Matthew certainly inherited his looks from his father's side, but his temper was so obviously like his mother's. He had the same fire and stubbornness as that woman.

Needless to say, he adored the boy very much.

“I will come by and see you again.”

With that, Thomas grabbed his coat and made his way to the door. To his surprise, Melissa also stood up, saying, "I'll see you off."

Thomas could only blink at her for a few seconds, but he quickly recovered from his shock.

A moment later, they walked out of the apartment building. Melissa pulled her coat tighter around her.

Thomas' driver was standing beside his car and was already about to open the door to the backseat. Thomas dismissed him with a small wave of his hand and silently instructed the man to wait inside the car. Then he turned to Melissa and said, "Matthew is very cute."

He paused for a couple of seconds before adding, “I won't beat around the bush, Melissa. The situation at home has improved significantly with us in the last few years, but we still lack a suitable heir. I am aware that things are strained between you and Marcus. But he is bound to marry sooner or later. What do you think is going to become of Matthew when that day comes?"

Melissa said nothing, though the color slowly drained from her face.

"I also know that you despise my brother, and the entire Smith family, too, but... But you are still a Smith. And so is Matthew. I hope you can think matters over carefully, for the sake of your son's future."

“No, thank you," Melissa said in a curt tone.

A cold spring breeze blew by, prompting her to cross her arms over her chest. “I thank you for taking care of me three years ago, Mr. Smith. I know you weren't obligated to take responsibility of me. But my answer then will never change. My surname is Brown, not Smith.

Besides, I have left those days of hardship behind me. What makes you think I would willingly return to such miserable times again?"

"Well, don't you want to get back at the Fowlers?" Thomas blurted out.

She just smiled. “Right now, I'm only interested in living my own life. I am done being manipulated by other people for their own selfish interests. Please don't come back again, Mr. Smith." Melissa gave him a nod, and then turned away with her chin held high.

Thomas watched her disappear into the building.

Even in the dim light, there was no mistaking her tenacity. She was so small and delicate, yet so incredibly bullheaded at the same time.

Thomas heard a car door open, and he turned to greet the man who stepped out of the vehicle.

Weldon heaved a long sigh. "She still isn't willing to forgive me!

Does she really not care about me at all?"