It was Anika.

Leonel's voice chilled as he heard Anika's voice on the other end of the line. "Miss Cohen, why the hell do you have my number?"

Anika attempted to play innocent. “I paid for it. Mr. Douglas, I didn't mean to intrude. I... Did I cause trouble with your family? I swear I didn't mean to. If Mrs. Douglas is upset because of me, I'll come with you and explain everything."

Leonel saw right through Anika's manipulative act.

He cut her off firmly, laying down the law. "Miss Cohen, let me make this crystal clear. There will never be anything between us. Don't ever call me again. And if you do, you won't just be out of the television business, but out of Duefron entirely. Consider that a promise."

With that, he ended the call abruptly.

On her end, Anika trembled with disbelief. She couldn't fathom that Leonel had shut her down like that. After all, didn't he seem interested in her when they were together that night?

It was almost midnight by the time Leonel finally left the office.

As he went to get the car, he spotted Anika waiting in the darkness, clad in nothing but a thin shirt. Ignoring her, he climbed into the car and drove off without a second glance.

"Mr. Douglas," Anika called out softly, but the car didn't slow down.

In the serene night, Anika's gaze burned with frustration, her thoughts swirling in the quiet of her mind.

When Leonel returned to the villa, the servant greeted him with the utmost respect, already at his service. "Mrs. Douglas got back early. She's with the kids now. Mr. Douglas, would you prefer something to eat or head upstairs for a shower?"

As she spoke, he moved towards the hall.

Leonel hadn't been back in a while, and the weight of the week's absence wore heavy on his shoulders.

Suddenly, Ollie bounded into view, circling Leonel with boundless affection. He couldn't help but smile, reaching out to stroke the loyal pup. Then, Alexis descended the stairs.

Their eyes locked, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them.

She was still clad in long sleeves and pants, and Leonel couldn't shake the image of her fragility.

Leonel couldn't help but wonder if the marks he'd left on her skin were still there, a reminder of their intimate moments.

Despite the unspoken tension, Leonel addressed the servant, “I'll have something to eat first. Prepare two bowls of noodles. I'll dine with my wife."

As Leonel wrapped up his directives, Alexis' soft murmur broke the silence. "There's no need for that. Simply make his portion."