While Axell kept these thoughts to himself, he affectionately pinched her nose instead.

Amid the pleasant ambiance, Jessie took the chance to share her recent decision with him. "I turned down Mr. Waston's offer. After teaching one class, I realized it wasn't a good fit. His daughter was too young to grasp the lessons.”

Axell, though slightly disheartened, respected Jessie's autonomy. “If it's not the right fit, then it's best not to continue. You should do what feels right for you."

Jessie's grateful smile was met with a gentle gesture from Axell, who, undeterred by their upscale surroundings, leaned in for a kiss.

Just then, Alexis concluded her musical performance and glanced their way, catching the tender scene unfold.

Alexis recognized Jessie immediately. She remembered Jessie as Melissa's close friend, who, during her youth, would often be seen in Marcus' company. It was difficult not to notice her. The knowledge that Albert had once fervently pursued Jessie made Alexis sympathize with him, especially now, seeing Jessie happily involved with another man.

They seemed to be a picture-perfect couple.

Alexis, seizing a tender moment, snapped a photo and shared it with her secretary.

"Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Let's create a romantic atmosphere for the occasion. Imagine this running non-stop on all the billboards we own, kindling the shopping desires of consumers..."

After sending the message, she transferred one million to Melissa to hand over to Jessie as a fee for her portrait.

Her secretary, displaying remarkable efficiency, completed the task swiftly, even outside of regular hours. In less than thirty minutes, the billboard on the towering Exceed Group building in Duefron began showcasing the image of Axell and Jessie sharing a kiss.

Though their lips never met, the captured moment radiated beauty, compelling those who saw it to believe in the power of love.

By a twist of fate, as Albert wrapped up his day and was about to head home, Jeslyn expressed a desire to dine out instead of eating at home.

Albert, ever the indulgent father, agreed and took her out. Their drive through the city center led them past the Exceed Group building, where the giant billboard displayed the intimate picture of Axell and Jessie.

The sight deeply unsettled Albert.

Seated in his car, his gaze was fixed on the poignant image above, a tumult of emotions washing over him. Aware that the restaurant was connected to the Fowler family, he surmised the photograph's origin, which only deepened his distress.

He lingered in that moment of reflection, oblivious to the growing impatience of the drivers behind him. Their horns blared, and they voiced their frustration loudly. One driver couldn't hold back his annoyance, yelling, "Are you crazy? Why don't you move?"

Eventually, Albert snapped out of his reverie and accelerated the car forward.

It seemed as though every property under the Fowler family's name flaunted the image of Jessie and Axell, intensifying Albert's sour mood. It felt as if the universe conspired to remind him that Jessie was out of his reach.

Pulling over, he reached for a cigarette but then reconsidered, mindful of Jeslyn's presence in the vehicle. He set the pack aside.