She thought he should be grateful, for she had cared for his son over the years.

Holding her umbrella, Julie confronted him with a mixture of trepidation and feigned confidence. "Mr. Fowler, does Melissa know you're here?"

Marcus' response was calm, “She doesn't. And I haven't told her I found out about Matthew."

Julie's surprise was evident.

She pressed on, “Then what are your intentions?"

With a slight smile, Marcus posed a question in return. “What should my intentions be?"

Julie, uncertain but resolute, responded, "If you're thinking of taking Matthew from Melissa, know that I won't let that happen without a fight."

Marcus met her gaze silently, leaving a tense moment hanging between them.

Julie was on the verge of delivering more harsh warnings when Marcus opened his car trunk to reveal a large box filled with the kind of mech toys any boy would adore.

He also handed Julie a kraft paper bag, which, to her astonishment, contained half a million dollars in cash.

Julie's eyes widened as she sifted through the bills, but then she fixed Marcus with a defiant look. "This money won't sway me," she declared.

Marcus simply suggested, "Use it to buy Matthew something he likes,” his smile unfaltering.

Julie, ever pragmatic, understood Marcus' gesture as a sign he wanted them to keep caring for Matthew for now. "It's indeed your duty to support your son," she countered, her tone firm yet concerned for Melissa's welfare.

With the unexpected windfall, Julie's thoughts turned to buying Melissa a car, having previously eyed a nice BMW that she believed would suit Melissa.

After all, Melissa had given Marcus a son. A car seemed a small recompense.

As Marcus prepared to leave, content that Julie had accepted his offer, she tapped on his car window, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Melissa doesn't know about this, does she?"

His faint smile offered her a measure of reassurance, though her feelings remained mixed.

Once Marcus had departed, Julie, armed with the toy and the cash, swung by the nearby grocery store and bought a five-pound fresh mutton, She then set about stewing it, filling the house with its inviting aroma.

Matthew was thrilled with his new toy, his delight evident as he played.

Mech toys were a hit with boys, after all.