Third Person's POV
Melinda glanced at her phone while at her desk.
Around noon, the trending Twitter topic suddenly lost traction. In its place were headlines about Vanya and Cliff, along with a statement from Calvert's studio.
This time, Calvert had gone so far as to alert the police, who were now investigating the anonymous poster.
Melinda stared at the statement on her phone, her heart pounding.
She hadn't expected Calvert to involve the police!
"Melinda! What are you doing during work hours?" Barbara said as she stepped out of her office.
Melinda quickly stuffed her phone into her pocket.
Barbara noticed Melinda's nervous demeanor and the phone in her pocket, but there was already a phone on the desk.
She frowned.
"Sorry, Barbara. I've finished all the planning," Melinda said, handing over the planner.
Barbara scanned it and told Melinda, "Don't leave after work today. There's a business dinner tonight, and you're coming with me."
"Me?" Melinda was taken aback.
As an intern, she couldn't believe she was invited to such an event.
Barbara said, "I recall you mentioned attending lots of social events before. I think you'll handle this well."
Hearing this, Melinda felt a surge of confidence.
After all, she had accompanied Cliff to countless social occasions and could manage this setting.
Once Barbara returned to her office, she immediately called Vanya. "I've spoken to her as you instructed."
"Got it," Vanya replied.
"Oh, and I think Melinda has two phones with her," Barbara added.
"Two phones?" Vanya paused briefly, then said indifferently, "It's normal for someone to carry two phones. Don't worry about it. Just take her to the restaurant tonight."
"Understood," Barbara said.
After ending the call, Vanya looked at the file in her hand, certain that answers would soon surface.
In the evening, Melinda changed into the dress Cliff had gifted her and followed Barbara to the restaurant.
Initially confident, Melinda's smile froze the moment the private room door opened—there sat the very men who had previously coerced her into accompanying them for drinks, now leering at her hungrily.
Melinda stood rooted to the spot, too terrified to move.
Barbara glanced at her questioningly. "Why aren't you coming in?"
"Barbara… who are these people?" Melinda's voice trembled.
"They're important clients we're courting. Just keep them happy," Barbara said in a low voice, trying to reassure Melinda.
"Don't worry. They're legitimate businessmen. You'll be fine."
Melinda's body shook with fear.
She knew all too well who these men were—none of them were to be trifled with.
Despite her terror, she steeled herself and sat nervously beside Barbara.
Next to her, a portly middle-aged man took his seat. Already tipsy, his gaze grew increasingly bold.
"Barbara, I'm scared…" Melinda's voice was barely audible.
Barbara glanced at the men and then at Melinda's terrified face, offering comfort. "Don't be afraid. Just one hour, and we'll leave soon."
As she spoke, Barbara took a call and stepped out of the private room. "Melinda, wait here while I take this. I'll be right back."
"Barbara!" Melinda tried to grab her arm, but Barbara had already hurried out.
In the next moment, Melinda's face drained of all color.
A man suddenly spoke up. "Melinda, your mom still owes me gambling debts. How do you plan to settle this?"
"I… I already paid part of it back last time," Melinda said, trying to stay calm, though her body betrayed her growing fear.
Another man rested his hand on her shoulder, his tone menacing. "Last time was last time. Your mom's owed us five years of gambling debts! You think a little money can settle it all?"
"Please… let me go…" Tears streamed uncontrollably down Melinda's face.
"Hey there, little missy. Stop pretending to be a damsel in distress! Don't think hooking up with a sugar daddy will save you! Your sugar daddy doesn't want you anymore. Either find another rich man to help your mom repay the eight million dollars she owes us in gambling debts, or you'll never be free!"
"What? Eight million?" Melinda paled. "How could it be so much?"
"Figure it out yourself," the men exchanged glances.
Melinda realized in an instant, her voice quivering, "This is usury! It's illegal!"
"Illegal?" The men burst into laughter. "You think you can talk to us about the law? Pay up or face the consequences! Your mom signed those IOUs willingly. Now, you'll honor them!"
"I have nothing to do with her anymore! Why should I pay?"
"Think you can escape by changing your identity?"
One of the men waved a birth certificate in his hand and sneered, "I have all the dirt on you and your mom. You'll never escape until you've repaid every cent!"
At that moment, Barbara re-entered the private room, feigning surprise. "Why is everyone standing? Let's sit down and eat."
Melinda forced herself to sit, her face pale and her appetite gone.
"Barbara, I'm not feeling well… I want to leave," she said.
"Is it serious? Should I take you back?" Barbara asked.
"No need," Melinda said, practically fleeing the private room.