His intent was merely to torment Alexis.

Alleging her seduction, he framed his current actions as an opportunity for her.

Alexis was hesitant to seize this so-called opportunity.

Leonel had transformed, and Alexis feared repercussions if she succumbed to his provocations. He seemed to be anticipating her response.

Yet a hint of anxiety lingered within her.

Evelyn's illness posed a challenge for Alexis to spend years dealing with Leonel. What if he genuinely fell in love with someone else and desired marriage in the near future? What would happen to Alexis in that scenario?

Patiently, Leonel waited, but Alexis remained silent.

In frustration, he tossed his phone into the console, starting the car without a destination in mind. After half an hour of aimless driving, he arrived in a familiar, old neighborhood.

This locale held a sense of familiarity for him.

Parking at the curb, his lavish sports car stood out conspicuously in this modest neighborhood.

Pedestrians couldn't resist casting curious glances at the opulent vehicle.

With the window lowered, Leonel smoked languidly. Roughly 30 minutes later, a couple strolled across the street.

Clad in unassuming attire, they lacked the refinement of their past appearance.

It was Darwin and Serenity.

Darwin likely had a day off from work and went shopping with Serenity. She carried a small green bag with clothes, probably from a local brand.

Contrastingly, Serenity's previous wardrobe comprised garments easily worth thousands, affording her the freedom to indulge.

Now, they probably needed a month's savings to afford items priced in the hundreds.

Leonel perceived their situation as pitiable.

Curiously, Darwin and Serenity displayed contentment rather than sorrow, much to Leonel's disdain. He scoffed at the irony of two individuals, who were never meant to be, still finding themselves together.

Regrettably, there was no prospect for reconciliation between Leonel and Alexis.