Third Person's POV
"What about the private girls' school?" Vanya sensed something was off.
Calvert shook his head. "I'm not sure, but Melinda definitely wasn't a student there. Families at Cumran High aren't well-off. Her mother was a gambler, and they were in dire financial straits. The headteacher even urged her to pay the tuition. She claimed she could gather the money, but soon she dropped out."
Vanya's brows furrowed. So Melinda wasn't an orphan.
"I know that municipal girls' school. It only admits girls from orphanages. Every year, the Todd Group and other companies sponsor one or two students there," Vanya said, recalling the Todd Group's charitable efforts, which Melinda was an exception to.
A few years back, during a charity event, Cliff spotted Melinda feeding stray cats and became fixated on her.
"I'll have someone look into this," Vanya said, her brow still creased.
Calvert smiled beside her and gently smoothed her furrowed brow.
Vanya looked up. "What?"
Calvert said, "You're younger than me but more anxious. This is a time to relax—don't be so serious."
"The information you gave me is shocking. I need time to process it," Vanya explained, messaging Stewart to investigate Melinda's records at Cumran High.
As the waiter wheeled in the meal, the dishes were quickly served.
"Thank you for the tip. I've ordered the most expensive items on the menu—quite generous, don't you think?" Vanya said.
"Indeed," Calvert replied.
When they clinked glasses, someone outside captured the moment.
That night, when Vanya returned to the pack, it was late.
Calvert personally escorted her to the door.
Cliff, watching from the first-floor window, frowned.
He recognized Calvert as an artist under Dalton Media.
At that moment, Genevieve, in her pajamas and apron, entered with a cup of coffee, eyeing Cliff expectantly.
Cliff declined politely, "No coffee for me tonight."
Genevieve then picked up a cup of tea to offer Cliff.
But she slipped, spilling the tea on his shirt.
"I'm so sorry! It was an accident..."
Vanya walked in just as Genevieve was dabbing at Cliff's shirt, standing close to him.
Cliff quickly distanced himself and took Vanya's bag.
"It's fine. The coffee was too hot; I didn't hold it steady," Genevieve stammered.
"No harm done," Vanya said with a faint smile. "Miss Genevieve, there's no need to be so formal. It's late. You should rest."
Genevieve glanced at Cliff, but his attention wasn't on her.
After she left, Cliff quietly asked, "Aren't you the least bit upset?"
"Not at all," Vanya replied.
"I'm not a fool. She spilled the tea on purpose. Why should I be angry?" Vanya added.
Earlier, she had noticed Cliff avoiding any contact with Genevieve—it was Genevieve who had forced closeness.
"I've prepared hot water for you. Go rinse off," Vanya said.
Cliff responded, "…Alright."
Vanya went upstairs and, seeing Cliff didn't follow, breathed a slight sigh of relief.
On her phone, Grace had sent a message.
Grace: You haven't been back for two days!
Vanya: Cliff's grandmother moved in. I can't return lately.
Grace: I'm so bored...
Vanya: Go find Derrick.
Grace: Derrick's accompanying Theodore on overseas business! That's why I'm bored!
Vanya's hand paused.
Theodore… was abroad?
Vanya hesitated, then opened her chat with Theodore.
Their conversation was brief, as Theodore seldom used social media.
He hadn't mentioned his trip abroad.
In fact, Theodore never informed her of his business trips, always disappearing without a trace.
"How could he say he loves me and then just vanish…" Vanya muttered to herself.
She was foolish to believe Theodore's pursuit.
Submerging her head in water, Vanya forced calm.
Her priority wasn't Theodore's feelings but how to peacefully part with Cliff without harming the Dalton family's interests.
The next day, headlines erupted.
One reported Calvert, a rising star, dining with a mystery woman.
Another revealed the mystery woman to be Vanya, Calvert's female boss!
Comments flooded in.
"I knew Calvert, an 18th-tier artist, had endless resources! Turns out he's clinging to a sugar mama!"
"Wow, Vanya is married! How chaotic this circle is."
"Cheated on by her husband and now feeling lonely? Leave our Calvert alone!"
At the Todd residence, Vanya wearily rubbed her temples upon seeing the news.
Despite her precautions, paparazzi had struck again.
Genevieve knocked on the door.
"Veronica requests your presence downstairs."
"Understood," Vanya said.
Descending, she found Veronica in a foul mood, the entertainment news papers spread out on the table.
Vanya's eyes dimmed, her gaze falling on Genevieve.
Veronica never followed entertainment news—this was a clear setup. Genevieve had deliberately placed the papers on the table, waiting for Veronica to discover them.
Such a tactic was anything but subtle.