A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

With the Waston Group's former president's passing, the shareholders were embroiled in a fierce fight for power. Melissa entered, breaking the tension with a simple, “Mr. Waston!” Albert's response was a quiet nod, a brief acknowledgment before he instructed, “Sit down.”

The meeting stretched from the late afternoon into the night, ending at ten. Despite the physical discomfort, the attendees departed swiftly, leaving Albert alone, massaging his temples in the now-quiet conference room.

Melissa brewed a cup of coffee for Albert and set it before him.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Waston. The deal with Summit Ltd. didn't go through.” Albert, already aware of the news from the morning, looked up.

Melissa's admission confirmed his suspicions about the deals failure.

He took the coffee and whispered, “Any regrets?” She merely shook her head in response.

He offered a slight smile. “That's good to hear.” After sipping his coffee, he broached the subject of damage control, “The main office hasn't been informed yet. We need to manage the situation discreetly before they make any announcements. The loss of this contract isn't favorable for us” Melissa's instinct was to apologize, but Albert reassured her, emphasizing her value over the contract.

(Bears) “Given the circumstances, you're more crucial than this deal.” Standing, he proposed, “Let's have dinner and then go pay your respect.

He... liked you a lot when he was still alive” His voice carried a note of sorrow.

Melissa agreed.

The visit to the Waston family’s mansion was followed by her return to the hotel around midnight.

Checking in, she was momentarily distracted by the silent snowfall outside the window, almost missing the receptionists call to collect her room key.

Later, as she lay in bed after freshening up, the day's events, particularly the argument with Marcus, replayed in her mind. The emotional turmoil wasn't easy; convincing herself to reconcile with Marcus had been hard enough, leaving her heartache in his absence palpable.

As adults, Melissa and Marcus had ceased contact following her decision to end their relationship.

By seven in the morning, Melissa had already started her day, leaving after breakfast.

Her schedule was packed, meetings, late nights at work, and social commitments left her drained, with little bandwidth for personal reflections.

Her only respite was the daily calls to Matthew and Julie, providing brief moments of connection amidst her hectic routine. Marcus, and the brief interlude of warmth they shared, gradually receded into the backdrop of her memory, their time together seeming more like a fleeting dream.

In the bustling environment of the Fowler Group as the new year approached, Marcus stood by the window, his gaze lost in the heavy snowfall. Sylvia entered, breaking the silence. “Mr. Fowler, the press

conference is about to start. Are we really proceeding with the announcement of our collaboration with Summit Ltd?”

Marcus remained still, his back to her, responding softly, “I'l join shortly” Sylvia hesitated before broaching a more personal subject. “Have you considered reaching out to Melissa? With the New Year upon us, she might be heading back to Duefron for the celebrations.” The room fell into a heavy silence following her suggestion.

Marcus opened his hand to reveal a diamond ring, a symbol of promises.

and plans now uncertain.

The last visit to see Matthew had led to an accidental discovery: the ring he had given Melissa was found in a drawer.

Since flying to Heron, she had never reached out to him, her intentions clear.

She clearly meant it when she said they were through.

Despite the pain, Marcus’ love persisted. Gazing at the ring, he whispered, “No, don't call her. Let's proceed with the press conference.” With a heavy heart, Sylvia withdrew.

Minutes later, the Fowler Group made headlines, announcing a monumental partnership with Summit Ltd, a venture initially slated for the Waston Group, now marked by a significant turning point in their corporate narrative.

His strategic move to outmaneuver the Waston Group for a crucial contract disrupted the equilibrium between the two corporations.

This shift presented significant challenges for the Waston Group's operations in Duefron, magnifying the hurdles they already faced.

The ripple effect of this development stirred a buzz within the Waston Group.

Despite the setback, Albert and Melissa's foresight in securing a crucial contract from a major foreign enterprise provided a timely cushion.

However, the aftermath of this strategic loss left them grappling with ongoing issues. With the New Year approaching, Albert suggested Melissa return to Duefron to spend time with her family and simultaneously tackle the challenges rising in the branch company.

“Mr. Waston.” Melissa began, her observation of Albert revealing the physical toll of their efforts — notably, the emergence of grey hairs, which seemed of little concern to him.

Albert completed the formalities of an important document-an

appointment letter naming Melissa as the new acting CEO for the Waston Group's Duefron branch.

With this position, she was entrusted with full authority over its operations. Laying the letter before her, he acknowledged the pressing issues. “Our quarterly sales have dipped by 12 percent. I've dedicated two years to revitalizing the branch office. It's not something I can simply abandon. For now, the situation at headquarters remains manageable” Melissa's new role came with an annual compensation of 8 million, supplemented by a two percent bonus at the year end.

The job did pay well.

It was a testament to her dedication and the exhaustive hours she had invested. The toll of working tirelessly, often with less than five hours of sleep a night, was a burden known only to her.

Melissa's expression was one of determination. “I won't disappoint you.” Albert then retrieved two small gift boxes from his drawer, extending them to Melissa. “Please give these to Julie and Matthew. I won't be able to visit them this year” he said.

Melissa accepted them without hesitation.

Albert's gaze lingered on a larger box still in the drawer. In previous years, he had always prepared a big gift for Jessie.

This year, however, it remained undelivered.

Though he seemed on the verge of speaking, no words came; nevertheless, Melissa intuited his thoughts. Quietly, she mentioned, “Jessie might be getting engaged on Valentine's Day." Albert appeared taken aback. “Engaged? That quickly?” Realizing that his reaction wasn't really appropriate, he composed himself with a slight smile. “It's actually natural for her to move on at her age” The conversation ended there.

Melissa returned to her hotel, quickly packed her belongings, and headed for the airport.

