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

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

outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep when she

spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

reconcile, make sure he’s

with his girlfriend, that Finch

think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to be together but Julie already knew what had gone

of course,

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 might be

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

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

before she could dial, Jaime showed up out

He says his name is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized

preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it

ditched the formal wear this time,

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

back. “No way! You and your dad are VIPs at Waston

an honor” ‘s Seeing

“Melissa, I'm not here for work, or

I just 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

agreed with

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

looked sharp, but he thought it was too formal

Melissa sat down, the waiter

up big time — all specialties of the

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

me of home. I grew up having lots of

replied with a

“What about

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

the Smith

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to do with them,” she said calmly.

was taken aback, unsure how

Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much

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

nodded with a

him?”

maintained a

he sighed. “I guess

turned down, Jaime

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

It was Marcus.

brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared

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

not that creepy! I just happened to

morning, saying you

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In a

“We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's

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

How generous of you,

to

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

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

Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch,

return until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be

searched the

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

flight was this

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

couldn't reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready for

still seething with

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

even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you

expected him to be

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

ignored him

hes in any mood to invest. Check out what

alone, Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to take

days passed, Alan continued

him the

they ran into each other at

to be

Weldon, Melissa

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

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