Her cheeks flushed, feeling as if Raymond had just claimed her in front of everyone.
"Thanks for coming to celebrate my grandpa's birthday," Raymond's voice was deep and magnetic, polite yet distant.
"Mr. Thomas, you're too kind," the guests responded in unison.
At that moment, Raymond's hand moved from Melinda's back to her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Melinda, can you help me entertain the guests?"
Melinda's cheeks turned even redder, and she nodded.
She shot Raymond a glare, only to find his eyes filled with affection and amusement. She felt a bit speechless—how could Raymond be so audacious in such a setting?
Halfway through the banquet, Raymond got up and left.
Melinda watched his departing figure, lost in thought.
After the banquet, it was time for the main event—wishing Larry a happy birthday.
The guests moved to the side hall, where Larry was already waiting.
William carried Sam, while Melinda walked arm-in-arm with her mother, Connie, heading to the hall together.
The side hall was filled with a festive atmosphere.
The elders of the Thomas family sat on either side, while the younger generation began to offer their well-wishes.
William, holding Sam, approached Larry, who handed Sam a gift.
Sam excitedly ran to Melinda, dutifully placing the gift in her hand.
"Mommy, this is for you!"
"Alright, I'll keep it safe for you," she said with a smile, placing the gift in her handbag.
Sam didn't need her attention anymore, as William, the heir of the Barnett family, had turned into a babysitter.
Melinda suddenly wanted to find a quiet place to catch her breath.
The night sky was dotted with stars, and the Thomas Villa's serene nightscape made Melinda feel incredibly at ease. She strolled along the path by the lake, delighted to see fireflies flickering in the darkness, and followed them.
As she walked, she found herself near a villa and suddenly heard a familiar, stern male voice from inside, "What are you doing here? Get out!"
Melinda froze. Was that... Raymond's voice?
Instinctively, she hid beneath the window, listening as Raymond's voice came again, filled with warning and anger, "I won't let you disrupt my grandfather's birthday celebration. Leave!"
"At least call me uncle, you ungrateful brat. Your father owed my mother, and he'll never repay it in this lifetime," a middle-aged man's voice retorted, filled with fury.
"You have no right," Raymond's voice was as cold as ice. "The Thomas family has no place for you."
"Raymond, what if I insist on barging in?" the middle-aged man persisted.
Raymond remained unmoved, "Try it."
Melinda, hiding outside, could feel the tension inside the room.
She held her breath, afraid of being discovered.
"Fine, five million dollars, and I'll never set foot in the Thomas Villa again," Rufus's voice carried a hint of a sneer.
Raymond's gaze was icy, "You won't get a single dollar. Now get out, or I'll have you thrown out."
"Fine, very well! Raymond, you'll regret this!" Rufus roared, followed by a loud bang as the door slammed shut.
The noise startled Melinda, causing her to step on a dry leaf, making a sound. She was about to leave when she heard a cold voice, "Who's there? Come out!"
Melinda's heart skipped a beat, and she reluctantly answered, "It's me."
As soon as she spoke, she slowly stood up.
Raymond looked at her, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, then he softened, "Why is it you?"
"I... I didn't mean to eavesdrop," Melinda explained awkwardly.
Raymond smiled slightly, "It's alright, come in."
Melinda lifted her dress and slowly walked into the living room, finding Raymond sitting on the couch, looking exhausted as he lit a cigarette, his expression heavy.
Raymond suddenly extinguished the cigarette, stood up, and said, "Walk with me."
"Okay," Melinda nodded.
They walked along a quiet bamboo path, the moonlight casting dappled shadows on them.
Melinda looked at Raymond's tall figure, feeling a surge of inexplicable emotions.
"He's my father's half-brother, kicked out of the Thomas Villa twenty years ago," Raymond's voice broke the silence.
Melinda bit her lip gently, "I know, Grandpa talked to me about him this afternoon. Is he also related to your parents' death?"
Raymond paused, turning to look at her, "It seems my grandfather really sees you as my wife."
Melinda's face warmed slightly. Larry did have that intention.
She looked into Raymond's deep eyes, her emotions growing more complex.
"That year, my parents went abroad to deal with the trouble he caused. Their helicopter crashed into a mountain, and they both died," Raymond's voice trembled slightly.
Melinda felt a pang in her heart, reaching out to grasp Raymond's wrist, her eyes full of concern.
Raymond wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
Melinda felt her blood ignite, the man's gaze too intense, making her want to escape.
As Raymond leaned in, she closed her eyes, unable to face what was about to happen.
Raymond's lips brushed against her ear, his breath hot and fervent.
"Raymond, don't..." Her resistance was weak, her voice barely a whisper.
Raymond's lips curved into a faint smile.
"What? Weren't you just eager to hold me? Now you're turning your back on me?"
"I..." Melinda blushed, trying to explain.
Raymond bent down, silencing her with a kiss.
Raymond's desire was palpable, and Melinda could feel the heat and intensity.
She suddenly snapped back to reality—this was Larry's birthday party. How could they...
She used all her strength to push him away, but she was too weak...
She gently pushed Raymond, who released her, his gaze deep and intense, "You can't love anyone else but me," his voice was hoarse and firm.
Melinda smiled slightly, "Mr. Thomas, are you feeling insecure?" Her eyes sparkled with teasing.
Raymond's eyes flashed with possessiveness, "You can only be mine," his voice was low and domineering.
At that moment, Raymond's phone rang, breaking the silence.
He glanced at the phone, then released Melinda, "It's time for us to give Grandpa our well-wishes," his voice was calm again.
Melinda nodded, turning to walk back to the crowd.
She took a few deep breaths to steady her emotions.