Chapter 349

The appraisal report was torn to shreds, shattering Melody's relationship with the Kelleys. Thalia trembled, stumbled backward, and was luckily caught by Charlie.

"Honey… what should we do?" Thalia asked anxiously, her eyes searching her husband's face for answers.

Charlie sighed inwardly. Turning to Melody in her hospital bed, he spoke as gently as possible: "This isn't what you think. Let me explain…"

"That won't be necessary," Melody interrupted, her voice heavy with sorrow. "There's no need to say anymore. I understand."

The sound of ripping paper filled the room. Melody swiftly tore the appraisal report to pieces, her decisiveness unwavering. Snow-white fragments filled the air, silencing the entire ward.

Under the incredulous gaze of the Kelleys, Melody lowered her head and said softly, "I'll stop my treatment. I don't want to owe you a debt I can't repay. Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate it."

With that, she pulled out her IV needle, lifted the blanket, and got out of bed. She stumbled, appearing on the verge of collapse, but forced herself to walk out.

Thalia's blood pressure spiked with anxiety. "What are you doing? Lie back down! Your hand is bleeding! Don't do this!"

Melody, however, seemed not to hear. She moved like a walking corpse, devoid of any will to live. She walked in a daze, allowing Thalia to pull her along, but still staggering out of the ward.

Melody mumbled, "I want to go home. I want to go home."

Thalia, filled with worry, held her hand. As she reached out to comfort Melody, she saw fear in Melody's eyes. Her face was etched with nervousness and fear as she muttered, "I want to go home. Please, let me go home. No… where's my home now? I don't think I can find it…"

She alternated between crying and laughing, appearing frantic. Thalia listened, nearly breaking down herself.

Suddenly, Melody broke free and ran wildly out.

"Melody!" Thalia cried out.

Terrified, the Kelleys rushed after her. As they burst from the ward, they heard a crash and the screams of doctors and patients in the corridor. Melody, in her frenzied run, had knocked over numerous items.

She eventually collided with a patient's family member carrying a hot kettle. The kettle overturned, scalding Melody with boiling water.

"Ah!" Melody screamed, then fainted.

Mr. and Mrs. Kelley rushed over, shouting for a doctor. "Doctor! Doctor, come here!"

Medical staff quickly arrived and took Melody to the emergency room. Forty minutes later, the doctor emerged.

The Kelleys rushed forward. "How is she, doctor? Is my daughter alright?"

"The patient's condition is critical," the doctor replied. "The transplant surgery needs to be performed two days earlier than planned. Also, avoid stimulating her for the next few days. Otherwise… she'll likely lose her mind."

The Kelleys were stunned.

The doctor added, "As her parents, aren't you aware of your daughter's health?"

The couple fell silent. Thalia covered her mouth, stifling sobs.

The doctor shook his head. "The patient had medical records prior to hospitalization. They show a history of mental instability for several years. Furthermore, she stated during consultation that the trauma stemmed from her family – beatings, scoldings, and corporal punishment, all spanning many years. Do not stimulate her again."

The doctor left. Melody had been taken back to the ward. While her burns weren't severe thanks to prompt treatment, her kidney failure and mental distress were deeply concerning.

Looking at her sleeping daughter, Thalia raised her head and squeezed Charlie's hand.

"I want to bring my daughter home," she said resolutely.

Charlie wasn't surprised. He remained silent, feeling trapped in a dilemma. Whatever he did, it felt wrong.

Seeing his silence, Thalia gripped his hand tighter, her voice trembling. "Can you bear to leave her alone? Do you think endless money to the Princetons will ensure our daughter's well-being? That bastard almost beat your daughter to death in the street! You saw it!

We've failed her for so many years! Now, with surgery imminent, her survival and sanity are uncertain! Do you still have the heart to leave her alone?"

Thalia's hysterical outburst caused Charlie to close his eyes. He said calmly, "Stop it. It's your decision. I'll make the arrangements. After the surgery, we'll bring our daughter home and take care of her."

It was a chilly evening. When Tiffany returned from school, only her brother Eric was on the sofa. The large house was empty except for the busy servants. The Kelleys were nowhere to be seen.

Tiffany frowned. "Mom and Dad aren't back yet?"

Eric shook his head. "No. I called Dad twice. They said they won't be back tonight and told us to have dinner ourselves."

"Did they say where they were?"

"No," Eric said, looking troubled. "Dad sounded busy and hung up quickly."

Tiffany pondered. Earlier that morning, the Princetons had visited, claiming Melody was ill and needed money for treatment. Tiffany was skeptical, thinking Melody was simply acting up. But Charlie and Thalia had rushed to the hospital without hesitation, and hadn't returned all day.

Worried, Tiffany said, "Eric, stay home. I'll go find Mom and Dad."

"Can't I go with you?" Eric asked.

"No. Wait for me. I'll be back soon."

Though reluctant, Eric nodded. Tiffany got into the waiting car, her eyes darkening.

"Go to the hospital," she instructed the chauffeur.