Meeting Peter's gaze, he divulged softly, “I spent the night with Cecilia, at the house on Gamous Road."

Peter reeled in shock.

After composing himself, he offered Mark tea, remarking, "You must be exhausted. Cecilia's a handful when she's had too much to drink “What nonsense! We've made amends," Mark corrected, a serious undertone in his voice.

Peter's eyes widened in disbelief.

Though Peter took a moment to process this, Mark's thoughts were elsewhere.

“I can't afford to hurt her again."

He sensed a shift in Cecilia's demeanor towards him.

Perhaps it was estrangement, or maybe she'd simply grown up.

In essence, their bond wasn't as intimate as before.

Peter, somewhat flustered, inquired, “How... How did she come around so suddenly?"

Mark's smile was knowing.

"I believe Waylen had a word with her."

He then turned the conversation businessward, asking Peter, “Are there any projects suitable for collaboration with the Exceed Group?

Offer them favorable terms so Waylen can spend more time at home with Rena and the kids."

Peter's grin was complicit.

“I'll scout for the right project to partner with them. If nothing surfaces, I'll create one."

Mark felt a sense of relief wash over him.

As fate would have it, a business associate reached out, extending an invitation for a round of golf.

Normally, Mark might decline such social entanglements.

But buoyed by his current spirits and seeking relaxation, he accepted without a second thought.