Chapter 392 Delusion
Francis ignored her.
He reached for another cigarette to light.
Melinda reached out, but he turned away.
"You're really rude, no wonder you got dumped," Melinda said.
Francis's brows furrowed as he sat down on the sofa and exhaled a puff of smoke.
Melinda was furious. But when she turned and saw him sitting on the sofa, legs casually crossed, an air of quiet desolation about him, combined with his handsome face and aloof demeanor, she couldn't help but be drawn to him.
She didn't go over to snatch his cigarette.
But even though she liked Francis, she didn't want to smell smoke around him.
Standing at the foot of the bed, she looked at him and said, "Marry me."
Francis just let out a cold laugh.
Melinda continued nonchalantly, "You don't want Rainey forcing you into endless blind dates and keeping you stuck in your room, do you?"
"I don't care who you like, as long as you marry me, you can be free. By then, if you want to find the woman you like, I can even cover for you. Besides, my Collins Family is a good match for your Peterson family. This deal, you won't lose," she added.
Francis remained silent.
Before Melinda went abroad, she had met Francis quite a few times here.
He had always been cold and indifferent, not enthusiastic about anything.
It was normal; if he showed he liked something, it would be dangerous if his enemies found out and used it against him.
But even if he didn't talk much and wasn't close to girls, his family background and looks were enough to attract girls to throw themselves at him.
Before coming for the blind date, she had learned about his and Elissa's situation.
It was indeed shocking.
Such a cold and rational person would go crazy for love. If a man like Francis could submit to her and go crazy for her, she thought it would all be worth it.
Melinda calmly analyzed the situation. "I'm the only one who can offer you this deal. Think about it. It's just a marriage of convenience. After the wedding, we can lead separate lives. The only thing we need to do is have a child to satisfy our families."
Francis extinguished the cigarette butt and finally spoke, his voice extremely cold. "Ms. Collins's conditions are very tempting."
Melinda suppressed her excitement.
As long as they got married, she would naturally have ways to make him fall in love with her and forget Elissa.
"I don't want to keep being forced into blind dates either. In our circle, there are only a few suitable matches, we have to maximize the benefits," Melinda continued.
Francis's expression remained indifferent, unchanged.
After Melinda's long speech, he only said briefly, "You're so good at scheming. No wonder those ex-boyfriends still feel they owe you after being dumped."
Melinda's face changed. "What nonsense are you talking about!"
Francis didn't want to say more.
Melinda seemed guilty and started explaining on her own, "I never had a boyfriend. They were just classmates and colleagues I interacted with for my studies and work."
Francis was confined without access to a phone, computer, or internet. He couldn't know or research in advance that his blind date would be with Melinda.
However, his strong network of connections and deep understanding of people allowed him to stay composed and in control in any situation.
"Don't be delusional," he said coldly.
Even though Melinda liked Francis, she couldn't suppress her anger now. "You wanting to marry that woman is also delusional."
Francis's eyes were icy, and his words were sharp. "She has a name. It's Elissa."
Melinda had never encountered a man who not only showed no interest in her but also repeatedly rejected her.
"The more you protect her, the more you put her at risk. My proposal won't change; you'll come to me when you think it through." With that, she walked to the door and said, "Open the door, please."
Teddy opened the door, and Melinda walked down the stairs with her head held high.
Just as Teddy was about to close the door, Francis threw out the food and slammed the door shut.
Rainey felt a bit distressed seeing Teddy bring down the untouched food. "He still hasn't eaten?"
She had just praised Melinda, thinking at least the food wasn't brought back down.
And they had spent so much time together, they must have had a good conversation.
Melinda also told her they had a good talk and that Francis would consider marrying her, feeling very confident.
Francis can't fight the Peterson family. Everything he has comes from them. Without the Peterson family, he wouldn't make it.
Moreover, the Peterson family had only one heir, and they wouldn't let Francis do anything to disgrace the family.
