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.

relented, “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

last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep when she

spoke softly. “I

reconcile, make sure he’s

he break up with

brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa

of course,

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

she'd expected Marcus to bug her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next

Two days later, Melissa was about

before she could dial, Jaime

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 reception room. I'll be there shortly” The assistant nodded and

the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting in

this time, making him seem even

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.”

way! You and your dad are VIPs at

Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down to

tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not here for

not working for

agreed with

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

but he thought it was too

sat down, the waiter started bringing out the

of the house. Melissa

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

home. I grew up having lots of

replied with a faint

cautiously asked, “What about the Smith

a crush on Melissa but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could

the Smith

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

was taken aback,

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

of his water, he tried another angle. “Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay

with a

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

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

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

turned down, Jaime lost

about to have

It was Marcus.

wasn't alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom

Marcus asked, “On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

creepy! I just happened to run into

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

Melissa was speechless.

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

dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The

I've been dying to try it.” one

you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

to clear the table

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

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

had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something

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

Melissa searched the

her confusion, asked, “What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked,

was this afternoon. Matthew also

even care to tell the loved ones about their schedules,” Julie

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

night, still seething with anger,

my leg?!"

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

hadn't expected him

she headed for a shower. When she returned, there

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and

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

Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

passed, Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

him the same

day, they ran into each other at a private clubs golf

to be there

Melissa

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

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