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    Melody''s words sliced through the air like a sharpened de


    "Hmph, how can you expect me to greet you with a smile when you regres Shelia away?"


    Den had initially harbored doubts about Debot''s ims, but the you unfolding before him was swiftly dispelling them odd bestee wonder what kind of life Jade would have if chemo the trans family Next door, Debra continued her meal at a leisurely pace, while Randy and Erica, who had been engrossed in conversation earlier, now queetly rounded on seeds. They exchanged nces, silently acknowledging the poor soundproofing and their unexpected entertainment.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Debra felt a sense of satisfaction as she perceived the escting tension. Had Dene alone, Melody might have feigned kindness and engaged in polite conversation.


    But Den''s decision to bring Edgar was a clear sign of disrespect toward Melody. And if there was one thing Melody didn''t handle well, it was disrespect.


    Den mmed his hand on the table, his voice dropping to an icy tone. " Edgar is my son-inw. What do you think you''re doing? Belittling the ir and Odom families?" Melody, undeterred, stood her ground. Shelia is carrying my grandchild, and that makes her part of the Nichols family. Have you asked about her wishes?


    Den scoffed, "As a father, I have the final say in Jade''s matters. Juan thinks only of his wife and disregards my daughter, I will never let her marry someone as heartless as him."


    Melody''s face flushed with anger as she rose from her seat. "Den ir,


    SBONE


    This is the first time you re hosting" Randy remarked "What''s the special asion


    Deore hushed him gently. "Keep your voice down. The private rooms here aren''t as soundproof as one might hope


    Really Randy locked puzzled butplied.


    Marion, sting across from Debra, quiety picked fish bones for Debre


    In the adjacent room, Scone politely ushered Dedarin. Vr. Bair, this way, please Mrs. Nichols Shes been waiting.


    To everyone''s surprise. Decian was alone. Bogar apanied him. much to Wey''swsbe dismer


    ar is like a son to me" Der dered unperturbed by Melody''s scuring expression. "Honored to receive your invitation, Mrs. Nichols St.1 thought it would be a good cunity for him to broaden his horisons. I e you don''t mind Mecoy''s voice was as cold as ice. Even if seyit''s not alright will be leave?


    The Nichols family hed ificant sway in Seamar City, while the in family was respectable. However, in terms of wealth and influence, the irs were much inferior.


    Melody believed she had condescended to invite someone like Decian. Yet not only did he not recate it but he also brought Edgar along


    Edger took his seet, seemingly colivious to Melody''s hostility. The dinner is cutevish. Thank you for the hospitality, Mrs. Nichols St.


    Welcoy''s retort was sharp. "It seems people from Bocton trulyck manners. I''ve heard your family is nouveau riche, which exins your behavior


    Edgar was unfazed by her jab. It seems you have quite a few opinions