Chapter 10 Something Terrible Has Happened

"Exactly! That rapist should've been kicked out ages ago. Bringing him in as a live-in son-in-law has disgraced our family! Only a distinguished young man like Alexander is worthy of our Melody!" Jennifer said cheerfully, placing a freshly brewed cup of tea in front of Alexander. "Here, Alexander, please enjoy some tea!" "This is so kind of you. I've always liked Melody. When I heard her eyesight was restored and her beauty had returned, I made it a point to visit. I hope we can tie the knot and choose an auspicious day for the wedding," Alexander said smugly, though inwardly, he had no real regard for the Torris Family. To him, a second-rate family like the Torris Family was merely a toy to play with. Marrying a woman with a tarnished reputation? He would have to be out of his mind! "Good, good, good. As soon as Melody arrives, I'll have her break up with that rapist!" Jennifer replied, repeating her words in excitement. "Grandma!" Just then, Melody entered with Xaiden by her side. "Grandma, I secured the contract with VitaNova Pharmaceuticals. Now, you can't send Xaiden away!" she exclaimed happily as she walked in. "Melody, come over here and meet Mr. Watson! He came specifically to see you today. You young people should go to a room and have a thorough conversation," Talon said, rising to greet her. Seeing Melody, Alexander nearly drooled. He had seen her before but never imagined she could become so stunning. Her perfect figure combined with her flawless face was enough to make anyone fantasize. With her fair skin that seemed almost ethereal, she was a vision of beauty. If they weren't at Torris Residence, he would have pounced on her right then and there. "I don't know him, and there's nothing to talk about!" Melody snapped, feeling repulsed by Alexander's lecherous gaze that roved over her. "Melody, watch your manners! Apologize to Alexander immediately!" Jennifer's face darkened. "No need. We're all going to be one family soon. No need for apologies. Just keep me company," Alexander interjected, waving it off with a smirk. "Look at how magnanimous Alexander is! And look at the useless bum beside you. He is flat broke, can't even get a decent job, and parks that junky scooter at our doorstep, bringing shame to our family! Melody, you should ditch him and embrace Alexander. With his family's support, our family will soar to new heights!" Talon urged. "Grandma, I secured the order from VitaNova Pharmaceuticals. Here's the contract. You said yourself yesterday that if I got this order, you wouldn't kick Xaiden out!" Melody ignored him and handed the contract to Jennifer. "Order? What order?" Alexander scoffed. "VitaNova Pharmaceuticals only signs contracts with the Four Great Families. My family, being the leader, holds 50 percent of their orders, while the rest are divided among the other three families." "T-this is really an order from VitaNova Pharmaceuticals! What? A hundred million?" Jennifer's eyes widened as she read the contract. She could hardly believe it. The Torris Family, who hadn't managed to secure a single order from VitaNova Pharmaceuticals, now had a 100-million contract in Melody's hands! A 100-million contract was a gold mine for the Torris Family. With a 20 percent profit margin, they could easily net 20 million! "Impossible! This must be a fake. VitaNova Pharmaceuticals would never place an order with you! Melody, forging contracts is a serious crime. But, if you ditch this guy and be with me, I'll keep your little secret," Alexander said with a sneer after glancing at the contract. "Fake? Melody, what's going on?" Jennifer demanded, stunned by Alexander's words and glaring at Melody. By rights, without any significant connections aside from the Torris Family, it seemed improbable that Melody and Xaiden could secure such a lucrative order from VitaNova Pharmaceuticals. "Grandma, it's real. The chairman of VitaNova Pharmaceuticals personally signed this contract with me!" Melody explained urgently. "The chairman of VitaNova Pharmaceuticals, personally signing a contract with you? Come on, Melody, at least make up a believable story. Mr. Everett is a member of the illustrious Everett Family in Goldenia. Even my family's contracts are handled through representatives. The idea that he would personally sign with you is absurd," Alexander laughed, finding her claim utterly ridiculous. Xaiden, who had been silent until now, sneered at him. "Mr. Watson, isn't it? From the Watson Family, the top family in Josenz. I heard your family head died yesterday. Instead of mourning, you come to our family barking nonsense. Could it be that you've got a case of rabies?" "You punk, you're asking for it!" Infuriated, Alexander stood up and swung his hand to slap Xaiden. But before his hand could reach Xaiden, Xaiden kicked him away, sending him crashing to the ground! If they weren't at Torris Residence, that kick might have been fatal. "How dare you fight back! I'm going to kill you today!" Alexander, pampered and privileged all his life, had always been the one dishing out blows, never receiving them. Being kicked down by Xaiden at Torris Residence was a slap in the face that enraged him. Moreover, Xaiden had crossed a line. Mentioning Harrison's death, a taboo subject in all of Josenz, was a direct affront to the Watson Family. Even if he killed Xaiden today, his uncle Orson would cover it up for him. Grabbing a fruit knife from the table, he snarled, "Punk, you'd better cripple that leg you kicked me with, or I'll call my guys and leave you in pieces!" "Go ahead and call for help, Mr. Watson. Don't worry, the Torris Family won't lift a finger to stop you. This useless bum has needed a lesson for a long time. Once he's dealt with, Melody will be yours," Talon chimed in, stoking the flames. He had harbored a grudge since Xaiden nearly broke his finger the day before and now saw his chance for revenge. "Grandma, I'm telling the truth! Please, save Xaiden!" Melody pleaded, tears streaming down her face as she stood by Xaiden. However, Jennifer didn't even bat an eyelid, ignoring her completely. Suddenly, Alston burst in, holding his phone, his face pale with fear. "Oh no! Something terrible has happened!"