His expression tensed as he accelerated.

Arriving at a villa half an hour later, Marcus paused outside.

Darkness was falling, and the villa's windows glowed invitingly.

He stood there, contemplating a different future, one where he and Melissa might have started a family in such a lovely home, surrounded by laughter and children.

"Uncle Marcus!"

Evelyn burst out of the house, her puppy Ollie bounding along behind her.

The early summer air embraced them. Evelyn was a picture of youthful charm in her floral dress with a round collar, white knee-length stockings, and black leather shoes.

Her brown hair curled playfully around her face.

Marcus stooped to lift Evelyn, her presence a gentle fragrance in his arms. She leaned in to kiss him, and then wrapped her arms around his neck. "Mom said you'd come, and Dad's cooking," she announced with childlike excitement.

Balancing Evelyn on one hip, Marcus opened the car trunk with his free hand, retrieving several boxes of tonics.

"Is that so?" he asked.

Evelyn leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, “Dad's making Lamb chops. He talked about grilling Ollie if he misbehaves. Uncle Marcus, can you tell Dad not to?"

Ollie, who had been frolicking around, suddenly looked apprehensive, his tail tucked.

Marcus, a smile playing on his lips, carried Evelyn and guided Ollie into the house. The servants were off, leaving the family alone. In the kitchen, Leonel was busy cooking, while Alexis lounged on the sofa, absorbed in a magazine.

Alexis looked up at their entrance. "No overtime today?"

Her question hinted at her knowledge of the recent events at Fowler Group and the situation with Melissa.

Setting the tonics aside, Marcus sat down opposite Alexis with Evelyn on his lap. He was tall enough that she perched there as if on a high stool.

After a moment of silence, he finally said, "I'm done."

Alexis smiled, about to respond, when Leonel emerged from the kitchen bearing a tray laden with culinary delights, grilled lamb chops, red wine, and foie gras.

A lavish spread, accompanied by Evelyn's more child-friendly meal, both appealing and elegantly presented.