Shawn rushed to defend. “Janet's more swayed by my mom."

Ignoring him, Melissa dropped another bomb. "Marcus mentioned he lent you twenty million for a dealership. Shawn, I'm all for your business working out but isn't that a hefty chunk to invest all at once?"

Shawn blushed.

With his head lowered, he mumbled, “Marcus was the one pushing for it."

Melissa found it odd. Why was Marcus so keen on bankrolling Shawn?

She smelled something fishy.

Seeing Melissa's puzzled look, Shawn hurriedly changed the topic.

Melissa let it slide.

Whatever was between Shawn and Marcus wasn't her business to pry into, after all.

Heading back with the kids, Shawn shamelessly tagged along, hoping to cozy up to Yvonne over lunch. But when they reached the villa, Marcus casually strolled downstairs.

Caught off guard, Shawn stuttered at the sight of Marcus.

Shawn hesitated for a moment before finally blurting out, “Melissa, I'll swing by another time. I have to jet."

With that, he handed Melissa the rabbit cage and bolted.

Confused, Melissa turned to Marcus.

“Why's Shawn so skittish around you?"

Rolling his sleeves, Marcus mused, “Guess I'm his loan shark, huh?"

Melissa pondered. “But Shawn doesn't strike me as thin-skinned."

Marcus grinned.

He took the cage from Melissa, examining it closely before meeting her gaze. "It's not as cute as you, though."

Melissa was left speechless.