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.

on her way back to Duefron, eager to reunite with Matthew

Choosing not to call ahead, she hoped to surprise her son. Arriving at the apartment at 5:30 pm, she quietly unlocked the door, only to collide

up, she found herself face-to-face

grey coat on his arm. He

off-guard, Melissa fell into

said, “Julie just took

question, 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 available now?” He sounded

hesitant, Melissa didn't want

her suitcase and replied, “Sure!” Marcus opened the door and said, “I'll wait for you at the coffee

her composure. She then headed to the

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

said emotionlessly, “I heard about your promotion,

But Melissa seemed unfazed.

“How kind of you, Mr.

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 good plan” He then brought out an agreement from his coat pocket and placed it gently in front of her. Melissa glanced at the document and discovered it was an arrangement for Matthew. It was straightforward and outlined a monthly allowance of two hundred thousand

Marcus ensured that Matthew would

right to visit Matthew whenever he

after she reviewed the agreement. Deep down, she believed

why don’t we sign the agreement?

sign the agreement. She didn’t want

like she was too hesitant to sever ties with him.

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

copy to him after

then rose from

It seemed he had thoroughly considered things over

likely become strangers to each other without

in response to his

to leave. Instead, she stayed and finished

Marcus ordered her an iced coffee. How thoughtful of him! But she didn't dwell on it. Their relationship was

was merely

left the coffee shop, the cold winter ir chilled her to

she regretted it, she'd say no. She lived in a different world from Marcus. If they tied the knot,

be

back to the apartment,

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

felt shocked at

took her a while to snap out of it. Eventually, Julie, 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 kid back” After she heard Julie's words, she

eight years old. The little girl seemed

out a green note from her pocket. “It’s time for some magic! Want it? The magic words are ‘Aunt Melissa'” “Stop teasing

Melissa and greeted her. She was drawn to

handed her the money and gently patted

of Yvonne as he followed her

played together, Melissa changed her outfit and joined Julie in preparing dinner, while Shawn longed on the sofa watching TV.

Fowler dropped off some groceries for us earlier. He

so thoughtful, I have to say.” Melissa nodded in acknowledgment and replied, “I

From Melissa's expression, Julie sensed that it wasn't actually a pleasant meeting. She couldn't help but sigh, “Both you and Mr. Fowler are quite prideful. Even if there are feelings between you two, you keep them hidden” Melissa wrestled with her thoughts. She knew that Julie wouldn't grasp the complexities of the business world.

leave her any

maintain her relationship with Marcus, she'd have to

used to argue a lot in the past. But look

have her as my wife!” Melissa took the chance and said, “Well, then you better work hard to provide a better life

Melissa and her help

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

dinner, Shawn handed Melissa a bank

been so nice to me and my mother all these years, and

the extra fifty thousand dollars, but she also stopped

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. Julie had helped her too much during the past few years, and it was way

and his family off, Melissa offered to assist Julie with the cleaning, but Julie insisted, “You've

a moment, Melissa inquired, “Julie, have you considered living with Shawn? He's changed for the better now. It's not like before.” (Bears) Moreover, Julie was

Janet takes

deeply appreciative of Julie’s

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

“Yes, I acted impulsively before.” Julie consoled Melissa, “What a

found Matthew playing with his toys on the carpet. Upon seeing her, he reached out his arms, asking for a

that Melissa could finally spend

Melissa showered him with kises, but it never seemed

often read picture books to him. As she went to open the drawer of the bedside table out of habit, she remembered the diamond

it,” Matthew

Daddy when I

his mother's

her hand and

Melissa lowered her head, 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 get a new mommy someday?” “What do you

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

might have met someone

still tender in age and probably

him softly,

later on, but you don't have to call 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 Melissa's embrace, he eventually peeked out and asked, “Did you and dad

Melissa struggled to explain it to Matthew, but he persisted. “Dad mentioned he argued with you, like how I argue with Daniel. Mom, Daniel and I make up quickly.

Matthew fell silent.

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

Matthew to sleep, Melissa reclined against

to Marcus became

settling beside

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

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