Marcus meticulously adjusted his tie, his gaze fixed on her as he questioned, “Are you concerned I might harm him? He's Julie's son, after all. How could I do him any harm? And those stocks will indeed rise next week, provided he exercises restraint and doesn't succumb to greed. Melissa, have I erred in some way?"

Melissa found herself at a loss for words.

She remained silent. Her gaze lingered on Marcus, a silent witness to his presence in her life and her inability to resist him. With the arrival of his parents, Melissa sensed a shift in their relationship dynamics.

No, it actually happened with Marcus’ revelation about him ending things with Violette.

Self-doubt crept into Melissa's thoughts.