"No mercy?" Liza scoffed, striding up to Melody and pping her across the face.


    Melody was stunned, and she continued, "This is our territory, and everything my father owns is mine. How dare an old hag like you challenge me? Do you really think my father cares about you? Let me tell you, I am his favorite daughter, and my mother is the woman he loves most. He would never have his eyes on you."


    The room fell silent, not because of Liza''s audacity but because of Bert''s arrival.


    He emerged from the elevator, his presencemanding despite his nearly seventy years. His hair was dyed, and he stood tall and straight, hinting at the handsome man he must have been in his youth.


    Debra watched the scene unfold with interest. Liza had finally managed to draw out Bert, who rarely made public appearances except to clean up messes for her.


    "What''s going on here?" Bert demanded, his voice stern yet tinged with indulgence.


    Debra observed from the corner, noting how much Bert doted on Liza. Despite Liza''s outrageous behavior, he couldn''t bring himself to reprimand her.


    "Dad." Liza clung to his arm, pouting. "It''s all your fault for hosting this stupid wee banquet. I don''t like it."


    "Alright, if you don''t like it, we won''t have it," Bert conceded, turning to his secretary. "Have the banquet cleared and escort thedy to the Bernard Mansion."


    "Dad. I don''t want to go there. I don''t like Drake. He''s just a lowlife, not worthy of marrying me," Liza whined, oblivious to the spectators around her. Melody, who had been pped by Liza, stood by in shock. Bert not only failed to stand up for her but also indulged Liza''s tantrum.


    "This is not up for discussion. Carter, take her away," Bert ordered.


    The butler quickly escorted Liza out


    of the room. She knew better than to argue with Bert when he was displeased, but as she left, she. pointed at Melody and demanded, "Dad I''ll go, but you must send this old hag away."


    "Don''t be ridiculous. Mrs. Nichols Sr. is our guest. You should apologize to her for your rude behavior," Bert reprimanded, but his tone remained soft.


    Melody felt a tightness in her chest, unable to speak. She had been too stunned to even demand an apology.


    As the guests began to leave, DebraN?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    realized that the banquet was ending too soon. She hadn''te all this way just to watch a


    spectacle. She needed to find a way to infiltrate the Eaton family.