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.

Happy now?” 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 thoughtful look, Marcus held the door. “You really don't know?” he

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

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still

her, Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still into

he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

break up with his girlfriend, that Finch

about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus

of course,

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 be stretching the truth a bit, but it's still a major deal” After a

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

Two

dial, Jaime showed up

A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her visitor was. She set aside her folder and said,

herself for the meeting. Sure

this time, making him seem

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 even a little

and

‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime

“Melissa, I'm not here for

So, 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

happily agreed with a

an hour later, Melissa arrived at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed

thought it

the waiter started bringing

big time — all specialties of the house.

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

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

replied with a

cautiously asked, “What about

If Melissa could take over the

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa felt

nothing to do with them,” she said

aback,

But I'm not looking to tie the knot or

financing?” “I work

with

into him?”

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

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

Jaime

Just as she was about to have some more, someone

It was Marcus.

had brought along some colleagues from his

“On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around

creepy! I just happened to

this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's hard to

Melissa was speechless.

to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's

amazing here. I've been

generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus

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

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still

Melissa searched

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

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

like that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones

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

seething with anger,

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

you agree?”

expected him to be

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

) Melissa ignored him and retired

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 after a moment's thought, If so, we'll definitely need new sponsors.” The assistant nodded and

alone, Melissa reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself,

passed, Alan continued to

him

each other

to be there

Melissa greeted

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

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