His hand hovered awkwardly for a moment before he withdrew it.

His tone was soft as he suggested. “Are you hungry? How about some chicken soup. It should do you good."

Alexis stayed silent.

Leonel watched her in silence for a moment before rising to fetch the soup. His hand trembled as he ladled it, a few drops spilling onto his skin unnoticed. He wiped them away slowly, his voice barely audible. “Once you're better, I'll arrange for you to go back to Duefron. Evelyn and Daniel will both stay with you, and I'll also arrange for the medical team to fly to Duefron for Evelyn's follow-up treatments."

Lost in her thoughts, Alexis listened quietly.

A single tear slipped down her cheek.

Setting the bowl of soup on the bedside table, Leonel attempted to help her eat. His touch lingered, pulling her into a tight embrace.

He whispered into her ear, "You chose death over staying by my side.”

Leonel's chest tightened with pain. "I can't bear the thought of losing you like that."

Alexis continued to cry silently.

She knew he had compromised, and it left her heart heavy with sorrow.

He struggled to speak through his sobs. “Will you keep our baby? Please, I promise not to interfere your life. Just, please keep our child..."

But Alexis remained silent.

Leonel decided to forgo further inquiries, opting instead to spoon—feed Alexis half a bowl of soup before placing her phone gently on the bedside table, a constant reminder of his vigil.

Alexis, weakened by her ordeal, delicately picked up the phone, her fingers trembling as she powered it on.

Almost immediately, the phone rang, Waylen's voice breaking the silence. "Alexis! Where are you?"

After a moment's pause, Alexis replied in a hoarse whisper. "I'm in Merblune."

Three days later, a private jet winged its way back to Duefron from Merblune, bearing the emblem of the Fowler family.

Meanwhile, Leonel boarded another private plane, trailing behind.

They returned to Duefron.