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

last night, Melissa."

a moment. Matthew was still asleep when

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

make sure he’s not seeing someone else.

up with his girlfriend,

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

course, understood Melissa's

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

expected 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

securing the investment. Two days

could dial, Jaime showed up out of the

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

quickly searched Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough,

time, making

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,

back. “No way! You and your

an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa

I'm not here for work, or to represent

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

agreed with a

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

it was

waiter started bringing out the

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to

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

me of home. I grew up having

replied with a faint

asked, “What about the Smith

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa felt

nothing to do

was taken aback, unsure how

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,

that 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

with

ready to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my

the encounter, Melissa maintained a

negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're

being turned down, Jaime

the food here delightful. Just as she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

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

Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

“I'm not that creepy! I just

rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying you were

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.”

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

you, Miss Brown,”

to clear

thought Marcus had

you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa

tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to

Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and

Melissa searched the

food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did

long business trip. His flight was this afternoon.

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

the subject,

night, still seething

it fun to pull my leg?!" Five minutes

fun to pull your pants. Don't you

him to be

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

jerk! ) Melissa ignored

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 competition.” She added after a moment's thought,

Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

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

passed, Alan continued

Melissa handled him the

each other at a private clubs golf

happened to

Weldon, Melissa

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