Daniel maintained vigilance over his mom, his posture leaning over the edge of the bed, his expression stern.
He hadnât exchanged words with Leonel since the accident.
Evelyn leaned into Renaâs arms.
Leonel had donated 500 milliliters of blood for Alexisâ transfusion.
Standing in the room, his face was pale with worry.
If only time could rewind, he would willingly sacrifice his life to bring Alexis back.
But in reality, there were no ifs.
Waylen summoned Leonel, breaking his silence 36 hours after the accident.
In the cramped smoking room of the hospital, Waylen got straight to the point.
âWhere is that woman?â
Despite Anika setting the fire, she remained at large.
Waylen was well aware in his heart that it was Leonel who had assisted Anika.
He had suppressed his emotions for a long time, but now he couldnât hold back any longer.
Speaking in a restrained tone, he asked, âAre you still protecting her after all this time, Leonel? I may be old, but that doesnât mean Iâm more patient.
You have two hours to hand her over.
Otherwise, donât blame me for being merciless.
â
Clenching his fists, Leonel said in a subdued tone, âDad, I intend to handle her personally.
â
Waylen sneered bitterly.
âI canât even think myself your father anymore.
And what are you gonna do? Send her back to her hometown to find a suitable match? Leonel, if you want to know my greatest regret in life, itâs allowing Alexis to marry you.
â
Afterward, Waylen composed himself and stated, âI wonât intervene if you want to spend time with Evelyn for now.
However, once both she and Alexis have gotten better, I plan to send them abroad.
I will ensure Evel
nâs ear is treated.
Leonel, if her hearing cannot be cured, youâll find it difficult to face Alexis and Evelyn.
â
Leonel remained silent.
He sank to his knees before Waylen, his voice barely a whisper.
âDad, I canât bear to let Alexis go.
I love her.
â
Waylen smiled ruefully.
After Waylen left, Leonel smoked two cigarettes alone and then made a phone call.
âWhere is she? Good.
Keep her under surveillance.
Iâm on my way,â he said before hanging up.
In the dim corridor, Leonelâs shadow stretched far ahead.
His leather shoes echoed against the damp, cold floor; the sound was muffled yet distinct.
In a room resembling a warehouse, windows lined every wall, allowing frigid air to seep in through the shattered glass.
A gust of wind extinguished the cigarette clutched between Leonelâs fingers.
He Lowered his head to relight the cigarette, then glanced coldly at the woman sprawled on the floor.
Despite her stunning appearance in a champagne-colored silk nightgown, her skin bore the marks of violence.
Her once-Lustrous black hair resembled dry straw.
Anika half-knelt, squinting at him with blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.
The evidence of her cruel treatment was evident.
She no longer pondered why he would subject her to such treatment; she understood that he possessed even more ruthless methods.
Anika chuckled bitterly.
âYou refuse to touch me, yet you allow another man to defile me.
Tell me, Leonel, are you even a man?â
Leonel approached her with deliberate steps, casting a cold gaze that sent shivers down her spine.
Deep down, she was actually scared of him.