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.

back to Duefron, eager to reunite with Matthew

son. Arriving at the apartment at 5:30 pm, she quietly unlocked the door, only to collide with

found herself

grey coat on his arm.

off-guard, Melissa fell into his

with one hand and said casually, “Oh, you're back?” He glanced around and said, “Julie just took Matthew to the park.” Melissa wondered why Marcus was

he said, “I brought something for Matthew. I'm leaving now!” As he put on his coat, Marcus noticed Melissa's suitcase and commented, “Id like to have a word with you about Matthew. Are you

didn't

“I'll wait for you at the coffee shop around the corner then?”

then headed to the bedroom with

occupied and caused her to shed a lot of weight. She removed her coat when she got to the coffee shop.Marcus ordered

your promotion, so I

But Melissa seemed unfazed.

back and replied, “How kind of

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 her surprise, Marcus nodded approvingly and said, “That sounds like a

Matthew would have a comfortable

the right to visit Matthew

wave of relief wash over her after she reviewed

like you're in agreement. If there's nothing else to discuss, why don’t we sign the agreement? Once that's done, everything will be settled. From now on, we'll have no further

to sign the agreement. She didn’t want it

hesitant to

as she signed her signature on it, but she didn't waver. Marcus had already signed

one copy to him after

rose from his seat to

thoroughly considered things

would likely become strangers to each

nodded in response to his unspoken

leave. Instead, she stayed

How thoughtful of him! But she

she was merely Matthew's

the coffee shop, the cold winter ir chilled her to

She lived in a different world from Marcus. If they tied the

wouldn't be good for

got back to the apartment, Julie and Matthew

Janet, and their child were also there. They chatted and laughed

shocked

who felt a bit awkward, spoke up. “Remember when you lent Shawn some money the other day? He made a good profit from it. Thanks to that, he cleared his debts and brought Janet and the

appeared to be around seven or eight years old. The little

time for some magic! Want it? The magic words

up to Melissa and greeted her. She was

her the money and gently

of Yvonne as he

Julie in preparing dinner, while Shawn longed on the sofa watching TV. Janet appeared somewhat

time, Julie said, “Mr. Fowler dropped off some groceries for us earlier. He

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

Fowler are quite prideful. Even if there are feelings between

didn't leave her any

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

argue a lot in the past. But look at them now; they look so happy together.” Melissa just offered a faint smile

to have her as my wife!” Melissa took the chance and said,

felt grateful to Melissa and her help when he was in

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 hope in

Shawn handed

nice to me and my mother all these years, and it's time for me to repay you." She, however,

the extra fifty thousand dollars, but she also stopped

sighed. “I'l pay you back soon. I swear it.” Truth be told, Melissa wasn't concerned about the money. Julie had helped her

family off, Melissa offered to assist Julie with the cleaning, but Julie insisted,

handle this.” After pondering for a moment, Melissa inquired, “Julie, have you considered living with Shawn? He's changed

over with Janet. Shawn will focus on eaming money while Janet takes care of their

felt deeply appreciative of

can pass it on to Janet. This way, Yvonne can enjoy a better Life. Children

affirmatively. “Yes, I acted impulsively before.” Julie consoled Melissa, “What a shame! Mr. Fowler is indeed quite handsome.” Melissa was

to the bedroom, Melissa found Matthew playing with his toys on the carpet. Upon seeing her, he reached out his arms,

then that Melissa could finally spend some quality time with her

seen each other for a month, Melissa showered him with kises, but

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

took it,” Matthew

of her reverie and regarded Matthew. Despite his youth, he articulated, “I gave the ring to Daddy when I found it.

sat quietly in his mother's embrace, listening

grasped her hand and corrected,

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 get a new mommy someday?” “What do you mean?” Matthew, feeling a strong bond with Melissa, continued to share in a

already had a woman, yet he pursued another. Grandpa asked Dad if he wanted two wives. Mom, will Dad

speculated that Marcus might have met

in age and probably couldn't understand all

Matthew, reassuring him softly, “You'll stay with

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

I argue with Daniel. Mom, Daniel and I make up quickly.

Matthew fell silent.

boy had a Limited understanding of adult relationships, yet he sensed the dynamic between

reclined

to Marcus became

showered quietly before settling beside Matthew, contemplating

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

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