The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 163

Jocelyn hadn’t expected that the issue would weigh so heavily on her mind. The more she worried, the more it showed how much she cared.

Sincerity is always the key,” Jocelyn said earnestly. “Why not just be sincere?”

Melvin fell silent for a moment. “How do I do that?”

Jocelyn was at a loss for words.

“I’ve got it.” Melvin suddenly said, as if a light bulb had gone off in his head.

“How?” Jocelyn was curious.

“Just come over after dinner. I’ll be waiting at my place,” Melvin teased.

Jocelyn was speechless.

After hanging up the phone, Jocelyn really wanted to know how Melvin planned to win over her parents.

She parked her car in the neighborhood and spotted Harrison’s vehicle, which made her hesitant.

After paying the taxi fare, she walked upstairs. The door was ajar, and she could hear the laughter and chatter inside, as carefree as a family gathering. Her frown deepened.

If Melvin saw this scene, he’d be furious.

“Mom, Dad, Jocelyn called out.

“Come in,” Daisy greeted her, her tone neutral. She relaxed slightly when she saw Jocelyn was back alone.

Jocelyn knew her parents had their reservations, but she hadn’t expected them to be so cautious.

“Why are you free to drop by today?” Jocelyn asked Harrison.

“My mom sent some grapefruits over and asked me to bring them to you,” Harrison replied casually.

“Grapefruits? Already ripe now?” Jocelyn was genuinely curious,

“Yeah.” Harrison said. “Try some later.”

“Sure.”

Daisy popped her head out from the kitchen. “Jocelyn, come help me with the dishes.”

Jocelyn rolled her eyes. Harrison chuckled and stood up. “I’ll help out.”

Calvin didn’t object.

During dinner, Calvin and Daisy treated Harrison far better than they ever did to Melvin. It was as if Harrison was a dear son returned home, while Melvin was the forgotten stepchild.

“Harrison, come over more often, and don’t bother to bring anything.”

After dinner, Daisy continued to shower Harrison with affection.

“Sure. I’m working here now, so I’ll be over to visit you often. Just don’t get fed up with me,” Harrison said with a

smile.

“Of course not,” Daisy said warmly. She genuinely liked Harrison. If only he could be her son-in-law. How wonderful that would be.

But her ungrateful daughter just couldn’t see the gem right in front of her.

With this in mind, Daisy couldn’t help but cast a couple of extra glances at Jocelyn.

Sensing her mother’s sharpening gaze, Jocelyn tactfully said, “Mom, Dad, I’m heading out.”

“I’ll walk you,” Harrison chimed in.

“Thanks.”

“We’ll be off then.”

“Take care and drive safe.” Daisy’s face lit up with warmth as she spoke to Harrison, her enthusiasm unmatched even by her own daughter.

Once they were downstairs, Jocelyn let out a sigh of relief.

As Harrison buckled up and noticed her demeanor, he asked, “What’s up? I sensed some tension between you and your parents during dinner.”

“I’ve introduced Melvin to my parents,” Jocelyn rested her head on her hand, the weariness seeping through her voice.

Harrison paused, then drove off, “Not looking good?”

“Pretty awful,” Jocelyn admitted, ready to vent. “Good thing Melvin didn’t come today. If he’d seen what went down, he’d drown in jealousy.”

“Maybe I should visit less often then,” Harrison said as he drove out of the neighborhood. “Are you heading to your place or his?”

“Mine.”

Harrison’s grip on the steering wheel relaxed slightly. “Melvin’s willingness to meet your parents means he’s serious about you. He’s taking on things he wouldn’t normally for your sake. Give him some time. He’ll figure it out.”

Jocelyn wasn’t so sure, especially with Harrison setting such a high benchmark before. It seemed unlikely her parents would accept Melvin.

“Trust him,” Harrison reassured her. “Your Mr. Right will clear any obstacle for your happiness.”

Jocelyn hoped so. She had thought that getting past Melvin would lead to a happy ending, but she hadn’t anticipated her parents becoming the stumbling block.

It left her wondering how Melvin would handle it.

When they arrived at her apartment, Jocelyn unbuckled her seat belt.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” Harrison stayed in the car. “I won’t walk you up.”

“Sure.”

Jocelyn closed the car door and waved goodbye.

Harrison drove off without lingering.

As he turned the corner, another car approached from the opposite direction. Its headlights were blinding. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

In the brief moment their paths crossed, the drivers recognized each other.

Harrison saw Melvin, and Melvin saw him.

The cars passed by, but Harrison’s expression turned ice cold.

Having just entered her apartment, Jocelyn was surprised by the elevator doors opening again.

She turned to see Melvin stepping out.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Looking for you.”

“Didn’t I text you I wouldn’t be coming over tonight?”

Melvin took her hand and led her inside. He ushered her to the couch and sat on the coffee table, ready for a

confrontation.

Jocelyn frowned, calculating the time. It was highly likely he had run into Harrison.

“Harrison was at your parents’ too?” Melvin’s mind raced.

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Jocelyn pursed her lips and nodded.

Melvin’s brow furrowed. “They didn’t want me there, so they could set you up with Harrison.”

“They might not have accepted you yet, but they wouldn’t play matchmaker knowing I’m with someone,” Jocelyn took his hand. “Harrison and I are just friends.”

“You may see him as a friend. But does he see you the same way?”

“Of course. We’re completely frank with each other.”

Melvin gripped her hand tightly, “It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s him I’m wary of. I’m a man too. I know what’s going through his head.”

“So what should I do?” Jo looked at him, a hint of frustration in her gaze. “All I can offer you are my words that he and I are just friends. Beyond that, I’m at a loss for how to prove to you that I’m telling the truth.”

Melvin knew the problem wasn’t with her. It was Harrison who was a formidable rival.

After all, Jocelyn’s parents had taken quite the shine to Harrison.

He furrowed his brow and sat down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. His mind was racing for a way to turn the tide in his favor.

If Jocelyn’s parents didn’t approve of their relationship, it would only make things more difficult. Troubled love was a real headache.

“What’s on your mind?” Jocelyn asked, seeing his silence. “Getting cold feet?”

Melvin tightened his grip on her shoulders and snorted, “Not a chance.”

Jocelyn pressed her lips together and smiled. “You’re pretty determined.”

Melvin felt like she was taking pleasure in his predicament and suddenly pinned her down on the couch. “Feeling smug?”

“Not at all.” Jocelyn struggled to keep a straight face, “I just never expected you’d be so troubled over parental approval.”

“If it were anyone else, do you think I’d care?” Melvin vented his frustration with a fierce kiss on her lips, not releasing her until she winced in pain.

Jocelyn shot back just as fiercely, “If it were anyone else, I’d be married by now.”

Melvin’s gaze darkened instantly. His hand gently encircled her neck, his thumb sliding up, tilting her head back. “Thinking of someone else?”

In his grip, Jocelyn seemed to be at his mercy.

But she was far from intimidated, her heart pounding as she threw down a gauntlet. “I’ve set a deadline to be married by thirty. I’m twenty-seven now. You still have time to figure something out.”

Melvin’s brows knit together. His eyes were a tumultuous sea of emotion.