Her gaze remained fixed on the document cover.
Melissa understood that such business dealings were typical for Marcus.
As a businessman, he would pursue his objectives relentlessly, especially for a project worth tens of billions.
However, a thought lingered in her mind.
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
âMr.
Waston has done me a huge favor when I had nothing.
He needs me now, but youâre asking me to betray him and the Watson Group.
Isnât that selfish, Marcus?â
Marcus silently observed Melissa, his gaze unwavering.
Then he countered coolly, âSo, tell me, whatâs your idea of appropriateness? Comforting Albert about his fatherâs death, spending endless days and nights with him, or being at his beck and call every time heâs in trouble, all for some supposed gratitude?â
Melissa stared at Marcus in disbelief at his words.
âWhat exactly are you implying?â she asked softly.
Marcus leaned in, gripping Melissaâs wrist, and whispered into her ear, âYouâre well aware that Albert has feelings for you.
You know he⦠He once had feelings for my mother.
As my girlfriend, do you think itâs appropriate for you to maintain contact with him?â
Melissa felt a pang of hurt at Marcusâ words.
She lifted her gaze to meet Marcusâ handsome face.
Yes, he was undeniably attractive and influential, but he was also despicable!
How could he utter such cruelty? Three years had passed, yet he remained unchanged.
Simply because she worked for Albert, he branded her as dependent on men.
Deep down, he harbored doubts about her ability to succeed independently.
Marcus probably believed that her accomplishments were solely due to Albertâs assistance, leading him to forbid any contact between them, even during challenging times.
âItâs just work, Marcus⦠If my assisting Albert makes you uncomfortable, Iâll resign from Watson Group after securing whatâs due.
But I canât abandon my commitment now,â Melissa expressed with difficulty.
Marcus released Melissa upon hearing her words.
He casually flipped through the contract, his slender fingers tracing its pages as he remarked, âAre you certain? I thought you valued power and social status.
The Watson Groupâs affairs wonât be resolved swiftly, Melissa.
â
Marcusâ words left Melissa astounded.
Before arriving, Melissa had anticipated Marcusâ anger and objections to her decision.
During her journey, she even contemplated making compromises.
However, she was taken aback by Marcusâ ruthlessness.
It finally dawned on her that Marcus was really pissed by Albertâs words at the club that night.
Perhaps she had been too swayed by his smooth talk to notice it sooner, or maybe Marcus never truly believed in her.
Instead, he assumed an ambiguous relationship existed between her and Albert.
With her eyes cast downward, Melissa deliberated deeply on her true desires.
She also weighed the potential consequences of breaking up with Marcus and how it might impact Matthew.
Lost in these thoughts, she was unaware that Marcus was steadfastly watching her, his gaze unwavering.
Marcus presumed sensible individuals would make the right choice.
Finally, Melissa lifted her head and stared into his eyes.
Desperation tinged her gaze as she spoke hoarsely.
âIâve dedicated six months to this project, investing a significant amount of time and effort.
Yet, you simply snatch it away.
Have you ever considered my feelings, Marcus? You may have strong feelings for me, but Iâve made it clear that if weâre together, you must respect me and treat me as an equal.
Youâre bothered by Albertâs presence.
But do you think Iâm unaffected by the presence of Jessie and Violette?â
Marcus pursed his lips, saying, âAt the very least, consider it.
â
Melissa shook her head firmly.
âThatâs unnecessary! Mr.
Fowler, youâre still the same.
In your eyes, Iâm nothing more than an accessory.
You donât care about my feelings or my aspirations.
ALL you want is to be in control.
You envision me as staying at home, playing the role of the dutiful wife, and bearing your children, all so you can portray yourself as the perfect father and husband to the outside world.