Alexis and Leonel locked eyes, their eyes revealing a mix of complex emotions.
It was the first time they had experienced such close contact since Leonel announced he had a girlfriend.
After a moment, Alexis regained composure and asked, âWhy didnât you bring your girlfriend?â
Leonel inquired, âWould you prefer if I brought her along?â
Alexis remained silent.
She believed speaking too much would reveal her inability to move on, especially with so many people present.
Leonel chose not to push further.
He suggested Edwin take his place while he attended to his little girl.
Despite his attempts to maintain composure, his leg proved troublesome.
He even found it challenging to stand, let alone carry Cordelia.
Alexis noticed something amiss.
Taking Cordelia from him, she remarked casually, âIs your gout flaring up badly? You should really consider getting proper treatment.
Enduring the pain isnât good for you.
â
Leonelâs fingers tightened as he felt the warmth lingering in his hand.
He questioned, âDo you still care about me?â
Alexis was at a loss for words.
Staring at her face, Leonel asked, âHow have you been lately? I heard youâre going on a blind date.
Have you found someone suitable?â
He had posed this question countless times.
Suddenly, Alexis grasped the reality of their numerous breakups.
She cast her eyes downward and chuckled softly.
âIf I find someone, Iâll be sure to inform you.
â
Leonel tenderly caressed his left leg and murmured, âIâll offer my blessings when that time comes.
â
Their exchange felt rather dull.
Still, Edwin listened attentively, to the point where he lost the game of chess.
Brushing it off as just an off day, he insisted on another round and requested a rematch.
Marcus gathered the pieces and scoffed.
âEven if we played ten more rounds, youâd still lose! Whatâs the point of being stubborn?â
At that moment, Edwin suddenly turned to Leonel with a smile and remarked, âLeonel, Marcus was referring to me just now.
He certainly wasnât talking about you.
â
Leonel frowned, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him.
He could tell that the two men were mocking him.
Fortunately, Waylen descended the stairs at that moment, accompanied by the servants who were prepared to serve dinner.
The atmosphere during dinner was somewhat awkward, with everyone lost in their own thoughts.
After dinner, as Leonel prepared to leave, Evelyn couldnât resist running over to him and handing him a pink hot water bottle.
âUse this, Daddy,â she said earnestly.
âItâll help with your leg pain.
â
Leonel accepted it, his eyes brimming with emotion.
Wanting to avoid disappointing his child, he replied, âAlright, thank you.
â