Two days later, after wrapping up work, Melissa headed to her car.

Before she could hop in, a familiar face emerged from another car-

Ryan.

Straight to the point, Ryan said, “Melissa, can we talk for a sec?"

After all that had transpired, Melissa wanted nothing to do with him.

She declined promptly, "No need. There's nothing Left between us. Oh, and I'll be donating the gift you gave me."

Ryan's eyes held a depth of emotion.

After a long pause, he murmured, “You still blame me for what happened, don't you? But Melissa, it was my backing off that led you to Marcus. If I hadn't let go of us, what would you have done?"

"This is pointless."

Melissa tossed her briefcase into the white Bentley and moved to get in.

But Ryan grasped her hand suddenly, leaving her stunned.

He released her hand quickly, a bitter smile on his lips. "I'm leaving the country and will be transferred to some remote place. I heard it was Marcus' idea and that it was arranged through HR. I think it's because of that wedding gift I gave you. Melissa, I'm not out to cause trouble. I just need a chat. There's stuff you might not know, like what went down with Shawn last time. Doesn't it seem fishy? How'd he score that gig and cash? And hooking up with his boss' girl? Plus, who'd go for him with that mug?"

Melissa asked icily, "What's your point?"

Finally seated in a cafe across from her workplace, Ryan passed her a recorder pen. He grinned, saying, “Got a good rapport with Mr. Roger Hill from Fowler Group. I recorded him blabbing while he was sloshed. Turns out, Marcus set Shawn up from the get-go. Even arranged for Shawn's fling with that woman. And when Shawn got busted, Marcus bailed him out big time."

Melissa gazed at Ryan in silence for a moment, and then flicked on the recorder pen.

She recognized Roger's voice, though it came in bits and pieces. Yet, the message was clear.

Finally, Roger stuttered, "Shawn's like a puppet in front of Marcus Fowler. Marcus handed him twenty million as hush money but Shawn kept tight-Lipped. He tried crawling back to his wife but she wouldn't have a bar of it."

Ryan smirked, remarking, "Do you hear that, Melissa? Your man isn't what he seems. He's just a slimy snake, willing to do anything for your forgiveness."

With a sigh, Melissa switched off the recorder and slid it across to Ryan.

Ryan looked stunned. “Aren't you mad? Don't you want to grill him on this?"