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.

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

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

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep when

“I

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

with his girlfriend, that Finch

Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't meant to be together but Julie

course, understood

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

Marcus to bug her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days.

goal now was securing the investment. Two days later,

Jaime showed up

is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then

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

the formal wear this time, making him seem even younger

“Mr. Scott, pleasure 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

“No way! You and your dad are

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

I'm not here 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

agreed

an hour later, Melissa arrived at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed

thought it was too

sat down, the waiter started bringing out the

specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to

of water. “I didn't expect you were into

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

replied with a

“What

own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her

mentioned the

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

aback,

the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much else for us

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 best and they pay me

nodded with

him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not yours.” Her expression was

maintained a balance between confidence and

Melissa, he sighed. “I

down, Jaime lost

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

It was Marcus.

along some colleagues from his company, none of whom

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

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

folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son. That's hard to ignore”

Melissa was speechless.

stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

Miss

amazing here. I've been

you, Miss Brown,” chimed

hearing this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the

Melissa thought Marcus had

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

spoke gently. “I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa

Marcus to still be there but

Melissa searched the

up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa

flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

care to tell the loved ones

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

night, still seething

to pull my leg?!"

to pull your pants. Don't you agree?”

hadn't expected him to be

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

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and

hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan

alone, Melissa reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa

Alan continued to

Melissa handled him the same

day, they ran into each other at

to

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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