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.

to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a

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

for a moment. Matthew was still

“I

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

up with

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 together but Julie already knew what had gone

course, understood Melissa's

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

while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he

goal now was securing the investment. Two

dial, Jaime showed up out

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

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

this time, making him seem even younger

heads-up?” Jaime stood up, responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to risk

way! You and your

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

“Melissa, I'm not here

not working for Alan, you're

happily agreed with

already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed in

looked sharp, but he thought it was too formal for a

the waiter started bringing out the

specialties of the house. Melissa seemed

meal, Jaime refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you were

me of home. I grew

replied with

asked, “What about the Smith

Melissa could take over the Smith family, then

mentioned the Smith

she kept her cool. “I have nothing

aback, unsure how

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

affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they pay me for it. It is that simple,” Melissa replied

with a

you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business,

Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint

Jaime

she was about to have some

It was Marcus.

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

a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced

that creepy! I just happened to run into

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

Melissa was speechless.

leave but Marcus insisted they stay. In a

It's Miss Brown's treat.” The brown-nosers

I've been dying to

you, Miss Brown,”

signaled the waiter to

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave,

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

return until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there

Melissa searched the

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 this morning, said he’s

was this afternoon. Matthew

don't even care to tell the loved ones about

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

at night, still seething with anger,

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

you agree?”

hadn't expected him to be so

her phone aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned,

) Melissa ignored him and

went 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

reviewed a document

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

But then she hesitated.

role, it fell on Melissa to take down Alan herself, without

passed, Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

Melissa handled him the same

ran into each other at a private clubs golf

happened to be there

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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