Chapter 5

Ivy took a leave of absence from school, and when she returned, she gave me the necklace.

At the same time, rumors about me started circulating around campus.

As I went to class, I overheard:

"That's Melody Sullivan. She bullies scholarship students just because she's rich, even making them buy her necklaces worth nearly $10,000."

"That's right."

"Remember the entrance exam results? Ivy Greene scored higher than Melody Sullivan."

"Last semester, Melody Sullivan's grades were better than Ivy Greene's. Isn't it obvious she achieved that by suppressing Ivy?"

"Hmph, what's the use of winning in grades if you lose in character? We should stay away from people like her."

I ignored it all.

After class, I headed to the library with my books.

Ivy was busy seducing my dad; it would be strange if her grades didn't slip.

On the way, Ivy approached me.

"Melody, don't take those people's words to heart."

"I've already clarified to them that I bought it for you voluntarily."

"Rumors are just rumors. Don't let them bother you."

I laughed coldly inside.

Weren't these rumors spread by Ivy herself?

"Mm, okay, I got it," I replied.

Ivy continued to follow me.

I knew Ivy must have something to ask me, but she hadn't figured out how to bring it up yet.

Since that was the case, I suddenly stopped.

"Ivy, just one necklace isn't very convincing. If you buy me a few more things, the rumors will naturally die down."

"I recently saw a dress that I like..."

"Melody," Ivy hurriedly interrupted me.

"I came to you because I have something to discuss."

"Melody, I remember you like Lucas Graham. I have an idea that can help you win him over."

Lucas Graham is a senior in our major.

He mentored me for a while during an activity I participated in.

I had also expressed my admiration for him.

I don't know how Ivy concluded that I liked him.

I stopped and raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

Seeing my interest, Ivy's eyes gleamed with pride.

"You know, as women, we shouldn't be too strong."

"Be smart in public, give men enough face, but when facing men directly, we should act a bit naive."

"Being a bit naive makes men's hearts flutter and brings out their protective instincts. All men fall for this, Lucas Graham is no exception."

"Men focus on their careers, we just need to know how to please them."

"This applies to husbands, and to fathers too."

Ivy was sharing her experience as a mistress with me, acting as if she was bestowing a great favor upon me.

Finally, she revealed her true intention.

She wanted to help Dad persuade me to quickly transfer the shares to him.

I was speechless.

This speech was so disgusting that I lost the desire to even rebut it.

I turned away from Ivy and went to the library.

Just as I arrived at the library, Dad called.

Over the past few days, the frequency of Dad's calls had been increasing.

From subtle probing attempts, it had now become outright urging me to hand over the shares.

"Melody, if there are still issues with your grandparents, why don't you transfer your shares first?"

I remained silent, thinking of excuses to delay.

Dad seemed to have lost his patience.

"Melody Sullivan, you weren't lying to Dad about transferring the shares, were you?"

"Ding dong."

A text message popped up on my phone.

[Sweet Melody, Grandpa has taken care of everything. Sign with him!]

I smiled.

"Dad, how could that be?"

"The issues with Grandpa and Grandma have been resolved. I'll come home today to sign the contract."