Dad said he was bringing home a scholarship student he was sponsoring for the holidays. My first thought: Oh no, could this scholarship student be Dad’s secret daughter? I secretly did a DNA test for both of them. No match. I relaxed and got along well with Ivy Greene. The day before school started, I went to ask Dad to sign the share transfer agreement. Just as I reached his bedroom door, I heard moaning from inside. “Honey, will Melody really transfer all the shares to you? They say it’s hard being a stepmother. I don’t want to live under your daughter’s thumb.” “Of course she will. I can’t bear to see my sweetheart suffer.” Hearing the familiar voices, I froze. Damn it. I was careless. She wasn’t his secret daughter, but his mistress. 0 “Dad, why did you lock the door? I need to talk to you about something.” I knocked loudly, shouting. The noises inside stopped abruptly, followed by the rustle of clothes being put on. Five minutes later, the door opened. Dad blocked the doorway, his face wearing the usual loving smile. “Melody, what’s the matter so late?” “Let’s talk inside,” I said, pushing past him despite his attempt to block me. “Huh? It’s already 10 PM? Ivy, why are you in my dad’s room?” I feigned surprise upon seeing Ivy. Faced with my question, Dad looked guilty, avoiding my gaze. Ivy, on the other hand, came forward and linked her arm with mine. “Well, since school’s starting soon, I wanted to discuss with Mr. Sullivan about moving into your dorm as a surprise for you.” Ivy’s smile was as natural as ever, showing no signs of deceit. Ivy was a scholarship student sponsored by my family. She had worked hard and got into Starling University. This year, she was invited by Dad to spend the holidays with us. We got along well, so I let Ivy stay until now. I never imagined she’d team up with Dad to give me such a big “surprise”. “It’s all your fault for coming suddenly. Now the surprise is ruined,” Ivy said, half-pouting and half-reproachful as she clung to my arm. I laughed coldly inside. Thank goodness I came suddenly, or I might not have been able to handle this “surprise”. No wonder Ivy, who’s my age, could seduce my dad. With her psychological resilience and quick thinking, she truly lived up to her reputation as a top student. “Oh, I see. I thought you came here in the middle of the night to do something with my dad,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. Ivy’s smile almost faltered. She chided, “Melody, what are you saying?” Dad had regained his usual composure and came over to scold me, “Melody, reputation is important. Don’t talk nonsense.” “But the room smells funny, just like those bushes on campus that reek during spring,” I said, pretending to be wronged. “Oh my, it was like this when I came in too,” Ivy chimed in. “Melody, you need to understand Mr. Sullivan. You know, men sometimes… well…” Ivy trailed off, looking bashful. “In short, single men have certain needs. We girls shouldn’t ask too much about it.” Dad nodded approvingly at Ivy’s words, then turned to me. “Melody, why did you come so late?” I waved the share transfer agreement in my hand. Dad and Ivy’s eyes lit up simultaneously. “Melody, I won’t disturb your father-daughter talk then,” Ivy said. “Goodnight, Mr. Sullivan.” 0
Now that I’ve discovered Dad’s affair, I certainly won’t sign the share transfer agreement. The shares were left to me by my late mother. If I gave them to Dad now, who knows who he’d use them to support? I made an excuse that my grandparents’ shares also needed to be transferred, so it would take a few more days to process. Dad was overjoyed and agreed immediately. He even transferred me $10,000 as pocket money. You should know, Dad had never transferred more than $1,000 at once before. My monthly allowance was only $300. Most of my other pocket money came from my grandparents. The excuse was: to cultivate my spirit of frugality. Then I remembered the monthly transfers Dad made to Ivy after she started university. It was never less than $1,000 each time. “You’re the heir to Sullivan Corp, you’ve seen the world since you were young.” “Ivy is just a girl, and a scholarship student. She hasn’t seen much of the world.” “If we don’t give her enough money, what if some thug takes advantage of her now that she’s at Starling University?” I thought it made sense at the time. Now, thinking back, it’s laughable. They must have been involved even then. Once the veil is lifted, everything becomes clear. Ivy likes to cook, but 90% of her dishes cater to Dad’s taste. Dad’s favorite fish dish is always placed on his right side. Ivy loves hearing about Dad’s work. She either praises his brilliant decisions or sympathizes with how hard he works, always boosting his ego. Ivy is knowledgeable and likes to chat with me about various topics, but in front of Dad, she always has questions she doesn’t understand. … Ivy has been deliberately seducing Dad. Subtle, silent, unnoticed. If such tactics were used on me, I might not be able to resist either. But while Dad can remarry, he shouldn’t have a mistress. Ivy is clearly after Dad’s money. After packing my things for school, I lay on the couch, pondering how to wake Dad up and set him back on the right path. 0
