Alexis stood there, her complexion ashen.

Leonel stepped in, shouldering through the crowd to shield her. But the moment offered a gap, and a reporter prodded, “Mr. Douglas, is a wedding with Anika on the horizon?"

Leonel's voice was icy as he clarified, "You've got it wrong. Miss Cohen and I are strictly professional. That's all it's ever going to be."

The gathered crowd became a whirlwind of murmurs.

It was clear Leonel was pledging fidelity to his former spouse, but did his timing not render his gestures empty?

Anika's complexion was ashen in the throng.

She had orchestrated this media barrage to corner Leonel, not anticipating his indifference and decisive renouncement of any ties to her.

Confusion clouded Anika's thoughts. Alexis had been the one to leave, yet there he stood, severing her out.

Alexis, overhearing Leonel, could barely suppress a scoff. Without acknowledging him, she slipped into the vehicle arranged by the Fowlers, Olivia trailing her.

As the engine came to life, the car rolled past Leonel.

One was sheltered within the car. The other stood exposed to the world. The stark contrast marked this moment, Leonel on the outside looking in. Alexis drove by without sparing him a glance, not for a heartbeat.

That was the curtain call on their union.

No farewells, no parting kindness-only her deep-seated loathing remained. Staggering under the weight of her scorn, Leonel stumbled backwards.

Noreen approached, her expression one of sorrow for her employer's heartbreak, recalling the days when Leonel and Alexis seemed inseparable.

She touched his arm, her voice soft. “Mr. Douglas, it's time to return to the hospital."

In the quiet of the hospital room, Leonel had become Anika's focus, her presence constant and unwelcome.

Noreen entered, documents in hand, and hesitated before speaking.

“Miss Cohen is outside, insistent on seeing you. Mr. Douglas, she shouldn't linger like this."

Propped up in bed, Leonel appeared deep in thought.

At Noreen's words, he offered a subdued nod. "Let her in."