Melissa grabbed tissues from her desk to dry her face. She then retrieved a velvet box from her bag, intended for Jessie.

Albert took the box, rising to leave.

Pausing at the door, he remarked, “I had Chloe pick out a new dress for you. It's under the desk. Change before you head home, or Julie will have words for you again."

Melissa muttered a thanks.

Albert offered a smile, his response unspoken.

Before Melissa could add anything, Albert mentioned, "You can leave early today. I've got a date later. Anything else can wait until tomorrow."

Melissa bit back her words.

She appreciated Albert's kindness but remembered her place; she was his secretary, nothing more.

With a composed smile, she said, “Enjoy your date, Mr. Waston!"

As he exited, Albert's voice floated back. “Melissa, sometimes... I just don't know how to handle you!"

He had trained Melissa himself, shaping her into a replica of that woman he couldn't have. Yet, their similarities sometimes made things challenging for him.

It gave him a raging headache every time!

After Albert's departure, Melissa showered and changed. Working late was not unusual for her, justified by her salary.

She didn't wrap up until eleven that night.

Stepping outside to hail a cab, Melissa pondered the practicality of buying her own car, especially for outings with her son.

She reached home close to midnight, paid the taxi, and vanished into the corridor under the moon's glow, unaware a white Bentley had trailed her all the way.

When night fell, the moon shone with a coldness reminiscent of water.

The rainfall had ceased some time ago, leaving only a delicate glow from the moon.

Marcus quietly watched Melissa as she ascended the stairs.

He gazed over the surroundings and noted that it was decent. Despite the absence of elevators in the villa area, it boasted a charm of its own.