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

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

Matthew was still asleep

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

make sure he’s not seeing someone

with his girlfriend, that Finch

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,

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.

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

the investment. Two days later, Melissa was

she could dial, Jaime

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

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

the formal wear this time, making him seem even younger

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

and your dad are

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

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

take you out for dinner, as friends. So, can we skip the business talk?” Internally, Melissa cursed, “Ugh! Even if you're not working

agreed

food for them. Melissa was dressed in a suit,

he thought it was too

the waiter started bringing

up big time — all specialties of the

glass of water. “I didn't expect you

me of home. I grew up having lots of

with

asked, “What about the

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

the Smith family, Melissa

have nothing to do with them,”

taken aback, unsure

the knot or get involved romantically right now. So, aside from business, there's not much else for us to discuss” Hearing

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. I do my best and they pay me for it. It is that

nodded with a tight

to give up, he pushed, “What about Marcus? Are you still into him?” Melissa kept it brief. “That's my personal

maintained a balance between confidence and

he sighed. “I guess we're just not meant to be." Melissa simply offered a faint smile in

turned down, Jaime lost his appetite

about to have

It was Marcus.

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

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

that creepy! I just happened to

He called my folks this morning, saying you were dining with his son.

Melissa was speechless.

but Marcus insisted they stay. In

dining here! It's Miss Brown's treat.” The

I've been dying to try it.”

of you,

signaled the waiter to clear the table

thought Marcus had no

Enjoy your meal!”

lunch, so tell Julie to make something light

return until eight p.m. She expected Marcus to still be there

searched the

her head, Melissa

trip. His flight was this afternoon. Matthew also knew

don't even care to tell the loved ones

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

seething with anger,

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

you agree?” Receiving Marcus’ message, Melissa

expected him to be so

a shower. When she returned,

) Melissa ignored

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

Melissa reviewed a

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

But then she hesitated.

her current role, it fell on Melissa

passed, Alan continued

Melissa handled him the same

day, they ran into each

happened to

Melissa

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

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