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.

stubbed 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. “You really don't

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

Matthew

“I think Mr. Fowler's still

to reconcile, make sure

he break up with his girlfriend, that

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 meant to be together but Julie already knew what had gone down last night,

of course,

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

bug her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show

Two days later, Melissa was about to

dial, Jaime

assistant went into 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

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

the formal wear this time, making

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 friend, which felt

back. “No way! You and your dad are VIPs

by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing

“Melissa, I'm not here for

talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan,

agreed

at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa

thought it was

the waiter started

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

her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were into spicy food,”

me of home. I

replied with a faint

asked, “What about the Smith

Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an

soon as Jaime mentioned the

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

was taken aback, unsure

looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's

worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay

with a

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

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

there was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed.

turned down, Jaime lost

was about to have some more, someone suddenly

It was Marcus.

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

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

creepy! I just happened

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

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a

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

here. I've been dying to try it.” one

of you,

hearing this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the

thought

said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa

lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished she could throttle

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

Melissa searched the

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

long business trip. His flight was this afternoon.

even care to tell the loved ones about their schedules,” Julie

she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject,

still seething with

my leg?!" Five minutes later,

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

hadn't expected him to

When she returned, there was another message from

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him

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.

alone, Melissa reviewed a document

Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa to take down Alan

days passed, Alan continued

him the

one day, they ran into each other at a private

happened to be

Melissa

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

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