Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

The Corydalis Rhizome was perfectly safe, a prized herb for cooling down the heat. The kicker, though, was that it had been soaking in mercury sulfide. 

If she kept taking it long–term, it was only a matter of time before Maria kicked the bucket. 

No wonder Hattie hadn’t picked up on anything. Unless one knew a thing or two about pharmacology, the flaw would go unnoticed. 

Melody immediately got rid of all the contaminated Corydalis Rhizome, planning to bury it on the spot. But just as she was about to fill in the hole, she heard a noise from the nearby wall. 

Who’s there?” Melody gasped, her foot hastily covering the hole hiding the Corydalis Rhizome, 

The next second, a towering figure vaulted over the wall. 

As soon as Melody saw the man’s back, she recognized him–the nutjob from the cruise ship she had helped with the bullet. It was Ken. 

And then, Ken slowly turned around. Bathed in moonlight, his face was fully visible to Melody for the first time. 

He was stunning. Thick eyebrows, deep–set eyes, well–defined facial features, a strong nose, and those brooding eyes held a wild, seductive charm. 

At that moment, his lips curled into a reckless smirk. “Finally found you! Didn’t I tell you to meet me at the Blue Moon Lounge? Why the hell didn’t you show?” 

He had figured out that Melody was the daughter of the Fox family, engaged to his cunning younger brother. The Foxes had two daughters, and he hadn’t known which one she was, but luckily, he’d found her here. 

His strong arms seized Melody’s delicate ones, hoisting her up like she was a feather. 

“Let go of me!” she snapped, struggling but careful not to make too much noise to avoid alerting her household, 

If Maria caught wind of her mingling with a stranger, she’d be fiorious. She wouldn’t accept this kind of disrespect and probably start disliking Melody. But no matter how much Melody struggled, she couldn’t shake him off. 

“Let me go! Or I swear I’ll scream for help!” Melody spat out, furious. 

On the surface, she kept her composure, but inside, she was a hot mess–angry and frantic. ‘How the fuck have I ended up bumping into this guy here of all places?‘ she cursed internally. 

Ken grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Go ahead, scream. You’re out here in the middle of nowhere at night- surely you don’t want anyone finding out what you’re up to, right” 

Melody’s face flushed red with frustration as the man’s words lef her speechless. 

“Fine, he suddenly said, his demeanor softening. “I don’t want to screw up your reputation. Just give me back what’s mine, and I’ll leave.” 

Melody instantly grasped his intentions this time. He realized she’d swiped the knife that could cut through iron like butter. 

She reluctantly admitted, with a cough, pretending to be confused. “What are you talking about? 

He chuckled lowly, looking her up and down, then casually said, I thought you were a kitten, but you’re actually a crafty little mouse! That dagger’s useless to you, but it’s vital for me. 

1/2 

Caught, Melody bit the bullet. “Yes, I took it. I can give it back, but you need to return my necklace first!” 

He raised an eyebrow. “You’re trying to negotiate with me? Do you even know who I am?” 

“Do you know who I am?” Melody retorted, feigning arrogance. I’m the future daughter–in–law of the Swanson family! Mess with me, and you’ll regret it. 

She waited for him to look scared out of his wits, but when Melody looked up, she saw Ken’s smile widen into a smirk. 

“What’s so funny!” she snapped, her anger boiling over from feeling like a mere plaything. 

“It’s nothing.” Ken replied, his smile fading to a serious look. “I bet you didn’t bring the dagger with you. Since you’re going to the Swanson’s for the birthday celebration tomorrow, bring it to me then, and I’ll return your necklace.” 

Melody couldn’t help but furrow her brow, “You’re going tomorrow too?” 

“Of course I’ll be there,” he replied, his smile irritating Melody 

Melody nodded. “Alright, I’ll bring it to you. Just make sure you keep your end of the deal. And watch my cues; I’ll find the right time to hand it over.” 

Ken chuckled. “Got it” 

Then. Melody put her hands on her hips and said, “Okay, you can leave now. Beat it!” 

Ken had never been dismissed by a woman before, which he found amusing. But he knew hanging around in the middle of the night was asking for trouble, so he didn’t linger any longer than necessary. 

As he walked away, Melody let out a sigh of relief. But then she tensed up again as he paused and turned back. 

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