Chapter 6 The Fallout The commotion upstairs too loud, Timothy and Carson to knowing glance, both a shared annoyance. Melody was causing trouble once again! Hastening to aid, ascended stairs, only to Melody someone. There, they found Mrs. back adorned twisted electrodes, blood staining her clothing she cried out, “Ms. Melody, you a direct me. I’m merely an old bone; if you break me, so be it…” “Suzie young. Please, her from your wrath…” Swenson’s wrinkled face was that of a loyal servant defending her master. Melody stood aside, her gaze coldly on kneeling Mrs. Swenson, displaying an indifferent demeanor as the scene had connection her. However, her grip the she held in her hand. expression darkened, furrow forming his as observed the situation growing concern. As the brother, he increasingly by Melody’s rebellious actions. “Melody, haven’t you enough trouble?” he admonished, carrying a warning tone. “When you can’t target Suzie, you harm Mrs. Swenson, raised her. Do you have to force me to kick you out of the Shield family before you’re satisfied?” His words were a stern reminder, Melody against line. be of the family entails embodying traits of kindness respect akin to Suzie. To maintain one’s within the Shield family, it’s imperative not to exhibit the and arrogant conduct often associated with a who has over a wandering outside. Instinctively protective of Suzanna, stood between her and his gaze filled with hostility. you lost your mind, Melody?” demanded. “Timothy, did Melody marry into family lose her senses? I’ve heard that the six brides who Edward all went mad and fled. “Could she have fallen victim deception?” Carson’s brow furrowed, gaze toward Melody taking on a complex hue. A trace of concern flickered in but vanished his sleeve. “Carson, could Mel have endured hardships in the Moore and returned to us in a troubled state?” Suzanna, sought refuge under Carson’s protective stance, her expression with distress she bit lip. Meanwhile, stowed away the only intact electrode, seemingly unaffected by Suzanna’s reference family. The family, realized, was hers; she harbored hope for any semblance of connection. Meeting Timothy’s intense gaze her own unwavering one, Melody spoke with “Fine, you can kick me the Shield family, but I demand to sever ties!” “From now on, I, Melody, have blood with in Shield family. Shield and the other brothers neared the resolute declaration reached their ears, casting a dark shadow over their faces. Struck at Melody’s unwavering stance, if grab her wrist, she coldly his touch. what nonsense are you talking It was just night of a stand-in for Suzie. Is it necessary to be so angry?” he implored, tone with concern. “I heard Edward is disabled. The previous brides away, so won’t make a if do the same. Just treat it as dream continue living in our house, okay?” Gary paid no heed to her proceeded to draw nearer. His deep brown eyes exuded clarity, his fair complexion radiated a and his unveiled dimples, lending him a handsome and pleasant appearance. A at Greenfield University, had struggled academically, repeating years to his mischief. He shared the same as Melody, often leading her shoulder the blame for his at home and school. Observing Melody’s resistant demeanor, Derrick’s impatience grew evident as he his brows. Meanwhile, confined to his wheelchair, surveyed the cluttered room a gaze, expressing “Melody, you’re acting immature!” “After all these years, you’ve had had. are you still dissatisfied?” Two years prior, had been a car accident that left him with injuries to his legs. A doctor himself, had sought opinions from orthopedic specialists, all of delivered the same grim prognosis: his legs were damaged. Consequently, he withdrew further into seclusion, scarcely venturing outside. Cameron found a glimmer of hope as to faint sensations in his legs recently. Although subtle, it gave him hope. Only Suzanna had diligently massaged his legs during this time, providing with unwavering support. Their mother nodded in casting blameful look towards Melody, “Melody, I you took plan Suzie crafted for company, and now criticizing Mrs. How could I have wayward child?” Their expression soured further as he reddened swollen face, his frustration mounting. she had always a troublemaker. her home, peace had been elusive in the Shield family! Despite this, she remained their and blood. With a stern tone, Mr. Shield addressed Melody, “Melody, if you return the USB drive Suzie and apologize to both her and Mrs. Swenson, I pursue your recent actions. “Otherwise, you can wherever you please!” In his mind, Mr. Shield believed he was Melody an opportunity to reconcile, ensuring she could still maintain her as a daughter of the family. However, should refuse acknowledge her would confirm that she remained as unfortunate as when she got as a to embrace any blessings bestowed upon her. Melody’s lips curled sneer. In previous life, she been devastated by these and continued apologizing to them. But now, felt indifferent. tall, her almond-shaped eyes retained their clarity but now held a chilling gaze as she everyone present, “I’ve done nothing wrong!” “And I refuse apologize!” “Since the whole family is here, let’s set things straight. the four years at the Shield family, all were by Poppy’s credit card. I’ll personally reimburse Poppy for that money; it’s not concern. “As for the arrangements made for the Shield family, want no part of them. I’m done with all of we won’t again!” With a cold glance the Mrs. Swenson, Melody tossed voice recorder the ground and strode away. Her defiance shook Mr. Shield’s authority, igniting his disobedience!” “If you want to then leave. Depart the Shield don’t return expecting us to welcome back!” Shield’s view, Melody had no resources or connections outside, the would never her. she faced hardships, she would come crawling back on own! by his anger, Melody clenched another voice recorder and a drive, determination flashing in eyes she hastened her departure. “Melody, stop unreasonable. to Suzie is not a matter of death. Why are you so stubborn?” Gary’s puzzled frown was met with imposing figure blocking his way at the door. watched as Melody’s rigid back disappeared the distance. Meanwhile, inside the house, the voice recorder back Mrs. Swenson’s vulgar words, the family’s expressions to shift confusion to embarrassment. They had misjudged Melody! Yet, Melody’s to sever ties with the family seemed unreasonable. Was expecting them to apologize and beg to return over such a matter? They couldn’t indulge her! Swenson hastily rose to her feet, her voice as she pleaded, me, Sirs and Madams. I only spoke out of concern for the family’s reputation when I Melody associating questionable men shortly marriage. “I never imagined she would treat this old lady so harshly. My frail bones can barely it…” Tears streamed down her face, emphasizing her apparent suffering. Despite the being bent, still inflicted bruising upon her. Timothy’s paled, his fingers twitching with uncertainty. Had he misjudged Melody’s actions? Yet, his pride held him back from admitting fault. It’s fine; Melody won’t be upset. Surely Melody would return on her own, without his apology! Similar thoughts raced the minds the others. They help but blame Melody for her association with unfamiliar men, leading to Mrs. Swenson’s misunderstanding the ensuing chaos. Shield cast a glance at Mrs. Swenson, had played a significant role Suzanna’s upbringing, unable to reprimand her. Sighing, remarked, “Mrs. Swenson, you’re not blame. Melody is simply too sensitive. She defended a man who is now disfigured and disabled? debased herself. brow furrowed slightly, her eyes glistening as they landed on the flash drive “accidentally” left on the dressing by Melody. A flicker of curiosity passed through gaze. forward, she linked arms with Mrs. offering reassurance, “Mom, Mel is not a bad person. She’ll come she’s calmed down. she left the USB flash for me. The sight of the USB flash drive eased the tension in the room, prompting thoughts Melody had realized error. seemed she would soon return of her own