Chapter 119 Threatening Marshall

Celestia said with a hint of innocence, "She found me first. We met at a party."

"I figured as much. We don't usually start research collaborations on our own. Do you know anything about this organization?" Delilah asked, her suspicion evident.

"No, Ms. Lewis, why?" Celestia replied, trying to sound casual.

"Nothing, you can go now," Delilah said, waving her hand to dismiss Celestia from the office.

Celestia returned to her office and let out a sigh of relief. She had been on edge these past few days. The failed kidnapping of Melinda had implicated Rufus, and his men had recently told her that she was on her own now.

Celestia despised Melinda. Before Melinda came back, she thought winning over Raymond would be a piece of cake. But now, with Melinda around, Raymond didn't even notice her.

That afternoon, Delilah arranged a meeting with the head of the organization, but Celestia had already coordinated their story. Delilah didn't find anything suspicious.

She immediately reported this to Raymond, along with the organization's information. Raymond reviewed the information and, considering Melinda's kidnapping, quickly realized where the problem lay.

His bodyguard retrieved footage from the underground parking lot's surveillance room, showing that the two groups of kidnappers had been waiting there for twenty minutes.

"Have someone investigate this organization thoroughly," Raymond instructed Stuart.

The head of the organization was in his early fifties, an age that suggested a connection to Rufus.

Rufus had the head of the organization lure Melinda to the parking lot, then arranged for her kidnapping.

Only this explanation made sense.

That afternoon, Celestia found an excuse to take a leave from work. She needed to meet Marshall.

"Marshall, Mr. Thomas has been caught. I need your help now," Celestia said calmly as they met in a tea room.

"Hand over the stuff," Marshall demanded.

"I will, but you need to help me deal with Melinda first," Celestia replied, her eyes filled with malice. "Make her life a living hell."

Marshall clenched his fists slowly, like a dragon being choked, struggling to breathe. "What do you want me to do?"

"Help me get close to Raymond and make sure I get pregnant with his child," Celestia said shamelessly.

"Raymond isn't easy to approach," Marshall said coldly.

"That's why you need to help me," Celestia insisted, staring him down. "Think about your son and the future of the Banks family."

"Fine, I'll figure something out," Marshall conceded.

"Good. If Raymond asks about me, you know what to say."

Marshall closed his eyes. He had faced many storms in his life, but now he was in a dire situation, having lost his only son. "Don't worry, as long as my son is in your hands, I won't betray you."

Celestia could only wait for Marshall's arrangements. She needed to get pregnant with Raymond's child as soon as possible. Rufus was still waiting for her to rescue him.

Raymond worked late into the evening. He had promised to accompany Melinda to pick up Sam, but a meeting delayed him. To make up for it, he bought Sam's favorite things.

At six o'clock, the doorbell rang. Melinda looked through the peephole and saw Raymond standing outside.

She opened the door, surprised to see him not only there but also carrying a bunch of stuff. The first thing she noticed were two Lego boxes, with Raymond holding two and Stuart carrying four more behind him.

"Why did you buy so many?" Melinda asked, a bit overwhelmed.

"Sam loves them," Raymond replied with a shrug.

Melinda sighed. "Mr. White, would you like to come in and sit for a while?" she offered Stuart.

"No, Mr. Thomas has more instructions for me. You two enjoy," Stuart declined, knowing better than to intrude on Raymond's time with Melinda.

Inside, Sam heard the commotion and ran out of his room. Seeing the Lego boxes on the couch, he cheered, "Mr. Thomas, you're the best!"

He was about to jump into Raymond's arms, but Melinda shook her head. Sam had long been won over by Raymond.

"Take my gift and promise me one thing: listen to your mom and don't make her angry."

"Okay, I promise. I'll listen to Mom and not make her angry," Sam nodded eagerly. "Go play then!"

Sam ran back to his room. Raymond walked over, placing the other gifts in the storage cabinet. Noticing Raymond's improved complexion, Melinda asked, "Feeling better?"

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"Yeah," Raymond smiled. "Thanks to you."

Melinda blushed under his intense gaze. "I didn't do much."

"You said I'm your best medicine," Raymond teased, sitting down and looking at her with deep affection.

Melinda handed him some fruit. "Stop joking around. Eat some fruit."

Raymond picked a grape and held it to her lips. "Want some?"

Melinda intended to take it herself but ended up biting it in half from his hand.

She stared at Raymond, momentarily dazed.

His lips were thin but very sexy.

Her gaze traveled down to his high-bridged nose and then to his chest, which was emitting a low, steady breath...

Melinda's cheeks flushed.

Raymond's eyes darkened as he noticed her blushing face.

He leaned close to her ear, his voice sultry, "If you want, I can sacrifice my body for

you..."

Raymond's breath was hot, like burning embers.

Melinda's face turned redder, and she avoided his gaze.

"No need."

She poured a cup of tea and placed it on the coffee table.

She sat awkwardly on the edge of the couch.

Fortunately, Raymond didn't press the issue.

He drank some water, leaning casually against the couch.

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His clear eyes rested on her.

Time passed unnoticed.

Melinda finally said, "It's getting late. You should go home."

"Where should I go?" Raymond asked lazily, leaning against the couch.

"Go home! You don't plan to stay here, do you?" Melinda blurted out.

As she expected, Raymond replied, "I don't have a home."

He raised an eyebrow playfully. "I'll sleep on the couch."

Melinda was speechless.

"I... I'm not used to strangers in my place," she lied.

"Am I a stranger?" Raymond asked, amused.

"We've slept in the same bed. How can I be a stranger?" He smiled suggestively.

Raymond's gaze was intense, and she didn't dare meet his eyes.

She feared he might actually take advantage of her.

"It's cold now, easy to get sick," Melinda said, feeling guilty.

"Really? So you're concerned about me?" Raymond softened his voice, speaking close

to her ear.

Melinda quickly moved a foot away from Raymond. "If you get sick here, don't blame

me. Besides, my couch is small, and you sleep poorly. You'll fall off."

Melinda's excuse was flimsy, and she looked down at her toes.

She heard Raymond chuckle softly above her. "I sleep poorly?"

"Yes," she replied instinctively.

"Then let me show you how I sleep," Raymond said, leaning in and pressing close. His

lips brushed her earlobe. "Does this count?"