Ask Marcus about what he thinks about you meeting Melissa

As the Range Rover pulls into the underground garage of Rick's luxury building, you lean forward slightly in your seat, catching Marcus's eye in the rearview mirror.

"Marcus," you say in your breathy, girlish voice, "what do you think about me meeting Melissa? Like, would it be super bad?"

The car rolls to a smooth stop in Rick's reserved parking space. Marcus's shoulders visibly tense at your question, his professional mask momentarily slipping to reveal genuine concern.

"Miss Ashley," he says carefully, turning off the engine, "it's not my place to offer opinions on Mr. Bellingham's personal matters."

Rick makes a dismissive sound beside Maria. "There's nothing to discuss. You're not going to that gala."

You try to press Marcus further. "But you must know her, right? From before?"

Marcus exits the vehicle swiftly, moving to open the rear passenger door with practiced efficiency. His face is carefully neutral as he offers his hand to help Maria out first.

"I've encountered Mrs. Harrington-Bellingham on several occasions," he says formally. "She's a formidable woman who values discretion and propriety above all else."

Becky bounces out of the front seat, her pigtails bobbing. "Mom's like, super proper. She'd totally freak if she saw our family situation."

Maria smooths her rumpled skirt as she stands, looking between you and Rick with growing understanding. "The annual gala has strict security. Even with an invitation, there are staff who've worked for Melissa for years. They'd recognize Richard instantly."

You pout dramatically, sensing your plan failing before it's even formed. Rick emerges from the car last, towering over your petite frame. His hand finds the small of your back possessively.

"End of discussion," he says firmly. "Melissa and I have maintained separate lives since the divorce, and that's how it stays."

Marcus closes the car door behind you all, then stands at attention. "Will there be anything else tonight, sir?"

Rick shakes his head. "No. You're dismissed until morning."

As Marcus turns to leave, you notice something subtle but significant—his eyes linger on you for a fraction longer than usual, a flicker of protective concern evident before his professional mask returns. The MARCUS MANAGEMENT upgrade is clearly beginning to take effect, though not exactly how you'd anticipated.

Becky sidles up to Marcus, twirling a pigtail around her finger. "Will we see you for breakfast, Marcus? I could make my special pancakes..."

The former soldier gives her a polite nod. "I'll be on duty at 0700 hours, Miss Becky."

With the conversation about Melissa effectively shut down, you all head toward the private elevator that leads directly to Rick's penthouse. Your phone warms slightly in your pocket, a gentle reminder that the QUEEN BEE task remains active despite Rick's objections.

03:05 | Tuesday 5 Aug 2025 | Private Elevator, Rick's Building, London

[QUEEN BEE] | [Medium] | [Friday 20:00] | [3 days, 16 hours, 55 minutes remaining]