After a pause, he muttered, "Would she bail if she knew I'd be there?"

Noreen shook her head. "No. Business is business. I doubt Miss Fowler. But Leonel cut her off with bitterness. "She doesn't give a damn about lines between public and private. She'll show, whether I'm there or not... just because she doesn't care anymore. She's ice cold to me now. I bet she'll turn on the charm for some stranger."

Noreen knew better than to delve into Leonel and Alexis' drama.

Come dusk, Leonel slipped out on his own.

Much to his surprise, he bumped into Albert's daughter and Jessie...

Jessie was strolling with the little girl, clutching a plush duck.

Clearly, it was for the kiddo.

He recalled the girl's name was Jeslyn, who seemed a tad stuck-up.

But she adored Jessie. In her presence, she was all innocence, even pleading for hugs as they descended the stairs.

Leonel watched them quietly through the glass, thoughts drifting to his own kids.

It felt like ages since he'd seen them!

Evelyn used to cling to him, always asking for hugs when she was younger.

Then Jessie spotted him and came over. “Hey, Mr. Douglas, small world!"

He managed a faint smile. "Just Leonel. You're Melissa's friend, after all."

Jessie smiled back, saying nothing.

Suddenly, it dawned on him - he and Alexis were on the verge of divorce. He'd no longer be Marcus' brother-in-law, so Melissa would likely keep her distance, and so would Elva...

And he'd no longer be Waylen's son-in-law either.

The realization hit him hard but he plastered on a smile.

"Mr. Douglas works too."

Feeling the tension, Jessie made an excuse and left with Jeslyn.