Chapter 2991 Marcus met her gaze silently, leaving a tense moment hanging between them.

Julie was on the verge of delivering more harsh warnings when Marcus opened his car trunk to reveal a large box filled with the kind of mech toys any boy would adore.

He also handed Julie a kraft paper bag, which, to her astonishment, contained half a million dollars in cash.

Julie's eyes widened as she sifted through the bills, but then she fixed Marcus with a defiant look. “This money won't sway me,” she declared.

Marcus simply suggested, “Use it to buy Matthew something he likes,” his smile unfaltering.

Julie, ever pragmatic, understood Marcus’ gesture as a sign he wanted them to keep caring for Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Matthew for now. “It's indeed your duty to support your son,” she countered, her tone firm yet concerned for Melissa's welfare.

With the unexpected windfall, Julie's thoughts turned to buying Melissa a car, having previously eyed a nice BMW that she believed would suit Melissa.

After all, Melissa had given Marcus a son. A car seemed a small recompense.

As Marcus prepared to leave, content that Julie had accepted his offer, she tapped on his car window, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Melissa doesn't know about this, does she?” His faint smile offered her a measure of reassurance, though her feelings remained mixed.

Once Marcus had departed, Julie, armed with the toy and the cash, swung by the nearby grocery store and bought a five-pound fresh mutton, She then set about stewing it, filling the house with its inviting aroma.

Matthew was thrilled with his new toy, his delight evident as he played.

(Eagles) Mech toys were a hit with boys, after all.

Melissa returned home around eight to the welcoming scent of mutton stew.

“Did you make mutton stew today?” she inquired, swapping her shoes for house slippers.

Adorned in her apron and wielding a ladle, Julie beamed.

“I'had a bit of luck with the lottery today. With the snow and the chill, I thought some mutton stew would be perfect. I've even added carrots for extra flavor. Make sure to have a little extra.” Carrots.

Melissa's heart sank. She wasn't fond of them. Yet Julie, caught up in her excitement, seemed oblivious to this preference, eagerly serving a plate to Melissa.

“Give it a try," Julie urged, hopeful.

Facing the carrots in her plate, Melissa couldn't shake thoughts of Marcus, reflecting on their conversation earlier that day, hoping he would finally leave her in peace.

Melissa paused, her thoughts interrupted by Matthew's joyous consumption of his small bowl of mutton stew.

She nearly spoke up but decided against it at the last moment.

Julie offered a comforting smile. “Enjoy your dinner first. We can talk later.”

Chapter 2992 She then whispered to Melissa, cautioning her not to let Matthew overhear, praising the boy's keen intelligence.

Melissa's smile, in response, sparked a suspicion in Julie.

She speculated that Melissa must have encountered Marcus several times already upon her return to Duefron, given her distracted demeanor.

After the meal, Matthew retreated to his room, engrossed in his new toy, while Julie cleaned up the table.

Later, she brought a paper bag filled with cash to Melissa's room, finding her fresh from a shower and drying her hair.

The bag contained a significant sum, easily totaling four or five hundred thousand dollars.

“Julie, how did you come by such an amount?” Melissa inquired, puzzled.

Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Julie glanced at a medical record on the dressing table before answering nonchalantly. “Told you I got lucky and won a small Lottery prize! You know, if you had a car, you might not have caught that cold— And now that you're working for someone as important as Mr. Waston, it seems odd to take public transportation every day. I thought you might use this money to buy a car.” Melissa set the towel aside, considering the money.

With her own savings, the combined sum was indeed enough for a nice car. However, she decided it was time to share her real thoughts with Julie.

Looking up, Melissa spoke softly. “Julie, I'm thinking of returning to Heron, where our headquarters is." Julie, taken aback, sought clarity.

“Why the sudden move? You've just bought this nice apartment, and Matthew is about to start kindergarten. Is this about Mr. Fowler?” Eagles.

She hoped Marcus hadn't revived old troubles, given his outward decency.

Melissa found herself too mortified to discuss Marcus’ actions, while Julie maintained an air of obliviousness, feigning ignorance to the undercurrents of Melissa's dilemma.

