“There's no need," Marcus responded calmly. "I'll take care of the bill myself."

Sylvia nodded and retreated.

After a brief pause, Marcus collected himself, sat for a moment, and then ushered Melissa away.

Gently, he draped his coat over Melissa's shoulders.

Preempting any commentary from the female staff, Sylvia remarked coolly, "Fate, my friends. Envy has no place here."

Sylvia, too, harbored a desire to be with a wealthy man, envisioning a life where she wouldn't have to wake up in the middle of the night and endure hours of driving simply because her boss said so.

She envisioned herself joyfully counting diamond rings on a luxurious bed.

A twinge of melancholy crept over Sylvia.

Skipping the return to the suite, Marcus and Melissa headed directly to the parking lot.

The vestibule cradled a sleek black sports car.

Marcus opened the car door and raised his chin slightly. His handsome features stood out, exuding a noticeable air of nobility, especially in the dimness of the night.

"Take a seat inside."

Noticing Melissa's hesitation, he delicately seized her slender arm, coaxing her into the car with a gentle nudge.

Despite his close proximity, an air of unreality lingered as she sat beside him.

Leaning in, Marcus secured her seat belt and inquired softly, “What's on your mind?"

Melissa cast her gaze downward.

Yielding to an impulse, she looked up again at him, extended her hand and tenderly traced his face, from eyebrows to nose. Fear had restrained her in the past, making this bold touch a significant departure.

"What's our destination?"

Marcus lifted his head as her fingers departed from the bridge of his nose.

However, he seized her hand and allowed her to persist in caressing it. Not only did he permit her touch, but he also inquired in a hushed tone, "Is it high?"