Waylen was well aware in his heart that it was Leonel who had assisted Anika. He had suppressed his emotions for a long time, but now he couldn't hold back any longer. Speaking in a restrained tone, he asked, “Are you still protecting her after all this time, Leonel? I may be old, but that doesn't mean I'm more patient. You have two hours to hand her over. Otherwise, don't blame me for being merciless."

Clenching his fists, Leonel said in a subdued tone, “Dad, I intend to handle her personally."

Waylen sneered bitterly. "I can't even think myself your father anymore. And what are you gonna do? Send her back to her hometown to find a suitable match? Leonel, if you want to know my greatest regret in life, it's allowing Alexis to marry you."

Afterward, Waylen composed himself and stated, "I won't intervene if you want to spend time with Evelyn for now. However, once both she and Alexis have gotten better, I plan to send them abroad. I will ensure Evelyn's ear is treated. Leonel, if her hearing cannot be cured, you'll find it difficult to face Alexis and Evelyn."

Leonel remained silent.

He sank to his knees before Waylen, his voice barely a whisper. “Dad, I can't bear to let Alexis go. I love her."

Waylen smiled ruefully.

After Waylen left, Leonel smoked two cigarettes alone and then made a phone call. “Where is she? Good. Keep her under surveillance. I'm on my way," he said before hanging up.

In the dim corridor, Leonel's shadow stretched far ahead. His leather shoes echoed against the damp, cold floor; the sound was muffled yet distinct.

In a room resembling a warehouse, windows lined every wall, allowing frigid air to seep in through the shattered glass.

A gust of wind extinguished the cigarette clutched between Leonel's fingers.

He Lowered his head to relight the cigarette, then glanced coldly at the woman sprawled on the floor. Despite her stunning appearance in a champagne-colored silk nightgown, her skin bore the marks of violence. Her once-Lustrous black hair resembled dry straw.

Anika half-knelt, squinting at him with blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

The evidence of her cruel treatment was evident. She no longer pondered why he would subject her to such treatment; she understood that he possessed even more ruthless methods.

Anika chuckled bitterly. “You refuse to touch me, yet you allow another man to defile me. Tell me, Leonel, are you even a man?"

Leonel approached her with deliberate steps, casting a cold gaze that sent shivers down her spine. Deep down, she was actually scared of him.

Leonel remarked casually, “You should be concerned for yourself."

Anika sneered. “If you're capable, send me to jail."

"If I were to send you to jail, you'd be laughing behind bars."

Leonel took a drag from his cigarette, surveying the surroundings.