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.

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

night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car

a moment. Matthew was still

beside her, Julie spoke softly. “I think

wants to reconcile, make sure

up with

brief silence, she added, “I haven't had time to think about the future. Marcus and I.” Melissa wanted to explain

course,

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...

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

Two days later,

before she could dial, Jaime showed up out of

Melissa

herself for the meeting. Sure enough, it was

wear this time, making him

professional smile, Melissa greeted him. “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

“No way! You and your dad are VIPs

Seeing Melissa dodging the topic,

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

you 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 across the street?” she

agreed with

ordered food for them.

thought it

waiter started bringing

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

Melissa dug into her meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't

I grew up having

replied with a

asked, “What about

concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even better

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

her cool. “I have nothing to

aback, unsure

the knot or get involved

tried another angle. “Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do

nodded with

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

the encounter, Melissa maintained a

negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa

turned down, Jaime lost his

here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone

It was Marcus.

along some colleagues from his company, none of whom

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

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I just

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

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay.

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

I've been dying to try it.”

How generous of you,

signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

Melissa thought

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

had spicy food for lunch, so tell

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

searched the

noticing her confusion, asked, “What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa

trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

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

She changed the subject, played

still seething with anger,

pull my leg?!"

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

him

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

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him

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 any tough competition.” She added after a moment's thought, If so, we'll definitely need new sponsors.” The assistant nodded and left

reviewed a

invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All she had to do was

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa to take down

continued

Melissa handled him the

into each

to

Melissa

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

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