At her declaration, Leonel looked at her with fury.
Leonel was aware that their every move was being scrutinized by others at the event.
He had to maintain a positive interaction with Alexis, or he would become the laughingstock of the gathering.
Despite his efforts, Alexisâ actions deeply annoyed him.
Finally, he sneered.
âWhat a surprise, Miss Fowler! But how could you plan to move into my place without my consent? Donât tell me you still miss me.
Arenât your boyfriends satisfying enough? If so, Iâd be happy to introduce you to some new ones!â
His tone was deliberately flippant, intended to provoke Alexis.
Knowing Leonel well, Alexis recognized his tactics.
Instead of escalating, she gently slapped his face, a gesture more intimate than injurious.
She then caressed his cheek, her voice sultry.
âLeonel, letâs not say things like that again.
Can we agree not to irritate each other from now on?â
Her eyes were warm and tender as she spoke.
Leonel found it hard to resist Alexis, especially when she behaved so affectionately.
He could easily play along, focusing solely on his own desires.
She would be so sweet and gentle and he would have everything he had ever wanted.
But as someone living with a disability, he questioned his worthiness.
Alexis was still strikingly attractive.
And he was no longer his former selfâ¦
Leonel narrowed his eyes and gently removed her hand.
âPlease behave yourself, Miss Fowler.
I have a girlfriend.
â
âOh, really?â
Alexisâ tone was calm as ever, her stare piercing as if she could see through him.
Eventually, Leonel retreated.
He left the business party early and sank wearily into his car seat, unable to muster the strength to move.
A throbbing pain echoed through his left leg as he sat, overwhelmed by the nightâs events.
Noreen was unaware of the events that transpired at the party or the pain that Leonel was enduring.
In a subdued voice, she asked, âMr.
Douglas, donât you want to speak with Mr.
Williams? Why are you leaving so early?â
However, Leonel was not in the mood to discuss any business right now.
He closed his eyes and responded quietly, âIâll talk to him another day.
â After a brief pause, he continued, âBy the way, I need to move to another villa.
Please arrange it as soon as possible and inform Hester that I will consider her requests as long as they are reasonable.
But tell her not to push her luck; my patience is wearing thin.
â