A Whisper that went unheard novel Chapter 122

Melody was stunned, then watched Andrew wear that kindly smile again.

"Mel, the surgery would do you a world of good. You wouldn't want to rely on hearing aids for the rest of your life, right?"

She knew exactly what he was hinting at. First, he had mentioned the orphanage, and now, he was talking about her medical bills.

Closing her eyes for a breath, she asked, "Dad, you said you didn't know the details. Why are you suddenly acting as if you care so much?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, but he kept his voice gentle. "Mel, I'm not involved, but you understand how badly this could hurt a company. I only want to settle it quietly instead of letting it explode."

"But..." she began.

He cut her off. "Mel, you're smart. Your ears will matter for the rest of your life. Let me take care of the orphanage, alright?"

The tone left no room for argument.

Her thoughts tangled as she tried to plan her next move.

Andrew suddenly asked, "I heard Ophelia wants you to join her on vacation?"

Melody nodded.

"Perfect," he said. "Ophelia likes you. Go with her. Maybe Krystal can come too. It'll help you two build a bond."

By then, Melody felt numb. Andrew's visit was all purpose, nothing heartfelt—first the orphanage, then Krystal.

Whenever Melody thought about the harmony between Krystal and Jeremy that no one else could break into, a faint bitterness rose in her heart.

Melody felt confused. Krystal and Cheryl were so alike, yet she just couldn't bring herself to like Krystal the way she liked Cheryl.

After Andrew left, she returned to the nurses' station.

As soon as she walked over, several nurses rushed toward a private room at the far end of the hallway.

Melody asked Tiffany, "What happened?"

"Patient went into shock," Tiffany said, shaking her head. "Happened six times since admission. Dr. Turner will probably spend another night here."

Melody had never met the patient. That room was outside her rotation. She only knew Jeremy had pulled extra shifts because of the case.

...

Right after Andrew left the hospital, Laura called.

"Did she agree?" she asked.

"She could only agree," he replied gloomily. "I told her I'd cover the cost of her ear surgery."

Laura paused, then let the matter drop. "Fine, do whatever you like. But when are you going to have her split from the family? Krystal and Denvin are back. I'm tired of keeping an outsider under our roof."

Andrew's expression darkened. "The Chessons are fond of her. Ophelia even invited her on vacation. I spoke with Owen yesterday. They said they value Melody, not the Wardolfs. Even if she leaves our family, they will still recognize her as their future daughter-in-law."

She seethed. "Ophelia is being stupid! What's so special about an orphan? Krystal is better in every way!"

"There's nothing we can do for now," he said. "We can't risk cutting off Northstar Group while Regallo still needs them."