Rena gently withdrew her hand and declared, “Robert, I do not desire such a connection. It is better to end it before our love deepens further."

Robert gazed at her with an air of sorrow.

Rena discerned the hardships he had faced recently. Perhaps he was stifled within the confines of the Figueroa family and the more time passed, the less she could progress with him.

She murmured an apologetic “sorry” under her breath and prepared to take her leave.

Within the tranquil ambiance of the coffee shop, Winnie's malevolent voice abruptly pierced the silence.

“Do you not desire such a connection?

Does Miss Gordon relish being toyed with by Waylen?"

Rena felt stifled, as if the air had been sucked out of the room.

She had given her heart to Waylen during their time together. It was not her fault that their relationship had faltered.

Why did Winnie feel the need to utter such hurtful words?

It didn't suit an elegant woman like herself!

Rena exerted all her efforts to rein in her emotions and, in a hushed tone, retorted, "Now I understand why Robert remains unmarried at his age. With a mother like you, he probably lacks the courage to pursue a woman."

And Robert had chosen her, Rena.

She cast one more glance at Robert, not wanting to make things too difficult for him and, with a nod, she departed.

As she made her exit, her eyes betrayed a tinge of redness.

Regardless, Rena had taken her relationship with Robert seriously.

Yet she possessed her own boundaries and principles. She refused to subject herself to injustice.

With a resolute stride, she left, while Robert engaged in a quarrel with his mother.

Winnie's words grew even more venomous. Each utterance struck Rena's heart. Perhaps for Winnie, the fact that Rena rejected her son proved more agonizing than death itself.

Rena walked directly outside.

She opened the car door and slipped inside.

Rather than immediately starting the engine, she reached for a tissue to dab at her reddened and somewhat sore eyes.