Mark bore an immense sadness within, though he concealed it behind a calm facade. With a cigarette held delicately in his hand, he approached Cecilia with a warm smile.

"Hello, Cecilia. Are you here to keep my mom company?"

Cecilia gazed up at Mark with tender eyes.

In turn, Mark looked at her quietly for a prolonged moment before taking a seat.

Zoey affectionately patted Mark and explained, "I ran into her on the street, so | brought her back. It's freezing outside. She was wandering alone early in the morning with nothing on her, so | couldn't leave her out there. Do you think I'm as cold-hearted as you?"

Zoey's words didn't provoke Mark to anger.

His attention remained fixed on Cecilia. After a while, he spoke slowly, "Let her stay in the previous room. I'll take her there.”

Thus, Mark guided Cecilia away to the designated room.

Once they left, Zoey gazed in the direction of their departure and sighed softly.

The servants didn't dare to enter the east corridor without Mark's permission.

Mark pushed open the bedroom door and gently ushered Cecilia inside.

As the door closed, he pressed her against it, his voice now harsh and laden with melancholy.

"Why are you following me? Go back to Duefron after lunch. I'll have Peter book a ticket for you.”

“Lwon't go," Cecilia asserted, her back pressed against the door, tears brimming in her eyes.

Mark reached for his phone to call Peter.

"Book a ticket for Cecilia this afternoon. The sooner..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Cecilia took hold of his hand, preventing him from continuing.

Mark's eyes grew stern.

"You must leave."

Unaccustomed to seeing him like this, Cecilia felt scared, but she gathered her courage to say, "| won't leave. Miss Holt told me that you never had any intimate relations with her."

Mark fixed his gaze on Cecilia.

After a prolonged silence, he smiled gently.