Chapter 99: Asking for a Gift

Celestia stood at the doorway in a pristine white suit, her face adorned with a gentle smile. "Hey, Ms. Sharp, can we talk for a sec?" she asked.

Melinda eyed her warily, her guard up.

Crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow, she replied, "I don't think we have anything to discuss."

Celestia's expression faltered for a moment but quickly regained its composure. "Ms. Sharp, I'm really sorry for the things I said before. I was just too in love with Raymond and took it out on you."

Her tone was sincere and humble, as if she truly recognized her mistakes.

But to Melinda, it was laughable.

She knew Celestia wasn't genuinely apologizing; she was just scared Melinda would tell Raymond about what happened that day.

Melinda looked at Celestia coldly. "I accept your apology, but that doesn't mean I forgive you. What happened between us can't be fixed with a simple 'sorry.""

With that, she lowered her head and continued with her work, dismissing any further thoughts.

"I have work to do," Melinda said flatly, her gaze unwavering, exuding an undeniable authority.

Celestia leaned forward, her hands pressing firmly on the desk, her eyes sharp and probing.

Unwilling to leave just like that, she searched Melinda's face for any sign of unease or fear.

But Melinda's expression remained as calm as ever, unreadable.

"So, you accept my apology, which means you won't tell Raymond about what happened, right?" Celestia's voice trembled slightly, fearing Melinda's response could ruin her.

Melinda lifted her head slightly, meeting Celestia's eyes with a cold smile. "Yes, but what else do you want?"

"I heard it's just you and your son living together?"

Celestia's smile froze on her face. She abruptly stood up and walked towards the door. Melinda watched her retreating figure, a glint of coldness in her eyes.

She put down her pen and said icily, "Celestia, if you dare touch my son, I'll kill you." Celestia's steps faltered, sensing Melinda's murderous intent.

She turned to glance at Melinda, then left without another word.

The office fell into an eerie silence, broken only by Melinda's steady breathing. Celestia's face was clouded with dark emotions.

Her heart was filled with hatred for Melinda. She wanted nothing more than to strangle her, but her rational mind told her she couldn't. She needed to calm down and think about her next move.

Back in her office, Celestia made a phone call.

After hanging up, a sinister smile spread across her face.

She could almost see Melinda's pained expression and Raymond's disappointed eyes. "Melinda, just wait. If I can't have Raymond's love, you won't get his money either!"

Around eleven in the morning, sunlight streamed through the office windows, illuminating every corner.

Melinda's phone suddenly rang, shattering the office's tranquility.

She instinctively reached for it. "Hello?"

"Come to my office," Raymond's deep, authoritative voice commanded, leaving no room for refusal.

Melinda frowned. "I'm working, I don't have time," she instinctively refused.

She knew Raymond was probably up to no good, but now wasn't the time for distractions.

"Bracelet."

Raymond's voice carried a hint of weariness, almost imperceptible, but his words were

firm and unyielding, making it impossible for Melinda to refuse.

"Give it to someone else. I don't want it," Melinda replied decisively.

"Melinda, do you want me to give it to you in front of everyone?" Raymond's

displeased tone made Melinda's scalp tingle.

She knew Raymond meant what he said. If she angered him, he might really do something like that.

Taking a deep breath, she softened her voice, trying to placate him. "Raymond, I've got

a lot on my plate this afternoon. Can we talk about this tonight?"

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She hoped her gentle words would calm Raymond down and prevent him from making things difficult for her.

But Raymond was unmoved. "I'll count to three. Two..." His voice grew stern.

Melinda quickly interrupted him. "Stop counting! I'll come, okay?" She knew she couldn't refuse any longer and had to face Raymond's anger and questions.

She stood up, straightened her clothes and hair, and took a deep breath before leaving her office.

Raymond hung up the phone, sitting in his chair, playing with the delicate women's bracelet in his hand.

The bracelet matched his demeanor perfectly, as if it were made for him.

His gaze lingered on the bracelet, showing a hint of affection.

Raymond's naturally handsome face was accentuated by his white shirt, slightly open the collar, giving him a casual elegance.

His black trousers were impeccably tailored, revealing his long legs, and paired with a matching steel watch, enhancing his extraordinary aura.

His long fingers lightly tapped the desk, as if deep in thought.

Just then, Melinda entered the room. Her eyes fell on Raymond, who was smiling contentedly, his gaze deep and unreadable, making her heart skip a beat.

She cleared her throat to break the silence. "I'm here."

Raymond looked up, his gaze locking onto her. "No work this afternoon, right?"

Melinda hesitated. "I do." But Raymond curtly informed her, "I gave you the afternoon

off."

Melinda was taken aback, suspecting Raymond had planned this all along, but she had no proof.

Raymond's long fingers gently caressed the bracelet, his voice filled with affection. "You gave me something, so I should give you something in return. This means I accept your feelings." He looked at Melinda intently.

Melinda rolled her eyes at him. "You bought it with your money. What does it have to do with me?"

Raymond's lips curved into a slight smile. "This bracelet was designed specifically for you. It's one of a kind. So, does it have anything to do with us?"

Melinda was momentarily speechless.

Then he suggested, "Let's have lunch together."

Melinda quickly declined. "No, I have plans for lunch."

Raymond's face darkened. "With whom?" A surge of jealousy rose within him. Could it be Leo?

Melinda explained, "With Ms. Lewis." She didn't want to have lunch with him, so she made up an excuse.

But Raymond was insistent. "Cancel it. I made a reservation." He wanted to take her

out for a nice meal and strengthen their bond.

Melinda looked at him, exasperated. Raymond was so domineering.

She glared at him. "Raymond, can you stop being so overbearing?"

Raymond smiled at her. "Alright, I'll try to be gentler, as long as you don't reject me."

Melinda was speechless.

"I gave you a gift. Shouldn't you reciprocate?"

Raymond chuckled, his gaze intense.

Melinda was taken aback. Was he expecting a gift in return?

"What do you want?"

Since he had given her such an expensive bracelet, it was only fair to return the favor.

Raymond was silent for a moment.

Melinda's eyes sparkled with mischief, and she smiled. "Take your time to think about

it."

Raymond found her amusing. He waved his hand. "Alright, I'll let you know when I decide."

Melinda smiled and nodded, already formulating a plan. She pressed her lips together and said, "I'm broke, so if I can't afford it, Mr. Thomas, you can't blame me."

Raymond looked at her indulgently. "Alright."

Melinda couldn't help but laugh. She looked at him, her eyes shining with happiness.