Marcus wore a dark sweater and carried a grey coat on his arm. He appeared ready to leave the place.

Caught off-guard, Melissa fell into his arms.

He held her with one hand and said casually, "Oh, you're back?"

He glanced around and said, “Julie just took Matthew to the park."

Melissa wondered why Marcus was there then. Before she could ask, like he anticipated her question, he said, “I brought something for Matthew. I'm leaving now!"

As he put on his coat, Marcus noticed Melissa's suitcase and commented, "I'd like to have a word with you about Matthew. Are you available now?"

He sounded polite yet detached.

Though hesitant, Melissa didn't want to be rude.

She set down her suitcase and replied, "Sure!"

Marcus opened the door and said, "I'll wait for you at the coffee shop around the corner then." Then he went downstairs.

After Marcus closed the door, Melissa stood there for a while before she regained her composure. She then headed to the bedroom with her luggage. Without changing her clothes, she simply washed her face and left.

The past month had kept her very occupied and caused her to shed a lot of weight. She removed her coat when she got to the coffee shop.

Marcus ordered a coffee for her.

She took a sip and glanced at Marcus as he said emotionlessly, "I heard about your promotion, so I suppose congratulations are in order, Miss Brown."

This tone was cold and full of mockery.

But Melissa seemed unfazed.

She smiled back and replied, “How kind of you, Mr. Fowler."

He leaned back in his chair, watched her quietly for a moment, and then continued, “What's your plan for Matthew? Do you intend for him to continue to stay with you like this?"

With her coffee in hand, Melissa countered, “Do you plan to take care of him? Didn't you mention before that Matthew wouldn't be the rightful heir to the Fowler family if we weren't together? If that's the case, it's better for Matthew to stay with me."

To her surprise, Marcus nodded approvingly and said, "That sounds like a good plan."