Outside, a black car halted in front of the diner.

Marcus lounged in the driver's seat, his arm out the window, a cigarette perched between his slender fingers.

He looked effortlessly cool.

Melissa stood silently, her gaze fixed on him in the car.

After a long pause, she approached and murmured, “I'll repay the 800,000 dollars."

Marcus tapped the cigarette, ash falling away.

His brow furrowed slightly. "You took so long to think, just to say that to me? That bracelet was actually worth nearly ten million... but forget the debt. I retrieved the bracelet and dumped it. We're even now."

His words were harsh. It was a first for him, especially towards a woman.

“You owe me nothing. That night we spent together was enough payment for me."

Melissa's throat tightened, making it hard to speak.

In her mind, she desperately tried to deny it. It wasn't like that between them.

She was the only one to blame.

Fighting back tears, she looked down and murmured, "I'll repay the 800 thousand dollars. You didn't smoke much before. It's bad for your health."

Her voice dropped even lower. "I've got 4@ thousand at home. I can give you that first."

Marcus looked at her with a cold gaze and asked, “Are you inviting me over?"

"No, not like that. I just want to settle my debt."

Melissa adjusted her clothes, still shivering. She pointed ahead and said, "My place is a five-minute walk from here. Just follow me..."

"Get in the car."

Melissa hesitated to enter the car, conscious of her dirty clothes and not wanting to stain his car.

Marcus was known for his tidiness. She was aware of his obsession with cleanliness.