He threw himself into Melissa's arms.

Melissa crouched down, wrapping him up. His warmth had a soothing effect on her.

Yvonne joined in, hugging Melissa too.

Yvonne was close with Melissa and she immediately informed her, "Dad came over earlier with a load of seafood. Uncle Marcus is whipping up a feast right now."

Melissa was taken aback.

After Shawn's accident last time, Marcus kind of had a beef with him.

So why was he interested in Shawn's stuff now?

But Melissa didn't want to discuss grown-up stuff in front of the kids. She ushered Matthew and Yvonne inside the villa, and then headed upstairs to change before hitting the kitchen.

Marcus was whipping up some shrimp.

Spotting Melissa, he offered her some, saying, “It's fresh. Want to try some?"

She sauntered over and asked softly, "Why are you cooking?"

Marcus dodged her question.

Instead, he glanced at her red eyes. After a beat, he inquired, “Did you run into Weldon at the hospital today?"

Her eyes widened. After a moment, she exclaimed, "You had someone tailing me?"

Marcus didn't deny it.

He carried on cooking and casually mentioned, “Even if Weldon's on his last legs, I still worry if he's not six feet under. What? I'm just looking out for you and Matthew. Did I screw up?"

Melissa just couldn't stay mad at him!

She replied, "You didn't screw up."

Marcus grinned, focusing on his culinary skills.

Only then did Melissa notice he was still decked out in a crisp white shirt and suit pants. Even while cooking, he exuded an air of nobility.