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.

door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you

night, Melissa." With that,

Matthew was

spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still

he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s

he break up with his girlfriend, that

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 together but Julie already knew what had gone down last night,

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

her surprise, he didn't show up

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to

Jaime showed

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

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

this time,

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

back. “No way! You and your dad are VIPs

‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the

tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not here for

I just want to take you out for dinner, as friends. 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

happily agreed with

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

he thought it was too formal

waiter

— all specialties of the house.

dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I

dishes remind me of home. I grew up having lots

replied with a faint

asked, “What about the Smith

own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even

the

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to do with them,” she

was taken aback, unsure how to

to tie the knot or

a sip of his water, he tried another angle. “Aren't you worried 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

Are you still into him?” Melissa

encounter, Melissa maintained

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

Jaime

found the food here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

some colleagues from his

with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I just

folks this morning, saying

Melissa was speechless.

to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a

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

food's amazing here. I've been dying to try it.” one

generous of you, Miss Brown,”

the waiter to clear the table

Melissa thought Marcus had

your meal!” About to leave,

on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished she

still be there but found

searched

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, said

trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew

Men always act like that. They don't even care to tell

she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played

seething with anger, Melissa messaged

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

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

expected him to

her phone aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned,

ignored him and retired to

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

reviewed

Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa

But then she hesitated.

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

passed, Alan continued to ignore

him the same

day, they ran into each other at

to be

Weldon, Melissa

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

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