Playfully, Alexis gave him a gentle kick.

“Do you really think I'm that sort of person? Relax! Even if things go awry with him, I'll figure out a way to settle the score."

Edwin remained silent.

Swiftly taking the check, he left in a hurry, dialing Leonel as he got into his car.

Expressing his gratitude to Leonel with a respectful tone, he sounded polite yet a bit distant.

Subsequently, he conveyed his intention to return the check to Leonel.

Amidst the airport clamor, Leonel replied, “Edwin! Putting Alexis aside, don't we share brotherhood growing up? Do you doubt my sincerity toward Alexis, or is there still lingering resentment from our past altercations? Edwin, I've always wanted a face-to-face conversation all these years."

Articulate and expressive, he conveyed a considerable amount.

Ultimately, Edwin accepted the favor, whispering a quiet "Thanks."

Elsewhere, Leonel offered a subtle smile.

In the evening, Alexis returned home unusually early.

The clock hadn't struck 7 p.m., and the apartment exuded an oddly empty vibe, a sensation she wasn't entirely accustomed to.

Collapsing onto the sofa, she mused, “Humans are indeed social creatures!"

Yet she had experienced solitude before, and it hadn't been unbearable!

Alexis started seeking an activity to occupy her time.

Trying her hand at a basic recipe, she found it lacking in flavor.

After a few bites, she discarded it, opting instead to order a steak from a luxurious five-star hotel.

During the steak's preparation, she poured a glass of red wine, accompanied by the melodic tunes of her chosen music.

Reminding herself repeatedly, she convinced herself that she was savoring this opulent solitude!

However, when the steak was delivered, despite relishing top-quality beef and sipping the most expensive wine in her upscale apartment, something still felt amiss.