Chapter 69: Practicing Driving with Her

Melinda had driven up and down this road at least a dozen times, her grip on the steering wheel becoming more relaxed and her foot on the gas pedal more confident with each pass.

The initial tension had melted away, and she felt as if she had become one with the car. Finally, the car came to a stop in front of a five-star hotel.

Raymond was the first to get out, extending his hand to her. "How about you treat me to dinner?"

Despite her newfound ease behind the wheel, Melinda couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. She had been driving for quite a while now; how could she not have gotten the hang of the speed?

"Mr. Thomas, thanks for today," Melinda said, taking a sip of hot tea, only to nearly jump out of her seat as the scalding liquid burned her tongue.

She hurriedly covered her mouth, fumbling for a napkin while muttering, "That was so hot!"

Raymond's eyes showed a hint of concern. "You okay? Let me see."

Melinda waved him off. "I'm fine, I'm fine. I was just too impatient."

Raymond immediately called over a waiter and had them bring her a glass of ice water.

Melinda took it and drank more than half in one go, finally feeling some relief on her tongue.

When the seafood feast was served, Melinda's attention was instantly captured. After the scare, she was particularly hungry.

"The seafood here is all flown in, especially the sashimi. From the time it's caught to when it's served, it's only about seven or eight hours," Raymond said, placing a piece of salmon dipped in sauce into her bowl.

"How do you know all this?" Melinda paused, her hand in mid-air.

Raymond just smiled without answering.

In the distance, the vast ocean stretched out, creating a serene and expansive view that was simply breathtaking.

Raymonkorydirecracths waîtîk III håre you Jack'utowork!? Nexxtutine, westbrand Jaring Sam here for a few days. The fireworks are beautiful."

Melinda nodded and stood up. "I'll go settle the bill."

"No need, I've already taken care of it," Raymond said nonchalantly.

"Why did you pay again? I said I would treat you!" Melinda looked at him in surprise.

"Let's go."

Ignoring her complaints, Raymond walked straight to the hotel entrance, phone in hand.

He exuded an air of nobility, drawing attention wherever he went.

They reached the parking lot, and Raymond opened the passenger door, got in, fastened his seatbelt, and closed his eyes to rest.

Melinda drove cautiously, especially as they entered the city where traffic increased, making her more nervous.

Raymond, however, seemed completely unfazed.

Taking a deep breath, Melinda tried to calm herself. Just then, a sports car zoomed past, startling her into swerving the wheel, nearly hitting the guardrail.

"That was a sports car worth millions! How could I ever afford to pay for that?" Melinda patted her chest, still shaken.

"Don't worry about what kind of car it is. Just drive normally. If anything happens, I'll cover it," Raymond said confidently.

Melinda rolled her eyes and shot him a disdainful look. "Mr. Thomas, not everyone is as rich as you."

Raymond leaned slightly, a roguish smile playing on his lips. "Marry me, and you could be just as rich."

"What?" Luckily, the light turned red, and she hit the brakes. Otherwise, she feared she might have floored the gas in shock.

"Mr. Thomas, can you not joke around?"

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Raymond, however, was dead serious. "I'm not joking. Why don't you believe me?" With Raymond's words still echoing in her mind, Melinda nervously drove to the lab's underground parking lot.

"From now on, park your car here," Raymond said, pointing to a reserved spot marked VIP.

Melinda glanced at it, knowing it was Raymond's usual spot when he visited the lab. She stretched her shoulders and arms, trying to relax. "No need!" she declined firmly. After they left, the car locked automatically, and they walked into the elevator together. In the elevator, Melinda turned and met Raymond's deep gaze. Her heart involuntarily sped up, and she quickly looked away.

Once out of the elevator, she decided to invite Delilah and her assistant Aurelia for lunch the next day to celebrate her new car.

Just then, Tenley approached, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Making such a fuss over buying a car, huh?"

Aurelia was about to retort, but Melinda stopped her. Aurelia was still an intern, and Tenley had the power to veto her staying on after the internship.

Tenley's eyes were full of disdain and jealousy as she continued to mock Melinda, accusing her of using her looks to seduce Mr. Thomas and freeloading at the company.

Unfazed by Tenley's provocations, Melinda shot back, "Being able to freeload is a skill too, one you apparently lack."

Her confident retort left Tenley momentarily speechless.

Not willing to back down, Tenley continued her sarcastic remarks, even bringing up rumors about Raymond and Melinda.

Her words were filled with jealousy and malice, as if she wanted to drag Melinda down.

However, Melinda wasn't swayed by her words. She knew her relationship with Raymond wasn't as scandalous as the rumors suggested. She had never tried to seduce him.

Choosing to remain calm, Melinda didn't want to get entangled with Tenley.

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"Are you that idle?" Melinda's tone carried an undeniable authority.

Intimidated by her presence, Tenley left in a huff.

Fifteen minutes before the end of the workday, Melinda called Marc, having promised

him dinner the night before.

Marc was thrilled to get the call and eagerly arrived at Melinda's workplace early.

As Melinda drove out of the underground garage, Marc got in, his eyes lighting up as

he looked around.

"Is this a new car?" he asked curiously.

"Yeah, I just got it today. Why?" Melinda asked, puzzled by his question.

"Ms. Sharp, if you treat me to dinner, won't your husband mind? He didn't seem too happy yesterday," Marc asked cautiously.

Melinda was momentarily stunned, then laughed. "You misunderstood. He's my boss, not my husband."

"Really?" Marc was taken aback, realizing Melinda was a single mom.

Looking at her, he felt a mix of admiration and affection.

Just then, the car's display screen showed an incoming call from Raymond. Melinda

glanced at it, her heart tightening.

She didn't really want to take the call, so she let it ring.

Marc noticed the name on the screen. "Is that your boss?"

"Yeah," Melinda nodded.

"Then you should answer it. It might be important," Marc urged.