Waylen scoffed.

Leonel stepped out of the car, calling out, "Dad!"

Waylen sneered, refusing to entertain Leonel. "I ain't Dad material. A decent woman can't be with two men at the same time. And just like that, Leonel, you can't have two fathers-in-law either. I did some digging on my own. Anika's still got her folks and even grandparents. If you're feeling cold and left out, join the big family hug. It'll keep you cozy."

Waylen's tongue was sharp, leaving Leonel speechless.

Leonel managed a bitter smile. “Dad, I didn't mean it like that.”

Waylen sneered once more. "You held her and kissed her like there's no tomorrow. If that ain't what you mean, then what? Leonel, did it ever cross your mind that Alexis is still your lawfully wedded wife when you kissed that woman? What about Evelyn and Daniel? They look up to you. And now, the whole damn world knows about you and Anika. Real nice role model for your kids, huh?"

Leonel remained silent.

He pleaded softly, "Dad, I need to see Alexis."

Waylen relished lecturing Leonel, but when Alexis was mentioned, he appeared conflicted. After a lengthy pause and a glance at Leonel, Waylen spoke calmly. "Leonel, Alexis had it rough growing up, so her mother and I always catered to her whims. She always gets everything she wants and hears no objections from us, even when she decided to be with you again. You were family, Leonel; but from now on, you're solely Daniel and Evelyn's dad. I can't have the kids stay with you. Out of respect for me adopting you and raising you, gracefully end things with Alexis."

After a brief pause, Waylen added, “There's no going back to how things were."

Leonel was stunned.

Waylen fell silent and retreated slowly. As he reached the villa's porch, he remembered requesting Leonel's real father to draft a disownment letter, stating Leonel would no longer be considered his son; instead, Leonel would be he and Rena's son from then on.

Tears welled up in Waylen's eyes.

Waylen lifted his head slightly and blinked the welling tears away, overwhelmed with sorrow, yet he continued walking.

He considered his bond with Leonel not destined after all.

Coincidentally, Evelyn and Daniel descended for breakfast, adept at self-care. With school bags slung over their shoulders, they spotted through the window that Leonel in the parking lot.

Daniel pressed his lips together, a sign of his inner turmoil.

Tears filled Evelyn's large eyes as she silently descended the stairs and took her place at the table. Waylen tenderly ran his hand through her hair, offering, "Go say hi to your dad if you want to."

Evelyn hesitated, and Ollie trailed after her.

Outside, Evelyn refrained from her usual rush. Instead, she observed Leonel from a distance, her expression hopeful. Leonel swallowed nervously and waved back at her before she approached.