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.

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 really don't know?”

last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and

outside for a moment. Matthew

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

he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

break up with

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 knew what had gone down last

course, understood Melissa's

said with a smile, “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

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

goal now was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

she could dial, Jaime showed

went into her office and whispered, “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

the meeting. Sure enough, it

this time, making

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 to Melissa like an old

and your

honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime

“Melissa, I'm not here for work, or to represent

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

happily agreed

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

he thought it was too

Melissa sat down, the waiter started bringing out the

of

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

remind me of home. I grew up

replied with

cautiously asked, “What about

on Melissa but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could

as Jaime mentioned the

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to

aback,

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

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 a tight

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

maintained a balance between confidence and

realized there was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint smile in

turned down, Jaime lost

here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

he wasn't alone. He had brought along some colleagues from

Melissa glanced around

creepy! I

morning, saying you

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

to join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers eagerly praised

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

How generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

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

thought Marcus

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

spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make

until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie,

searched

her confusion, asked, “What's up? Have you 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

was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

They don't even care to tell the loved ones about their schedules,” Julie

changed the subject, played with

at night, still seething with anger,

it fun to pull my leg?!"

Don't you agree?”

hadn't expected him to

headed for a shower. When she returned, there was

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired

“Not right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan Union Ltd. is

alone, Melissa reviewed a document

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

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take down

days passed, Alan continued to ignore

handled him the

each other at

happened to be there

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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