Marcus recalled that Melissa visited his apartment in the rain. She must be eager to see him.

However, he had forced himself on her, fueled by anger.

Melissa, misinterpreting his actions, believed Marcus had a change of heart, perhaps even contemplating a proposal when she saw the ring.

The truth dawned on her when Marcus offered two million dollars for a single intimate encounter, handing her a check with a directive to purchase morning-after pills. It was then that she comprehended his regard for her as nothing more than a plaything.

Abruptly, Marcus brought the car to a halt.

The black Cullinan gleamed brightly under the city's neon lights.

But he was in a sour mood.

His mind consumed by the image of Melissa departing tearfully, Marcus found himself incapable of driving. He hadn't even suggested she take a comforting shower or change; he simply instructed her to depart after fulfilling his desires.

At that moment, it was 3:30 in the morning, and it was raining.

How did she manage to get back? Did she have any money with her?

Such considerations hadn't crossed his mind, for he had relinquished any concern for her.

Marcus lifted his head, his Adam's apple moving with unease.

Eventually, he dialed Sylvia, instructing, “Locate her for me."

Sylvia responded in a raspy tone, "Understood."

Empowered by Marcus' directive, Sylvia leveraged the Fowler family's influence to scour every nook of Duefron, the hotel Melissa stayed included.

Sylvia, meticulous in her approach, went to the lengths of inquiring about every detail and surprisingly found the key. The receptionist mentioned a respectable gentleman's visit.

Sylvia managed to obtain access to the surveillance footage.

Upon viewing the footage, a sense of astonishment gripped Sylvia. The man in question was none other than Thomas Smith.

The connection between Thomas and Melissa left Sylvia perplexed.

At nine o'clock in the evening, Marcus' car was parked by the roadside.