Chapter 207: Just a Warning

Melinda tapped her phone screen, scrolling through some celebrity gossip. A photo of a certain actress with Raymond caught her eye. They looked pretty cozy, and a barely noticeable smirk of disdain appeared on her lips. "These media folks always love to make something out of nothing."

"Whether it's making something out of nothing or just outright fabricating stories, I don't want Raymond's name mixed up with these kinds of women," Melinda said, her voice carrying an undeniable authority.

Gwyneth felt a chill run down her spine. She caught the double meaning in Melinda's words. "Some people just love to bang their heads against a brick wall," she replied with a slight smile, nodding to show she understood. "Got it."

After dinner, Gwyneth spoke softly, "Raymond's suit got dirty. How about I take it to the dry cleaners and bring it back?"

Melinda frowned slightly. "No need. Just toss it."

"Toss it?" Gwyneth was a bit taken aback.

"Raymond won't wear dirty clothes. Keeping it is pointless," Melinda said decisively.

Gwyneth's heart trembled, and she dared not say more. She knew Melinda's temperament and her own position in the Thomas family all too well. Despite her endless jealousy and resentment, she was acutely aware of her own standing.

The two women got up and left, each with different thoughts in their minds. Melinda knew exactly what Gwyneth was trying to do make her jealous and start a fight with Raymond.

Meanwhile, in another villa, Claire was busy cleaning the study. She picked up a cloth and carefully wiped the dust off the bookshelf, occasionally straightening the disorganized books. Suddenly, the door to the study opened, startling Claire. She stood up quickly and accidentally hit her forehead on the edge of the bookshelf. She let out a small cry and covered her forehead with her hand. Dennis walked in briskly, seeing her injured expression, and frowned. "You're always so careless."

He gently pulled her hand away, seeing the swelling on her forehead, and a flash of concern crossed his eyes. "Go put some ice on it."

Claire shook her head. "It's nothing, just a small bump."

But Dennis suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, pressing her firmly against the desk. Claire gasped, her hands bracing against the desk as she tried to break free, but his deep, husky voice whispered in her ear, "Don't move."

Dennis kissed her, a kiss so unexpected and intense that Claire's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe that Dennis, who always seemed so restrained, would kiss her so passionately. His kiss was gentle yet deep, as if he wanted to melt her.

Claire, recovering from her initial shock, found herself responding to his kiss. She closed her eyes, letting herself be swept away by the sudden sweetness. She didn't know how long it lasted, but she suddenly realized her loss of composure. She pushed Dennis away and fled to her room, her face flushed.

Leaning against the door, her heart pounded like a drum. Dennis's kiss left her feeling confused and lost. She didn't understand why he did it. Was this his way of repaying her?

Just then, she heard Ivy's voice downstairs. Ivy had returned from shopping and was directing the servants to bring in her numerous bags. Claire took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She walked downstairs and saw Ivy sitting on the couch, holding a new dress with a satisfied smile.

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"Come help me see if this dress looks good," Ivy called out to Claire as soon as she saw her.

Claire walked over and glanced at the dress. "It's nice," she said indifferently. She didn't want to delve into Ivy's spending habits; everyone had their own way of living. However, Ivy seemed unsatisfied and continued to chatter on.

Claire listened, feeling a mix of helplessness and annoyance. Dennis emerged from the study, his deep gaze fixed on Claire as if trying to see through her. Claire's heart tightened, and she instinctively lowered her head, avoiding his eyes, afraid he might see her inner turmoil.

"Dennis, do you think this dress looks good on me?" Ivy twirled in front of Dennis, looking at him expectantly. But Dennis's gaze shifted to Claire, who was bending over to tidy up. He looked at her slender waist and delicate profile, feeling a strange emotion stir within him.

Claire sensed footsteps behind her and grew nervous. In her haste, she accidentally knocked Ivy's most expensive bag to the floor. Ivy gasped, picking up the bag with a pained expression. "This is a limited edition! Can you afford to replace it if it's damaged?"

Claire bit her lip. She had no money and couldn't say anything in her defense. Dennis raised an eyebrow, walked over, and looked at the bag on the floor. "It's just a bag. If it's broken, we'll buy another one. Come on, let's go out."

Ivy quickly said, "Dennis, I'll come too." But Dennis ignored her, heading straight for the door and waiting for Claire. Claire hesitated but eventually followed him.

Dennis drove them away from the villa, speaking little, only occasionally asking trivial questions. Claire sat in the passenger seat, feeling anxious. She couldn't help but steal glances at Dennis, noting his chiseled profile and deep, ocean-like eyes that seemed to read her thoughts.

Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you're on Ñel5s.com to catch every twist and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now! "Where are we going?" Claire finally asked.

"Just for a drive," Dennis replied curtly. Claire fell silent, sitting quietly as the scenery outside the window changed. Her emotions fluctuated with the passing landscape. After a while, the car stopped. Claire got out and saw they were at a church. She was surprised Dennis had brought her here.

"Why are we here?" she asked curiously.

"To find some peace," Dennis said, striding towards the church. Claire quickly followed him inside. It was nearly three in the afternoon, and the church was quiet, most visitors having left. Dennis stood tall under the archway, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting a golden halo around him. Claire watched him, momentarily entranced. Suddenly, she slipped and fell forward. "Careful!" Dennis quickly caught her in his arms. Claire found herself pressed against his chest, inhaling his faint, clean scent, her heart racing. She looked up and met his deep eyes.

"Are you okay?" Dennis asked with concern.

"I'm... fine," Claire stammered, blushing as she quickly pulled away and stood to the side. Dennis smiled faintly at her shy demeanor. He took her hand gently. "Come on, let's go."

Claire let him lead her, feeling a warm current flow through her heart. She followed him step by step up the hill. Halfway up, she regretted it, panting and sweating. Dennis, however, seemed unaffected, walking easily ahead of her.

"Are you okay?" Dennis asked, looking back at her with concern.

"I'm... fine," Claire insisted, though she was clearly out of breath.