After playfully teasing her, Marcus gently Lured her into a short nap.

Later, he engaged in a nighttime video conference with an international group. Silently rising from the bed, he refrained from disturbing Melissa's slumber.

Standing beside the bed, dressing himself, Marcus couldn't resist tenderly caressing her face.

He marveled at her goodness.

Melissa rolled over, perhaps feeling warm, and adjusted the quilt downward.

Leaning in, Marcus ensured she was snug under the covers.

As he placed her hand under the quilt, his fingers brushed over the wound. His gaze grew intense. After a brief pause, he fetched hand cream and delicately applied it to her injured hand.

Upon his silent departure, Melissa opened her eyes.

Gazing at her hand, she lifted it quietly. She had been awake when he applied the hand cream.

Previously, she had admired Marcus for numerous reasons.

But at this moment, her heart raced due to his affection.

Acknowledging the disparity between them, she was aware she didn't measure up to him.

However, he harbored feelings for her.

Melissa closed her eyes, but after a while, she couldn't resist the urge to open them again. She raised the quilt and hurried in the direction of the study.

Simultaneously, Marcus had just stepped into the study.

Being punctual was his accustomed practice.

The camera was activated, yet the conference room on the other end remained unoccupied.

Positioning himself by the French window, he opened it, contemplating a cigarette to invigorate himself. Despite a young man's vigor, a touch of fatigue lingered after intense passionate encounters.

However, before he could indulge in even a brief smoke, he found himself embraced.

Marcus was momentarily taken aback.