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.

she 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?”

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

Matthew

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

to reconcile, make sure he’s not

he break up with

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

of course,

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 saying it could bring in seven figures... It might be stretching the truth a bit, but it's still a major deal” After a few more questions to know the situation better, Melissa felt genuinely happy

a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next

the investment. Two days

before she could dial, Jaime

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

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

this time, making him seem even younger

faint smile. I didn't want to risk you

back. “No way! You and your

by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging

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

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

happily agreed with a

already ordered food for

he thought it was too formal for a

the waiter started

up big time — all specialties of the

of water. “I

remind me of home. I grew up having

replied with a

cautiously asked, “What

could take over the Smith family, then marrying her

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa

“I have nothing to do

aback,

the 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

“Aren't you worried 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

nodded with a

you still into him?” Melissa kept it

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

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

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

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

It was Marcus.

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

Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

not that creepy! I just happened to

this morning, saying you

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he

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

amazing here. I've been

you, Miss

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised

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

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

Melissa searched the

Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus

His flight was this

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

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

seething with anger,

it fun to pull my leg?!" Five

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

expected him to be

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

ignored him

probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects

alone, Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

on Melissa to take

Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

him

they ran into each other at a

happened to

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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