Back in the day, he might've taken their advice.

But after everything, especially seeing Alexis try to take her own life at that villa in Merblune, he knew what heartbreak felt Like.

Since then, he couldn't imagine being with anyone but Alexis!

The winter night was biting. He skipped the heat and coughed a few times.

Next day, he came down with something. After the morning meet, Noreen whisked him off to the hospital, with a staffer tagging along for a noon banquet.

In the VIP lounge, Leonel rested with his eyes shut. He had just been checked. Noreen would be handling everything else.

In the bright light, he looked dashing.

Draped in a light gray coat over a dark sweater, he cut a fine figure.

"Mr. Douglas, you've lost weight," a woman remarked, covering him with her coat. Her fussing felt a bit much.

Leonel snapped his eyes open, his brow furrowed.

The woman was his fresh PR manager and she was supposedly a whiz at mingling and handling sticky situations, but Leonel didn't expect her to try her moves on him.

Leonel shrugged off the coat, ready to give her a piece of his mind.

Just then, Alexis strolled in.

Their eyes locked and both were caught off guard, especially Alexis...

She spotted the gorgeous PR manager beside Leonel and gave a faint smile.

The PR manager was sharp.

She sensed Leonel's lack of interest, so when she spotted Alexis, she gave a polite nod and quietly made herself scarce, avoiding any awkwardness.

Once she left, Leonel hurried to explain.

“She's just an employee. Nothing more. She is just here because of the midday banquet later—"

Alexis didn't dwell on his explanation.