They were mocking Melody, implying that her background made her, at best, Kenneth's lover. "Does she really think she can marry into the Harper family?" Ged scoffed, his disdain evident. "And why did I hear Kenneth was grounded by his grandfather? To force him to break up with you, wasn't it?"

Melody's face fell. He'd hit the nail on the head. Kenneth's absence was due to his grandfather's restrictions.

Ged's words sparked a flurry of whispers: "No way? Looks like Kenneth's grandfather won't approve."

"It's more than that. The Harpers aren't an ordinary family. Do you really think she can marry Kenneth?"

"Don't say that. As long as Mr. Harper doesn't give up, it's still possible!"

Opinions varied. Some liked Melody and defended her; others disliked her and belittled her. Regardless, the situation left Melody deeply embarrassed.

She turned to Tiffany, smiled brightly, and said, "Speaking of which, I'd like to ask for your advice. How did you win Mr. Harper over? Kenneth said you put in a lot of effort."

The contrast was stark. Tiffany had worked hard to impress the Harpers. Yet, despite a prior engagement, Kenneth never treated her differently. Melody, on the other hand, had done nothing, yet Kenneth defied his family for her, vowing to marry only her.

Tiffany's past pursuit of Kenneth had been a major scandal, a source of constant ridicule. This time was no exception. Snickers filled the private room.

"Right! How can she mock Melody? She's forgotten how embarrassing she was chasing Mr. Harper!"

"I wonder why she's so against Melody. Revenge for not getting her man, isn't it?"

The sudden shift in focus made Tiffany raise an eyebrow, but she remained silent. Though her name wasn't explicitly mentioned, the barbs were clearly aimed at her.

Before she could respond, Ged sneered and stepped forward. "Kenneth must have terrible eyesight. I'll book him an ophthalmologist tomorrow!"

Unlike others intimidated by the Harpers, Ged feared nothing. He refused to flatter them, especially those who dared to belittle Richard. His fiery temper silenced the room. No one wanted to offend him.

The door opened, revealing Alexia, Kenneth's sister, dressed in an expensive white dress, radiating arrogance. Only Alexia would dare to be so bold.

Approaching Melody, she linked arms with her, then glared provocatively at Tiffany. "I'm here. I want Melody to be my sister-in-law."

Though outwardly affectionate, Alexia secretly looked down on Melody. But it didn't matter; her goal was to antagonize Tiffany. Dragging Melody along was merely a convenient act.

Melody, surprised by Kenneth's sister's appearance and unexpected support, had a sudden idea. Initially, she'd planned to use Jansen to sabotage Tiffany's engagement with Romeo. However, Ged and Zoe's protection made that difficult. Instead, she would use Alexia.

By humiliating Alexia and convincing her that Tiffany was behind it, Melody could then "rescue" her as her future sister-in-law, winning the Harpers' favor and driving a wedge between the Harper and Kelley families—a brilliant two-for-one strategy.

She calmly played along. "Alexia, what nonsense? My brother and I haven't discussed marriage."

"Soon, soon," Alexia retorted. "My brother says he'll marry no one but you. Who else is qualified to be my sister-in-law?"

Envious whispers erupted. "Oh my god, Mr. Harper is so smitten!" "I'm jealous! Melody, you're so lucky!"

Alexia was pleased, her provocative gaze fixed on Tiffany, who remained unfazed. This childish trick wouldn't work on her.

Alexia's indignation grew. "Some people, no matter how hard they try, will never be liked by my brother." Her meaning was clear.

Everyone remained silent. Tiffany laughed calmly. "Have you forgotten what I told you ten minutes ago? Need a reminder?" She referred to an earlier incident where Alexia had tried to run her over and was subsequently slapped.

Alexia, speechless and intimidated by Tiffany's potential for violence, could only swallow her anger.

Melody smiled, pleased with the escalating drama. The more chaos Alexia caused, the more likely she would believe Tiffany was behind it. (The final sentence is incomplete and seems to be cut off mid-thought.)