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.

come whenever. Happy now?” Marcus stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door to get in. Melissa couldn't help asking, “What the hell do you really

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

a moment. Matthew

her, Julie spoke softly. “I think

make sure

he break up with

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 Marcus weren't meant to

course,

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

surprise, he didn't show up over the next few days. Slowly, he slipped from her mind

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

before she could dial, Jaime

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 the reception room. I'll

the meeting. Sure enough, it was Alan's son waiting in the reception

formal wear this time,

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

“No way! You and your dad

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

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

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,

agreed with

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

looked sharp, but he thought it was too

waiter started bringing out the

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,” he

me of home. I grew up having

replied with a faint

“What about the

also had his own concerns. If Melissa could take over the Smith family, then marrying

as Jaime mentioned the Smith

she kept her cool. “I have nothing to do with them,”

was taken aback, unsure how to

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

“Aren't you worried that rejecting me will affect Waston Group's financing?” “I work for Waston Group. I do my

nodded with

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

Melissa maintained a balance between

there was no room to negotiate. Disappointed but still fond of Melissa, he sighed. “I guess we're

down, Jaime lost his appetite and

found the food here delightful. Just as she was about to have some more,

It was Marcus.

alone. He had brought along some colleagues from his company, none of whom dared

Melissa glanced around suspiciously. “Did you have me _ followed?” she

I just happened to run

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

Melissa was speechless.

Marcus insisted they stay. In a surprisingly good

It's Miss Brown's

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

you, Miss

Marcus signaled the waiter to clear the table and ordered

eyes, Melissa thought Marcus

him several bills and said, “Here you go! Enjoy your

food for lunch, so tell Julie to make

still be there but found only Julie, Matthew, and Yvonne at

Melissa searched

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

business trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew

care to tell

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

seething with anger,

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

would be even more fun to pull your pants. Don't you

him

a shower. When she returned, there was another message from Marcus. “Missing

) Melissa ignored him and retired

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 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

Melissa reviewed a

rivalry, Melissa had to admit it was

But then she hesitated.

Melissa to take down Alan herself, without

continued to ignore Melissa.

him

they ran into each

to be there

Weldon, Melissa greeted

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

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