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.

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 held the door. “You really

with a pause, he added, “I really enjoyed last night, Melissa." With

for a moment. Matthew

“I think Mr. Fowler's still

he wants to reconcile, make sure

up with his girlfriend, that

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 down last night, so

course, understood

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 a major deal” After a few more questions to know the situation better, Melissa felt

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

investment. Two days later, Melissa was about to call

she could dial, 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

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

formal wear this time, making 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 old friend, which felt pretty chill-maybe even a little

“No way! You and your

an honor” ‘s Seeing Melissa dodging the topic, Jaime got down to

I'm not here for work, or to represent

want to take you out for dinner, as friends. So, can we skip 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

agreed with

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

thought it was too formal for a

down, the waiter started bringing

specialties of the house. Melissa seemed to be

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

dishes remind me of home. I grew up having lots of

with a

cautiously asked, “What about the

on Melissa but he also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take

as Jaime mentioned the Smith family, Melissa felt

her cool. “I have nothing to do

taken aback, unsure how to

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

financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my best and they

nodded with a

about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between

Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I

Jaime lost his

she was about to have some more, someone suddenly took a seat

It was Marcus.

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

Marcus asked, “On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously.

creepy! I just happened to run

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

Melissa was speechless.

wanted to leave but Marcus insisted they stay.

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

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

generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed in

the waiter to clear the table and

Melissa thought Marcus had no

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

food for lunch,

didn't return until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there but found only Julie, Matthew,

searched the

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

was this

care to tell the loved ones about

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

night, still seething with anger,

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

your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving

expected him

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

ignored him and retired to her

and then replied, “Not right now! Alan's probably still fuming. I doubt hes in any mood to invest. Check out what projects Hosan

Melissa reviewed a document

to invest in Waston Group then crossed her mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was tempting. All she

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa

Alan continued to ignore

Melissa handled him the same

they ran into each

to be there

Weldon, Melissa

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

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