Without hesitation, Melissa declined, "I have no appetite. Let's discuss matters that's really important here, and then I'll take my leave."

Leaving the room to get her handbag, she retrieved a banknote containing half a million dollars.

Marcus had entrusted it to Julie earlier.

Glancing at the bankbook that had been handed to him, Marcus flipped through its pages before querying, "What? I can't even spend some money on my own son? In that case, I'll take him to the Fowlers' house and raise him myself."

Clenching her fists, Melissa demanded, "Marcus, what do you want from me?"

Gesturing to the table, Marcus replied, "I'll explain over dinner."

Melissa fixed him with a stare.

When she remained still, Marcus retrieved his phone and began dialing his secretary. "Tell the legal team to..."

Melissa immediately stepped forward and knocked off Marcus’ phone, which tumbled onto the table with a clatter.

The phone's screen's display didn't indicate an ongoing call.

Marcus' bluff was evident, and Melissa's face flushed with anger in response. However, he simply smiled and tenderly brushed her nose with his slender index finger. “I've never seen you get angry so quickly before. How many times have you been upset since you walked in?"

Melissa swatted his hand away, retorting, “Mr. Fowler, show some respect, please."

Marcus leisurely sipped his soup, and then lifted his head abruptly, chuckling. "You seemed quite willing when I kissed you earlier. Why the sudden call for boundary now?"

Melissa grew exasperated. Just as she prepared to depart, Marcus interjected sternly, "Sit down and eat. We'll discuss matters after dinner."

After a prolonged stare, Melissa relented. Her son was her priority, and she dared not antagonize the influential Marcus.

Marcus appeared content.

They ate in silence, but Melissa lacked appetite and soon ceased eating altogether. Marcus observed her and remarked, “Is that all you're having? No wonder you're so slender."

Serving her a bowl of soup, he commented, "My mom's recipe. It's beneficial for women."

Frustrated by his oscillating behavior and apparent attempt at control, she exploded, "Marcus, what's your game here? I just gave birth to our child. Big deal! If it weren't for the pill mishap, we wouldn't be in this situation. By the time I discovered it, the baby was four months along. Do you even know what that means? I could feel the baby move!"

Marcus delicately laid down his utensils.