His throat tightened slightly as he replied nonchalantly, "Sure, Mom. I'll take Alexis home first."

Rena struggled to let go of Alexis, but eventually she had to.

Leonel escorted Alexis downstairs, and they settled into the car.

Once inside the car, Alexis lapsed into silence. Though not as aloof as before, having been estranged from Leonel for so long left her at a loss for conversation beyond their children.

Suddenly, his hand clasped hers.

Leonel's body felt slightly cool rather than warm.

Alexis instinctively attempted to withdraw her hand, but it was gripped more firmly as soon as she made the slightest movement. She could even feel his fingertips lightly brushing against the space between her thumb and index finger.

It was a subtle maneuver.

Alexis' fingers involuntarily curled, but despite her attempts, she didn't break free. Instead, she acquiesced, allowing his hand to envelop hers.

Leonel simply held her hand without doing anything else. The black limousine cruised along steadily. Sitting in the back seat, Leonel entertained the fleeting thought that it would be perfect if time could freeze at this very moment. He wished to always be by Alexis' side.

As Alexis looked out of the window, her gaze fell upon a woman kneeling on the street, her appearance tattered.

She was slender with broken legs, and her colorful shirt was missing two buttons, exposing her pale skin. Her hair was disheveled, and her face was obscured by bruises, making it difficult to discern her features. The woman continued to bow to passersby, pleading for money or meager scraps of bread.

She reminded Alexis of someone.

"Stop the car," Alexis urged, her voice tinged with anxiety.

The driver slowed down but hesitated. "Mrs. Douglas, we can't park here. It's against regulations.”

Leonel interjected casually, “Just do as she asks."

The driver, sensing the solemn atmosphere, refrained from saying anything further. Instead, he promptly parked the car by the side of the road.

The moment the car stopped, Alexis flung open the door, her recent childbirth leaving her weak and unsteady on her feet. Leonel trailed behind, calling out to her in vain.

After a while, Alexis slowed her pace.

Her heart raced as she tentatively reached out her slender hand, hoping to confirm the woman's identity.