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.

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

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

moment. Matthew was still asleep when

spoke softly. “I think Mr.

wants to reconcile, make

up with his girlfriend,

her 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

course, understood Melissa's

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

he didn't show up over the next few days.

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

dial, Jaime showed

have 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

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

wear this time, making him

up, responding with a faint smile. I didn't want to risk you avoiding me

“No way! You and your

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

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

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.

happily agreed with a

arrived at the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food

looked sharp, but he thought it

waiter started bringing out

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

refilled her glass of water. “I didn't expect you

me of home. I grew

replied with

“What about the

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

soon as Jaime mentioned the Smith family,

her cool. “I have nothing

taken aback,

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

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

with a

about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal business, not yours.” Her expression was

the encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence

Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant

turned down, Jaime lost

about to

It was Marcus.

some colleagues from his company, none of

Marcus asked, “On a date with Jaime?” Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me _ followed?”

“I'm not that creepy! I

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

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a

“We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's

heard the food's amazing here. I've

generous of you, Miss Brown,” chimed

to clear the table

her eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had

your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was

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

still be there but found only

searched

Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?” Julie was surprised. “Nope! He called this morning, said he’s off on

trip. His flight was

you? Men always act like that. They don't even care to tell

She changed the subject, played

night, still seething with anger, Melissa

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

your pants. Don't you

hadn't expected him to be so

When she returned, there was another message from

Melissa ignored him and retired to

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 thought, If so, we'll definitely need new sponsors.” The

reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

days passed, Alan continued to ignore Melissa.

Melissa handled him

they ran into each other at a private clubs golf

happened to be

Melissa

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

Comments ()

0/255