In the car, Marcus offered no justification for his actions. Melissa, sitting beside him, ventured, “That wasn't necessary."

He glanced briefly at her, still busy with his phone.

“Are you teaching me how to do things?"

She wouldn't dare!

Yet Marcus casually remarked, “Perhaps it's not unthinkable. Only our relationship might need redefining in that case."

Setting down his phone, he rested his chin on his elegant fingers, musing as if contemplating a significant matter. "If you were my wife, you could have authority over all my young secretaries."

Melissa remained silent, too intimidated to speak.

Marcus observed her in silence, then chuckled, "But you're not and neither am I currently seeing anyone."

Melissa's silence deepened.

Sensing the moment, Marcus instructed the driver, Ross, “Please head to the supermarket across from the apartment. You're free to leave after dropping me off."

Ross grinned. "You haven't dined at home lately, Mr. Fowler. You father has mentioned wanting to visit you here sometimes."

Marcus' lips curved slightly, yet he retorted, “You talk too much."

Ross just smiled, unperturbed.

Ten minutes later, the car rolled to a stop in the supermarket's parking lot. Melissa inquired, "Mr. Fowler, weren't you supposed to attend a video conference?"

"I've changed my mind. I feel like shopping at the supermarket. Is that a problem?"

No, it certainly wasn't.

Melissa swiftly exited the car, and Marcus, with a swift motion, snatched the coat from her grasp and tossed it back into the vehicle.

Then he asked her, "Did you bring any money?"

Melissa nodded, confessing, "I've got a little over 30@ dollars in cash."

"Just that much?" Marcus' mood soured slightly. He declared earnestly, "You'll be handling the grocery expenses today. I might indulge in some afternoon tea here as well. Please arrange it for me."