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.

help asking, “What the hell do you really want, Marcus?” With a thoughtful look, Marcus held the door. “You really don't know?”

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

outside for a moment. Matthew

beside her, Julie spoke softly. “I think Mr. Fowler's

he wants to reconcile, make

break up with his

and I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she and Marcus weren't

course, understood

highly of him. Today, Shawn just locked down another project that's going

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

securing the investment. Two days

dial, Jaime showed up

her office and whispered, “Miss Brown, you have a visitor. He says his name is Scott and wants to take you out for a meal” A Scott? Melissa pondered

herself for the meeting.

formal wear this time, making him seem even

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

You and your dad are VIPs

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

not here for work, or to represent

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

happily agreed

the restaurant. Jaime had already ordered food for them. Melissa was dressed

he thought it was too formal for a

sat down, the waiter started bringing out

of the

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

I grew up having lots of spicy

replied with a faint

cautiously asked, “What about

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

as Jaime mentioned the

have nothing to do

taken aback, unsure

interest, Mr Scott. But I'm not looking to tie the knot or

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

with a

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

Melissa maintained

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

being turned down, Jaime lost

here delightful. Just as she was about

It was Marcus.

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

Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did

scoffed. “I'm not that creepy! I just happened

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

Melissa was speechless.

insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good mood,

Miss

I've been dying to try

you,

the waiter to

Melissa thought Marcus had no

him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave,

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

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

Melissa searched the

confusion, asked, “What's up? Have you had dinner? I saved you some food” Shaking her head, Melissa asked, “Julie... Did Marcus come by?”

flight was this

They don't even care to tell

Melissa couldn't reveal she'd been fooled by Marcus. She changed the subject, played with Matthew and Yvonne, and got ready

still seething with anger,

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

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

expected him to

a shower. When she returned,

ignored him

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

reviewed

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

But then she hesitated.

fell on Melissa to take down

Alan continued

Melissa handled him

ran into each other at a

to be there

Weldon, Melissa

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

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