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Julie continued, “You're just starting to establish your career here. Moving back to Heron means starting anew. Without Mr. Waston's support, it's unlikely the work environment there will match what you have in Duefron. I think you need to give it some serious thought.” Melissa presumed Julie had just grown comfortable with life in Duefron and was resistant to change environment.

She nodded in understanding. “I'l reconsider it, I promise!” She tried to give the money back to Julie, but Julie insisted, “Please, hold onto it for me. My day-to-day expenses are minimal, mostly just groceries. And well- If he discovers I have this money, it'll all be wasted.” Julie was referring to her son, Shawn Wilson, who, much like his father, had fallen prey to gambling.

Julie's husband had squandered their finances on gambling, and her son had followed in his footsteps. Despite his faults, he had always treated Melissa and Matthew kindly though. Julie's concern was evident as she worried about her son discovering the money.

Melissa pondered before responding, “I'l keep the money safe for you.

Perhaps, if your son overcomes his gambling habit, this could be his chance to start a small business.” Julie's greatest worry was indeed her son.

Chapter 2993 Yet, she couldn't take Marcus’ money to help her own son, and sadly she couldn't reveal that part to Melissa.

Claiming fatigue, Julie excused herself to sleep, leaving Melissa to secure the money and drop the subject.

As Melissa prepared for bed, Matthew, her little boy, approached with a pillow in hand.

Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Despite being almost three, he was smaller than other children his age. He snuggled into Melissa's embrace, his presence a reminder of her hesitation to risk exposing him to her cold.

She considered moving him to Julie's room, but his pleading eyes melted her resolve.

“Matthew wants to stay with Mommy tonight,” the boy pleaded.

Overwhelmed by tenderness, Melissa relented, and as they lay in the darkened room, she felt an enveloping warmth. She introduced the topic of Heron to Matthew, describing it as a bustling city, wondering if he'd be open to relocating.

Eagles.

mean?” Matthew's curiosity was evident in his

vibrant place, filled with people, cars, and towering buildings,” Melissa explained, painting a

lots of cars and people too, and I really like it here. Plus, we get snow in the winter and there's

Matthew wished to leave

days, seemed to have moved on, providing Melissa

into a bank account in Julie's name and instead used her own

was palpable, his joy bouncing around the car's back seat. Julie, equally impressed,

nothing Less.” Celebrating the new purchase, Melissa treated them to dinner at an

has hinted at awarding me some initial shares in the company for my hard work. This could mean a salary hike, and possibly, a move to a larger house with enough room for each of us.” Julie's

the French restaurant, earning a light complaint from Julie. “Working on a Saturday? Plus, Matthew and I seldom dine in places this grand. What if we make a fool of ourselves?” Melissa reassured

some table manners required last

a reluctant shake of her head, Julie led Matthew

the lunch rush, where they found

super VIP gift card during such a busy time,

said, “We're kind of overwhelmed with reservations today.” After a moment of hesitation, Alexis’ gaze fell on a

& Stay Updated

of her own younger son, bearing a resemblance so

revelation left Alexis momentarily speechless, her attention shifting to

with a member of the Fowler family, of all people, had Julie in a

herself nervously avoiding Alexis’ steady gaze, her hands fidgeting.

a trait of the Fowler lineage. She crouched to

what's your name, little one?” “I'm Matthew Brown,” he replied with the politeness of a well-raised

suspicion that Matthew

an invitation to Julie. “I have a large table, room enough for all of us. My daughter is here too; the children might enjoy each other's company.” Evelyn's observation added a

