"It's nothing major," Rena reassured softly.

“Just a hiccup. We'll smooth things over in a day or two."

It wasn't Mark's place to pry into their relationship.

Conversation over, Rena ended the call. Vera shot her a questioning look.

"No plans on heading back tonight?"

Perched on a barstool, Rena faced a vast pane of French glass, showcasing more than half of Duefron's nighttime skyline. Central to the view was Exceed Group's illuminated tower, blazing like a beacon.

Tears glossing her eyes, Rena's smile was wistful.

“No, I'll stay at a hotel tonight."

Vera clinked glasses with her.

"What about the kids?" she probed.

Rena's gaze dropped to her shimmering crystal glass, her mind seemingly elsewhere.

“If I'm not there, he'll surely head home early.”

The rift between Waylen and Rena had its roots in the Smith family's party the other night.

That night, Rena encountered Harrison.

Waylen acted like the bigger man and even asked Harrison to take care of Rena for him. Yet, post-celebration, he arrived uncharacteristically early to fetch Rena, almost like he suspected there was something going on between Rena and Harrison.

Rena's refusal of Harrison's ride was fortuitous; otherwise, Waylen's reaction could have been unpredictable.

Still, the evening concluded with Waylen whisking Rena to their post -nuptial villa, where passion reigned through the night. Amidst their fervor, Waylen's words lacked their usual filter.

Rena wished she could forget all those unpleasant things he said in a fit of angry jealousy.

This episode, seemingly concluded, lingered. Waylen's routine altered --late departures, early returns, yet constant surveillance on Rena, whether through personal tracking or via a bodyguard.

What appeared protective in his defense was, in truth, surveillance.