Thunder echoed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, followed by a torrential downpour.

Melissa glanced out the window, and upon turning back, she resembled a bewildered rabbit. Marcus relieved her of the canvas bag.

Guiding her to the guest room's bathroom, he instructed, “Clean yourself up here.”

Although the door was shut, Melissa hesitated to make a move.

Stained with blood, Melissa couldn't fathom if Marcus would be bothered by it.

Outside the bathroom door, Marcus dialed his chief secretary, Sylvia Ramos, a married woman in her early forties. His directive was concise. "Fetch some tampons and deliver them to my apartment in ten minutes. Choose the style and brand as you see fit. Yes, thank you."

Having concluded the call, Marcus severed the connection.

Sylvia, glancing at the rain-laden window, sighed with a mix of emotions.

She didn't need to inquire, and she just knew who was in Marcus' apartment. Today, Marcus dismissed several secretaries and took Melissa away.

Sylvia considered Melissa tender, though not exceptionally beautiful.

The question of why Marcus favored Melissa lingered in her mind.

Nevertheless, Sylvia was committed to flawlessly executing the CEO's instructions. Regardless of the pouring rain outside, she had to reach Marcus’ apartment within the stipulated ten minutes.

Undeterred by the rain, Sylvia entered her car and braved the weather to procure a pack of tampons.

She thoughtfully included disposable underwear.

Nine minutes and nine seconds later, Sylvia reached Marcus’ apartment.

Marcus personally accepted the tampons as he opened the door.

Subsequently, he dismissed Sylvia, preventing her from encountering Melissa.

With the front door sealed shut, Marcus approached the guest room's bathroom. Tenderly tapping on the door, he spoke, “The tampons have arrived. Crack the door open a bit."

Eventually, the door creaked open, revealing an arm extending through the narrow gap.

She looked so timid yet so adorable.