"Vera could return at any moment. Aren't you worried about her catching us?"

Joseph captured Aline's Lips with his own, his voice thick with desire.

“With Rena around, Vera hardly spares a thought for me. And even if she does find out, it won't matter. Your charms outshine hers any day."

His words seemed to intensify the ardor between them. Aline was left breathless, well aware that Joseph's heart still belonged to Vera.

If the day came when Vera discovered their secret, it would mark the end of her Liaison with Joseph, and with it, the financial support she relied on for her education would come to an end. Consequently, Aline vowed to keep her relationship with Joseph well-hidden, no matter how cutting Vera's words might be.

As their intimate encounter drew to a close, Joseph slipped into his pants and departed, leaving behind a card containing Aline's monthly living expenses.

On the other side, Vera lent her comforting presence to Rena.

Despite Rena's tough exterior, Vera knew how to reach past her defenses. Rena patted Vera's hand and said with a chuckle, “Your bark is worse than your bite. Even though you berate Aline, you secretly transfer a thousand dollars to her meal card every month.”

Vera squirmed a bit, caught off guard by Rena's insight.

She chuckled softly.

“If she decides to be mean again, I'11 handle her, don't you worry."

The two friends shared a few more lighthearted moments before Vera turned her attention elsewhere, wondering about Joseph's whereabouts.

Rena, a mix of annoyance and amusement, teased, “Focus on your own life, Vera. Don't just keep an eye on me. I promise, I'm perfectly fine."

Rena carried on with her routine, studying and Living as she always had.

She held onto a dream of pursuing further education in Braseovell, where the renowned pianist Lyndon Coleman resided.

The mere thought of the pianist brought to mind the captivating melody of the piano once played by Louis XII. Rena couldn't help but wonder if that very piano was housed within Waylen's domain. Would he actually allow her to play it?

Meanwhile, Waylen's journey took him to Ypsila.

His purpose was clear. It was to acquire the Morning Dew piano.

Though the price was steep, Waylen knew Rena's heart's desire, and that was worth any cost.

Friday marked Waylen's return.

As he reentered the law office, Jazlyn promptly approached him, relaying.

"Mr. Fowler, Mr. Moore wishes to see you."