Early in the morning, Melinda groggily opened her eyes.
She stretched lazily, wanting to stay in bed a little longer.
But remembering she had to attend Larry's tea party at ten, she sighed reluctantly.
Last night, Raymond had kept her up, and now she felt exhausted, her body aching all over.
Raymond seemed to notice her fatigue and discomfort. He pulled her into his arms and whispered, "Why don't you tell Grandpa you'll sleep in a bit longer today?"
Melinda shook her head. "No, I promised Grandpa I'd go to the tea party, and I have a lot to do today."
With that, she struggled to sit up and started getting dressed.
Seeing this, Raymond didn't try to persuade her further. He just smiled indulgently and got up to wash up.
Around ten, the tea party began on time.
Melinda, with her delicate makeup and elegant beige dress, moved gracefully, exuding elegance and poise. She mingled with the guests, quickly winning everyone's admiration and respect. Raymond watched her from the side, his smile full of pride and affection.
During the party, Raymond stepped out to find Sam, planning to take him fishing, along with William and Dennis.
On his way, he ran into his childhood friend, Gwyneth. They chatted happily, reminiscing about their childhood.
Gwyneth mentioned she wanted to meet his wife and congratulate him on their well-behaved son.
Raymond smiled and promised to introduce Melinda to her.
Not far away, Kaia saw Raymond and Gwyneth laughing together, and jealousy stirred in her heart.
She discreetly took a video of them talking, planning to show it to Melinda, hoping to see her jealous and upset.
Little did she know, Raymond had noticed everything...
The tea party was held in a luxurious garden on the island, surrounded by lush trees and the sounds of birds. The tables and chairs were meticulously arranged with exquisite tea sets and snacks. The ladies, dressed in their finest, chatted and laughed.
Larry, with his neatly combed silver hair and kind smile, sat at the head of the table.
When Melinda arrived, everyone stood to greet her, addressing her as "Mrs. Thomas." Her presence added a touch of brightness to the party.
"Mrs. Thomas, you look stunning today," someone complimented.
"Indeed, you and Mr. Thomas are a perfect match," another chimed in.
Melinda smiled in response to the compliments, but she felt a bit uneasy.
She glanced around but didn't see Gwyneth.
"Gwyneth will be here soon. She's been busy abroad," Larry explained.
"I see," Melinda nodded, still feeling a bit puzzled.
Soon, Gwyneth's mother arrived, greeting everyone with a smile.
The guests gathered around her, inquiring about Gwyneth's recent achievements abroad, showering her with praise.
"Having a successful child is the most important thing," Larry said with a smile.
Just then, there was a commotion at the door.
Melinda looked up to see Gwyneth, wearing a pink dress with her hair down, walking in with a bright smile.
"Gwyneth's here!" someone exclaimed.
Gwyneth greeted Larry respectfully and sat down, immediately surrounded by people asking her questions.
"Gwyneth, do you remember how well you and Raymond used to play together?" someone brought up the past.
Gwyneth smiled slightly. "Of course, I remember."
"It's a shame you drifted apart later," another person sighed.
The atmosphere became a bit awkward.
Seeing this, Larry quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Gwyneth, did you bring any gifts this time?"
Gwyneth took out a beautifully wrapped box. "This is for you. I hope you like it."
Larry accepted the box, beaming. "You're always so thoughtful."
The tea party continued with everyone chatting and laughing.
Gwyneth seemed very interested in Melinda, frequently engaging her in conversation. The two hit it off, as if they had known each other for years.
After a while, Melinda got up to go to the restroom.
Gwyneth quickly followed. "Melinda, I'll go with you."
At the restroom door, Melinda felt something in her hair. Gwyneth swiftly removed it. "It's a leaf."
"Thank you," Melinda said gratefully.
"You're welcome. We're friends now," Gwyneth said with a warm smile.
After the tea party, Melinda returned to the villa, sitting on the couch and reflecting on the day's events. Gwyneth's appearance had been unexpected, and this girl, whom she had just met, had already wanted to be friends.
In the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the curtains.
Lyric walked in. "Mrs. Thomas, Ms. Woods wants to see you."
"Let her in," Melinda said lazily, leaning back on the couch.
Soon, Kaia walked in, wearing a tight dress that accentuated her curves, her face heavily made up.
She looked around enviously. "Melinda, your villa is so big and beautiful!"
"Thank you," Melinda replied.
"Where's your husband? Not home?" Kaia asked, probing.
"He's out on business," Melinda answered.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Kaia's eyes. "I see."
She took out her phone and opened a video. "Melinda, look at this. I secretly recorded it for your own good."
Melinda held a cup of coffee, her eyes involuntarily drawn to Kaia's phone screen.
It was a video of Gwyneth and Raymond chatting.
"How did you get this?" Melinda's tone carried a hint of barely noticeable tension.
Kaia smiled smugly. "I have my ways. Gwyneth is part of the Thomas family, right? Isn't she like Raymond's sister?"
Melinda frowned slightly. She didn't like being spied on, nor did she like others discussing her family matters. "Delete it, Kaia."
Kaia pretended not to hear her, continuing, "Melinda, introduce me to Mr. Gonzalez, will you? I heard he's very handsome and still single."
Melinda's expression darkened. "Kaia, I've told you, Dennis and I are just friends."
"You just can't stand to see me happy, can you?"
"Kaia, it's all in the past. I'll take care of Vincent, you don't need to worry..." Melinda's words were cut off by Kaia.
"Enough, I don't need your fake concern." With that, she stood up and left the villa.
Outside, Kaia grew angrier, her face darkening.
Melinda's mind kept replaying the video of Gwyneth and Raymond.
But she quickly shook her head, deciding to trust Raymond.
Melinda picked up the Thomas family genealogy and started reading. Before long, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.
When Raymond returned, he found her like this, sunlight streaming in, her eyes closed, the genealogy in her hands. A wave of warmth washed over him. He walked over and gently kissed her lips.
Melinda stirred, opening her eyes groggily. "You're back?"
"Yes," Raymond replied with a gentle smile.
"How was the fishing?"
"Pretty good."