Abruptly, his gaze snapped upward, filled with fury, his voice quivering as he demanded, "Is it because of Albert that you've changed?"

Serenely, Melissa replied, "No, it's simply life."

She feared Marcus might not comprehend.

She elucidated, “Consider this: today, I purchased jewelry for Mr. Waston, receiving a birthday gift from the store manager. I gladly accepted it, only to sell the bracelet for three hundred thousand.

You might find this behavior distasteful, even petty, but I couldn't care less. Survival in this world demands a fight. If I'm to live a fulfilling life, I must fend for myself."

In response to her declaration, Marcus fixed his gaze on her without so much as a blink, his expression unreadable.

Then, in a cold and calculated tone, he uttered, “Wouldn't you stand to gain more if you were to become Albert's lover?"

Melissa felt a surge of anger and was almost tempted to slap him for his audacity.

However, she restrained herself, aware of the consequences of antagonizing Marcus. Even Albert, despite his stature, had to depend on the Fowler family in Duefron. As a modest secretary, how could she possibly act entirely according to her own desires?

Masking her anger, Melissa replied with a smile, “Certainly, Mr. Fowler. I'll give it some thought. It does seem like the quickest path to wealth, doesn't it?"

With that, she released her seat belt.

Marcus leaned closer, pinching her chin, his intense gaze roving over her. Though he refrained from kissing her, his scrutiny made her uneasy.

"Indeed, you've grown more alluring.

Would you entertain the idea of being my secret lover?"

Melissa felt embarrassed and irritated under Marcus' pressure, his words further fueling her anger.

"Are you insane? What about your girlfriend?

Are you seriously proposing an affair while in a relationship?

How much are you offering? Two million for a night? Ten for three whole days?"

Melissa struggled to maintain her composure, though her eyes glistened with tears. Pushing Marcus away with frustration, she straightened her attire. “Let me out," she said in a flat tone.

Marcus straightened up in his seat as well.