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.

get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the

last night, Melissa." With

a moment. Matthew was still

Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr.

he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing someone

with his girlfriend,

“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

course,

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

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

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

she could dial, Jaime showed up out of

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,

for the meeting. Sure

the formal wear this time, making him seem

responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding me with

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

by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got

not here for work, or to represent

Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed

happily agreed

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

thought it was too

waiter started

time — all specialties of

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

dishes remind me of home. I grew up having lots of

with a

cautiously asked, “What

Melissa could take

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to do

aback, unsure how

Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right

water, 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

with a tight

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

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained

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 appetite

about to have some more, someone suddenly took a seat beside

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of

a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced

I just happened to

saying you were dining with his son. That's hard to ignore” he

Melissa was speechless.

stay. In

It's Miss Brown's treat.”

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

you, Miss Brown,” chimed

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table

eyes, Melissa thought

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

tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell

Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and Yvonne

searched

food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this

flight was

don't even care to tell

reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and

night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

pull my leg?!" Five minutes later,

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

expected him to

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

Melissa ignored him and retired to her

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.” The assistant nodded and left

reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to take down

days passed, Alan continued to

handled him the same

each other at a private clubs

to

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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