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.

“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?” With

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

moment. Matthew was

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

wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

up with his

After a brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to

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

he didn't show

main goal now was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

dial, Jaime showed up out of the

and whispered, “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

preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it

this time, making him seem even younger than

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 an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking

way! You and your dad are

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

tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not

business talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan,

happily agreed with

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

it was too formal for a

sat down, the waiter started bringing out

had ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa

dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of

I grew up having lots

replied with a

“What about the

concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even better deal for

Jaime mentioned the

kept her cool. “I have nothing to do with them,” she said calmly.

was taken aback, unsure how

your interest, Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now.

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

with

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence

no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant

turned down, Jaime lost

found the food here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took

It was Marcus.

He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none

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

creepy! I just happened

called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his

Melissa was speechless.

stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

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

How generous of you,

signaled the waiter to clear the table

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

Enjoy your meal!” About

for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished she could throttle

to still be there but found

Melissa searched the

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

His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also

act like that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones

changed the subject, played with Matthew

night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

pull my leg?!"

Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’

expected him

she returned,

jerk! ) Melissa ignored

she went about her usual routine at the office. The secretary asked, “Need me to schedule a meeting with Mr. Scott?” Lounging in her chair, 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

Melissa reviewed a document

Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take down Alan

days passed, Alan continued to ignore

handled him

into each other at a private

to be there

Weldon, Melissa

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

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