Being a few years older than Marcus, he couldn't help but murmured, “Man, this boy's surely shameless."

James didn't want to go against Marcus, so he turned to Melissa and said, "Sorry, Melissa, I tend to speak my mind. Didn't mean anything by it."

"It's fine. Let's get upstairs together," Melissa said to Marcus.

Melissa wasn't one to hold grudges.

But in private, she was far from formal, always snuggling up to Marcus.

Watching them, James couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

“Damn, they're so into each other!"

Upstairs in the VIP room, the vibe was Lively.

The gang was mostly childhood buddies who had grown up teasing one another and cracking jokes, but they all knew their boundaries. With their families’ business ties, stepping out of line was a no-go.

There was one exception, however.

Marcus stood out from the rest. The Fowler family was a cut above the rest.

Jessie sat there, sipping her drink quietly. She seemed way more downcast than she was just six months ago.

That vibrant energy she used to have was nowhere to be found.

The Green family's hotel business was holding steady, neither booming nor busting, thanks in large part to Marcus’ support.

Otherwise, Jessie wouldn't even have the chance to sit here and drink with her friends.

Lost in her thoughts, a guy around her age approached.

Patrick Wayne was his name and he was a rich kid from a well-to-do family in their social circle.

He had once chased after Jessie fervently but she had been wrapped up with Marcus back then and had not given him the time of day.

Now that the Green family was facing tough times, Patrick saw his opening.

He slid in next to Jessie, poured her a glass of wine, and said generously, “Hey, I just got back from overseas and heard about your situation! Jessie, for old time's sake, if you down this glass, I'll throw a project your way."