What she found inside left her eyes wide with shock.

It contained the cooperation contract between Fowler Group and Summit Ltd.

She quickly scanned through the document before fixing her disbelieving gaze on Marcus. Her voice trembled as she questioned him, “When did you sign this contract with Summit Ltd?"

Marcus responded calmly, "Just an hour ago. Melissa, the Fowler Group values the contract with Summit Ltd. greatly. We require someone to spearhead the team. If you resign from the Watson Group, this project will be handed to you. You will oversee the entire program. With that, you'll have everything-both the career and the social standing."

Melissa remained stunned.

Her gaze remained fixed on the document cover. Melissa understood that such business dealings were typical for Marcus. As a businessman, he would pursue his objectives relentlessly, especially for a project worth tens of billions. However, a thought lingered in her mind.

Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Mr. Waston has done me a huge favor when I had nothing. He needs me now, but you're asking me to betray him and the Watson Group. Isn't that selfish, Marcus?"

Marcus silently observed Melissa, his gaze unwavering.

Then he countered coolly, "So, tell me, what's your idea of appropriateness? Comforting Albert about his father's death, spending endless days and nights with him, or being at his beck and call every time he's in trouble, all for some supposed gratitude?"

Melissa stared at Marcus in disbelief at his words.

"What exactly are you implying?" she asked softly.

Marcus leaned in, gripping Melissa's wrist, and whispered into her ear, "You're well aware that Albert has feelings for you. You know he... He once had feelings for my mother. As my girlfriend, do you think it's appropriate for you to maintain contact with him?"

Melissa felt a pang of hurt at Marcus' words.

She lifted her gaze to meet Marcus' handsome face. Yes, he was undeniably attractive and influential, but he was also despicable!

How could he utter such cruelty? Three years had passed, yet he remained unchanged. Simply because she worked for Albert, he branded her as dependent on men.

Deep down, he harbored doubts about her ability to succeed independently.

Marcus probably believed that her accomplishments were solely due to Albert's assistance, leading him to forbid any contact between them, even during challenging times.

"It's just work, Marcus... If my assisting Albert makes you uncomfortable, I'll resign from Watson Group after securing what's due. But I can't abandon my commitment now," Melissa expressed with difficulty.

Marcus released Melissa upon hearing her words.

He casually flipped through the contract, his slender fingers tracing its pages as he remarked, "Are you certain? I thought you valued power and social status. The Watson Group's affairs won't be resolved swiftly, Melissa.”