William got Melinda's call and rushed to bring Sam back, skipping dinner in the process.
"Mommy!"
Sam jumped out of the car and ran towards her.
Melinda hugged Sam and nodded at William, who had just stepped out of the car. "Thanks for looking after Sam."
"Hey, no problem. You doing okay?" William asked, his voice full of concern.
"I'm fine."
"Mommy, what happened to your hand?" Sam noticed and exclaimed.
"I just had a little accident, but it's all patched up now," Melinda reassured him with a smile.
William knew what she had been through and looked at her with concern. "Melinda, no matter what, I'm always here for you."
"Thanks, William."
She was genuinely grateful for his support over the years and for helping her during her most difficult times.
"Thanks. Let's head home."
Melinda took Sam's hand and turned to leave.
After a few steps, she suddenly looked back and saw two men standing at the entrance of the neighborhood through the glass door.
"Mommy, are those Mr. Thomas's bodyguards?" Sam asked, looking up at her.
Melinda held his hand, turned her back to the wall, and said nonchalantly, "No, you must be mistaken." With that, she led Sam into the neighborhood.
She was planning to take a long leave, or rather, she was preparing to resign.
She knew Raymond wouldn't agree.
The next morning, Melinda called Sam's kindergarten to inform them of his leave.
Then, she called Delilah.
When Delilah heard she was planning to take a three-month leave, she was surprised. "Are you quitting?"
"I need a break," Melinda said firmly.
"Don't do this," Delilah said worriedly.
She knew Raymond valued the project Melinda was working on.
"If he doesn't agree, I'll resign," Melinda had already made up her mind.
Delilah was silent for a moment before conceding. "I'll talk to Mr. Thomas."
"Okay," Melinda replied.
Ten minutes later, Delilah called back.
"Mr. Thomas agreed to your leave, but he insists it be paid leave."
"That's fine," Melinda agreed.
For her, as long as she could stay away from Raymond, she would accept anything.
"But you need to sign this document," Delilah said cautiously.
"What document?" Melinda asked, puzzled.
"The contract," Delilah's voice trembled slightly. "Mr. Thomas said you can't take leave until you sign it."
Melinda paused, her tone tinged with helplessness. "What contract?"
Delilah was silent, and Melinda's hand holding the phone grew cold.
She couldn't understand why.
Was there another purpose for this so-called contract? Or was Raymond planning to replace her?
If she signed this document now, wouldn't it make it easier for someone else to take her place?
Melinda's grip on the phone tightened.
She couldn't figure out the secret behind it.
At that moment, Delilah's gentle voice came through the phone. "Melinda, please do me this favor."
Melinda smiled bitterly. She seemed to have no reason to refuse.
The next day, after dropping Sam off at school, she hurried to the police station to give a statement. Kathy came along.
They recounted the entire kidnapping incident and Melinda's subsequent experiences, but she didn't mention what Rufus had said to her.
As they left the police station, they ran into Raymond.
"Mr. Thomas," Kathy said excitedly.
"Kathy, you can head back to the office," Melinda said to Kathy.
"Okay, I won't disturb you then," Kathy said, quickly getting into a car.
Once Kathy left, Melinda met Raymond's gaze. She instinctively turned her head away, unable to suppress the bitterness in her heart.
Suddenly, Raymond covered his mouth and coughed.
Stuart quickly approached, looking serious. "Mr. Thomas, you need to take your meds on time."
Melinda couldn't help but look at him. He had lost weight and looked unwell. Was he sick?
Raymond shook his head, his gaze focused on her with an emotion she couldn't understand. He couldn't control the surge of longing in his heart.
"I'm here to give a statement too," Raymond said in a deep voice.
"Then go ahead," Melinda said, turning to leave. Stuart quickly said, "Ms. Sharp, please wait. I'll drive you home."
Melinda walked to the car, and Leo opened the door for her. Just as she was about to get in, someone stopped her.
"Stuart, you drive her home," Raymond ordered.
"No need, Mr. Thomas," Melinda said coldly.
With that, she glanced at the two men by the car. Raymond stood outside, watching her leave with a stern expression.
After what had happened, Connie knew there was no future between Melinda and Raymond. She wanted Leo to continue seeing her daughter.
Leo sensed an opportunity and was overjoyed.
Although he didn't know why Melinda and Raymond broke up, the outcome was good.
He finally had a chance.
"Melinda, how about I accompany you for a walk this afternoon?" Leo asked, noticing she didn't look well.
Melinda nodded, and Leo was ecstatic.
Seeing the time, Melinda realized it was too late to drive back and pick up Sam.
"Mr. Schmidt, can you take me to the school first?"
"Of course," Leo said with a smile.
Melinda got into the passenger seat, and Leo followed.
During the drive, Leo glanced at Melinda. She looked downcast, unable to shake off her sadness.
When they arrived at the school, Melinda hurriedly got out of the car.
"I'll take you both home," Leo offered.
Melinda didn't refuse and got out of the car.
Sam saw her and ran over.
"Mommy!"
Melinda bent down and hugged her son.
This heartwarming scene made Leo feel a pang of longing. If only he could have a family like this.
Lost in thought, Melinda called out to him.
"Mr. Schmidt, thank you for bringing me here."
"Call me Leo," he said.
Melinda didn't respond and turned to hold Sam's hand.
The school gate was crowded, and she led her son forward. Looking back, she thought she saw Raymond's tall figure.
When she saw Raymond in the car, Melinda was taken aback.
"Raymond?"
"Get in," Leo said, already opening the car door.
Melinda quickly realized that being seen with another man wouldn't be good for either of them.
Stuart, standing nearby, prayed Melinda wouldn't do anything to provoke Raymond.
Melinda got in the car with Sam, and Leo asked, "Melinda, where to?"
"Home," Melinda said. Tomorrow was the weekend, and she didn't need the car.
She didn't want to drag Sam around.
Leo thought, great, another opportunity.
"By the way, you left your phone in my car when you picked up Sam. Mr. Thomas called you."
Leo improvised.
"Did you answer? What did he say?" Melinda frowned.
"No, he hung up when he realized it wasn't you," Leo said vaguely.
Melinda knew Raymond. His pride wouldn't tolerate being ignored, and it would make him angry.
At the neighborhood entrance, Leo suddenly felt the urge to use the bathroom. "Ms. Sharp, can I use your bathroom? I really can't hold it."
In this situation, Melinda couldn't refuse. She nodded. "Sure, come on."
"Sam, is your backpack heavy? Do you want me to carry it?" Leo asked, trying to be helpful.
Sam shook his head. "It's not heavy. I can carry it myself."
Even though Sam was young, he could sense that Leo was trying to win over his mom.