“What's the matter?"

Melissa protested as he pinned her against the door with ease.

Marcus' expression turned somber.

He gently grasped her chin, murmuring, "You talk about Matthew's vulnerability. How could you subject him to the stigma of a single-parent upbringing then?"

Melissa's chest rose with suppressed emotion.

Meeting Marcus' gaze, she was certain he was seeking confrontation.

Her tone cold, Melissa countered, "Is that really my choice to make, Marcus? Have you considered my perspective? If you didn't just the Summit Ltd. case from me, we might still work things out. But what's left for me afterward? Should I become a conniving villain, abandoning Mr. Waston in his time of need? Oh, yeah. You did give me one more option. I quit my career, marry you and be your silent partner, existing solely at your whim behind closed doors. You just wanted a docile housewife, didn't you?"

With Matthew nearby, Melissa lowered her voice, admitting, “Regrettably, Marcus, neither option appeals to me."

Marcus' demeanor grew colder.

Gradually releasing her, he stepped back.

Sporting a slight smirk, he mockingly bids, “Goodnight, Miss Brown."

Melissa hoped for a constructive conversation. Although they were no longer together, they still had Matthew to consider.

They should, at the very least, maintain civility for the child's sake.

Upon seeing Melissa, Marcus' tone turned sharp, leaving her unable to express herself freely. Feeling embarrassed and unable to speak her mind, Melissa opened the car door, got in, and drove away.

Marcus stood stoically in place.

Olivia rushed over from a distance, breathless. "Marcus, Melissa left the gifts behind."

Olivia's voice grew weaker as Marcus remained impassive.

Predictably, Marcus responded coldly, "She didn't want them."

Olivia frowned. "Because Violette's mother embarrassed Melissa. Marcus, you don't even like Violette. Why use her to antagonize Melissa? What if you can't win Melissa back?"

Disregarding Olivia, Marcus walked away. "Who said I'm trying to win her back?"