Melanie pondered and decided to approach the topic in a different way.
She gently pushed Vivienne away and sighed, "I read a post online a few days ago. It was about someone whose relative got into trouble, so they took in the relative's daughter to care for her. But that girl turned out to be ungrateful, unable to form a bond despite years of care. She appeared sweet and gentle, but it was all a facade. In the end, she conspired with outsiders to seize the family's assets and even killed everyone in the family."
Vivienne fell silent. "..."
That was utterly tragic!
No wonder her daughter reacted this way.
Moreover, the scenario in the post bore a striking resemblance to their current situation. Vivienne guessed that Melanie had inserted herself into the story.
She reached out to stroke Melanie's head. "Don't worry. Even if your father trusts her wholeheartedly, I'll keep an eye on things."
Melanie blinked. "Okay."
Vivienne chatted with Melanie for a while longer. When she returned to the study, she casually mentioned it to Leonard.
Leonard responded with a long pause, "Aria isn't that kind of person."
Vivienne chuckled. "You once thought her father was a good man too! You've been blind to character for more than a day or two."
Leonard was silent.
Vivienne continued, "Suddenly, I realize that when it comes to judging people, if I just do the opposite of what you choose, I'd come out winning every time..."
As she joked, Vivienne's eyes narrowed.
Jokes aside, she did need to be more vigilant.
Leonard felt unfairly judged. "Aria is different from her father! She's not that kind of person."
Vivienne's heart skipped a beat. "..." These words echoed from the past.
She gave Leonard a serious look, mentally noting Aria as a potential threat in her mental ledger.
Melanie felt her plan was working perfectly. With her mother keeping watch, she felt much more at ease.
Glancing at her phone, she reminded herself that times had changed. Now, she held another ace up her sleeve.
Aside from the matter of Aria, Melanie's thoughts turned to Asher. He was in City B and said he wouldn't be back for a few days, but she couldn't wait that long. She wanted to see him as soon as possible.
She checked the distance between City A and City B on her phone; it wasn't too far, and she could drive there.
Oh, wait, she was only 18 and didn't have a driver's license yet.
Never mind, she would take a driver.
Melanie found an excuse to inform Vivienne and left Snow Family with the driver.
The driver, Mr. Smith, who had been with Snow Family for years, was a bit surprised by Melanie's request. "Miss, are Mr. and Mrs. Snow aware of your trip to City B?"
Melanie sidestepped Mr. Smith's question, not directly answering. "It's not far from here to City B. We can return by afternoon, maybe even in time for dinner."
Mr. Smith sighed but said nothing, starting the car.
Melanie noted the time; it would take roughly two and a half hours to reach City B. However, she didn't know Asher's exact address, only that he was in City B.
Frankly, Melanie was starting to regret her impulsive decision. Now, en route, she wasn't sure what to say to Asher once she met him. Her actions seemed a bit abrupt?
Sitting there, phone in hand, she wore a conflicted expression.
Mr. Smith smiled kindly and couldn't resist asking, "Are you going to see your boyfriend?"
Melanie blushed, looking flustered. "N-No, he is not yet..."
"Well, then, why are you so nervous?" Mr. Smith countered.
Melanie defended herself, her expression unnatural, "I'm not nervous! You misunderstood!"
She lowered her head and dialed Asher's number, planning to ask for his whereabouts. Since she had come this far, even if she felt timid, she had to see him.
