This time, Leonel didn't comply. He refused to let her go and pulled her into an embrace, pressing her against the steering wheel. Cupping her face, he drew closer.

"Alexis, you still carry a torch for me, right? You're suffering just like I am, aren't you?"

Her eyes red with tears, he planted a kiss on her.

It was far from a picturesque moment.

The kiss wasn't really blissful.

But Leonel paid it no mind; it had been ages since he'd felt her touch, kissing her fervently...

Alexis couldn't push him away.

She was ensnared in his embrace, holding on to him like someone in their final struggle.

“Alexis! Forgive me!"

His voice was seductive and husky, murmuring into her ear.

Alexis listened in a daze.

When he eventually let her go, she sat beside him, smoothing the shirt he'd disheveled. Afterward, she opened the car door and left.

As the door closed softly, Leonel closed his eyes, probably thinking of his next move.

After a moment, he phoned his assistant. "Set up a meeting with the Smith family. We'll ink the intent contract come morning."

The assistant warned, “Mr. Douglas, taking on both the Fowler and Evans families isn't exactly a smart move."

It was akin to courting disaster!

Leonel's tone was casual. “Just do as I say!"

Leonel hung up.

With a sigh, he leaned back in his seat and ran his fingers over his lips.

Alexis was the only thing on his mind.