Chapter 291

– Distrust

At the entrance of the Morgan residence, the old servant gestured for Jessica and Leo to enter. They had initially thought they would leave empty-handed today. Now, with Zoe suddenly willing to see them, their faces lit up and they hurriedly followed the servant inside.

However, Leo, having been through various situations, began to sense something amiss. He deliberately lagged a few steps behind, pulling Jessica’s shirt and whispering, Why do I feel like something’s off? Why would she suddenly want to see us after keeping us waiting for so long?”

Jessica pursed her lips. “Isn’t it a good thing she’s willing to meet us? Why are you overthinking this?”

Leo frowned. “But I checked this morning. The Morgan family does not get involved in businesses like ours. It doesn’t make sense for Zoe to meet us so readily.”

Jessica hesitated briefly. “I heard Zoe’s son, Lucas, is still in critical condition in the ICU after a car accident. It’s unclear if he’s alive or dead. Could that be why?”

“Is her son alive or dead?” Leo pressed.

“Hmm… I just heard that a doctor performed surgery on their son, but how many such extraordinary doctors can there really be in this world? I suspect that she’s about to lose her son, so she’s looking to secure funds for her retirement. After all, scientific research doesn’t always pay as well as our business,” Jessica speculated.

“If that’s the case, I understand. Let’s go,” Leo conceded.

The two continued their discussion as they soon arrived at the reception hall. Zoe was sitting at the main seat of the reception pavilion. A woman in a servant’s uniform and mask stood nearby, but they paid her little attention.

“Please, take a seat,” Zoe greeted warmly, instructing her servants to serve the coffee. “I’ve heard of Miss Summers’s reputation. It seems your new product is involved in a lawsuit?”

Jessica’s smile faltered briefly before she regained her composure. “The business world is indeed chaotic. Some are envious of our new products, but we’re confident the issue will be resolved soon.”

“Why are you two looking for me?” Zoe asked directly.

“It’s like this,” Jessica began, quickly explaining the purpose of her visit. She talked about how she had entered into a betting contract with Icy Clear Cosmetics. “We’re seeking an expert to testify on the day of the contract’s fulfillment. You are renowned as the most authoritative figure in this industry, so we’d like to invite you.”

Zoe’s expression softened in understanding. After a brief pause, she apologized, “I’m sorry, my son was injured in a car accident. His life is still in danger. I’m afraid I cannot spare the time.”

Jessica had anticipated Zoe’s refusal. She took a

deliberate step forward and presented a bag containing tonic gift boxes. “Mrs. Morgan, we’ve also heard about your son. This is a small token of our appreciation for him.”

Zoe glanced at the gift box and noticed a bank card placed discreetly on top, with a password written beside it. Anger flickered in her eyes, but she glanced at the “servant” beside her and suppressed her emotions, looking away. Noticing Zoe’s attention on the bank card, Jessica smiled warmly. “There will be plenty of professional instruments on the day of the betting day. It won’t take much of your time. Besides, you’re the most suitable candidate we could find. Could you spare two hours to honor us with your presence as our witness?”

Zoe took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright, since it won’t take much time, I’ll agree to go.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Morgan!” Jessica’s eyes were filled with joy. After exchanging a few more polite words, she left.

As they walked away from the Morgan family home, Leo muttered, “Money really does make the world go round. No matter how proud someone is, they’ll bow down to money. If this is the case, whether Melody can develop a product better than All-Purpose Water or Golden Water, she’s definitely going to lose this bet!”

Jessica raised his eyebrows slightly. “I’m looking forward to seeing that bitch’s expression when the time comes.”

The two of them looked at each other and laughed.

*****

As soon as Jessica and Leo left, Zoe turned to the “servant” beside her, her anger evident. “Those two expect me to help them on the betting day! Do they really think I’m that kind of person?”

Melody pulled out her phone from her sleeve, stopping the recording. She gently reassured Zoe, “Don’t be upset. There are many people like them in the business world. It’s become a common practice. On the day of the bet, you don’t have to take sides. Just announce the results fairly. I’m confident I can beat them.”

Zoe sighed. “Don’t worry. When the time comes, I will expose their deceitful tactics!”

Night fell quickly. Melody had fine-tuned the formula and was set to create the final product the next day. Just as she was about to bid Zoe goodbye, her phone rang. It was Colin.

“Colin,” Melody answered, “Have you arrived?”

“Yes, I just got off the cruise ship. I was going to take a taxi to the village. But guess who I saw when I got off the cruise ship!” Colin exclaimed.

Melody frowned. “Who?”

“The guy who often follows you to Herbathrive… uh…” Colin muttered.

“James Deeds?” Melody asked.

“Yes! That’s his name! Did you call him over too?” Colin replied.

“No,” Melody hesitated, wondering why would James go to the village where she grew up. She quickly asked, “Did he see you?”

“No. I wanted to make sure to not leak any information about Quentin,” Colin reassured her.

Melody nodded. “You must avoid being discovered by him.

He might have been sent by someone to investigate me.”

Colin’s tone was filled with confusion as he asked, “Isn’t he, your man?”

“Not exactly. It’s complicated. I can’t explain it all now, but please be careful. If you feel something’s wrong, don’t go to Quentin immediately.”

“Okay,” Colin agreed.

“Be careful. To ensure no information is leaked, don’t call me for a while and delete my contact information,” Melody instructed.

“Okay, got it,” Colin replied.

Melody gave a few more reminders before hanging up. No wonder James had disappeared after detoxifying the

poison that day. If Ken had said it was a business trip, it must have been. But going on a business trip to investigate her!

She thought her recent interactions had been enough to earn Ken’s trust, but it seemed she had overestimated her importance to him. It made her feel like a thousand ants were gnawing at her heart, which felt even worse than the lack of favoritism she experienced from Russell.

‘If he was just an ally, why did it make her so upset?’ she thought.

Just then, Ken called. Her expression turned even more sour.

After a few seconds, Melody took a deep breath and answered. “What’s wrong?”

There was a brief silence before Ken asked, “Are you in a bad mood?”

“No, I’m in a great mood,” Melody snapped.

“I heard that you have to interpret what women say the opposite way. Since you’re in a bad mood, I’ll take you out to relax. Coincidentally, a friend of mine is returning to the country today. I’m going to welcome him. He’s also from Ximber Tech. Let’s have dinner together.”

“No, I’m not from Ximber Tech yet. It’s inconvenient for me to join. I’m very busy today. You guys go ahead,” Melody said and hung up.

She scratched her head in frustration, hating herself for not having the courage to question Ken directly. She wanted to ask him what he didn’t trust about her. However, it was useless to explain to someone who didn’t trust her. She might as well let them investigate. In any case, Quentin’s location was not easy to find, and no one would know the secret of her rebirth

Melody lowered her eyes and sat in the studio for a long time before getting up to say goodbye to Zoe.

When she walked out the door, she was surprised to find a tall, straight figure leaning against the car door, waiting for her.