Knocked out of his reverie, Albert quickly extinguished his cigarette and assumed a business-like demeanor. "I won't force you to meet him," he said calmly. "I just want to tell you that if he's not aware of your pregnancy, there may come a time when he will enter into a business alliance through marriage."

Albert wasn't really close to Marcus, but he could see that the young man's feelings for Melissa wasn't up to the level of a lifelong commitment yet.

Being indifferent by nature, he might behave the exact same way if he entered any new relationship. It was only a matter of time.

Clearly, he had analyzed the pros and cons of Melissa meeting with Marcus. Melissa herself was also aware of them.

She felt grateful to Albert for looking through the exact situation and reminding her of just what she needed to know.