Melinda's face went pale in an instant. She clenched her fists, trying to keep it together. Taking a deep breath, she snapped, "Emily, shut up!"
But Emily kept going, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What's wrong? Did I hit a nerve? Let me tell you something, Melinda. A woman like you doesn't deserve happiness! You really think having a kid will make Raymond stay? Don't be stupid! The Thomas family will never accept you!"
Emily's words were like poisoned arrows, each one hitting Melinda where it hurt the most.
She brought up Sam's background, and those sharp, venomous words cut deep into Melinda's heart.
But Melinda knew she couldn't lose it here; she had to stay calm.
Suppressing her anger, Melinda glared at Emily's smug face.
Just then, she noticed movement at the door of Raymond's private room.
Emily saw it too and suddenly shoved Melinda hard.
Melinda instinctively raised her hand to block, but Emily took the chance to fall to the ground, crying out in pain.
Seeing this, Melinda understood Emily's game.
With a cold smile, Melinda stepped forward and slapped Emily without hesitation.
Five clear finger marks appeared on Emily's face.
Emily stared at Melinda in disbelief.
Right then, Raymond walked out of the room.
Seeing the scene, he ignored Emily's pitiful cries and went straight to Melinda's side.
He looked at Melinda's hand with concern and said softly, "Does your hand hurt? Don’t hit people yourself next time; it’ll dirty your hands."
With that, he took Melinda's hand and turned to leave.
Emily's plan had backfired. Filled with humiliation and anger, she could only watch them walk away.
After washing her hands in the restroom, Melinda felt a sense of satisfaction from slapping Emily.
Raymond looked at her, his eyes full of affection and helplessness. "You’re too impulsive. But I like it."
They exchanged smiles and got ready to go home to pick up Sam.
When they returned to the Thomas Villa, Larry was still awake, but Sam had already fallen asleep.
Raymond gently picked up Sam, while Melinda exchanged a few words with Larry.
"Grandpa, we’re heading back now," Melinda said softly.
Larry nodded, watching them leave.
The streets were beautifully decorated, filled with a festive atmosphere.
Raymond held Melinda's hand the entire way, giving her warmth and strength.
Back at the villa, Raymond carried Sam to his room.
He gently took off Sam's shoes and socks, his expression so tender it could melt anyone's heart.
Melinda stood at the door, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her.
However, when she thought about Emily's words regarding whether Raymond would treat Sam as his own, her feelings became complicated.
Could she really trust Raymond completely? Would he love Sam as his own child?
As Melinda was lost in thought, Raymond suddenly received a phone call.
It was Stuart, saying there was an urgent video conference he needed to attend immediately.
Raymond looked at Melinda and said softly, "You go to bed first. I have a meeting to attend." With that, he turned and went to the study.
Melinda tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Emily's words and Raymond's gentle eyes kept replaying in her mind.
She didn't know what to do.
After two hours of tossing and turning, Melinda decided to go downstairs for some milk to help her sleep. She first checked on Sam, who was sleeping soundly but sweating. She gently wiped his forehead and then headed towards the study.
A faint light shone through the crack in the study door, indicating Raymond was still in there. She knocked lightly and then pushed the door open.
Raymond was lying on the couch with his eyes closed.
In the soft light, his face looked so peaceful, making Melinda's heart skip a beat.
Thinking he had fallen asleep while working, she quietly fetched a blanket to cover him.
But as she approached, Raymond opened his eyes. Seeing it was Melinda, a gentle light flashed in his eyes.
He sat up, his voice slightly hoarse, "Why aren’t you asleep?"
"I... I couldn’t sleep."
Melinda answered nervously, not wanting to disturb Raymond's rest.
Raymond was momentarily stunned, then smiled indulgently. He was about to say something when his phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID, and his expression darkened. He answered the call, speaking coldly for a few moments before hanging up.
Melinda could tell he was in a bad mood and didn’t dare to ask questions. She just stayed by his side, knowing he had important matters to handle and that her role was to support him silently.
Back in bed, Melinda still couldn’t sleep. Her mind was filled with questions and worries about what trouble Raymond might be facing. She wanted to call him but feared disturbing him.
At eleven-thirty, Melinda couldn’t resist going to the master bedroom. She opened the door to find Raymond lying in bed, looking at her.
His gaze was deep and gentle, as if he could see through all her thoughts.
"Why are you here?" Raymond asked with a smile.
"I... I came to check on you." She sat by the bed, her heart racing.
Raymond, seeing her shy demeanor, felt a surge of emotion. He suddenly flipped over, pinning her beneath him, and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Did you miss me?"
Melinda was startled by his sudden move.
Before she could respond, Raymond kissed her.
After a moment of passion, Raymond finally let her go.
Seeing her flushed face, he couldn’t help but laugh. "Looks like you really missed me."
Melinda glared at him shyly, then got up to straighten her clothes. "Stop it, get up and have lunch. I need to visit my family this afternoon."
Raymond sat up. "I’ll take you."
"No need, I can go myself," Melinda refused. She knew Raymond was busy and didn’t want to disrupt his work.
"It’s fine, I have to go out anyway," Raymond explained.
He got dressed, and they left the room together.
After preparing lunch, they ate together.
Afterwards, Raymond went downstairs to check on Sam.
A while later, he came back upstairs and saw Melinda cleaning up. "Melinda, I’ll join you for Thanksgiving at your family’s."
"What?" Melinda was surprised. "Are you sure? Don’t you have work?"
"It’s fine, I’ve arranged everything," Raymond smiled. "Call your mom and see if she can set an extra place."
Melinda smiled happily. "Okay, I’ll call her now."
She ran to the room to make the call.
Watching her, Raymond’s eyes softened.
Connie was preparing Thanksgiving dishes, occasionally sharing recipes with some ladies.
Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence.