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.

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,

he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he

for a moment. Matthew was still

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

if he wants to reconcile, make sure

he break up with his

had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus

of course, understood Melissa's

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

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

was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to

could dial, Jaime showed up 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

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 a

“No way! You and your

Seeing Melissa

not here for

if you're not working for Alan, you're

happily agreed with a

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

he thought it was too formal for

Melissa sat down, the waiter started

specialties of the house.

Melissa dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were into spicy food,”

home. I grew up having lots

replied with a faint

cautiously asked, “What about the Smith

could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even better

the Smith family,

cool. “I have nothing

aback,

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

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

with a tight

up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence

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

down, Jaime

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

It was Marcus.

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

a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I

my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's hard

Melissa was speechless.

leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good

Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

amazing here. I've been dying to try it.” one

How generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

to clear the table

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when

he spoke gently. “I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for

Marcus to still be there but

Melissa searched the

saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this

trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also

They don't even care to tell the loved

been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew

still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus

your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa felt a mix of embarrassment and

expected him to be

she returned,

ignored him

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,

reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

on Melissa to

days passed, Alan continued to

Melissa handled him the same

into each

happened to

Melissa greeted

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

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