Each day was fraught with worries over numerous bills.

The once romantic moments with that man had dissipated like fleeting clouds, carried away by the wind.

Occasionally, she caught glimpses of him in the newspapers.

He remained a man of refinement and elegance.

But she was no longer the innocent and youthful woman she once was.

Rena dared not make any promises.

She simply whispered softly, “Waylen needs to teach him a lesson but he won't harm Edwin. Never."

With tear-filled eyes, Cecilia nodded in agreement.

After ensuring Cecilia's stability, Rena sought out Waylen in the study.

Pushing open the sturdy door, Rena entered a dimly lit room, with only a small wall lamp providing illumination.

Waylen sat behind the desk, cigarette in hand. The ashtray before him overflowed with cigarette butts, a testament to his irritability and anger. @

Closing the door behind her, Rena approached the window, whispering, "Why have you smoked so excessively?"

Waylen silently fixed his gaze upon her.

Tonight held a different ambiance than usual. Rena walked over, perched herself on his lap and tenderly embraced him.

Waylen extinguished the cigarette, leaning against her shoulder.

Embracing one another in profound silence, they sought solace for an extended duration. Eventually, in a husky voice, he asked, "Rena, am I a failure? If only I hadn't insisted on going to Braseovell, your uncle and Cecilia wouldn't have had the opportunity to get close. The days when Mark was in the hospital must have fostered their emotional connection." @

Softly, Rena inquired, "Will you agree?"

Waylen playfully pinched her waist and replied, “Why don't you ask my parents? It appears you think I'm easily swayed, so you want to convince me first and then have me persuade my parents, am I correct?"

Rena didn't deny it, slowly pressing her face against his.

A flush spread across Waylen's cheeks.

After a prolonged silence, he whispered, “Are you defending your uncle or pleading on behalf of Cecilia?"

Rena shook her head, her arms encircling his waist as she whispered gently, "I did it for Edwin.”