Chapter 23

When Andrew adopted Melody back then, he held a press conference. After that, whenever something major happened in Melody's life, an event would be held. The Regallo Charity Foundation's official page even started a special hashtag called #Melody'sStory. If Melody wanted to separate from the Wardolf family, she would also have to hold a press conference and bring it up herself. That would shift the public's attention away from the Regallo Group and onto her instead. Laura already disliked Melody. She couldn't wait for Melody to cut ties with the Wardolf family immediately. Andrew cut her off. "Krystal's banquet is coming soon. We can handle the rest later. Melody, you've already agreed and won't back out, right?" Melody knew Andrew was asking her to promise again. He worried she might not want to leave. She lowered her gaze and spoke softly. "Yes. I will think about the speech for the press conference and show it to you later." Andrew nodded in satisfaction. "Well done. I haven't wasted my efforts on you." It was clear he felt relieved that Melody would let him read her speech. It proved she was still the obedient daughter he could control. Melody pretended not to see the pride in his eyes. She pressed her lips together. "I'll find evidence that shows Tessa's situation has nothing to do with me." Andrew wasn't concerned about her words, though he still wore his kindly fatherly look. He switched topics. "Let's set the hospital matter aside. Buy a nice outfit in the next couple of days. We have a lot of guests coming this weekend." Melody wanted to say more, but she noticed Andrew already looked tired, so she had no choice but to leave. Andrew only cared about protecting his public image. He didn't really care what Melody thought. Many people in Jembina knew the founder of the Regallo Charity Foundation was a kind father, treating his adopted daughter with a hearing problem as his own. Over the past two days, the hospital had been in turmoil. Reporters sometimes showed up in the department, and Tessa's family came almost every day. When Melody arrived at the office, she saw several people crowded inside. "That's her! She's definitely the one who leaked Tessa's illness!" As soon as Melody entered, a woman who resembled Tessa pointed at Melody's face. Melody didn't even have time to react before a group of reporters rushed over to her. "Are you a nurse at Jembina Hospital? Why did you leak Tessa's condition?" "Were you paid by someone for Tessa's information?" "Do you know her company is in a major crisis because of that leak?" Microphones and cameras were shoved so close to her that it felt like a volley of guns aiming at her. The reporters' eyes were sharp, full of scrutiny. Something scraped Melody's ear, causing a sudden sting of pain. She felt only panic. In the next second, an arm blocked her front. Long fingers easily pushed away the camera that was almost hitting her in the face. Melody found herself shielded by a broad back. Jeremy took hold of her wrist and spoke in a cold voice. "Who let you cause trouble here? Medical staff and patients are not here for your sensational headlines!" The male reporter who had bumped Melody's ear with the microphone shouted, "We are searching for the truth! Tessa's condition was leaked by your hospital. Now, her company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Shouldn't you apologize?" Jeremy was tall, nearly hiding Melody behind him. His tone was calm but chilly. "Are you really after the truth, or just determined to blame someone? You know the answer yourselves. The hospital is still investigating. Yet, you came straight for us and even disturbed other patients in the department. Should I call the police?" His demeanor was refined but distant, which gave a strong sense of pressure. Right then, security arrived and escorted the reporters out. Jeremy glanced at the office, then turned and led Melody away by the hand. Melody's ear hurt. She let Jeremy guide her to a quiet spot. The panic in her heart subsided. She looked at him and said, "Thanks for your help just now." Jeremy released her hand and frowned. "Dr. Turner and I had discussed it. You don't need to come to the hospital for now." Melody looked at him in confusion. He went on, "If you stay here, those reporters will keep coming and cause trouble for the hospital." "But I didn't do anything," Melody said quietly. She had repeated that sentence countless times these last few days. Dispensers of sanitizer were placed all along the hospital's walls. Jeremy washed his hands, then looked at Melody. "It doesn't matter what you say. Patients in the department have already been harassed. Hand over your duties and go home." There was no room for debate. Jeremy walked off as soon as he finished speaking. Melody lowered her head and touched her wrist, still feeling the warmth of his hand. She left the hospital in a rather pitiful state without a clear answer about when she could return. All she had was a warning from the head nurse not to come back right now. Tiffany couldn't stand it and accompanied her outside. When they passed the doctors' offices and saw Tessa's family, Tiffany spat quietly. "What kind of people are they?" She had just finished muttering this when Melody's phone rang. It was Andrew. "Mel, I was worried you'd be too busy to get a dress ready for this weekend, so I had someone bring one over for you," he said. Melody replied, "Thank you, Dad." Tiffany looked on enviously. "Wow, Mel, your dad is so nice." Melody didn't speak. She only pressed her lips together. Andrew had told her to buy a nice outfit, but she hadn't done it. She knew that even if she bought one, he wouldn't let her wear it. He always dressed Melody in the finest designer clothes, bags, and shoes. However, none of it belonged to her. After each event, the housekeeper would take everything away for "cleaning" and never return them. Andrew was worried people might say he was mistreating his adopted daughter. ... On the day of the banquet, Melody was taken to the Wardolf residence early. Andrew looked at the custom gown she was wearing and nodded with satisfaction. "Mel, you definitely won't let our family down."