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 hell

enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and drove

outside for a moment. Matthew was

beside her, Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

make sure he’s not seeing someone

with his

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

of course, understood Melissa's

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

her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly,

was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa

she could dial, Jaime

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,

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

formal wear this time, making him seem even younger than

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

way! You and your dad are VIPs at

honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the

soft tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not here for work, or to

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!

happily agreed with a

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

looked sharp, but he thought it

waiter started bringing

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

dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I

dishes remind me of home. I grew up

with a

asked, “What

his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even

soon as Jaime mentioned the

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

taken aback, unsure

the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much else for us to discuss”

will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my

with

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

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint smile in

being turned down, Jaime lost his

Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took

It was Marcus.

had brought along some colleagues from his

“On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me

I just happened

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

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

“We're dining here! It's Miss

amazing here. I've

of you, Miss Brown,”

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered

thought Marcus had no

go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus didn't stop

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

expected Marcus to still be there

searched the

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

long business trip. His flight was

like that. They don't even care to tell

fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready for

at night, still seething with

it fun to pull my leg?!"

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

hadn't expected him to be

for a shower. When she returned, there was another message from Marcus. “Missing

ignored him and retired to her

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

Melissa reviewed a

rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All

But then she hesitated.

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

continued to ignore Melissa.

handled him the same

day, they ran into each other at

to be there

Melissa greeted

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

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