Just as he was about to close the door, Alexis stopped him. She held his hand and whispered, "If it's still not working, we can seek counseling. Leonel, I'm serious about us."

In the dimly lit night, dressed sharply in his suit, he looked down at her.

A different emotion flickered in his dark eyes. After a moment, Leonel responded in a raspy voice, “I'm serious, too. Alexis, let's make it work this time."

As he sat next to her, she leaned in to kiss him. Speaking softly, she said, "I have a business trip tomorrow morning. If tonight doesn't pan out, we'll try again when I return."

Leonel cradled her face and half-jokingly exclaimed, "Mrs. Douglas, you're driving me to distraction. If I hold back too much, it might just be too much for me."

Alexis smiled as she looked at him.

She then kissed along the contour of his neck, her lips skilled and tender. It didn't take long for Leonel to respond, but he knew they needed more privacy than the car could offer. Finally, he grasped her hair gently and whispered, "Let's head home."

Alexis chuckled lightly.

With a slender hand, she extended her arm, delicately tracing the blue veins on Leonel's neck. Her voice, hoarse but irresistibly seductive, whispered, “I must admit, Mr. Douglas, your enduring vitality at this stage surprises me."

Leonel remained silent, allowing her to continue.

Unable to resist any longer, he gently seized her hand and nibbled on it.

"You naughty, naughty girl," he remarked.

They reached the villa late at night. With the children asleep, most of the lights were off.

With only a wall lamp casting a faint glow in the hall, the entire place appeared rather dim.

After parking the car in the driveway, Alexis switched off the engine and turned to face Leonel. Leonel surveyed the villa before instructing, in a hushed tone, "Take the car to the garage."

Alexis, surprised, asked with curiosity, “Why the garage?"

But Leonel offered no response. Instead, he simply got off the car.

Leaning against the window, he grinned and said, “I'll be right back. Just going upstairs for something."

Clutching the steering wheel, Alexis grasped Leonel's intention immediately. Though the dim light obscured much, he could still sense her blush. With a nod, she proceeded to drive the car into the garage.

With a cigarette in hand, Leonel climbed the stairs, exuding a composed demeanor.