Rena lifted her gaze, locking her eyes onto his with a mixture of astonishment and anger brewing within her.

As if she had just heard a preposterous joke, she softly repeated, "I am more important than Elvira?"

Waylen's countenance grew grave, his demeanor matching the weight of his words.

Rena's smile waned slightly as she recalled his involvement in an economic dispute on Elvira's behalf.

“Since you claim that I am of greater importance, then I demand that you cease aiding her," she retorted.

Mockingly, she added, “Can you do that?"

A crease formed on Waylen's forehead, signaling his deep contemplation.

He was always resolute in keeping his professional and personal matters separate, never allowing a woman to interfere with his work.

Gazing at Rena, he posed a question, “Can you alter your request?"

Rena stooped down, retrieved the supplements he had brought and tossed them outside the doorway.

“Very well. The revised request is for you to Leave! Waylen, do not appear before me again.”

With a decisive motion, Rena closed the door, shutting him out.

Leaning against it, she could still catch a whiff of the lingering cigarette scent from Waylen's body.

There was a time when she relished snuggling in his embrace, nestling her head against his shoulder and inhaling the fusion of his fragrance, the scent of tobacco and aftershave.

But now, all she desired was to keep her distance.

After a while, Vera returned with a displeased expression, indicating a disagreement with Waylen downstairs.

Rena regained her composure, adopting a composed demeanor.

She said to Vera, her tone filled with resolve, “Please, do not antagonize him on my behalf. Joseph frequently engages in business collaborations with the Fowler family."

Vera responded stubbornly, although inwardly she felt sympathetic towards Rena.

Rena delicately opened the food container and whispered, "Do not fret.

I shall regain my strength swiftly."

Despite the arduous journey ahead, she held unwavering resolve to conquer it!