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

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

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep

beside her, Julie spoke softly. “I think

if he wants to reconcile, make sure he’s not seeing

break up with

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

course, understood

gentle pat and said 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... It might be stretching the truth a bit, but it's still

her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her

Two days later,

Jaime showed up out of the

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. I'll be there shortly” The assistant nodded and

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

this time, making him seem even younger than

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 with an appointment.” He skipped the formalities,

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

by, it's an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime

not here for work, or

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

happily agreed with

already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit, catching his eye for a

looked sharp, but he thought it was too formal for

down, the waiter started bringing

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

of water. “I didn't

remind me of home. I grew up having lots of

with

asked, “What about the Smith

could take

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith

“I have nothing

taken aback, unsure

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 much else for us to discuss” Hearing that, Jaime felt

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

with a

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

Throughout the encounter, Melissa maintained a

Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed.

being turned down, Jaime

she was about

It was Marcus.

brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared to sit

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

not that creepy! I

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

Melissa was speechless.

leave but Marcus insisted they stay.

“We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's

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

generous of you, Miss Brown,”

this, Marcus signaled the waiter to

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

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

spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished

She expected Marcus to still be

Melissa searched

Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this morning, said he’s off

long business trip. His flight was this afternoon.

don't even care to

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

night, still seething

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

him to

phone aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned, there was

) Melissa ignored him and retired to

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

alone, Melissa reviewed a

mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All she had

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to

days passed, Alan continued

handled him

they ran into each other at a private clubs golf

to be there

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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