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?"

Melissa seethed with anger but remained silent.

Jessie's eyes were swollen, resembling walnuts. She glared at Marcus and retorted, "If I had anywhere else to go, do you think I'd willingly come here? Do you think I enjoy staring at your annoying face?"

Marcus glanced at Jessie and then shifted his gaze to Melissa.

Melissa's eyes were also red, likely from shedding tears with Jessie.

Marcus snorted. "I'll let you stay for a week. Then you're out.”

Unimpressed by Marcus's attitude, Jessie turned to Melissa. “How can you tolerate him? He acts like he doesn't care about you, but it's obvious he's obsessed with you. He's such a fake."

“This is my property you're standing on," Marcus retorted, kicking the lawn.

Ignoring his remark, Jessie headed towards the villa. "Which room does Matthew sleep in? I want to stay with him."

Marcus yelled after her. “With that appearance, you'll scare him off.

Choose any room on the third floor."

As Jessie distanced herself, Melissa moved to follow, but Marcus halted her. "You've been gone for two days. Care to explain?"

Melissa bit her lip, retorting, "Explain? What do I owe you an explanation for?"

Marcus remained silent, his gaze piercing as he stared at her with his dark eyes. Suddenly, he extended his arm and pulled her into an embrace. Her slender waist seemed almost engulfed by his arms as he gently stroked it, a mixture of frustration and flirtation evident in his demeanor. “Isn't it a bit extravagant to dress like this for Mr. Waston's wedding?"

Melissa glanced down at her dress.

Her dress did indeed accentuate her figure.