Chapter 304
– Sacrificing
Yolanda nodded in agreement and added, “Yes, Melody, this isn’t just about helping Mabel; it’s about helping yourself. Once Mabel marries into the Swanson family and becomes the mistress of the Swanson Group, your life will be much easier, and no one will look down on you because of your appearance anymore.”
Melody gave a cold, thin smile and said, “If I remember correctly, it was me who was originally engaged to the Swanson family, right?”
Yolanda’s face stiffened and turned ugly, she once again sought help from Russell as she was unable to directly refute Melody’s words,
Though momentarily choked, Russell quickly found his footing and spoke righteously, “Marriage should be between families of equal status. You know that our family can’t compare to the Swanson family in terms of standing; in this case, do you think they would accept you marrying into their family?”
Melody questioned, “So you just decided on your own to take my engagement and give it to Mabel?”
Russell’s face turned ashen, trying to justify his decision. Watch your words, this isn’t about taking anything from you; I’m just trying to preserve this marriage. Do you think the Swanson family’s two picky sons would have affection towards you with your unattractive face? Don’t think that just because you saved Mrs. Swanson’s life and Ken helped you a few times, he has feelings for you.”
Yolanda squeezed Russell’s hand and took two steps forward with a sincere expression, saying, “Melody, to be honest, marrying into the Swanson family isn’t entirely a good thing. Let’s consider your relationship with the Swanson family members, for instance. Astrid already dislikes you, so you might suffer some hardship if you join their family. But Mabel is different; I’ve raised her well, and Astrid can’t find fault with her. Since Mabel is willing to make such a big sacrifice for you and our family, you
Melody laughed outright. “So, Mabel isn’t taking my engagement but is helping me by sacrificing herself?” Yolanda’s face showed some discomfort, but she still nodded. “Of course, so don’t bring this up again.”
Melody smirked. “I can let it go, but you must choose between the marriage and Mr. Morgan’s matter, I will only agree to help with one.”
“You…” Yolanda suppressed her anger with effort while Mabel chimed in, “Melody, these two matters complement each other because only if I join Mr. Morgan’s team can I smoothly marry into the Swanson family. Don’t worry, once I’m married, I’ll surely compensate you.”
Melody responded, “So, you still want me to tell everyone that you took my engagement.”
Mabel clenched her fists and turned to Russell for help while Russell was also annoyed, looking at Mabel and replying, “You can just solve the question and join the research team without Melody helping in saying anything good. You’ve always been an excellent student, right?” “This…” Mabel wanted to say something but hesitated, eventually nodding. “Alright.”
“In that case, put your graduation thesis aside for now and postpone the preparation of the Best Celebrity contest since it’s still far away, and you should focus on solving Mr. Morgan’s problem first.”
Mabel nodded, feeling a deep sense of unwillingness, thinking that she could originally join Ander’s team without putting in effort if Melody helped her.
While Melody refused, Mabel found her being petty and said after taking a deep breath, “Melody, I choose the engagement. So, from today, I’m the one engaged to the Swanson family, and you can’t say otherwise, agreed?” “No problem.” Melody shrugged impatiently. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll go rest. I have to go to the hospital early tomorrow.”
With that, she didn’t give the three any time to respond and quickly walked to the backyard.
Mabel watched Melody’s departing figure, clenching her teeth as she promised not to let Melody have good days once she married into the Swanson family.
Mabel suddenly remembered that Pamela would seek revenge on Melody, thinking, ‘Why hasn’t there been any movement yet? What are the Clarks waiting for?’
Then, Mabel decided to visit Pamela the next day to find out as she couldn’t stand Melody’s arrogance anymore. Exhausted from the ordeal with the Morgan family, Russell went upstairs to rest and as soon as he left, Mabel couldn’t help but ask Yolanda, “Mom, isn’t Dad going to punish Melody?”
Yolanda tightened her grip and said, “That girl is lucky that Mr. Morgan came over; otherwise, she would have been beaten badly today. But don’t worry about that, a beating is just superficial, but what’s crucial now is about solving Mr. Morgan’s question. Do you think you can do it?”
Mabel felt a bit guilty but didn’t dare tell Yolanda that she had registered on a black market forum using her mother’s credentials and was seeking help from an expert.
While suppressing her guilt, Mabel said confidently, “It shouldn’t be a problem.”
Yolanda replied, “Good, if you can’t solve it, I’ll find someone to help. We must solve it, understand?”
Driven by vanity, Mabel’s confidence returned once the guilty conscience dissipated. “Mom, don’t worry; the problem is complex, but not unsolvable for me and I can handle it.”
Yolanda was proud of Mabel. “Alright, I believe in you. It’s very late today; go upstairs and rest first.”
Mabel asked, “What about you?”
Yolanda lowered her voice and said, “I’ll wait for the butler as I need to confirm with him that Hattie has been taken aboard the ship before I can feel at ease.”
Mabel asked, “Why didn’t you deal with her domestically?”
Yolanda replied, “Are you foolish? Ken is helping Melody now and what if he finds any clues? Solving this abroad ensures we aren’t discovered.”
Mabel nodded, finally feeling some satisfaction, cursing inwardly, “That old woman dared offend me over a dog; she deserves to be punished.”
Yolanda massaged her temples. “Enough, go rest now, and remember to wake up early to work on the problem tomorrow.”
“Got it.” With that, Mabel went upstairs and, once in her room, locked the door and logged into the black market forum on her bed.
*****
Meanwhile, in the backyard, Melody went to check on Maria, who was already asleep with only a maid taking care of her in the room.
Despite being meticulous and attentive in her work, the maid was quite indecisive, hurriedly going forward to greet Melody upon seeing her, “Miss Melody.”
After motioning for silence and quietly checking Maria’s pulse, Melody found the pulse good but still a little weak, indicating a rather slow recovery due to Maria’s age.
After that, Melody stood up and pulled the servant to the door, giving her a few instructions before returning to her room.
As soon as she returned to her room, her phone rang and showed that it was Ken calling over.
She pressed the answer button and heard Ken’s deep voice. “Is everything all right?”
Her heart suddenly beat wildly when she heard his concern.