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?”

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

for a moment. Matthew was still

softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still into

make sure he’s not seeing

up with his girlfriend, that Finch

shook 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

of course,

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

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

Two days later,

before she could dial, Jaime showed up

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.

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

this time, making him

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,

You and your dad are VIPs

Seeing Melissa dodging the topic,

not here for work, or

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

happily agreed with a

food for them. Melissa was dressed

looked sharp, but he thought it was

down, the waiter started bringing out the

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be

Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't

of home. I grew up

with a faint

cautiously asked, “What about

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

as Jaime mentioned the

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to

was taken aback, unsure how

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 to discuss” Hearing that, Jaime

rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for

with

about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

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

down, Jaime lost his appetite

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

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his company, none of whom dared

glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me _ followed?” she

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

this morning, saying you were dining with his son.

Melissa was speechless.

but Marcus insisted they stay. In

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

heard the food's amazing here. I've been dying to try it.”

generous of you, Miss Brown,”

to clear the table and ordered more

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had

go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus

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

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

searched the

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

long business trip. His flight was this afternoon.

They don't even care to tell the loved ones

reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the

night, still seething

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

you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa felt a mix

him to be so

she returned, there was another message from Marcus.

Melissa ignored him and retired to her

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.”

alone, Melissa reviewed

mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to

continued to ignore Melissa.

him the

into each other at a private clubs

happened to

Weldon, Melissa

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

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