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.

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

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

Matthew was still asleep

spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

break up with his

shook her head. “How could I possibly know?” After a brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she

of course,

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 few more questions to know the situation better, Melissa felt

she'd expected Marcus to 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

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

could dial, Jaime showed up out of

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 said, “Show him to the reception room. I'll be there shortly” The

online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it

formal wear this time, making

a faint smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding me with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities,

“No way! You and

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

said, “Melissa, I'm not here

you out for dinner, as friends. So, 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

happily agreed with

an hour later, Melissa arrived at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for

sharp, but he thought it was too formal for a

Melissa sat down, the waiter

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be

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

me of home. I

with a faint

“What about the

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

the Smith family, Melissa felt

her cool. “I have nothing to do with

taken aback, unsure

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

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

nodded with a tight

pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my

encounter, Melissa maintained

still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're

Jaime lost his appetite

Just as she was about to have some more, someone

It was Marcus.

from

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

that creepy! I

been spreading rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly

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

I've been dying to try

of you, Miss Brown,”

signaled the waiter to clear the

thought Marcus had

him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised

had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to

until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be

Melissa searched the

food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie

was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

even care to tell the loved

fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready for

night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

fun to pull my leg?!" Five

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

him to be

her phone aside, she headed for a shower. When she

ignored him and

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 we've

Melissa reviewed a document

invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

Alan continued to ignore

him the

one day, they ran into each other at

to

Melissa greeted

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

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