Free Web NovelChapter 87: Chapter 87 Melody’s Closeness
Sylvia’s POV
I had just finished breakfast when I headed to Frostline Enterprises. freёwebnoѵel.com
This time, I drove there myself, savoring the freedom of movement that came with reclaiming my true nature.
As I walked through the main entrance, the receptionist greeted me with the usual respect .
The moment I walked into Frostline’s sleek lobby, the receptionist looked up from her desk with that polished smile she always wore around me—equal parts respect and genuine warmth.
“Good morning, Miss Frost,” she said, nodding. “Mr. Smith is waiting in the reception lounge. And he’s not alone.”
I blinked. “He brought a little girl?”
She nodded once, confirming it.
“Thanks. I’ll take it from here,” I said, already pivoting toward the meeting rooms.
As I stepped into the room, both of them looked up—Noah with his usual soft smile, and Melody with that wide-eyed, deer-in-headlights look she wore.
But the second she recognized me, her shoulders dropped, and she exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for hours.
“Morning,” Noah said, rising to his feet.
His golden hair caught the sunlight streaming through the windows, making him look like something out of a fairytale. “Sorry for the early drop-in. I figured you’d be in already.”
I waved him off, grinning. “This is technically business hours, so no apology needed. You’re just punctual. I appreciate that.”
He looked relieved. “Well, then I’ll take the win.” free𝑤ebnovel.com
I crouched to Melody’s level, offering a warm smile. “Hey, you. That dress is adorable—super sparkly today, huh?”
Melody pressed a shy hand to the sequins on her skirt, nodding ever so slightly.
Her hair, however, was a different story. Tangled in the back, part of it sticking out like a startled feather.
I tried not to laugh.
“Though... I gotta say, the hair’s got a lot of personality this morning,” I said gently, brushing a strand away from her forehead.
Noah winced. “Yeah, that’s on me. There was no one else at home today, so I handled it solo.”
I chuckled. “You gave it your best shot. Honestly, it’s kind of endearing.”
“She didn’t scream, so I’m counting that as a success,” he said, trying to sound confident but clearly embarrassed.
Melody didn’t say a word, but she leaned into him, her tiny fingers clutching the side of his pants like he was the only anchor in the world that made sense.
“She trusts you,” I said quietly. “That’s what really matters.”
Noah rubbed the back of his neck. “Still... would you mind fixing it? I haven’t been able to stop staring at the disaster I created on her head.”
I laughed under my breath, already reaching for the hair tie barely clinging to the edge of Melody’s braid. “Sit tight, little one. Let’s see what we can do.”
With a few simple motions, I transformed Melody’s crooked, stray-haired ponytail into something much more polished.
The little girl looked instantly more put-together.
Noah couldn’t stop complimenting my handiwork, his eyes appreciative.
"Enough flattery," I said, getting back to business. "Is the design ready?"
"Yes." Noah pulled a folder from his bag. "Here’s my revision. Take a look."
I raised an eyebrow. "You work quickly."
"Don’t worry," he assured me with quiet confidence. "I never sacrifice quality for speed."
When I opened the folder, I was immediately struck by Noah’s design concept.
With each page I turned, my amazement grew.
"Converting the uneven paths in the hot spring area into actual slides—how did you come up with that?" I couldn’t hide my admiration. "It’s brilliant."
Noah ran his fingers through his light-colored hair, his gaze settling on Melody.
"Since Melody’s condition was diagnosed, I’ve paid special attention to the world around us," he explained, gently touching his sister’s newly styled hair. "Life goes on regardless of our challenges. If hot springs are meant to be enjoyed, why not make them accessible to children too? Let the little ones relax alongside adults."
His eyes met mine, sincere and passionate. "Adults and children enjoying themselves together—that’s what life should be about. It’s about returning to what matters most."
My wolf practically purred with approval. "You’ve captured exactly what I was looking for."
Noah didn’t respond to my praise directly, but I could tell he knew he’d hit the mark.
This design approached hospitality from the most fundamental angle—making experiences accessible to everyone.
"I’ll present this to the board chair immediately," I told him, my respect for his talent evident in my voice.
This man was a resource Frostline couldn’t afford to lose.
Mom was right—we couldn’t risk him being poached by another company.
We delved deeper into various design concepts, and the more we talked, the more I appreciated Noah’s vision.
I could tell he was enjoying our conversation just as much.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve met someone who could follow my thought process so easily," he admitted, a refreshing candidness in his voice.
The feeling was mutual.
I checked the time. "It’s getting late. Would you like to join me for lunch?"
"Are you sure? We don’t want to impose," Noah said hesitantly, glancing at Melody. "Especially with my sister..."
I waved away his concern. "My afternoon is relatively free. I’d be happy to have you both join me."
Noah finally agreed. After briefly reporting to my mother, Alpha Astra, I headed out with Noah and Melody.
We returned to the same restaurant we’d visited previously.
This time, without prompting, Melody sat quietly in her chair, waiting for her meal—a marked improvement from her previous behavior.
I stroked her head gently. "Such a good girl. You’re going to enjoy your lunch, aren’t you?"
Noah watched us interact, his expression warm and thoughtful.
"Sylvia, do you have plans for this afternoon?" he asked suddenly.
I turned from playing with Melody. "Not really. Nothing urgent, anyway. Why?"
Noah scratched his head awkwardly before explaining. "I need to take Melody shopping for some new clothes. As you can probably guess, a ’big tough guy’ like me isn’t exactly skilled at picking out little girls’ outfits, so..."
He didn’t finish his sentence, but his hopeful expression said everything.
I looked down and met Melody’s eyes—so similar to her brother’s—and found I couldn’t refuse either of them.
"Alright," I agreed. "I’ll stop by the office to delegate some tasks, then join you for shopping."
Noah’s face lit up, and he exchanged a quick glance with Melody. "Thank you so much, Sylvia. This means a lot."
"No need to thank me. I’m quite fond of Melody," I said honestly, ruffling the little girl’s soft hair again.
This time, Melody’s expression softened noticeably, no longer as rigid as before.
She even leaned into my touch, nuzzling my hand slightly.
I was both surprised and delighted by this breakthrough, and I could tell Noah was equally astonished.
"Wow, Sylvia," he said quietly, "Melody really likes you."
Touched by this revelation, I knelt down to Melody’s eye level. "Thank you for liking me, Melody. I like you very much too."
The little girl didn’t say anything, but she pressed her lips together and stared at me intently, never blinking.
"That’s how she shows she likes someone," Noah explained. "She watches them without looking away."
My smile widened, and on impulse, I ordered several more child-friendly desserts for our table.