Matthew does bear a striking resemblance to him." She proceeded to show Julie photos of Daniel on her phone, suggesting, “Look at them. Wouldn't you agree they could pass as brothers?” The conversation overwhelmed Julie, her anxiety manifesting as

to the manager about the room's temperature, to which he responded

to share the table with

Evelyn were seated together, Alexis captured a photo of the pair and shared it on her social media, captioned, “Encountered a little boy who could almost be Daniel's twin!" The post sent shockwaves through the Fowler

left a sarcastic

Marcus Fowler, really showing your stripes, aren't you?” Leonel jumped in

things up.” Edwin couldn't resist chiming in, “The plot thickens. Who's been playing fast and loose, I wonder?” Marcus was left

with the stir her post

remained courteous to Julie throughout their meal, conspicuously avoiding any mention of Melissa. This approach allowed Julie to relax incrementally, contemplating the inevitability of Matthew's connection to the Fowler

ties with the Fowlers might ultimately benefit Melissa

Daily Updated Join & Stay

ensured Matthew was well taken care of, ordering a child-friendly meal that Evelyn used to enjoy, guiding him through it with gentle

interactions, Alexis noted Matthew's resemblance to Melissa, especially his smile, and mused about Marcus’ Likely fondness for the boy

noticing Alexis’ emotional response, silently affirmed her own resolve, taking comfort in the thought that if the Fowler family embraced Matthew with open arms, she could find peace

Julie candidly shared, “Mr. Fowler is already aware of Matthew. He's even met him.” Alexis’ lack of surprise to

Julie, touched yet saddened by the acknowledgment, downplayed her role. “It's nothing. These past years have been tough on Melissa.” Alexis was no stranger to the challenges of single parenthood and had

herself thrust into motherhood, a role that demanded she rise to the occasion. Supporting herself and her son was no small feat, yet she managed it with grace, proving herself

with incoming messages from Marcus, inquiring if

with a simple “Okay!” and, after messaging back, informed Julie with a smile, “Marcus is on his way to join us for lunch.”

impeccable in a white

to stand, Alexis signaled for

place beside Matthew, visibly restraining himself from overly engaging with the boy despite the

is my uncle! Isn't he handsome?” Matthew, too young to grasp the compliment fully, was simply in awe of Marcus's stature, noting he was unlike anyone he'd

now friends and friends share. You can consider him your uncle too! Uncle Marcus is really

silent, recalling Julie's caution about strangers,

Matthew's head, offering a simple “Good boy!" This

& Stay Updated for

up at him,

was uncharted territory. He had observed Edwin and

the instinctual nature of their actions, experiencing firsthand the profound connection between a parent

soft voice broke through, it almost caught him

Marcus replied, his voice rougher than

was so close to Matthew, he could catch the scent of milk that

an urge to

to smile, revealed two small teeth in his

reached out, his voice a command more

lap, and showered

and adults alike were drawn to

kids, Marcus ordered two desserts, one for Evelyn and one for

containing her excitement, said, “I love this. It's been ages since I had one.”

with Matthew, remarked to Julie, “He's not shy at all. Adorable, isn't he?”

Matthew's charm, and snapped a few more pictures

feed Matthew, who glanced shyly towards Julie, cheeks tinted

him?" Julie

eager to show independence, declared, “I can eat by myself.” while sneaking a worried

saw a glimpse of

him momentarily stunned, his fingers gently tracing Matthew's face as if

turmoil without him saying

a hushed tone, she shared, “He's thrived

dedication shines through.” Marcus simply

Marcus

to himself. He's not one to warm up to others quickly.” Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join

her grandfather Waylen with uncanny accuracy, Evelyn quipped, “You're quite the lucky

He looked so adorable.

the boy. Alexis couldn't help but remark, “He takes after his mother.” At that moment, Melissa rang Julie, causing a slight stir.

Marcus and Alexis

wraps up in two hours. Could you take Matthew to the mall after your meal? He's

as she added, “And get something for yourself, too.

“We'll get you new shoes and trousers soon.” Marcus caught Alexis’ glance, checked his watch, and declared, “I've got

despite the cost, evident in

familiar with their frequent visits, greeted them

father during all their visits, sparking curiosity and speculation among them. Julie, upon catching wind of their whispers one time, felt a surge

he not have a

arms, Julie's

the

distinguished. Seems familiar, too.” Julie managed a courteous yet insincere smile. “He's recently returned from abroad. Life's been modest for him in Duefron.” This seemed to reassure the assistant, who perhaps felt that if Marcus was truly remarkable, he wouldn't opt for their modestly positioned

pair of limited edition shoes retailing for

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255