Chapter 2956 With a chuckle, Albert led Melissa away to mingle with the rest of the guests.
Left alone, Marcus emptied his glass of whisky in one gulp.
The liquor burned, its bitterness reminiscent of past memories.
His eyes followed Melissa's departing figure, her image blending with memories of a more innocent time, creating a complex portrait of the woman she had become.
Meanwhile, Melissa appeared calm despite everything that had happened.
It was clear she had moved on from her history with Marcus, treating him as a chapter from her past.
Upon encountering him again, her acknowledgment was nothing more than a polite nod, free from any lingering attachment.
As they bumped into each other later outside the restroom, the atmosphere shifted subtly.
Marcus, leaning casually against the wall with a cigarette in hand, watched Melissa emerge from the ladies' room, adjusting her dress with an effortless grace.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHer gaze held a hint of warmth and allure, yet Marcus was aware of the strength she had cultivated over the years.
"When did you return to Duefron?" he asked, breaking the silence that hung between them.
His voice carried a rough edge, betraying a mix of emotions.
Melissa paused, caught off guard, but then approached the sink with a practiced smile.
As she washed her hands under the gleaming faucet, she replied without haste, "I've been back for two years.
"1 Marcus watched her, his feelings a whirlwind of contradiction.
"Does Albert frequently include you in these gatherings?" he inquired, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
At his question, Melissa momentarily hesitated.
She shut off the water and faced him, her smile unwavering.
"Is participating in social events a crnow? Or is it that you disapprove, Mr.
Fowler? Remember, you were the one who deemedunfit to join the Fowler family.
Such questions are absurd.
Besides... you have someone now- a beautiful and wealthy partner.
As she spoke, leaning against the sink, the opulence of the private club's restroom, highlighted by the glow of a crystal chandelier, lent an extra layer of elegance to her appearance.
Marcus, drawn in by her poise and beauty, stepped closer, their proximity forcing Melissa to edge back slightly, though she offered no verbal protest.
With a scoff, Marcus remarked, "You sound almost jealous of her.
Melissa's response was laced with disdain.
"Please, Mr.
Fowler, don't flatter yourself.
I was naive and inexperienced back then, but I've since learned my place.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIt's best for someone ordinary liketo keep a distance from the likes of Mr.
Fowler.
You're beyond my reach.
"
With those words, Melissa pushed Marcus aside, and walked past him, leaving a trace of her scent in the air- O alreminder of what once was, yet different, stirring something within Marcus. His heart momentarily skipped a beat, betraying his emotions.
Soon after, he noticed another man engaging Melissa in conversation before she returned to Albert's side.
The event was brimming with famous celebrities from wealthyn s from backgrounds, yet Melissa stood out-hot just for her allure but for her graciousness to all. Marcus snuffed out his cigarette, turning only to find Melissa had left the hall.
Though part of him wanted to follow, he decided to stay back, understanding the need to clear his thoughts.
The night stretched on, and by the tthey left the club around eleven, Marcus was introspective, whereas Violette bubbled with excitement ve from her first experience of such a gathering, eagerly sharing her thoughts with Marcus in the elevator.