Outside the hall, arge crowd gathered to pay their respects to Caleb. Security personnel were stationed at the entrance, ensuring order.


    A man without a white flower pinned to his chest tried to enter.


    The guards quickly stopped him. "Today is Mr. Houston Sr.''s funeral. Anyone without a white flower is not allowed inside."


    "I''m not part of the Houston family. Why should I wear a white flower?" the man retorted.


    It was clear that he was there to stir up trouble.


    Over the years, the Houston family had relied on Caleb''s reputation to maintain their status. Many opportunistic neers, hoping to take advantage of his passing, hade not to pay respects but to test if the Houston family was on the decline.


    "If you don''t want to wear one, then leave," a voice called out.


    Melody approached in a ck dress adorned with a white flower. Her presencemanded attention.


    She nced at those at the entrance and said, "I''m here to bid farewell to an old friend. Since when did the Houston family require an invitation to attend a funeral?"


    The guards hesitated, recognizing her.


    She frowned. "What''s the matter? Is there no one in charge here? I''vee to pay my respects, not to cause trouble. Young people nowadays have no sense of decorum."


    Her words prompted the guards to step aside. "Madam, pleasee in."


    Melody entered the hall and ced a bouquet of white flowers at the altar. Few of her generation were still alive. Now she was thest one standing.


    Solemn and silent, she paid her respect to the deceased. Turning to leave, she saw Debra and Marion walking in.


    Melody snorted, "I warned you long ago. Marrying this woman would bring nothing but misfortune to your family. And now? Caleb is dead. Who knows what disasters lie ahead?"


    Debra''s expression hardened. "I appreciate youing to pay your respects to


    Caleb, but you''d better think twice about provoking me."


    Melody stepped closer, her sharp eyes scanning Debra from head to toe. She shook her head and said, "Young people these days have no sense of propriety. At a funeral you should wear dark clothing, ck armbands on your sleeves, and a white flower on your chest. You should not walk in with your head held high, without emotion, or arriveter than the guests. Otherwise, you make a spectacle of yourselves for everyone to see."


    Realizing Melody''s tone carried no real malice, Debra softened slightly. "Thank you for your advice."


    Melody nodded. "I won''t argue with you over Caleb''s funeral. As for the matter of shares, we can discuss itter I''ve paid my respects and will take my leave."


    With that, she turned and left the hall.


    Marion tightened his grip on Debra''s hand, sensing her tension.


    Outside, troublemakers were still causing a scene at the gate, but Marion made no moves to stop them.


    Debra let go of his hand and walked calmly to the entrance.


    The security guards reported, "Madam, these people are here to cause trouble."


    "Then what are you waiting for?" Debra asked sharply. "Kick them out."


    Her icy tone startled the guards.


    In the past, Debra had always disapproved of violence. But now, she was proposing it.