Melinda said, "Mrs. Peterson, don't worry, he won't starve himself. I saw snacks in his room."
Rainey looked at Teddy.
Teddy smiled warmly as usual. "I saw them, but didn't take them. You wouldn't want him to really go on a hunger strike, right? After all, he's our beloved child."
Rainey had nothing to say to that.
She apologized to Melinda and her parents. "Francis has been spoiled by us, sorry for the neglect."
Melinda said, "No need to be so polite; we'll be family in the future."
Rainey quite liked Melinda. Given Francis's reserved nature and tendency to speak little, having a lively and talkative wife like Melinda would be a perfect complement.
"Do you have time this afternoon? Let's go for a beauty treatment; Owen can stay and play chess, and we'll have dinner at our place," Rainey suggested.
They agreed immediately.
Upstairs in the bedroom.
Francis opened a bag of Elissa's favorite cheese-flavored chips.
He wasn't much of a snack eater growing up and didn't care for them much as an adult either. But Elissa absolutely loved them.
Then he wondered if Elissa was happy and playing with others now.
In Suncrest City.
Elissa rarely went out.
She had almost watched all the movies.
She couldn't contact Hope, so she had the landlord's daughter write a letter and sent it in her name.
Hope would understand when she saw it.
But staying indoors all the time, she, who loved drinking and clubbing, felt a bit bored.
The landlord mentioned a local evening event and invited her to join.
The people here were warm and welcoming.
Elissa didn't want to refuse, and she also needed to stretch her muscles.
In the evening, she went with the landlord, wearing a mask and hat.
The landlord asked, "Are you hiding from debt?"
Elissa shook her head. "I'm a law-abiding citizen. Don't worry, the money I gave you is clean."
The landlord laughed. "Then who are you hiding from?"
Elissa smiled. "I'm not hiding from anyone, just got tired of the previous city and wanted a change of scenery. I might go to another city in the future."
The landlord understood. "You young people have such novel ideas nowadays."
They chatted casually as they arrived at the large square.
The stage was already set up.
They arrived early, but many people were already seated.
Elissa said, "It's quite formal."
The landlord proudly said, "This isn't just a neighborhood event, there are even celebrities."
Elissa was genuinely interested and wanted to see which celebrities were there.
It turned out to be a not-so-famous boy band and a few veteran artists.
She watched for a while but soon lost interest and excused herself to go to the restroom.
Taking advantage of the night, she went for a walk.
She saw a small shop and bought a bag of cheese-flavored chips.
She felt she couldn't live this kind of life for too long and hoped Francis would hurry up and get married, so he wouldn't keep bothering her.
"Elissa." Elissa was lost in thought, and the voice startled her so much that she almost crushed the chips.
It wasn't that she wanted to be so heartless.
She was just afraid Francis would trace her through Efren.
Wherever Efren went, there would definitely be cameras.
And with him traveling back and forth between film sets, he would definitely take planes and trains.
With Francis's abilities, he could easily find her through any clue.
"Did you follow me here?"
Efren was also wearing a mask and hat, with a black jacket zipped up to his chin.
If it weren't for someone familiar, it would be hard to recognize him.
"I couldn't reach you and was worried," Efren said.
Elissa had to tell him the truth.
But before she did, she found a secluded spot.
There were far more cameras now than before, making it difficult to find a blind spot.
"I'm hiding from someone," Elissa whispered.
After hearing Elissa's explanation, Efren felt extremely guilty. "I'm sorry, Elissa. I wanted to help you, but I ended up causing more trouble."
"The incident in Oceancrest City did cause me trouble, but I remember how you helped me afterward. Speaking of which, going to your house also caused you trouble and scared Cinda."
Efren quickly waved his hand. "Not really. She just wants you to be happy and free from anything that bothers you."
"That's my wish too." Elissa was silent for a moment, then patted his shoulder. "I'll remember that. For now, let's not see or contact each other."
