Chapter 5: Nothing Left

After speaking, Professor walked towards Melissa Ernest. She didn't know why, but it seemed that everyone present was very respectful to this man. Instinctively, she didn't dare to argue with Frederic Howard's arrangements and just stood there, letting Professor examine her.

After a thorough check, Professor frowned and then approached Frederic Howard, "I will do my best. We'll start with medication to see if we can clear the poison. The poisoning has been going on for too long, and the recent fatigue has exacerbated its spread. All she can do now is rest; she mustn't overwork herself, and her emotions must remain stable."

"Alright, thank you, Professor."

Once the others had left, only the two of them remained in the ward. Frederic Howard looked at Melissa Ernest, who was staring blankly from the bed: "I’ve had your father's ashes retrieved. Let me know when you want to hold the funeral. If there's anything you need, feel free to ask. By the way, my name is Frederic Howard." He handed her his business card.

She was the first person he had ever given his card to; usually, it was his assistant who handled such matters...

Evan Hicks watched, wide-eyed and speechless.

"Thank you," Melissa Ernest said, numbly accepting the card.

At the cemetery, a slender figure knelt before two gravestones, dressed in black, trembling.

The man inside the car, seeing her unable to control her tears, felt a pang of sympathy. Without fully understanding his own emotions, he instinctively made a decision, opening the car door and stepping out with his long legs clad in leather shoes.

He walked up to Melissa Ernest, bent down, and helped her up. "Don't cry. I believe Mr. and Mrs. Yun would be heartbroken to see you like this."

"Mr. Howard, thank you! It's just that I can't accept everything so quickly. In just half a month, I’ve lost everything," Melissa Ernest said, gradually calming down.

Hearing her words, Frederic Howard almost blurted out, "You have me now." This thought surprised even him, and he frowned before saying, "Let's go, I’ll take you back." He helped her up with one hand.

"Thank you for taking me home."

When they reached the building, Melissa Ernest got out of the car and thanked him, preparing to go upstairs.

At that moment, a voice full of sarcasm came from behind:

"Oh, what a big heart you have, little sister! Your uncle and aunt just passed away, and you’re already flirting with men. I think today is the day of their burial, couldn't you even wait for that?"

The speaker was Melissa Ernest's cousin, Veromca Ernest, who had always been at odds with her. Anything that belonged to Melissa Ernest, whether it was a person or an object, she wanted to take for herself.

Melissa Ernest glanced at her, not intending to respond, and continued walking.

Veromca Ernest grabbed her arm, "I'm talking to you, are you deaf?"

Frederic Howard frowned and got out of the car, "Did you forget to brush your teeth this morning? Your mouth smells terrible."

*Pfft*

Evan Hicks couldn't help but laugh. It seemed the president had never spoken so bluntly before, especially to a woman.

Veromca Ernest's face, which had been full of mockery, suddenly cracked, "You...!"

She turned around angrily, ready to lash out, but when she saw it was Frederic Howard, her expression changed to a flattering smile, "Mr. Howard, what are you doing here?"

Melissa Ernest and Evan Hicks rolled their eyes. This person could change her attitude faster than turning a page.

Frederic Howard's voice was calm, "I'm the ‘wild man’ you said Melissa was flirting with."

Melissa Ernest's face turned red. Frederic Howard had called her Melissa, not Miss Ernest, clearly intending to embarrass Veromca Ernest.

Veromca Ernest's face was a mix of red and pale, and she stammered, "I... I didn't mean it that way, Mr. Howard."

"Then what did you mean? Hmm?"

Frederic Howard's face showed increasing impatience, looking at her as if she were something disgusting. After speaking, he ignored Veromca Ernest and walked straight to Melissa Ernest, taking her hand, "Let's go, I’ll take you upstairs."

His voice, now gentle and magnetic, was a stark contrast to how he had spoken to Veromca Ernest, as if the harsh words had come from someone else.

Melissa Ernest, who initially didn't want Frederic Howard to come up, considering how poor her living conditions were, thought it would be beneath his dignity to visit such a place. But, thinking about how Veromca Ernest might continue to cause trouble, she softly agreed and let Frederic Howard lead her upstairs.