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

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

outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep

“I

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

he break up with his girlfriend, that Finch

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 and Marcus weren't meant to be together but Julie

of course,

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. He's saying it could bring in seven figures... It might be stretching the

didn't show up

now was securing the investment. Two days later,

before she could dial, Jaime showed up

meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her visitor was. She set aside her folder

quickly searched Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was

ditched the formal wear this time, making

here. But why no heads-up?” Jaime stood up, responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to risk you

smiled back. “No way! You and your dad are

‘s Seeing

I'm not

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

happily agreed

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

sharp, but he thought it was too formal for a

waiter started

ordered up big time — all specialties of the house.

dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of

remind me of home. I grew up having lots

with a

cautiously asked, “What about the Smith

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 better

soon as Jaime mentioned the

“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

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

with

into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa

Jaime

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

It was Marcus.

brought along some colleagues from his company, none of

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

creepy! I just happened to

morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's hard to ignore” he

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The

amazing here. I've been

generous of you, Miss Brown,”

signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

thought Marcus

you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus

for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa

to still be there but

Melissa searched the

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

business trip. His flight was

Men always act like that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones about their

fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with

at night, still seething with

leg?!" Five minutes

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

expected him

a shower. When she returned, there was another message from Marcus. “Missing

Melissa ignored him

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 we've got any tough competition.” She added after a moment's thought,

reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa to take down

continued to ignore Melissa.

Melissa handled him the same

ran into each other at a private

to be there

Melissa greeted

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