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.

get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful look, Marcus held the door.

“I really enjoyed last night,

Matthew was

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

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

he break up with his girlfriend, that

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 together but

of course,

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”

for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

could dial, Jaime showed up out

A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized

searched Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's

time, making him seem even younger

smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding me with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to

“No way! You and your dad are VIPs at

swing by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got

not here

cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed cool. “Sounds good!

agreed with a

hour later, Melissa arrived at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his eye for a

he thought it was too formal

sat down, the waiter

specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying

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

me of home. I grew

replied with

asked, “What about the

he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then

mentioned the Smith

nothing to do

taken aback,

appreciate your interest, Mr Scott. But I'm 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 that, Jaime felt

“Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston

nodded with

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it

maintained a

there was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just

down, Jaime

Just as she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none

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

not that creepy! I just happened to

He called my folks this morning, saying you were

Melissa was speechless.

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

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

the food's amazing here. I've been

you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

waiter to clear the table and ordered more

Melissa thought Marcus had no

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

spoke gently. “I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished she could throttle

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only

Melissa searched the

“What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie

was

like that. They don't even care to

changed the

seething with

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

to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving

him to be so

a shower. When she returned, there

) Melissa ignored

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

alone, Melissa reviewed a

crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to

But then she hesitated.

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

Alan continued to ignore

him the

each other

to be

Melissa greeted

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