She eased onto the sofa, her slender fingers tightly grasping the pill bottle, gradually tightening...

A wave of desolation washed over her as she contemplated how she and Leonel had come to this juncture.

Once she stowed away the medication, Alexis descended the stairs to check on Evelyn after breakfast.

As she approached the staircase, Alexis encountered a doctor ascending under the guidance of a servant. He must be seeking out Leonel.

Alexis halted, surprised. Was Leonel unwell?

Naturally, she didn't concern herself with him.

However, she couldn't help but wonder-last night he had the vigor for sex, yet now he appeared to need a doctor?

Upon spotting her, the doctor surmised she must be Leonel's spouse.

He nodded respectfully. Alexis sidestepped to allow him to proceed...

Hearing footsteps, Evelyn timidly called out, "Mom." Her voice tinged with insecurity.

Alexis approached, offering company to Evelyn, who seemed to eat less than usual. She gently advised, "You're growing; you need to eat more!"

Meanwhile, Evelyn toyed with her fork, poking at a poached egg.

After a pause, Evelyn glanced at Alexis, her voice barely audible.

“Will you have a baby, Mommy?"

Alexis was taken aback.

Evelyn bowed her head, murmuring, “Dad mentioned you would have a baby soon. He said he'd take us back once you had a baby."

Alexis blinked, realization dawning upon her.

Only now did she grasp that Leonel didn't plan for her and Evelyn to be locked up here forever. His objective was to impregnate her, believing another child would tether her to him, forcing her to reconsider.

Alexis closed her eyes, absorbing the revelation.

As they conversed, activity stirred upstairs. Leonel personally escorted the doctor downstairs.