“What if I choose to stay with the Waston Group?" Melissa asked, her eyes searching his.

Marcus opened the window, letting in the foggy air, reducing visibility to a mere fifty meters.

He then said softly, "I'd rather not engage with Albert."

Melissa caught the implication in his tone.

Her voice was soft, yet firm.

"I'm not ready to leave the Waston Group."

She pleaded with Marcus to let her out of the car.

In a burst of frustration, Marcus confronted her.

"Is Albert really that important to you, Melissa?"

"He helped me," Melissa said, looking at the man next to her.

“Marcus, you'll never get how kind Mr. Waston is for recognizing my worth. You've had it too easy. You've never felt the pressure of being cornered, never understood desperation like I have..."

She trailed off, unable to finish her thought, when Marcus cut her off, “That's enough!"

In the car, the only sound was their breathing.

Melissa, her voice raspy, touched her forehead and said, "I need to get out of the car."

Marcus, without looking away from the road, replied coldly, “I haven't lost all my manners. I'll take you home."

He then started the car.

The ride was silent. About ten minutes later, Melissa realized they weren't going to her place. She looked over and asked, “Where are we going?"

Marcus didn't respond.

Instead, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number with one hand.

Once connected, he said as if it were the most natural thing, “Julie, Melissa's had too much to drink. I'm bringing her to my place to stay the night."