Melody sighed at the sight of the full glass of alcohol in front of her. She tilted her head back and forced herself to drink it all.When the alcohol hit her stomach, she immediately felt a wave of nausea. Melody could not control herself and vomited into the trash can."Ugh, ack!""Are you okay, Melody?" Wendy pretended to be concerned as she sat beside her. She then looked at her disdainfully and said, "Melody, you really don't look well! I've got a room booked at the hotel. Let me take you there to get some rest!""Okay..." Melody mumbled in a daze and let herself be supported by Wendy.Wendy guided Melody up to the 20th floor of the bar. Just as they stepped out of the elevator, her manager's call came in.As a D-list celebrity, Wendy could not afford to ignore her manager's call."Hey, Melody, my manager needs me urgently. Here's the room key. Head on over without me. I'll find you as soon as I'm done."With a rushed explanation, Wendy handed the hotel room key to Melody
'I've fought hard for this chance. You better please Mister William in his bed, Melody!' mused Wendy viciously.It was already late at night by the time Wendy returned home. Just as she stepped inside, Helen Lewis came down from upstairs, asking, "Wendy, why are you back so late? Where were you?""I had a work gathering with the crew today." Wendy rubbed her temples and pretended to feel uncomfortable. "Helen, you can't imagine how tough it is for me to secure a role."Seeing Wendy looking distressed, Helen felt a pang of sympathy. "Wendy, you've been through a lot. Go to your room and get some rest.""Okay." Wendy continued her pretense and headed toward her room.…Meanwhile, Melody was going through an experience like never before. She felt uncomfortable all over, and she only felt relief when she touched Lucas' skin. She embraced his body and responded with a naive awkwardness to his kisses.In the hazy atmosphere, she heard Lucas whispering a name in a deep voice by her ear
'What's going on? Didn't Wendy promise she'd come back last night?' Melody thought with a heavy heart. After all, she lost something precious because of a one-night stand with a stranger.Lucas thought she was just acting and did not want to get involved with her. He took out his credit card and threw it onto the bed, saying, "There's enough in there for you to live without working for the rest of your life. Take the money, and never show your face in front of me again."Melody was stunned as she felt a deep sense of humiliation from Lucas. "Who wants your stinking money?!"Then, she went to the bathroom and quickly put on her clothes. When she returned, she took 200 dollars from her wallet and tossed them onto Lucas."We're even now. Last night was my bad luck, so don't bother me again!" said Melody, returning what Lucas said to her. She then quickly left before he could react.After taking a taxi home, Melody walked in just as Wendy was about to step out.Upon seeing Melody bac
"Sorry, but I don't know who your employer is. Are you sure you've got the right person?" asked Melody.Edmund remained composed and handed 200 dollars to Melody. "My employer said that Miss Melody will remember upon seeing this.""That's..." Melody looked at the crumpled money and recalled the events from that morning.'Wait, so this suited guy is talking about the one I spent the night with? He seemed pretty important. Is this visit about settling scores?' Melody wondered.Melody became a little frightened. She turned to see Wendy looking at her with suspicion.'If I argue with this guy right now, I won't be able to keep last night's events a secret. Wendy didn't benefit from it, and she won't let it go. She'll definitely use this against me! Instead of going back and getting stabbed in the back by Wendy in front of Mom and Dad, maybe it's better to see what this guy's employer wants...' thought Melody."Okay, I'll go with you," said Wendy.Under Wendy's puzzled gaze, Melody g
The door creaked open, revealing Lucas in a casual all-black attire."I heard from your right-hand man that you…wanted to see me?" asked Melody warily.Lucas stayed silent, coldly turning and heading inside. Melody reluctantly followed.The interior of the house was elegantly simple, yet it exuded an expensive aura that outshone anything the Sanders' residence owned.Melody stood in the living room, keeping a cautious distance. "Why did you bring me here?""Sit." Lucas placed a folder on the table. "If there's anything you're not happy with, we can still make changes."Melody picked up the folder, confused. When she turned to the first page, the bold words left her dumbfounded."Marriage agreement? What does this mean? Who's getting married?""You and me." Lucas casually sipped his coffee as if his words were perfectly reasonable.Melody glanced through the agreement. In essence, it outlined her marrying Lucas and maintaining the marriage for a year in exchange for an annual c
"Alright, I'll trust you this time. If you don't bring anyone, I'll genuinely stop taking my meds!" threatened Beatrice.After hanging up the phone, Lucas picked up the 200 dollars Melody left on the floor and dialed Edmund's number."There was a woman in my room yesterday. I need to see her again.""Yes, sir. I'll find her right away."Edmund was startled when he heard that a woman had entered Lucas' room. He had worked for Lucas' for years and knew how much Lucas hated shameless women who tried to hit on him. He always managed things to keep any woman from getting too close to Lucas.Little did he expect a slip-up this time. Fortunately, Lucas did not blow up at him.After leaving the Riveras' residence, Melody stepped outside and answered Helen's call. "Hey, Mom. What's up?""You stupid girl! Where are you right now?!" Helen's tone was harsh. "Melody, we've raised you better than to be someone's mistress! How can you wreck someone else's family? Even if you have no shame, you
