It was time to release her, he realized.

Nuzzling her cheek, he whispered, “Alexis, I'm letting you go. It's best for us both. We must start anew. Marcus was right. I am not your cure. I'm the problem."

Leonel spoke of the kids.

He told her, "The kids will stick with you. If you're swamped, bring them here. Don't be too harsh on Evelyn and Cordelia. Girls should be pampered after all. As for Daniel, he might shine brighter than me one day.”

His words trickled out.