Taking advantage of Ivy’s absence, I decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Dad. After explaining the rules of no concealment and no lies, I sat down opposite Dad. The game began with some trivial matters. I seized every opportunity to pour Dad more drinks. Dad can’t hold his liquor well. After two bottles, his face was already flushed with intoxication. I took the chance to ask. “Dad, is there anything big you’re hiding from me? Anything related to relationships!” I emphasized deliberately. Dad gripped his glass, his gaze evasive, his lips opening and closing several times. My heart leaped with hope as I stared intently at Dad’s lips. If he confessed, it would prove that Dad could still be saved. That he wasn’t completely in cahoots with Ivy. Finally, Dad spoke. “Sigh, I do have something I’ve been keeping from you.” I sat up straight, already formulating comforting words in my mind. “All these years, I’ve never really gotten over your mother. I still love her.” “After your mother passed, I’ve been managing the company wholeheartedly, working day and night, pouring my heart and soul into it.” “But it’s been so hard.” “I have few shares, little influence. If I had more shares in my hands, Sullivan Corp would have reached new heights by now.” The words of comfort I had prepared died in my throat. My heart sank with each word Dad uttered. “Dad, we can’t bring back the dead. I hope you can find your own happiness. I would give you my blessing.” Dad shook his head, “I just want to expand and strengthen the business your mother left behind.” “Recently, I’ve set my eyes on a project, but unfortunately, no one else sees its potential.” “If only Dad had a few more shares in hand…” Every sentence, while not directly asking, was clearly aimed at persuading me. Dad lay back on the sofa, his face flushed, but his eyes kept darting towards me. His gaze was clear; Dad was just putting on an act to deceive me. My heart turned cold, but I maintained a smile on my face. “The CEO of Lancaster Corp just remarried, but I know Dad is the most devoted to Mom. I feel at ease entrusting the shares to you.” “However, there’s still a little trouble with Grandpa and Grandma’s side. Dad, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.” 0
Dad wants the shares Mom left me. Ivy wants Dad’s money. The two of them, equally despicable, truly deserve each other as a “match made in heaven”. I lay on my dorm bed, feeling irritated and restless. “Melody.” The dorm door opened. Ivy pulled back my bed curtain and leaned in close, acting intimate. “Do you have any sense of boundaries?” I shifted back, feeling annoyed. Under my dad’s arrangement, Ivy had moved into the same dorm as me. Ivy said this was to make it easier for her to repay the kindness, but I hadn’t seen any gratitude. Instead, she had ended up in bed with my dad. Ivy was taken aback. Then she looked a bit hurt. “Melody, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were in a bad mood today and easily irritated. I apologize.” With one sentence, she shifted the blame for her lack of boundaries onto my bad temper. Noticing the glances from our other two roommates, I suppressed my anger: “What do you want?” Ivy’s lips curved into a slight smile as she sat down and showed me her phone. It displayed a new necklace from Celestial. “Melody, look, isn’t this beautiful? And it’s limited edition.” “We could buy two, one for you and one for me.” It was indeed beautiful. I glanced at Ivy’s designer outfit. Before I discovered the affair between my dad and Ivy, I would always buy things for Ivy when I shopped for myself. This outfit she was wearing was bought by me. But now, I wasn’t going to be the sucker anymore. “It’s pretty. You can pay for it.” Ivy was stunned: “Melody, I’m a scholarship student, I…” “I know, but Dad gives you at least $1,000 for living expenses every month. Don’t tell me you’ve spent it all?” I feigned surprise, then continued. “I could buy it, even though Dad only gives me $300 a month, but I have some savings.” “But Ivy, all these things you’re wearing now were bought by me. If I pay for everything, it wouldn’t sound good if word got out.” “At best, people might say you’re friends with me for my money. At worst, they might think you have something going on with my dad.” A flash of