A clap of thunder rumbled in the distance.
Claire's heart skipped a beat, and tears streamed down her face.
The night breeze from the ocean carried a salty tang, rustling through her hair.
She shivered uncontrollably, hugging herself tighter, but it only made her feel colder.
Claire huddled miserably on the patio furniture, praying for dawn.
She was already trembling from the cold, her face pale and drawn.
The night dew soaked her clothes and hair, making her look even more pitiful.
Inside the villa, in the master bedroom, Dennis tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Images of Claire's forlorn expression and helpless eyes haunted him.
He knew he had been too harsh on her, but he couldn't control his anger and jealousy.
Time ticked by, and soon it was 3 AM.
Dennis finally sat up, running a frustrated hand through his hair, then got out of bed and left the room.
He walked through the living room to the iron gate, opening the small door. A gust of cold wind hit him, making him shiver.
But when he saw Claire shivering under the dim streetlight, a strange feeling welled up inside him.
The wind was biting, and she was curled up in the corner like a frightened deer.
"Claire, are you planning to freeze out here?" Dennis's voice was cold and commanding.
Claire opened her eyes slightly, her lips blue from the cold. She stammered, "I... I don't dare go inside."
Dennis frowned, opened the villa door, and walked over to her, looking down at her. "Do you want me to send someone to take care of you? That costs money. How will you pay for it?"
Claire shook her head, knowing she had no right to ask for anything.
"Then get up and come inside," Dennis said, extending his hand.
Claire hesitated but took his hand, using his strength to stand up.
Her legs were numb, and she stumbled into Dennis's chest, pressing tightly against him.
Dennis stiffened slightly, looking down at Claire with a complex expression in his eyes.
But he quickly pushed her away and turned to walk back inside.
Claire hurried after him, returning to the guest room on the second floor.
She took a hot shower and soon fell asleep.
Meanwhile, at a hotel on the island, Kaia was excitedly filming videos, showing off the grand Thomas family wedding on social media.
She posed in her elegant dress, garnering countless likes and comments.
However, the next morning, Kaia woke up to find all her videos and selfies from the island had been deleted.
She was stunned and quickly checked her phone, only to receive a call from an unknown number.
"Hello, this is the Thomas family. We noticed you posted information about the island wedding. We're sorry to inform you that this information is confidential. Please delete the content immediately and keep this matter private, or you will be removed from the island."
The voice on the other end was cold and stern.
Kaia was taken aback, feeling a wave of disappointment.
She realized the power and status of the Thomas family were not something she could casually challenge.
Elsewhere, Melinda had just finished her bath and was waiting for Raymond in her robe.
Raymond returned from work, seeing Melinda standing by the bed with a gentle expression.
He smiled, quietly stepping forward to wrap his arms around her waist from behind.
"Hey, beautiful," he murmured.
Melinda turned to him, her eyes filled with warmth.
Raymond kissed her ear softly, lifting her long hair. "My wife is so beautiful."
Melinda blushed, touching his handsome face. "And my husband is very handsome."
Raymond chuckled.
Melinda leaned on Raymond's shoulder and soon fell asleep.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, and Melinda got up early to greet Larry.
As she approached the study, she heard a heated argument inside.
"Dad, this family rule is outdated! It's the age of high technology. Everyone in the Thomas family should have a chance to participate in the company's management and decisions!"
"No! It's a rule, and it can't be changed!"
Larry's voice was firm.
Hearing this, Melinda stood at the door, clenching her fists.
She knew that as Raymond's wife, she would face many such challenges and conflicts in the future.
Larry turned and saw Melinda.
He beckoned her in.
Melinda had no choice but to enter the study.
Larry looked at her, speaking earnestly. "Now, you're the one handling Thomas family matters. You need the courage and wisdom to face all kinds of challenges and difficulties."
Melinda nodded, feeling the weight on her shoulders increase.
"Come, walk with me. Let others get to know you," Larry said, getting up and heading for the door.
Melinda quickly supported him.
Though Larry was old, his mind was sharp, and he knew every member and relative of the Thomas family well.
Meanwhile, Raymond was busy greeting important guests, standing out in the bustling crowd.
At the same time, Claire woke up, feeling a bit feverish from the cold night. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
A bodyguard entered, handing her a glass of water and some cold medicine.
"Has Mr. Gonzalez left?" she asked cautiously.
The bodyguard glanced at her, replying coldly, "Don't ask questions you shouldn't."
Claire guessed Dennis was still in the villa.
She got up, took the medicine, dressed, and went to the next room.
Dennis was focused on his computer, working.
Claire, afraid of angering him, stayed quietly by his side.
Suddenly, she heard shouting from the courtyard. She remembered her plan with Rhett and felt a strong urge to go outside for some fresh air.
But Dennis looked up at her with a stern gaze, as if he knew what she was thinking.
She sighed, knowing she couldn't defy his orders.
"Mr. Gonzalez, can I go out for a bit?" Claire asked tentatively.
"No," Dennis refused without hesitation. "You must stay here."
Claire pouted, feeling frustrated. She didn't want to miss the chance to meet Rhett.
She began to plead, but no matter how much she begged, Dennis remained unmoved.
He was convinced Claire liked Rhett, which only strengthened his resolve to keep her inside.
Seeing no other option, Claire gave up. She went to the balcony and told Rhett she wasn't feeling well and couldn't go to the beach.
Rhett asked who she was staying with, but before Claire could answer, Dennis appeared.
He shot Rhett a cold look, then grabbed Claire's hand and walked away.
Rhett, thinking Dennis was Claire's boyfriend, left disappointed.
Back in the room, Claire knew seducing Dennis wouldn't be easy.
But now she had an idea.
She pretended to feel hot, taking off her jacket to reveal a strappy dress underneath.