Melinda was driving her nuts. How dare she go after her man? Celestia clenched her teeth. The task Rufus had given her seemed impossible.
No, it was her only goal. Marrying Raymond and taking over the Thomas Group was the only way she could repay her godfather. If she failed, she’d never be able to repay his kindness.
Just then, her phone rang. Celestia picked it up, and her defeated expression brightened instantly. "Godfather."
"Did you see the news about Raymond and Melinda?" Rufus's deep voice came through.
"Godfather, I'm sorry. I couldn't complete the task you gave me. I've let you down," Celestia replied, hugging herself in despair.
"Celestia, don't say that. There's still plenty of time. I bet Melinda won't live to see her wedding day with Raymond."
Celestia's eyes lit up. "Do you have a plan, Godfather?"
"She's as much of a nuisance as her father. If I could get rid of her father, I can certainly make her disappear too."
"Are you going to take action?" Celestia asked excitedly. With Rufus involved, she still had a chance.
She didn't know when it started, but her heart would race uncontrollably whenever she got close to Raymond. She longed to marry him, even if it was just for a day.
"Yes, I'm already making arrangements. When the time is right, I'll let you know."
"What do you need me to do, Godfather?" Celestia asked eagerly.
"Just remember, no matter what happens, you must ensure your own safety. I won't harm you, but if you risk your life for Raymond, that's on you."
"I understand, Godfather," Celestia agreed.
"Wait for my message," Rufus said before hanging up. A glimmer of hope appeared in Celestia's eyes.
Melinda daring to go public with Raymond was a death wish.
She knew deep down that Rufus would eliminate anyone in their way.
Meanwhile, Raymond and Melinda were blissfully unaware of the impending danger.
As usual, Raymond drove Melinda to the lab. Melinda planned to get out of the car early, but a male voice called out behind her, "Our relationship is confirmed, and you still don't dare to walk in with me?"
Melinda paused, snapping back to reality. "I forgot."
Raymond parked the car and firmly took her hand, leading her to the elevator.
Melinda's nerves were on edge. She wasn't used to appearing in public with Raymond yet.
Sure enough, when the elevator reached the lab entrance, a few employees waiting outside saw them holding hands. Melinda instinctively tried to pull away, but Raymond held on tightly.
"Good morning, Mr. Thomas," the lab employees greeted Raymond enthusiastically when they saw him holding Melinda's hand.
It was the first time Melinda appeared publicly holding hands with Raymond. Previously, the employees were intimidated by Raymond's authority and wouldn't interact with her, often ignoring her presence.
"Good morning, Mrs. Thomas!"
"Mrs. Thomas, you look beautiful today!"
"Mrs. Thomas, your outfit is stunning!"
Melinda received various flattering comments and looks, but she only smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. She used to not care about others' opinions, but now, their flattery was all because of Raymond.
Soon, Delilah arrived, leaning on the table with a smile. "Now that you're Raymond's girlfriend, it's time to update your wardrobe, don't you think?"
Melinda blushed and covered her face. "Ms. Lewis, are you teasing me too?"
Knowing Melinda's shyness, Delilah paused and said, "I still want to congratulate you on winning over Mr. Thomas. And those photos are quite enviable."
Melinda felt embarrassed. Those photos were mortifying.
"We're all adults. It's perfectly normal. You just got caught on camera. Which couple hasn't done such things?" Delilah reassured her.
At that moment, Melinda's phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was William.
"Take your call," Delilah said considerately, turning to leave.
Melinda took a deep breath and answered, "Hello."
"Melinda, have you really ditched me for Raymond?" William's voice teased.
"Stop making fun of me," Melinda's face remained flushed.
William chuckled softly. "Raymond is so different around you."
"I respect and bless you both. I'm happy for you. Besides Raymond, I won't let any other man near you."
"By the way, I'm picking up Sam from school today. He'll stay with me for a few days. You should spend some quality time with Raymond."
Melinda felt a bit awkward. "Is that really okay?"
"Don't worry. I like Sam. Having him around keeps me from feeling lonely."
"Thank you," Melinda said, feeling a bit guilty. Friendship wasn't love, and she couldn't force herself to accept it.
She trusted William with Sam.
After hanging up, Melinda rested her chin on her hand, her mind in a whirl, unable to focus on work.
She took out her phone and looked at the photos.
So embarrassing.
When Raymond kissed her, she was so moved, so in love.
The candid shots were surprisingly well-taken, capturing Raymond's perfect angles.
She couldn't help but check the comments.
As expected, it was lively.
There were people envying her, cursing her, and even threatening to jump off buildings.
Raymond was indeed the most sought-after bachelor in Shadow City.
Melinda couldn't help but laugh.
At noon, Raymond called, inviting her to lunch.
Melinda didn't refuse. They went to a restaurant near the Thomas Group building.
After lunch, Raymond wanted to show her around the Thomas Group building, a landmark in Shadow City.
Raymond had personally contributed to the design, even though he wasn't an architect. Melinda admired him for it.
Besides being impressed, she felt something else.
Pride?
Melinda's emotions were complex, not just simple affection.
She had been to Raymond's office countless times, but always in a rush, never taking a good look.
Everything in the office was meticulously designed, reflecting his style—extreme, luxurious, and high-profile.
She couldn't help but think of the spacious sofa, big enough for two.
There was a small balcony by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
With two lounge chairs, it was perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the river view...
The scene was beautiful.
She couldn't help but smile.
Raymond walked over, gently wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her elegant collarbone.
"Do you like it here?"
"It's beautiful," Melinda nodded.
"You can come anytime," Raymond's deep, magnetic voice said.
Melinda felt a tickle in her ear as Raymond's lips approached. She panicked and blurted out, "No, what if someone takes a picture?"
Raymond looked at her displeased. "Are you scared?"
Just then, Raymond's phone rang. Melinda urged him, "Answer it!"
Raymond returned to his office, picked up the phone, and whispered, "It's my grandfather. He probably saw the photos too."
Melinda gasped and quickly covered her mouth. "Don't tell him I'm here."