Though the sheet held just two lines, Leonel poured over them repeatedly.

As he snapped out of his reverie, Alexis' assistant had already departed. Noreen's voice broke the silence. "Seems like the baby's doing great! Time for that IV drip, Mr. Douglas!"

Leonel meticulously folded the report, tucking it away in his pocket.

After the infusion, nearing noon, he made his way directly to the luncheon.

The event held immense significance for the company. Despite his ailment, Leonel indulged in some wine with the clients. But as the luncheon concluded, his complexion paled, and he spent an extended period retching in the restroom.

Concern etched Noreen's face. "Why push yourself to drink? It's just not worth it."

Leonel turned the golden tap, splashing cold water on his face.

Drying his hands with a tissue, he said softly, “It's not about the money. The Business Department has invested two years into this project. If we miss it, how can I face them and the rest of the staff?"

Noreen offered him some medicine to ease his discomfort.

But Leonel waved it off. "No need, thanks! Help me set up a meeting with Mr. Watson. We need to finalize that contract soon, or I won't be able to rest easily."

Noreen nodded obediently.

Supporting Leonel as they left the hotel, she held onto his arm firmly. Their path crossed unexpectedly with Alexis once more in the lobby. Seated on a nearby sofa, Alexis seemed equally surprised by Leonel's presence.

As their eyes met, an uneasy atmosphere settled between them.

Alexis looked away, resuming her conversation with her client.

However, the client seemed more distracted and said, "Miss Fowler, maybe we should talk another time? Looks Like you've got something urgent going on."

Alexis wanted to object that she had nothing pressing to attend to.

But before she could respond, her client had already left in a hurry.

Feeling frustrated, she finished her glass of water. Rising from her seat, she noticed Leonel still standing there and staring at her intently, as if waiting for her to say something.

Alexis accepted the inevitability of their encounters in Duefron.

Yet, their frequent meetings wore on her. Thankfully, Leonel didn't push for more conversation. "Take care of yourself. You're pregnant now, remember?"