Chapter 106

Melody hesitated. The problem at the orphanage was grave. She didn't know whether she should speak in front of everyone. Andrew saw her waver and assumed she wanted some petty benefit for herself. He sighed. "Mel, you said this was important, so say it. Why stall now?" She pressed her lips together. Asking him in private would have been better, yet she couldn't wait. "The Regallo Charity Foundation has always funded Green Moon Orphanage. They donate clothes, food, and cover daily expenses." Her voice stayed calm, though her nerves tightened. Andrew's brow twitched. "Why bring that up?" Melody held her breath, lifted her bright eyes, and spoke each word clearly. "Dad, Regallo stopped paying the orphanage for two quarters, and..." She bit her lip. "The food Regallo and its partners donated was expired. Regallo's pasta carried several rat-borne viruses. More than 60 children have varying degrees of food poisoning." When she finished, her mouth felt dry. Silence fell. Jeremy's co