After a moment of contemplation, Alexis stated earnestly, âReturning home could be a good decision.
â
Running her fingers through Oliviaâs hair, Alexis sighed, reflecting on how, given Oliviaâs family background, sheâd likely find more happiness marrying anyone else rather than Raphael.
Nestling against Alexisâ arm, Olivia hesitated to leave.
Olivia had a fondness for Duefron-her uncle, aunt, and cousins were all here.
Leonel arrived just as dinner time was approaching, picking up Daniel and Evelyn on his way back.
The moment Leonel returned, Cordelia, who had been circling the sofa, leaped into his arms.
She opened her arms to ask for his hug.
Bending down, Leonel effortlessly lifted her, his now agile legs allowing him to steady himself with only a slight step back.
Cradling Cordelia, he planted a ki*s on her cheek before straightening her dress.
Cordelia wrapped her arms around Leonelâs neck, planting a sweet ki*s on his cheek.
Her ki*s was marked by a hint of saliva.
As her father, Leonel didnât mind in the slightest; he even indulged her with another ki*s.
Then, turning to Olivia, he announced, âOlivia, your favorite grilled fish is on the menu tonight.
â
Maintaining her grip on Alexisâ arm, Olivia replied sweetly, âThanks, Leonel.
â
âHold off on the thanks.
I need to talk to Alexis about something,â
Leonel stated as he settled onto the opposite sofa, Cordelia snug in his arms.
Olivia, quick to catch on, swiftly picked up Cordelia, suggesting, âLetâs head to the kitchen and find something delicious together.
â
Cordelia still yearned to play with her father.
Pouting to express her defiance, she accused, âAunt Olivia, bad.
â
Olivia planted a firm ki*s on Cordeliaâs cheek, declaring, âI just adore you, you sweetest little thing!â
Swiftly whisking Cordelia away, Olivia soon found herself with two million dollars deposited into her account as a gesture from Leonel.
In that moment, Oliviaâs affection extended not only to Cordelia but also to Leonel.
With the hall emptied of others, Alexis asked in a hushed tone, âYou usually only go pick up Daniel and Evelyn from school on Fridays.
â
Leonel stared at Alexis in silence.
Despite the winter chill outside, the atmosphere within the villa remained as cozy as a spring day.
Alexis wore a silk shirt paired with sleek black trousers, her recently permed long black hair cascading in soft curls.
She was a delightful sight to behold.
After observing her for a moment, Leonel spoke hoarsely, âThereâs a school event requiring both parentsâ attendance in Danielâs class.
He requested my presence, so Iâve signed up.
Alexis, check your schedule.
Itâs this Saturday.
â
Alexis met Leonelâs gaze.