Chapter 3555: Chapter 3556

stumbled backwards.

Noreen approached, her expression one of sorrow for her employer’s heartbreak, recalling the days when Leonel and Alexis seemed inseparable.

She touched his arm, her voice soft.

“Mr.

Douglas, it’s time to return to the hospital.

”

In the quiet of the hospital room, Leonel had become Anika’s focus, her presence constant and unwelcome.

Noreen entered, documents in hand, and hesitated before speaking.

“Miss Cohen is outside, insistent on seeing you.

Mr.

Douglas, she shouldn’t linger like this.

”

Propped up in bed, Leonel appeared deep in thought.

At Noreen’s words, he offered a subdued nod.

“Let her in.

”

With a task at hand, Noreen filled a glass w

ith warm water and placed it within Leonel’s reach.

“I’ll fetch her.

Maybe it’s time to settle things.

”

Stepping out, she summoned Anika.

Anika, a mix of nerves and anticipation, eased the door open and stepped inside.

Her voice trembled slightly.

“Leonel, we—”

He observed her in silence.

Drawn to him, Anika moved closer, an impulse she couldn’t resist.

But as she inclined toward him, Leonel’s reaction was swift and startling.

He averted her advance, sending her reeling, before pulling her hair and banging her head against the bedside table.

The collision was sharp, the corner tearing a small gash in her skin.

Dazed, Anika touched the wound, her gaze never leaving Leonel.

She was at a loss, the gentleness she knew from him seemed a distant memory.

He grasped her chin, his tone icy, a warning clear.

“I told you to leave Alexis alone.

Despite her struggles, you baited her with the press at the courthouse.

”

Anika’s voice trembled with uncertainty.

“I never meant it Like that.

Leonel, you chose me once.

Now that she’s gone, why not give us a real chance? How will you know if you don’t feel the same unless we try?”

Leonel’s response was dismissive, a firm hand against her chest.

He slid a cigarette from his pocket and bent his head to light it, a plume of smoke obscuring his face.

With a cynical chuckle, he questioned, “Is there truly such a thing as abundant love?”

The color drained from Anika’s face as realization took hold.

She had never been his choice, only a pawn in his game against Alexis.

Despite the shock, a hollow laugh escaped her.