In fact, the look in Alexis' eyes wasn't cold; it was notably calmer than before. In the dim light, Leonel noticed the slight sinking of her upper eyelids, a telltale sign of aging in women. But it didn't make her less pretty; it just reminded him she wasn't as young as she used to be.

Alexis regarded him calmly for a few moments.

Contrary to his expectation of silence, she replied softly, “I'm doing well. The child is fine too."

Leonel felt a surge of flattery.

A spark of hope flickered within him as he gazed deeply into Alexis' eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke up again softly.

“Alexis, if I learn to treat you with respect and not pressure you, is there any chance we can—"

Alexis averted her gaze.

Turning to the driver, she instructed, “Open the door for me, please.”

The driver reopened the door, causing Leonel's Adam's apple to bob nervously. He wished to utter more words, but Alexis had already turned away and entered the car, leaving him no opportunity.

In the blink of an eye, the driver shut the door, trapping the remainder of Leonel's words within his mouth, lost to the wind.

Recognizing Leonel, the driver offered an apologetic smile, and then hurriedly made his way to the front of the car, entered, and swiftly drove off.

Leonel stood in the biting cold wind, each gust causing him to cough uncontrollably for a moment.

A respectable middle-aged man emerged from the neighboring club and, spotting Leonel, warmly grasped his shoulder. "I heard you were here but couldn't find you inside, so I came out to search. What captivating sight has kept you here?"

Leonel offered a faint smile. "That's not it. I just ran into someone I know."

Curious, the man asked, “Who could make you Linger like this?"

In a subdued tone, Leonel murmured, “My ex-wife."

The atmosphere grew awkward. It took the man a while to regain his composure, and he offered a hesitant smile. “Ah, Miss Fowler, right? Was she dining next door? The Italian restaurant there serves fantastic pasta, indeed. Haha."

Leonel managed a slight smile in response.

His failed marriage was no secret. Despite being in a club, nobody dared to arrange a companion for him.

In Duefron, it was common knowledge that Leonel was going through a rough patch.