Seeing Melissa struggling with their relationship, Marcus gazed at her tenderly and said gently, "Then don't be too hard on yourself. As long as you marry into the Fowler family, we're on the same team."

Melissa didn't immediately agree or refuse.

Not pushing her, Marcus simply caressed her face gently and asked earnestly, “How about we head to the bedroom and have another round?

It's rare for us to have alone time. It's not easy to be intimate when the kids are around, you know."

Hearing this, Melissa rolled her eyes at Marcus.

She declined though, saying it was too late. With a smirk, Marcus remarked, “What kind of couple in a romantic relationship doesn't have sex? Relax! Don't feel embarrassed, Melissa."

Melissa sensed Marcus was trying to manipulate her thoughts.

By the time they returned to the villa, it was nearing ten o'clock.

After bidding goodnight, Elsie retired to her room. But Matthew and Yvonne were too excited to sleep upon seeing Melissa and Marcus.

Marcus was worried Melissa might be exhausted.

With Matthew on one arm and Yvonne on the other, Marcus grinned at Melissa, saying, "I told you these two are clingy!”

Clearly, he was flirting with her.

Melissa's cheeks turned rosy...

*

It was past midnight when Albert got back to Heron.

Since he hadn't given Daisy a heads-up, she was taken aback by his sudden return. When he walked in, she exclaimed, “Albert? I didn't expect you back so soon!"

Throwing her arms around him, Daisy was met with Albert's indifferent response. "I need a bath," he said flatly, patting her on the shoulder.

With a gentle kiss on his chin, Daisy offered, "I'll run the bath for you."

Albert accepted without protest.

As he reached the bedside, he shrugged off his coat and collapsed onto the bed.