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.

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

enjoyed last night,

moment. Matthew was still

Julie spoke softly. “I

wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not

break up with

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 Julie already

course,

“Its all up to you! Oh, by the way, Shawn's been on a 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

longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few

was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

she could dial, Jaime showed up out of

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 to the reception room.

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

wear this time, making

heads-up?” Jaime stood up, responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding

way! You and your dad are

Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down to

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

want to 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 surface, she stayed cool. “Sounds good! How

happily agreed

the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a

sharp, but he thought it was too formal

sat down, the waiter started bringing out

big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying

glass of water. “I didn't expect

me of home. I

with

“What about

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

Jaime mentioned the Smith

“I have nothing to do with them,”

aback, unsure

moment, Melissa made it clear. “I 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

you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for

with a tight

you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's

maintained a balance

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

turned down, Jaime lost his

found the food here delightful. Just as she was about to

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared

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

that creepy! I just happened to

He called my folks this morning, saying you

Melissa was speechless.

but Marcus insisted they stay.

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

the food's amazing here. I've been

How generous of you,

hearing this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had

handed him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus didn't stop

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

until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still

Melissa searched the

dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope!

long business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also

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

Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne,

night, still seething with anger,

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

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

hadn't expected him to

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

Melissa ignored him and

The secretary 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 to lately. See if we've got any tough

reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

on Melissa to take down Alan herself, without

Alan continued to

Melissa handled him the

ran into each other at a private clubs golf

happened to be

Melissa

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

Comments ()

0/255