After the make-out session, her face was as red as a ripe apple.
After showering and getting dressed, Melissa had breakfast.
Then she sat in Marcusâ car.
After two days of closeness, Marcus wasnât just energetic but also in high spirits.
He leaned over to fasten Melissaâs seatbelt and whispered, âMy dad called.
He wants to keep Matthew for two more days.
How about I take Julie over to stay with Matthew as well?â
Melissa shook her head and expressed her concerns.
âI donât think itâs a good idea.
Julie might not feel comfortable staying there.
â
Marcus respected her decision and ki*sed Melissa.
He dropped Melissa off at the Waston Group first.
As she exited the car, he drove to his own company.
While Melissa was in the elevator, Albertâs second secretary arrived.
Something seemed off about her so Melissa inquired, âIs everything alright?â
After hesitating for a moment, the second secretary finally spoke up.
âThereâs been an incident at the head office.
Mr.
Wastonâs father had a heart attack and passed away last night.
He flew back to Heron immediately.
â
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Melissa was taken aback and quickly pulled out her phone to check the news.
The headlines indeed covered the news of Albertâs fatherâs passing in Heron.
The accompanying picture showed Albert standing with his fatherâs wife, portraying a solemn and harmonious scene.
However, Melissa was aware of the long-standing conflicts within the Waston family.
It hadnât been easy for Albert to inherit the company.
His fatherâs wife, unwilling to yield and surrender to a love child, had been fighting for control behind the scenes.
Now, with Albertâs father gone, even with a will in place, it would be challenging for Albert to ascend to power.
Melissa dialed Albertâs number.
After three rings, Albert answered, his voice hoarse.
âYouâve heard?â
âMr.
Waston, Iâm sorry for your loss,â Melissa said, trying to comfort him.
Albert nodded solemnly.
âThank you.
â
After a pause, he continued slowly, âMelissa, I might not be able to return to Duefron for the time being.
I signed a letter of intent with Summit Ltd last night, so that will do for now.
But the head office requires support, and I need my own team by my side.
Melissa, you understand what Iâm asking, donât you?â
Melissa was keenly aware of the harsh reality of battling for assets worth billions of dollars.
Albert wasnât driven by greed for wealth; he valued freedom.
However, after more than 20 years leading the Waston Group, he felt a responsibility toward the employees and subordinates who had grown alongside him.
He couldnât simply abandon them.
Albert knew that convincing Melissa to agree to his request would be challenging at this moment.
But he had no other option.
He needed a trusted ally by his side, and Melissa was his only choice.
Melissa took only ten seconds to make up her mind.
She held the phone steadily and said calmly, âMr.
Waston, Iâll catch a flight to Heron this afternoon.
â
Albert was deeply touched.
As long as Melissa remained in Duefron and by Marcusâ side, she would have everything she needed.
She wouldnât have to work hard at the Waston Group anymore.
He wanted to express his gratitude, but he struggled to find the right words.
Melissa said gently, âIâll speak with Julie.
Mr.
Waston, Iâll see you at five oâclock this afternoon.
â
On the other end of the line, Albert felt a twinge of dispirited.
He had trained Melissa to be his confidant.
While he appreciated her professionalism and composure, sometimes he wished she werenât always so composed.