Melinda sat down as Larry, treating her like family, got straight to the point. "Do you know who I was talking about when I mentioned someone I can't stand?"
"I don't really know much about the Thomas family," Melinda replied, shaking her head. She had a hunch that Raymond's earlier anger might be connected to this person.
"Rufus Thomas, my illegitimate son and Raymond's uncle. Years ago, I was set up, got drunk, and ended up sleeping with my secretary. She got pregnant and had the kid in secret. Over twenty years ago, the kid showed up with a paternity test. I thought about giving him a chance to be part of the family, but he started selling off my company's shares behind my back. By the time I found out, Raymond's parents had already gone abroad to handle the situation, but their plane crashed into a mountainside." Larry recounted the story calmly, but even after twenty years, he couldn't hide the tremor in his voice.
That tragic past was something the Thomas family would never forget.
Melinda felt a sharp pain in her heart. This was why Raymond had lost his parents at such a young age.
Raymond's hatred for this man was justified.
"Raymond hates him. Even though he's technically part of the Thomas family, he's been exiled for over twenty years. Today, he tried to use my birthday as an excuse to come back and get some benefits. I never want to see him again," Larry's eyes flashed with anger.
"Grandpa, don't be upset. Mr. Thomas will handle everything," Melinda tried to comfort him.
"Melinda, Raymond is the backbone of our family. I'm getting old, and he hasn't married or had kids yet. I..."
Larry's gaze shifted to Melinda, "If you could become Raymond's wife, that would be the best."
Melinda was taken aback by Larry's sudden suggestion and could only lower her head awkwardly.
It seemed today's birthday party was more about matchmaking.
"Melinda, the thing with Raymond and Emily was a misunderstanding. Five years ago, Raymond was young and impulsive, and he was set up just after taking over the company. But I can assure you, he's not the kind of man who plays around. Would you consider giving it a try with him?"
Larry's sincere tone made Melinda think seriously.
She didn't want to upset Larry on his birthday.
"Actually, Grandpa, Mr. Thomas and I are just colleagues. Sam likes Mr. Thomas a lot, and he takes good care of me, but that's all."
Emily hated her and had set her up, ruining her reputation. Otherwise, it would be her standing next to Raymond now.
But who knew she was also a victim back then?
If she had known what would happen that night, she would never have drunk that glass of wine.
Unfortunately, life doesn't offer do-overs. Everything is fate, and now she didn't even have the right to talk about love.
She held back the tears in her eyes.
"Sam looks just like Raymond when he was a child. For a moment, I thought I was back in the past," Larry said warmly, his eyes full of hope.
"Melinda, won't you reconsider him?" Larry's words left Melinda feeling torn.
She didn't dislike Raymond, but Emily was a thorn between them that she couldn't get past.
Just then, Connie arrived at the party with Bobby.
Bobby was thrilled, as he rarely had the chance to attend such a lavish event.
Emily also drove over alone, bringing a few people she had arranged to deal with Melinda tonight.
Melinda's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID and said to Larry, "Grandpa, my mom's here."
"Go and get them," Larry nodded.
Melinda walked to the balcony and answered the call, "Hey, Mom."
"Melinda, your dad and I are at Larry's birthday party. Where are you?"
Connie's voice was a mix of nervousness and excitement.
"I'm here too, Mom. Come to the guest room on the second floor," Melinda replied calmly.
After hanging up, Melinda returned inside and said, "Grandpa, my mom and the others are here. I'll go get them."
"Alright."
Larry nodded, "By the way, how's your stepfather treating you?"
Melinda didn't want to worry Larry, so she nodded, "I don't stay at home much, so it's okay."
Soon, Connie and the others arrived at the guest room on the second floor.
Bobby was stunned by the luxurious surroundings. The Thomas family was indeed the wealthiest in Shadow City, and the Thomas Villa seemed endless.
Getting close to Raymond would ensure a good life in the future, he thought with a smirk.
Connie turned to Bobby, looking surprised.
Bobby quickly wiped the smile off his face and nodded slightly.
"Please, have a seat," Larry's voice was authoritative yet kind.
Connie smiled warmly, "Larry, it's been so long. How have you been?"
Though she hadn't seen Larry in over a decade, she had never forgotten him.
"Thank you for remembering me. Today, you're all honored guests," Larry nodded slightly, glancing at the two of them before looking at Bobby, "And this is?"
"Mr. Thomas, this is my current husband, Bobby," Connie quickly introduced.
Bobby stood up, smiling broadly and extending his hand, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Thomas." Larry didn't respond, only nodding politely.
Bobby awkwardly withdrew his hand and sat down.
At that moment, Roy whispered something to Larry, who stood up and said to Connie, "Some old friends have arrived at the party. I'll go greet them. You all take your time and join us soon."
"Alright, we'll see you off," Bobby quickly stood up, not wanting to miss the chance to ingratiate himself.
"No need," Larry waved his hand, his gaze falling on Sam, "Sam, see you later."
"Okay, Grandpa," Sam stood up and nodded obediently.
As Larry walked away, Melinda pulled Sam aside and whispered, "Sam, go play with your Rubik's Cube on the balcony. I'll call you in a bit."
"Okay, Mommy!" Sam smiled sweetly.
Sam quickly left the room, and Melinda closed the glass door behind him.
She sat down across from Bobby, her eyes cold and wary.
"Melinda, you look beautiful today!" Bobby said nervously, swallowing hard and forcing a smile.