Ethan left without giving Helen a chance to explain herself.Seeing Helen's panic, Wendy approached and gently held her hand. She put on a fake smile and said, "Don't worry, Helen. This is all on Melody alone. I'll talk to Dad and make sure he knows you're not to blame for her mistakes."Wendy's words brought relief to Helen. She said gratefully, "Wendy, you're such a sweet kid. It's good to know all the love and care I've shown you over the years hasn't ended in vain."…Melody felt at a loss for words after her father hung up on her. It was just so unbelievable how Wendy would try to set her up and cause trouble at home for her like that.The home she once considered a haven was in complete chaos. Melody's emotions were in turmoil, and she had no idea where to turn.Even without any evidence, her parents would still buy into Melody's guilt just because of a few words from Wendy. No matter how much she tried to explain, it was just pointless.It was just like back in elementary
"Since we're getting married, there might be a need for you to accompany me to visit my parents later. However, I'd prefer if you didn't let my family know about your identity for now."Melody was worried that Helen and Ethan might get greedy if they found out about Lucas' identity. That would only make things more troublesome for her."Sure," replied Lucas without hesitation.All that was left for Melody to do was sign her name on the marriage contract. Although it was a one-year deal, it meant a year free from worrying about getting kicked out and left stranded.With the agreement signed, Lucas stood up and headed upstairs without uttering another word.Melody hastily stood up and called out. "Wait! Um… So what's next? What am I supposed to do?""Edmund will take care of the rest," said Lucas. After that, he went straight upstairs.Melody pursed her lips and thought, 'What a taciturn man!'She then opened the door and stepped outside, where Edmund was patiently waiting. He ga
Sherman could not help but feel fearful when he recalled the incident.Rita gently smoothed his furrowed brow. "I knew you'd come to rescue me, just like all the times you did. I love you, Sherman."Previously, Rita confessed her love to him when she was groggy. At this moment, however, she was clearly awake, even sporting a faint smile on her face as she confessed.Sherman immediately blushed. "I love you, too."Rita did not stay long in the hospital; she quickly returned to the Parr family's mansion. Just as Sherman's grandparents had said, Rita did not have any major injuries, so there was no need for her to stay in the hospital that long. In fact, she might even recover faster emotionally under the care at home.Not once did Sherman bring up Rita's job, but she surprisingly resigned from New Capital Times on her own accord. It would be difficult for her to investigate cases with her current condition; not to mention Sherman had handed over the evidence to the police. The polic
"Sherman, I like you. I love you," Rita finally confessed.Sherman, deeply pained, pulled Rita into his arms. "This is all my fault. I should've looked for you quicker. I've never blamed you. All I want is to see you smile. It's enough for me as long as you're willing to let me stay by your side."You don't have to confess to me. I know it's hard for you to do that because of your family. I've seen the way they've treated you, and…"The bodyguards who had barged in with Sherman felt a bit awkward to see their company president in tears. However, the priority was to get Rita to the hospital for a check-up. Being tied up for hours could cause circulation issues, and it could be dangerous if her limbs did not regain feelings soon.In the end, they got the bravest among them to convince Sherman to let them take Rita to the hospital. Instead of letting them do it, Sherman wiped away his tears and, with ease, lifted Rita as if she was as light as a feather.Fortunately, after the hospit
With that, Karen left without looking back. She was carrying Vince's baby in her womb, so how could she pin all her hopes on Sadie? Since Sadie was obviously unruly, she would have to rely on her son.'Sadie can spend the rest of her life with Esmond since she likes him so much. God knows it had been exhausting enough to raise her. Plus, it's only fair for Esmond to take care of her since I've done my part taking care of her until now,' thought Karen.Meanwhile, the only consolation for Sherman was that Esmond did not try to put up a fight. It seemed that he still cared about his daughter Sadie.Sherman led his men to a dilapidated house. Esmond had been cautious enough to choose a rundown house situated at the end of a village.When Sherman barged in, he found Rita lying on the floor while Esmond's men ignored her. Esmond's men had followed his orders, and since he did not instruct them to do anything to Rita, they left her well alone.Before the men could react, they were surrou
