Leonel cleared his throat, inquiring, "How's your relationship with that young man?"

Alexis sidestepped the question, neither confirming nor denying anything.

Retrieving a magazine, she casually flipped through it before remarking, “Same as usual."

Leonel hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

He felt too embarrassed to press further; doing so would appear desperate.

Meanwhile, Daniel stood on the stairs, a hint of flush coloring his typically composed expression. It was evident he'd overheard his parents and was secretly delighted.

Catching sight of Daniel, Alexis urged gently, "Go fetch your sister for dinner, Danny."

Daniel nodded eagerly, hurrying to summon Evelyn. His joy overflowed as he indulged in a hearty dinner, even taking on the role of feeding Cordelia.

Olivia was dumbstruck.

She couldn't help but muse that it was fortunate her brother Edwin didn't exhibit such behavior. If he indulged her with food every time he was pleased, she'd surely be way plumper.

Following dinner, Leonel opted against staying the night. Before departing, Alexis urged him, "Give Olivia a ride. She's been rather down lately, and I'm concerned about her driving late at night."

Leonel was on the verge of lighting a cigarette when he reconsidered upon hearing that, retracting it.

"Alright, I'll see her off," he conceded.

Just before Leonel's departure, Alexis added softly, “Tell Ross to take it easy on the road. It's a bit foggy tonight. Get some rest when you're home and don't forget to soak your feet."

Leonel gazed deeply into Alexis' eyes as she stood beneath the glow of the crystal lamp in the hallway, her beauty accentuated by its Light.

In that fleeting moment, she radiated a warmth and kindness that made it difficult for any man to walk away.

However, Leonel couldn't ignore the history of their separation, acknowledging the inappropriateness of being alone together once more.

With a final look, he silently turned away and left.

As Alexis watched him go in silence, she leaned against the door, a serene smile playing on her Lips.

On Saturday morning, Alexis was surprised to receive a package from Noreen.