As expected, Leonel's eyes narrowed. His grip on the glass tightened, fingers turning pale. He hissed, each word measured, “Mrs. Douglas, you don't gotta keep reminding me how the Fowlers picked me."

After a pause, he carried on, “I know you got my schedule from Noreen, and I know you dug into Anika and everything. But that isn't proof of anything fishy. My dealings with Anika are legit, and the house is a company perk for her."

Alexis could see he was just trying to gross her out.

She glanced down, scoffing softly. "Real classy, talking about ‘keeping' a woman. It makes my stomach turn."

Then she looked back up, cool as a cucumber. “Leonel, you've overstepped. You can hop into a new relationship but only after we're officially divorced. You might be cool with Anika, but what's she thinking? Might she pull some crazy stunt?"

Facing him, Alexis lost her appetite.

She stood up, heading upstairs, but he grabbed her wrist.

Swiveling back, she met Leonel's moody gaze. He murmured, “Drop the D-word, and I'll peace out."

Alexis stared him down.

She yanked her hand away, looking like she just heard a lame joke.

How absurd!

But she wasn't sure if she was laughing at Leonel or at herself, for putting up with this nonsense.

After Alexis made her exit, Leonel lingered at the table. The silver candlestick still cast its glow.

Alexis hadn't touched the food but had just sipped a bit of wine.

He lifted the glass, savoring the wine's slow burn.

Nova sidled up, whispering, "Mrs. Douglas skipped dinner again. She hasn't been herself since that woman showed up. Sorry for the nagging, Mr. Douglas."

Leonel toyed with his glass, silent.

Nova didn't press further, making herself scarce.

Leonel remained seated till midnight. The candles had long died out, leaving the dining room in darkness.

He glanced towards the upper floors, finally rising when his eyes grew heavy.