He glanced at the female star beside him, Mina Wright. If Sylvia hadn't jogged his memory, he would have forgotten her name.

The vice president seemed quite fond of Mina and was keen on making her the face of the company. Since the vice president was senior to Marcus and he even brought Mina to meet them in person, Marcus found it hard to decline his suggestion.

Yet, the woman overstepped by meddling in Marcus's personal life.

Taking his time, Marcus approached the golf ball and expertly sent it rolling into the hole.

The people around him were quick to shower him with compliments.

Holding the golf club, Marcus responded to Mina's inquiry, “She's my son's mother. Oh, Miss Wright, are you perhaps expecting and Looking for tips on how to be a good mother?” Mina's cheeks turned red.

She was quick to pick up on the irritation in his tone. His feigned ignorance was away to embarrass her. Used to praise, this was new territory for her. Despite the interest from her many wealthy suitors, none matched Marcus’ allure.

His elusive nature only seemed to increase his appeal.

Annoyed yet resilient, Mina chose to play dumb. She ran her fingers through her hair flirtatiously and replied, “Mr. Fowler, stop teasing me.

I'm still single” It was clear to everyone she was attempting to charm him.

Marcus, however, simply acknowledged her words with a nod and went back to his game, treating the golf ball as if it were the center of his universe. Mina's efforts to draw his attention were in vain.

After several unsuccessful attempts, Mina decided to back off.

‘s Meanwhile, the coach took Melissa to a different court.

Melissa had never played golf before, so she was starting from the very beginning.

The coach was incredibly patient. He stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her, and gently guided her hands, covered in gloves, explaining the essential techniques and skills.

She took her lessons very seriously.

However, to onlookers, their stance seemed overly close.

Marcus, at least, saw it that way.

He approached them, holding a golf club, his tall and striking presence undeniable. The coach recognized him immediately and paused his instructions to say hello.

With alight smile, Marcus said, “Please, go on." The coach then resumed the teaching.

Leaning on his club, Marcus mentioned in a relaxed tone, “My dad called to ask about Matthew. I mentioned Matthew's reading and spelling abilities. He then said he'd like to teach Matthew himself.

He wanted me to ask what you think”

The coach released Melissa.

Surprised, he turned from Marcus to Melissa. “Miss Brown, you and Mr.

Fowler...” Marcus cut in, “We have a kid together.” Mina then joined them as well.

Dressed in a black silk dress and a white jacket, she looked stunning.

She couldn't fathom losing to Melissa.

Despite Melissa's beauty, she didn't outshine Mina. Standing at only about 53", she was too slim and wore minimal makeup.

Yet, it was clear Marcus was jealous.

Without a word, Melissa turned to the coach. “Let's go on.” How could the coach keep going? With a slight smile, he suggested, “Mr. Fowler is skilled at golf.

Maybe he could give you some tips?”

Melissa didn't make it hard for the coach, but she wasn't about to let Marcus win... She then headed to the lounge and ordered a drink.

Marcus watched her from afar but didn't approach.

Meanwhile, Mina took a seat beside her and inquired, “Do you mind if I join you?” Melissa offered a small smile.

She wasn't interested in befriending Mina, so her response was lukewarm. Mina glanced towards where Marcus was and said in a low voice, “I guess every woman dreams of marrying someone like Mr.

Fowler. Why don't you like him?” Melissa wasn't taken aback by Mina's question.

Marcus had it all. He was born into wealth, was the executive director of the country’s largest conglomerate, and was strikingly handsome.

Despite his usual arrogance and coldness, women flocked to him.

But Melissa knew all too well what he was like in private and therefore wasn't as captivated.

Sipping her drink through the straw, she hinted, “He's single now.” When Mina was on the verge of replying, someone draped a towel over Melissa's head, its scent unmistakably masculine, filled with the aroma of men's cologne.

Melissa removed the towel only to see Marcus standing nearby.

The man scoffed. “When did you start talking so much?”

Melissa shot back, “Probably around the time I started working as your secretary, making your meals and catering to you daily.” Everyone around them held their breath.

In the business world of Duefron, Melissa was likely the only one bold enough to challenge Marcus in such a manner.

Yet, Marcus didn't retaliate. He shifted his focus to Mina, remarking, “I've heard from Mr. Waston that you're quite the golfer” Mina believed she had finally grabbed his attention.

She shed her jacket, eager to demonstrate her prowess.

But then Marcus gestured towards Melissa and declared, “Your new task is to teach her. If she picks up golf, we'l seal the endorsement deal and sign the contract tomorrow. If not, consider the deal over.” Mina was dumbfounded.

