Chapter 74: The Requested Invitation

"I don't believe you. Just keep it to yourself," Raymond said coldly, ready to hang up.

But Emily suddenly started crying on the other end, pleading, "Raymond, have you forgotten what happened back then? You promised to make it up to me."

"How much do you want? Name your price," Raymond replied, his patience wearing thin.

Hearing this, Emily's feelings of grievance and disappointment overwhelmed her. She sounded like a neglected woman, her voice filled with sorrow, "I don't want money. I told you that last time."

Raymond didn't want to hurt Emily, but he couldn't make any promises to her either. Rubbing his temples, he said, "Emily, don't waste your time on me. You should go out, make friends, and find someone you truly like to spend your life with."

"No! Raymond, you're the only one in my heart," Emily declared sharply, her voice full of determination and persistence. "I won't love any other man but you."

"Emily, let's find a time to talk properly," Raymond said. "I don't want to ruin your life." Hearing that Raymond was willing to talk, Emily felt a glimmer of hope.

"Okay, I'll wait for your call. You must call me," she said quickly.

"Alright, once I'm done with work," Raymond replied before hanging up.

At that moment, Emily sat on the couch, breathing heavily.

She knew Raymond had softened. Otherwise, with his current ruthless business tactics, she wouldn't even have a chance to drag things out with him.

After all, she held the only leverage against him: Melinda's long-buried secret.

Emily didn't sleep a wink that night. With red-rimmed eyes, she picked up her phone and dialed Nolan's number.

As soon as the call connected, she commanded, "Nolan, I want to see Raymond. Find a way for me."

Nolan was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking, "This Saturday is Larry's birthday. Mr. Thomas is already preparing for it. You could find a way to attend the birthday party."

A glimmer of joy flashed in Emily's eyes. "Really? What should I do?"

"Look through old news articles and see if you can find out what Larry likes," Nolan suggested.

"I got it. In the future, report these things to me proactively. Don't wait for me to ask," Emily said, her voice still cold despite the excitement in her eyes.

"Understood," Nolan replied obediently.

After hanging up, Emily immediately started searching old news articles on her phone.

Sure enough, she found some reports. A trace of resentment flashed in her eyes. Melinda would definitely attend this birthday party too.

Looking at the time, Emily took a deep breath and dialed Raymond's number.

When Raymond saw his phone vibrating, he glanced at it before answering, "Emily, what's up?"

"Raymond, is this Saturday Grandpa's birthday? I'd like to attend," Emily asked tentatively.

Raymond frowned slightly, his gaze sharp. "You..."

Emily's heart skipped a beat. She instinctively pressed her lips together, her eyes flickering.

She knew what Raymond was hesitating about and understood her current delicate situation.

But she mustered up the courage and cautiously said, "I can go to the church to pray for Grandpa and get a cross for his safety. Let me go." She paused, listening intently for Raymond's reaction on the other end.

She quickly added, "I won't disturb Grandpa." Her voice grew softer.

"But you have to promise me not to cause any trouble," Raymond finally relented.

Hearing this, Emily's face lit up with a bright smile. "Don't worry, I won't!" she promised earnestly, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.

She knew she had finally taken the first successful step.

In the afternoon, Melinda was in her office organizing documents when the door suddenly swung open.

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It was Raymond.

Melinda instinctively stood up, giving him a standard fake smile. "Mr. Thomas, what brings you here?"

Raymond's gaze swept over the documents on her desk before he spoke in a low voice, "Can't I come to check on the work?"

Before she could respond, he walked over.

A breeze blew through the half-open window, scattering the papers on her desk. Revealing a sketch at the bottom.

Raymond bent down, picked up the sketch, and looked at it with interest. "Is this me?"

Before Melinda could explain, he put the sketch down and commented, "Not bad. Did you study art before?"

"Of course not. I was just doodling. Don't flatter yourself," Melinda reached out to grab

it, but Raymond stepped back, dodging her.

"I like this drawing. Give it to me," Raymond said.

"No," Melinda's hand hung in the air, frozen for a moment.

"This is the first drawing you've given me. I'll frame it," Raymond said with a cryptic smile before walking away lightly.

Melinda watched his retreating figure, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

She turned to leave the office, intending to get a drink of water to calm her nerves.

However, after she left, Raymond sat in his car, picking up the sketch again, staring at it deeply. His expression was tender and affectionate, as if he wanted to imprint the person in the drawing into his heart.

Melinda tossed and turned all night because of the sketch, unable to sleep.

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her tired face. She squinted, savoring the rare moment of peace.

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and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now! Suddenly, her phone rang, shattering the tranquility. Without checking the caller ID, Melinda answered the call.

A voice came through the line, tinged with disbelief and confusion.

That voice... Melinda's eyes widened in shock.

"Come to the office."

After hanging up, Melinda hurriedly dropped her child off and went to Raymond's office at the Thomas Group.

As soon as she walked in, she saw Raymond lounging on the couch, legs crossed. "How late were you up last night?" Raymond asked, a playful smile in his deep eyes. Melinda's heart tightened. Raymond knew exactly why she had trouble sleeping. However, she scoffed, "Why would I lose sleep?"

Raymond didn't seem to care about her answer. He spoke slowly.

"This Saturday is my grandfather's seventieth birthday. I'd like to invite you and Sam to the birthday party."

His gaze locked onto her, as if trying to read her thoughts.

Melinda was stunned. She hadn't expected Raymond to bring this up.

She instinctively wanted to refuse, but the words that came out were, "We're not part

of the Thomas family. We shouldn't go."

"My grandfather specifically asked me to invite you and Sam," Raymond said, pausing before adding, "He also invited your mother."

"My mom is on the guest list too?" Melinda asked in surprise.

Raymond nodded. "Yes. I sent someone to deliver the invitation. She will definitely go."

A complex mix of emotions surged within Melinda. She couldn't help but worry about the awkwardness if her stepfather and Emily showed up too.