Seemingly, they were in for a late dinner.

Feeling awkward, Melissa sidled over and took a seat beside him.

Suddenly, Marcus muttered, “Poison, electrocution, maiming... Thugs these days are really ruthless!"

Melissa, taken aback, bit her lips.

Setting the paper aside, Marcus casually inquired, "You seem lost in thought. What's on your mind, Melissa?"

Melissa was fully aware that Marcus expected her to plead with him.

She didn't intend to keep anything from him. So she sat down in her chair and spoke softly. "Shawn's in a fix!"

Then, she spilled all the details to him.

Marcus glanced at the staircase.

After confirming Yvonne had retreated to her room, he shifted his gaze, poured a glass of red wine, and remarked to Melissa, “Isn't Mr. Waston in Duefron? Why not reach out to him for a hand? They say he's got connections!"

Taking a sip, he added with a laugh, “But Shawn's got guts, huh?

Messing around with his boss' girl! What's he thinking? Is he fed up with Janet, huh?"

The more Marcus rambled, the sillier he sounded. Melissa frowned, worried Yvonne might overhear them.

As if he could sense her concern, Marcus assured, "The walls here are thick. Yvonne won't catch a thing."

Before Melissa could respond, he gestured towards the dishes, saying, “Let's dig in before they get cold!"

Knowing Marcus' temper, even though she had no appetite, Melissa forced down a few bites. When she finally set her fork down, Marcus asked, “Have you had enough to eat?"

Beneath the table, Melissa grasped his hand and murmured, "I'm not hungry."

This wasn't her usual tone with him.

Marcus couldn't tear his eyes away from her, enchanted by her Lovely face.

At the same time, Melissa stared right back at him, unwavering.