Marcus stood in silence opposite the bathroom.

He observed Melissa and Albert silently, noting their interaction.

Their relationship wasn't particularly intimate.

It seemed to be an emotional connection between a man and a woman.

Thus far, Melissa has not reciprocated such sentiment towards Marcus, yet Albert seemed to have garnered it effortlessly.

In that moment, Marcus perceived that Melissa held Albert in higher regard than him.

As the Fowler family heir, Marcus deemed it beneath his dignity to engage in conflict with Albert. Calmly, Marcus informed Melissa, "I'll be waiting in the car."

Melissa met Marcus' gaze.

Albert pressed his fingers to his temple, addressing the young man, “Marcus, please hear me out..."

Marcus' tone remained cool as he remarked, "I must thank you for looking after Melissa all these years, Uncle Albert."

With that, Marcus departed.

Albert glanced back at Melissa, exhaling softly.

"I've put you in a difficult position, haven't I? You're free to resign if you wish," he offered.

Whatever she needed, he would provide it.

Melissa shook her head resolutely.

"I won't resign," she declared.

Observing Albert's unease from excessive drinking, Melissa spoke gently, "Mr. Waston, you've misunderstood something. You believe you'll worry about me once you return to Heron, but let me pose a question for you. If Jessie were in my shoes, would you feel concerned for her? Would you allow her to drink this much?"

Albert was taken aback.

Turning the faucet on, Melissa splashed cold water on her face, composedly remarking, "You wouldn't. Mr. Watson, do you need me to point out who holds a more significant place in your heart? You, Jessie, and many others in the company might assume that I made it this far simply because you held me in high regard. However, the truth is quite different. I've remained by your side because of Jessie. Of course, you haven't treated her well either.

Mr. Watson, you took me here because I am just a secretary after all.