"Okay, I'll leave now." After saying that, Efren left.
Elissa returned to the stage to continue watching.
Then she bought some skewers and went back with the landlord.
During dinner, Francis didn't come down.
Melinda didn't take the initiative to bring him food either.
She couldn't stick to Francis all the time; she needed to know when to push and when to pull to keep things in balance.
After dinner, without staying to chat, Melinda left with her parents.
On the way home, Owen and his wife asked Melinda, "Have you set your sights on Francis?"
Melinda nodded. "I must have him."
Owen and his wife smiled and nodded. Melinda had it all—pedigree, beauty, and education. She was leagues ahead of Elissa. They couldn't believe she hadn't won Francis's heart.
When it came to Francis, no one could compare to Elissa.
He knew what Melinda was trying to do, but he didn't care. Dating Melinda would mean stepping out of the Peterson family and escaping its constraints.
However, he had recently come to understand Elissa's feelings. He used to say he wanted her to be free, but his actions were actually restricting her. Yet, if he wasn't firm, she would slip away.
He felt her fear that day. The Peterson family had overwhelmed her so much that she wouldn't continue with him on her own. Now, he didn't know what to do.
The next day.
Melinda invited Francis out, but the Peterson family hesitated.
Rainey said, "Maybe you should get to know each other more at home first."
Melinda smiled. "Rainey, I know what you're worried about, but Elissa is no longer in Maple Valley."
Rainey knew about this.
After all, they had been monitoring Elissa's movements.
They even knew her address.
She didn't expect Melinda to find out in just one day.
Melinda's methods and family background were what the Peterson family needed.
"I've removed all traces of Elissa. Even if he wants to find her today, he won't be able to. It's not easy for him to run away either," Melinda added.
Seeing that Melinda had said this much, Rainey had Teddy release Francis.
Francis wore a dark blue shirt, black trousers, and a black overcoat. Tall and lean, he adjusted his cuffs as he descended the steps, ignoring everyone around him.
Melinda's eyes followed him intently, thinking, 'I must have him!'
Francis's eyes swept over his family indifferently, asking, "Are you really letting me go out?"
Melinda spoke before they could, "I invited you out, and the elders are giving me some face."
Francis didn't respond and walked out, with Melinda and Teddy following close behind.
"Teddy, I'll drive Francis. You can follow in another car," Melinda said.
Teddy smiled. "I understand, I won't interrupt your private conversation."
But Francis didn't get into Melinda's car; he walked straight to the gate.
The guards didn't stop him.
He raised an eyebrow and continued walking towards the main road.
A white Maserati stopped in front of him, but Francis walked past it and kept going.
Melinda turned the steering wheel halfway, blocking his path. Then she got out of the driver's seat.
She reached out to pull Francis into the car, but he stepped back to avoid her.
Melinda lightly bit her lip and hinted, "I know where you want to go. I can take you there." She then raised her chin. "Look, many people are following. With me covering for you, she won't be in danger."
Francis eventually got into the car. With Melinda covering for him, he didn't need to waste time hailing a cab on the main road.
Francis had no intention of going to Elissa's place, even though Melinda was already driving in that direction. He wasn't surprised that Melinda knew Elissa's address; she must have looked into it beforehand.
"Turn right," Francis said coldly.
Melinda was stunned. "Aren't you going to..."
Francis coldly interrupted, "I'm going to the company. I haven't been there for a few days, and I don't want things to get chaotic."
At the Hammer Group.
As soon as the white Maserati stopped, Francis got out of the car.
Some employees who recognized him asked, "Mr. Peterson, did you change cars?"
Francis shook his head.
Then everyone saw Melinda get out of the car, her red curly hair and red dress accentuating her great figure.
She exuded elegance with every move, and the Cartier bracelet on her wrist was worth a car.
"Mr. Peterson, is this your girlfriend?" the employee asked.
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