She clenched her fists, trying to calm her emotions.
These rumors were undoubtedly a huge blow to her, but she knew that no matter what others said, she had to stick to her principles.
The promotion results hadn't been announced yet, and there were already people spreading rumors in the lab.
These rumors would stigmatize her, and she needed to prove her strength and worth to shut up those who looked down on her.
She pushed the door open and sneered, "Who I am is not for you to judge. It's just morning, and you're already speaking so harshly."
The two female colleagues blushed and quickly apologized, "We didn't mean to talk about you behind your back; we just heard it from others."
After saying that, they fled the restroom like they were escaping a disaster. Melinda had no intention of letting them off so easily; she remembered their faces.
Leaving the restroom, Melinda walked back to the office, hearing whispers behind her.
The more she listened, the angrier she became, so she walked straight to Tenley's desk.
Tenley was reading some materials and saw Melinda storming in. She knew exactly why.
She curled her lips and pretended to be surprised, "Melinda, is there something you need?"
Melinda said coldly, "You spread rumors about me in the lab. Did you think I wouldn't know it was you? Don't speak without evidence."
Tenley feigned ignorance, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Do you dare say it wasn't you who spread the rumors?" Melinda's fierce gaze fixed on Tenley.
Tenley sneered, "Melinda, if you dare to do it, why are you afraid of others talking?"
"You shouldn't be doing research; you should be driving a garbage truck!" These words were like a sharp knife, stabbing straight into Tenley's heart.
Melinda took a deep breath to calm herself and snorted coldly.
Tenley was so angry that her face turned pale, "I didn't expect the so-called genius female researcher to be such a vulgar and shameless person."
"Talking to me about this? Are you even worthy?" Melinda sneered, not losing any momentum.
At this moment, Delilah heard the commotion and walked in.
Seeing the two of them arguing heatedly, she quickly stepped forward to ease the tension, "What's going on here? Isn't it chaotic enough? The lab is a place for research, not for your arguments!" After the argument, Melinda felt a bit relieved and turned to leave.
Behind her, Tenley's sharp voice rang out, "Melinda, stop right there!"
But Melinda had already walked back to her office. Her colleagues, scared by her gaze, quickly lowered their heads and got back to work, not daring to look at her.
"Everyone, stop for a moment! The results of the biological virus research test are out, and we passed!" Director Frank's voice echoed in the lab, drawing everyone's attention.
He held a report in his hand, his face filled with undisguised joy. The lab erupted in cheers; their hard work had finally paid off.
Finally, his gaze fell on Melinda, filled with admiration.
"We couldn't have passed the test so smoothly without Melinda's contributions," Frank's voice rang out again, "She worked overtime for several days for this project. We should thank her."
Saying this, Frank walked up to Melinda and patted her on the shoulder, "Melinda, well done! As a reward, Mr. Thomas has decided to give double bonuses to those involved in this project."
Everyone clapped happily upon hearing this.
"By the way, Mr. Thomas has also reserved a spot at a five-star hotel to treat everyone to dinner," Frank continued with a smile.
At the dinner that evening, everyone was present except for Tenley. Of course, Melinda was the indispensable main character.
After all, the dinner was to celebrate her first successful project as a team leader.
Melinda initially wanted to deduct the meal cost from her bonus, but Delilah refused.
She took out her phone and called the nanny, Asher, "Asher, I'll be home late today. We have a team dinner." Her voice carried a hint of apology and explanation.
Since Raymond was footing the bill, everyone ordered without holding back, and various delicacies were brought to the table.
Melinda and Delilah sat together, talking softly about the experiment.
"Melinda, here's to you!" A male colleague stood up first and raised his glass.
Melinda smiled and raised her glass in response, "Thank you."
However, she didn't expect this to be just the beginning.
Next, colleagues took turns toasting her, making her the target of their drinking.
At this moment, Delilah's phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID and immediately got up to take the call.
"Hello, Mr. Thomas." Delilah's tone carried a hint of respect.
Raymond's deep voice came from the other end, "Are you all having dinner? Is Melinda there?"
"Yes, she is," Delilah replied with a smile, curious about why Raymond was suddenly inquiring about Melinda.
"Is she drunk?" Raymond continued to ask.
"Yes, she's a bit drunk," Delilah answered truthfully, secretly thinking that Raymond really cared about Melinda.
"Send me the address. I'll come pick her up," Raymond said bluntly.
Delilah agreed, hung up the phone, and quickly sent the location to Raymond.
Then she walked over and patted Melinda on the shoulder, "Melinda, I'll take you home in a bit."
Melinda nodded slightly, but the alcohol had already started to take effect. Although she felt she was still sober, her steps were a bit unsteady.
Just as she was about to get up and go to the restroom to freshen up, a strong wave of dizziness hit her.
"Melinda, are you okay?" Delilah quickly supported her, her tone filled with concern.
"I'm fine," Melinda waved her hand, trying to shake off the drunkenness, but the blush on her face betrayed her.
Seeing this, Delilah asked Kathy to accompany her to the restroom.
However, when Melinda came out of the restroom and was about to return to her seat, she received a text from Delilah: "Come out, to the hotel entrance."
Melinda was startled. Had the dinner ended so quickly?
She walked to the hotel entrance and saw a Rolls-Royce parked not far away, its lights flashing.
Delilah helped her into the car, and Melinda, sitting in the back seat, thought it was just a driver arranged by Delilah.
However, when she politely gave the address to the "driver," she heard a deep and familiar male voice, "I know."
Melinda's eyes widened in surprise, seeing Raymond turn around, his deep eyes fixed on her.
"Raymond?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and confusion.
Raymond, in the driver's seat, curled his lips into a mocking smile. So Melinda had mistaken him for a taxi driver? How amusing.
"Where's Delilah?" Melinda asked, slightly drunk.
"She handed you over to me," Raymond replied briefly, his gaze never leaving her.