With that, Cecilia excused herself and departed.

Observing her retreating figure, Mark felt his fingers clench tightly.

Flora playfully remarked, "She must be furious. You ought to soothe her if she's upset. Don't drag me into your mess, really. I'm concerned about you both... If you and she end up together, remember to give me a grand gift. It's not every day I'm so magnanimous.”

Mark brushed off Flora's remarks and quietly left...

Cecilia proceeded to a secluded terrace, where she gazed quietly at the river in the distance, her eyes brimming with tears.