Ultimately, Melissa opted to depart.

She rejected his plans and decided to return to Albert.

Marcus remained seated on the sofa, his expression grave.

Meanwhile, Melissa made her way to the Fowler family mansion.

Waylen and Rena saw no reason to prevent her from retrieving Matthew.

Later, Waylen dialed Marcus and reprimanded him, “What's happening?

You two were fine yesterday. Why does Melissa seem distressed today?

She's visibly upset. What did you do, Marcus?"

In a sour mood, Marcus fabricated an excuse and abruptly ended the call.

No one realized the extent of his animosity toward Albert.

If it weren't for that man's confession at the club, Marcus wouldn't harbor such resentment towards Albert. But Albert's declaration about Melissa had fueled his animosity. Now, Melissa's rush to Heron and her breakup with him seemed to also be for Albert's sake.

Melissa remarked that he hadn't changed, and she was correct.

He remained unchanged, while she had evolved.

Melissa returned to her apartment with Matthew.

Julie, who was making dumplings, was taken aback by Melissa's return with Matthew. "What's happening, Melissa? Is Matthew feeling uneasy in his new surroundings?”

After posing her questions, Julie studied Melissa's expression and inquired, “Are you okay? Have you been crying?"

When Julie voiced her concern, Matthew also glanced up at his mother.

Despite his youth, the gravity of the situation wasn't lost on him.

Clutching Melissa's hand, he whispered "Mommy" with the innocence of a child, his gesture tender and seeking reassurance.

Tears welled up in Melissa's eyes as she bent down to envelop him in a gentle embrace, murmuring, "I'm okay."