Chapter 122 Clearing Suspicion

Tenley is facing serious charges for illegally selling prescription drugs and leaking trade secrets. If she's found guilty on all counts, she could be looking at a minimum of five years behind bars.

Besides compensating Melinda for her losses, Aifei Pharmaceuticals Group will have to pay the Thomas Group up to $100 million in damages for infringement.

Raymond's legal team is top-notch; they can ensure the opposition doesn't stand a chance.

"Hey, would you be my date for a dinner party tomorrow night?" Raymond asked out of the blue.

"Don't you already have a date?" Melinda instinctively wanted to refuse.

"None of them compare to you. Didn't you just say you wanted to thank me? Can't you do me this one small favor?"

Raymond smiled.

Melinda agreed, realizing he had indeed helped her a lot. Providing a date was the least she could do.

In a better mood, even the food tasted better. Raymond ate with great relish.

After dinner, Melinda stood by the window, admiring the view. She couldn't help but place her hand on the glass.

Suddenly, a warm chest pressed against her back. Raymond wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace.

Melinda tensed up immediately.

They were so close, separated only by thin layers of clothing, their body heat palpable. Since the kidnapping incident, she and Raymond hadn't been this intimate.

"Dinner's over, but we haven't had dessert yet," Raymond's low, suggestive breath tickled her ear.

"I'll order some," Melinda said.

Raymond chuckled meaningfully, "You are the dessert."

Melinda had no intention of being his dessert, but Raymond's grip on her waist was firm; markings it impossniker Jrear' fees

His breath magnified the faint scent on her skin, and his kisses trailed down her neck, landing on the most vulnerable spots.

"Stop..." Melinda's voice trembled.

This was a restaurant! But Raymond knew the staff here were discreet and wouldn't interrupt the private dining rooms.

He turned her around to face him. Melinda's beautiful eyes flickered, avoiding his gaze, which was filled with a predatory intensity.

Raymond stared at her, his deep eyes reflecting her image.

His gaze dropped to her trembling, inviting lips.

Raymond's eyes darkened with danger.

Melinda sensed the threat, but it was too late.

In an instant, Raymond pinned her against the glass and kissed her. His strength was overwhelming, and Melinda, pressed against the glass, struggled in vain.

Raymond's actions grew bolder. Her fear and resistance only fueled his desire. His kiss was punishing and possessive, as if he wanted to consume her completely.

"Don't move," Raymond's voice was hoarse, almost hypnotic.

Melinda was momentarily dazed.

But she quickly snapped back to reality.

This was a restaurant!

Pressed against the glass, she tried to lift her gaze but quickly looked away.

This was so embarrassing! Being pinned against the glass by Raymond made her body tingle.

Her tension and shyness only pleased Raymond.

His kiss became even more aggressive.

Nearly out of breath, Melinda pinched Raymond's waist hard.

Raymond had to let go. Melinda's face was flushed, "I... I can't breathe!"

She grabbed her bag and bolted, "I'll go pay the bill."

Outside the restaurant, Melinda quickly said, "I need to pick up a few things. You can head home."

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It was clear she didn't want him tagging along.

"I've got plans with a friend." Melinda checked the time; it was past eight, not too late to go out.

"What friend?" Raymond's gaze was intense.

Melinda sighed, "Fine! I don't have plans or need to shop. I just don't want to be with you, okay?"

Raymond smirked, "Is it that bad?"

"How about a movie?" Melinda suddenly wanted to see a film. She hadn't been to the cinema in ages, always busy with Sam. She looked at him hopefully.

"Sure!" Raymond was happy to do anything with her.

Leaving the cinema, it was already 11:30 PM. Raymond's car was parked outside. He wrapped his arm around her waist, his tall frame almost enveloping her, guiding Melinda to the car.

Melinda got in, and Raymond, satisfied, said, "Let's go home."

"Yes," Melinda nodded, pulling out her phone. The top news was still about Aifei Pharmaceuticals Group's bankruptcy.

Glancing at Raymond driving, the car's blue ambient light highlighted his chiseled features and elegant smile.

"Am I good-looking?" Raymond asked, a playful smile on his lips.

He knew she was staring.

"Yes," Melinda admitted.

"It's cold tonight. I'll stay over and keep you warm," Raymond tried his luck again.

"No need, I have heating," Melinda looked at the rain outside, refusing him.

"Heating costs money. I'm free," Raymond persisted.

Melinda turned, her expression calm, "Mr. Thomas, I have money. Over a million dollars."

Raymond chuckled, "Alright."

Downstairs, Raymond watched Melinda get out of the car, knowing it would be another sleepless night.

His phone rang. It was Emily, someone he hadn't heard from in a month.

Raymond had almost forgotten about her. He answered, sounding impatient, "Hello?"

"Raymond, it's me. I'm back. I want to see you," Emily said urgently.

"How about dinner tomorrow?" Emily wanted to surprise him.

"I'm busy tomorrow," Raymond replied coolly.

"What about the day after?" Emily persisted.

"I'm busy this weekend too," Raymond added.

"Then... can I see you next week?" Emily wouldn't give up.

Raymond didn't respond, staying silent. Emily took it as agreement and happily

prepared to hang up.

"Let's talk later. I have things to do," Raymond said, then hung up.

As soon as he did, Stuart called. Raymond answered immediately.

"Mr. Thomas, we have a lead. The number Chris called was traced to an area near the

Lowe Villa," Stuart reported.

Near the Lowe Villa! Raymond's brow furrowed, "Is that where Emily lives?"

"Yes! The number was dialed from that area," Stuart confirmed.

"Anything else?" Raymond asked.

"The number isn't registered. It's a burner phone, so we can only trace the location. I'll check the surveillance in that high-security area to find the owner," Stuart continued.

"Good, do it," Raymond said, then hung up.

Raymond knew finding this person was key to uncovering the truth about what happened to Melinda. This person could be the mastermind or an accomplice.