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.

door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking,

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

moment. Matthew

Julie spoke softly. “I

if he wants to reconcile, make

up with his girlfriend, that

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

course, understood

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

while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her mind as she

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

dial, Jaime

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 visitor was. She set aside her folder and said, “Show him to the reception

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

the formal wear this time, making

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

and your dad are

it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa

not here for

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

agreed with a

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

sharp, but he thought it was

waiter

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

dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of

remind me of home. I grew

with a

cautiously asked, “What about the

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to do with

was taken aback,

knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much else

a sip 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 me for it. It is that

with a

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

maintained a balance between confidence

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

turned down, Jaime lost his

Just as she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit down

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

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I just happened

my folks this morning, saying you were

Melissa was speechless.

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

It's Miss Brown's treat.” The

heard the food's amazing here. I've

of you,

the waiter to

thought Marcus had

several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!”

he spoke gently. “I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner”

to still be there but found only

searched the

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

His flight was this

They don't even care

she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne,

seething with anger, Melissa

my leg?!"

would be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you

hadn't expected him

When she returned, there

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to

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, If so, we'll definitely need new sponsors.” The assistant nodded and left the

alone, Melissa reviewed a document

crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without

days passed, Alan continued to

handled him

into each

to be

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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