Chapter 496

Kenneth thought, Otherwise, how could Jansen have died so strangely back then? He was clearly a suspect, but he died in prison before he was convicted. To this day, I don't even know the reason for his death.

If this speculation was true… it meant that Melody killed her own brother! Did that mean she was also responsible for Jade Payne's death?

Kenneth's face paled, and his hand trembled slightly as he held the necklace. He didn't know if he was angrier or more disappointed. Thinking of his past with Melody filled him with indescribable disgust.

Kenneth abruptly stood up and went directly to Melody's current residence. Charlie, when arranging for Melody's stay, had ensured everything was meticulously prepared. Guards were stationed to protect her.

Several servants and drivers had also been assigned. It was clear Charlie had gone to great lengths for her.

As Kenneth exited his car, a servant recognized him and quickly opened the door. "Mr. Harper, please come in. I'll make you some coffee."

He said, "No need. I'm looking for Melody."

"Miss Princeton went out early this morning and hasn't returned yet."

Kenneth sat on the sofa, his emotions unreadable.

The servants, sensing a possibility of reconciliation between Kenneth and Melody, remained silent and quietly left.

Meanwhile, Melody was at the mall. She visited several shops searching for the brand of Kenneth's necklace. She was told the style was long sold out.

Anxious, she stamped her foot. Grabbing a shop assistant's hand, she pleaded, "Previous customers bought this model. You must have their contact information, right? I'll pay you. Help me buy an identical one!"

The staff member replied, "Miss Princeton, this isn't a matter of money. Company policy dictates that VIP customer information cannot be disclosed. If you like our necklaces, you can choose another style."

"I only want this one!" Melody pulled a card from her bag, thrusting it into the assistant's hand. Whispering, she said, "There's $40,000 here. Consider it a reward. Find a way to get me one!"

"Well…"

"I'll pay for the necklace. The $40,000 is your reward!"

The shop assistant hesitated, but finally agreed.

She retrieved some customer information, falsely claiming she could exchange the necklace for a more expensive one free of charge. Someone agreed to the offer. An hour later, Melody obtained the same necklace. Relieved, she paid and happily left the mall.

"Let's go home," Melody said, entering her car and returning to her manor.

Unexpectedly, upon entering the villa, she found Kenneth sitting on the sofa.

She asked, "Kenneth, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I'm sorry for making you wait."

Melody rushed over, a shy, happy smile on her face. "I knew you'd be here."

Her bright smile reminded him of their first meeting. Her eyes were clear, her cheeks flushed, her expression bright and charming. Kenneth remembered being immediately drawn to her eyes.

He thought, What a clean and beautiful pair of eyes. Unfortunately…

Kenneth looked up, his expression indifferent. "Did you know about the tragedy that befell the Harper family beforehand?"

Melody's heart pounded. He suspects me! she thought.

"Why would you think that? It's a significant matter! How could I have known beforehand? Kenneth, why would you think that?"

Kenneth didn't even frown. Ignoring her explanation, he asked, "What did you do during your stay at my house? Or rather… did you do anything secretly?"

Melody was confused. "What are you saying? I don't understand."

"You don't understand? Then do you recognize this necklace?" Kenneth opened his hand, revealing the necklace.

"Isn't this the gift you gave me? It's strange. I distinctly remember putting it in my jewelry box. Why is it here?"

Melody's face was confused. She rushed upstairs, returning a few minutes later with a jewelry box.

Opening the box revealed the exact same necklace.

"Look, this is mine," Melody said, picking up the necklace. Her expression was desolate. "After we separated, I took it off. Seeing it reminds me of you…"

Her eyes welled up. She looked pitiful.

Kenneth laughed, a mocking, cold laugh.

"When I gave you the necklace, to surprise you, I had your name engraved on the back of the pendant. You bought this one in a hurry; you probably didn't have time to check."

"What?" Melody's head snapped up. Panic and embarrassment flashed across her face.

She had never removed the necklace, let alone knew her name was on it. He knows everything! she thought.

"Kenneth, let me explain!" Melody panicked, grabbing his hand. "Kenneth, believe me, I didn't know! That night, I was looking for you, but saw those killers leaving!

I was afraid. I waited until they left, then looked at the door. It was filled with blood. I didn't dare go inside. Then I left! But I swear, I didn't hurt you or your family! I made the emergency call! If I were the murderer, why would I do that?"

Chapter 496

She explained tearfully, raising her hand to swear. Her explanation was seemingly perfect; there were no obvious flaws or loopholes.

After all, she was just a girl. Encountering such a bloody and terrifying scene, her reaction was understandable.

"Kenneth, believe me. I'm telling the truth," she said.

After a long silence, Kenneth nodded slightly. Melody was overjoyed, secretly relieved.

However, in the next second, Kenneth looked at her expressionlessly and coldly asked, "Melody, I didn't know you were such a good actress."