The driver, angered but helpless, was dismissed. At that moment, Ryan was about to rush out. Seeing this, Romeo slammed the table, shouting, "Stop right there!"

"Dad, you heard it too! Tiffany has a motive. Alexia did it herself. She's experienced this at such a young age. I can't tolerate it!" Ryan raged, speaking impulsively.

"Who cares about the Kelley family? I didn't care when they cancelled the engagement. Now that they dare to harm my daughter, I'll destroy them!"

"Stop!" Romeo thundered, his head throbbing with anger. "This concerns Alexia's reputation. If you act rashly, everyone will know what happened. Have you considered the consequences?"

"But everyone already knows!" Ryan countered. "Dad, why do you always protect Tiffany? What's so special about her? You'd punish your own family for her!"

"Shut up!" Romeo roared. "No one is to speculate. We find those bastards! I want evidence, not doubt. Do you understand?"

As head of the Harper family, no one dared contradict him. Ryan merely nodded, "Yes, sir."

He outwardly complied, but his disgust for the Kelleys intensified. That morning, he'd already ordered a halt to all cooperation with the Kelley Group, aiming to isolate and defeat them.

He needed to vent his anger.

Upstairs, Kenneth comforted Alexia until she finally fell asleep. Relieved, he turned to Melody. "It was all thanks to you last night."

Alexia had disappeared around 10 p.m., but the driver only reported it in the early hours. The Harper family launched a massive search. Kenneth had rushed out to find his sister. He arrived to find Melody struggling to carry Alexia. Knowing the full story, Kenneth wanted to kill the driver. Had the driver reported it sooner, this might not have happened. If the attackers had been more vicious, Melody, Alexia's savior, could have been hurt.

The thought chilled him. He pulled her into his arms. "Next time you encounter danger, don't rush in. Call for help, call me, understand?"

"I didn't have time to think," Melody nestled in his arms, playfully adding, "You didn't look so impressive when I showed up with a kitchen knife. They were so scared they didn't dare approach me."

Her innocent tone made Kenneth laugh. "Yes, yes, you're the bravest." He then remembered Alexia's words upon waking. "Did Alexia really hear those people say Tiffany paid them?"

Melody's eyes flickered. "I don't know. When I realized Alexia was missing, I went to look for her. It was too late. They were about to I didn't think, I just had to save her. She's so young. How could anyone do this? The mastermind must be punished."

She sighed. Alexia had bitten Tiffany at the bar; perhaps that was the reason for the revenge.

Kenneth remained silent. He didn't want to believe it. Even if Tiffany were ruthless, she wouldn't do something so vile. When she disciplined Alexia, it was always fair. He couldn't believe Tiffany capable of such a sinister act.

But his sister's suffering was real. If he didn't believe her, wouldn't he be adding insult to injury?

Seeing Kenneth's changing expression, Melody clenched her fists. "Kenneth, what's wrong? You you don't believe me?" His disbelief implied lingering feelings for Tiffany.

"No," Kenneth touched her head. "There are still suspicious elements. We can't accuse her without concrete evidence."

Accusing her casually? His own sister had said it! Wasn't that enough?

Melody nodded obediently, but a coldness glinted in her eyes. Tiffany was the most likely culprit. Why couldn't Kenneth accept it? Was he indirectly protecting that woman?

Melody sneered. She almost asked Kenneth who he loved, but bit back the question. If Kenneth didn't believe her, others would.

She smiled serenely. "Stay with Alexia. I'll go back."

"Need a ride?"

"No, Father will send a driver."

"Good."

"Kenneth" Melody blushed. Before he could react, she kissed his jaw and ran off.

Kenneth shook his head, smiling. Outside, Melody's blush vanished, replaced by coldness. She encountered Alexia's mother, Felicia, going upstairs.

"Mrs. Harper," Melody said politely.

"It's you," Felicia replied, openly disdainful. She'd investigated Melody's background and disapproved of her humble origins. Yet, Melody had saved Alexia. Felicia, not heartless, asked, "Are you hungry?"

"No, Mrs. Harper. I'm going home. I'll see Alexia tomorrow."

"The driver will take you."

"Thank you."

Melody sighed, looking at the closed door. "Alexia is so young. She was terrified."

"Yes," Felicia's expression hardened. "It's all because of that little bitch Tiffany! I'll teach her a lesson!"