Melanie had a plan. When she returned to the dressing room, she found the gown and shoes labeled with her name and inspected the dress inside and out. However, she didn't find anything amiss.Melanie tried it on and felt nothing wrong, so she left.Only after seeing her in that dress did two women in the shadows breathe a sigh of relief and start talking."Do you think tampering with her dress was just loosening the shoulder straps or something?""I'm not that basic!"Another woman's voice, with a touch of arrogance, chuckled, "I stuck a nail in her shoe!""A nail? Won't she notice it quickly? What if she changes it before reaching the banquet hall?""I did it quite skillfully. I guarantee she'll feel the power of the nail bit by bit. It won't pierce the sole until it's time to dance. Then, let's see if Melanie can still be proud!" The woman triumphantly declared.Just as Jeffrey exited the elevator, he overheard the women's sinister plot. He narrowed his eyes, recalling th
"Lady Grace, Miss Jones is also one of our invited guests. You can't just..."The staff found themselves in a dilemma, sweating nervously."What? Can't handle it? Who is she anyway? I've never even seen her. She’s a nobody! If you can't solve this, I'll go home. I'll make your socialite gala lose its glamor!" Grace threatened.Several staff members noted that the gala would begin soon. Without a choice, they approached and asked Melanie, "Miss Jones, it's rather embarrassing but could you please change into another gown?"Looking at Grace's exquisite off-white gown in the dressing room, Melanie pretended to sigh reluctantly.After a pause, she said, "I understand your predicament. If it weren't for the importance of the gala, I wouldn't have given in to her whims.""What are you talking about? I want your clothes now! Take them off!" Grace insisted.Beside her, her butler discreetly tugged at her sleeve, reminding her in a hushed tone, "Lady Grae, it’s not good to make a commoti
Just then, the host exclaimed, "Let's give a warm welcome to the fashionably late—Mr. Stephen Morgan!""Welcome to the International Socialites Gala!"All eyes turned to the entrance as a tall and imposing man entered the scene. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The custom-tailored suit he wore accentuated his perfect form.Morgan Group was a renowned international corporation led by Madam Morgan, who also chaired the gala. The Morgans rarely made public appearances. Stephen's unexpected presence added an exciting twist to this year's high-society event.The glamorous ladies in attendance were stirred up. Some who already had dance partners hastily abandoned them, eager to approach Stephen.Stephen, however, ignored the ladies vying for his attention and headed straight for Melanie. When he reached her, he extended a gentlemanly hand and said, "Miss Jones, would you care to dance?""Woah!"A small ripple of surprise echoed through the crowd. Stephen's arrival turned o
"Ugh."A sudden groan escaped Melanie's lips.Her left foot began to lose strength and her dance steps, guided by the man opposite her, were no longer as smooth as before.Melanie discreetly observed the two waitstaff, noting the delight on their faces. She knew her earlier assumptions were right.Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the man beside her furrowing his brows.His sturdy arms supported her, yet her left foot grew weaker with each step. Despite the hall's moderate temperature, small beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.He watched as the woman, despite evident discomfort, made every effort to match his dance steps. His gaze intensified.Just moments ago, he had contemplated spinning her around. But now as he gazed at her face, the curve of her mouth stirred his heart.With another turn in sync with the music, his Adam's apple bobbed and he lifted Melanie in a smooth movement."What are you doing?" Melanie said, shocked.The man must be insane! There are s
"In the banquet hall, there are a few waitstaff that's rather suspicious. Have your people follow them. You'll discover something unexpected," Melanie said."Why should I help you?" Stephen replied.She looked up, observing the slight raise of Stephen's eyebrow and the scrutinizing, bold look in his eyes. She wanted to say something sarcastic, but she restrained herself."In recent years, the relationship between the Duke of William and the Morgans has been rather complex. Your uncle desires cooperation for mutual benefit between the two families. The actions of those waitstaff involving Lady Grace might offend her family. Don't you think helping me with this small favor to salvage the outcome is worthwhile?" She explained.The man nearby narrowed his eyes slightly and gave a subtle signal. Without hesitation, someone approached and executed Melanie's instructions.Melanie felt satisfied as she stood up, extending her hand to him. "Let's head back to the hall," she said.The two
In his pursuit for Duke Wilhelm's investment, Frank had put his pride on the line countless times. The Duke eventually agreed, but with a condition—take good care of his daughter, the notorious Grace.However, Grace was known for her pickiness. They spent much time and money preparing her gown, but it was all ruined by a jealous socialite. "If you don't get Lady Grace's forgiveness, we'll not only involve the police but also expose your actions to the entire Harbor City. You and your family will have no standing there!" Frank issued a stern threat, "I suggest you apologize to Lady Grace right away!""Are you done with the lecture?"Remaining composed, Melanie responded, "Yes, Lady Grace's dress and shoes were originally mine. But it was Lady Grace who threatened the staff and forced me to exchange outfits with her. Evidence is in the surveillance footage. You're all welcome to watch it."Grace was about to retaliate when her butler quickly reminded her to be mindful of her attitu
