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.

the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What

he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and drove

a moment. Matthew was still asleep

“I

reconcile, make

with

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,

down another project that's going to rake in big bucks. He's saying it could bring in seven figures... It might be

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

Two days later, Melissa was

she could dial, Jaime showed

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

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

time, making

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

You and your dad are

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

tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not

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!

agreed with

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

looked sharp, but he thought it was

sat down, the waiter started bringing

ordered up 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 expect you were into spicy

of home. I grew up

with

“What about the

but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then

mentioned the Smith family,

her cool. “I have nothing to do

aback, unsure how to

Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now.

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

with a tight

about Marcus? Are you still into him?”

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

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

being turned down, Jaime

Just as she was about to

It was Marcus.

from his company, none of whom dared

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

that creepy! I just

saying you were dining with his son. That's

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood, he invited

“We're dining here! It's Miss

I've

of you,

the waiter to clear the table

thought Marcus

Enjoy your meal!” About to

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

eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still

searched

dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did

business trip. His flight was this afternoon.

always act like that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones

changed the subject, played

night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

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

would be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving

him to be so

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

jerk! ) Melissa ignored him and retired

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.”

alone, Melissa reviewed

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.

on Melissa

continued

Melissa handled him

into each other

happened to be

Melissa greeted

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

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