless the bloodbite could be removed, no one would be able to break the spell over her.

Melody felt a pang of regret.

If she’d known how effective the obedience poison was, she would have used it sooner.

Around eight in the evening, a guest arrived at Cedar Ridge Vill It was the therapist Charlie had invited, Randall Berger.

To keep Thalia from suspecting anything, he dressed casually, carrying a simple briefcase. With his mild–mannered. demeanor and warm smile, he seemed friendly and approachable.

After observing her for a while, Randall quietly informed Charlie, “Mr. Kelley, I suggest using hypnosis to assess your wife’s condition.

“Patients with this kind of condition are typically highly suggestible, so through hypnosis, we can identify any alternate personalities and devise a treatment plan to integrate them back into a single identity.” Charlie listened and responded, “Mr. Berger, you’re the expert, and I trust you. Let me know how I can assist.” “All I need is a quiet room, and you’ll help reassure her during the process while I attempt the hypnosis,” Randall said. “Understood.” Charlie agreed immediately, then went to great lengths to coax Thalia away from Melody.

The hypnosis session went smoothly.

However, after half an hour, Randall delivered his conclusion.

“No, this won’t work,” Randall said.

“What do you mean?” Charlie asked.

Randall explained. “Your wife only has one personality, but she’s displaying dissociation characteristics. I’ve seen many patients in my practice, but this is my first time encountering something like this” “What should we do?” Charlie asked, distressed. “Are you saying she won’t recognize her own children anymore?” “That’s uncertain. We’ll need to continue treatment, but it’s a gradual process. You’ll need to prepare yourself for that,” Randall said.

Even after Randall left, Charlie remained lost in thought.

Eric clung to his arm and asked, “Dad, is it serious?” “Well… “It’s Okay. Tiffany and I won’t blame Mom. Maybe seeing us every day will help her remember us “Silly boy.” Charlie sighed, looking around and noticing Tiffany’s absence. “Where’s your sister?” “She went out,” Eric said.

Tiffany had gone to Luna Villa.