He stared at her for a long time before speaking slowly. "What do I think? Well... I think that you love me very much..."

It was difficult to stay mad- not when his handsome face was so close, his eyes looking at her with affection as he spoke gently.

Janet could only hold out for so long before she folded.

Marcus watched the anger leave her face, her expression softening.

Pulling her closer, he lowered his head and kissed her before murmuring, "Don't be mad anymore, okay? Things turned out for the best. Shawn won't likely do anything reckless in the future, and Janet has also found her own goal for herself. I heard from Julie that she got promoted recently. Shouldn't we be happy for them?"

Melissa nodded in acquiescence. The next moment, she bit his lip.

“Ouch! What was that for? My lips are bleeding!"

Marcus pressed her against the counter, kissing her hard and long.

Even when they parted for air, Melissa's annoyance still lingered and she resisted him. She leaned against his shoulder and said, “You're supposed to be cooking."

Marcus' eyes were burning as he looked at her. Heat crept over Melissa's cheeks at his intense gaze.

She broke free and escaped to the living room, turning on the TV to watch the news before dinner was ready.

The report played. “Business giant, Weldon Smith, has died in the hospital this evening due to stomach cancer...”

There was no visible change in Melissa's expression, but her hands trembled as she gripped the remote.

Footages of Weldon were played on the screen. There was also one of Vanessa wearing sunglasses, hurriedly walking away from the cameras.

The other members of the Smith family were also there. Some of them wore grave expressions while others looked angry, mostly because of the unequal distribution of the inheritance.

He's finally dead. It was the only thought running in Melissa's mind.

Now, she was truly orphaned.

Marcus walked over to her. He had also seen the news. He stood behind Melissa quietly for a long time before placing the mutton chop on the table. “Dinner is ready," he called gently.

It took her some time to snap out of her daze and look at him.

Her eyes were filled with unshed tears. Marcus smiled gently at her and reached out. "Come here."