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.

Marcus stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a

last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and drove

for a moment. Matthew was still asleep

Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr.

he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s

up with his girlfriend, that Finch

Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to be together but Julie already knew what had gone down last

of course, understood

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... It might

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

investment. Two days

dial, Jaime

office and whispered, “Miss Brown, you have a visitor. He says his name is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and

for the meeting. Sure

wear this time, making 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

“No way! You and your dad are

you swing by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the

soft tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not here for work, or to represent

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

agreed with

the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed

it was too formal for a

waiter started bringing

specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying them

into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect

me of home. I grew up

with

cautiously asked, “What

could take over the Smith family, then

Jaime mentioned the

kept her cool. “I have nothing to do

taken aback,

looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from

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

with a tight

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

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence

but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be."

Jaime lost his

delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took a seat beside

It was Marcus.

brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom

Melissa, Marcus asked, “On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I just happened to

morning, saying you were

Melissa was speechless.

they stay.

dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

heard the food's amazing here. I've been dying to

How generous of you,

to clear the table

eyes, Melissa thought

and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to

on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell

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

Melissa searched the

Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He

long business trip. His flight was this

act like that. They don't even care

fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and

still seething with anger, Melissa

fun to pull my leg?!" Five minutes later,

Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa

expected him

a shower. When she returned, there was another message from Marcus.

ignored him and retired to

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.”

Melissa reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

Melissa

Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

him the

one day, they ran into each

to be there

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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