Emily caught Leo's flirtatious glance and smiled, "Hey, Leo, we don't have each other's WhatsApp, do we? You always rush off so fast when you come over."
Leo paused for a moment, listening to Emily's soft voice. He was more than happy to oblige and quickly added her on WhatsApp.
"Emily, if you need anything, just give me a call. Sorry, I have an appointment. Catch you later."
Leo flashed a charming smile.
Emily watched him leave, her smile growing wider.
Melinda, our feud will never end. It's either you or me.
Leo pushed open the door to the café and saw a girl sitting by the window, engrossed in her phone. Even as he approached, she only glanced up briefly before returning to her screen, like an untouchable flower.
"Melinda..." he called out, and she finally looked up.
"Leo, what are you doing here?" Connie had said she would come to discuss something, but now it was Leo?
Melinda quickly realized what was going on. Connie must have set this up.
Leo stood in front of her, admiration in his eyes.
He handed her a bottle of water, smiling gently, "Melinda, let's have lunch together. Consider it for Mrs. Sharp."
Melinda checked the time—it was around 11:30. Connie had planned this perfectly. Just as she was about to say something, her phone vibrated. It was Raymond calling.
She smiled slightly and answered. Raymond's deep, magnetic voice came through the receiver.
"Melinda, why aren't you coming home for lunch?" There was a hint of concern in his voice.
"I'm not coming home today," Melinda explained softly, noticing Leo's curious gaze.
Raymond was silent for a few seconds before speaking firmly, "Is Leo with you? Don't talk to him, and definitely no physical contact."
"Looks like Mr. Thomas has his insecure moments too!"
Melinda couldn't help but tease.
Raymond was unfazed, "I don't care. Did you hear me?"
Melinda rolled her eyes but smiled sweetly, "Got it."
After hanging up, Leo noticed the smile on her face and felt a pang of emotion.
"What do you want to eat? Lunch is on me today."
Melinda waved for the waiter to bring the menu.
Leo was pleased. He knew the call was likely from Raymond, but he didn't want to miss the chance to have lunch with Melinda.
Meanwhile, at Raymond's villa, he was busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron. Sam sat at the dining table, eagerly waiting for the food. However, the kitchen was filled with the smell of burnt food.
Raymond looked at the charred mess in the pot and sighed. He turned to Sam, ruffling his hair, "Looks like we'll have to eat out."
Sam's eyes lit up, and he happily followed Raymond out the door.
After lunch, Melinda returned to the company parking lot. She called Connie, "Mom, I'll bring Sam home for Thanksgiving dinner. Don't worry."
She hung up and drove out of the parking lot.
As she passed Leo's car at the exit, he rolled down his window and waved, "Melinda, see you next time."
Melinda smiled politely and nodded, "See you next time." Then she drove away.
When she got home, the smell of burnt food hit her as soon as she opened the door.
She frowned and walked into the kitchen, immediately understanding what had happened—Raymond had failed at cooking for Sam.
She shook her head with a smile and started cleaning up. Afterward, she sat on the couch in the living room to review some documents. Soon, she felt drowsy...
Raymond returned with Sam to find Melinda asleep on the couch, documents still in hand.
He quietly took the papers from her and gently lifted her. Watching her peaceful face, he couldn't resist kissing her.
Melinda groggily opened her eyes and saw Raymond, "You're back~"
"Yeah, I'm back," Raymond said softly. "Why'd you fall asleep here? You'll catch a cold."
"I was reading and dozed off..." Melinda rubbed her eyes. "Carry me to the bedroom. I want to sleep more."
Raymond smiled indulgently and carried her to the master bedroom. After tucking her in, he sat by the bed, watching her sleep, and kissed her again.
"Raymond!" Melinda suddenly opened her eyes, glaring at him. "You kissed me again!"
Raymond, caught in the act, looked innocent, "You were too tempting while you slept."
"You!" Melinda huffed but couldn't stay mad. "Fine, I'll let it slide since you tried to cook for Sam."
Raymond looked at her with mock hurt, "I promise I'll do better next time."
Melinda laughed, "Alright, I know you tried. I'll cook tonight. You rest." She got up and left the bedroom.
Raymond lay back, watching her leave, smiling with a mix of helplessness and affection before closing his eyes.
Emily picked up her phone, a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes, and quickly dialed Leo's number.
"Hello! Emily?" Leo was surprised to get her call.
"Hey, Leo, am I bothering you?"
"No, not at all. What's up?"
"I need some professional advice on building materials for my company. Could you help?"
"Sure, we can discuss it over the phone."
Emily didn't hesitate, "I have some time now. How about I treat you to coffee?"
"Alright, where are you? I'll come over."
Emily sent her location and watched Leo quickly gather his things and drive over, a smug smile on her lips. See? Men come running with just a beckon. That's the power of her looks.
Emily walked into the mall behind her and headed to a cosmetics store. She sat in front of a mirror, using the samples to carefully apply makeup. She had learned makeup techniques, so mimicking Melinda's look wasn't too hard.
After finishing, Emily looked at herself in the mirror, a predatory gleam in her eyes. Tonight, Leo was her target.
Half an hour later, Emily was at the café, spotting Leo as he walked in. He wore a black down jacket, standing six feet tall with handsome features.
Even if he wasn't as dazzling as Raymond, he was still quite attractive.
In the dim light, Emily flashed a seductive smile and winked at Leo.
Leo looked at Emily's face, his heart skipping a beat.
Her face had a hint of Melinda's beauty.
Not as striking as Melinda, but with a bewitching allure.