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.

whenever. Happy now?” Marcus stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful look, Marcus held the door.

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

a moment. Matthew was still asleep when she

beside her, Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's still into

he wants to reconcile, make

he break up with his

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 together but Julie already knew what had gone down last night, so she

course, understood

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

her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up

investment. Two days later, Melissa

could dial, Jaime showed up out of the

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,

formal wear this time, making him seem even

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 with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities, talking to Melissa like an old friend, which felt pretty chill-maybe even

“No way! You and your dad

honor” ‘s Seeing

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

Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed cool.

happily agreed

Melissa arrived at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food

sharp, but he thought it

down, the waiter started bringing out

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed

meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water.

of home. I grew

with

asked, “What about

a crush on Melissa but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would be an even better deal for

as Jaime mentioned the

kept her cool. “I have nothing to do

aback, unsure

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

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

nodded with a

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not

down, Jaime

was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit down

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

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

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

Melissa was speechless.

to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly

Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers eagerly

amazing here. I've

of you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

the waiter to clear

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had

“Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

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

still be there but found only Julie,

Melissa searched the

head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?”

flight was this afternoon.

always act like that. They don't even care to

She changed the

at night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

it fun to pull my leg?!"

be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message,

him to be

shower. When she

Melissa ignored him and

Lounging in her chair, Melissa paused, and then replied, “Not right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes

reviewed a

invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa to take

passed, Alan continued

him the

each other at a private

happened to be

Weldon, Melissa

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