Chapter 420
The item was identical to the image Scarface Lorenzo had shown Melody that day. The dark blue box emitted a mysterious light, far more vivid than the image depicted. Melody was so excited her hands trembled. She had finally accomplished the task Felix Quaid had assigned her!
However, this also meant the Harper family possessed what Felix wanted. What would Felix do next? Rob them? Steal from them? A sinister and cunning person like Felix likely had countless tricks up his sleeve.
If Kenneth Harper discovered Melody's involvement, what would he think? More importantly, what would he do?
Melody hesitated, but time was short. The servant behind her approached, so Melody quickly replaced everything, stood up as if nothing had happened, and smiled. "There's nothing here."
The servant was suspicious, but Melody then opened her hand to reveal a dead cockroach. "I'm mistaken. It wasn't a rat; it was this large cockroach." The servant recoiled in disgust and confusion. Mr. Harper's room was cleaned daily. How had such a large cockroach escaped the vacuum cleaner?
Fortunately, the cockroach was discovered in time, and the servant expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Princeton."
"You're welcome," Melody replied, leaving to wash her hands. Seeing the servant exit after cleaning the room, Melody reminded her, "If Mr. Harper asks, please don't tell him I was in his room. My marriage with Kenneth is… over. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. I don't want to incur Mr. Harper's wrath." The servant, understanding Melody's valid explanation, agreed. Even without Melody's reminder, she would have remained silent; Mr. Harper had strictly forbidden outsiders from entering his room. Melody thanked the servant and returned to her room, her smile vanishing the moment she entered.
She then contacted Scarface Lorenzo using the communicator Felix provided. "The box is in Romeo Harper's room, hidden at the bottom of his bedroom closet." The old man likely believed the most dangerous place was the safest. He probably never expected anyone to discover his secret compartment. Lorenzo was excited. "Are you sure you're not mistaken?" he asked.
Melody described the box: "The patterns are complex, and the color is slightly darker than in the photo."
Silence followed. After a long pause, Lorenzo's trembling voice returned. "Good, good. You did well. Master will reward you as promised."
The communicator went silent. Melody sighed heavily. In this world, it was every man for himself. Even if she still felt some sympathy for Kenneth, what was the point of helping someone who didn't want her? She might as well drag him down with her! Besides, Felix had promised her the reward she desired: killing Tiffany Kelley. Only then could she vent her hatred. Melody's face hardened, her eyes filled with deep hatred.
A knock came. Alexia Harper's voice called out, "Hey! Have I been calling you for so long? Are you deaf?" Melody frowned, opening the door.
"Gosh, you're still here? I thought you'd left. You're shameless, refusing to leave our house!" Alexia launched into a tirade.
Alexia, in her school uniform, had just returned from school. Her words were unbecoming for a girl her age. Melody smirked inwardly. Go ahead, let's see how long your family remains smug!
Alexia wanted her out? Since her mission was complete, Melody would grant her wish. Instead of her usual pitiful act, Melody brusquely pushed Alexia aside. "Fine, I'll leave. But we won't see each other again."
Alexia missed the implication. "Get lost! I don't want to see you! I'd rather not see you, in case I puke!" Melody left without another word. Having come empty-handed, she had nothing to pack.
Alexia was surprised by Melody's forthright departure. This woman was usually a shameless hanger-on. Today, a few words had sent her away. "Quickly set off some firecrackers to celebrate! We're finally rid of this scourge!" Alexia instructed a servant, adding, "Don't forget the household fireworks. Do it now!"
The servant, helpless against Alexia's spoiled demands, obeyed. Alexia lit the firecrackers herself, tossing them at Melody's feet. "Whoever turns back is a sewer rat! Get lost!"
Melody was shocked by Alexia's heartlessness. The exploding firecrackers frightened her; she screamed and fled to her car. The car shielded her from the worst of it, but the impact shook the car, likely damaging the paint. Melody suffered minor burns from the sparks.
She glared at Alexia, venomous hatred in her eyes. Just you wait, she vowed. In a few days, I'll strangle you!
After swearing vengeance, Melody drove off. Alexia didn't see Melody's expression, hidden behind the car window. Even if she had, it wouldn't have mattered. The fireworks ended, and the villa fell silent.
At Lovell School, Tiffany Kelley was late for class—too embarrassed to explain why. She couldn't believe she'd gone to Richard Hampton's guest room to greet him. He'd pushed her onto the bed, and nearly lost control. He'd had to take a cold shower to calm himself.
Tiffany's face still burned, her heart racing. Richard's words echoed in her mind: "We'll be engaged in two days. I won't hold back anymore." And inexplicably, she'd answered, "Okay."