Chapter 371

Melody was no ordinary senior citizen. Her loud voice immediately drew a crowd. Whispers and gossip filled the air.

"What kind of person is this, kidnapping someone's great-grandson?"

"How could she do something like this?"

"Even harming a child, this woman is a beast."

...

The condemnations grew louder, each one adding fuel to the fire of public opinion. Melody, having learned the power of such pressure, was more than willing to stoke the flames.

Erica returned from fetching water for Debra, only to find the hallway outside the ward packed with people. Nurses tried in vain to disperse the crowd, their efforts met with stubborn resistance.

"What are you all doing here?" Erica demanded, her voice cutting through the chatter.

Melody turned to face her, a frown creasing her brow. "Miss Mathis, you're a prominent figure in Seamar City. Are you here to stand up for someone like Debra?"

Erica had enough of Melody's haughty attitude. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., you know well that both of us a