Chapter 1: The Jinx has Returned
Chapter 1: The Jinx has Returned
Everything began at the funeral by the Sullivan Family.
Alistair Sullivan was an important man and naturally, his funeral would be a gathering of the most important people.
As one of the top 3 powerful families that resided in C City, everyone else who had the same kind of power came to pay their respects.
The funeral hall buzzed with noisy gossip.
But amidst the venue, the appearance of a simple dressed girl managed to capture everyone's attention.
Although the girl had a gentle appearance and was beautiful, her white t-shirt stood out amongst everyone else's formal attire.
lt was cheap and had obvious holes.
Everyone else that came to the funeral were either rich or noble people, they wore designer brands and expensive shirts.
The girl's shirt was hardly near comparison to any of theirs.
Someone from the crowd couldn't help but be curious and out loud he asked, "Who is that? Why is she sitting with the Sullivans?"
"I heard that she's the other granddaughter of the Sullivans that has been kept out of the family.Alistair called for her, right before he passed away."
"Ah.I heard that on his deathbed, Alistair wanted to announce his will in front of everyone.I guess that's why she's here."
Everyone whispered to each other indefinitely and kept their eyes on the young girl.
Melody didn't know that she'd become the center of attention among the guests.
She looked straight ahead with her eyes as calm as the horizon.
But she was too young to hold such an expression on her face that looked cold.
No one knew anything about what was going on inside her mind.
She was focused on Alistair's photo that was set up in the middle of the hall.
Reagan, the most favored granddaughter of the Sullivans, noticed Melody act like that.
She turned to her mother and opened her mouth to complain.
"Mom, what do you think is her problem? She isn't crying or at least pretending to cry and act sad for Grandpa's passing.She didn't even change clothes when we told her to.What will the media say when they take photos of her? People might think the Sullivans are abusing her!"
Elizabeth Sullivan, the mother of Reagan, frowned tightly in reply.Her daughter's words made sense.
Elizabeth felt nothing for Melody, this outsider from the village.
Melody had only been back for a day, and it wasn't pleasant at all.
But right now, Elizabeth knew better and didn't dare touch Melody.
Elizabeth would send Melody back to the countryside after the funeral to remain as a dignified Sullivan.
Elizabeth saw her husband appear and turned to Reagan.
In a hushed voice, she tried to comfort her. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
"Reagan, be good.Look, your dad has arrived, bear with it for a little while longer.For now, this is more important."
Reagan wasn't convinced nor satisfied, but she couldn't express it clearly.
She swallowed her pride and gulped it down angrily.
They didn't see it, but Melody who was staring straight ahead suddenly smiled.
The Sullivans didn't get along with Melody or take their chance to get to know her.
If they did, then they would have known that Melody had a really good sense of hearing.
Even though Reagan and Elizabeth's voices were small, she heard it all clearly.
That woman really didn't like Melody.Her eyes focused more on Alistair's photo, and a glint of sadness shimmered in Melody's eyes.Did she have to cry? Must she cry for him? Quince Sullivan slowly walked up the stage.
He went on to make a long speech, occasionally sighing at the mention of his father and Alistair's greatness.
Finally, after that, he announced that the final would be read in front.
It wasn't a surprise, many people already knew.
Alistair only had two children.
It was common sense to expect who would inherit the Sullivan Family's property.
But why would he make a scene, by announcing it in front of everyone? Was he looking for drama to happen? Alistair’s most trusted lawyer stepped up onto the podium where Quince previously stood.
Carefully, he opened the sealed will.
He spread it open to read it out loud.
"I, Alistair Sullivan, considered my choice carefully.I have decided to hand over all of the shares of the Sullivan Family Company under my name, the real estate, and the cash deposit in the Swiss Bank, amounting to 500 million dollars, to my granddaughter Melody Sullivan to inherit.."
Chaos erupted, and there was an uproar.
It wasn't just the Sullivans, but even the guests.
"Melody Sullivan?"
Her name was carried around the place and everyone echoed it against the walls.
"Isn't she the one who was sent to the countryside by Alistair ever since she was a child? Isn't she the second granddaughter?"
How could it be? Everyone's jaw was slacked open and they were shocked to have heard it.
How could she inherit the Sullivan's fortune? Like earlier, even if she was the center of attention, she remained unmoved.It was like nothing happened, Melody’s expression never changed.
She didn't act surprised, only uncomfortable.
Her eyes remained on Alistair's photo, located in the middle of the funeral hall.
Slightly, her thin lips opened.
Her voice could hardly be heard.
But Melody stressed every word she said.
"Grandpa, what do you want from me?"