After a pause, she finished her tea and set the cup down.
âYouâve already decided.
Why bother asking me?â
Leonel toyed with the cup.
âI simply donât want to let Daniel down.
â
Alexis offered a faint smile in agreement, their intimacy evident.
As the servants entered the dining room to serve, occasional smiles passed between them.
Leonel cleared his throat, inquiring, âHowâs your relationship with that young man?â
Alexis sidestepped the question, neither confirming nor denying anything.
Retrieving a magazine, she casually flipped through it before remarking, âSame as usual.
â
Leonel hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.
He felt too embarrassed to press further; doing so would appear desperate.
Meanwhile, Daniel stood on the stairs, a hint of flush coloring his typically composed expression.
It was evident heâd overheard his parents and was secretly delighted.
Catching sight of Daniel, Alexis urged gently, âGo fetch your sister for dinner, Danny.
â
Daniel nodded eagerly, hurrying to summon Evelyn.
His joy overflowed as he indulged in a hearty dinner, even taking on the role of feeding Cordelia.
Olivia was dumbstruck.
She couldnât help but muse that it was fortunate her brother Edwin didnât exhibit such behavior.
If he indulged her with food every time he was pleased, sheâd surely be way plumper.
Following dinner, Leonel opted against staying the night.
Before departing, Alexis urged him, âGive Olivia a ride.
Sheâs been rather down lately, and Iâm concerned about her driving late at night.
â
Leonel was on the verge of lighting a cigarette when he reconsidered upon hearing that, retracting it.
âAlright, Iâll see her off,â he conceded.
Just before Leonelâs departure, Alexis added softly, âTell Ross to take it easy on the road.
Itâs a bit foggy tonight.
Get some rest when youâre home and donât forget to soak your feet.
â
Leonel gazed deeply into Alexisâ eyes as she stood beneath the glow of the crystal lamp in the hallway, her beauty accentuated by its Light.
In that fleeting moment, she radiated a warmth and kindness that made it difficult for any man to walk away.
However, Leonel couldnât ignore the history of their separation, acknowledging the inappropriateness of being alone together once more.
With a final look, he silently turned away and left.
As Alexis watched him go in silence, she leaned against the door, a serene smile playing on her Lips.
On Saturday morning, Alexis was surprised to receive a package from Noreen.