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.

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

night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and drove

outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep when

“I think Mr.

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

up with his girlfriend, that

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

of course, understood

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

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

investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

she could dial, Jaime

meal” A Scott? Melissa

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

time, making him seem even

smile, 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, talking to Melissa like an

You and your dad

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

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

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

happily agreed

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

he thought it was

Melissa sat down, the waiter started bringing

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

meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I

me of home. I grew up having lots of spicy

replied with a faint

asked, “What

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

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

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

aback, unsure how

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,

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

with

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

maintained a balance between

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

being turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

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

It was Marcus.

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

“On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did

creepy! I just happened to run

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

Melissa was speechless.

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

here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The

amazing here. I've

generous of you, Miss

hearing this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

eyes, Melissa thought

Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised

Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make something light for dinner” Melissa wished she

to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and Yvonne

searched the

“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

business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also

They don't even care to tell

reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew

night, still seething with anger,

pull my leg?!" Five minutes later, Marcus

pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa

him to

headed for a shower. When she returned, there was another message from

) Melissa ignored him and retired to her

about her usual routine at the office. The secretary asked, “Need me to schedule a meeting with Mr. Scott?” Lounging in her chair, 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

alone, Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

current role, it fell on Melissa to take down

continued to ignore Melissa.

handled him the same

ran into each other at a private

happened to be

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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