Alexis replied quietly, “I'm on my way."

The autumn rain persisted, and by the time Alexis arrived at the villa, an hour had passed.

The servant greeted her with urgency, saying, "Mr. Douglas shouldn't be drinking. It causes severe pain in his leg. I had no choice but to seek your help. You're the only one who can talk him down."

Alexis smiled helplessly.

After comforting the servant briefly, Alexis ascended the stairs alone.

In the main bedroom, the light was dim.

Peering into the room, Alexis noticed the room littered with red wine bottles, the air heavy with their rich aroma. Leonel, clad in a white bathrobe, lounged against the bed's headboard, puffing on a cigarette.

The bedside ashtray overflowed with cigarette butts, alongside two emptied wine bottles.

At the creak of the door, Leonel's gaze shot up to meet Alexis’.

His expression bore a mix of fury and desolation. After a brief appraisal, he scoffed. “What brings you here? To play the savior once more?"

Motioning to the vacant spot beside him, he took a drag from his cigarette.

Then, he opened the bedside table, retrieved a small box of condoms, and tossed it onto the bed.

He looked at her provocatively.

Alexis maintained her composure as she spoke. “Cordelia was deeply upset after you departed. It's been too long since you last visited her."

Still puffing on his cigarette, Leonel's cheeks hollowed.

After a moment, he suddenly smiled and remarked, "What? Has the child become your excuse? Miss Fowler, do you expect me to remain chaste for you and welcome you back whenever you please? Have you ever considered if I am still waiting for you? Do you believe I will love you indefinitely? Look at this... I too have desires, and I am a normal man. Over the past two years, many women like Hester have sought to be with me."

Revealing his injured left leg as he spoke, gray smoke swirling around him, Leonel cast his gaze downward, a smirk playing on his lips. "We can't turn back time, Alexis! Love isn't a fairy tale, and marriage is far from it."

He paused, his voice gravelly as he continued, "The Leonel you long for is no more!"

Alexis stood silently before proceeding to tidy the room.

Gathering the bottles, she placed them outside the room.