Marcus shut the car door, replying, “Dad, you always know me too well."

Waylen just rubbed his nose.

The Fowler family was buzzing with activity. Despite it being mid-winter, they had set up a panoramic glass room in the courtyard for the party. Many of Duefron's elite had gathered.

The official reason was to celebrate Marcus' birthday, but their real motive was to network with the Fowler family.

Naturally, some were there just for the spectacle. Violette, Marcus‘ ex, and her family were among the attendees. Now that Marcus had a son, and it appeared the child's mother had returned to him, everyone was curious about how she'd manage the situation Marcus then opened the car door.

Melissa lifted her head slightly and met his gaze. She realized that stepping out of the car meant a major leap in their relationship.

“Come on out. My dad has been waiting for us for quite a while."

Marcus spoke so softly that it was almost a caress to everyone's ears.

Violette was there too, biting her Lip.

She noticed Marcus had never used such a tone with her before.

Tears seemed imminent in Violette's eyes. Jessie, looking glamorous, casually held her drink and remarked, “Is this too much for you already? Remember how Marcus used to be so emotionally unsettled over Melissa?"

Emotionally unsettled...

Violette found it hard to believe. The thought of Marcus, typically so reserved, being overtaken by strong emotions seemed impossible to her.

Jessie, managing to keep her face neutral, added, “Marcus showered Melissa with love. How else do you explain them getting back together, given his pride?"

Violette felt a sting of jealousy. "I guess it's all because of their son."

Jessie couldn't help but mock Violette's naivety. “Seriously? Do you really think the Fowler family are desperate for heirs? Can't you bear children for him? Do you believe the Fowler family would welcome a woman back into Marcus' life after years apart just for the sake of a child? That child is cherished because it's Melissa's, because Marcus loves her. Without it, the kid would just be another faceless heir, rich but powerless."

Violette was on the verge of tears, struggling to keep them at bay as she gazed at Marcus, her eyes filled with sorrow.

Meanwhile, Melissa stepped out of the car.

Being the mother of the Fowler family's eldest grandson, she naturally captured everyone's attention. Though many envied her without knowing her full story, the presence of several Fowler Group executives who were taken aback by her appearance indicated her significance.

It was hard for them to grasp that Marcus had brought Melissa, his former secretary back then.