Chapter 346

Tiffany was stunned after understanding the situation. She now understood Thalia's actions: the slap a few days prior over the spilled soup, the immediate rush to Melody's aid that evening, and the doubt cast upon Tiffany's words when Melody questioned her—all stemmed from the Kelleys' prior knowledge of Melody's true identity. The $200,000 check to Karl wasn't an act of kindness, but guilt and compensation for his biological daughter.

Tiffany closed her eyes, whispering, "When did you know?"

Melody's mocking smile answered, "After Melvor Mountain. I expected them to restore my identity, not pretend ignorance because of you."

Tiffany remained silent as Melody pressed on. "Isn't it ironic? Knowing everything, you still occupy my place without guilt? Do you know my suffering these past years? Tiffany, you owe me—a debt you can never repay!"

Tiffany found Melody's outburst tiresome. With a cold, emotionless gaze, she retorted, "Have some shame. I owe you nothing." She turned and left.

"You're shameless!" Melody's anger trembled. She'd expected Tiffany's discovery to devastate her, leading to an exposure of the truth to the Kelleys, allowing Melody a chance to return to the family. Instead, Tiffany showed no remorse. Melody concluded that Tiffany was simply shameless.

Melody's expression darkened. Turning, she saw Karl staring in a daze. Addressing the man she'd called "Dad" for over a decade with bitter resentment, she shouted, "What are you glaring at? Do you still dare hit me?"

Karl, known for his temper, raised his slippers. "You wretched girl! I raised you… Do you think I won't dare hit you?"

Melody sneered, "Go ahead. Who gave you that $200,000? If you offend them, you'll get nothing more. Try hurting me; let's see if my biological parents will let you off!" She emphasized "biological parents," shocking Karl.

He'd overheard Melody and Tiffany's conversation. Though he lacked specifics, he understood the implications. Embarrassed, he dropped his slippers, his aggression gone. "You… you know everything?"

"Know what? That I'm not your biological daughter, and you paid a mere $200 to buy me from human traffickers?" Melody offered a wry smile. "I suppose I should thank you for raising me and preventing starvation, right?"

Karl, sensing sarcasm, remained silent. Unexpectedly, Melody softened. "Don't worry, Dad. I won't forget your kindness. Even if I return to the Kelleys, I won't abandon you."

"Really?" Karl exclaimed, relieved. "If I'd known you were so sensible, I wouldn't have been so harsh. You're at least grateful."

Melody smiled, accepting his words. "Now, I need a favor."

"What?"

"Help me…" Melody produced a medical report. "Take this to Mr. and Mrs. Kelley and ask for money. Tell them I'm sick and need funds for a life-saving procedure."

Back in the car, June was surprised by Tiffany's swift return. "It's over already?"

"Yes," Tiffany replied softly. "Let's go."

During the drive, Tiffany was silent. Concerned, June asked, "Miss Kelley, what's wrong? You seem unhappy."

Tiffany recounted the events, concluding, "Surprising, right? I'm still reeling. I was angry that Mother would defend an outsider over me. Now I see I was the outsider. They made concessions, yet I remained angry, unsatisfied. I'm terrible…" She mocked herself, curling up in the back seat.

June pulled over, pitying Tiffany. "No. What did you do wrong? Don't blame yourself, or deny yourself like this. Even if Melody is your parents' biological daughter, doesn't your decade-long relationship count for something? I'm sure they feel the same. Don't feel guilty. They're protecting you. It's not your fault."

Comforted, Tiffany nodded, smiling faintly. "I see, June."

Reassured, June resumed driving, returning to Cedar Ridge Villa.

As Tiffany exited, June said, "Miss Kelley, don't be afraid. I'll be here for you, no matter what."

"Okay," Tiffany replied, touched. She climbed back over the wall as she had before, settling into bed. Sleep came slowly, preceded by a disturbing dream. The next morning, she awoke with a start, her forehead damp with sweat.