Chapter 386
"Melody, you're on your own from now on," Charlie said. "As your father, I hope you'll reflect on yourself. I don't want much, but at least live with a conscience and a moral compass. I know you've suffered, and I owe you as your father. If I can't repay you in this life, I'll pay you back in the future."
Charlie got into the car and left, hoping she would understand. If she became a good person, he wouldn't abandon her so ruthlessly. Melody stood rooted to the ground for a long time after the car drove away. Then, she entered the manor. Everything inside was meticulously cared for; the decorations and layout were exquisite, clean, and tidy. Fruit and snacks sat on the coffee table, alongside her usual mug.
Melody wondered if they’d planned to send her there to fend for herself. She looked up and laughed. "Haha… Very well. How ruthless and heartless!"
She sat paralyzed on the sofa, the red bumps on her skin still itching intensely. She endured the unbearable itch, clenching her fists. Her gaze was sinister. 'They caused me to end up like this! I won't let any of them off!' she thought.
After Kenneth rejected the engagement and returned home, he locked himself in his room at the Harper family manor. He'd been drinking all afternoon; the floor was littered with empty bottles. Felicia returned wanting to reprimand him, but the door was locked. She could only stand outside and scold him.
"I wonder if you're possessed! Why did you reject the engagement out of the blue? Do you think this marriage is child's play? I'm counting on you to take over the family business. If you keep throwing tantrums, how can I let you support the entire family in the future?"
Felicia was exasperated. The engagement banquet had already been embarrassing enough, and now this. She found it infuriating.
After considering it, she asked, "Kenneth, were you agitated by your uncle's public proposal today? Is that why you abandoned Melody and refused the engagement?" It would make sense if that were the reason; Melody was his ex-fiancée, and now suddenly his aunt. Felicia understood why he'd broken down. However, there was no response from the room.
Romeo passed by and frowned. "Stop talking. Leave him alone."
Felicia immediately obeyed. "Okay, Dad."
Unexpectedly, within five minutes, Romeo rushed back, no longer calm, an axe in his hand. He was about to strike the door.
"Bastard! Get out here!" Romeo yelled.
Felicia was terrified and rushed forward. "Dad, Dad, what's going on? Why are you so angry?"
Romeo's eyes widened in anger. "That good son you taught has the guts to rummage through my room! He has no respect, no limits. I'll chop off his hand!"
"What?" Felicia was worried she might faint. "Dad, I'll help you clean up, okay? Don't be angry. He just messed your things up. We just need to tidy them up."
Romeo shouted, "What do you know?" He almost blurted out about his treasure box being found, but he held back the secret until death. Carrying the axe and hacking at the door was tiring. After a few swings, he threw the axe down and left, thinking, 'I'll teach this unfilial grandson a lesson another day!'
Felicia patted her chest, sighing in relief. 'What happened to my family? My son, who always adheres to etiquette, rummaged through Dad's room. Dad, who always dotes on him, used an axe on his grandson in a fit of anger. Are they all crazy?' she wondered, panting as she walked away.
After she left, Alexia peeked out from the corner, picked up the axe, and broke the door lock. "Humph, I'm still the smartest!" she said, entering happily. "Kenneth, I'm here to see you."
She stopped, stunned. She wasn't sure the drunkard on the floor was her refined brother.
"Why are you drunk like this? Kenneth, wake up, wake up!" she said.
With strong shaking, Kenneth opened his eyes, dazedly muttering, "Tiffany…" He had drunk too much.
Alexia was stunned. "Kenneth, don't tell me you called off the engagement because of Tiffany?"
Kenneth nodded, saying in a slurred tone, "That's right."
"Why?" Alexia asked.
"I regret it, I regret it…" Kenneth collapsed, muttering as he fell asleep, "It's my fault for not cherishing her. If I'm given another chance, I want to salvage my relationship…"
Alexia's expression changed drastically. 'What's so good about that bitch Tiffany? What makes him say her name when he's drunk? What a vixen! She seduced my uncle first, and now my brother! Damn it!'
Filled with anger, she ignored Kenneth and left the room. She unlocked her phone and saw all the news media reporting today's events. Twitter's trending topics were:
- [Mr. Hampton proposed!]
- [The Eternal Azure worth 500 million dollars]
- [Fantasy hot air balloons and bubbles. A romantic proposal every girl wants.]
- [The whole city fell out of love today.]
The comments were filled with praise and envy of Tiffany. Alexia scrolled, snorted, and then posted nine blurry pictures of Tiffany, most unflattering, intending to add fuel to the fire and show everyone how shameless Tiffany was. Feeling a sense of pride, she completed this task.
Meanwhile, Tiffany got off the hot air balloon at Royal Bay, her legs weak. It wasn't from fear of heights, but because Richard, in a good mood, had taken advantage of her while she was admiring the scenery. She had been touched the entire time during the hot air balloon ride and had no…