Yet, she felt no regret or fear.

Marcus kissed her cheek, his voice light but laced with frustration.

“I really feel like killing you now!"

She allowed the kiss without protest.

Melissa, far from being upset, laughed weakly. Once the pain subsided, she leaned back against the wall and whispered, "Marcus, remember when you stole my client and backed me into a corner? You should've known better than anyone that this was coming our way."

She paused, and then went on with a raspy voice, “You always do whatever you want, without sparing a thought for anyone else's feelings. Yes, you're the noble Marcus Fowler! You don't have to consider me, because without me, there are plenty of women ready to fall into your arms! And you can use them to get under my skin. But Marcus, that doesn't affect me anymore."

Melissa calmly indicated their dispute was pointless.

She nudged him gently. "Let me go!"

Marcus released her but didn't leave. Instead, he took a seat on the sofa and lit a cigarette...

Melissa lost the desire to shower. She grabbed her clothes and began to dress.

As she was leaving, he murmured, "You're right! You are your own person. I really had no right to interfere. I'm sorry, and I won't intrude into your life again."

After pausing for a moment, Melissa opened the door and stepped out.

On her drive back, she rolled down the window, letting the chilly breeze help soothe her frustration and disappointment. This helped her shake off some of her sadness.

She made it back home without any issues.

As soon as she walked in, she noticed a pair of men's leather shoes that looked very expensive.

She was taken aback for a second, and then looked up to see Thomas.

Julie was in the kitchen making tea for Thomas. When she saw Melissa, she cheerfully said, "Mr. Smith mentioned he was an old friend of your mom. He stopped by to visit you and Matthew, and even brought a bunch of presents."

Julie was clueless about the real situation. She just thought Thomas was a sophisticated and attractive man.

Trying to keep her cool, Melissa took off her coat and slipped into her house shoes.

She didn't want to drag Julie into this mess, so she fixed her gaze on Thomas and said calmly, "Yes, he was a friend of my mother."