Chapter 61


    Ynda had <b>a </b>lingering sense of unease in her heart, and it only intensified as she looked into Melody Fox’s eyes at that moment.


    Ynda thought. “No!


    Tcan’t let Melody main the gathering like this!”


    With that thought in mind. Vnda put on a facade of false concem and spoke, “Melody, you’ve been out all day. How did you manage to get yourself so dirty? Go change your clothes ande back.“”


    As she spoke, she nced at the butter, hinting for him to escort Melody out forcibly.


    The butler understood immediately and started to lead Melody away.


    But just then, Wilmot Sherman stepped forward, blocking the butler’s path, his expression cold <b>as </b><b>he </b>spoke, “Wait!”


    The butler tried to smile apologetically “Sir, Miss Ynda needs to change her clothes first. Whatever it is can wait until she’s done. We have many guests today, and her appearance like this would not be appropriate, especially if rumors were to spread…


    Wilmot, however, was not buying it. He looked at Ynda coldly and <b>said</b>, “Before Miss Melody changes her clothes, there’s something I want


    to address


    The guests immediately sensed gossip in the air, falling silent and focusing their attention on Melody’s <b>side </b>of the room.


    rnda felt a growing sense of dread, but before she could intervene, Wilmot spoke again, his tone icy


    “happened to run into Miss Melody today and learned that the storefront I gave her <b>as </b>a token of gratitude was taken away by you?”


    His words caused a stir in the previously quiet living room, now filled with murmurs and whispers.


    “Gratitude? The girl from the countryside actually owes something to the renowned stylist, Wilmot? Have we underestimated Miss Melody?”


    “Taking away her stepdaughter’s storefront, Ynda’s actions are truly unbelievable.”


    “Ynda is really disgraceful. To do such a thing and be exposed publicly, I feel embarrassed for her!”


    “The Fox family seems to <b>have </b>fallen on hard times. I shouldn’t havee to this gathering, it’s truly shamefull”


    Though the guests‘ discussions were hushed, some of them still reached Ynda and Mabel’s ears.


    Mabel couldn’t bear the mockery and felt her eyes welling up with tears.


    A shadow of sendusness fell over Ynda’s visap She shot a frigid look towards Melody beforeposing herself to address Sherman with a facade ofposure “Mr. Sherman,” she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within, “It appears there’s been a misunderstanding While it’s urate that currently possess the contract, my intention was simply to assist Melody in navigating theplexities of shop management upon her return from the countryside. I dected it prudent for her to entrust the operations to me temporarily. Once she acquaints herself with the intricacies of running a business, rest assured, the storefront shall be returned to her ownership.”


    “Oh, so it wasn’t s stealing, it was deceiving. Wilmot deliberately drew <b>out </b>his words.


    Ynda’s face darkened. But facing the renowned stylist, she couldn’t show her irritation. She forced herself to speak through gritted teeth. “Mr. Sherman, it seems you’ve misunderstood me deeply. I’ve already exined the situation to Melody, and she agreed. You can <b>ask </b>her if you don’t believe me.


    21 10 Fr 5 Jul


    sjanda spoke, she turned to Melody.


    That look<b>, </b>was clearly a warning to her.


    exit was my decision to give Mes Vnda the contract. Sh


    <b>She </b>never far th


    ed the, not even disce!”N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    Ynda was stunned fer a moment, then couldn’t control herself any longer. Her face turned ashen, and she said through clenched teeth, “Melody Watch your words You willingly gave it to me: What’s with that expression?”


    With a graceful turn she directed her gaze towards Wilmot, acknowledging him and the rest of the guests with another genteel bow. Her voice soft yet resolute, graced the room once more, “extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for advocating on my behalf. However, I must rify that this was all a misunderstanding. Aunt Ynda was not involved in the taking of my contract. Please, Timplore you, refrain


    casting me upon her. She has shown me nothing but kindness, Thank you all immensely for your unwavering support.”


    Two other socialdies who came with Wilmot chimed in:


    “Ynda, you’re even taking your own daughter’s things. <b>Are </b>you even fit to be a mother? No wonder Miss Metody refuses to call you ‘mom!


    You don’t deserve it!”


    Look at you. Ynda, pod, you’ve truly surprised me!”


    Return the contract to Miss Melody quickly if you don’t want to embarrass yourself further.”


    Other guests also couldn’t stand by. Almost everyone turned against Vnda, demanding she return the contract to Melody


    Return the contract to your daughtert I’m embarrassed for you!”


    “is the Fox family really that destitute? Are you even taking your own daughter’s things?


    Ynda’s face went pale. She had never felt so humiliated in her lifel


    With gritted teeth, Ynda said, “Butler Fetch the contract from my safe!”


    The butler promptly went to retrieve the contract, and soon it was back in Melody’s hands


    Melody calmly epted the contract, then looked at the pale faced Ynda and g


    gave a slight bow. “Thank <b>you</b>, Aunt Ynda”


    a graceful turn, the directed her gaze towards Wilmot, acknowledging him and the rest of the guests with another genteel bow. Her voice soft yet resolute, graced the room once more, “extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for advocating on my behalf. However, i must rity that this <b>was </b>all a misunderstanding Mrs.Ynda <b>was </b>not involved in the taking of my contract. Please, implore you, refrain from casting me upon her. She has shown me nothing but kindness. Thank you all immensely for your unwavering support.


    As she finished, she bowed to everyone once more.


    Her movements exuded grace and dignity, while her countenance bore an air of sincerity and solemnity. Such was her demeanor that had they been unaware of Melody’s rural origins, they would unquestionably have taken her for a polished aristocrat of Silveke, born and bred.


    The guests couldn’t help but shake their heads in disbelief.


    Look at how considerate she is still speaking up for Vnda. She must be having a hard time in this family”


    She’s a pitiable one, indeed. A child without a mother is like a weed. That saying really is true.


    “Speaking of which, Miss Fox’s demeanor is really impressive. If it weren’t for those marks on her face, she’d probably be the top <b>socialite</b>


    Chapterdi


    “yes, and her coffee making skills are superb. Event can’t match up to her, such a pity”


    Ynda watched Melody’s every move, seething with anger, almost biting her porcin teeth into pieces.


    She had known Melody wasn’t <b>easy </b>to deal with, not the simpleton she had thought before. But she never expected Melody to be this scheming


    Was this the same Melody who <b>had </b>seemed like amb before? This was clearly demon in sheep’s clothing!


    But with so many guests, present. Ynda couldn’t erupt. She could only force a smile uglier than tears.


    At this moment, she regretted holding this banquet just to let Mabel shine.


    But it was toote.


    The gathering dispersed, and as everyone left, they cast strange nces at Ynda and Mabel,


    The mother and daughter both felt something was off and wished they could tear Melody’s skin off.


    Mabel couldn’t help but re at Melody


    Those crystalline orbs, cold and serene like the moonlit night, fixated upon her without a word, emanating a chilling re that seemed to pierce through one’s soul, as though casting them into the depths of a frigid abyss


    Mabel was so chilled by the sight that she shivered.


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