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.

to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful

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

outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep

spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

if he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not

with his girlfriend,

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

course, understood

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

show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her mind as she focused on

was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

she could dial, Jaime showed

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

online, preparing herself for the meeting.

wear this time, making him seem even younger

up, responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding me with an appointment.” He skipped

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

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

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

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! How about that nice spot

happily agreed with

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

sharp, but he thought it was too formal for

Melissa sat down, the waiter started bringing out

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

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

me of home. I grew

with

cautiously asked, “What

could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would

Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

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

was taken aback,

moment, Melissa made it clear. “I appreciate your interest, Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside

affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay me for it. It is that

nodded with a

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

maintained a balance between confidence and

he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint smile in

being turned down, Jaime

Melissa found the food here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his company, none of whom

Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me _

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

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

Melissa was speechless.

stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he

to join. “We're dining here! It's Miss

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

you, Miss

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

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

spoke gently. “I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch,

Marcus to still be there but found only Julie,

searched the

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

was this afternoon. Matthew

act like that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones about their schedules,”

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

seething with anger,

to pull my leg?!" Five

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

hadn't expected him

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

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired to

her usual routine at the office. The secretary asked, “Need 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. See if we've got

Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa

continued to

him the same

ran into each other at a private

happened to

Melissa

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

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