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.

stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?”

last night, Melissa."

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still

spoke softly. “I think

reconcile, make sure

with his

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, understood Melissa's

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

to bug her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her mind as she

the investment. Two days later, Melissa

dial, Jaime

a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered a moment, and then realized

the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting in the reception

time, making him seem even younger than

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

and your dad

‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic,

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

just want to take 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,

happily agreed

at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his eye for a

thought it

sat down, the waiter started bringing out the

had ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to

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

I grew up having lots of spicy

replied with

“What about the Smith

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa

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

aback, unsure how to

moment, Melissa made 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

his 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 a tight

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

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance

was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint

Jaime lost his

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

It was Marcus.

colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit

date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me

creepy! I just happened to run into

He called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he

Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

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

of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

to clear the table and ordered more

eyes, Melissa thought

said, “Here you go! Enjoy your

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

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

Melissa searched the

had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He

His flight was this afternoon. Matthew

like that. They don't even care to

fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew

at night, still seething with

leg?!" Five minutes later,

pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’

him

a shower. When she returned, there was another

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired

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

reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

on Melissa to take down

continued

handled him

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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