Leonel remained silent for a moment, prompting Alexis to glance at him, only to find his expression inscrutable. Eventually, he smiled and responded, “I've prepared a meal at home. Let's dine in together."

His words carried a weight that caused her to tense up slightly.

However, neither of them openly acknowledged the underlying truth.

Throughout the journey, silence prevailed between them, as if there were no topics worth discussing.

When the car stopped in the parking lot of the villa, Alexis unfastened her seat belt and attempted to exit the car. But she was met with a clicking sound as Leonel locked the doors.

Unable to open her door, Alexis turned to him in confusion, questioning, "Why did you lock it?"

After a brief pause, Leonel reached for a pack of cigarettes from the console and extracted one. However, realizing that all the doors and windows were shut, he abandoned the idea.

Instead, he fixed his gaze on the lush green Lawn before the car.

Speaking softly, Leonel remarked in a decisive tone, "I just ran into Marcus and Melissa at the entrance of the Waston Group. They seemed really in love. Melissa couldn't take her eyes off Marcus as he spoke. And when Marcus said something, she laughed happily."

Alexis relaxed her hold on the car door, mirroring Leonel's posture as she sat upright and gazed ahead.

She then spoke casually. "If you're not content with our marriage as it stands, we can consider divorce. Leonel... There are plenty of other women out there. Surely, there's someone who could bring you happiness. Why stay with me?"

Suddenly, Leonel pivoted towards her, his gaze ablaze with horror and resentment.

He interrogated, enunciating each word with intensity. “Mrs. Douglas, do you believe I desire other women? Do you not understand what I need? It's been years. How much longer will you stay distant? Are you waiting for me to cheat and seek happiness elsewhere? Do you think you can't handle this marriage anymore? Is it just to avoid disappointing your parents that you endure this every day? Have you stopped loving me completely?"

Compared to his agitation, Alexis remained remarkably composed.

She lowered her gaze and smiled gently. “Leonel, what answer are you hoping for?"

Leonel took his time before responding, just gazing at Alexis.

When he finally spoke, his voice was rough. "I want you to say... that you love me."

Alexis stayed quiet for a bit.

Then, she replied coolly, “Leonel, you're pretty much on par with the Fowler family in Duefron now. With everything at your feet, I figured love wasn't on your wish list anymore."

Yet, Leonel wouldn't back down.