Melinda took a deep breath. She couldn't stay calm; she had to see Bobby's fate with her own eyes to feel at ease.
On Tuesday, after dropping Sam off at school, Melinda headed to the courthouse with Raymond by her side.
In the courthouse lobby, Melinda's heart felt like ice.
Connie had arrived early, her gaze resolute and her presence commanding.
The trial began, and the lawyer detailed how Bobby, Emily, and Leo had conspired to murder Connie.
As Melinda listened to the lawyer's account, anger surged within her.
She couldn't fathom how these people could commit such heinous acts for money.
Bobby was brought into the courtroom, his face pale and filled with fear and desperation.
When he saw Connie, tears immediately streamed down his face as he begged for her forgiveness.
Connie looked at him coldly, without a trace of pity.
Melinda watched the scene unfold, her emotions in turmoil.
In the end, Bobby was sentenced to eighteen years in prison, destined to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
He collapsed to the ground.
He crawled towards Connie, pleading for Emily's forgiveness.
Connie remained silent.
Melinda understood that Connie would never forgive them. If she hadn't woken up in time, the outcome could have been very different.
Bobby's story quickly made the headlines, his tragic end evoking sighs from many.
Back at the Thomas Villa, the wedding was set for a weekend in early May, on a private island.
Though low-key, Raymond promised Melinda a romantic and grand wedding.
Finally, a weekend arrived when she could set aside her work, lie on the soft, comfortable couch, and enjoy a moment of peace and relaxation. Melinda closed her eyes slightly, but a gentle, familiar voice broke the silence.
She lazily opened her eyes to see Raymond's handsome, deep-set face.
"Did I wake you?" Raymond's warm voice reached her ears.
"No!"
Melinda shook her head lightly, a sweet smile playing on her lips.
She sat up, and Raymond sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
At that moment, Melinda noticed a stranger standing behind Raymond.
The woman had short, neat hair, a tall and slender figure, and wore a black casual outfit, exuding an air of competence and mystery.
Her sharp eyes seemed to see right through people, making Melinda curious.
"This is the bodyguard I chose for you, Lyric Vaughn," Raymond introduced, sensing Melinda's curiosity. "She worked with me for a while. She's incredibly capable and loyal. Having her protect you and Sam will give me peace of mind."
Hearing Raymond's explanation, Melinda's doubts vanished.
She smiled and nodded at Lyric. "Hello! I'm Melinda."
"Hello, Mrs. Thomas! I'm Lyric." Lyric's voice was clear and pleasant, contrasting with her tough demeanor.
This thoughtful gesture made Melinda feel incredibly happy.
She nestled into Raymond's embrace, savoring the rare moment of tranquility and joy.
Lyric tactfully turned and left.
In the afternoon, Raymond went back to the office for a meeting. By evening, it started to rain lightly.
When Melinda woke up, Sam was nowhere to be found, and she immediately began searching for him.
She found Sam in a corner of the garden, holding a wet kitten.
"Mommy, can I keep the kitten?"
Seeing the hopeful look in Sam's eyes, Melinda thought for a moment and nodded.
"But what if Daddy doesn't agree?" Sam's voice was filled with uncertainty.
She crouched down, gently stroking Sam's head. "Don't worry. If Daddy doesn't agree, we'll keep it secretly!" she said with a playful and doting tone.
Sam's eyes lit up, and a bright smile spread across his face.
"Really? That's great! Thank you, Mommy!" Sam's voice was full of joy and excitement.
Back inside, Melinda bathed and dried the kitten, then found a clean cardboard box to serve as a temporary bed. Worried about parasites, she placed the box in the living room, away from the bedrooms and dining area.
Late at night, Raymond returned to the villa. As soon as he walked in, he sensed something unusual.
He heard faint meowing.
Curious, he looked around for the source of the sound.
Melinda stood up from the couch, her face a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
"Sam found a kitten and wants to keep it," she explained, her voice tinged with a plea.
She expected Raymond to refuse, given his usual disinterest in pets.
To her surprise, Raymond didn't object.
He glanced at the cardboard box, then turned to her, his eyes soft.
"If you don't agree, we can keep the kitten in the greenhouse," Melinda quickly added.
But Raymond shook his head. "No need. If Sam likes it, I don't mind." His voice carried a hint of indulgence.
He reached out and pulled Melinda into his arms.
He kissed her neck, the warmth of his touch making her heart race.
She blushed and lowered her head, grateful that the household staff were already asleep. Otherwise, she would have felt embarrassed.
But at that moment, she felt incredibly happy and content.
She looked up at Raymond, her eyes shining with happiness.
The next day at noon, sunlight filtered through the curtains, falling on Melinda's face.
She frowned slightly, the memories of the previous night's intimacy lingering in her mind, the air still filled with a faint sense of joy.
She stretched lazily, then turned to the empty spot beside her. Raymond was already up.
She slipped on her silk robe and walked out of the bedroom, following the sounds to the living room.
"Dad, you found it!" Sam's voice was full of excitement.
Melinda's heart skipped a beat, and she looked over curiously. In the corner, there was a small wooden house. Raymond was crouched beside it, with Sam eagerly watching.
"Did you buy this?" Melinda couldn't help but ask.
Raymond looked up, his eyes soft.
He nodded slightly. "I had Stuart bring it over this morning, along with a litter box, water dispenser, and cat food." The supplies were neatly stacked nearby. Raymond's voice carried a hint of affection.
"Thank you, Raymond," she said softly.
Raymond stood up and gently hugged her. "Silly, no need to thank me." He kissed her forehead. "As long as Sam is happy, I'll do anything."
The air was filled with happiness and sweetness.
"From now on, the kitten is part of our family. Let's call it Simba," Melinda said with a smile.
Sam nodded happily.
Raymond stood up, taking her hand and leading her upstairs, leaving Sam in the living room to play with Simba.
After his shower, Raymond came out wrapped in a towel.