Melissa retrieved several folders and remarked, "Here's the information for the key projects over the next few months. You can hand them over to Mr. Reed. Mr. Waston mentioned that Mr. Reed will be overseeing everything here going forward."

Her colleague nodded cautiously and inquired, "Are you really going to Heron?"

Melissa paused briefly, and then nodded with a subdued smile.

Her colleague seemed about to speak further but thought better of it, opting instead to exit with the files.

Once she departed, Melissa casually leaned back against the chair, lost in thought about Marcus. With only a month remaining before the end of this year, and given that they had only recently reconciled, Marcus certainly wouldn't Like her departure from Duefron. Conversely, Melissa was uncertain if she could return before the holiday.

Given Mr. Waston's significant support to her in the past, Melissa couldn't disappoint him, especially not at this critical juncture.

With resolve, Melissa dialed Marcus’ number.

Meanwhile, at the Fowler Group...

Marcus, positioned on the top floor of the building, stood by the French window, gazing out at the vista of Duefron.

He surveyed the scene below through the glass pane.

Meanwhile, his phone continued to ring insistently on the desk.

Assuming it was Melissa, Marcus chose to ignore the call.

Moments later, there was a hesitant knock on the door, and Sylvia inquired, "Mr. Fowler, Melissa is on the line."

As Sylvia entered, she noticed Marcus standing silently by the window.

Sylvia couldn't fathom why Marcus unexpectedly canceled the morning's crucial meeting and then met with a mysterious guest. Following that, he appeared to be anticipating something in his office.

Marcus pivoted to glance at the phone Sylvia held.

Indifferently, he instructed, “I'll return her call at a later time."

Baffled, Sylvia relayed Marcus' message to Melissa in a hushed tone before ending the call and exiting the office.

Once alone, Marcus wandered absently to his desk.

Retrieving his phone, Marcus noticed five missed calls from Melissa.