Before Jessie rolled into the villa, Albert had one last tete-a-tete with Axell.

In a cramped room, Axell was hauled out.

He looked beat down, like he'd aged a decade overnight.

Back in the day, Axell might not have been born with a silver spoon, but he came from a brainy bunch, solid middle-class. To see him hit rock bottom like this was a shocker.

An iron barrier stood between Axell and Albert as they locked eyes.

Albert retained his mature, dashing demeanor, appearing every bit the successful businessman. Even the staff here treated him with respect.

"Mr. Waston, you guys chat. Give me a holler if you need anything."

Albert gave a slight nod, keeping his composure.

His gaze shifted to Axell who had an unkempt beard and bloodshot eyes.

With a wry grin, Albert offered Axell a smoke. "It's low-tar. Won't hurt you as much. Aren't doctors all about health?"

Axell, hardly a smoker, accepted.

Leaning over the iron railing, Albert lit it for him. After a couple of puffs, Axell met Albert's eyes. "I messed up," he admitted.

Albert offered a small smile but stayed silent.

Axell's eyes took on a yellow tinge. He took another drag, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I know it's too late to turn back. I did wrong, and I know you won't let it slide. And giving my folks cash to clear off? That's your way of saying I'm due for a decade in prison."

Axell's tone turned self-deprecating as he eyed the cigarette between his fingers. "You paid ten million dollars to buy me a decade. A million a year, isn't that something? Mr. Waston... When I heard the news, you know what I thought? Thought it'd be nice to be loaded. If I was, I wouldn't have lost Jessie to you. I wouldn't have to put up with Debra either. I can't stand her, but for my career's sake, so I have to play along.”

His hand shook as he held the cigarette, lips trembling in sync.

"I have to admit, I'm into Jessie. She's gorgeous and got a great vibe. Guess I got caught up trying to one-up you. I forgot my own faults. You, man, you're slick. Here I am locked up, while you're just a bit bruised. But I reckon Jessie's going to stick with you out of guilt for good."

Axell spilled his guts.

When Axell wrapped up, Albert spoke up gently. "Axell, you're kicking yourself ‘cause you didn't love Jessie enough, didn't think she was worth it. I almost bit the dust, but I have no regrets. Because she finally felt something for me. Axell, Jessie's a gem. I didn't treat her right before. But she's mine now; can't hand her off."

Axell didn't argue. He wasn't dumb. He knew Albert had shown mercy.