Tonight, Leonel neglected to use contraception. There was a possibility she might conceive, a deliberate act on his part. She couldn't bear his child.

Leonel descended the stairs and instructed the servant to deliver food to Alexis. Subsequently, he made his way to Evelyn's room upstairs.

In the soft-pink room, Evelyn had drifted off to sleep, tears staining her cheeks, nestled on the cherry-pink princess bed.

Upon noticing Leonel's arrival, the servant promptly rose from her seat beside the bed, expressing concern. “Mr. Douglas, Miss Evelyn was crying quite inconsolably."

Anxious, she added, “She's been holding onto one ear the entire time."

A sharp pang of pain pierced Leonel's heart.

Concealing his emotions, he said lightly, "Please step outside for a moment."

The servant promptly exited, thoughtfully shutting the bedroom door behind her.

Seating himself on the bedside, Leonel tenderly pulled the covers over Evelyn and caressed her cheek. Despite her slumber, her face radiated warmth, her delicate hand still shielding one ear.

Leonel gently lowered her hand.

Evelyn stirred awake, blinking as she gazed at her father in a daze.

He appeared gentle, just as he always did, but Evelyn sensed a difference, though she couldn't quite place it.

Reflecting on the past, she recalled her father's kindness toward her, Daniel, and their mother. Back then, her mother always wore a smile.

However, her mother's happiness had faded.

Blinking sleepily, Evelyn addressed her father in a gentle tone. "Dad, could you allow Mom to return? She probably misses Daniel and our grandparents. I'll stay with you. Please, can you let Mom go?"

Leonel had a sudden, sharp pain in his heart.

He sidestepped the question, instead gently probing Evelyn's ear.

“Does this spot hurt?"

Evelyn shook her head. “No, it doesn't hurt. I just keep having bad dreams."

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes as she recounted, “In my dream, Mom held me close, pleading with that woman to release me. Mom said she'd stay in my place. Dad, do you prefer that woman over Mom?"