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.

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

at the apartment at 5:30 pm, she quietly unlocked the door, only to collide with someone as

found herself face-to-face

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

fell

with one hand and said casually, “Oh, you're back?” He glanced around and said, “Julie just

his coat, Marcus noticed Melissa's suitcase and commented, “Id like

hesitant, Melissa didn't

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

regained her composure. She then headed to the bedroom with her luggage. Without changing her clothes, she

shed a lot of weight. She removed her coat

“I heard about your promotion, so I suppose congratulations are in

But Melissa seemed unfazed.

replied, “How

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 good plan” He then brought out an agreement from his coat pocket and placed it gently in front

Marcus ensured that Matthew would have a

the right to

her after she reviewed the agreement. Deep down, she believed it was

“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, everything will

sign the

like she was too hesitant to sever ties with him.

hand trembled slightly as she signed her signature on it, but she didn't waver. Marcus had already signed his name beforehand, so he patiently waited for her to

handed one copy to him after

gracefully, and then rose from his

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

likely become strangers to each other without

response to his

didn't rush to leave. Instead, she stayed and finished her

her an iced coffee. How thoughtful of him! But she didn't dwell

she was merely Matthew's

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

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

which wouldn't be

the apartment, Julie and Matthew

were

shocked

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

daughter, Yvonne Wilson, appeared to be around seven or eight years old. The little girl seemed alittle

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

the little girl walked up to Melissa and

handed her the money and

seemed quite fond of Yvonne

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

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

have to say.” Melissa nodded in acknowledgment

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

didn't leave her

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,

Janet as 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 at

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

and her help when

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

handed Melissa

always been so nice to me and my mother all these years, and it's time for me

did she refuse the extra fifty thousand dollars, but she also stopped Shawn from returning the money

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

assist Julie with the

inquired, “Julie, have you considered living with Shawn? He's changed for the better now. It's not like before.”

talked it over with Janet. Shawn will focus on eaming money while Janet takes care of their daughter. She can manage.

appreciative

$20, @00 monthly. You can pass it on to Janet. This way, Yvonne can

won't work out between you and Mr. Fowler?” Melissa nodded affirmatively. “Yes, I acted impulsively before.” Julie consoled Melissa, “What a shame! Mr. Fowler is indeed quite handsome.” Melissa was at

to the bedroom, Melissa found Matthew playing with his toys on the carpet. Upon seeing

could finally spend some quality time with

each other for a month, Melissa

picture books to him. As she went to open the

it,”

his youth, he articulated, “I gave the ring to Daddy when I found it. He put

sat quietly in his mother's embrace, listening to her

and corrected, “Mommy,

it again, then.” However, Matthew's thoughts strayed elsewhere. Nestled against Melissa's embrace, he queried in a hushed tone,

at Dad, saying he already had a woman, yet he pursued another. Grandpa asked

speculated that Marcus might have met someone

was still tender in age and probably

him softly, “You'll stay

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

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

Matthew fell silent.

sensed the

soothing Matthew to sleep, Melissa reclined against the

Marcus

before settling beside