Chapter 699
James Deed continued, “We’ve already sent a car after them based on their route.”
Ken nodded. “Make sure she isn’t aware of being followed. Once you find her location, keep a close watch on her every move.”
“Understood,” James replied and quickly made a call.
Melody was still trying to figure out who Jennie might be planning to poison, but the more she thought about it, the less certain she felt.
“Don’t overthink it,” Ken said, reaching out to touch her face. Noticing how cold her skin was, he frowned. “You’re not dressed warmly enough. Let’s head back. Marfgaret just recovered from her illness, and you don’t want to catch a cold yourself.”
Melody’s cheeks flushed again as Ken’s touch lingered. ‘Why does it seem like ever since I had turned down what seemed like Ken’s confession, he had become more comfortable with these small, intimate gestures?’ Melody thought.
Coughing, Melody covered her mouth, trying to compose herself. “Got it. We can think about it more once we’re back.”
Ken couldn’t help but smile at her flustered reaction.
As they walked back, Ken’s expression grew serious again. He reminded James, “Make sure you catch her and keep a close eye. Report back to me if anything happens.”
“Yes!” James replied firmly.
As Ken walked away, James’s thoughts were a jumble. ‘Damn, Mr. Ken seems really taken with Melody!’
What troubled James even more was how he had once believed Melody wasn’t a good match for Ken. Yet now, James was starting to accept it, almost too easily.
‘What’s happening to me? Have I really started to come around to this?’
*****
Back in her room, Melody felt a slight stuffiness in her nose and decided to take a hot shower. When she emerged, she found Ken asleep on the sofa, a tablet still in his hand, evidence of his exhaustion.
Melody felt tired too, but Ken’s workload was even greater than hers. He woke up early, stayed up late, and sometimes had to help her with her own tasks. It was wearing him down.
She noticed the deep furrow in Ken’s brow and instinctively reached out to smooth it. He always seemed to frown in his sleep.
But suddenly, Ken’s eyes snapped open.
Startled, Melody quickly pulled her hand back, stammering, “I-if you’re tired, you should sleep in bed. There’s always more work to do tomorrow.”
Ken paused for a moment, his vision clearing as he woke fully. Then he smiled slightly and turned off the tablet. “You’re right. I’m exhausted. Let’s go to bed.”
Melody’s ears turned red again.
As she lay in bed, she regretted her reaction. She had been married before. Even though Ulric had never touched her in her previous life, she knew enough. ‘So why am I blushing like a teenager? Ugh. I should get a checkup. Maybe there’s something wrong with my kidneys.
Blushing this easily can be a sign of kidney issues,’ Melody thought.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Melody slowly drifted off to sleep.
In her dreams, she once again felt as if her body was floating. When she opened her eyes, she was shocked to find herself back in the operating room where she had died in her previous life.
She had turned into that same transparent fog, watching the mother and daughter below. The same conversation played out, the same plot, the same moment when Ulric attacked Ken from behind.
“No!”
Melody suddenly woke up, staring at the white ceiling of her bedroom. Reaching out, she noticed that Ken, who should have been beside her, was gone, but his pillow was still warm.
Melody was disoriented and shocked. ‘Did I have the same dream again?’ she thought. ‘What are the odds of having the exact same dream twice?’
Just then, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.
‘Ken is still here?’
For some reason, she instinctively closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.
Ken didn’t seem to notice. After coming out of the bathroom, he gently tucked her hand under the blanket and made sure the corners were snug before quietly leaving the room.
Once the door clicked shut, Melody slowly opened her eyes.
That dream was so strange.
But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. After lying in bed for a while longer, she got up to start her day.
Today, she wore a more formal black suit. After bidding farewell to Margaret, she took a car to visit Ander.
Fortunately, Lucas Morgan was home. When he heard she had come to visit, he rushed to greet her despite the butler’s objections.
“Melody!” Lucas beamed as he approached.
Melody looked him over, then asked him to extend his hand.
Lucas obediently held out his hand so she could check his pulse.
A minute later, Melody let go and said, “You’re almost fully recovered.”
Lucas grinned. “Melody, since we agreed before, can I start working at your clinic?”
Melody shook her head. “Even though you’re almost better, your body is still weak. You need to rest a while longer. You shouldn’t be on your feet for too long.”
Lucas looked disappointed but nodded. “I understand. I’ll come as soon as I’m fully recovered.”
He had been so bored since leaving the hospital. The butler wouldn’t even let him go outside, and he felt like he was going stir-crazy. But he knew Melody was right.
“By the way, don’t just stand at the door. Come in and talk.”
Melody nodded, and as she followed Lucas into the Morgan family’s reception hall, she asked, “When are your parents coming back?”
“The conference lasts seven days. Including travel time, it should be another four to five days. Did you need something from them?”
Melody explained the reason for her visit. “Actually, I wanted to borrow your mother’s laboratory. Doesn’t she have equipment at home to analyze chemical compositions? I found a bag of powder that might be poisonous and want to test it.”
“I see. I’ll take you there now.”
“Should we call your mother first?”
“No need!” Lucas waved it off. “Before she left, she said you’re welcome to use the lab anytime. You don’t need to ask her first.”
Melody’s heart warmed at the thought. She smiled. “Thank you.”
“It’s no trouble! Let’s go!”
As they walked, Lucas asked, “Melody, when are you going to have an official meal with us? My parents said they want to formally treat you as their goddaughter.”