Under the cover of a late night sky, Mark concluded his social gatherings in Czanch. Slightly intoxicated, he found support against the sofa's embrace.

A servant graciously presented him with a remedy tea.

Yet with a gesture, Mark declined its aid, prompting the servant to depart discreetly.

With a tender inquiry, Mark softly asked, “What troubles you? Did that bastard mistreat you?"

Rena firmly shook her head, denying, “No, I simply require your assistance, concerning... Cecilia. Waylen informed me that she vanished without a trace for two years. Therefore, I implore you to help us locate her."

Upon hearing her plea, Mark attentively sat upright.

Delicately unbuttoning his shirt, he questioned in a hushed tone, amidst the depth of night, "She has been away for two years?"

Rena confirmed his statement with a nod.

Mark fell into a thoughtful silence, his heavy breaths echoing through the phone's receiver. After a prolonged pause, he responded softly, “Coincidentally, I have a business trip to Duefron tomorrow. I shall make a visit to you and little Alexis."

Confusion filled Rena's voice, "Really? That's nice."

However, before she could utter more, Mark abruptly ended the call, for fear of losing his control.

As the evening grew darker, memories he had struggled to abandon seeped into his consciousness.

He closed his eyes, almost hearing her melodious voice.

“Mr. Evans, please do not be mad at my brother."

"Mr. Evans, will little Alexis be alright?"

"Mr, Evans, you are intoxicated! Cease your drinking... Hm...

Mr. Evans, please don't..."

Following his drinking session, Mark's flushed cheeks revealed the unleashed and disrupted rationality of that night.

In the depths of darkness, he coerced Cecilia who was sixteen years his junior and engaged in an entire night of passionate lovemaking. @

She writhed in his embrace, crying out, "Mr. Evans, please, don't do this!"

Yet her pleas failed to reclaim his composure.

That night, he hurt her thoroughly.