It was Jenna Vaughn.

Jenna was a colleague of Mark's, holding a prestigious position; but she always knew he would soon outshine her and as a result, she valued their friendship greatly.

She recognized Mark's car parked on the roadside, strolled over and tapped on the window.

Mark stepped out of the car gracefully.

Jenna greeted him with a smile, "| thought that was your car from a distance. It's really you!"

As Mark was about to respond, his little girl hurried over with several shopping bags, her face flushed.

Jenna couldn't help but steal a few more glances.

She thought the beautiful girl appeared to be around her son's age, so she coughed and inquired, "Mark, this is..."

Not wanting his personal life to be exposed to colleagues, Mark merely smiled and said, "A junior from my family."

Merely a junior...

Cecilia's heart skipped a beat, and a sense of discomfort washed over her.

Couldn't he introduce her as his girlfriend even within his territory?

Her inner thoughts seemed to reflect on her face.

On the way back, Mark tried to console her, but deep down, he wrestled with the idea of sending her back to Duefron first. After all, with his status, openly showing up with her before their relationship was officially confirmed to the public posed risks that could greatly impact Cecilia.

He always kept his emotions hidden.

However, Cecilia could discern what he was contemplating. That night, as they lay in bed together, she nestled softly in his arms and whispered, "| won't go anywhere! Please don't send me back to Duefron, okay?”

Mark lowered his gaze and looked at her wordlessly.

Cecilia wrapped her arms around his neck and murmured, "I want to stay here."

Above all else, this was a precious opportunity for them to spend time together.

He couldn't be away in Duefron forever. They had known each other for over a year, yet they hadn't been able to really be together for more than a few days.

Mark's heart softened.

He lowered his head and kissed her tenderly.