Mid-meal, Leonel looked up suddenly. "Just call me Leonel."

The butler, a fixture in the Fowler household, countered promptly.

With a cheery grin, he explained, "I have been serving the Fowlers ages. The first thing I learn in my line of work is to always be polite."

Leonel shot him an awkward glance but the butler seemed amused.

Alexis admired the butler's poise today.

Though eloquent, the butler sighed and made his exit gracefully.

Full up, Alexis made to leave.

But before she could, Leonel grasped her hand abruptly.

She met his gaze, puzzled. It dawned on Leonel that he'd been too forward. He released her hand, murmuring softly, "Can we talk?"

Alexis sensed it was about Daniel.

She remembered that Daniel had been up in the night, feverish...

Regardless of their own issues, their kids were their priority. She didn't refuse.

Seeing her agreement, Leonel felt a tad relieved and he vowed to keep it respectful this time.

He couldn't fathom if Alexis still cared for him.

With the dining room nearly empty, he murmured, “I'll be around more for the kids... I won't disrupt your life. I just need a shot to make things right with Evelyn and Daniel.”

It was much easier to communicate with a sensible person.

They got along well and there was no pressure, no pushing...

Both of them were level-headed.

Alexis, calm, nodded in agreement.

But she added, “If you're seeing someone new, keep it hush from Evelyn and Daniel for now. They need time to adjust."