All guests were having fun in the banquet hall during the dance segment. However, Stephen remained in the lounge and appeared vulnerable and helpless.He waited for what felt like an eternity until William finally returned with his attire. William also briefed him on Melanie's tasks and left with a cautionary word. "President Morgan instructed you not to let anything slip."Uncle Jeffrey wanted to share a dance with his wife, but he had to maintain the facade of a disabled person in public. How could he dare to let something slip?Stephen quickly changed into his tailcoat, adjusting his bowtie as he approached Melanie. He muttered, "Everyone you need is under my control."Melanie wore a knowing smile as she addressed the crowd, "Who said there were no witnesses?"Following her words, Stephen gestured, and a waitstaff was brought forward. Olivia's expression stiffened at the sight of him.Stephen's subordinate addressed the crowd, "He was about to delete the surveillance footage w
In the past, Lady Grace used to be the shining star among the socialites, but this year, with two hundred gentlemen casting their votes, she only managed to secure thirty-nine votes after two rounds. Most of the other socialites either received no votes or garnered votes in single digits.Meanwhile, Melanie achieved an overwhelming victory with sixty-one votes, claiming the top spot."Melanie is truly impressive! It's her first time attending the socialite banquet, and she has already stolen Lady Grace's spotlight!""That dance she performed was amazing! I'm not a professional, but I found it quite delightful!"People around her began to discuss Melanie, leaving Grace frustrated. She turned to leave, but her butler quickly reassured her, "Don't be hasty, my Lady. I have a way to remedy this situation.""The results are already out! What remedy is there now?" Grace retorted with widened eyes."My Lady, please be patient."The cunning butler smirked and walked away, whispering a f
Pleasantly surprised, Melanie turned around to see the man she had been looking for. She never stopped saying his name in her head. He stood right behind her.At that moment, she stopped thinking completely.Without even hesitating, she ran toward him and dove into his arms."Ughh."Jeffrey groaned in pain. He did not dare to press against her stomach. Instead, he arched his back to hold her."Where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea how I…" She cried so much that she could not speak."Alright, alright. Good girl. Don't cry. I've come back."Jeffrey kept rubbing the back of her head. "Eagle was too neurotic. I've nearly gone mad from dealing with him. I finally got him to regain some of his sanity today… That's how I had the chance to find you…""How did you know where to find me?" Melanie asked."Today is the day of Nathan's trial. I know you'd definitely be in the courtroom," Jeffrey said confidently.Melanie finally calmed down a little. After letting go of him,
"We're not together…"Kenneth's facial expression changed as soon as he saw Melanie.Melanie noticed there was a hint of guilt in his eyes. This was an unsettling feeling for her. "Then where is he? What happened to you guys?"Noticing that she was shaking, Annie and Carson, who had accompanied her to court, rushed forward to assist her."Eagle had a prior arrangement with Nathan. Once Nathan and Leo's plan at the York family's residence was thwarted, Nathan would press a button. Eagle would then receive a code to detonate a bomb. He'd blow us all up," Kenneth explained."Jeffrey was the one who noticed Eagle wasn't in the right state of mind. That's why he informed me to leave with Mr. Oliver. He… Stayed behind to persuade Eagle…" He added."What happened then?" Melanie's voice was shaking."All I knew after that was that the hotel blew up. I waited for him to contact me but he never did. Mr. Oliver and I have been on the run from Nathan's shadowy pursuits. I only managed to sn
Three days later, the trial was officially in session.Leo's attorney was practically defenseless because the York family's allegations of him poisoning Joseph had been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. Leo was directly sentenced to life in prison.Nathan's attorney, on the other hand, was clever. They tried everything they could to deflect Nathan's allegations.After the presiding judge evaluated the case, he looked up. "Does the plaintiff have any more evidence that the defendant, Nathan, intentionally killed someone?"Hank sat silently at the plaintiff's table.They could only provide evidence of the time when Nathan had tried to murder Hank. However, they had no evidence of Nathan being involved in the explosion on the island this time.Hank looked at Melanie in the audience. She was also frowningThe presiding judge's implication was well understood. Without more evidence, Nathan would not receive a life sentence…"The plaintiff simply does not have sufficient evidence to
