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.

“Fine, come whenever. Happy now?” Marcus stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the

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

Matthew was still

her, Julie spoke softly. “I

reconcile, make

break up with his

her head. “How could I possibly know?” After a brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't

course, understood

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

surprise, he didn't show up

securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa

before she could dial, Jaime showed

for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized who her visitor was. She set aside her folder and said,

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

wear this time, making him

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

You and

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

“Melissa, I'm not

not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But

happily agreed with

already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his eye

sharp, but he thought it

sat down, the waiter started bringing

of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying them

into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were into

me of home. I grew

with a faint

asked, “What about the

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa

nothing to do

was taken aback, unsure how

“I appreciate your interest, Mr 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

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.

with a tight

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

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence

Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant

turned down, Jaime lost his

she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took a

It was Marcus.

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

Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did

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

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

Melissa was speechless.

they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

here! It's Miss

food's amazing here. I've been dying to try it.”

How generous of you, Miss

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and

Melissa thought Marcus

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

had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished she

until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but

Melissa searched

dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come

was this afternoon.

They don't even care to

the subject, played with Matthew and

still seething with anger,

leg?!" Five

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

him to be

she headed for a shower. When she returned, there was

Melissa ignored him and retired

“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

reviewed a

rivalry, Melissa had to admit

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take down

days passed, Alan continued

Melissa handled him the

each other at

to be

Melissa greeted

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

Comments ()

0/255