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, he hopped

Matthew was still asleep

spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

if he wants to reconcile, make

up with

the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to be together but

course, understood Melissa's

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 major deal” After a few more questions to know the

show up over the next

investment. Two

dial, Jaime

went into her office and whispered, “Miss 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

the meeting. Sure enough,

wear this time, making him

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

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

Seeing Melissa dodging the topic,

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

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

agreed with a

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

but he thought it was

down, the waiter started bringing out

ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying

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

of home. I

with

“What about the

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

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith

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

taken aback,

I'm not looking to tie the knot or get

“Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best

with

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

maintained a balance between confidence and

room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

as she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

from his company, none of whom dared

glanced

that creepy! I just happened

He called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's hard to ignore” he

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a

Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

here. I've been dying to try it.”

How generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

Melissa thought Marcus

Enjoy your meal!” About to

for lunch, so tell Julie to make something

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

searched

“What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this morning,

was this afternoon. Matthew also

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

changed the subject,

still seething with anger, Melissa

my leg?!" Five

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

hadn't expected him to be so

shower. When she returned, there was another message

a jerk! ) Melissa ignored him

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 so, we'll definitely need

Melissa reviewed

Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry,

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa

continued

handled him the

one day, they ran into each other at

to

Melissa

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

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