Leonel cut her off, his voice laced with bitterness. "Regain some of its function, right?"

His sarcastic tone left Noreen speechless.

She noticed that Leonel had been quite moody lately, especially since Alexis' return. She wondered if the issue was more with his heart than his body.

Reluctantly, she released her grip but remained vigilant, ready to catch him should he falter.

“I don't need you watching me Like I'm a toddler!" Leonel snapped, as though he had eyes in the back of his head.

Noreen sighed and turned to retrieve the wheelchair, while Leonel made his way to the club's entrance.

As Noreen had mentioned, it was drizzling outside. The rain was light, yet it had dampened the pavement.

His car was only ten meters away, but the wet, slippery ground made the distance seem greater.

Behind him, Noreen called out anxiously, "Let me help you, Mr. Douglas."

Leonel stubbornly refused and continued towards the car, relying heavily on his right leg. Despite his efforts to appear unaffected, the reality was starkly evident.

Clearly, he was not the same as before.

The rain intensified, pelting down harder and harder. Despite the challenge, Leonel's stubbornness prevailed. Noreen, trailing closely behind, was moved by his determination. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought to hold them back, reminding herself that her role was to assist and follow her employer's commands without question.

Eventually, Leonel made it to the car on his own.

Breathing heavily, he leaned against the door, his left leg trembling under the strain and pain.

Unaware of his boss was making his way there, the driver remained inside.

Noreen dashed forward, paying no attention to her own drenched clothes, and opened the door for Leonel. Startled by the noise, the driver hurried out to assist him into the car, apologizing profusely, "I'm sorry, Mr. Douglas. I didn't notice you."

Although Leonel was known for his short temper, the driver relied on this well-paying job to support his family and was anxious not to jeopardize it.

Fortunately, Leonel seemed more weary than angry. He maneuvered himself into the back seat and instructed dismissively, "That's all right. Let's go."

"Yes, sir," the driver responded, quickly closing the door for him.

After helping Noreen stow the wheelchair in the trunk, the driver pleaded for her to speak favorably of him. Noreen whispered urgently, “Hurry up. Don't dwell on this now. Mr. Douglas isn't in the best mood today."