Yet, the problem of Elaine persisted. Having abandoned Chandler, she swiftly secured another benefactor, joining a new film crew in a supporting role.

Had this been years earlier, Cecilia would have surely complained to Mark about such encounters.

Mark, always her champion, would have risen to her defense.

But now, in her thirties, Cecilia found it demeaning to feel threatened by a woman barely in her twenties.

She remained composed for a while before eventually breaking the silence.

"I'll leave the party early, around nine," she informed Mark.

Hearing this, warmth flooded Mark's heart, dissolving the unpleasant memories of his earlier encounter with Elaine.

"Okay," he agreed gently.

Though the servant had prepared dinner, Mark chose to cook something special for his children himself, wanting to be more involved in their upbringing, a period he had largely missed.

It was also convenient, given that Cecilia was mostly focusing on her career. So, he had the opportunity to step in.

As the kids relished the meal he'd prepared, Mark later cradled Olivia while overseeing Edwin's homework.

Though Edwin was a top student, he intentionally made errors in his homework, subtly seeking his father's guidance. Mark played along, feigning ignorance of the act.

Olivia, nestled against him, occasionally clapped and praised, “Daddy...

Great."

Edwin would softly pat her head in affection.

Later, entrusting Edwin to care for Olivia, Mark left to pick Cecilia up.

He felt a sense of ease, noting Edwin's growing responsibility.

Reflecting on the past, Mark remembered how he had once tended to every need of Cecilia's, even to the extent of washing her undergarments.

These memories floated through his mind as he drove to fetch Cecilia.

At the club, Cecilia departed precisely at nine, her affluent background granting her the autonomy to leave without objection or pressure.