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.

relented, “Fine, come 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, Marcus held the door. “You

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

Matthew was still asleep when

“I

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

he break up with his girlfriend, that Finch

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, understood Melissa's

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 few more

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

main goal now was securing the investment. Two

dial, Jaime showed up out

“Miss Brown, you have a visitor. He says his name is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” 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 was Alan's son waiting in

ditched the formal wear this time, making him seem even younger than

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, talking

and your dad are VIPs

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

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

friends. So, can we skip the business talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still

agreed with

ordered food

thought it was

down, the waiter started bringing out

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed

Melissa dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect

dishes remind me of home. I grew up having lots of spicy

with

asked, “What about

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa

nothing to do with them,” she

aback,

the knot or

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

with

Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa

Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

room 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

she was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

brought along some colleagues from his

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

not that creepy! I just happened to

this morning, saying you were dining with

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly

“We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's

I've been dying to try it.” one

you, Miss Brown,”

signaled the waiter to clear

Melissa thought Marcus had

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

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

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

searched

I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa

long business trip. His flight was

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

She changed the subject, played

night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

fun to pull my leg?!" Five minutes

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

expected him

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

Melissa ignored him and retired to

asked, “Need me 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

Melissa reviewed

to invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit

But then she hesitated.

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

Alan continued to

Melissa handled him

they ran into each other at a private clubs golf

happened to

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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