“And their worlds are poles apart. What on earth is she thinking?

That cooking a few meals will make her Mrs. Fowler?"

“You're overthinking it. Mr. Fowler probably sees her as nothing more than a housekeeper. You do know that a housekeeper in the Fowlers' residence earns no less than fifty thousand a month, right?

Melissa's selling herself short,"

The women Laughed.

Melissa, though stung by their words, walked in undeterred.

The office fell silent at her entrance, the women forcing smiles and returning to their work.

Settling at her desk, Melissa stored the velvet box in her drawer, closing it softly.

She proceeded with her duties, unaffected, as she had done so many times in the face of such cruelty. She understood the difference between the malice of these women and the tough love from Marcus.

But thoughts of revenge or turning the tables never crossed her mind.

Reality didn't afford her such Luxuries.

Her aim was simple, to survive and save money, having endured far harsher trials.

Yet her eyes betrayed a hint of warmth. She wasn't made of stone.

Naturally, she felt hurt.

The office was eerily silent.

The women, still wary of Melissa possibly reporting them to Marcus, approached her with feigned gentleness, excusing their words as harmless gossip.

Melissa responded with a faint smile, putting the secretaries at ease, their dismissive attitudes unaltered.

They believed she hadn't truly won over Marcus, evidenced by her tolerating their continued bullying.

Just then, the office door swung open.

Marcus stood there, his voice level. “Melissa, I've got a video conference at my apartment. Pack up and come with me."