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.

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?”

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

Matthew

Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr.

if he wants to reconcile, make

he break up with his girlfriend, that

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

course,

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

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

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about

she could dial, Jaime showed up out of the

“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

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

time, making him seem even younger than

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

“No way! You and your dad are VIPs

it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down

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

can we skip the business talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But

agreed with a

food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his

but he thought it

the waiter started bringing out

of the house.

of water. “I didn't expect you were into spicy food,” he

remind me of home. I grew up having

replied with a

asked, “What about the Smith

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

the Smith family,

“I have nothing to do

was taken aback, unsure how

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

of his water, he tried another angle. “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 is that

with a tight

pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal

Melissa maintained a balance

fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply

down, Jaime lost his appetite

Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly

It was Marcus.

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

glanced

“I'm not that creepy! I just happened

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

Melissa was speechless.

stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he

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

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

generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear

Melissa thought

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

“I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to

expected Marcus to still

searched

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 he’s

trip. His flight was this afternoon.

They don't even care to tell the

couldn't reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew

at night, still seething with anger, Melissa

it fun to pull my leg?!" Five minutes

pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving

hadn't expected him to be so

When she

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to her

Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan Union Ltd. is

alone, Melissa reviewed

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 down Alan herself, without

days passed, Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

Melissa handled him

ran into each

to be

Melissa greeted

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

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