Melissa, regaining her composure, stood and demanded, “Marcus, what are you trying here?” ‘s Marcus, drying his neck with the towel, gave her a Look. “What, still clinging to that guy? You're not exactly young anymore. It’s time you act a bit more mature.” Melissa was so furious that she ended up kicking him.

just couldn't get it today. Frustrated, she headed back to the dressing room to

moment, the door to the

and shut the door behind

the room, only his footsteps were

She declared sharply, “You know, I could sue you for harassment” Marcus paid no attention to her protest. He softly caressed her cheek and murmured, “I don't ever want to see that

crossed

tightly, pulling her close to make her aware of him, though his tone remained icy. “Didn't it seem to you like you were a bit too cozy with that guy, Miss Brown? Have you forgotten you're Matthew's mom?” The fabric

were in

sharply, “And what exactly are

up to speed, let me spell it out for you. We're over. That means you're free to get close to any woman you like, be it Miss Finch or

time with is none

Suddenly, Marcus once again pushed

back ached

she felt no

ki*sed her cheek, his voice light but

now!” She allowed the

a corner? You should've known better than anyone that this was coming our way." She paused, and then went on with a raspy voice, “You always do whatever you want, without sparing a thought

have to consider me, because without me, there are plenty of women ready to fall into your arms! And you can use them to get under my skin. But

him gently. “Let me gol” Marcus released her but didn't leave. Instead, he took a seat on the sofa and

to shower. She grabbed her

was leaving, he murmured, “You're right! You are your own person. I really had no

Melissa opened

help soothe her frustration and disappointment. This helped

made it back home without any

noticed a pair of men's leather shoes that looked

was taken aback for a second, and then

Melissa, she cheerfully said, “Mr. Smith mentioned he was an old friend of your mom. He stopped by to visit you and Matthew, and even brought a bunch of presents” Julie was clueless about the real situation. She just

off her coat and slipped into her

drag Julie into this mess, so she fixed her gaze on Thomas and said calmly, “Yes, he was a friend

really adored

marrying, Vanessa had two children, but due to their father's genetics, both kids had mental disabilities

appeared gentle and intelligent, yet there was a frailty to him that

quite fond of

also held a deep respect for Melissa. Understanding her challenging past, he admired her courage and determination. Not many had the guts to

some issues with the funding. I know a few people who might be able to assist.” Melissa preferred to keep her distance from anything related to the Smith

handle it on my own” Julie, arranging the plates, offered a warm smile and

feed him, when he clung to Thomas, declaring, “I want Grandpa Thomas to hold me.” Melissa cast a glance at the boy, advising, “Don't refer to him that way." Bears Thomas, with a smile, replied, “Its alright.

towards Thomas, who seemed so kind and

wondered if there was a hidden conflict

the only one who enjoyed the

pleased about his presence, either. And she made her sentiments clear as she

so he decided to take his leave once the meal was done. Before he left, however, he approached the boy and gave him a peck on the cheek. To Thomas’ delight, Matthew did not reject the gesture, and even

couldn't help but gaze at

was so obviously like his

he adored the

come by and see you again” With that, Thomas grabbed his coat and made his way to the door. To his surprise, Melissa also stood up, saying, “I'l see you off” Thomas could only blink at her for a few seconds, but

apartment building. Melissa pulled her coat tighter

backseat. Thomas dismissed him with a small wave of his hand and silently instructed the man to wait inside the car. Then he turned to Melissa and said, “Matthew is

around the bush, Melissa. The situation at home has improved significantly with usin the last few years, but we still lack a suitable heir. I am aware that things are strained between you and Marcus. But he is bound to marry sooner or later. What do

entire Smith family, 100, but... But you are still a Smith. And so is Matthew. I hope you can think matters over carefully, for

care of me three years ago, Mr. Smith. I know you weren't obligated to take responsibility of

days of hardship behind me. What makes you think I would willingly return to such miserable times again?” “Well, don't

“Right now, I'm only interested in living my own life. I am done being manipulated

again, Mr. Smith.” Melissa gave him a nod, and then turned away with her chin held

her disappear into

in the dim light, there was no mistaking her tenacity. She was so

to

Does she really not care about me at all?” Thomas took out his pack of

between his

her to give a rat's ass about you? More importantly, she

up in flames after she fell in love with Edwin and

and she brought

Upstairs.

walked up to Melissa as soon

Smith?” she asked as she turned her head to make sure Matthew wasn't

call it a grudge, exactly. But I would much

like he loves Matthew very much.” “None of that matters,” Melissa said lightly. “I don't think he will be back again” She was swamped

eat. “Why don't you call it a night?” she said to Melissa in concern. “You wouldn't want to strain your eyes, would you?” Melissa took

She already had a plan in mind, one that would not only reverse Watson Group's current financial situation in half a year, but also ensure profit

was, it only made sense for her to put in overtime

for the latter's milestones. “If only my son was as diligent as you. I won't have to worry about his future

that. It was always nice to know that loved ones were living a

nodded and

light coming from her desk lamp, she propped her chin on her hand and browsed through the pile of paper. Before she knew

stretched her arms and was just about to

out her reply. “He is doing all right. He was in good spirits the whole day” A

out, there was a new message. “I can help you finance the Watson Group.” Why would she ask for his help? If it hadn't been for

to offend him, so after careful consideration, she only sent him two words. “Thank you” In another part of the city, Marcus stared at his phone screen and pondered the meaning of those words. He thought long and hard about it, but couldn't quite figure out what she meant.

down on the seat across from Marcus. “Itis said that single men are prone to have problems sleeping. Seems true enough to

wife, Dad, why are you up so late?” Waylen chortled. “Well, 'm way too happy to fall asleep! And your mother likes to indulge me

starlet with a vulgar mouth as a daughter-in-law.” Marcus couldn't care less about his father’s issue, and dismissed it by saying, “The vice-president was the one who invited her. They are eyeing her to be the next brand ambassador, but if you dislike her that much, I'l tell them not pursue a contract with her.” Waylen scoffed and rolled her eyes.

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

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