Leonel crossed the room to shut the door.

Upon his return, Alexis leaned against the piano, sipping her coffee.

The piano was the precious Louis XII that Waylen had gifted Rena, and now Rena seldom touched it; it was almost always Alexis who played it.

Her slender form exuded an effortless grace as she rested there.

As Leonel drew nearer, he spoke in hushed tones.

"Let's set aside business for now. Instead, let's talk about our personal connection."

Alexis arched an eyebrow.

"Oh, do we still have a personal connection?"

Leonel advanced a step closer. One of his lengthy legs subtly positioned itself between hers. Alexis couldn't be sure, but it felt as though he had drawn nearer.

Alexis glanced up.

"Leonel, if you're in search of female companionship, I can introduce you to some."

She decided to splash her coffee directly onto his pants.

There was a spark of hope in her to jolt him back to reality.

The rich, dark brew marred his light trousers even further. But since it wasn't scalding hot, Leonel remained unresponsive. His gaze merely deepened, growing more mysterious and inscrutable.

Alexis set the cup aside, cautioning, "Step back. Don't get any ideas about me."

In the next instant, he clutched her shoulders firmly.

Leonel regarded her and inquired in a light tone, “Why did you help Calvin? Is it because he resembles me, or because his experiences mirror mine? Alexis, do you still have feelings for me?"

Alexis responded with a soft laugh.

“Leonel, has all this years spent abroad scrambled your brain? What on earth are you thinking? I helped Calvin because..."

Alexis inched closer to him and enunciated deliberately, "Naturally, it's because he's youthful and handsome, in great shape, and, well-endowed. Do you desire a more detailed account? I'm not opposed to sharing. We are, after all, good friends."