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

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

a moment. Matthew

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

to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

he break up with his girlfriend, that Finch

silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain

course, understood

project that's

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

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

could dial, Jaime showed up out

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 room. I'll be there shortly” The assistant nodded

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

time, making him seem

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 a little too

You and your dad are

‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down to

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

“Ugh! Even if you're not working for

happily agreed with a

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

sharp, but he thought it

Melissa sat down, the waiter started bringing out the

had ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa

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

of home. I grew up having lots

with a

“What about the

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

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

have nothing

aback,

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 for us

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

with a tight

pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to

down, Jaime lost his appetite

about to have some more, someone suddenly took a

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his

Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you

that creepy! I just happened to

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

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.”

the food's amazing here. I've been

you, Miss Brown,” chimed

to clear the table

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

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

check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to

until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and Yvonne at

searched

“What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?”

long business trip. His flight was

care to tell the loved ones about their

changed the subject, played

night, still seething with

to pull my leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus

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

him to be so

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

Melissa ignored him and retired to

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

mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting.

But then she hesitated.

it fell on Melissa to take

passed, Alan continued to ignore

him the

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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