Edwin's voice dropped to a hushed tone as he disclosed, "I might be a bit busy later. You can find something to occupy yourself with. If you ever get bored, you could go back to Czanch with my parents. The Evans Gardon is vast and quite intriguing."

But Laura declined the offer.

She yearned to be with Edwin. Even if he had a demanding schedule, he had to return home each night.

Laura softly suggested that she could learn to cook.

Edwin hesitated; he wasn't keen on Laura taking up cooking duties.

After some contemplation, he resolved to arrange for someone from the villa to prepare meals for her. As for the upkeep of their apartment, he could tackle it during his days off.

Seeing Edwin's compromise, Laura beamed with joy. She dashed out of the kitchen, clutching the plate of strawberries, and proceeded to enjoy her treat.

Edwin shook his head slightly.

Just then, his phone chimed with an incoming call from Alexis.

The background noise on the call hinted that Alexis might be at the airport.

As expected, Alexis exchanged a few words with Edwin and prepared to board her flight.

She was in the midst of preparing to pass through security when her phone chimed again.

Assuming it was Edwin, she answered with an intent to address the matter upon her return.

"Edwin, let's discuss this when I get back.

Something just came up with Calvin, and I need to go meet him right away."

A protracted silence hung on the other end of the Line.

Leonel asked, "Are you heading to meet Calvin?"

Finally checking the caller ID, Alexis realized that it was Leonel on the line. She rolled her eyes and countered, "Mr. Douglas, does this concern you?"

Leonel's tone carried a touch of tension.

"What's the reason you're visiting him?"