Frozen in the doorway, Melissa forgot to change her shoes as she observed the scene.

Julie spotted her and welcomed her with a smile. “Mr. Fowler arrived early and has been lending a hand in the kitchen. Can you imagine? A CEO helping me cook! Wash your hands and go check on Matthew. He's asleep. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Marcus smiled warmly, addressing Julie, “You can just call me Marcus”

Julie hesitated, feeling unsure about using such an intimate form of address given Marcus’ prestigious status.

Marcus didn't insist.

Turning to Melissa, he seemed at ease. “Matthew played until he wore himself out! I'l bathe him when he wakes up, and then I'l head out. Is that alright?” Marcus had a sensible request, so Melissa couldn't say no.

They just had sex last night, though.

And that left her feeling kind of awkward.

Putting on her indoor shoes, Melissa headed for the bedroom. “I'l go check on Matthew,” she said.

Passing the dining table, she avoided eye contact with Marcus.

Inside the bedroom, she realized her heart was racing with anxiety.

Meanwhile, Matthew was out cold asleep on the bed.

Sitting beside him, Melissa started to relax a little.

Then, Marcus opened the door and barged in.

Melissa wanted to speak up but stayed quiet, fearing another argument.

She did not want this especially in front of Julie and Matthew.

Marcus approached her.

He leaned in close, almost touching her. But instead, he gently stroked Matthew's face.

Occasionally, his slender fingers would brush against hers.

Surprised, Melissa thought about pulling away.

But Marcus didn't resist. Whispering in her ear, he said, “Last night was fun, right? Why are you looking so timid now?” Melissa was speechless. “And you definitely weren't shy last night!” Marcus added.

Instantly, Melissa blushed.

She wasn't backing down. “It was just a one night thing; adults do it all the time! Right, Mr. Fowler?” she shot back.

To her surprise, Marcus agreed, “You're spot on! I miss it already” Getting closer, Marcus breathed by her ear, saying boldly, “Adults satisfying their needs, it's natural. Don't you think?”

His frankness caught Melissa off guard.

She scoffed, “Well see about that!” She expected Marcus to get mad.

But he remained cool. Stepping back, he said, “I'm at your service anytime, Miss Brown!” Melissa was speechless. “You're indeed not like before; you're less thirsty now,” Marcus added.

That ticked her off, so she hurled a pillow at him.

Marcus effortlessly caught it, Locking eyes with her.

Ignoring him, Melissa turned away.

Setting the pillow down, Marcus backed off. Julie interrupted, saying dinner was ready. Melissa hesitated, wanting to stay with Matthew.

Marcus reassured her, “He's out cold. Let's eat first. Matthew's fine.” Exiting the room, Melissa felt dizzy.

She expected Marcus to be in a foul mood after their spat.

So why was he still here, even joining for dinner? Julie was thrilled Marcus stuck around for dinner.

She bustled around, serving soup and dishes. She even singled out a juicy lamb chop for Marcus.

Marcus glanced at Melissa, and then told Julie with a grin, “Feeling a bit worn out lately. Lamb chop's just what I need!” Julie chimed in, “Absolutely! Winter or spring, lamb's always a great

choice! Mr. Fowler, please do enjoy it!” Marcus smiled back. “Thanks, Julie. You're too kind.” Julie beamed. As a married woman, she could sense Marcus still had feelings for Melissa. She'd thought they split but now, maybe there was hope.

Meanwhile, Melissa stayed composed.

After dinner, Matthew was still out, nearing nine o'clock.

Melissa sat on the couch, working on her laptop. She glanced at Marcus who was engrossed in a cartoon on TV.

She gently reminded him, “It's getting late. You should head out” Without hesitation, Marcus checked on Matthew once more before leaving. He grabbed his coat, ready to go. But Melissa stopped him, “I have something to discuss. Meet me downstairs.” While Melissa changed her shoes, Marcus headed downstairs first.

As she joined him, Marcus leaned against the car, puffing on a cigarette.

He looked tall and fit, his coat tossed aside, rocking a dark gray shirt and casual pants, giving off some serious sexy vibes.

In the dim light, he squinted at her. “What's on your mind?” he asked.

Melissa subconsciously tightened her coat. After a moment's pause, she said, “Could you visit Matthew on weekends? Or you call in advance and I'l send him to your place?” With a smirk, Marcus replied, “You don't want me here too often? Scared Ill get in your way?” Melissa didn't want to argue.

his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful look, Marcus held the door. “You really don't know?”

pause, he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa."

Matthew was

softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still

reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing someone else.

break up with his girlfriend, that

to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to

of course,

way, Shawn's been on a roll lately. The person who helped him out before thinks highly of him. Today, Shawn just locked down another project that's going to rake in big bucks. He's saying it could bring in seven figures... It

didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her

was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa

before she could dial, Jaime

his name is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized

for the meeting. Sure enough,

the formal wear this time, making him seem even

faint smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding me with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to Melissa like an old friend, which felt pretty chill-maybe

You and your dad

it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging

said, “Melissa, I'm not here for work,

So, can we skip the business talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!”

agreed with a

already ordered food for them.

thought it was too formal for

down, the waiter started

of

of water.

of home. I grew

with a faint

cautiously asked, “What

own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith

mentioned the Smith family,

kept her cool. “I have nothing to do with

was taken aback, unsure

But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much else for

Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they

with a

“What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered

Jaime lost

she was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

wasn't alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of

“On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around

creepy! I just happened to run

called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son.

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In

It's Miss Brown's

here. I've been dying to

generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered

her eyes, Melissa thought

said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus didn't stop

for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and Yvonne at

Melissa searched the

confusion, asked, “What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa

business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones about their schedules,” Julie

been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with

still seething with anger,

my leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus finally

be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving

hadn't expected him

phone aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned, there was another message

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to her

right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan Union Ltd.

Melissa reviewed a document

crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting.

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan

days passed, Alan continued to ignore

Melissa handled him

day, they ran into each other at a private clubs

happened to be there

Weldon, Melissa

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

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