For Leo, just seeing Emily's face was enough to make his heart race.
But he was always looking for Melinda's essence in Emily's face.
"Hey, Ms. Lowe, good to see you again," Leo said as he sat down.
Emily replied softly, "Sorry to trouble you to come over."
"It's no trouble at all," Leo smiled.
Emily propped her chin up and said, "Mr. Schmidt, you mentioned last time you wanted to ask me some questions. When do you want to do that?"
"What do you want to ask me?"
"No rush! We have a long night ahead," Emily's gaze subtly swept over Leo's lips.
"If it's not urgent, we can take our time," Leo said.
Emily lightly traced circles on the table with her finger, "No rush, but the night is still young."
"If it's not urgent, we can take our time," Leo repeated.
As the conversation went on, Emily began to understand Leo's intentions. He wasn't rejecting her, nor was he making any moves. He was quietly observing Emily's reactions, waiting for her to make the next move.
Finally, at 10:30 PM, Emily stood up and said, "Leo, I need to go. Can you take me home?"
Leo naturally agreed and took Emily home.
As the cold wind hit her face, Emily couldn't help but yawn and shiver, leaning closer to Leo. Leo took off his jacket and draped it over Emily, wrapping his arm around her, and she fell into his embrace.
"Leo, you're so handsome!" Emily's words melted Leo's heart.
If only the person in his arms was Melinda instead of Emily!
Leo's heart had long been moved. Looking at the face so similar to Melinda's, he had fantasized more than once that if the person in his arms was really Melinda, then...
The car's heater was on full blast, and Emily quickly took off the jacket, revealing a sexy lace dress underneath. The low neckline exposed her smooth skin and impressive curves.
Emily's gaze roamed freely over Leo inside the car, and she sweetly asked, "Leo, can I stay at your place tonight? I'm afraid of being alone at home."
A flash of surprise crossed Leo's eyes. "Sure! As long as you don't mind my bed, I'll take you home."
The two quickly agreed, and at Leo's place, Emily took the lead, and Leo didn't refuse.
Emily laughed softly, like a snake tempting Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.
"Leo, why don't you lie on the couch and watch some TV?"
Emily pulled out a large men's shirt from the closet. After showering, she came out wrapped in the shirt.
Her wet black hair hung over her chest, and the shirt tied at the waist accentuated her curves.
Leo half-lay on the couch, watching a soap opera on TV, his peripheral vision catching Emily standing nearby, smiling at him.
He mimicked her, wearing nothing under the shirt.
"Leo, come here!"
Emily beckoned him with her finger.
Leo stood up, and Emily pulled him onto the bed, pressing down on him.
Meanwhile, Raymond had just finished a call with Larry, arranging to bring Sam back to the Thomas Villa for dinner the next day.
Around 10 AM the next day, Raymond brought Melinda and Sam to the Thomas Villa for lunch. Larry, who had been discharged from the hospital, was in high spirits. To avoid upsetting Larry, Raymond had the butler keep Emily's whereabouts a secret. Roy had already listed Emily as a dangerous person, and she was not allowed anywhere near Larry.
Larry was especially happy today. Last night, Raymond had called to say he would attend the lab's annual celebration with Melinda, leaving Sam with Larry for the day.
Thinking of Sam, Larry felt a genuine fondness for the boy. Even though Sam wasn't his biological grandson, he looked just like Raymond did as a child—adorable and handsome.
Sitting in the living room, Sam looked around with wide-eyed curiosity, which made him less afraid.
"Sam, come over here. I haven't seen you in a while, and I've missed you," Larry called, waving him over.
Melinda encouraged Sam to go, and he ran to Larry's side. Larry handed him a beautifully wrapped gift. "Do you like it?"
Sam saw it was a remote-controlled airplane and was overjoyed. "I love it!"
Raymond glanced at the time and said to his grandfather, "Grandpa, I'll take Melinda and leave now. We need to go to the lab."
"Go ahead! I'll take care of Sam," Larry said.
Melinda felt comfortable leaving Sam there and gave him a few instructions before leaving with Raymond.
In the car, Melinda felt a sense of secret joy, as if she were sneaking off on a date behind her son's back.
As soon as she got in the car, Melinda looked down at her clothes. "Before we go, I'm just wearing this. No need to change into a gown."
Raymond looked at her with some confusion. "Don't you know tonight's dress code is formal evening wear?"
Melinda was taken aback. "Really? Ms. Lewis didn't mention it!"
Seeing Raymond's expression, Melinda guessed he wasn't lying. So, tonight required formal evening wear?
"Alright then! Let's stop by a dress shop," Melinda decided to dress according to the standard.
Back at Leo's place, after making love, Emily got up around 1 PM. Her face alone was enough to keep Leo captivated.
Emily lay in bed while Leo showered. She was playing with her phone when a message popped up.
"Ms. Lowe, how are your preparations for tonight's lab anniversary celebration?"
The message was from Lena. Honestly, Emily hadn't been in touch with her for a while, as she hadn't needed her.
Emily's heart skipped a beat. Tonight was the Radiance Tower anniversary? How did she not know?
"Lena, I didn't get the memo. Who said that?" Emily replied.
"Didn't Mr. Thomas tell you? He'll be there tonight too!" Lena responded.
Emily quickly replied, "Raymond's been busy lately, probably forgot to tell me. Can I still attend?"
"Of course! All lab staff received invitations. You should have one in your email, Ms. Lowe. Tonight's dress code is formal evening wear. Looking forward to seeing you all dolled up." Lena still showed deference to Emily.
Emily licked her lips, feeling a surge of excitement. She had a chance to see Raymond tonight.
She had to seize this opportunity.
Maybe if she acted pitiful and miserable enough, she could evoke some sympathy from Raymond. If he looked at her even once, she might have a chance for his attention in the future.
Emily had to go, but where would she get a gown? She suddenly remembered a dress shop she had visited before that allowed free rentals on credit. She had once scoffed at the idea, but now she was eager for the opportunity.
When Leo came out, Emily immediately snuggled into his arms, looking up at him pitifully. "Leo, I don't have money for lunch. Can you lend me some?"
Seeing her pitiful look, Leo didn't think twice and handed her all the cash in his wallet. "Emily, is this enough? If not, I'll transfer more to you later."
"Thank you." Emily stood on tiptoe and kissed him, her eyes full of admiration.
Leo looked at her, and for a moment, he wished she were Melinda.