Alexis noticed him as well.

Yet, she remained silent, observing briefly before turning away from the balcony.

Leonel's eyes dimmed.

He continued to stare at the empty space she left behind, feeling her absence...

Alexis retreated to the Living room.

Distraught, she picked up a magazine but found the words blurring before her eyes.

A knock at the door broke her reverie.

Looking up, she saw Edwin, a gentle smile on his face. "May I come in?"

Alexis nodded toward the adjacent seat.

Edwin sat, revealing a 2@ billion check.

He extended it to her.

Alexis, slightly surprised, responded, "It's okay. I've returned the money to him. You keep this."

Her smile was warm. "Consider it a wedding gift for you and Laura."

Edwin and Laura were planning their wedding in Duefron, a choice made to keep peace with the Evans elders in Czanch.

This was Alexis' gift to them.

Edwin exhaled softly. "Lexi, this is far too generous."

Alexis gently tapped his hand. “For a once-in-a-lifetime event, it's just right."

Edwin then accepted it.

He gestured toward the window. "Is he still out there?"

Alexis said nothing.