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.

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

enjoyed last night,

moment. Matthew was still asleep when she

her, Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still

he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not

with his girlfriend, that Finch

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 what had gone down last

of course, understood Melissa's

him. Today, Shawn just locked down another project that's going to rake in big bucks. He's saying it could bring in

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

securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about

Jaime

meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her visitor was. She set aside her folder and said, “Show him to the reception room. I'll be there shortly”

meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son

the formal wear this time, making him seem

I didn't want to risk you avoiding me with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to Melissa like an old friend,

You and your

Seeing Melissa dodging the

not

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 nice spot

agreed

had already ordered food for them.

it

the waiter started bringing out

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be

into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were

remind me of home. I grew up having lots of

with a faint

cautiously asked, “What about the Smith

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith

her cool. “I have nothing to do with them,”

was taken aback,

your interest, Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or

another angle. “Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group.

nodded with a

Are you still into him?”

Melissa maintained a balance between

room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess

down, Jaime lost his

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

It was Marcus.

he wasn't alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom

with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did

“I'm not that creepy! I

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

Melissa was speechless.

leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In

Miss Brown's treat.” The

here. I've been dying to try it.”

of you,

waiter to clear the table and ordered more

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

you go! 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

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be

searched the

Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie...

business trip. His flight was this

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

the subject,

at night, still seething with anger, Melissa

fun to pull my leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus

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

him

When she returned, there was

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to

Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest.

alone, Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take down

days passed, Alan continued

Melissa handled him

day, they ran into each other at a

happened to be there

Melissa greeted

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