Chapter 1

Dad said he was bringing home a scholarship student he was sponsoring for the holidays.

My first thought: Oh no, could this scholarship student be Dad's secret daughter?

I secretly did a DNA test for both of them. No match.

I relaxed and got along well with Ivy Greene.

The day before school started, I went to ask Dad to sign the share transfer agreement. Just as I reached his bedroom door, I heard moaning from inside.

"Honey, will Melody really transfer all the shares to you? They say it's hard being a stepmother. I don't want to live under your daughter's thumb."

"Of course she will. I can't bear to see my sweetheart suffer."

Hearing the familiar voices, I froze.

Damn it. I was careless. She wasn't his secret daughter, but his mistress.

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"Dad, why did you lock the door? I need to talk to you about something."

I knocked loudly, shouting.

The noises inside stopped abruptly, followed by the rustle of clothes being put on.

Five minutes later, the door opened.

Dad blocked the doorway, his face wearing the usual loving smile.

"Melody, what's the matter so late?"

"Let's talk inside," I said, pushing past him despite his attempt to block me.

"Huh? It's already 10 PM? Ivy, why are you in my dad's room?"

I feigned surprise upon seeing Ivy.

Faced with my question, Dad looked guilty, avoiding my gaze.

Ivy, on the other hand, came forward and linked her arm with mine.

"Well, since school's starting soon, I wanted to discuss with Mr. Sullivan about moving into your dorm as a surprise for you."

Ivy's smile was as natural as ever, showing no signs of deceit.

Ivy was a scholarship student sponsored by my family. She had worked hard and got into Starling University. This year, she was invited by Dad to spend the holidays with us.

We got along well, so I let Ivy stay until now. I never imagined she'd team up with Dad to give me such a big "surprise".

"It's all your fault for coming suddenly. Now the surprise is ruined," Ivy said, half-pouting and half-reproachful as she clung to my arm.

I laughed coldly inside. Thank goodness I came suddenly, or I might not have been able to handle this "surprise".

No wonder Ivy, who's my age, could seduce my dad.

With her psychological resilience and quick thinking, she truly lived up to her reputation as a top student.

"Oh, I see. I thought you came here in the middle of the night to do something with my dad," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Ivy's smile almost faltered. She chided, "Melody, what are you saying?"

Dad had regained his usual composure and came over to scold me, "Melody, reputation is important. Don't talk nonsense."

"But the room smells funny, just like those bushes on campus that reek during spring," I said, pretending to be wronged.

"Oh my, it was like this when I came in too," Ivy chimed in.

"Melody, you need to understand Mr. Sullivan. You know, men sometimes... well..." Ivy trailed off, looking bashful.

"In short, single men have certain needs. We girls shouldn't ask too much about it."

Dad nodded approvingly at Ivy's words, then turned to me.

"Melody, why did you come so late?"

I waved the share transfer agreement in my hand.

Dad and Ivy's eyes lit up simultaneously.

"Melody, I won't disturb your father-daughter talk then," Ivy said.

"Goodnight, Mr. Sullivan."

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