Waylen, Edwin's uncle, awaited them in the parking area. As they arrived, he opened the door, making Laura feel a bit shy.

Edwin's uncle was quite striking!

She handed him the gifts and joined Edwin in addressing him as Uncle.

Waylen patted her shoulder, grinning at Edwin.

"Cecilia called this morning, telling us to prepare a big gift for our special guest!" he said.

Edwin pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one to Waylen.

Waylen glanced toward the villa, whispering, "Just don't let Rena catch us. She keeps a close eye on me. Ah, being handsome has its drawbacks; wives tend to be extra vigilant."

Edwin listened, knowing his uncle was only partly serious.

Waylen often joked about his wife's strictness, but deep down, he actually quite enjoyed it.

Laura, however, took his words to heart, pondering whether she should allow Edwin more leeway with smoking, provided he wouldn't smoke like a pipe.

Her eyes shone with contemplation. Edwin, noticing this, lightly touched her head.

“Don't take everything Uncle Waylen says to heart.

He's just joking!" he advised.

Laura's cheeks warmed with a slight blush.

Just then, Alexis emerged, followed by someone unexpected--Leonel Douglas.

Edwin was taken aback.

Leonel's return was a surprise.

Edwin was taken aback. Over the past few years, Leonel had rarely returned.

They hadn't crossed paths in two or three years already.

Their contact had been occasional, and Edwin was aware of Leonel's thriving life abroad, well-regarded on some financial institution where everyone admired him.