She noticed Leonel's tall, slender form and greeted him with a gentle smile. "I'm the one who invited him. He's traveled quite a distance.

Let's offer him a meal."

Cecilia then took Leonel's luggage, her expression revealing a mixture of emotions as she noted his worn look. Leonel greeted her respectfully, "Mrs. Evans!"

Cecilia, with a blend of sternness and warmth, replied, "Still got some manners, I see. Then I must scold you. How could you let things escalate with Alexis? Waylen did the right thing if you ask me."

At her words, Leonel's eyes instinctively searched for Alexis, revealing a complex mix of feelings.

Alexis didn't say a word.

She entered Evans Gardon with Mark coming along behind her. He softly touched Leonel's shoulder and offered him words of comfort, “Young man, heartbreak is a normal part of life."

Leonel looked down and remained silent.

Mark noticed something different in Leonel's demeanor.

His silence felt unusually deep.

Cecilia brought Leonel to a spare guest room. He expressed his gratitude softly, "Thank you, Mrs. Evans."

“Why are you thanking me?"

Cecilia asked calmly, “What's going on? Rena is quite concerned about you and asked me to look after you. Haven't you and Alexis been in good terms lately?"

Leonel's voice was a bit rough. "It's my fault!"

He recounted the whole event honestly, which left Cecilia astonished.

She let out a sigh after a brief pause and said, “Of course, Alexis won't easily forgive you. She's always been strong-willed. After being hit by you, how could she just accept it?! Moreover, she has been patient for eight years, waiting for you to come back."

Leonel was overwhelmed with unease.

Cecilia consoled him once more, "Take your time."

She was like Rena and Waylen who could never be overly harsh on Leonel. She still saw him as a part of this family. She criticized him when he made mistakes, but never wanted to see him suffer.

She allowed him some time to rest before inviting him to lunch.