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.

now?” Marcus stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the

enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the

outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep when she

“I

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

break up with

head. “How could I possibly know?” After a brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to be

course,

Melissa's hand a gentle pat and said with a smile, “Its all up to you! Oh, by the 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...

But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly,

goal now was securing the investment. Two days

before she could dial, Jaime showed

take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her visitor was. She

preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was

wear this time, making him seem

a professional smile, Melissa greeted him. “Mr. Scott, pleasure to have you here. But why no heads-up?” Jaime stood up, responding with a 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

and your dad

honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa

I'm not

if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed

happily agreed with a

food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching

he thought it was too formal

down, the waiter started bringing

up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be

Melissa dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were into spicy food,”

I grew up having lots

with a faint

asked, “What

concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would

as Jaime mentioned the Smith

she kept her cool. “I have nothing

aback, unsure how

made it clear. “I appreciate your interest, Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved

that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay me for it. It is

with

give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not yours.”

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

sighed. “I guess we're just not

turned down, Jaime

she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none

with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you

creepy! I just happened to run into

Alan's been spreading rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying you

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly

“We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers eagerly praised

here. I've been dying to try it.” one

of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered

Melissa thought Marcus had no

Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch,

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there

Melissa searched the

you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this

His flight was this

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

Marcus. She changed the

still seething with anger,

it fun to pull my leg?!" Five minutes

more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa felt a mix of

expected him

she returned, there was another message from Marcus. “Missing

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to

the office. The secretary asked, “Need me to schedule a meeting with Mr. Scott?” Lounging in her chair, Melissa paused, and then replied, “Not right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan Union Ltd. is up to lately. See if we've got any tough competition.” She added

reviewed

to invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting.

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

days passed, Alan continued to

him the

one day, they ran into each other

happened to be

Melissa greeted

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

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