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.

Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do

he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and

for a moment. Matthew was still

“I think Mr. Fowler's still into

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

he break up with his girlfriend,

I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to

course,

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. He's saying it could bring in seven figures... It might be stretching the truth a bit, but it's still a

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 mind as she focused

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

before she could dial, Jaime showed up

Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her

searched Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting in the

the formal wear this time, making

“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

smiled back. “No way! You and your dad

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

not here for work, or

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!”

agreed with

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

it was too formal for a

waiter started bringing

all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying

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

I grew

with

cautiously asked, “What

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

Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa

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

aback, unsure

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

Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they

with a

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business,

encounter, Melissa maintained

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

turned down, Jaime

about to have some more, someone suddenly took a seat beside

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his

Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you

“I'm not that creepy! I just happened to run into

folks this morning, saying you were dining

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly

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

here. I've been dying to try

How generous of you, Miss Brown,”

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the

Melissa thought

“Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

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

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be

searched the

you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come

long business trip. His flight was this

They don't even care to tell the loved

Melissa couldn't reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew

still seething with anger, Melissa

leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus finally

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

hadn't expected him to

shower. When she returned, there

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and

hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan Union Ltd. is up to lately. See if we've

Melissa reviewed

to invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa

But then she hesitated.

on Melissa to

continued to ignore

handled him the same

each other

to

Melissa greeted

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

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