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

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

Matthew was still asleep when she

her, Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr.

he wants to reconcile, make

with his

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

of course, understood Melissa's

down another project that's going

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

the investment. Two days

dial, Jaime showed

meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her visitor was. She set aside her folder and said, “Show him to the reception room. I'll be there shortly”

herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it

time, making him seem even younger than

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

You and your dad are VIPs at Waston

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

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

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 on the

agreed with a

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

sharp, but he thought it was

the waiter

had ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be

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

me of home. I grew up

replied with a faint

“What about the

but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even

Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

cool. “I have nothing to

aback, unsure how

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

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

nodded with a

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

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

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

being turned down, Jaime lost his appetite

she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit down

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

creepy! I just happened to run into

called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son.

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

here! It's Miss Brown's

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

of you, Miss Brown,”

to clear

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your

food for lunch, so

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

searched the

you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa

flight was this afternoon.

care to tell the loved

the subject, played with

night, still seething with anger, Melissa

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

more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa felt a

him to be so

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

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored

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.” She added after a moment's thought, If so, we'll definitely need

Melissa reviewed a document

rivalry, Melissa had

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa to take

Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

Melissa handled him the same

day, they ran into each other at

to be there

Melissa

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