Melinda turned her head to look out the window. The sky was a dull gray, mirroring her mood.
She had no idea where to go.
The phone rang again. She glanced at the screen. It was Stuart.
He told her he was already at the entrance of her apartment complex.
Stuart drove straight to the custom dress studio located in the downtown mall.
A few days ago, Raymond had a dress custom-made for her, and today was the day to pick it up.
When she stepped out of the fitting room, she looked completely transformed.
Her delicate makeup highlighted her elegant and refined aura, and the custom dress perfectly accentuated her curves.
Stuart looked at her, a flash of amazement in his eyes.
"Ms. Sharp, this dress suits you perfectly," he said with a smile.
"Thanks."
She responded softly. The store staff stood on either side, bowing and watching them leave with envy and jealousy in their eyes.
The car pulled away from the mall entrance and slowly merged into traffic. Melinda sat in the back seat, her head turned to watch the scenery and pedestrians pass by, lost in thought.
When the car arrived at the entrance of the Thomas Group headquarters, she snapped out of her reverie and adjusted her dress and hair.
A tall, imposing figure emerged from the revolving door, instantly commanding the attention of everyone around. It was Raymond. His presence alone could draw all eyes.
He wore a black tailored suit that clung to his tall, lean frame, with smooth, elegant lines. The suit's texture exuded a sense of nobility and mystery.
His steps were steady and powerful, his gaze sharp, as if he could see through people's hearts, making it hard for anyone to meet his eyes.
Melinda watched his face as he approached, opened the car door, and got in.
Raymond's deep eyes fell on her without hesitation.
Melinda felt a bit self-conscious under his gaze and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "What are you looking at?"
"You're stunning," Raymond said with a smile, his eyes narrowing.
"You're exaggerating!" Melinda replied modestly with a smile.
"Absolutely breathtaking," Raymond continued to praise.
Melinda had no choice but to compliment him back, "Alright, you're very handsome too."
Raymond's lips curved in pleasure, clearly enjoying the praise.
They both ignored Stuart, who was driving in the front. Stuart was still single!
The car drove to the hotel where the banquet was being held.
High society banquets were never just about the food and drinks. The real value lay in the connections and resources present.
Many business and political elites loved to attend these events, using the opportunity to network and find potential partners for their projects.
Raymond was undoubtedly a target for many tonight.
Celestia sat in the VIP lounge of the hotel, once again perfecting her makeup. Since Raymond's guest list only included her, she planned to use this chance to become his date.
The hotel manager called, "Ms. Banks, Mr. Thomas has arrived."
"Alright, I know," Celestia replied confidently, picking up her sequined clutch and standing up.
Tonight, she would dazzle everyone. Her short evening dress was stunning, with a hint of cleavage that made all the men restless.
In the elevator, she admired her perfect curves once more. Any man who saw her would be captivated.
What would Raymond's reaction be when he saw her?
Celestia smiled confidently and stepped into the elevator.
On the second-floor staircase, Celestia descended step by step in her high heels, becoming the center of attention.
But when Celestia saw the woman holding Raymond's arm, she could hardly believe it... Melinda was here too?
Celestia bit her lip tightly, but only she knew the anger boiling inside her.
Melinda wasn't on the guest list. How dare she come in?
Raymond was the only exception. He could bring anyone in without a check.
Celestia took a deep breath and looked at Raymond with a sweet smile.
"Raymond."
"Ms. Banks," Raymond nodded slightly.
Celestia smiled and asked knowingly, "Ms. Sharp, how did you get here? If I remember correctly, you weren't on the guest list."
Anyone would feel embarrassed by such a question.
Melinda sighed, "Mr. Thomas needed a date, and I couldn't refuse."
Celestia's smile stiffened for a moment, "Is that so?"
Raymond took Melinda's hand and said, "Yes, let's go say hello to Mr. Banks."
Melinda raised an eyebrow at Celestia, "Excuse us."
Celestia stepped aside, watching Raymond lead Melinda towards Marshall.
Celestia clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
She walked to the balcony and made a call.
"Come to the third-floor suite," Celestia ordered. She was ready to act.
Tonight, she had to have Raymond.
"Did you see the woman with Raymond? Find a chance to get her out of here."
The bodyguards nodded. Celestia sat on the sofa, her face dark, "Yes, Ms. Banks."
To her, Melinda was just a pitiful girl with a dead father and a remarried mother. What right did she have to compete for a man?
Melinda looked at Marshall. Tonight's banquet was his idea, but he seemed distracted and exhausted.
"Mr. Banks, you should take care of yourself," she said with concern.
Marshall nodded, "Thank you, Ms. Sharp."
If it weren't for Rufus's threats, he would never have betrayed Raymond like this.
"Raymond, I saw the news. Seeing you with your girlfriend today, it seems like good news is coming?"
"When you get married, don't forget to invite me!"
He was helpless. Celestia had ulterior motives for Raymond tonight, and he could do nothing about it.
Raymond smiled, "Don't worry, I won't forget."
"Good!"
With that, Marshall went to greet other guests.
Melinda and Raymond had just sat down when she felt a gaze on her. She looked around and saw Celestia staring at her and Raymond with a resentful look.
"Ms. Banks seems to be in love with you. That look could eat you alive," Melinda nudged Raymond to look.
"But my heart is full of you," Raymond said, his eyes only on Melinda.
Melinda's lips curved into a smile. Just as she was about to speak, Raymond took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. Melinda froze.
When she looked at Celestia again, her face was icy cold.
A cold glint flashed in Celestia's eyes. After tonight, Raymond would be hers.
She wanted to make Melinda heartbroken, desperate, and wish she were dead!
Celestia quietly leaned towards Marshall, "The time has come. It's time to reveal my identity."
Marshall sighed and stood up on stage, "Thank you, guests. I want to announce something and introduce someone to you all, my daughter, Celestia."
Celestia immediately stood up, gracefully walked to the stage, and took Marshall's hand, looking moved, "Thank you, Dad."
Marshall instinctively wanted to push her away, but Celestia whispered something in his ear, and he could only smile and nod.
To the guests, it looked like a harmonious father-daughter moment.
But in reality? "Remember, make sure Raymond drinks that glass of wine, then take him to the room."
Standing on stage, her gaze swept through the crowd, landing on Raymond without hesitation.
She was here for him tonight. Melinda sat below, watching Celestia's blatant seduction.
Marshall observed everything from below and handed over two glasses of wine, one of which had something in it.
Only if Marshall handed it to him would it not arouse suspicion.