This would be the first time in many weeks that Leonel and Alexis sat down to eat together again.

Alexis ate in silence and barely spoke, while Mark took extra care of her.

“Great-uncle Mark, I really can't eat anymore."

“Nonsense, you always had a bit appetite when you were younger. Has your stomach shrunk now?"

Mark had loaded her plate with a mound of food.

Alexis didn't really have an appetite but she ate slowly. Leonel unexpectedly reached over and took the majority of her food to his plate and said to her, “Don't force yourself to eat if you don't have an appetite."

Alexis was on the verge of arguing with him. But she restrained herself because of Mark and Cecilia's presence. She decided to say nothing.

Leonel responded with a slight smile.

Alexis found this uninteresting and decided to wait for Leonel in the backyard after the meal. The wisteria flowers spread a subtle fragrance in the spring air.

She stood against the tree, her tall, slender figure prominent.

The sound of Leonel's approaching footsteps snapped her out of her reverie.

Alex opened her eyes and saw him. She then said in a cool voice, "Leonel, remember we're just staying at the family home. It doesn't mean anything more. Don't let what happened at lunch repeats itself."

"You were forcing yourself to eat, so I assisted. Was that wrong?"

Alexis was frustrated so she snapped back, "What kind of bond do we share that justifies such closeness?!"

Leonel looked down and said, "I love you."

Alexis looked at him. After a brief silence, she smiled and said, “Do you genuinely think so?"

She felt exhausted from the dialogue and started walking toward her room.

Leonel continued, "This afternoon at two, we have to go to the other company for the first round of negotiations."

Alexis nodded.

As Alexis walked away, Leonel's words followed her in a gentle whisper, “Alexis, if it's possible, I'd sacrifice everything to undo that slap!"