Chapter 329

As far as Tiffany knew, her parents had always been kind. They regularly gave money to beggars and contributed to charity. She assumed their help for Melody was repayment for saving Thalia on Sanctuary Mountain.

Tiffany asked, "How much did Dad give him?" Expecting a figure in the tens of thousands, she was shocked when June replied, "Two hundred thousand dollars."

Tiffany was speechless. Because Charlie had arranged for a check to be given to Melody's father, and the withdrawal had been highly publicized, June easily obtained the amount. The substantial sum indicated Melody's father was more than just a casual beneficiary, piquing Tiffany's curiosity.

June asked, "Ms. Kelley, should I continue the investigation?"

"No," Tiffany replied. Some things her parents kept from her, and she preferred not to pry. She hoped they would tell her eventually.

After hanging up, Tiffany went downstairs. Soon, Eric returned from school, approaching with a smile and a hidden bouquet. "Tiffany, this is for you!" he exclaimed happily.

Tiffany accepted the flowers. The wrapping and arrangement were simple. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Eric, did you do this yourself?"

"Yes!" he replied proudly. "I even planted the flowers! Our school had us plant flowers last month, and I took care of mine. They bloomed, so I cut them for you!"

"Thank you," Tiffany said, smiling warmly and stroking his hair. She placed the flowers in water. A servant then announced, "Ms. Kelley, Mr. Kelley, dinner is ready."

"Got it," Tiffany replied.

After washing her hands, Tiffany joined her family in the dining room, noticing Thalia's absence.

Charlie chuckled. "Thalia isn't feeling well. Let's eat. I'll have someone make soup for her."

"Okay," Tiffany said, feeling slightly uneasy. Seeing her distraction, Eric slid a chicken wing onto her plate, saying, "Have this, Tiffany!"

Tiffany chuckled and ate. Mid-meal, a servant announced, "Sir, a young lady wishes to see you."

"Who is it?" Charlie asked.

"She said her name is Melody Princeton," the servant replied.

Charlie abruptly stood, scraping his chair loudly and startling Tiffany and Eric. He cleared his throat, saying, "I'll be out for a while."

"That's not necessary," Tiffany said. "Just let her in."

The servant left. Shortly after, a plainly dressed Melody entered, holding a wallet. "Sir, you left this at the hospital when you paid for my checkup."

"Oh! I did!" Charlie exclaimed, taking the wallet. His expression was complex. "Have you eaten? Join us."

Melody's stomach rumbled as she started to refuse. Charlie, seeing her hunger, pulled out a chair. "Bring another place setting, and ask the chef to prepare more food!" he instructed the servant.

Melody apologized for the trouble. Charlie assured her it wasn't a problem, his surprise and nervousness evident. Tiffany stirred her soup, noting her usually composed father's unusual behavior.

However, Charlie received several urgent business calls. He eventually excused himself, saying, "I must go to the company. Enjoy your meal. Make yourselves at home."

"Alright," Melody nodded. Charlie reminded Eric, "Look after our guest." Eric agreed, making a face. Charlie left hurriedly.

Tiffany, Eric, and Melody remained.

"Eric, I'd like some lemon juice," Tiffany said.

"On it!" Eric replied, happily heading to the kitchen, oblivious to his role in the unfolding events.

Tiffany turned to Melody, smiling faintly. "Tell me, why are you here?" she asked directly, suspecting foul play. She knew Melody could feign innocence, but Tiffany had long seen through her.

As expected, Melody smiled—a cruel, unsettling contrast to her usual demeanor.

"To cause you trouble," Melody stated. She then dramatically splashed the soup in her bowl onto her face.

Tiffany watched, amused and slightly disturbed. "Why are you acting like this? Are you insane?"

Melody cried, "Why are you targeting me?"

Thalia rushed in, anxiously tending to Melody. Then, she turned to Tiffany, accusingly asking, "Did you splash the soup?"

"Mom, do you think I did?" Tiffany asked.

Thalia remained silent, knowing her daughter's character but regretting her hasty accusation. Melody, her face flushed, sobbed, "Tiffany, you pushed me into the water at Melvor Mountain, and now this! You humiliate me because of my background! Why?"

Melody's voice rose, filled with resentment. As Tiffany began to respond, she saw Melody raise a knife, aimed at Thalia's back. The girl's smile was vicious.