Meanwhile, Marcus cleaned the juice from his face, and rose to his feet.

Just as Melissa reached for the doorknob, she felt a warmth envelop her; Marcus' body pressed against hers, his hand gently covering hers.

In a raspy tone, he inquired, "Are you upset?"

In that moment, Melissa realized resistance was futile.

Resigned, she replied icily, “What are you doing, Mr. Fowler? If you require assistance so urgently, I actually have some girls on call."

At her words, Marcus drew closer, their bodies almost merging, the warmth of his breath on her skin. Within his embrace, Melissa could sense the strength of his chest.

Eventually, Marcus released her.

His voice tinged with a chill as he said, "Your years as Albert's secretary have made you quite attentive, Miss Brown. But don't fret;

I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself."

“That's reassuring," Melissa responded, turning to face him. “Now that we've shared a meal, may I take my leave, Mr. Fowler?"

Marcus responded not with words but with a gesture signaling she could go.

Melissa grabbed her briefcase, opened the door, and hurried out.

She made her way to the elevator and descended to the ground floor.

A security guard stationed at the building's entrance noticed her arrival and approached with a polite greeting. “Hello, Miss Brown!"

At his greeting, Melissa paused in her tracks.

The security guard, who had shared a smoke with Marcus, greeted Melissa with excitement. "Miss Brown, have you and Mr. Fowler reconciled? After you left, Mr. Fowler specifically asked about you.

You had just vanished though! Seeing you together again is wonderful.

I'm really happy for both of you!"

Melissa was taken aback by his words.

After a moment, she replied coolly, "We haven't reconciled."