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.

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 door.

really enjoyed last night, Melissa."

a moment. Matthew was

spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

reconcile, make sure

he break up with his girlfriend, that

haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to be together but Julie already knew what had gone

course,

gave Melissa's 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 major deal” After a few more questions to know the situation better, Melissa felt genuinely happy

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

now was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa

dial, Jaime showed up out

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

Jaime's info online, preparing herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting in the reception

this time,

pleasure to have you here. But why no heads-up?” Jaime stood up, responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to

way! You and your dad

Seeing Melissa dodging

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

I just want to take you 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

agreed

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

sharp, but he thought it was too formal

sat down, the waiter

all specialties of the house.

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

me of home. I grew up having lots of spicy

with a

asked, “What about

If Melissa could take over

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith

kept her cool. “I have nothing

aback, unsure how to

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”

“I work for Waston Group. I

with a tight

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not yours.” Her expression was

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess

being turned down, Jaime lost

about to have some more, someone suddenly took a

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit down

date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did

not that creepy! I just happened to run

rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying

Melissa was speechless.

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

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

amazing here. I've

generous of you, Miss

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

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

to still be there but found only

searched

food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?”

flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

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

changed the subject, played

still seething with anger,

my leg?!" Five minutes

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

him to be so

When she

) Melissa ignored him and retired to

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.”

alone, Melissa reviewed a document

then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had

But then she hesitated.

her current role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself,

passed, Alan continued to

him

one day, they ran into each

happened to

Melissa

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

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