The entire room fell silent as everyone's attention shifted to Marcus.

Rena gently interjected, "Shouldn't she be invited inside? She's the mother of your child, after all."

Afraid of getting herself into trouble, the servant hastily clarified, “Miss Brown has arrived bearing gifts."

Observing Marcus, Rena questioned his reliability. Being elders, Rena and Waylen felt it inappropriate to personally go get Melissa especially since she had ended things with their son. Thus, Rena instructed Alexis, "Take Matthew and invite Melissa inside."

Alexis shot a glance at Marcus, deeming him arrogant.

She then lifted Matthew, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Let's go find your mom," she said, leading the way.

Prior to Melissa's arrival, Waylen sought to impart a lesson to his son. "You're becoming increasingly ridiculous. That's not your usual demeanor. Why act so cruel toward Melissa? It's chilly out there. Why leave her standing outside? Your breakup suggests a lack of consideration on your part if you ask me."

Marcus remained silent, retreating to the sofa to resume reading his magazine.

In fact, the Finch family should have departed by now, yet Violette's parents seemed reluctant to leave. What was amiss with Violette? How could she be outdone by Melissa, who lacked a prestigious family background?

Violette's parents exchanged knowing glances with her.

Determined not to concede defeat, Violette sat beside Marcus and inquired, "What are you reading?"

Marcus glanced up at her with indifference but made no move to rebuff her.

In the hallway, Alexis entered with Melissa in tow.

Upon entering, Melissa was greeted with an intimate sight. Marcus was reclining on the sofa with ease, and Violette nestled beside him.

Meanwhile, Violette's parents occupied the adjacent seating.

The scene proved uncomfortable for Melissa.

Waylen was well aware of Marcus’ intentions. Marcus deliberately flaunted his closeness with Violette to provoke Melissa. Unable to compel the Finch family to depart without being rude, Waylen resorted to bringing Matthew over and placing him in Marcus’ care. "You're not a child. Why the fascination with these magazines? Attend to the child," Waylen instructed.

Matthew leaned his head against Marcus' shoulder.

Upon catching sight of Melissa, Marcus made no effort to rise in greeting. Instead, he handed the magazine to Matthew.

Matthew, at an age ripe for play, delighted in tearing pages from magazines and crafting paper airplanes.