Melissa, beside them, nearly forgot the apple.

She wondered if Waylen had really had a concussion. Shouldn't he be dizzy?

Finally, Waylen piped up, “Alexis just had the baby and I had an accident. Leonel, you will have to watch over Exceed Group for a bit."

Leonel jumped in, "Don't sweat it, Dad. I have got it covered."

Right then, Alexis showed up. Leonel glanced at her deeply.

Waylen had been talking a while but, truth be told, he was worn out.

He shut his eyes. "You head back. Rena's staying with me, and that's enough. After what happened, I realized there's lots I haven't told her. I need to talk to her..."

Before he could finish, he nodded off. He was deadbeat.

Alexis blinked back tears. She bid Rena farewell. "Mom, we're heading off."

Alexis left with Leonel, and after a moment of hesitation, Rena decided to follow them outside.

"Leonel?"

Rena called out to Leonel and closed the door with care, clearly intending to keep their conversation private from Waylen's ears.

Leonel turned to face her. Despite his pallor, he exuded a gentleness not seen during the divorce. Perhaps it was the prospect of reconciliation with Alexis that brought him renewed hope.

This opportunity had injected vitality into him.

Understanding Rena's unspoken concern, he glanced at Alexis and reassured her, "Mom, don't worry. I won't pressure Alexis into anything she's not comfortable with."

Rena approached him, her steps deliberate.

She lightly placed a hand on Leonel's arm, expressing her concern.

"I heard from Ross that your health hasn't been great lately. Please take care of yourself and don't overexert."

While the words were essentially voiced for Alexis’ well-being, they unexpectedly tugged at Leonel's heartstrings.

Despite his deep affection for Waylen and Rena, expressing it wasn't easy for the nearing-40 Leonel.