Chapter <b>7</b>
Ynda nced at Melody,pletely engrossed in her <b>meal</b>, and couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. The Swanson family. they’re global big–shots. A sneeze from them and the whole damn country feels it. There’s no way they’d ever look at Melody. Only someone like my daughter is fit for such a high–ss alliance!
Despite thinking this, Ynda responded outwardly with amitment. “Got it. Once we’re there, I’ll make sure Melody rubs elbows with all the right high–societydies in Silveke.”
Maria <b>gave </b>Ynda a doubtful look. “Are you actually gonna follow through?”
Ynda’s smile faltered momentarily but quickly regainedposure. “Of course, Melody <b>is </b>my daughter too, after all. Who wouldn’t want the best for their own child?”
Just then, Mabel chimed in. ‘Grandma, Mom might not say it, but I have to. I checked the coat myself–it was the one that recently got resized. The tailor identally left a needle in it, and <b>that’s </b><b>what </b>caused all the fuss.”
“Mabel, enough<b>! </b>Ynda feigned <b>a </b>scold, stealing a nce at Maria’s reaction, which seemed to soften a bit. Maria <b>wasn’t </b>Ynda’s biggest fan but certainly had a soft spot for Mabel.
Mabel often stepped in to exin things, and even though Ynda acted like she <b>didn’t </b>want her to, it always made Maria believe Mabel more.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.
Maria sighed and resolved the tension. “Well, if it was just a misunderstanding, let’s move on. Melody, don’t be upset with your mom<b>. </b>We’re all family here.”
Melody was irked but masked it with apliant smile, thinking she’d just y along for now. “Understood, Grandma. <b>I </b>wouldn’t hold a grudge against family,”
That’s my girl. Now, eat up. You need to <b>put </b>some weight on, Maria encouraged, passing more food to Melody, <b>who </b>pretended to enjoy her meal, though it now tasted <b>nd</b>.
After dinner, Ynda promptly took Mabel upstairs. Mabel protested. “Mom,e on! I’m still eating here!”
“<b>Always </b>about food with you! Do <b>you </b>have any idea what Maria is trying to pull by parading Melody in front of the Swansont family! Ynda retorted.
Mabel looked puzzled. “What could she possibly be up to? Isn’t it just introducing Melody to the <b>high </b>society of Silveke?”
Ynda took <b>a </b>deep breath andid it out. “You’re clueless. <b>Back </b>when Melody’s mom was <b>alive</b>, she brokered a marriage with Ulric Swanson, the second young <b>master </b>of the Swanson family.”
Jealousy contorted Mabel’s face. “I can’t even get near the Swansons, and Melody gets a golden ticket because of her mom? <b>Are </b><b>you </b>seriously trying to help her climb up to the Swansons?”
“<b>You’re </b><b>such </b>an idiot!” Ynda <b>snapped </b>in exasperation. Think about it. If even you don’t dare to dream about getting into the Swanson family, how could Melody possibly <b>have </b>a chance?
“You’re right… With Melody’s <b>face </b>that <b>could </b>scare off ghosts, Mr. Swanson wouldn’t even give her the time of day. So, what’s the n Mable asked.
Ynda squinted and said, “We’ll casually bring up that marriage in front of everyone. The Swanson family and others will think Melody <b>is </b>just some <b>desperate </b>girl trying to snag herself a rich guy. Then, you have to show off your best self, <b>make </b>it clear you’re nothing like her. As for the rest of the <b>n</b>, I’ll fill you inter.
Mabel finally understood Ynda’s scheme and smirked<b>. </b><b>“</b>So, tomorrow everyone’s gonna see Melody as this clueless girl trying to climb the socialdder.
Chapter 7
Ynda noded. “Exactly! Then, I’ll suggest <b>you </b>take Melody’s ce at the right moment. Who do you think Mrs. Swanson would choose,pared to that in Melody?”
Definitely me! Even if the second <b>son </b>ia disabled, the Swanson family is a cut above the rest. Mabel felt a rush i She was about to step into the Swanson family.
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excitement.
Night descended swiftly, cloaking everything in darkness. Melody had learned Maria’s routine; three doses of medicine per day, with thest one just before bed. She bided her time in the kitchen until Hattie <b>came </b>in to prepare Maria’s evening dose.
“Hattie. Melody began with <b>a </b>seemingly innocent smile. “You’ve really put in the hours today. How about I take over brewing the medicine from now on? Grandma’s been so kind to me, I’d love to repay her in some way
Hattie, touched, nodded and handed her the herbs, saying. “That’s very thoughtful of you, dear. Go on then, put the <b>herbs </b>in, add two <b>bowls </b>of water, and simmer it for <b>half </b><b>an </b>hour.”
“Sure thing. Hattie, Melody replied.
Melody clutched the herbs and, once out of sight, she veered towards the secluded back garden. Shielded by the dense nts, she opened the bag of herbs.
She fiddled with the bag a bit before pulling out a piece of Corydalis Rhizome and sniffed it closely.
Suddenly, Melody’s expression darkened.
<b>色</b>