Chapter 151
<b>Zack </b>stood facing his grandpa. Ford, who didn’t seem very happy with him. Ford furrowed his brows and said, “Look <b>at </b>you, you’ve almost worn out the clothes! I told you this <b>isn’t </b>something you <b>can </b>handle, but you insisted on taking over my work!” Though Ford wasining, his eyes were full of satisfaction and affection for <b>Zack</b>.
Melody looked at Zack, <b>unable </b>to reconcile <b>him </b>with the manding Mr. Nelson” she remembered from the business world. His sudden appearancepletely caught her off guard. She instinctively wanted to slip away, but it was toote.
<b>Zack </b>turned and saw Melody, frowning slightly. “Who are you?”
“I’m…” Before Melody could figure out how to exin, Ford coughed and smiled. “Melody, you’re here? This is my grandson, Zack. Isn’t he <b>attractive</b>”N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.
Melody could not deny that Zack’s features <b>were </b>striking, so she nodded. “Yes. He did inherit <b>your </b>good genes.”
Ford Laughed heartily, ignoring Zack’s puzzled look, <b>and </b>lied through his teeth, saying, “This is Melody. She’s from the neighborhoodmitter. They have started a program to keep elderly folkspany. She <b>often </bes by to chat and help me with chores.”
Melody hadn’t expected Ford to be such a good actor, so she yed along. “True. <b>I’m </b>from the neighborhoodmittee
Zack stood up, his eyes suspiciously fixed on Melody. “Neighborhoodmittee I’ve never heard of this program. Do you have any identification?”
“I didn’t bring it with <b>me</b>,” Melody replied.
*No paper ID? Then you must have <b>a </b>digital one?” Zack’s dark eyes bore into her, trying to catch <b>any </b>sign of deceit.
“I… Before Melody could respond, Ford began to <b>scold </b><b>Zack</b><b>, </b>“You <b>brat</b><b>, </b>don’t scare my guest! Melody <b>has </b>been keeping mepany and helping with chores every day. What are you suspicious about? Do you think I have something worth scamming If you keep this up, then go back to yourpany. I can manage just <b>fine </b>on my own without you <b>worrying </b>unnecessarily!”
<b>Seeing </b>that his grandpa was genuinely upset, Zack softened his tone. “Grandpa, don’t be angry. I’m just worried about you.”
I’m old, not a fool I know who is trustworthy. <b>You </b><b>don’t </b>need to worry about that,” Ford <b>said</b>.
<b>Zack </b>showed no signs of annoyance in front of his grandpa and could only <b>nod </b>along “Alright, alright. It’s my fault. Don’t be upset. You’re on blood pressure medication”
Ford buffed <b>and </b>led Melody to the kitchen. “Melody, the neighbor next door made some cinnamon rolls today and sent over a couple. I saved one <b>for </b>you. It’s really good. Come and try it
<b>Zack </b>was <b>confused</b>, “<b>Grandpa</b>, why didn’t I know about these <b>cinnamon </b>rolka
Ford snorted <b>and </b>said, “You’re always eatingvishly at those business dinners. A simple cinnamon roll wouldn’t appeal to you. I saved it for Melody, so don’t even think about taking it”
Zack gave a wry smile and <b>looked </b>at Melody with <b>a </b>slightly warmer gaze, thinking. It’s rare for Grandpa to treat someone better than me, <b>so </b>this woman probably isn’t from a headhunting or rivalpany, Grandpa might act like a child sometimes, but he’s sharp. He’d never let a stranger in. With that thought, he stopped worrying about the kitchen and went back to dutifully washing clothes.
Meanwhile, Melody was enjoying the cinnamon roll that Grandpa had kept warm for her. She <b>handed </b>him <b>a </b>packet of medicine from her pocket. “Here’s today’s medicine.”
“Sure” Grandpa quickly took the medicine in one gulp as if fearing anyone else would see, then carefully <b>folded </b>the packet and put it in his pocket. Only after he was <b>sure </b>everything was in order, he breathed <b>a </b>sigh of relief,
Melody couldn’t help butugh, thinking. You’re going to great lengths to keep Zack from knowing you fell into <b>the </b>water
They chatted for a <b>bit</b><b>, </b>and Ford invited Melody to stay for dinner. Normally, she would have declined, but <b>today</b>, with her target, Zack. unexpectedly at home, she didn’t refuse and <b>nodded </b>her agreement. “Sure, I’d love to try <b>your </b>cooking”
“Don’t worry, I’m a great cook! I’ll head to the market to get some ingredients now! With that. Ford grabbed a basket and went out, leaving Melody and Zack alone awkwardly at home,
Melody broke the silence first. “Why don’t you use a washing machine for the clothes?<b>”</b>
Zack didn’t even look <b>at </b>Melody and continued his work. Just when she thought he wouldn’t pay any attention to her, he suddenly <b>spoke </b><b>up </b><b>in </b>a calin tone, “Grandpa doesn’t trust those high–<b>tech </b>gadgets, even washing machines. He thinks hand washing is cleaner.
Melody thought for a moment and <b>shook </b>her head. “I don’t think that’s the real reason. Hearing her answer, Zack finally looked at her, his eyes. questioning.
Seeing his reaction, Melody knew that any conversation involving Ford would get Zack to engage. To bridge the distance with Zack, Melody quickly
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Chapter 151
organized her thoughts and spoke logically. “I think there are two reasons. First, because he’s alone at home for so long, the only thing that keeps him upied is doing chores. If high–tech gadgets <b>take </b>over, how would he pass the time waiting for you toe home?”
Zack’s eyes flickered slightly, but he quickly masked his expression. After a moment’s silence, he asked, “And what’s the other <b>reason</b><b>?</b><b>”</b>
“He needs to feel <b>valued</b>. By doing all the chores and keeping the house in order, he doesn’t feel <b>like </b>a burden to you, Melody continued.
<b>Zack’s </b>face darkened <b>visibly</b>. “Nonsense,” he muttered, turning away and showing an expression that he couldn’t be bothered to listen to her nonsense anymore.
Melody sensed that Zack agreed with her but <b>didn’t </b>want to admit that she cared more about his grandpa than he did. This <b>was </b><b>a </b>good opportunity for her Choosing her words carefully<b>, </b>she approached Zack. “<b>From </b>what I’ve seen your grandpa seems cheerful, but he’s actually quite lonely. Mr. Nelson, work is important, but no matter how long your grandpa lives, he won’t have many years left. If you can, slow down <b>a </b><b>bit </b><b>and </b>spend more time with him Or
Zack looked at her expressionlessly. “Or what?”
Melody shrugged lightly. “Or, consider a less demanding job. A career is important, but not as important as <b>family</b>, right?” She left it at that, then added. “Oh, I remember the dishes in the kitchen still need washing. I’ll take care of that to <b>save </b><b>him </b>the trouble when he gets back.” With that, she headed to the kitchen, feeling Zack’s gaze on her.