Julie stared in disbelief.
After a while, she stuttered, âWell.
.
I didnât mean to hide it from you.
Mr.
Fowler found out about it himself.
In factâ¦â
Melissa patted her shoulder.
âItâs not your fault, Julie.
Letâs go inside.
â
Julie nodded, but she still couldnât shake off her guilt.
Marcus had recently handed her five hundred thousand dollars.
Melissa had always prided herself in her belief that she could be well off without a manâs help.
Julie was afraid Melissa might feel upset by her receiving Marcusâ money.
The corridor was dr@ped in soft shadows, the light barely reaching its corners.
Melissa asked about Matthew, and Julie replied, âI just put him to sleep.
I got worried about you.
â
Melissa simply nodded.
The windows of the apartment were baby-proofed.
Besides, Matthew was a sweet and obedient at ordinary times.
Melissa confided in Julie about Marcusâ behavior.
Julieâs eyes widened in shock.
âThatâs so strange.
Whatâs up with Mr.
Fowler? Thatâs not how a family should be.
Itâs like you two are caught up in some secret thing.
And him forbidding you to marry?
Thatâs just not right.
â
Melissa managed a sad smile.
Even Julie found Marcusâ actions ridiculous.
She said reassuringly, âDonât worry! If he tries anything with Matthew, Iâll fight back.
Iâll go to his office and tell everyone about his shady dealings.
Letâs see if the Fowlers can handle the fallout.
â
Melissa shook her head, saying, âLetâs not make things worse.
He wonât push me that far.
â
Having worked as Marcusâ secretary, Melissa knew his methods.
He liked to see his opponents suffer, swooping in only when they were vulnerable.
Melissa felt like a pawn in Marcusâ game.
Today, he had tried to snag her into his scheme.
And she knew this was just the beginning.
Melissa aired her concerns, prompting a stunned response from Julie.
âWhatâs our next move, then? Shall we consider relocating to Heron?â
Melissa shook her head.
âItâs too late.
â
She resolved to go with the flow, contemplating a discussion with Violette should Marcus push things too far.
She firmly believed no woman would tolerate her partnerâs infidelity.