Albert examined her for a moment, but then simply smiled and said, "Very well. Get back to work."

Melissa exited the office.

Leaning against the desk, Albert lit another cigarette. As he smoked, thoughts of Jessie crossed his mind.

Yet he only smiled and waved it off.

At five o'clock in the evening, Marcus sent Melissa a message, saying, "When will you finish work?"

It was then that Melissa recalled Marcus' invitation.

Fearing he might show up at her place again tonight, she pondered for a moment before responding, "I have a dinner event that I can't skip."

Marcus didn't press the matter.

Seated in his leather chair, Marcus idly scrolled through his phone.

Sylvia reminded him in hushed tones, "The Summit Ltd case is rather significant. The potential profit is around $20 billion. Albert is placing great importance on it."

Marcus remained silent, his chair swiveling without a word escaping his lips.

Sylvia refrained from speaking, sensing Marcus' silent jealousy.

Marcus felt jealousy toward Albert?

Melissa, almost two decades younger than Albert, made their relationship seem improbable. Moreover, recent rumors circulated about Albert and Jessie.

At the Cloud Club, Albert brought Melissa to the dinner appointment, resolute in securing the deal, which pleased the other party with favorable terms.

Besides, few companies in the nation could match the reliability of the Waston Group.

Following a lengthy dinner spanning four hours, the business negotiations neared completion, with the signing of the intent contract imminent.

Albert drank a lot.

As the project lead and Albert's secretary, Melissa indulged in alcohol alongside him. By midnight, after bidding farewell to the Summit Ltd representatives, Melissa found herself sprawled over the wash basin, struggling to regain composure.

While others recognized Melissa as Albert's favorite, only she comprehended the extent of her efforts to reach this position.