Anika, her eyes brimming with tears, couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You're tossing me aside with ten million dollars while my life falls apart?"

"And so what if you're not okay with that? That's what it costs to get rid of someone like you," Leonel retorted, his tone devoid of sympathy. "If you're smart, you'll take the money and stay away from me."

Anika took the check with shaking hands, feeling utterly humiliated.

His money felt like an insult. With a mix of defiance and hurt, she ripped the check to shreds before his eyes. "I know you look down on me. Call it crazy, but I care about you. I want to be with you."

With those words spoken, Anika departed without a backward glance.

Leonel watched her depart, deep in contemplation.

Jason reentered the car, unable to resist commenting on his boss' situation.

"Women like her shouldn't be taken seriously, Mr. Douglas. If you were just a chauffeur like myself, she'd have found herself another wealthy man by now."

Leonel leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes.

He was well aware that the primary issue between him and Alexis was himself, not Anika.

He had given Anika an opportunity, which was some Alexis found unforgivable.

Leonel returned to the villa.

The servant offered to prepare tea to help him sober up, but he declined with a wave of his hand. However, as he lay on the bed, he felt a burning sensation in his stomach. He reached for the nightstand drawer to retrieve his medication.

He recalled that Alexis had stored the medicine there.

After rummaging for a while, he came across a small, round object, smooth to the touch. What could it be?

Leonel sat up, opened the drawer wider, and retrieved the object.

It was a small glazed ball, nearly the size of a golf ball, adorned with vibrant colors, exuding an aesthetic charm.

A maple leaf adorned its center.

Leonel's eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't from just any maple tree, but the unique species he and Alexis had planted in their childhood days at the Fowlers’ mansion.

His heart suddenly raced.