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.

out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell

“I really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and

Matthew was still asleep

“I think Mr. Fowler's still

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

he break up with his girlfriend,

shook her 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

of course, understood Melissa's

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

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

main goal now was securing the investment. Two days

could dial, Jaime showed up out

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

meeting. Sure enough, it

ditched the formal wear this time, making

professional smile, 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,

You and

it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging

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

Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed cool. “Sounds good! How about that nice spot across

happily agreed with a

restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his

he thought it

the waiter started bringing out the

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed

refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were

remind me of home. I grew up having

with

“What about the Smith

could take over the Smith family, then marrying her

the

“I have nothing to

was taken aback, unsure how

I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right

“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

nodded with a tight

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

the encounter, Melissa maintained

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

being turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

food here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took a seat

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit

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

not that creepy! I just happened to

He called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's

Melissa was speechless.

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

“We're dining here! It's Miss

I've been dying to try

you, Miss

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the

thought Marcus had

you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa

food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa

expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and

Melissa searched

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 he’s

was this

don't even care to tell the loved ones

she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready for

night, still seething with

my leg?!" Five

would be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message,

hadn't expected him to be so

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

Melissa ignored him and retired

to 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 new sponsors.” The

Melissa reviewed a document

crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting.

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to

continued to ignore

him the same

into each other at a private clubs

to be

Weldon, Melissa

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