Carson sighed. It was time to explain everything to Hank…Although Carson had spent a lot of time in Hank's hospital as Professor Marshall, and he would also tend to their men's wounds, as well as discuss a variety of topics with Hank, they had never acknowledged their relationship…Besides, Carson knew Hank hated him.Hank hated him for being heartless to his grandmother back then. That was why Hank changed his last name to Castillo instead of Yule…"Let's take Melanie back to rest. I'll explain the rest to you myself," Carson said. Hank had already figured out half of it."Grandpa, I'm not going back. I'll wait for the news here," Melanie said firmly.There was no sign of Jeffrey's corpse yet. She would wait until the rescue team confirmed that they could not find any corpse.She wanted a clear answer."Okay. I'll get the trailer ready for you. You can lie down inside. You can't afford to hurt your body anymore than you already have. I checked your pulse earlier. It's not loo
Buzz!Melanie's vision turned black. She began falling backward."Melanie! Melanie!"Carson propped her up and called the doctor over.However, Melanie opened her eyes after a few seconds and tried to stand up. "I'm fine… Grandpa, take me there… I want to go to the scene of the explosion…""You're in no state…""I'm fine. I can hold up," Melanie promised."If you don't let me go and see it with my own eyes, I'll be even more paranoid," she added.Carson knew his granddaughter too well. He sighed and frowned before requesting for a ride. He met up with Hank. The two of them accompanied Melanie to look for Jeffrey.Jeffrey, Kenneth, Mr. Oliver, and Eagle waited at the drop-off point near the York family's residence. Nathan had instructed them to not do anything rash.Mr. Oliver and Eagle were still useful to Nathan.Once Nathan acquired Joseph's signature, he would meet up with them.However, the small hotel they were waiting at was already in ruins. There was smoke everywher
'Chief… Frankie?'Leo turned around in surprise. Nathan did the same. They saw Chief Frankie and several Interpol agents walking out from behind a screen in Joseph's room.Melanie was a part of that group!"Aren't you… dead?" Leo pointed at Melanie in shock."Thanks to you, I'll live a long life." Melanie sneered.Chief Frankie waved his hand. The police behind him charged forward to put handcuffs on Leo and Nathan. Leo narrowed his eyes and quickly pressed a button on the remote in his hand."We'll all die together!" He shouted.However, no matter how hard he pressed, nothing happened in the room."What's going on here… Eagle?" Leo's voice was trembling.His hands were cuffed, and the remote control was confiscated by the police."Leo, you are suspected of poisoning Master York and attempting to murder Melanie and others on the island. We are arresting you for premeditated murder!" Chief Frankie uttered calmly."No… No…" Leo struggled but to no avail. He had no idea what wa
At the same time, Melanie and Carson were on a plane with Professor Turner. They soon arrived at Medonia.Carson contacted Hank ahead of time and asked him to pick them up with his men.After the exhausting journey, Melanie's face was pale. She seemed to be in very poor condition. "I've already contacted the maternity hospital for you. You can go there and wait for your delivery. Leave the rest to me.""No…"Melanie shook her head. "I have to go back."Jeffrey was still in Nathan's hands. She would not be able to wait peacefully if she went to the hospital.Carson knew his granddaughter well enough. "Let her go. Professor Turner and I will be with here. We'll be ready for anything."Carson was still disguised as Maximilian. Hank did not know he was Carson. Hank nodded in agreement.“Mr. Castillo, there's something I need to trouble you with.” Melanie said."I heard from Professor Marshall that you're on good terms with the chief of Medonia's Interpol. Can I trouble him to be a
"Wait a minute! Isn't Jefford actually Jeffrey?" Leo asked while running after Nathan.Nathan ignored him and continued to walk forward.Leo did not give up and followed Nathan closely. "Who exactly is Jeffrey to you?""Are you being unreasonable right now? Why are you still so unsure at this point?" Nathan glanced at Leo contemptuously."I'm dealing with serious business. Don't get in my way with your petty romantic affairs!"After saying that, he glared at Leo and exited the cabin.Leo felt chills in his heart, but he could not make Nathan stay…-Jeffrey was tied up on the deck all this time. His body was freezing, and his lips were turning purple from the cold."Hey, President Morgan, fancy seeing you like this!" Nathan laughed grimly when he saw the miserable state Jeffrey was in."Thanks to you, I've been more miserable than this on many occasions. This is nothing." Jeffrey made it sound like a walk in the park."Hehe." Nathan sneered."I know. You've had strong willp
Lynette seemed stunned. She could not help but stand up with the help of the railing on the speedboat. Her eyes turned red as looked at the island burning in the distance. There was a look of disbelief on her face…If they had not evacuated five minutes ago…By now…She would not have even been able to breathe and think…The explosion sent shockwaves across the ocean's surface. The ride became even more bumpy. With sea water splashing against them, they had all become wet."Are you alright?" Carson protected Melanie. He was worried she would not be able to take it.Her stomach did feel awful, but she braced herself and tried not to tense up. Her emotions would affect her baby.When Lynette heard the voices behind her, she turned around to look at Melanie. Her gaze had become much softer than before. "You're not going to give birth on the boat, are you? I'm a woman, but I don't know how to be a midwife!""I won't give birth now. There are still things left to do," Melanie said.