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.

cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful look, Marcus held the door. “You really don't know?”

with a pause, he added, “I really enjoyed last night,

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still

Julie spoke softly. “I

wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing someone

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.” Melissa wanted

course,

a gentle pat and said with a smile, “Its all up to 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

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

Two days later, Melissa was about to

she could dial, Jaime showed up out

his name is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized

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

time, making him seem even younger

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

smiled back. “No way! You and your dad

‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down to

not here for work, or to

cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his

agreed

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

looked sharp, but he thought it

waiter started

of the house. Melissa seemed to

into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of

me of home. I grew

replied with a faint

“What about

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

the Smith

kept her cool. “I have nothing to

was taken aback, unsure

the knot or get involved romantically right now. So,

worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston

nodded with

into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

realized there was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered

Jaime lost his appetite and

as she was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

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

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

not that creepy! I just

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

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay.

Miss

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

How generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

waiter to clear the

her eyes, Melissa thought

Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

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

Marcus to still be there

Melissa searched

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,

business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew

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

the

still seething

pull my leg?!" Five

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

hadn't expected him to be so

phone aside, she headed for a shower. When she

Melissa ignored

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, If so, we'll

Melissa reviewed

her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All she had to do was

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa

passed, Alan continued to

him

one day, they ran into each other at a private

to be

Melissa greeted

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