At the airport entrance, a black Bentley was parked by the roadside. In the back seat, a middle-aged man in a suit was looking through the car window towards the airport exit, where a distinctive figure was about to appear.
Soon, a young girl slowly walked out, pushing a luggage cart. She moved with a light and graceful step, wearing a simple yet elegant pink blouse paired with slim-fit jeans. Her long hair was tied up, with a few strands gently falling beside her cheeks, adding a touch of gentleness to her appearance.
Her face was pure and delicate, with smooth skin and bright eyes that seemed to shine, making her stand out in the crowd.
At this moment, a clear laugh caught his attention. A little boy suddenly jumped down beside the cart. He was wearing a white hoodie and jeans, stumbling a few steps as he landed. The girl quickly stepped forward to hold him.
The little boy's thick hair covered his forehead, gently swaying with his movements. Although his small features were not fully developed, they already showed a hint of definition, especially his big eyes, which sparkled with intelligence beyond his years, making people want to pinch his cheeks.
"Roy, she refuses to get in the car. What should we do?" The man's voice was deep.
He was standing next to a black sedan.
Roy Thomas slightly turned his head, his gaze falling on the girl standing not far away.
"Is it her?" A trace of anger flashed across Roy's cold face, but he quickly regained his composure.
The man by the car nodded, his tone tinged with helplessness, "Yes, it's her. No matter how we persuade her, she won't get in the car."
Hearing this, Roy was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Let's go. Don't force it. Have someone keep an eye on her. I want to know where she lives and everything about her."
With the order given, the black sedan slowly started, leaving a trail of dust.
Melinda held Sam's small hand and took a car to the apartment she had carefully chosen a week ago.
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if she had found a place where her heart belonged.
"Mom, why did we come here?" Sam's innocent voice interrupted her thoughts. Looking up at Sam's curious eyes, Melinda felt a warm flow in her heart, mixed with a hint of unnoticeable bitterness.
"Because this is where Mom was born, and there's someone... someone Mom really wants to see." She answered softly, her tone firm and undeniable.
A month ago, when her mentor handed her the invitation from Valeria's top biomedical lab with great expectations, Melinda unexpectedly chose to decline.
It was not just a rejection of a job offer, but a farewell to her past life.
She had carried her unborn child, working and studying part-time, watering an extraordinary path with sweat and tears, just to give herself an explanation.
In five years, Shadow City had become a distant memory, including Connie, who had drifted apart due to misunderstandings. In the quiet of the night, Melinda would often think of Connie's eyes filled with disappointment and confusion. Could they ever regain the lost family bond?
Now, she finally mustered the courage to return with Sam.
She wanted to know if time had washed away Connie's resentment and if she could find that lost family bond.
The apartment door slowly opened, marking a new beginning. Melinda took a deep breath, holding Sam's hand, silently thinking, "Mom, I'm back. Will you still forgive me?"
In the morning, the lazy sunlight spread over the streets of Emerald City. Melinda contacted a private school, and today was Sam's first day of class. After a quick and warm goodbye with Sam, she turned and hailed a taxi, heading straight to her workplace, Shadow City International Hospital.
Ten days ago, the newly established virus biology lab at the hospital had unexpectedly sent an invitation to Melinda. It was not just a job offer but a great recognition of her professional abilities. The lab director was a close friend of her mentor from her overseas studies.
"I can't be late on the first day and leave a bad impression on my new colleagues," she thought to herself, holding the breakfast she barely had time to savor. She ate while quickly settling the fare with the driver, her steps hurried.
At the elevator entrance, she puffed her cheeks, trying to stuff the last piece of toast into her mouth. With a "ding," the door opened.
"Ouch!"
Caught off guard, she was gently bumped by a force. Looking up, a stern face came into view, and she couldn't help but think, "Just because you're handsome doesn't mean you can be so reckless, right?" But her professional demeanor quickly made her restrain her emotions without an outburst.
As more people entered the elevator, the space became increasingly crowded. Melinda weaved through the crowd, accidentally stepping on something. Just as she was about to turn and apologize, she suddenly met a pair of deep eyes. A wave of inexplicable tension made her let out a loud burp, so loud that she felt embarrassed enough to want to find a hole to crawl into.
The atmosphere in the elevator instantly froze. Melinda's cheeks turned red, filled with regret, "Now my image is completely ruined!" Meanwhile, the stern man seemed to have a faint, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of his mouth, adding a subtle touch of humor to the awkward situation.
"Ding!" The elevator door finally opened, and Melinda rushed out as if escaping, her emotions mixed. The man, on the other hand, maintained his aloof demeanor, but his eyes held a hint of disdain.
She could only smile wryly, with a touch of helplessness.
Melinda completed her onboarding procedures and sat in her spacious and bright office.
"Melinda, I'm your assistant, Kathy Garcia." Kathy placed her handbag on the table, walking into the office with a bright smile.
Melinda glanced at it; it was TIM coffee. She smiled and nodded, "Kathy, do you also like this brand of coffee?"
Kathy slightly bowed, her voice carrying a hint of humility, "Melinda, I heard you came back from Valeria. This brand of coffee is very famous there. Coincidentally, a new shop opened in front of the company, claiming to have authentic flavors. I'll need your guidance in the future."
With that, she turned lightly, about to step out, but suddenly remembered something, stopping abruptly and turning back with an apologetic smile, "Oh, Melinda, I almost forgot something important! The director asked me to tell you there's an important meeting in an hour. I heard even the investors are coming in person, so we need to prepare well."
Hearing this, Melinda's lips curved into a gentle smile, nodding lightly, "Okay, Kathy, thank you!"
At ten o'clock, Melinda walked into the conference room on time. She found a corner to sit in, looking around at the elite employees gathered there, the atmosphere heavy. She overheard her colleagues whispering, "I heard the investor is a single, handsome guy, and he's very rich. He's coming to the meeting in person today."
"If he takes a liking to you, it would be a step up in life. Why bother with experiments anymore!"
As everyone was discussing, the door suddenly burst open. The leading man wore a black tailored suit, hands in his pockets, exuding an undeniable aura of nobility.
He slowly walked to the head seat, and as he sat down, the entire conference room seemed to tremble, all eyes fixed on him.
Melinda looked up, her gaze meeting the man on the stage, and she was momentarily stunned, "Isn't that the guy from the elevator this morning..." She was shocked but had to maintain her composure, continuing to listen to the meeting.
The man, known as "Mr. Thomas," Raymond Thomas, seemed to glance at her unintentionally, his eyes holding an indescribable meaning.