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.

in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful

really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep

spoke softly. “I think

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

up with his girlfriend,

future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she

course, understood

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 major deal” After a few more questions to know the situation better, Melissa felt

didn't show up over the

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

Jaime showed

take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and

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

formal wear this time, making him seem even younger than

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 with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to Melissa like an old friend, which felt pretty chill-maybe even

“No way! You and your dad are VIPs at

you swing by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging

I'm not

cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But

agreed with

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

but he thought it

sat down, the waiter started bringing out

specialties of the house. Melissa seemed

meal, Jaime refilled her glass of

I grew up having lots

with a faint

asked, “What

Melissa but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family,

as Jaime mentioned the

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

was taken aback, unsure how to

to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now.

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 me for it. It is

nodded with

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

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're

Jaime

about to have some more, someone suddenly

It was Marcus.

some colleagues from his company, none of

Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

creepy! I

rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's

Melissa was speechless.

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

“We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers eagerly praised

the food's amazing here. I've been dying

How generous of you, Miss Brown,”

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and

thought

him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

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

still be there but found only Julie,

Melissa searched the

head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this morning, said

long business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

even care to tell the loved ones about

by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and

night, still seething

fun to pull my leg?!"

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

expected him to be

she returned, there was another message from Marcus. “Missing me

Melissa ignored him and retired to her

Melissa paused, and then replied, “Not right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood

Melissa reviewed a

crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry,

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take down

continued

Melissa handled him the same

into each other at a private

happened to

Weldon, Melissa

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

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