Chapter 304

As Tiffany smiled, a hush fell over the crowd. Her smile was dazzling; her eyes, full of charm and flirtatiousness, were strikingly beautiful. Each frown, smile, and blink was like that of a bewitching fairy. Many were captivated, their eyes fixed on her as they lowered their voices and whispered.

“The number one beauty of Lovell City certainly lives up to her reputation. I didn’t believe it before, but now that I’ve seen her myself, she’s truly mesmerizing!”

“True, true. It’s said that Miss Kelley was once engaged to Mr. Harper. They seemed quite compatible, but for some reason, the marriage didn’t happen…”

“Stop talking! Can’t you see there’s a girl beside Mr. Harper?”

“Whose daughter is that? I don’t know her.”

Melody, incensed, could no longer maintain her pleasant smile. She took deep breaths to control her fury. She had always considered herself attractive, having grown up surrounded by praise and compliments. But after meeting Tiffany, everything changed. Everyone's gaze always focused on Tiffany. No matter how well Melody dressed, she always felt second-class. Her dignity felt trampled; she felt unworthy of even being mentioned in the same breath as Tiffany Kelley. Even Kenneth seemed infatuated, though he quickly averted his gaze—an action Melody didn't miss, fueling her jealousy.

Taking a deep breath, Melody told herself to persevere. It was only a day or two more. Sandra had arranged everything in the mountains. Tiffany was destined never to return from this field trip.

It was time to leave. Everyone boarded their vehicles. The Harper family's luxury MPVs led the way, followed by six large trucks. The convoy headed with much fanfare toward Melvor Mountain, famed for its cotton. October’s cotton plants lined the mountain road. Harvest season had just begun, and many people worked in the fields.

This was Melody’s first visit. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She tugged at Kenneth’s arm repeatedly. “Kenny, look! It’s so beautiful!”

Chapter 304 (continued)

“Kenny, this is so beautiful! Surrounded by mountains, it’s quiet and picturesque. The air is so fresh!”

“And those houses are unique! They look like they have bull horns on their roofs! Are those ropes on the mountain for thrill-seekers? Oh, how exciting!”

The chatter continued endlessly. Only Melody’s excited voice could be heard. Finally, Zoe impatiently interrupted, “Are you done babbling? Can you give it a rest?”

The car had been traveling for hours. Zoe wanted to sleep, but Melody’s incessant chatter was unbearable.

Reprimanded, Melody felt aggrieved. “I’m sorry. I just found it so novel and interesting, I couldn’t help talking.”

“Novel and interesting?” Zoe snickered, casually pointing to the rope. “That rope you think is for thrill-seekers is how the villagers get up and down. Children and adults use it to go to school. It’s steep and dangerous, yet you find it novel and interesting?”

Melody was speechless. “I—I didn’t know…” she mumbled, looking at Kenneth helplessly, like a child seeking help.

Kenneth frowned. “Enough. There’s no need to blow things up. It was an innocent comment. Melody didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Yeah, she didn’t mean anything. I didn’t mean anything either. I just want her to shut up!” Zoe refused to back down.

The atmosphere froze. The driver, a Harper family employee, interjected, “Miss, watch your mouth. You’re in a Harper family car. If you have a problem with the passengers, you can go to the truck.”

“Fine. Stop the car. Hmph! Do you think I’m dying to ride in your car?” Zoe retorted stubbornly. She’d rather be in the truck than with this pretentious woman.

Kenneth was about to respond, but Tiffany, sitting with her eyes closed, opened them. “Stop the car. I find it noisy, too.”

Feeling singled out, Melody said pitifully, “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. Why don’t I get off…?”

Kenneth, getting a headache, reprimanded the driver instead. “You have no right to speak here. Shut up!”

“Yes, sir.” The driver fell silent, but at Zoe’s insistence, he stopped the car.

Chapter 301 (Note: This chapter seems out of order. It should likely precede Chapter 304)

When the lead car stopped, the vehicles and trucks behind also stopped. Tiffany took Zoe’s hand and got out of the car. Seeing the large, uncomfortable truck, Zoe felt guilty. “Tiffany, I… I’ve implicated you and made you suffer with me again.”

Tiffany smiled gently. “Is flying with you suffering?”

“Huh?” Zoe was puzzled.

A dull whooping sound approached. Two helicopters came into view, landing smoothly, kicking up sand and dust.

“Let’s go,” Tiffany beckoned to Zoe and some staff.

“Wow! Tiffany, when did you arrange for a helicopter? This is awesome! This is my first helicopter ride!”

“It was arranged beforehand. I thought we could use the helicopter after we arrived. We can’t drive to the village. Now… we’ll let those people walk.”

The others overheard. The driver who’d lectured Zoe earlier cringed in embarrassment. Tiffany was right; they couldn’t drive to the village; they had to use the suspended stairs. Helicopters were the only option.

Melody’s expression soured. Despite the Harper family’s wealth, their fancy convoy was useless for the mountain ascent.

“Kenny… did I mess up again?” Melody’s eyes welled up; her face was full of self-reproach.