He left the business party early and sank wearily into his car seat, unable to muster the strength to move. A throbbing pain echoed through his left leg as he sat, overwhelmed by the night's events.

Noreen was unaware of the events that transpired at the party or the pain that Leonel was enduring. In a subdued voice, she asked, "Mr. Douglas, don't you want to speak with Mr. Williams? Why are you leaving so early?"

However, Leonel was not in the mood to discuss any business right now.

He closed his eyes and responded quietly, “I'll talk to him another day." After a brief pause, he continued, "By the way, I need to move to another villa. Please arrange it as soon as possible and inform Hester that I will consider her requests as long as they are reasonable. But tell her not to push her luck; my patience is wearing thin."

Noreen was taken aback by his words.