After Leo stormed out, Melinda immediately dialed Raymond's number.
She recounted the incident with Leo and then asked, "Raymond, did you have anything to do with the Lowe Group losing those big projects?"
Raymond paused for a moment before replying, "Yeah, that was me. I want to take over the Lowe Group and show Leo what it's like to be drowning in debt."
Melinda sighed softly, understanding that Raymond must have his reasons.
She said, "Raymond, our team found a discrepancy of several million dollars during the audit. I think Leo's involved."
Raymond, hearing this, saw it as another opportunity to get rid of Leo and his cronies.
"Alright, I'll take care of it. Look after yourself. I'll pick you up after work."
"No need, I have to visit my mom at the hospital after work," Melinda declined.
She knew Raymond was busy and didn't want to distract him.
"Okay, be careful," Raymond advised.
After hanging up, Melinda focused on her work.
Meanwhile, Leo found himself in a tough spot. He wanted to get the shares from Emily but was also wary of Raymond's moves. He knew he was in a bind.
That afternoon, Melinda was leaving the finance office with some documents when Emily stopped her.
"Melinda, what are you trying to do? Are you trying to ruin us completely? We've been family for over ten years. Can't you stand to see me happy? I just announced my marriage to Leo, and now you're auditing the accounts," Emily said angrily.
Melinda looked at her coldly. "This has nothing to do with that. I now own 20% of the company, making me the third-largest shareholder. I have every right to audit the accounts. Or is there something you're hiding?"
"You're talking nonsense," Emily bit her lip, feeling guilty. If Melinda found anything, it would be trouble for both her and Bobby.
"Melinda, I was wrong before. I'm sorry. You already have Raymond. The Thomas Group will be yours. Do you really care about the small Lowe Group? How about this, I'll give you an extra 5% of the annual dividends," Emily tried to negotiate.
Melinda remained unmoved. "Then tell me, how did my mom collapse? Why didn't you take her to the hospital immediately?"
"I don't know. When I got home, she was already on the floor. Really," Emily said, her voice shaky.
Melinda stared at her coldly. "I'll tell you this, anyone who hurts my mom will pay."
With that, she turned and left.
"Melinda!" Emily called out, but could only watch her leave.
Leaning against the wall, Emily took out her phone and saw a message from Leo, asking her to come to his office.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she walked into Leo's office.
"Leo," she called softly.
Leo turned to look at her and pointed out the window. "Look."
Emily walked over and saw a silver Rolls-Royce parked outside the Lowe Group building. She recognized it immediately as Raymond's car, and her heart tightened.
Her feelings for Raymond had never faded, but no matter what she did, she couldn't make him love her.
"Emily, don't forget, you're mine now," Leo's voice carried a hint of threat.
Emily snapped back to reality and looked at him. "I know."
He handed her a share transfer document. "Sign this."
Emily took the document, glanced at it, and signed her name.
"From now on, I'm the largest shareholder of the Lowe Group," Leo said triumphantly.
Emily looked at him, her emotions in turmoil.
"By the way, there's something you should know," Leo said suddenly. "I took about fifty million dollars from the company. I'm afraid Melinda will find out, so..."
Before he could finish, Emily understood. "You want me to take the fall?"
"Smart," Leo said approvingly. "Just say it was for treatment abroad."
"Leo, you...!" Emily was trembling with anger.
"Emily, don't forget, you have no way out now," Leo said coldly. "And you need to do me another favor."
"Don't push your luck," Emily warned.
"Melinda wants Raymond to take our clients and bankrupt the Lowe Group. If that happens, the debt will fall on all shareholders, and we could end up in prison," Leo explained.
"She wouldn't dare!" Emily's eyes widened. "If she tries, I won't let her get away with it!"
"So, you need to beg her to make Raymond stop," Leo said. "It's your only chance."
That evening, Melinda walked into the hospital room and sat by her mother Connie's bed, her heart aching at her mother's pale face.
"You're back?" a cool voice came from behind her.
She saw Raymond closing his laptop.
Melinda nodded and sat beside him. "You're so busy, you don't have to come every day. There's a nurse here."
"I'm waiting for you."
"Take a hot shower and rest early."
Melinda felt warmth in her heart. "What about you?"
"I'll stay with you," Raymond said with a smile.
Melinda nodded and went to the bathroom.
When she came out, she saw Raymond looking intently at his phone.
"Raymond, I don't know what I'd do without you."
Raymond's eyes showed determination as he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
He lowered his head and kissed her gently on the lips, his voice deep and magnetic. "You're my wife. Of course, I'll do everything to help you."
Melinda was deeply moved by his words and actions, her eyes glistening with tears.
She knew that no matter what challenges they faced, as long as he was by her side, she had the strongest support.
Raymond then pulled the curtain around the bed, creating a private space for them.
He turned to Melinda, his eyes burning with passion, and gently pressed her onto the sofa, his hands caressing her fragrant body. His fingers roamed over her, each touch sending shivers through her.
His kisses started at her neck and moved downward, igniting every nerve.
Melinda closed her eyes tightly, feeling his love and kisses.
Her heart raced, her breathing quickened, and she was completely lost in his love.
His kisses moved to her lips, passionate and deep, as if he wanted to devour her.
She responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him into her world...
After a long time, Raymond turned off the light and held her in his arms.
He knew she was exhausted. Melinda leaned against Raymond's chest, listening to his heartbeat, and soon fell asleep.
Meanwhile, outside the Lowe Villa, a stranger stood for a long time, his eyes filled with urgency.
He saw Emily getting out of a car and hurried over.
"Are you Bobby's daughter?" the man asked tentatively.
She frowned slightly, her gaze falling on the man in front of her.