Chapter 358

Kenneth was even more confused when he heard Melody address Thalia as "Mom." He wondered if she was now Mrs. Kelley's goddaughter. Regardless, he remained polite, smiling warmly and calling out, "Mrs. Kelley."

Thalia smiled back, saying, "Hey, Kenneth." When she saw Melody's shy expression and affectionate gaze, Thalia remembered her daughters' complicated relationship with Kenneth: her younger daughter's ex-fiancé was now her older daughter's boyfriend. It was awkward—her younger daughter's ex-fiancé was now dating her older daughter. Life, she thought, was unpredictable.

Thalia's eyes lit up slightly. The Kelley family had previously feuded with the Harper family over Tiffany's broken engagement. If Melody truly wanted to marry Kenneth, the families would need to reconcile.

With that in mind, Thalia softly said, "Kenneth, our family is holding a banquet tonight. Invitations have already been sent. Will you attend?"

Kenneth's first instinct was to refuse. He began to say, "I—" but hesitated. His father's tax evasion investigation and the subsequent company turmoil had kept him busy; he hadn't even been attending school, focusing instead on the family business. He had neither the interest nor the time for a banquet.

Just as he was about to decline, Melody took his hand and said affectionately, "Kenneth, please attend. I'll be the star of the banquet tonight. Won't you even support me as your girlfriend?"

Kenneth found this a bit absurd and teased, "Why will you be the star of their banquet?"

"It's a secret," Melody winked playfully. "You have to promise first. Will you attend or not?"

"Alright," Kenneth said, "I promise I'll be there on time. Happy now?" His smile was gentle and slightly doting.

Thalia watched their interaction with gratification. Their relationship seemed strong; Kenneth had previously publicly stated he would only marry Melody. Thalia considered using the banquet to announce their relationship and begin discussing marriage. She had an idea, but then looked at Tiffany.

Tiffany had relentlessly pursued Kenneth, but to no avail. Even while engaged, he’d never shown her any affection. Thalia thought breaking off the engagement was for the best, as they were never meant to be. She believed someone more suitable awaited Tiffany. Mr. Hampton came to mind.

Thalia's gaze softened. After Melody and Kenneth's marriage was settled, she would discuss Tiffany's marriage prospects. The thought of her daughters marrying made her sentimental.

Sensing her gaze, Tiffany looked up and saw Thalia's gentle expression. Slightly stunned, Tiffany felt dazed; it had been a while since Thalia had looked at her so kindly. Since Melody's background was revealed, Thalia had treated Tiffany differently.

Tiffany smiled, the aroma of her coffee—bitter yet sweet—reaching her nose as she took a sip.

At eight o'clock that evening, the Kelley family's recognition banquet was held on a large cruise ship. The stars shone brightly against the neon lights; the river was calm, the weather perfect.

Guests arrived steadily. By 8:30 p.m., the ship buzzed with activity. Guests chatted and laughed in small groups, toasting each other as waiters circulated with wine.

The Kelley family's invitations had announced a "recognition banquet," leaving many guests wondering whom they would be recognizing. A close friend teasingly asked Charlie, "Charlie, who will you be recognizing? Did you secretly raise a son or daughter?" Laughter erupted.

This was, of course, impossible. Everyone in Lovell City's upper class knew Charlie and Thalia's twenty-year love story; Charlie was renowned for his devotion and lack of romantic entanglements. An illegitimate child was improbable.

Unexpectedly, Charlie laughed heartily, "Well, you're half right!"

The guests were puzzled, wondering if their guesses were correct, but Charlie remained silent until the banquet officially began. He held Thalia's hand and took the stage.

The couple, who had a minor quarrel that morning, had reconciled by lunchtime. After so many years together, they knew better than to stay angry.

Under the lights, Charlie, handsome and elegant at forty, stood beside Thalia in a wine-red dress; her dignified aura and beauty captivated the audience, silencing the room.

Charlie took the microphone. "I feel blessed to have a beautiful and elegant wife, a beautiful daughter, and a smart and cute son," he began. "But recently, God gave me another surprise! He sent back our daughter, missing for seventeen years!"

His voice solemn, he continued, "Seventeen years ago, my wife and I lost our first daughter when she was one. We searched tirelessly, to no avail. We thought we'd live with regret and guilt. But God has returned our daughter! This banquet is to share this good news, and to donate one million dollars to charity in thanks."

A round of applause followed. The guests offered their congratulations.

"Thank you for your support," Charlie laughed. "Now, let's welcome my eldest daughter, Melody Kelley!"

The lights focused on a young woman in a stunning gown, her hair elegantly styled and makeup exquisite. Under the spotlight, her beauty was breathtaking. She walked gracefully to the stage, a sweet smile on her face. Her confident posture was the result of countless mental rehearsals; she aimed to shine and impress. Watching the guests' reactions, Melody smiled wider, thinking, 'I've won this round. What right does Tiffany have—'