After tasting it, Jessie admitted, “This is delicious."

Melissa replied with a modest smile, "I don't play the innocent or sweet role around Marcus. Let's not bring him up again. I'll focus on cooking. Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes."

Jessie nodded happily.

In half an hour, Melissa prepared several delightful dishes.

She then brought out a bottle of wine, suggesting, "It's chilly. How about a little wine?"

Jessie was taken aback and said, "That bottle's worth a fortune, isn't it? Melissa, aren't you being a bit extravagant?"

Caressing the wine bottle, Melissa smiled and said, “It's from Mr. Waston's preferred winery. They gave me as a gift.”

Seeing Melissa in a new Light, Jessie said, "You're using Albert as your ATM, aren't you?"

Melissa didn't keep it from Jessie and said, "Sticking around Mr. Waston did have its perks."

"Opportunist," Jessie commented, pouring herself a glass of wine and downing half in a single gulp.

Melissa intervened, "That's not how you're supposed to enjoy it."

But Jessie was undeterred. "Doesn't matter. I'm crashing here tonight.

We're both in the same boat of loneliness. Stop the act, Melissa.

You're just pretending. You were much more endearing back then, chasing after Marcus with nothing but courage in your pocket. You might not have been his choice, but you had guts. Now, that charm seems lost."

Melissa remained unfazed, her face a mask of tranquility.

Recalling old times, she also poured herself a glass of wine and had a sip.

She aimed to enjoy the wine without overindulging.

On the other hand, Jessie was intent on not leaving Melissa's side.

She drowned her sorrows in alcohol, becoming thoroughly drunk before midnight struck. Slumped over the table, she started muttering Albert's name.

Observing Jessie's intoxicated state, Melissa couldn't help but shake her head.