Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

“Miss Fox, this shop is yours, and you shouldn’t worry about managing it–I will handle that for you. Even if she holds the contract, it will have no effect. You are the only one who has the authority to make decisions here!” Wilmot stated with a fervent conviction. 

“L… Melody appeared utterly terrified, shaking her head back and forth repeatedly. “Let’s just drop it, better to let it go…” 

Seeing Melody in such a state of fear, Wilmo became even more convinced that the contract must have been forcibly taken by her stepmother. 

He firmly grasped Melody’s hand, reassuringly stating, “Miss Fox If you are too scared, I will personally accompany you to 

retrieve it!” 

Although not particularly powerful or influential, Wilmot, equipped with his exceptional skills in makeup and styling and his extensive network, felt vastly superior to the Fox family and more than capable of confronting them. 

The situation caught the attention of several high–society ladies, who exchanged knowing glances and suggested, “We are actually on our way to the Fox residence 100. We can escort you there,” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Without waiting for a reply, they took Wilmot and Melody with them and promptly left the building. 

Melody, hesitantly compliant, signaled subtly to the driver who had been waiting at the mall entrance as they walked out. Confused by the situation but catching the cue from Melody’s eyes, the driver did not come over to greet them but instead started the car and followed them discreetly. 

Upon arriving at the Fox residence, the driver then discreetly departed the scene. 

At the entrance, Wilmot did not forget to offer words of comfort “Miss Fox, do not be frightened. I am here with you. Your stepmother cannot harm you; what is rightfully yours will remam yours.” 

Melody nodded meekly, emitting a soft hum in agreement. 

This submissive demeanor deeply troubled the observing ladies who couldn’t help but shake their heads at the sight. What Yolanda had done was indeed too much! 

In their social circle, having a stepmother was common, but none exhibited bias as blatantly as Yolanda. 

She was foolish, malicious, and utterly petty! 

“Miss Fox, do not fret. We will also advocate on your behalf.” 

“Thank you, truly, thank you…” After expressing her gratitude, they rang the doorbell to the Fox residence, 

The butler, who opened the door, did not recognize Wilmot but did recognize the prominent ladies. He completely overlooked Melody and enthusiastically welcomed the ladies with a gesture. 

Once again, the ladies shook their heads at this, pitying Melody for the disdainful treatment she received even from her own household staff. 

This further affirmed Wilmot and the ladies‘ resolve to support Melody in her quest for justice. 

Leading them through to the hall, the butler showcased the grandeur of the Fox residence. 

The hall buzzed with guests, with Mabel captivating everyone’s attention in the center. 

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Mabel’s eyes, accentuated with refined makeup and dramatically curled lashes, shimmered like sparkling diamonds. 

She wore a délicate light blue silk satin evening gown, elegantly embellished with Swarovski crystals. Although the crystals themselves were inexpensive, the total ensemble was valued at no less than five million. 

Despite the dwindling fortunes of the Fox family, Mabel spared no expense on her appearance, consistently choosing only the finest. 

Her mere presence was enough to draw all eyes to her, creating subtle ripples of admiration and envy amongst the guests. Mabel relished the glances, both admiring and jealous, from the crowd, feeling a surge of pride swell within her. 

See, she was the one truly worthy of Ulric Swanson’s attention; as for that monstrosity, Melody… well, she was simply out of her league! 

Even if Melody had briefly outshone others at the tea room yesterday and had later been taken to meet the elder Mrs. Swanson by her grandmother, it mattered little. 

Mabel knew that leveraging her inherent beauty was enough to keep Melody beneath her. 

After a night of scolding from Yolanda, Mabel had adjusted her mindset and now carried herself with the grace and poise of a leading socialite, 

Yolanda watched her daughter with a mixture of pride and smug satisfaction. 

The guests did not hold back their compliments. 

“She truly is Silverlake’s top socialite, Miss Fox, you are absolutely stunning!” 

“Miss Fox could turn even a sack into a trendsetter; she is a born fashion icon.” 

“Yolanda, you are blessed to have such a beautiful daughter!” 

Despite her internal pride, Yolanda maintained a facade of humility. 

“Oh, it’s nothing really. This child can be quite the little madam at times; sometimes she’s as stubborn as a mule, and there’s no stopping her!” 

“Oh, all young ladies are like that! Mabel is already so understanding and well–mannered.” 

Yolanda smiled, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed pride. She offhandedly remarked, “Melody went out early today: I wonder why she hasn’t returned yet. That child, oh… 

“Are you referring to your stepdaughter? That child is indeed… quite a handful!” 

Yolanda and Mabel’s sense of superiority intensified. 

Compared to Melody, Mabel was akin to a celestial being, while Melody was nothing more than a despised insect, utterly incomparable! 

The crowd continued to shower Mabel with attention, completely oblivious to Melody’s quiet entrance. 

-Melody observed everything with a stoic expression, her inner calm undisturbed. 

In her previous life, it had always been this way: whenever she gained recognition through the skills learned from her master, Yolanda would invariably host a gathering the following day, inviting friends and family to ridicule her for her unattractive appearance, all to elevate Mabel. 

This was precisely why she had made a special trip to the styling salon. 

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Previously, she had endured constant mistreatment; this time around, she was determined not to suffer any longer. 

Yolanda had indeed lived up to her expectations by inviting numerous notable figures to “admire her supposed 

unattractiveness. 

In a fleeting moment, Melody turned towards Wilmot with a look of discomfort. 

“Mr. Sherman… 

She was reluctant to exploit anyone, but circumstances dictated that she seize this opportunity to reclaim what was rightfully hers! 

As for Wilmot, she intended to offer him an apology once the matter was resolved. 

Her appearance of vulnerability only fueled Wilmot’s indignation. 

He advanced a step, deliberately elevating his voice. “Miss Mabels beauty is truly breathtaking!” 

This proclamation effectively diverted the attention of Yolanda and Mabel towards him. 

The guests also instinctively turned their gaze towards Wilmot and Melody. 

Yolanda was quick to notice the unusual tone in Wilmor’s voice; she had not invited him to their home, yet here he was, unexpectedly appearing alongside Melody, possibly signaling impending trouble… 

Mabel’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly remembering the contract her mother had seized from Melody. 

Mabel’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly remembering the contract her mother had seized from Melody. 

Yolanda furrowed her brows deeply, choosing to disregard Wilmot’s remarks, and quickly approached Melody. With a firm grip, she pulled her aside and whispered in a stern, low tone, “Melody! What kind of game do you think you’re playing here! 

“Yolanda, what are you referring to? I’m afraid I don’t quite understand, Melody responded, her head gently shaking as she portrayed an image of bewildered innocence, her face a perfect depiction of confusion. 

The onlookers, witnessing this exchange, exhibited expressions of surprise and curiosity. The sudden tension between the stepmother and stepdaughter piqued their interest, drawing murmurs from the crowd. 

However, Yolanda, standing intimately close to Melody, could discern that the supposed confusion on Melody’s face was nothing but a shallow façade. She knew her stepdaughter better than anyone else could. 

Because a closer look would reveal the sarcasm hidden deep within Melody’s eyes, as if she and Mabel were merely two jesters in a farcical play.