Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 

Not long after, Maria emerged, and Melody quickly moved to help her into the car. 

Yolanda caught sight of Melody’s plain dress, which looked utterly drab next to Mabel’s sparkling ensemble. The contrast brought a smirk to her face. 

With Melody’s homely mug, they didn’t need to lift a finger–she was a natural foil to Mabel’s shine. Still, it was a pity their plot to mess up Melody’s dress hadn’t panned out. It would have been a treat to see her embarrass herself even more. 

As they drove towards the Swanson family estate, Maria leaned in to give Melody some advice. “When we get there, just zip it and follow my lead. Astrid isn’t someone you can just sweet–talk, but she won’t dare refuse the marriage with me around.” 

Melody nodded, all too aware of how formidable Astrid Swanson could be, especially since she was also Ulric’s mom. She had once bent over backwards trying to win Astrid’s approval, all for a shot at marrying Ulric. Despite all her efforts, Astrid had never shown her a shred of warmth. 

Now, Melody couldn’t stand the sight of Ulric and had zero interest in currying favor with Astrid ever again. She just nodded absently in response to Maria’s instructions. 

The car pulled into the parking lot of the Swanson villa, where luxury cars filled the space and well–dressed guests disembarked. 

In her past life, Melody would have been extremely nervous in such a place like this, but she could now remain calm and focused. She helped Maria out of the car, making sure she didn’t trip or stumble. 

Maria was pleased with Melody’s composure. The four of them were walking towards the mansion, when security stopped Melody at the entrance 

“Who are you with? Got an invitation? We don’t let strangers in the security guard demanded, eyeing Melody with overt distaste. 

Her ugly mug and simple outfit made her stick out like a sore thumb amid the opulence of the event, clearly not fitting in with the glitz of the Swanson’s high society. 

Mabel couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, but it died as Maria’s cold stare pierced her. She quickly forced out a cough to cover up her laughter. 

Yolanda, catching Maria’s cold stare, hurried forward to address the guard. “Look, this is my daughter, Melody. And here’s the invitation,” she said with a hint of impatience. Reaching into her purse, she presented the invitation with a flourish. 

Normally, guests wouldn’t need to show their invitations again, but with Melody in tow, Yolanda felt compelled to prove their legitimacy at the event. 

Yolanda was mortified, but felt a perverse sense of satisfaction too 

After years of being overshadowed by Melody’s glamorous mother, seeing her daughter now struggling to even enter the gates of the Swanson estate felt like a twisted victory. 

She might not have been able to outshine that woman, but her daughter had certainly outshone Melody. 

The security guard scrutinized the invitation carefully. Satisfied was genuine, he mumbled an apology and let them through. 

Melody didn’t utter a word. She shot the guard a withering glance before following Maria inside. 

The estate was buzzing with festive energy, decorated with strings of colorful lights, but Melody felt a thill despite the celebratory atmosphere. She was met with disdainful stares and hushed whispers, feeling the weight of judgment from 

။ 

Chapter 19 

every corner. 

She pretended not to notice, quietly staying by Maria’s side. 

A familiar voice called out from the grand staircase, “Oh, Mrs. Fox is here!” 

Melody turned to see Astrid, whose smile cracked for a moment into a grimace of repulsion. 

How could someone be so… hideous? Astrid thought to herself, barely maintaining her smile. The mere sight of Melody was enough to turn her stomach. 

Is this eyesore really supposed to marry my Ulric? Astrid fumed internally. 

However, as a seasoned socialite, Astrid quickly composed herself, plastering on a fake smile. “Mrs. Fox, my mother.has been asking about you. Unfortunately, she’s feeling ill and can’t attend the party. Let me take you to her, she said, leading Maria. 

away. 

Astrid glanced past Melody without a second look, her eyes landing on Mabel with a critical gaze. 

Seizing the moment, Mabel quickly introduced herself, “Hello, Mrs. Swanson, I’m Mabel” 

“Mabel, right…” Astrid nodded with a forced smile. You were the belle of the ball last 

at year, weren’t you?” 

Mabel blushed, proud, while Yolanda beamed beside her, sharing in her daughter’s glory. 

Seeing this, Maria felt a twinge of annoyance. 

Although both Mabel and Melody were guests, today was supposed to be about Melody. Mabel’s forwardness had thrown off 

the focus. 

Frustrated, Maria cut in before Astrid could dismiss Melody any further. “Astrid,” she interjected. “I don’t think I’ve properly. introduced you to Melody. You remember, I mentioned her before–she’s…” 

Astrid cut her off. “Let’s not go there right now. You really should visit my mom first. It’s been ages, and she’s been asking about you.”