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 hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful look, Marcus

last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped

a moment. Matthew

spoke softly. “I think Mr.

to reconcile, make sure he’s

break up with his

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

course,

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

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

goal now was securing the investment. Two

she could dial, Jaime showed

Brown, you have 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

meeting. Sure enough, it

this time, making him seem even

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

back. “No way! You and your dad are VIPs at Waston

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

he said, “Melissa, I'm not here for work, or

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 surface, she stayed cool. “Sounds good! How about that nice spot across the street?” she

happily agreed

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

thought it was

the waiter started bringing out the

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 were into

of home. I grew up having lots of spicy

with a

“What about the Smith

Melissa could take

the Smith family, Melissa

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

taken aback, unsure how to

made it 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 else for us to discuss” Hearing that, Jaime felt

“Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work

with a

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

the encounter, Melissa maintained

there was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed.

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

she was about to have some more, someone

It was Marcus.

some colleagues from

glanced around suspiciously. “Did

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

morning, saying you were dining with

Melissa was speechless.

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

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

I've

How generous of you, Miss

signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had

go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave,

lunch, so tell Julie to make

didn't return until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only

searched

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

long business trip. His flight was

care to tell the loved ones

the subject, played with Matthew

still seething

to pull my leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus finally

would be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa felt a mix of embarrassment

hadn't expected him to

for a shower. When she

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to

“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, If

Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

days passed, Alan continued to ignore

him the

they ran into each other at a

happened to be there

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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