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.

Melissa acknowledged that their current situation stemmed largely from lust. In blunt terms, Marcus wasn't hesitate to seduce her with his physical charm, and with their past relationship, a flame easily reignited.

With his tie secured, Marcus approached Melissa, tenderly caressing her face as he spoke in hushed tones.

“Just let me know, and I can assist Shawn. You want Julie to be happy too, don't you, Melissa?”

Melissa responded with a restrained smile.

"Marcus, you always have conditions for being nice to others, don't you?"

He offered no denial.

Business was in Marcus' blood. At the tender age of 18, his father sent him overseas, expecting him to become self-reliant. Marcus knew he couldn't reclaim control of the Fowler Group unless he proved himself worthy.

The same applied to Leonel and Edwin.

Scott and even Marcus' son, Matthew, were destined to tread the same path.

However, Marcus refrained from alarming Melissa, recognizing that their parenting philosophies differed significantly. While Melissa viewed Matthew as gentle, innocent, and endearing, Marcus understood that Matthew carried the legacy of the Fowler family in his veins.

Regardless of his charming demeanor, Marcus believed that elite education would inevitably shape Matthew differently from ordinary children.

Marcus avoided confrontation with Melissa, opting instead to lean in for a kiss.

"The snowfall is heavy. I'll chauffeur you to the office."

After expressing his thoughts, Marcus frowned, likely reflecting on Albert's situation.

He had learned from James that Albert had recently ended his three-year relationship with Jessie. Being astute, Marcus could sense the underlying reason for Melissa's change, likely influenced by Albert.