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.

now?” Marcus stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the

enjoyed last night, Melissa."

Matthew was still asleep

softly. “I think

wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

with his girlfriend, that Finch

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 night, so

of course, understood Melissa's

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

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

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to

she could dial, Jaime showed up

meal” A Scott? Melissa

Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting.

this time, making

want to risk you avoiding me with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to Melissa like an old friend,

You and your dad

‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down

I'm not here for

can we skip the business talk?” Internally, Melissa 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

the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them.

thought it was too

waiter

ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying them

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

home. I grew up having

replied with

“What

Melissa could take over the Smith

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith

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

aback,

to tie the knot or

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

with a

“What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief.

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

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 a faint smile in

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

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

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

not that creepy! I just happened to run into

saying you were dining with his son.

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

dining here! It's Miss Brown's

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

How generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

the waiter to clear the table

eyes, Melissa thought

several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus didn't

on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie

p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and Yvonne at

searched

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

His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also

don't even care to tell the loved ones about their

the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready for

seething

my leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus

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

hadn't expected him to

a shower. When she returned, there was another message

jerk! ) Melissa ignored

“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

reviewed a document

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

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

Alan continued to

him the

each other at

happened to be

Melissa

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

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