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.

couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a

enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew

her, Julie spoke softly. “I

wants to reconcile, make

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

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

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

investment. Two

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 set aside her folder and said, “Show

herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was

time, making him seem even

“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 to Melissa like an old friend, which felt pretty chill-maybe even

“No way! You and your dad are VIPs at

an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging

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

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

agreed with

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

sharp, but he thought it was too formal for

down, the waiter started

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed

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

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

with a faint

asked, “What about

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

the Smith family, Melissa

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

was taken aback,

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 for us to discuss” Hearing that, Jaime felt

affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay me

with a tight

still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not yours.” Her expression was

maintained

to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess

Jaime lost his appetite and

Just as she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

he wasn't alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of

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

I just

my folks this morning, saying you were

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In

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

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

of you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the

thought

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

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

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found

searched

noticing 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,

flight was this afternoon. Matthew also

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

the subject, played

still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

fun to pull my leg?!" Five

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

expected him to be

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

Melissa ignored him and retired to her

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

Melissa reviewed a

their rivalry,

But then she hesitated.

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

passed, Alan continued

Melissa handled him the same

each other

happened to be there

Melissa

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