Next day, he came down with something.
After the morning meet, Noreen whisked him off to the hospital, with a staffer tagging along for a noon banquet.
In the VIP lounge, Leonel rested with his eyes shut.
He had just been checked.
Noreen would be handling everything else.
In the bright light, he looked dashing.
Dr@ped in a light gray coat over a dark sweater, he cut a fine figure.
âMr.
Douglas, youâve lost weight,â a woman remarked, covering him with her coat.
Her fussing felt a bit much.
Leonel snapped his eyes open, his brow furrowed.
The woman was his fresh PR manager and she was supposedly a whiz at mingling and handling sticky situations, but Leonel didnât expect her to try her moves on him.
Leonel shrugged off the coat, ready to give her a piece of his mind.
Just then, Alexis strolled in.
Their eyes locked and both were caught off guard, especially Alexisâ¦
She spotted the gorgeous PR manager beside Leonel and gave a faint smile.
The PR manager was sharp.
She sensed Leonelâs lack of interest, so when she spotted Alexis, she gave a polite nod and quietly made herself scarce, avoiding any awkwardness.
Once she left, Leonel hurried to explain.
âSheâs just an employee.
Nothing more.
She is just here because of the midday banquet laterââ
Alexis didnât dwell on his explanation.
Calmly, she said, âThere is no need to explain.
Weâre separated now, so itâs cool if youâre seeing someone⦠Leonel, letâs move forward and start fresh!â
Alexis felt stuck in the past was pointless after their split.
Leonel got her drift and didnât press on.
He just gazed at her quietly.
After a beat, he asked softly, âAre you thinking of finding someone new?â
Alexis didnât give a direct answer, merely running her fingers through her hair gently.
Leonel felt a pang of disappointment.
Just then, Alexisâ assistant barged in, looking surprised at seeing Leonel, but quickly briefed Alexis, âItâs time! Your turn for the ultrasound, Miss Fowler.
â
Alexis rose, saying, âGot it.
â
But as she moved forward, Leonel grabbed her wrist.
She turned to face him.