Claire's eyes widened as she looked at Dennis, her face a mix of surprise and shyness. "You... totally caught me off guard!"
Dennis chuckled and started the car, driving out of the underground garage. "I just didn't want you to be disappointed."
His voice carried a hint of affection, making Claire's heart feel as sweet as if she'd just tasted honey.
She turned her head to look at the scenery outside the window, a happy smile playing on her lips...
Meanwhile, back at home, Sabrina was busy tidying up the house.
Unexpectedly, she found several clues. On the sink, there were two toothbrushes placed side by side, one blue and one pink, clearly not just hers.
Looking further, she saw two towels hanging there, one light green that she usually used, and the other a darker color, obviously a man's.
Sabrina raised an eyebrow, a look of confusion crossing her face.
She continued to look around and found men's slippers and sneakers neatly placed in the shoe cabinet.
"What the heck?" Sabrina muttered to herself. She had a hunch but couldn't quite believe it.
Could it be that Claire finally found a boyfriend? She recalled that Claire hadn't been home much lately and had been making fewer phone calls. All signs pointed to one thing: Claire was in love, and things were moving fast—they were already living together.
Thinking of this, Sabrina's face broke into a knowing smile.
She picked up her phone and sent a message to Beck: "Honey, Claire's in love!"
After sending the message, she stood up and continued tidying the house.
On the other side of town, Melinda decided to call a family meeting.
Vaughn, that shameless guy, had the audacity to try and have Raymond's child abroad. This behavior was absolutely intolerable.
She wanted the elders and influential members of the Thomas family to see the true colors of Vaughn and his daughter and understand her stance and determination.
Raymond remained silent on the matter, choosing to let Melinda handle it.
He knew Melinda needed this opportunity to showcase her capability and resolve, and he was willing to be her support.
Around nine o'clock, Melinda had Stuart send out the meeting notice, with the location set at the Thomas Villa's conference hall.
By ten-thirty, the Thomas family members began to arrive one after another.
Some elders sent their children as representatives, which was both a sign of respect for Melinda and a silent protest.
They wanted to emphasize the importance of the elders' status and make it clear to Melinda that even though she had married into the Thomas family, she wasn't yet in a position to dominate.
Melinda, dressed in an elegant custom-made dress, slowly entered the conference hall of the Thomas Villa.
A portrait of the late Larry hung above the hall, his sharp eyes intimidating anyone who looked at them.
Her noble demeanor and commanding presence immediately drew everyone's attention, unmistakably highlighting her status and position.
After surveying the room, she took her seat at the head of the table.
"Thank you all for coming to this meeting," Melinda began, her voice clear and pleasant yet carrying an undeniable authority.
"The main purpose of this meeting is to announce that Vaughn and his daughter attempted to have Raymond's child abroad. This behavior severely damages the reputation and interests of the Thomas family. After discussing with Raymond, we have decided to expel the Vaughn family from the Thomas Group. From now on, they will have no connection with the Thomas family."
As soon as Melinda finished speaking, the room erupted in chatter.
Some were shocked, some regretful, and others secretly pleased.
"Additionally, I want to warn everyone here," Melinda continued. "If anyone dares to disrupt my family with Raymond or tarnish the reputation and safety of the Thomas family, I will not hesitate to act. The consequences will range from expulsion to imprisonment. I hope you all take this seriously."
Melinda's words sent a chill through the room.
Everyone understood that Melinda was not to be trifled with.
She had the determination and means to back up her words, and anyone who dared to cross her would face severe consequences.
After the meeting, some elders tried to get close to Melinda, but she didn't even spare them a glance and left the hall directly.
Her attitude made it clear to everyone: in the Thomas family, Melinda was the true matriarch.
Melinda stepped out of the hall and took a deep breath of fresh air.
She felt a bit stifled and needed to clear her mind.
Just as she was about to leave the Thomas Villa, her phone rang. It was Raymond, inviting her to lunch.
After a moment's thought, she changed her mind and asked Lyric to take her to the prison.
She wanted to see Gwyneth, the once proud and arrogant woman, and see what she had become.
In the visitor's room, Gwyneth sat with a pale, haggard face, her eyes lifeless, devoid of her former arrogance.
When she saw Melinda, a flash of panic crossed her eyes.
Melinda stared at her coldly, her gaze filled with hatred and anger.
She sat down, her back straight, exuding a powerful aura that made Gwyneth shiver.
Gwyneth lowered her head, unable to meet Melinda's gaze, as if her secrets were laid bare.
"Gwyneth, you are truly shameless!" Melinda finally broke the silence, her voice cold and firm, each word striking Gwyneth's heart. "You knew I was married to Raymond, yet you still tried to hurt us."
Gwyneth looked up, a mix of resentment and defiance in her eyes. "Melinda, what right do you have to say that? I've loved Raymond since we were kids. I was there first. What did I do wrong?"
"Love isn't about who was there first; it's about what's right and wrong!" Melinda's voice grew sharper. "You claim to love him? Your actions are only hurting him!"
Gwyneth was momentarily silenced by Melinda's forceful presence.
She bit her lip, as if making a difficult decision. "Melinda, I know I was wrong, but I'm not giving up. I want to have Raymond's child. I don't need a title; I just want him to visit us occasionally."
"You're dreaming!" Melinda retorted mercilessly. "Gwyneth, you have no right to have Raymond's child! Do you think having a child will bind him to you? Stop deluding yourself!"
Gwyneth was stung by Melinda's words and suddenly screamed hysterically, "Melinda, don't be so smug! Raymond loves you now, but that doesn't mean he always will! Men change. One day, he might get tired of you and leave you!"
Melinda's expression changed slightly at these words, but she quickly regained her composure.
She stared at Gwyneth coldly, as if looking at a pathetic clown. "Gwyneth, do you think I'm afraid of your threats? You're wrong! I, Melinda, have never been scared! Your father's prison sentence, your family's financial troubles... it's all your karma! I want you to feel the same pain, as your punishment!"
With that, Melinda stood up and walked away, her steps firm and resolute, each one declaring her victory.
Gwyneth watched her leave, filled with regret and despair, knowing she had truly lost this time.
After leaving the prison, Melinda answered Raymond's call.
Her expression softened instantly, as if the cold, ruthless woman from moments ago was just an illusion.