Third Person's POV
Calvert noticed Vanya's hesitation and said, "Don't worry, I checked. There are no cameras around here."
Vanya frowned and asked, "Don't you have to go for a photoshoot?"
"I've finished for today, but I'll probably be around for the next few days. I still have some ads to shoot," Calvert replied.
"Then go ahead and get busy. I'll do the same," Vanya said, preparing to leave.
But Calvert stopped her, placing the takeout bento in her hand. "It's from my grandma."
"Mine?" Vanya asked, surprised.
Calvert added, "She made it specially for you."
Ever since Vanya had visited Calvert's home last time, his grandmother had taken a liking to her.
Vanya accepted it with a bit of embarrassment. After all, it was Grandma Sutton's kind gesture.
"Tell her thank you for me," Vanya said, patting Calvert's shoulder as she left.
"Keep up the good work! Your future is bright."
Calvert watched Vanya's retreating figure and fell into thought. Bright future...
He suddenly had some different ideas in his mind.
In the evening, Cliff arrived outside the police station.
Melinda emerged looking dazed. Although she had only been detained for two days, those days had felt like an eternity for her.
Edwin's men deliberately arranged for a few minor offenders to be in the same cell with her. They had tormented her harshly.
If she had been detained for a few more days, she would have gone insane.
Seeing Cliff standing in front of the car, Melinda couldn't hold back her tears and sadness and threw herself into his arms, crying out, "Alpha Cliff!"
She had been truly terrified inside.
Cliff, however, didn't let Melinda cling to him but pushed her away, his face full of detachment.
"Alpha Cliff?" Melinda was stunned, not understanding why Cliff was being so cold.
Cliff said, "Getting you out was something I arranged with Edwin for a hefty price."
Melinda bit her lip and said, "Alpha Cliff... I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I was just too scared that night, so I..."
"None of that matters anymore," Cliff said coldly.
"What?!" Melinda looked at Cliff in disbelief.
Soon, she calmed down and said anxiously, "Alpha Cliff, did Luna Vanya say something to you? I really didn't mean it... Can you forgive me?"
"It has nothing to do with Vanya. The company will still sponsor your education until you graduate, but beyond that, I won't meet you privately, I won't take you to any events, and I won't keep your contact information," Cliff said, his voice icy.
Melinda felt like the sky was falling.
"Alpha Cliff, what have I done wrong? Tell me, and I'll change!"
Cliff cut off Melinda's next words and said coldly, "That night at the dinner, what did you want me to do upstairs? Do you really think I didn't know?"
Melinda was speechless.
Cliff continued, "I have only one wife, Vanya. I had her before, I have her now, and I will have her in the future."
Melinda saw the determination in Cliff's eyes. She clenched her fists, feeling very reluctant but not daring to lose control of her emotions. She simply said, "It's cold outside... could you at least drive me home?"
"I'll take you home, but I won't come upstairs," Cliff said firmly.
Melinda forced a smile and said, "Alright... I won't push you."
Cliff drove Melinda home. No matter what, the fact that she could still live in that apartment meant she still had a chance.
It was getting late. Cliff indeed didn't go upstairs with Melinda.
She walked into the elevator alone and returned to her room. After entering, she went to the window, looked at Cliff who was about to leave, then glanced at the fruit knife on the table. She seemed to make up her mind and called Cliff.
It took a long time for Cliff to answer.
Melinda picked up the fruit knife and said to Cliff on the other end, "Alpha Cliff, I really like you... I've liked you for a long time. I've been holding on just for you. If you really don't care about me... I'd rather die now."
"What are you doing?" Cliff quickly sensed something was wrong and frowned. "Even if you commit suicide, I won't like you. Don't do anything foolish."
"I really can't live without you. If I don't have you, I'm capable of anything," Melinda said, hanging up before Cliff could respond.
She then walked into the bathroom, lit a scented candle, slowly took off all her clothes, and filled the bathtub with hot water.
Melinda made a cut on her wrist. A faint bloodstain appeared on the wound.
Soon, footsteps were heard in the hallway. Cliff had the apartment's key and quickly opened the door.
"Melinda?" Cliff called out, searching for her inside the apartment. He saw the light on in the bathroom.