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.

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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.

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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 gentle

it's a vibrant place, filled with people, cars, and towering buildings,” Melissa explained, painting a picture of urban

I really like it here. Plus, we get snow in the winter and there's my new toy! Mommy, have you seen it?" Melissa

realization that neither Julie nor Matthew wished to leave Duefron solidified

few days, seemed to have moved on, providing Melissa

deposited the half million into a bank account in Julie's name and

went to collect it, Matthew's excitement was palpable, his joy bouncing around the car's back seat. Julie, equally impressed, couldn't resist praising,

Less.” Celebrating the new purchase, Melissa treated them to

hard work. This could mean a salary hike, and possibly, a move to a

day's schedule demanded Melissa leave for work right after dropping them at 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

a meal. And I taught Matthew some table manners required

a big help.” With a reluctant shake of her head, Julie led Matthew into the bustling

where they found themselves

The manager, struggling to accommodate their super VIP gift card during such a busy time, caught Alexis’

After a moment of hesitation, Alexis’ gaze fell on

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own younger son, bearing a resemblance so strong they could be

her attention shifting to Julie, who was visibly

family, of all people,

she found herself nervously avoiding Alexis’ steady gaze,

her composure, a trait of the Fowler lineage. She crouched

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

surname confirmed Alexis’ suspicion that Matthew had ties to

us. My daughter is here too; the children might enjoy each other's company.” Evelyn's observation added

show Julie photos of Daniel on her phone, suggesting, “Look at them. Wouldn't you agree they could pass as brothers?” The conversation

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

to share the table with Alexis and

Alexis captured a photo of the pair and shared it on her social media, captioned, “Encountered a little boy

a

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

about right! A DNA test might just clear things up.” Edwin couldn't resist chiming in, “The plot thickens. Who's been playing fast and loose, I wonder?” Marcus was left speechless by the unfolding drama

hand, seemed pleased with the stir her post

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

‘s (Eagles) She rationalized that establishing ties with the Fowlers might ultimately benefit Melissa and

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ensured Matthew was well taken care of, ordering a child-friendly

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

comfort in the thought that if the Fowler family embraced Matthew with open arms,

“Mr. Fowler is already aware of Matthew. He's

her voice soft with gratitude. “Thank you for all you've done for Melissa and Matthew.” Julie, touched yet saddened by the acknowledgment, downplayed her role. “It's nothing. These past years have

Supporting herself and her son

of this conversation, Alexis’ phone buzzed with incoming messages from Marcus, inquiring if she was still at the restaurant and announcing his

join us for lunch.” Julie, coming from a modest background, felt her nerves spike at the prospect of meeting Marcus,

shortly after, his appearance impeccable in a white shirt paired with dark brown trousers and

stand, Alexis signaled for

visibly restraining

pride. “This is my uncle! Isn't he handsome?” Matthew, too young to grasp the compliment fully, was simply in awe of Marcus's stature,

friends share.

recalling Julie's caution about strangers, no matter

gentle, touched Matthew's head, offering a simple “Good boy!" This interaction caught Alexis’ attention, a

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touch, Matthew couldn't resist looking up at him, their

uncharted territory. He had observed Edwin and Leonel

instinctual nature of their actions,

soft voice broke through, it almost caught him off guard. “Sir, why do you look sad?”

replied, his voice rougher than he

he could catch the scent of milk that seemed to cling to the two-year-old. There was an

an urge

smile, revealed

hold me?" Matthew reached out, his voice a command more than a

showered him with

alike were drawn to Marcus's

two desserts, one for

It's been ages since I had

with Matthew, remarked to Julie, “He's not shy

snapped a few more pictures to send to

who glanced shyly

him?"

eat by myself.” while sneaking a worried look

Marcus saw a glimpse

left him momentarily stunned, his fingers gently tracing Matthew's face as if searching for a

sensed Marcus’ turmoil without him saying a

she shared, “He's

Marcus simply nodded in

Marcus observed him tackle

one to warm up

grandfather Waylen with uncanny accuracy, Evelyn quipped, “You're quite the lucky one.” Matthew's laughter, filled with innocence and a hint

He looked so adorable.

remark, “He takes after his mother.” At that moment, Melissa rang Julie,

Marcus and

two hours. Could you take Matthew to the mall after your meal? He's outgrown his clothes again. Pick out some new shoes

something for yourself, too. I'l

soon.” Marcus caught Alexis’ glance, checked his watch, and declared, “I've got some time now.” Thus,

the cost, evident in her willingness to invest in

their

shop assistants never saw Matthew's father during all their visits, sparking curiosity and speculation among them. Julie, upon catching wind of their whispers one time, felt a surge of

he not have a father? How do you think he

time, with Marcus cradling Matthew in his arms, Julie's presence

who's this gentleman?” one of the assistants inquired, noting Marcus’ composed

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

the store's priciest items, including a pair of limited edition shoes retailing

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