Suzanna, witnessing the scene, took the initiative to grasp Mrs. Shield's wrist and implored, "Nanny, Gary isn't to blame for this. Please, don't punish him." Mrs. Shield's countenance softened, her hand reaching out affectionately to stroke Suzanna's head. "You always coddle Gary." Turning her gaze sharply to Gary, she remarked, "In light of your sister's plea, you shall kneel for only an hour." "You still won't thank your sister?" In times past, Gary would have surely cracked a joke and endeavored to persuade Suzanna to continue pleading to avoid punishment. But this time, he merely glanced at Suzanna's pale, fragile form, his brows lowered together. He was facing punishment because of Suzanna. Why should he express gratitude for a lighter sentence? "I will kneel alone for two hours," Gary declared, his voice devoid of warmth, his tall figure seeming slightly defeated as he walked away. Suzanna bit her lower lip, her brow furrowing as she observed Gary's uncharacteristic behavior. Gritting her teeth, she hurried to seize Gary's arm, her eyes wide and watery. "Gary, don't kneel." "Nanny, it's my weakness that caused this. If you must punish someone, then punish me alongside him." "Gary, I'll kneel with you, let's go." Suzanna's sincerity was palpable; despite her frailty, she clung firmly to Gary, prepared to face the punishment together. Gary's expression flickered with bewilderment at her sudden change in demeanor. Memories of Suzie's kindness over the years flooded his mind. He had already disappointed Mel; he couldn't bear to let Suzie down as well. He resolved to make amends and show them both even greater kindness. With this realization, he gently reclaimed Suzanna's hand and comforted her, "Suzie, go rest with Carson; don't worry about me." Though Suzie's actions contradicted Mrs. Shield's orders, there was no trace of displeasure on the older woman's face. Instead, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she commended Suzanna. "Let it be. None of you need to kneel." "Suzie's sensibility shines through. Compared to Melody's blatant disrespect for her elders and ingratitude, it's like night and day!""When she returns home, I will have her kneel for three days and nights as punishment!" Mrs. Shield's words were delivered with such vehemence that her own frame trembled with anger. Gary and Carson exchanged alarmed glances, taken aback by their grandmother's reaction. When would Melody come home? Was this still her home? She had severed ties so completely that she no longer recognized them. --- After completing the massage and treatment, Edward succumbed to sleep under Melody's skilled hands and the soothing effects of the incense. Melody gazed out the window, where the first rays of orange-yellow sunlight painted the pale blue sky, signaling the start of a new day. Exhaustion washed over her, and she sat on the edge of the bed, instinctively grasping Edward's slender fingers in her palm and closing her eyes. As the birds began to chirp outside and the sunlight intensified, Edward stirred from his slumber, feeling the soft pressure of Melody's touch on his fingers. Turning his gaze toward her, he saw Melody curled up on the edge of the bed. Her complexion was porcelain, with a delicate blush gracing her sweet features, making her look utterly enchanting. Edward studied Melody's sleeping form for a long moment, his eyes deep and inscrutable. Something stirred within him, hidden in the depths of his gaze... His gaze traveled to her slender neck. If she harbored ill intentions, it would be easy to twist them... Melody awoke with a start, feeling sore and fatigued from her uncomfortable position. Her clear and transparent almond eyes fluttered open, and she blinked several times in a stupor. When she finally realized the person staring back at her was Edward, a bewildered look swept across her face. Surprised, she retreated slightly, and Edward's gaze withdrew, returning to its calm demeanor. Her body seemed to shiver as Edward coldly retracted his fingers from her palm. Raising her head, she offered a smile. "Mr. Moore, your fingers are remarkably elegant. It's a pity I can't admire them." Edward narrowed his eyes at her. "Melody, are you still half-asleep?" "If you persist with this banter, you may find yourself relegated to the corridor for the night."It was regrettable that such a young girl possessed such a fatuous tongue! Others would surely be at a loss for words upon hearing her remarks. Is this my punishment? Ed, you've truly met your match! "Mr. Moore, you've misunderstood." "I simply meant it's a shame you aren't a hand model!"Melody regarded him with wide almond-shaped eyes, displaying no hint of embarrassment at her playful antics. Rubbing her eyes, she rose to prepare for her morning ablutions. The prolonged sitting had left her feet numb, prompting an instinctive leap onto the bed. Edward's firm palms swiftly supported her delicate waist as she rose, his brow furrowing slightly as he remarked, "You're quite the young trickster, aren't you?" His suspicions of her remained intact. Melody nestled into his embrace, her supple form melding against his sturdy frame. Edward tensed at her closeness, his grip on her waist tightening unconsciously. A mischievous spark ignited within Melody as she leaned in to nibble at his neck, her tone playful and teasing. "Mr. Moore, we're just beginning. I have many more tricks up my sleeve." "I assure you, each one will render you powerless!" Her grin stretched from ear to ear, a blend of allure and defiance in her demeanor. Edward's eyes widened in alarm, a fleeting uncertainty flickering in their depths. The slight discomfort and numbness from her bite monopolized his thoughts. Melody's bold, seductive words lingered in his mind, darkening his expression visibly. Abruptly releasing her, he pushed her away, causing her to tumble onto the carpet. Her almond-shaped eyes met his, a hint of reproach in their depths. "You're my husband. I can hug and nibble without drawing blood." "Besides, Mr. Moore, did you not feel it?" "I felt your reaction when I nibbled." Though subtle, he did feel a response. His long, dormant senses seemed stirred by Melody's touch, a sensation both unsettling and unfamiliar. Yet, he acknowledged her medical expertise, deeming it valuable. A tinge of embarrassment crossed Edward's features as he retrieved a card from the bedside table, extending it to Melody. "As a member of the Moore Family, you mustn't dress poorly. People may misconstrue it as mistreatment." Melody accepted the card, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Is this your supplementary card? Can I use it freely?" In her previous life, she had never availed herself of Edward's wealth. But in this life, determined to win him over, she resolved to spend his money unreservedly. "You're mistaken." "There's a monthly limit of one million." Edward's gaze was frosty, silently implying, "Though small in stature, your appetite is grand." Melody chuckled nervously. Mr. Moore was certainly deceptive! Aren't wives of big shots given both a supplementary card and a black card? Following her usual routine order, Melody departed. Seated in his wheelchair, Edward watched her leave through the panoramic window on the second floor. With her hair tied in a high ponytail, clad in a white t-shirt and fitted jeans, and sporting sneakers, she exuded an air of youthful confidence. It was the epitome of youthfulness and vitality. After Melody's departure, Edward reached to touch the scar extending from his eye to his jawline. Bernard, his ever-watchful aide, appeared silently, admiring Edward's flawless countenance. Mr. Moore, akin to a radiant sun god, was beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. Edward paused his idle play with a walnut, turning to Bernard. "How is the progress of our Middle Eastern trade?" Following a discussion of business matters, Edward paused once more, querying, "Has Melody utilized the supplementary card?" Though he had provided her with a supplementary card, he had intentionally imposed a limit. Bernard, taken aback, noted the row of small pink marks adorning Edward's neck. Oh no! Had Mr. Moore and his wife shared a passionate night? Though moments of intimacy were permissible, duty always took precedence.Getting back into his working mindset, Bernard hurriedly consulted his phone, attempting to conceal the flush creeping up his neck. Edward raised an eyebrow, prompting Bernard to continue. "Mr. Moore, your wife just transferred fifty thousand to eighteen male college students..." Wow, with a million-dollar limit, she had spent ninety thousand within minutes! Madam, a daring wildcat indeed, leaving bite marks on Mr. Moore's neck!