Chapter 77: Really Too Similar

"Mom, this place is amazing! I really like it," Sam exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement and curiosity.

"Yeah, it really is lovely," Stuart said with a proud smile.

"But we need to be polite and quiet, okay? We don't want to disturb anyone else," Melinda reminded him. Sam nodded obediently, sticking close to her side.

The three of them walked through the corridor, the cool night breeze gently brushing against their clothes.

"Stuart, are you sure this is the place?" Melinda asked, a hint of doubt in her voice.

Stuart took a deep breath, his gaze firm. "Yeah, this is it. Mr. Thomas gave the instructions."

He straightened his clothes and stood tall, then led them to the entrance of the banquet hall.

The hall was brightly lit and filled with the buzz of conversation, but it felt like they were in a different world.

Stuart turned and left.

Melinda held Sam's hand tightly, not wanting to lose him in the crowd.

She took her son and a glass of juice to a quiet little garden outside, where there were fewer people.

Finding a peaceful corner, she sat down with Sam on her lap. Suddenly, she heard a low growl behind her and turned to look.

In the darkness, a man's angry voice, filled with gritted teeth, said, "Get out! If he dares show up at my grandfather's birthday party again, I'll make sure he disappears for good!"

Melinda paused.

The man's furious silhouette became clearer.

It was Raymond.

She stood there, stunned.

It was the first time she had seen him lose his composure.

Raymond, who always showed his strong side to everyone.

This side of him made her feel distant.

But at this moment, with his overwhelming anger, Melinda sensed a hint of vulnerability.

It seemed like just one more step would shatter his facade. She instinctively turned away, but Raymond quickly grabbed her.

"Did I scare you?"

Melinda shook her head. "No, I was just curious. Who made you so angry?"

"Does it matter?"

Raymond's eyes still held a trace of anger. "Someone unimportant."

She gasped, her hands flailing, trying to steady herself.

At that moment, a strong arm caught her, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"Be careful, there's moss here, it can be slippery," Raymond's deep voice sounded in her ear, with a hint of concern.

Melinda came to her senses and realized she was holding onto Raymond's waist tightly.

Embarrassed, she let go and tried to pull away.

But Raymond gently held her wrist, guiding her forward.

Melinda, worried that Sam might see, quickly freed herself from Raymond's grasp and stood aside to compose herself.

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"I was going to pick you up this afternoon, but something came up, so I came first," Raymond explained softly.

"You don't need to tell me this. I'm not anyone to you," Melinda replied with a hint of awkwardness.

"I told you yesterday, there's nothing between Emily and me anymore. It was just that one time, and nothing happened after that," Raymond said suddenly, his eyes locked on her face, watching for her reaction.

She took a step back. "Raymond, you don't need to explain. I'm here today out of

respect for your grandfather. I'll leave after singing the birthday song."

"Emily will be here too. I've arranged a room for you and Sam. If you don't want to see

her, you can stay in the room," Raymond continued.

"Emily will be here?" Melinda's eyes widened in surprise.

She had guessed right. Emily wouldn't miss an occasion like this.

"Thanks," she replied coolly, turning to take Sam and follow the servant away.

Though she showed no resentment, her eyes betrayed a hint of jealousy as she turned.

Larry, though seventy, was still energetic and steady. He had raised a child on his own and maintained his decisiveness and competence.

"Has Melinda and her child arrived yet?" Larry asked Raymond with a smile.

"They just got here. I've arranged a room for them on the second floor," Raymond replied calmly.

Larry nodded. "You go ahead. I'll go see Sam." Accompanied by Roy, he headed to Melinda's room.

At that moment, Melinda was on the balcony, admiring the dazzling night view, while Sam played with a Rubik's cube on the sofa.

Hearing the door open, she turned to see Larry and quickly walked over to greet him. "Grandpa, what brings you here?" Melinda helped Larry to the sofa.

Larry noticed Sam playing with the Rubik's cube and was surprised by how much he resembled a young Raymond.

He put on his glasses for a closer look and was amazed at the resemblance.

Roy couldn't help but exclaim, "This kid looks just like Mr. Thomas when he was young!"

Melinda smiled awkwardly. "Really? I don't think so." She called out to Sam, "Sam, come say hi to Grandpa."

Sam obediently put down the Rubik's cube and walked over to Larry. Larry's eyes welled up.

Though Sam wasn't a blood relative of the Thomas family, Larry felt an immense fondness for him.

"Good boy, you're so well-behaved!" He lovingly patted Sam's head. "Your mom has raised you well."

Just then, Larry's phone rang.

He took the phone from Roy. "Hello?" The news on the other end made his face turn serious. "What? Why is he here?"

"To attend the birthday party? When did I invite him? Tell him to leave." Larry's expression turned cold, his tone firm and unyielding.

"If he refuses to leave, have Raymond handle it."

He hung up the phone and sighed heavily. "Some things can never be forgiven."

"Mr. Thomas, it seems he's still not giving up," Roy said cautiously.

"Hmph! So what if he's not? The Thomas family has nothing to do with him anymore."

Larry snorted, then smiled warmly at Sam. "Sam, did I scare you? It was just a phone call from someone I don't like."

"Go get some fruit for the child," Larry instructed, then turned to Melinda. "Melinda, have a seat. Let's chat."