Karen cried and silently knelt by Sadie's side without trying to defend herself. Sadie, on the other hand, feebly tried to explain herself. Alas. Vince refused to listen.There had been many occasions before when he had chosen to believe Karen and Sadie, but at this moment, he realized he had been terribly wrong to do that.Rita used to be so kind, understanding, and well-behaved. However, ever since Karen and Sadie moved in, Vince felt like his daughter had become manipulative, always trying to compete for attention, and stirring up jealousy in front of him.Unfortunately, it took Rita's disappearance to make Vince realize that Rita was not trying to compete for attention. All Rita wanted from him was to treat her the same as Sadie.Vince used to think that Rita should give in to Sadie more since Sadie was younger, too."Why don't you go live with your biological father since you prefer him so much? I never want to see you show your face around here anymore! As for your mother, s
Sadie was so anxious that she wanted to jump out. "Mom, don't tell me you fell for it! Why did you call Esmond? Now they all know where Rita is. You've ruined everything, again! What were you thinking?"Karen could not care less. She cried and slapped Sadie. "You nearly scared me to death! What would I do if something happened to you? I didn't raise you just to watch you die. I told you not to meet up with Esmond, so why did you secretly meet up with him? How can you ask him to get rid of Rita?"Are you out of your mind? All I want is for us to live out the rest of our lives peacefully, so why didn't you listen to me?!"Sadie was furious. Karen had stopped trying to get rid of Rita ever since she got pregnant, so how could Sadie not be angry? Rita was like a thorn in her side, and Sadie would never be happy unless Rita was dead."Don't you know I like Sherman? How could you ask me to do nothing when Rita has stolen him from me?! I was the one who liked him first. It's either Rita g
Karen wanted so badly to slap Esmond through the phone.'What good are his pompous words now? We wouldn't be in this mess now if he hadn't hit me back then! What's more, he's saying he's doing this for Sadie. But has he ever thought of what would happen to me and Sadie if he got rid of Rita? Rita's the heiress of the Russell family. Not to mention, she's married to Sherman, so that makes her owner of Parr Group too! What makes Esmond think he can get rid of Rita so easily?'Karen's breath was ragged as she said, "If you don't believe me, just listen to your daughter's screams. I can't save her now; you will literally decide her fate! Plus, I'm pregnant with Vince's baby, so even if I lose Sadie, I still have a kid—which is more than what I can say about you!"Sherman could not help but be impressed by Karen a little. Even in this dire situation, she did not forget to express her heartfelt feelings to Vince, letting him know that she was always on his side. It was certainly not an ea
"Sherman raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I'm sure it's just a minor injury, maybe just a finger. There shouldn't be any major issues. A sprained joint takes only a hundred days to heal, and it might take her even less time to heal if you take very good care of her while she's recuperating."Karen's heart ached upon hearing that. She lunged toward Sherman, wanting to hit him, but the bodyguards stopped her before she could get close.Vince, still worried, held Karen tightly beside him. "Calm down. I'm sure Sadie will come out unharmed if Rita's kidnapping has nothing to do with her. But if it does, then you should know very well that…"Vince's voice dropped an octave. He could not believe his daughter's disappearance had anything to do with his stepdaughter. However, he was not utterly naive.He continued, "How could a girl like her take Rita away? Even the car window was smashed. Others must've been involved. Does her biological father have anything to do with it?"Sherman nodded
"Yes, it's true I met up with my biological father, but it was just a one-time thing. I don't want to go back to him at all! Otherwise, I would've done it ages ago. Dad, I'm really grateful to you for taking me in and looking after me all these years. That's why I feel like you're my real father, even more real than those who share the same blood."How could you unjustly accuse me and Mom like that? Sherman is the one spouting nonsense here. He's trying to push all the blame onto us. Dad, you have to wake up and see the truth!"Karen nodded along, but her heart was racing. 'When did Sadie meet Esmond? How did Sherman know when I don't even know? Seems like Sadie does have something to do with Rita's kidnapping. I have to settle things and get Sherman out of here.'Karen never had the thought of rekindling her relationship with Esmond. The only thing she wanted then was to peacefully give birth to her son. Everything in the Russell family would eventually go to her son, and she would
Sherman detested people pointing their fingers at him when they spoke. He stood up slowly, towering over Vince instantly."You claim to be Rita's father, yet if I were you, I'd choose to shut up and stand aside. I can't believe you're scolding me for threatening Sadie when she's not even your real daughter!"Look at her guilty expression; it's clear she's involved. If you don't believe me, use your brain a little. No wonder Russell Group is declining under your leadership. It's only a matter of time before the company goes completely bankrupt!"Sherman showed no mercy, causing Vince to retreat with every word. Vince clutched his chest, struggling for breath.Karen, despite her weakness, stepped forward to support him. "How could you speak to your father-in-law like this? What has Sadie done to offend you? She has nothing but admiration for you. Plus, she's just a child. How could you treat her like this?"She went on and on, but Sherman stood his ground. Meanwhile, the burly bodyg