"Mr. Fowler,"

Leonel softly called.

Waylen snorted. “How did I instruct you as a child? I never taught you to intertwine personal emotions with your career, but now you've involved everyone. You're gambling on Alexis caring for you. She doesn't want you to spiral into despair, but, Leonel, do you consider this fair to Alexis?"

Leonel acknowledged the unfairness.

Struggling with his words, he choked out, "I'll treat her well."

Waylen let out a hollow laugh. "Haha! Many are willing to be good to her."

However, as Alexis' father, Waylen understood that Leonel was Alexis’ only vulnerability. Leonel, aware of this, effectively wielded control over her.

Waylen fell silent and promptly ended the call.

After setting down his phone, Leonel noticed that Alexis had awakened.

Resting against the pillow, she gazed at him. Her thoughts remained a mystery.

Leonel bent down, planting a morning kiss on her lips. "Good morning."

Alexis didn't evade the kiss. After it concluded, she said quietly, “Please don't answer my phone for me from now on."

Leonel regarded her and replied, "It's your dad calling. Are you mad at me?"

Slipping into a shirt, Alexis rose and stated, “We aren't that close."

Leonel grasped the implication. Seizing her hand, he drew her beneath him. Gazing into her eyes, he sighed, "Alexis, I'm not toying with you. I'm sincere."

Lifting her head, Alexis met his handsome visage.

She tenderly caressed his face and smiled. "I do enjoy the company of a man like you, and I feel good being intimate with you. However, when it comes to marriage, I can only say that you can bring a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

“What if I want to marry you?"

Wearing a subtle smile, Alexis remarked, “Leonel, you've compelled me to come around and accept you. We're already sharing the same bed.

What? If I choose not to marry you, will you resort to threats or force me into marriage?"