embarrassed anger crossed Ivy’s face. Tears quickly welled up in her eyes. “Of course not, Melody. I’m genuinely your friend.” “And there’s absolutely nothing unsavory between Mr. Sullivan and me.” Ivy pulled out a DNA test report. It showed no blood relation between Ivy and Dad. My two roommates looked at me accusingly. “Melody Sullivan, I have to say, you’re really thinking the worst of people.” “Only a person with a dirty mind sees everything as dirty.” Ivy was well-prepared, wasn’t she? Well, I initially thought the same and secretly did a DNA test for both of them. Who could have imagined that a top student like Ivy would become my dad’s mistress? Seeing the other two roommates on her side, Ivy wiped her tears pretentiously. “Melody, this Celestial necklace costs $8,888. It’s very expensive for me.” “But we’re good friends. If you like it, I’ll buy it for you even if I have to sell a kidney.” “No need for that, no need,” the two roommates chimed in. I calmly watched Ivy’s act. I agreed with a simple “okay”. Ivy’s expression froze. I didn’t bother with her anymore. I quickly packed some things and drove to my grandmother’s house. I knew I couldn’t figure out a solution on my own. My grandparents have far more life experience than I do. They must have a way to handle this. 0
Ivy took a leave of absence from school, and when she returned, she gave me the necklace. At the same time, rumors about me started circulating around campus. As I went to class, I overheard: “That’s Melody Sullivan. She bullies scholarship students just because she’s rich, even making them buy her necklaces worth nearly $10,000.” “That’s right.” “Remember the entrance exam results? Ivy Greene scored higher than Melody Sullivan.” “Last semester, Melody Sullivan’s grades were better than Ivy Greene’s. Isn’t it obvious she achieved that by suppressing Ivy?” “Hmph, what’s the use of winning in grades if you lose in character? We should stay away from people like her.” I ignored it all. After class, I headed to the library with my books. Ivy was busy seducing my dad; it would be strange if her grades didn’t slip. On the way, Ivy approached me. “Melody, don’t take those people’s words to heart.” “I’ve already clarified to them that I bought it for you voluntarily.” “Rumors are just rumors. Don’t let them bother you.” I laughed coldly inside. Weren’t these rumors spread by Ivy herself? “Mm, okay, I got it,” I replied. Ivy continued to follow me. I knew Ivy must have something to ask me, but she hadn’t figured out how to bring it up yet. Since that was the case, I suddenly stopped. “Ivy, just one necklace isn’t very convincing. If you buy me a few more things, the rumors will naturally die down.” “I recently saw a dress that I like…” “Melody,” Ivy hurriedly interrupted me. “I came to you because I have something to discuss.” “Melody, I remember you like Lucas Graham. I have an idea that can help you win him over.” Lucas Graham is a senior in our major. He mentored me for a while during an activity I participated in. I had also expressed my admiration for him. I don’t know how Ivy concluded that I liked him. I stopped and raised an eyebrow: “Oh?” Seeing my interest, Ivy’s eyes gleamed with pride. “You know, as women, we shouldn’t be too strong.” “Be smart in public, give men enough face, but when facing men directly, we should act a bit naive.” “Being a bit naive makes men’s hearts flutter and brings out their protective instincts. All men fall for this, Lucas Graham is no exception.” “Men focus on their careers, we just need to know how to please them.” “This applies to husbands, and to fathers too.” Ivy was sharing her experience as a mistress with me, acting as if she was bestowing a great favor upon me. Finally, she revealed her true intention. She wanted to help Dad persuade me to quickly transfer the shares to him. I was speechless. This speech was so disgusting that I lost the desire to even rebut it. I turned away from Ivy and went to the library. Just as I arrived at the library, Dad called. Over the past few days, the frequency of Dad’s calls had been increasing. From subtle probing attempts, it had now become outright urging me to hand over the shares. “Melody, if there are still issues with your grandparents, why don’t you transfer your shares first?” I remained silent, thinking of excuses to delay. Dad seemed to have lost his patience. “Melody Sullivan, you weren’t lying to Dad about transferring the shares, were you?” “Ding dong.” A text message popped up on my phone. [Sweet Melody, Grandpa has taken care of everything. Sign with him!] I smiled. “Dad, how could that be?” “The issues with Grandpa and Grandma have been resolved. I’ll come home today to sign the contract.”
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