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.

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

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

for a moment. Matthew was still asleep

“I think

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

he break up with his girlfriend, that Finch

future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to

course,

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 be stretching the truth a bit, but it's still a major deal” After a few more questions to know the situation better,

Marcus to bug her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her

Two

before she could dial, Jaime showed up out of

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

preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting in the

ditched the formal wear this time, making him seem

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 even

You and your dad are VIPs at

Seeing Melissa

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

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, she stayed cool. “Sounds good! How

agreed with

Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his eye

looked sharp, but he thought it was too formal for a

down, the waiter started bringing

up big time — all specialties of the house.

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

dishes remind me of home. I grew up having lots of

with

asked, “What about the Smith

his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying

Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa felt

“I have nothing to do with them,”

was taken aback,

not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much else for us to discuss” Hearing

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

with a tight

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

maintained a

he sighed. “I guess

turned down, Jaime lost his

about

It was Marcus.

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

“On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

I just

my folks this morning, saying you were dining

Melissa was speechless.

they stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

Miss Brown's treat.”

here. I've been dying

you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

waiter to clear the table and

thought

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

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

to still be

Melissa searched the

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

trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

you? Men always act like that. They don't even care

She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne,

seething with

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

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

him

for a shower. When she

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired

went about her usual routine at 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

reviewed a

Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All she

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take

days passed, Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

handled him the same

into each

happened to be

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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