Chapter 263

Ken’s words hit the Lawrence family like a heavy blow to the heart.

Malicious injury alone could lead to several years in prison, let alone whatever else might have come to light. Fairlee and Bobby had been taken away, and now Barclay and Benny were facing the same fate. Every promising member of the Lawrence family was now behind bars, and the family’s future was in ruins.

Sara’s vision darkened, and she collapsed unconscious.

Mom… Cries echoed through the Lawrence residence, but Ken didn’t look back as he left. The Lawrence family had brought it upon themselves, that was all there was to it.

After leaving, Ken returned straight to his car. Drive! his voice was cold, brows furrowed, lips tight, radiating a chilling aura that made James feel Ken was on thin ice. James dared not ask what had happened, driving cautiously until they arrived at the Serenity Villa’s gate. Mr. Ken,, We’re here, James finally dared to utter.

Without a travel of emotion in his voice, Ken ordered. To the Swanson Villa. This surprised James, as Ken rarely voluntarily returned to the family villa. James wondered what had happened. However, unsure of what to expect, he shot a sideways glance at Ken but didn’t dare ask further. Instead, he just replied, Okay and the car sped away toward the villa.

The next day came in a flash. Melody woke to her alarm blaring. She instinctively checked her phone; still no reply from Ken to her message. Something felt off, but she didn’t want to disturb him, so she held back from messaging again.

However, she stumbled upon the headline news of the day by chance. The Lawrence family in Silverlake was implicated in criminal activities; Fairlee and Benny Lawrence were detained for investigation. Melody’s heart skipped a beat; she hadn’t expected Ken to move so fast.

Quickly clicking into the news, Melody found detailed accounts of Fairlee and Benny’s alleged crimes, along with accusations of how Bobby and Barclay had bullied people in the past. The comments section was flooded with criticisms of the Lawrence family. It was clear that with this news, the entire Lawrence family, except for Barclay’s parents, was likely done. Yet, since Barclay’s parents were in business, their reputation could still take a hit.

Just then, James’s call came through. As soon as Melody answered, she heard James’s displeased voice. Melody, I didn’t realize you were this scheming! Mr. Ken is already married to you, what more do you want? Do you think announcing your marriage can secure your position as a Mrs. Swanson? You have to know that once your marriage news goes public, you’ll become Silverlake’s laughingstock and target!

Melody couldn’t help but frown. James, what are you talking about? When did I ever want to announce our marriage?

Don’t pretend. I know everything now! I used to admire your capability, but now I realize I was fooled! With that, James hung up abruptly. Melody’s mind was spinning with questions; she couldn’t resist calling back, but the line went dead after two rings. James had hung up on her.

Melody pursed her lips, confused about what happened. She quickly got up, washed, and went to check on Maria as usual, taking her pulse before heading to the living room for breakfast.

Normally, this would be the time when Russell and Yolanda would also be having breakfast, but the dining room was empty. Instead, Melody found Mabel in high spirits, sitting on the sofa and playing with her phone. Mabel smiled as she saw Melody. “Good morning, Melody!”

Melody was surprised; normally, Mabel wouldn’t greet her. Mabel and James’s unusual behaviors made Meldoy feel uneasy. She wondered what had happened.

Unable to find answers from Mabel, Melody headed straight to James to get some clarity after everything was settled in the morning. Ignoring Mabel’s smug and disdainful gaze, she quickly ate breakfast and hailed a taxi to leave. Mabel leisurely sipped her coffee, watching Melody leave. She had wanted so badly to show off in front of Meldoy just now, but she managed to hold herself back. Until everything was settled, Mabel knew she needed to keep herself cool.

As she stood up, preparing to go to make another cup of coffee, she suddenly felt her face itching. She couldn’t help scratching it, feeling a bit strange. Since last night, her face had been feeling itchy, but nothing showed on the surface; it still looked smooth and hydrated.

Is it that I haven’t been cleaning properly recently? My face is the most important asset; thinking this, Mabel abandoned her coffee, went upstairs, and started doing facial cleanse, even arranging for a beautician to come over for a deep cleaning at home.

On the other side, after Melody left, she went straight to the Serenity Villa. The equipment she needed for her new product was still with Ken; she had to get it back to continue her work.

However, upon arriving at Serenity Villa, Susan informed her that Ken hadn’t returned home the previous night. Susan reminded her that if Mr. Ken didn’t come back to stay, he would most likely stay at the Swanson’s Villa. If he’s on a business trip, he usually informs me. Why don’t you go to the villa and ask?

Melody nodded. I guess, I’ll have to. Without the equipment, she couldn’t continue her work today.

About half an hour later, the car arrived at the Swanson’s villa. The villa was as grand and luxurious as ever, exuding understated opulence. But Melod noticed that Russell’s car was parked at the gate.

Why is Russell’s here? Melody doubted in her mind as she entered the estate. The security guard at the gate was very polite to her, smiling as he led the way. Mrs. Margaret was asking about you yesterday, saying you hadn’t visited her in a few days. And now here you are. But she went out for breakfast; she’s not home right now, but she should be back soon.

Melody nodded, distracted by her many doubts. Without bothering to chat with the guard, she just responded with a few perfunctory words. No problem. I’m just here to pick up something and then leave.

As she reached the villa’s entrance, she heard Russell’s voice. Mrs. Swanson, what do you mean by that? What do you mean Ken has already married our daughter? It’s true our family isn’t what it used to be, but you can’t just break our original agreement with such a ridiculous lie that nobody believes.

Melody couldn’t help but stop in her tracks, turning her head to signal the guard to keep quiet. Not reporting her arrival was against the rules, but the guard knew that Margaret favored Melody, so he cooperated and stayed silent.

Astrid’s voice rang out with a hint of mockery. It seems like you still don’t know… Didn’t Melody tell you? She’s already married to Ken. It happened right after you locked her up and she got a fever that landed her in the hospital.

What… what? Russell’s heart was filled with shock and elation. Beside him, Yolanda’s face drained of color, turning as white as a sheet. Mrs. Swanson, You can’t joke about something like this…