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.

door to get in. Melissa couldn't help

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

outside for a moment. Matthew

Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still

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

he break up with his girlfriend, that Finch

possibly know?” After a brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.”

course,

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

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

now was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa

she could dial, Jaime showed

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.

Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting

this time, making him seem even

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 to Melissa like an old friend, which

smiled back. “No way! You and your

you swing by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa

“Melissa, I'm not here for work,

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 about that nice spot across the street?”

happily agreed with

ordered food for them. Melissa

thought it was too formal for a

Melissa sat down, the waiter

had ordered up big time — all specialties of the house.

dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I

I grew up having lots of

replied with a faint

“What

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

the Smith family, Melissa

kept her cool. “I have nothing to

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 for us to discuss” Hearing that, Jaime

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

nodded with

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

Melissa maintained a balance between confidence

Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint smile

Jaime lost his appetite

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

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company,

Melissa, Marcus asked, “On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I just happened to run into

folks this morning, saying you were dining with

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay.

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

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

of you, Miss Brown,”

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

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

Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell

expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie,

Melissa searched

head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie

was

act like that. They don't even care to

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

at night, still seething with anger,

pull my leg?!" Five minutes

pull your pants. Don't you

him to be so

aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned,

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to her

at the office. 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

Melissa reviewed a document

offer to invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All she had to do

But then she hesitated.

Melissa

passed, Alan continued

him the same

ran into each other at

happened to be there

Melissa

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

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