Chapter 259

James felt confused by Ken’s question. You mean… she doesn’t? the next moment, his head was smacked by Ken, making him wince in pain.

If you had the wits that Melody had, I’d feel a lot more relaxed, Ken said, his tone flat.

James rubbed his head, feeling indignant. He complained inwardly, Melody might have some medical skills and a bit of cleverness, but when have I ever let you down? Still, he didn’t dare argue and asked timidly: Mr. Ken, what do you mean by that? If she doesn’t love vanity, why did she insist on buying that necklace?

She did it for… Ken replied. James was all ears, but just then, the car door swung open, and Melody popped her head in. Could you open the trunk? I need to put the items in the back.

Knowing Melody’s request, Ken stepped out of the car immediately to talk to the staff members. Seeing Ken, the staff were shocked for a second then quickly arranged for a separate car to transport the antique vase Melody had bought.

Melody muttered, is this really necessary?

James heard her and scoffed. That’s a heirloom of Mr. Ken’s mother, fragile too! How could it be put in the trunk?

Thoughtless! I don’t know why he thinks you’re smarter than me.

Melody ignored James’s first remark and focused on the latter. Ken thinks I’m smart? Curious, she thought, does this mean he acknowledges my abilities?

James chuckled. Do you really think you’re smart? Would a smart person put an antique vase worth a million dollars in the trunk?

Melody said nothing, used to James’ disdain. She got into the back seat. Soon, Ken came back, sitting beside her casually asked, your stuff’s in the trunk. Where to now?

Back to my family home, Melody replied.

Ken nodded indifferently, then suddenly said, You owe me three meals.

Melody was confused. When did that happen?

Ke turned to look at her, his gaze cold. You stayed at my place for a night. According to our agreement, a night’s stay means you owe me breakfast the next day.

Ken’s words reminded Melody. She remembered she had left Serenity Villa and moved back home the next morning to avoid disturbing Janet and Ken. She couldn’t believe that Ken treating her like a personal chef now, and she didn’t like the feeling. But since Ken had paid for the herbs and equipment tonight, she had no choice but to agree reluctantly, Fine! After I’m done with Icy Clear Cosmetics, I’ll cook for you for a day.

Ken’s face darkened further as Melody seemed unwilling. He thought to himself, across the whole Halcyon, all women would jump at the chance to cook for me. Yet, you were reluctant! Then he coldly said, I don’t like forcing people. If you don’t want to do it, forget it.

I don’t have to cook? Melody said quickly. Then forget it! Susan’s cooking is pretty good too.

Ken’s face turned black as he looked away, refusing to look at her again.

James snickered silently from the rearview mirror. Is this the way a smart person talks? She can’t even tell the difference between a true and false statement! I’m definitely smarter than her, he mocked inwardly.

Melody noticed Ken’s bad mood but didn’t understand why. Wasn’t it him who said I didn’t have to cook? She wondered but didn’t ask further or explain. She had learned that Ken was angry, anything she said would just make it worse. Ignoring him would let him cool down on his own.

Ken turned away, waiting for a while and seeing that Melody remained silent. His mood worsened. This stupid woman! He bellowed in his mind. Then, the two rode in silence throughout the way.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the residential complex of Melody’s family home. Melody got out of the car and said, Thanks for the ride. I’ll pay you back for the auction items in a few days. But I’ll leave my stuff with you for now and pick them up from Serenity Villa tomorrow. It’s a bit inconvenient to take it home now with everyone around.

Ken didn’t reply, just instructed James: Drive. As if he didn’t want to hear another word from her.

The car sped off quickly, like an arrow leaving a bow. Melody felt no turmoil, just relief. This meant Ken agreed to keep her things for now. Such a decent man, she thought as she glanced gratefully at the departing car and turned towards home.

As soon as Melody returned home, she heard Russell praising Mabel. You did great! If Ulric can spend 20 million dollars on a necklace for you, it means he really cares. You need to hold onto him tight and bring up marriage when you get the chance, understood? Russell believed, unlike Yolanda, that a girl’s modesty wasn’t valuable, so it’d be better to secure things early.

Mabel quickly nodded, though she felt a bit guilty. She wanted to marry into the Swanson family soon, but Ulric had been busy lately. Apart from a brief meeting at the pool hall, he hadn’t asked her out again. If he hadn’t paid for her today, she would have doubted her own charm. She knew she needed to find a way to get closer to him.

Just as Mabel was thinking, she saw Melody at the door. She immediately tried to stir up trouble, asking with concern, Melody, you’re back? Where did you get the money for the auction? You didn’t borrow from some shady place, did you? That would be bad if interest compounds like that, you’ll be unable to repay.

Russell, seeing Melody, got angry right away. Get over here!

Melody walked forward calmly and said, Dad.

Do you have the face to call me your father? Russell’s face was dark. Tell me, where did you get the money? And how much do you still have?

Upon hearing this, Melody glanced sideways at Mabel. Seeing the amused look on Mabel’s face, Melody instantly realized that Mabel had already told Russell everything that happened at the auction.

Without waiting for Melody to speak, Yolanda, with a lecturing tone, said. Melody, I may not be your biological mother, but I have to say that you’ve gone too far this time. How could you spend so much money on something unnecessary? Don’t you know the family is short on funds for building the factory? Do you only care about yourself and not this family?

Mabel and Yolanda, the duo spoke in turns, making Russell’s anger flare up even more. His eyes were sharp, almost as if he wanted to pierce through Melody.

Melody looked deeply at Russell. Her father, who had been so gentle and patient just yesterday, had now turned on her in an instant. Thinking that those who truly care about personal interests were ironically them, Melody felt a surge of disappointment but kept her face composed. She put on a hurt expression and softly said, Dad, you’ve misunderstood me.