In reality, these factors were unreliable. Only by establishing her own career could she truly assert independence from him. She wanted to stand by his side as his equal.

Once Melissa finished talking, Marcus clearly didn't want to argue.

He gently touched her cheek and said, "Alright, we'll discuss this next year."

It was rare for him to be so open and communicative, which made her heart sing. Since they reconnected, he had been more proactive. While she usually didn't take the lead in getting close to him, now she felt a desire to be intimate.

As she sat on his lap, his dark eyes clouded. "Melissa, do you realize what you're doing?"

He whispered in her ear and his breath tickled her skin. "You're treading on thin ice."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, lifted her head, and kissed his smooth chin. He smelled of aftershave.

Marcus didn't respond but glanced down at her.

Melissa's cheeks were flushed. Shy but determined, she continued to kiss him deeply. Eventually, he gently removed the thin blanket covering her, cupped her face, and deepened the kiss. His voice was soft. “We'll leave at half past eight. That means we still have thirty minutes. Melissa, where did you pick up these skills?"

After the make-out session, her face was as red as a ripe apple.

After showering and getting dressed, Melissa had breakfast. Then she sat in Marcus' car.

After two days of closeness, Marcus wasn't just energetic but also in high spirits. He leaned over to fasten Melissa's seatbelt and whispered, “My dad called. He wants to keep Matthew for two more days. How about I take Julie over to stay with Matthew as well?"

Melissa shook her head and expressed her concerns. “I don't think it's a good idea. Julie might not feel comfortable staying there."

Marcus respected her decision and kissed Melissa.

He dropped Melissa off at the Waston Group first. As she exited the car, he drove to his own company. While Melissa was in the elevator, Albert's second secretary arrived. Something seemed off about her so Melissa inquired, "Is everything alright?"

After hesitating for a moment, the second secretary finally spoke up.

“There's been an incident at the head office. Mr. Waston's father had a heart attack and passed away last night. He flew back to Heron immediately."

Melissa was taken aback and quickly pulled out her phone to check the news.

The headlines indeed covered the news of Albert's father's passing in Heron. The accompanying picture showed Albert standing with his father's wife, portraying a solemn and harmonious scene.

However, Melissa was aware of the long-standing conflicts within the Waston family.