After some time, she said to Melissa, “Let’s not talk about that bastard anymore, okay? Its all in the past. Let's just let bygones be bygones.” Despite having said this, when she eventually went back home, she still took the gift box out and caress it carefully, because she knew that this was the last time she would ever receive anything from Albert.

After her marriage, she would be someone else's wife and would no longer be able to interact with Albert.

After Jessie left, Melissa watched some movies.

When it was dusk, she decided that she would go out for a walk.

But to her surprise, she got a call from Marcus. She had thought that after what had happened last night, Marcus wouldn't contact her for the time being, even if it was about Matthew.

After pondering for a while, she answered the call.

Immediately, she heard Marcus saying in a cold voice, “Matthew wants to go back! You can come pick him up at eight o'clock.” When Melissa heard this, she became a bit worried about her son.

She wanted to ask some questions, but Marcus hung up before she could even speak. Melissa felt really depressed. Were things so strained between she and Marcus that they couldn't even pretend to be polite to each other? A deal was a deal. She couldn't go pick up Matthew right now, no matter how worried she was.

He was in his grandparents’ house, far out of her jurisdiction, and she wasn't involved with Marcus anymore. She wouldn't do anything inappropriate, especially when her little boy was involved.

So she waited until 7 p.m. before changing into a thin red dress and a beige overcoat. Then she tied her long hair up and pinned it with a simple hairpin. This made her look mature and feminine.

Though she was going to pick up Matthew, Melissa knew that she couldn't just pay his grandparents a visit empty-handed.

So she bought some expensive tonics and fruits on her way to the Fowler family mansion.

By the time she arrived at her destination, it was 8 p.m.

Since it was holiday period, the Fowler family house was crowded.

Apart from the Fowlers, Mark and Cecilia also came with their kids to celebrate the holiday. As a result, Waylen and Rena prepared a big feast.

After Melissa drove into the front yard of the mansion, she opened the door and was about to step out when she heard some noise and then saw a black Limo.

She recognized the vehicle instantly. It was a car belonging to the Finch family.

Was Violette inside? She wondered.

If she was, then it was not very convenient for Melissa to go in.

Just then, a domestic staff happened to walk past, so Melissa opened the trunk and asked her to take the gifts and help deliver them on her behalf. The woman had been working for the Fowler family for many years, so she knew exactly what Melissa meant.

Since Violette was in the compound, it would be awkward if Melissa showed up right now.

So the woman nodded in understanding and helped her carry the things she had brought. Then she went to Marcus and asked him, “Mr. Fowler, Miss Brown is here to pick Matthew up. Should I take him out right now?” Marcus was in the large hall, seated on a sofa and browsing through a magazine while Matthew played by his side.

Indeed, the Finch family had come to the mansion, but it was not the way Melissa thought. In fact, they only spent half an hour in the place.

Their purpose for coming had been very obvious and it was to cotton up.

to Waylen and Rena.

“Where is she now?” Marcus asked the servant in an indifferent tone.

The servant readily replied, “Miss Brown is waiting at the door” After uttering the words, she discreetly glanced at Violette.

The servant was attentive. Despite Melissa's status as the soon-to-be wife of Marcus and her previous service to the Fowler family, she hadn't visited in quite some time, especially not for New Year's Eve dinner.

In contrast, Violette had made a reappearance.

The servant was confident that Violette would be marrying Marcus soon instead.

Marcus, upon hearing the servant's words, concluded that Melissa preferred not to enter. Consequently, he set aside his magazine, attended to Matthew by putting on his coat, and handed him his comfort pillow to hold.

Marcus and Matthew's departure didn't go unnoticed by Waylen.

Lately, Waylen has been discontent with Marcus.

He perceived his son's accumulation of wealth as pointless when he's not with the woman he loved.

Upon noticing his fully-dressed grandson, Waylen inquired, “Where are you off to?” Matthew's voice rang out clearly. “Mommy is coming to get me” The entire room fell silent as everyone's attention shifted to Marcus.

Rena gently interjected, “Shouldn't she be invited inside? She's the mother of your child, after all” Afraid of getting herself into trouble, the servant hastily clarified, “Miss Brown has arrived bearing gifts.” Observing Marcus, Rena questioned his reliability. Being elders, Rena and Waylen felt it inappropriate to personally go get Melissa especially since she had ended things with their son. Thus, Rena instructed Alexis, “Take Matthew and invite Melissa inside.” Alexis shot a glance at Marcus, deeming him arrogant.

She then lifted Matthew, planting a ki*s on his cheek. “Let's go find your

mom,” she said, leading the way.

Prior to Melissa's arrival, Waylen sought to impart a lesson to his son.

“You're becoming increasingly ridiculous. That's not your usual demeanor. Why act so cruel toward Melissa? It's chilly out there. Why leave her standing outside? Your breakup suggests a lack of consideration on your part if you ask me?” Marcus remained silent, retreating to the sofa to resume reading his magazine.

In fact, the Finch family should have departed by now, yet Violette's parents seemed reluctant to leave. What was amiss with Violette? How could she be outdone by Melissa, who lacked a prestigious family background? Violette's parents exchanged knowing glances with her.

Determined not to concede defeat, Violette sat beside Marcus and inquired, “What are you reading?” Marcus glanced up at her with indifference but made no move to rebuff her.

In the hallway, Alexis entered with Melissa in tow.

Upon entering, Melissa was greeted with an intimate sight. Marcus was reclining on the sofa with ease, and Violette nestled beside him.

Meanwhile, Violette’ parents occupied the adjacent seating.

The scene proved uncomfortable for Melissa.

