Meanwhile, Melissa returned to Duefron late in the evening.

Matthew had already retired to bed, while Marcus attended to business matters downstairs, steadfastly guarding the entrance.

As the car pulled in, Marcus stood up and walked out.

Two figures emerged from the darkness.

Marcus, known for his sharp tongue, slipped his hands into his pockets, lowered his head, and lit a cigarette. “Well, well! Melissa, you went out and brought back dead weight? Planning to give Matthew a stepmom?"