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.

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

with a pause, he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa."

a moment. Matthew

softly. “I think Mr.

if he wants to reconcile, make

with his girlfriend, that

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

course, understood

“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... It might be stretching the truth a bit, but it's still a major deal” After a few

her surprise, he didn't show up over the next

now was securing the investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

she could dial, Jaime showed up out of the

for a meal” A Scott? Melissa

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

the formal wear this time, making him seem

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 a

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

Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down

not here for

not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed cool. “Sounds good! How about that nice spot across

agreed

Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa

looked sharp, but he thought it was

the waiter started bringing out the

— all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be enjoying them

refilled her glass of water. “I didn't

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

replied with

cautiously asked, “What about the Smith

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

Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

kept her cool. “I have nothing to

was taken aback,

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 from business, there's not

Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they

nodded with a

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

the encounter, Melissa maintained

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

turned down, Jaime lost

delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took a seat beside

It was Marcus.

he wasn't alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit

“On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced

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

spreading rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying you were

Melissa was speechless.

leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

It's Miss

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

of you,

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

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

had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make

expected Marcus to still be there but found only

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?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this morning,

was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

care to

Melissa couldn't reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne,

seething

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

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

expected him to

When she returned,

Melissa ignored

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

alone, Melissa reviewed a document

in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself,

passed, Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

Melissa handled him the same

day, they ran into each

happened to be there

Melissa

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

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