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.

whenever. 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,

“I really enjoyed last night, Melissa."

Matthew was still asleep

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

he wants to reconcile, make sure

with his

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

course,

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

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

now was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

could dial, Jaime showed up

out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered

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

wear this time, making him

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

You and your dad are

‘s Seeing Melissa

“Melissa, I'm not

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

agreed

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

thought it

sat down, the waiter started bringing out the

all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to

meal, Jaime refilled her glass of

home. I grew up having lots of spicy

replied with

“What about

own concerns. If Melissa could

Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

kept her cool. “I have nothing

aback, unsure how to

Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically

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 that simple,” Melissa replied

nodded with

up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not

Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

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

being turned down, Jaime lost his appetite

here delightful. Just as she was about to

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his

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

“I'm not that creepy! I

this morning, saying

Melissa was speechless.

to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In

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

here. I've been dying to try

of you, Miss Brown,”

the waiter to clear the table and ordered

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

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

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

to still be there but

searched

food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called

business trip. His flight was this

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

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

seething with anger, Melissa messaged

leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus finally

pull your pants. Don't you

him to

aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned, there was another message

) Melissa ignored him

“Not right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest.

Melissa reviewed a document

mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa to take

days passed, Alan continued to ignore

him the

day, they ran into each

happened to

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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