He was notpletely out of her life.


    The reception room was silent, except for the sound of Leone''s steady breaths.


    He started breathing faster and heavier.


    He lounged on the sofa, ncing around aimlessly. He felt lost, asif a heavy weight burdened his heart.


    It felt suffocating.


    He forced himself up, pacing the room. It was like hed lost something vital, but no matter how he searched, it remained elusive.


    Later that night, Leonel drove home.


    The vi was serene upon his arrival. Stepping out of the car, he nced up at the darkened upper floors.


    As he entered the hall, a servant approached, taking his briefcase.


    (booksbybunny) Avoiding eye contact, she murmured, “Mrs. Dous took the kids to her parent''s ce. She also took Ollie.” Leonel started upstairs but paused, turning back.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Beneath themplight, he asked in a soft tone, “Did she say anything?”


    The servant shook her head. “Mrs. Dous just picked up the dog. She didn''t say much, just mentioned she wouldn''t be staying here for a while. She even offered to help find new jobs for us, too.” The servant seemed on the verge of tears. She''d been with the family for years and hated the idea of leaving.


    Hearing this, Leonel sank into the sofa, lighting a cigarette.


    He took a drag, and then rose and stepped outside. His figure vanished into the yards darkness, followed by the revving of a car engine.


    Though exhausted, Leonel couldn''t find peace.


    He knew Alexis well. Shed never ept his actions. So why did he let Anika in? Besides spiting Alexis and seekingfort elsewhere, what was he really after? He couldn''t even answer that himself.


    In his thirties and a veteran of the business world, he''d always put himself first. He knew a clean divorce from Alexis, retaining visitation with the kids, was the smart move. Maybe even remarriage, securing a sessor beyond Daniel.


    In that case, he wouldn''t have to sever ties with the Fowler family either.


    But he didn''t want that. Perhaps he''d been waiting for this moment for a long time.


    He hoped Alexis would feel something about him again, even if it was hatred.


    Around 11 in the evening, Leonel pulled up to the Fowlers’ mansion.


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