Chapter 4 The Evening Event

After breakfast, Cherry pulled out her notepad and began reading the day's schedule.

"Ma'am, you have an appointment with your lawyer at 2:00 p.m. Also-" she turned to Kan- "I've prepared a speech for you. There's an event tonight, and you'll be speaking on behalf of Ma'am Melissa."

"Copy that," Kan said casually.

Cherry handed him the papers. "Here, go through it. We'll leave you to study so you won't be distracted. Any questions, Mr. Kan?"

"Nope, Miss Beautiful," he replied with a teasing smile.

Annoying jerk, Melissa cursed silently.

"I know, right," Kan answered out loud, chuckling.

Melissa's eyes narrowed.

"One last thing, Kan," Cherry added. "A designer will arrive later to take your measurements."

"No problem, Miss Beautiful." He winked, making Cherry's cheeks heat slightly.

Later That Evening

Melissa descended the grand staircase with effortless grace. She wore a sleek black, V-neck, backless gown that shimmered beneath the lights. Her hair was swept into a neat ponytail, baring the elegant curve of her nape. Silver heels clicked softly against the marble, her matching purse glinting in her hand. She had applied only the lightest touch of makeup-simple, clean, and stunning.

"You look beautiful tonight," Kan said sincerely.

Melissa's cheeks warmed. Thanks, she mouthed.

"You're welcome, Beautiful," he said smoothly.

"Ehmm... ehmm." Cherry cleared her throat, trying to mask her fluster. "Ma'am, the car is ready."

Someone's jealous, Melissa thought with a faint smile.

Kan chuckled under his breath, already having read her mind. Cherry glanced between them, confused, unaware of the silent conversation flowing above her head.

Within fifty minutes, they arrived at her late father's music company-now hers. The building loomed with banners and spotlights; the air buzzed with cameras and murmurs. Melissa's palms grew clammy, her nerves tightening.

Cherry noticed instantly. "Ma'am, don't worry. Everything is fine. I won't let anyone harm you."

Melissa squeezed her hand gratefully. Thanks, Cherry.

"No problem, Ma'am."

Kan reached for Melissa's other hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here too, Beautiful."

She chuckled softly, inhaling deeply before stepping out of the car.

The moment her heels touched the red carpet, a swarm of reporters surged forward. Microphones and cameras surrounded her as voices overlapped, each trying to outshout the other.

"Miss Williams, is it true you've lost your ability to speak?"

"Does this mean you'll never sing again?"

"Ma'am, is it true you suffered memory loss after your parents' accident?"

The flood of questions pressed against her like a wave she couldn't escape. Melissa's heart hammered in her chest. She longed to answer, but no words came.

Cherry and Kan quickly flanked her, shielding her from the crowd. With firm gestures, they pushed through the chaos until the three of them slipped inside the safety of the building.