Waylen was well aware of Marcus’ intentions. Marcus deliberately flaunted his closeness with Violette to provoke Melissa. Unable to compel the Finch family to depart without being rude, Waylen resorted to bringing Matthew over and placing him in Marcus’ care. “You're not a child. Why the fascination with these magazines? Attend to the child,” Waylen instructed.

Matthew leaned his head against Marcus’ shoulder.

sight of Melissa, Marcus made no effort to rise in greeting. Instead, he handed the

for play, delighted in tearing pages from magazines and crafting

uncomfortable, Melissa reiterated, “It's getting late. Il be taking Matthew home.” Rena implored Melissa

kindness, and her demeanor

any discomfort

Melissa aside and suggested,

trying to deal from the bottom of the deck.” Olivia immediately protested and

and retrieved two gifts, addressing Melissa, “You're Melissa, correct?

the other for Matthew. He's adorable.” Rena arrived with scented tea. “Just accept them. Mark and Cecilia don't visit us in Duefron often.” Despite feeling uneasy, Melissa

jealousy seeing Melissa being treated favorably in the Fowler household. Despite spending ample time at the Fowlers’ residence, Mark and his wife neglected to present Violette with any gifts,

tone raised. “Miss Brown, you're not Marcus’ wife

from his family?” Luna's

also found her mother’s comment overly harsh and discreetly

I don't confront her directly, shell continue

of the people in the hall, could hear Luna's words. However, Waylen was the

to meddle in our affairs.” Just as Luna was about to respond, Violette

silent,

decided she couldn't linger any longer. Without partaking in the tea, she rose and donned her coat. Approaching Marcus, she murmured, “I'l take Matthew home.” The atmosphere grew tense, with a subtle sense of unease

He looked sad.

a stern gaze at Marcus

proximity to Marcus that he could discern the tears glistening in her eyes. The prospect

tone, Marcus remarked, “I'l walk them to the

tightly, worried about how

everyone politely. Rena didn't want Melissa to £0, and she was also concerned she and Marcus might argue again, so she asked Elva to

stepped out without donning his

admonished him in a hushed tone, “Marcus, you're being unreasonable.” Ignoring her, Marcus retrieved a cigarette,

walked to Melissa's car at a calm pace. He opened the back door,

her head,

if such a situation recurs, I suggest

“What's the matter?”

protested as he pinned her against the

Marcus’ expression turned somber.

could you subject him to the stigma of a single-parent upbringing then?”

was certain he

If you didn't just the Summit Ltd. case from

You did give me one more option. I quit my career, marry you and

your whim behind closed doors.

lowered her voice, admitting, “Regrettably, Marcus, neither option appeals to

her,

a constructive

the very least, maintain civility

freely. Feeling embarrassed and unable to speak

stoically

“Marcus, Melissa left the

Marcus responded coldly, “She didn't want them.” Olivia frowned. “Because Violette's mother

use her to antagonize Melissa? What if you can't win Melissa back?” Disregarding Olivia, Marcus walked away. “Who said I'm trying to

headed straight upstairs

mood, Luna subtly indicated to Violette to go upstairs and keep

blushed, her heart racing, but

with the tension in the air, Rena tactfully suggested that the Finch family

suggestion, the

son, but was dissuaded by

harder it'll be for Melissa. Unless you reinstate Marcus as CEO of the Fowler

caressed his arm and spoke softly. “They've been

numerous women. In comparison, Marcus is more discreet about his personal affairs.” Waylen felt anxious. “That was in the past. Besides, I didn't have intimate relations with any of them.” Rena leaned against his shoulder and reassured him, “I trust you” Waylen ran his fingers through her hair and sighed. “Each of our children is more troublesome than the last. I suspect Alexis and Leonel's relationship isn't as strong as before. I tried asking

disagreements might seem minor. They

study. They contained confidential information about the Watson Group, which she had painstakingly obtained. However, Waylen was

challenges. A project in the subsidiary company of Duefron required funding, but the group was encountering

the documents, Rena picked up

that followed,

week later, it snowed again. Matthew caught a cold due to excessive play and developed a high fever. He remained hospitalized for two days,

hospital's private room was tinged

nurse to administer an

in a hospital gown, Matthew nestled in her embrace, his eyes brimming with tears. “Mommy,

stroked his hair Lovingly and planted a

better, Il take

with she

would have

squirmed in Melissa's hold and even called out for Marcus

at her wits’ end, pulled out her phone. “How about we call Daddy so you can talk to him?” she

Matthew perked up,

for a moment before

wait, Marcus’ slightly raspy voice came through. “Hey, what's going on?” Melissa took a moment before replying, “Matthew's asking to speak with you... Do you have a

voice was tentative, filled

fancy club, Marcus couldn't help but sneer. “What are you trying to say, Miss Brown? You think I'm caught up in something, huh?” Though Marcus seemed

to escalate things, replied softly, “Can't we just talk like normal people? Marcus... We may have gone our separate ways, but that doesn't mean we have to be enemies, alright?” She was worried Matthew might overhear and therefore kept

taking in

even chiller tone, he asked, “And why would I agree to that?” Melissa felt her patience wearing thin but managed

a deep breath, she gathered herself before saying, “I'm going to hand the phone to Matthew.” This time,

at his hand connected to the IV drip. With a voice full of sorrow, he asked, “Daddy, where are you? Why haven't you visited

you don't show up at the hospital, I will be really upset” Marcus’ brow furrowed, and he felt a pang in his

he knew he couldn't let that impact Matthew. In a soft, soothing tone, he inquired, “Where are you, buddy? Hand the phone to mommy, please.” Matthew, teary-eyed,

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