As Melinda thought about her upcoming wedding with Raymond, a wave of sweetness and anticipation filled her heart.
They were chatting happily when the manager interrupted their conversation and asked her to step aside.
Melinda was a bit puzzled but got up and followed. She saw the manager approaching with an exquisite gift box.
"Ms. Sharp, this is a gift from Mr. Thomas," the manager said with a smile.
"A gift?" Melinda was momentarily stunned, then took the box and opened it. Inside lay a delicate necklace.
The moment she saw the necklace, Melinda was filled with shock.
The necklace was beautifully designed and dazzling, as if it embodied all of Raymond's love for her.
She didn't know what to say and just stared at the necklace in a daze.
"Mr. Thomas said this necklace would suit you perfectly," the manager explained.
Melinda then noticed that their names were engraved on the chain.
At that moment, her phone rang. She looked down and saw it was Raymond calling. She answered, and Raymond's gentle voice came through, "Do you like the gift?"
"Yes, I love it. Thank you, Raymond," Melinda said happily.
"Wait for me, I'll be there to pick you up soon."
"Okay."
Soon, Raymond's car was parked at the restaurant entrance.
Delilah, sensing the moment, excused herself.
"It's still early. How about we go for a walk?" Raymond suggested.
Raymond nodded, parked the car, and they strolled hand in hand down the bustling commercial street, enjoying this rare leisurely time.
Three days later, the engagement party was held as scheduled at the most luxurious hotel in Shadow City, owned by the Barnett Family, standing proudly in the city's most vibrant area.
During the rehearsal, Melinda wore a white evening gown, looking like a blooming flower, elegant and refined.
She held Raymond's arm as they walked into the banquet hall, their steps steady and composed. Melinda's face was full of happiness, her eyes sparkling with dreams and expectations of love.
William also arrived, dressed in a white casual outfit, looking handsome and sunny.
He walked over, teasing Melinda with a mischievous smile, "Melinda, you look stunning today! If you give me a hug, I'll be twice as happy! How about you reconsider and marry me instead of Raymond?"
Melinda laughed at his joke and gently patted William's arm, "William, stop joking! Today is my engagement day with Raymond, you better behave!"
"Haha, I'm just kidding!" William laughed and waved his hand.
Then he looked at Raymond with a serious and determined expression, "Raymond, you better treat Melinda well! She's my good friend, and if you don't, I won't let you off!"
Raymond glared at him, his eyes full of warning and threat, "You talk too much! Of course, I'll treat my woman well!"
The news of their engagement spread quickly, and the media caught wind of it, starting to publicize it widely.
Soon, everyone knew about Raymond and Melinda's upcoming engagement.
Their love story became a hot topic and a source of envy for many.
However, in this moment of happiness, someone was hiding in a dark little room, silently watching everything.
It was Elsie, who used to be Melinda's good friend but had now become a stranger.
She watched Melinda's happiness with jealousy and anger in her heart.
She didn't dare to go out, fearing being recognized and ridiculed.
With her money almost gone, her life had fallen into unprecedented hardship.
Desperate, she knew Melinda cared about her reputation, so she planned to use this to threaten her.
She took out her phone and sent Melinda a message: "Melinda, do you think you've won? I have your secret. If you don't want to be ruined, give me five million dollars!" After sending the message, she smiled sinisterly, waiting for Melinda's reply.
However, she didn't know that this action would lead to consequences she would deeply regret...
Melinda saw the message and felt a tightness in her chest.
But she quickly calmed down and replied: [I only have one million dollars. Take it or leave it.]
She decided to use this opportunity to find out Elsie's hiding place and solve this problem once and for all.
The next morning, sunlight cast a soft glow on her delicate features as the phone rang suddenly.
Melinda frowned slightly and answered the call.
A voice altered by a voice changer came through, demanding money from her as a former male escort.
Her heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface.
From the speed and tone of the voice, she sensed a familiar vibe, suspecting it was someone she knew behind this.
To test the person's identity, Melinda lied, saying she and Raymond were not getting along and she couldn't get the money.
However, the person didn't believe her, their tone revealing urgency and greed.
Melinda smirked inwardly, more convinced it was someone she knew.
She decided to expose this hidden enemy. So, she pretended to agree and discussed the payment method.
After some negotiation, they agreed to place one million dollars in cash and a card in a mall locker, with Melinda providing the access code.
After hanging up, Melinda immediately informed Raymond of the situation.
He frowned and told Melinda to follow the plan while he arranged for people to surround the mall and catch the blackmailer.
Two hours later, Elsie sent someone to retrieve the money from the locker as planned.
As she waited smugly for the money, she was caught by the police who had been lying in wait.
She was stunned, finally realizing it was Melinda's trap.
Melinda had raised the amount to ensure a heavier sentence for her.
Melinda received a call from her bodyguard, confirming they had caught the person, and it was indeed her former friend, Elsie.
Melinda wasn't surprised at all.
Instead, she felt relieved and in a great mood. She looked at herself in the mirror, a satisfied smile on her lips.
Tonight was her engagement party.
She stood in front of the mirror, took a deep breath, and prepared to present herself in the best possible way.
Just then, the door opened gently, and Raymond walked in. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit, looking like a knight.
His gaze fell on Melinda, a look of amazement in his eyes.
He walked up, gently took her hand, and said softly, "Melinda, you look beautiful tonight. Are you ready? Let's go pick up Grandpa and take him to the hotel."
Melinda nodded, her face glowing with happiness.
She followed Raymond out of the dressing room, her heart filled with anticipation for the future.
Outside Raymond's villa, a luxurious car was waiting.
They got in, and the car slowly headed towards the hotel.
Along the way, they exchanged smiles, the air filled with sweetness and happiness.
When they arrived at the hotel, Larry had been waiting in the room for a long time.
He saw Raymond and Melinda walk in hand in hand, a kind smile on his face.
He walked up, took their hands, and said softly, "Raymond, Melinda, you're finally here. Tonight is your engagement. I wish you eternal happiness."
Raymond stepped forward to support Larry and said softly, "Grandpa, I will."
He turned to look at Melinda, his eyes full of tenderness and determination.
Just then, Larry noticed Raymond's chest was bare and asked with a slight frown, "Raymond, why aren't you wearing the necklace I gave you?"