With the new year just days away, it wasn't until she was safely aboard the plane that the reality of her journey settled in.

eager to reunite with Matthew after a

call ahead, she hoped to surprise her son. Arriving at the apartment at 5:30 pm,

she found herself

and carried a grey coat on his arm. He appeared ready to

Melissa fell into

“Oh, you're back?” He glanced around and said, “Julie just took Matthew to the

he put on his coat, Marcus noticed Melissa's suitcase and commented, “Id like to have a word with you about Matthew. Are you available now?” He sounded

Melissa didn't want

replied, “Sure!” Marcus opened the door and said, “I'll

door, Melissa stood there for a while before she regained her composure. She then headed to the bedroom with her luggage. Without

of weight. She removed her coat when

heard about your promotion,

But Melissa seemed unfazed.

back and replied, “How

a moment, and then continued, “What's your plan for Matthew? Do you intend for him to continue to stay with you like this?” With her coffee in hand, Melissa countered, “Do you plan to take care of him? Didn't you mention before that Matthew wouldn't be the rightful heir to the Fowler family if we weren't together? If that's the case, it's better for Matthew to stay with me.” To

Matthew would have

to visit Matthew whenever he

over her after she reviewed the agreement. Deep

“It looks like you're in agreement. If there's nothing else to discuss, why don’t we sign the agreement? Once that's done,

the agreement. She didn’t

too hesitant to sever ties with him.

of the agreement. Her hand trembled slightly as she signed her signature on it, but she didn't waver. Marcus had already signed his

one copy to him after she

then rose from his seat

feelings toward her. It seemed he had thoroughly considered things over the past month and had chosen

strangers to each other

in response to his unspoken

leave. Instead,

thoughtful of him! But she didn't dwell on it. Their relationship was over, and she shouldn't expect anything from

was

she left the coffee shop, the cold winter ir

it, she'd say no. She lived in a different

wouldn't be good for

apartment, Julie and Matthew had already

and their child were also there. They chatted

felt shocked

awkward, spoke up. “Remember when you lent Shawn some money the other day? He made a good profit

Yvonne Wilson, appeared to be around seven or eight years

Want it? The magic words are ‘Aunt Melissa'” “Stop teasing her, Melissa,” Julie said

everyone's surprise, the little girl walked up to Melissa and greeted her.

the money and

Matthew seemed quite fond of Yvonne as

joined Julie in preparing dinner, while Shawn longed on the sofa watching TV.

Fowler dropped off some groceries for us earlier. He personally brought

say.” Melissa nodded in acknowledgment and replied, “I only just

quite prideful. Even if there are feelings between you two, you keep them hidden” Melissa wrestled with her thoughts. She knew that

didn't leave her any

signed the contract with Summit Ltd, the Fowler Group became a rival to the Waston Group! Melissa found herself in an impasse. If she wanted to maintain her relationship with Marcus, she'd have to sever ties with the Waston Group. On the other hand, if she wished to remain with the Waston Group, it

an example, Julie continued, “Shawn and Janet used to argue a lot in the past. But look at them now; they look so happy together.” Melissa just offered a faint smile

Janet's face flushed instantly. Shawn came over and embraced her. “Look at her. I'm so lucky to have her as my wife!” Melissa took

Melissa and her help when he was in

firmly and said, “I willl” The ambiance at the reunion dinner was delightful. When they heard about Melissa's promotion, Shawn was ecstatic and genuinely happy for her. Julie beamed with joy, and even Janet felt a glimmer of

handed Melissa a

mother all these years, and it's time for me to

thousand dollars, but she also stopped Shawn from returning the money

Use it for the down payment on a house maybe. Also, Yvonne will be starting primary school soon. As a father, you need to plan for her future” Shawn bowed his head and sighed. “I'l pay you back soon. I swear it.” Truth be told, Melissa wasn't concerned about the money.

offered to assist Julie with the cleaning, but Julie

considered living with Shawn? He's changed for the better now. It's not like before.” (Bears) Moreover, Julie was Shawn's mother,

the dishes neatly and then shared, “I've talked it over with Janet. Shawn will focus on eaming money while Janet takes care of their daughter. She can manage. Besides, I'm concerned about Matthew;

deeply appreciative of Julie’s

you with $20, @00 monthly. You can pass it on to Janet. This way, Yvonne can enjoy a better Life. Children need proper care at her tender age.” Julie gently patted Melissa's hands and

Julie inquired softly, “Are you certain things won't work out between you and Mr. Fowler?” Melissa nodded affirmatively. “Yes, I acted

with his toys on the carpet. Upon seeing

was only then that Melissa could finally spend some quality time with

a month, Melissa showered

start kindergarten next year. In the meantime, Melissa would often read picture books to him. As she went to open the drawer of the bedside table out of habit, she remembered the diamond ring she had placed there last

took it,”

when I found

quietly in his mother's embrace, listening to her

grasped her hand and corrected, “Mommy, you

gently rubbing her chin against her son's silky [a She murmured softly, “I'l read it again, then.” However, Matthew's thoughts strayed elsewhere. Nestled against Melissa's embrace, he queried in a hushed tone, “Will I

Grandpa

might have

still tender in age and probably

reassuring him softly,

her mommy.” “I don't have to call her my new mommy?” Melissa planted a ki*s on his forehead and reassured him, “No, you don't” Matthew felt more at ease. Nestled in

he persisted. “Dad mentioned he argued with you, like how I argue with Daniel. Mom, Daniel and I make up quickly. Will you and dad make up too?” Melissa

Matthew fell silent.

had a Limited understanding of adult relationships, yet he sensed the dynamic between his parents. Nevertheless, he remained remarkably compliant, never

sleep, Melissa reclined

to Marcus

settling beside Matthew, contemplating the