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,

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

lingered outside for a moment. Matthew was still asleep when she

softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

reconcile, make sure he’s

with his girlfriend, that

head. “How 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 that she and Marcus weren't meant to

of course,

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

show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped

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

Jaime

a visitor. He says 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

meeting. Sure

the formal wear this time, making him

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

and your dad are

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

tone, he said, “Melissa, I'm not

talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface,

happily agreed with a

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

thought it was too formal for a

down, the waiter started bringing out the

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

her glass of water.

dishes remind me of home. I grew

replied with a faint

asked, “What about

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

Jaime mentioned the Smith

nothing to

taken aback, unsure how to

I'm not looking to tie the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business,

worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay

nodded with

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

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

there 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

down, Jaime

she was about to have some more, someone

It was Marcus.

He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none

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

not that creepy! I just

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

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay.

Miss Brown's treat.” The

amazing here. I've been dying to try it.” one

generous of you, Miss

to clear the table and

Melissa thought Marcus had no

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

check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell Julie to make

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

searched the

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

trip. His flight was

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

she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready for

at night, still seething with anger, Melissa messaged

fun to pull my leg?!" Five

fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa

hadn't expected him to be so

she returned, there was another message from Marcus. “Missing

Melissa ignored him and retired to

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 added after a moment's

reviewed a document

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

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without

days passed, Alan continued to ignore

handled him the

into each other at a private

happened to be

Melissa greeted

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

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