Leonel's mind wasn't on Calvin or his relationship with Alexis.

His sole focus now was on getting back what he had lost.

Alexis looked at Leonel's hand on her wrist, her smile soft yet sad.

“There's nothing to explain. I find you... questionable.”

With that, she pulled away, leaving without another word.

Leonel watched her leave, swallowing hard, but he didn't follow.

His secretary approached, breaking the silence.

Her face alight with excitement, the secretary announced, "Mr. Douglas, the puppy is waiting in the car. Your daughter will be thrilled to see it."

Leonel, turning away, gripped the wash basin. His voice was bitter.

"Take the puppy back to the villa. I need some time alone."

The secretary, taken aback, didn't dare to question him.

Once alone in the bathroom, Leonel raised his eyes to his reflection in the mirror. His expression was dark.

He had never put much stock in genetics, but now, he wondered if he was inherently as horrible a man as his father, doomed to a similar fate of separation from his wife and child.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw the caller was Darwin, the one he had anticipated.

Darwin sounded both weary and relieved.

“Heard you went to pick her up today. Got turned down, didn't you? And Calvin's with her, right? I'm sorry, Leonel. I should've told you sooner."

Leonel's response was scornful. “Darwin... The Larson family's bankruptcy clearly hasn't stopped you from fantasizing."

Darwin's laugh was bitter. “I'm beyond daydreaming. She never loved me, so I lost nothing. But you, Leonel, you had her love and still lost her. Who's truly more miserable here?"

His laughter was harsh and mocking.

Leonel ended the call abruptly.