"Ms. Salstrom!" Joey stammered, his face going pale. He pped himself lightly, trying to regainposure. "I didn''t recognize you, Ms. Salstrom. My apologies." ke, who''d learned his lesson the hard way, remembered the time he ended up with a broken rib. In any crowd, people prey on the weak and avoid the strong. Herman wasn''t just the richest guy in town; his influence and iron-fisted reputation were legendary. Nobody dared mess with Herman''s wife.


    Everyone knew Herman doted on his wife, Anastasia. Messing with her was like asking for trouble.


    Daria, recognizing Anastasia, clung to her like a lifeline. "Mrs. Salstrom, please, help me. I need your help."


    If Anastasia didn''t step in, Joey would have pummeled her.


    Anastasia looked at the battered Daria with sympathy and turned to Joey. "I''m taking her with me. Any objections?"


    Joey grinned, "No objections, Ms. Salstrom. Whatever you say goes."


    Anastasia wanted to avoid causing a scene; she didn''t need to end up in the tabloids again. A socialite in a nightclub would stir up gossip.


    She took Daria to the hospital to get her injuries treated.


    The hospital suggested keeping Daria overnight for observation, but Daria insisted on going home.


    Hospital stays are expensive, and Daria couldn''t afford it. She figured a few days'' rest at home would do and would save her a bundle. With more savings, she could leave this life behind sooner.


    Anastasia sensed Daria''s worries and thought of Melinda''s struggles. "Your health is the most important thing," she said. "Money can always be earned back. I''ll cover your medical bills and hospital stay, so just focus on getting better." Daria was deeply grateful. "Thank you."


    Seeing Daria''s bruised face made Anastasia''s heart ache. "Daria''s your stage name, right? What''s your real name?"


    Daria answered honestly, "Melody."


    "Melody, huh?" Anastasia mused. "Have you thought about doing something else?"


    "I don''t know what else I could do," Melody admitted. "I have no education, and I''m not cut out for hardbor. I''m used to this line of work and can''t imagine doing anything else. Once I''ve saved enough, I''ll go back home, find a nice guy, buy a house in our town, maybe open a coffee shop or a boutique."


    She was used to the easy money and wasn''t keen on facing hardships.


    Anastasia was at a loss for words. Part of her wanted to ask if the nice guys really deserved this.


    From Melody''s perspective, Anastasia realized their values were worlds apart.


    Anastasia asked, "How much is enough?"


    She was certain that even if Melody saved a hundred grand, she wouldn''t quit. Melody had already sacrificed her self-esteem. Even if she left Riverdale and went back home, she wouldn''t be content, unable to resist the allure of the city.


    Melody had once aimed to save fifty thousand to buy a house back home. But when she reached that goal, she worried about living expenses and decided to aim for a hundred thousand. Her expenses, however, were high, and she never managed to save enough. Her dreams remained just that-dreams. The thought of leaving the city''s allure behind was daunting.


    Melody chuckled, "I know you probably look down on my line of work, but not everyone can be as lucky as you. You worked in a nightclub and found a wonderful husband, married into wealth, and have a loving husband and three kids. I dream of meeting my Prince Charming someday, living a good life, and that''s not a crime, is it?"


    Anastasia''s past in the nightclub was a well-kept secret, known to only a few. Melody must have heard it from Melinda.


    Anastasia didn''t deny it. "As long as you don''t give up on yourself, there''s always hope for happiness. Take care and rest up. I''ve got to go."


    Their differing outlooks made further conversation unnecessary.


    Anastasia helped Melody out of respect for thete Melinda.


    As Anastasia turned to leave, Melody called out, "Ms. Salstrom, wait..."