Reborn To Remarry My Ex Husband

Chapter 448 You've Never Truly Cared for Me as Your Granddaughter

For a moment, Melody felt a wave of disorientation.

Arnold's familiar, concerned voice for Suzanna echoed in her ears, and she couldn't help but reflect. So, people could wear such vastly different faces.

Melody raised a hand to her forehead, steadying herself as her resolve solidified even further.

When Arnold stepped forward, extending a frail hand for her to hold, Melody didn't hesitate-she swatted it away with force.

"Arnold, ask yourself honestly-do you truly care about me?

"If you do, then tell me! Where were you all these years when I was being wronged?

"I know that you were ill and living in a rehabilitation center. I won't deny that.

"But being ill isn't the same as being dead. When I was forced to marry into the Moore family as

Suzanna's replacement, are you really going to claim you had no idea?"

Melody's voice was sharp, her words slicing through the air with clarity and precision.

Arnold froze, momentarily speechless.

He... he had indeed weighed the pros and cons at the time and tacitly allowed Melody to marry into the Moore family in Suzanna's place. It had been the best option to protect the Shield family's interests and avoid harm to anyone else.

He had assumed Melody hadn't noticed, that she was unaware of his silent approval.

But now, it was clear-she had known all along.

"Mel, let me explain-"

Arnold's mind raced, desperately trying to piece together a response. He had come here in a hurry, his sole focus on gaining control over Suzanna's punishment.

What he hadn't anticipated was that his arrival would only make Melody more determined to sever ties with the Shield family.

No ... he couldn't allow that.

Not even his personal intervention could fail to keep Melody tethered to the Shield family.

The mere thought of losing control over her made Arnold's face pale.

His heart pounded erratically, frustration clawing at him from within.

Melody was slipping further and further out of his grasp.

And now that Tyrell was back...

The items Tyrell had entrusted to him-if Melody truly left the Shield family, Tyrell would surely demand their return.

Arnold couldn't let that happen.

The Shield family couldn't afford to lose its anchor, its "pillar of stability" that allowed them to stand tall in Sommerville.

It would leave him far too vulnerable.

"Mel, I know you think I'm being unfair, and you'll feel that way no matter what I say.

"But before I came here, I already reported Suzanna's crimes to the authorities.

"I will ensure she's dealt with fairly and justly.

"What do you think of that?"

Arnold revealed his trump card, his tone calm and measured.

He had prepared for this before arriving-he had drawn a clear line for how far he'd go for Melody.

No matter what she thought or how she felt, Suzanna had to face her punishment.

A wave of tension swept through the room as all eyes fell on Arnold.

His posture-deferential, almost pleading-toward Melody, a mere junior in the family, was an astonishing sight.

Among the crowd, whispers began to stir.noveldrama

"Melody shouldn't be so ungrateful. Mr. Shield is her own grandfather and he's lowered himself this much for her. Why is she still acting so high and mighty?"

"He clearly stands with Melody-he's even willing to turn against his own family to punish Suzanna. What more does Melody want?"

"Am I the only one who thinks this Arnold is sly and calculating? Think

about it by reporting Suzanna

Melody loses the option of handling her privately.

"With the Moore family behind her, if Melody had dealt with Suzanna quietly, Suzanna's fate would have been far worse, likely a living hell.

"But now, by going through official channels, Suzanna has a chance to eventually get out.

"It's far safer for her this way than being left to Melody and the Moore family's devices. "Arnold doesn't seem as biased toward Melody as he claims."

Melody couldn't help but laugh, a bitter, hollow sound escaping her lips. Lifting her gaze, her almond-shaped eyes met Arnold's deep and unreadable ones. There was a frosty sharpness in her stare, and after a long pause, she spoke with a mocking smile.

"Arnold, stop pretending.

"You've never truly cared for me as your granddaughter, have you?"