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.

in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really want,

enjoyed last night, Melissa." With that, he hopped in the car and drove

a moment. Matthew was still asleep

“I

reconcile, make sure he’s not

with

I.” Melissa wanted to explain that she

course, understood

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

expected Marcus to bug her for a while longer. But to her surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her mind as

goal now was securing the investment. Two days later,

before she could dial, Jaime showed up

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

meeting. Sure enough, it

wear this time, making him

greeted 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

back. “No way! You and your dad

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

“Ugh! Even if you're not working for Alan, you're still his kid!” But on the surface, she stayed cool. “Sounds good!

agreed

already ordered food for them. Melissa

it

Melissa sat down, the waiter started bringing

had ordered up big time — all specialties of the house. Melissa

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

me of home. I grew up

replied with a faint

cautiously asked, “What about the

his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying her would

Jaime mentioned the Smith

nothing to

was taken aback, unsure

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

of his water, he tried another angle. “Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group.

with a

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

encounter, Melissa maintained a balance between confidence and

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

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite and

here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more, someone

It was Marcus.

He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of

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

not that creepy! I just happened to

spreading rumors. He called my folks this morning, saying you

Melissa was speechless.

but Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly

join. “We're dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The

here. I've been dying

you, Miss Brown,”

hearing this, Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered more

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus had no

several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your meal!” About to leave, Melissa was surprised when Marcus didn't

he spoke gently. “I'l check on Matthew tonight. You had spicy food for lunch, so tell

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

Melissa searched

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

was this afternoon. Matthew also

you? Men always act like that. They don't even care to tell the loved ones about their schedules,”

fooled by Marcus. She changed the

at night, still seething with anger, Melissa

my leg?!" Five minutes

be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa felt a mix

him to

aside, she headed for a shower. When she returned, there was another message

ignored

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

Melissa reviewed a

mind. Despite their rivalry, Melissa

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without Marcus’

days passed, Alan continued to

handled him

ran into each other at a private clubs

to be

Weldon, Melissa

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

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