Jessie's gaze lingered, torn and questioning.

After a moment, Melissa added softly, "You're concerned for him. Why not a visit to Heron? He might need more than just professional assistance; maybe the comfort of company too."

This suggestion seemed to unsettle Jessie, who retorted, “I'm involved with someone else now."

Nodding, Melissa then decided to drop the subject and stay silent.

Melissa then thought about her own relationship with Marcus.

Her affection for him was undeniable. But so what?

She would probably never fully open up to him and make that commitment again.

Glancing at her watch, Melissa asked, "Should I pass along any message to Mr. Waston from you?"

Jessie's eyes lingered on Melissa, a mix of emotions playing across her face before she declined, "No! Melissa... Knowing you're there is comforting. It's confusing, really. I ought to despise him, envy you, yet I find solace in your presence by his side. I think I'm going crazy."

As Melissa adjusted her scarf and turned to leave, a thought lingered in her mind- True freedom, the kind that allowed one to act on whim, was a luxury not everyone could afford.

She reminded herself to remain cautious, not to fall too deeply or too quickly in love, until she could confidently claim the Liberty to choose love on her own terms.

The recent days had been a whirlwind of passion and sweetness with Marcus, yet their reconciliation seemed premature, failing to address the underlying issues. This realization brought a sense of sorrow, pondering how swiftly their reconciliation had turned to parting once more.

Melissa couldn't place the blame solely on Marcus or herself, rather, she simply felt a tinge of disappointment...

At two in the afternoon, her plane took off, charting a course towards Heron.

Upon her arrival, Albert had arranged for his driver to collect Melissa. Directly from the airport, she headed straight for the Waston Group's headquarters.

Exiting the car in front of the towering building, Melissa was met with familiar faces.

Acknowledging their greetings with a nod, she made her way to the elevator, unmoved by the murmurs that followed her ascent.

"She's Mr. Waston's trusted advisor! With his rise to power, her promotion is inevitable."

"You're right!"

Their gossip meant nothing to her. The elevator's slow climb ended at the top floor, ushering her into the tense atmosphere of the meeting room.