Surprisingly, Waylen and Leonel werenât discussing Alexis.
Waylen calmly rambled about the Exceed Group and why he had ditched law for it.
And, as for Leonel, he was just listening, looking as cool as a cucumber.
He wasnât dumb.
He caught Waylenâs drift.
Melissa, beside them, nearly forgot the apple.
She wondered if Waylen had really had a concussion.
Shouldnât he be dizzy?
Finally, Waylen piped up, âAlexis just had the baby and I had an accident.
Leonel, you will have to watch over Exceed Group for a bit.
â
Leonel jumped in, âDonât sweat it, Dad.
I have got it covered.
â
Right then, Alexis showed up.
Leonel glanced at her deeply.
Waylen had been talking a while but, truth be told, he was worn out.
He shut his eyes.
âYou head back.
Renaâs staying with me, and thatâs enough.
After what happened, I realized thereâs lots I havenât told her.
I need to talk to herâ¦â
Before he could finish, he nodded off.
He was deadbeat.
Alexis blinked back tears.
She bid Rena farewell.
âMom, weâre heading off.
â
Alexis left with Leonel, and after a moment of hesitation, Rena decided to follow them outside.
âLeonel?â
Rena called out to Leonel and closed the door with care, clearly intending to keep their conversation private from Waylenâs ears.
Leonel turned to face her.
Despite his pallor, he exuded a gentleness not seen during the divorce.
Perhaps it was the prospect of reconciliation with Alexis that brought him renewed hope.
This opportunity had injected vitality into him.
Understanding Renaâs unspoken concern, he glanced at Alexis and reassured her, âMom, donât worry.
I wonât pressure Alexis into anything sheâs not comfortable with.
â
Rena approached him, her steps deliberate.
She lightly placed a hand on Leonelâs arm, expressing her concern.
âI heard from Ross that your health hasnât been great lately.
Please take care of yourself and donât overexert.
â
While the words were essentially voiced for Alexisâ well-being, they unexpectedly tugged at Leonelâs heartstrings.
Despite his deep affection for Waylen and Rena, expressing it wasnât easy for the nearing-40 Leonel.