Intervening could potentially drive the timid secretary away, and Alexis wanted to avoid that.

Although Alexis had no intention of greeting Marcus, he spotted her.

Rising from his seat, he approached her, taking a couple of steps.

However, he seemed to overlook his secretary. He then turned around, assuming a superior demeanor. "Come with me over there."

Melissa had been attending to Marcus for a while before finally taking a small bite of steak.

The same serving with which Marcus expressed his displeasure and instructed her to eat.

Melissa was hungry and started eating.

She wouldn't dare offend her boss due to the generous paycheck and favorable treatment from the Fowler Group.

In truth, Melissa was uncertain why Marcus had invited her to join him. She was aware of Alexis, Marcus's elder sister, and beside her was Edwin's wife.

"Alexis!"

Seated calmly beside Alexis, Marcus acknowledged Laura with a nod before turning to his secretary.

Melissa experienced a sense of unease.

Following a moment of contemplation, she softly uttered, “Hello, Miss Fowler, Mrs. Evans."

Marcus expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Calling them that sounds too formal. Think of something else."

Melissa found herself at a loss for words.

With a smirk, Marcus lifted his chin slightly and instructed, "Address them by their names."

Melissa hesitated to address them in that manner.

She felt she wasn't on the same level as Alexis and Laura.

Melissa came from an ordinary family. After graduating, she felt she was already lucky to secure a good job. She genuinely believed that Marcus didn't need to introduce her to his family even when they ran into each other in a restaurant by chance.

Following a period of silence from Melissa, Marcus grew impatient.