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 a thoughtful look, Marcus held the door. “You really don't know?”

a pause, he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in

Matthew was

“I think Mr.

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

up with

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

course, understood

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.

didn't show up over the

was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about

she could dial, Jaime showed up out of

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 said, “Show him to the

preparing herself for the meeting. Sure

the formal wear this time, making

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 an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to Melissa like an old friend, which felt pretty chill-maybe even a

You and your dad are VIPs at

you swing by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the

I'm not here for work, or to represent

dinner, as friends. So, can we skip the business talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not

agreed

the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his eye for

looked sharp, but he thought it was

Melissa sat down, the waiter started bringing out

big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa

of water. “I didn't expect you were into

remind me of home. I grew up having lots

replied with a

cautiously asked, “What about the Smith

could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even better deal

soon as Jaime mentioned the

cool. “I have nothing to do

was taken aback, unsure

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

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

nodded with a tight

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

he sighed. “I guess

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

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

It was Marcus.

had brought along some colleagues from his company,

Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me

I just happened to run into

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

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers eagerly praised

amazing here. I've been

of you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

to clear the

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

Enjoy your meal!”

food for lunch, so tell Julie to

until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie,

searched

Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope!

business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

don't even care to tell the loved ones about

she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the

at night, still seething with

pull my leg?!"

pants. Don't you

hadn't expected him to

headed for a shower. When she returned, there was another message

jerk! ) Melissa ignored

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

reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa

passed, Alan continued to ignore

him the

each

happened to be there

Weldon, Melissa

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

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