Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

Melody stepped inside to see Mabel sitting next 

ext to Yolanda, while across from them were Ryan and a middle–aged woman who bore a resemblance 

I had to be Ryan’s mother, Hannah Fox. 

Melody’s sharp eyes noticed the supplements on the coffee table, immediately recognizing them as cheap. The two items combined didn’t cost 

By the coffee table, Yolanda, masking her impatience with a fake smile, said, “Ryan, how could I not help you? When you joined this company, I spoke up for you. You know how Russell is, very rigid and by the book. Without my help, given your qualifications, you wouldn’t have gotten in so 

Ryan’s expression turned awkward. 

Is she implying my credentials aren’t sufficient?’ he wondered 

While Ryan maintained his composure, Hannah’s reaction was immediate, her brows furrowing. “Yolanda, what do you mean by that? Ryan is an outstanding young man. Even going through the proper channels, he would have been accepted into your so–called company! You might not know, but in our village. Ryan is the only college graduate in years!! 

Yolandas inner irritation grew, and just as she was about to ask them to leave, she noticed Melody entering the room. 

Yolanda’s eyes brightened with an idea that could solve two problems at once. 

“Hey Yolanda sighed dramatically. “It’s not that I don’t want to help, but from what you’ve described, Melody needs to forgive you for this to be resolved. You really shouldn’t have gone through her drawers. But don’t worry. Melody is very understanding. She’ll surely forgive you 

As she finished speaking, Yolanda looked toward the door with feigned surprise. “Melody, you’re back?” 

Both Hannah and Ryan turned to look at Melody. 

Hannah, sering Melody for the first time, found her even less attractive than Ryan had described. Her brows knit together in disdain. 

How could someone so ugly y dare to kick Ryan out of the company? This unattractive, scrawny woman, who looked unfit for childbirth, would only be suitable for marrying the blind man or the cripple. How dare shef Hannah wondered. 

Yolanda, observing Hannah’s expression, felt a bit better and stood up with a smile to introduce them. “Melody, Ryan and Hannah are here. You know Ryan from the company. Come greet Hannah.”” 

Melody gave them a cold glance, nodded briefly, and then started to walk toward the backyard. 

Seeing this, Hannah frowned and said, “Melody, do you have any manners! I am your aunt, and you don’t even greet me?” 

“Hannah, don’t be upset Mabel interjected timely. “Melody just returned from the countryside, and we haven’t had time to teach her proper etiquette.” 

Yolanda added with a firmer tone, “Melody, come over and greet Hannah properly! 

Despite her words, Yolanda secretly hoped Melody would ignore the command 

With Hannah’s big mouth, she would certainly spread the word of Melody’s lack of manners among Russell’s relatives. 

Eventually, without any intervention, Russell would naturally learn just how ill–mannered Wilona’s daughter was. 

However, Melody stopped in her tracks, then turned and sat down on the sofa with a faint, mocking smile. “Hannah, perhaps you didn’t see clearly due to your age. I greeted you just now, but you didn’t notice. 

Hannah’s face darkened. “You.. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Seeing Hannah about to explode, Ryan quickly reminded her. “Mom, focus on the important matter.” 

Hannah swallowed her anger and commanded. “Melody, it’s not just me saying this, but how could you expel Ryan from the company over a misunderstanding? I’ll decide for you. Ryan will forgive you, and this nutter will be resolved” 

Melody’s lips twitched. “He’ll forgive me?” 

“Yes” Hannah replied in an authoritative tone, “Tomorrow, Ryan will return to work. We won’t mention this incident again, giving you a way out.” 

way out?” Melody looked at Hannah as if she were a fool 

This look made Hannah very uncomfortable, and she frowned. “What else do you want? Someone as talented as Ryan is in high demand wherever he goes. If the Fox family loses him, it will be a great loss!” 

C 

Even Yolanda’s expression soured at Hannah’s words. “Talent It’s so funny!” 

With just a college diploma, if not for Russell’s connections, Ryan wouldn’t even qualify to be a receptionist at that headhunting firm. 

Despite these thoughts, Yolanda and Mabel held their tongues, choosing not to expose Hannah’s exaggerations. Instead, they chimed in to support Ryan and Hannah. 

“Melody, since Ryan and Hannah are here, let’s just let this go. Don’t be so petty. Mabel said. 

Indeed, Melody.” Yolanda sipped her coffee slowly. “Ryan only went through your drawers. You’re making a mountain out will laugh at you, 

In an instant, it seemed like Melody was the one at fault 

Melody smirked, then said. “Tetry, making a mountain out of a molehill… 

a molehill and people 

She paused, nodded, and continued, “I shouldn’t be so petty, but Ryan probably didn’t explain things properly. He was kicked out not just for rummaging through my drawers but also for attempting to steal documents and making threats and defamatory statements. If not for our family ties, I would have called the police long ago. 

Ryan’s face turned dark. “Melody! Don’t push your luck!” 

Melody couldn’t help but laugh. Who’s pushing their luck here? What? Do you want me to call the police Fine. I’ll do it right now.” 

Melody pulled out her phone, ready to dial. 

Ryan panicked and lunged to snatch the phone from her. 

But Melody was quick, sidestepping gracefully. Ryan missed and fell flat on his face, yelping in pain. “Mom“” 

Hannah, her temper flaring, pointed a finger at Melody and began to curse. “You country bumpkin, how dare you treat Ryan like this? Apologize immediately, or I’ll make sure you regret it 

Melody raised an eyebrow, about to bring up the surveillance footage to further embarrass Hannah and Ryan, when an elderly voice interrupted. “Make her regret it? Tell me. How do you plan to make her regret it!! 

Melody turned in surprise to see Hattie pushing Maria, who was seated in a wheelchair, toward them 

Sering Maria had the energy to get out. Yolanda and Mabel exchanged shocked glances 

Haven’t the increased dosage rendered Maria unable to get out of bed? How could she still command such presence they wondered. 

Hannah and Ryan were equally stunned to see Maria, supposedly 

y too ill to receive visitors, suddenly appear.