Chapter 2371 Leonel’s visits always stirred conflicting emotions within her.

She reminded herself that their relationship had ended a long time ago.

Her mind was set against him, but her body seemed to disagree, evident from their recent encounters.

Alexis had to admit that being intimate with Leonel was quite comfortable. She wondered if he had a particular understanding of women or just an insight into her, as he consistently managed to please her.

But she sternly reminded herself, that there couldn't be a ‘next time’.

Despite the physical satisfaction, she couldn't afford to let herself become entangled with him again.

Continuing down this path could only lead to complications and unwanted emotions.

Alexis was determined not to contradict her own principles and end up disappointing herself by going back on her words.

Lost in these thoughts, she was interrupted by her secretary, who entered with a Lunch box.

Alexis leaned back in her chair.

“Didn't I say I'd skip lunch?” she queried.

The secretary responded cautiously, “Mr. Douglas sent this over. He said you're worn out and you're gonna need this.” Alexis usually had a tough exterior, but the events in the lounge earlier with Leonel were clearly not lost on her secretary.

But then, she chose to ignore it.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Leonel’s gesture with the lunch box seemed a deliberate attempt to unnerve her.

She opened the box to find two stir-fried dishes and a bowl of silver fungus soup, all foods known for their nourishing properties for women.

As Alexis sat there, memories of Leonel's audacious whispers during their earlier encounter flooded her mind, causing her face to heat up.

Disgusted, she had no appetite left.

She gestured to her secretary, “Okay, you can now leave.” Alone, she stared at the food, her irritation growing. Eventually, she covered it and tossed it into the trash.

Seeking a distraction, she leaned back on the sofa and pressed a button, bringing up a video walt.

The news playing was explosive, featuring Edwin.

Alexis’ face hardened as she absorbed the news.

Laura's identity had been made public.

Chapter 2372 Her connections with Cathy, Mark, and Edwin had exploded across national headlines. The media showcased old campus photos of Mark and Cathy and delved into Mark's previous relationship with Cecilia.

The reports were sensationalized, casting Laura in a harsh light as a malevolent mistress’ illegitimate daughter who managed to win Edwin's affection.

Without hesitation, Alexis called Edwin, her voice filled with concern.

“What's going on?” Edwin's tense voice came through, clearly in the midst of managing the crisis. Despite the strong backgrounds of the Fowler and Evans families, such a scandal was not easily suppressed.

His voice was low and hoarse, hinting at the weight of the crisis.

“Alexis, I need to keep an eye on the Smiths.” Alexis’ tone was direct and to the point.

“I'll keep an eye on the media for you. Edwin, you need to think beyond just yourself and Laura. Get your father and mine involved. Our best bet is to persuade Vanessa to publicly retract her statements and apologize.

Claiming it was all fabricated is the only way to minimize the harm to Laura.” Edwin's bitter laughter was a tacit admission of her correct assessment.

Alexis, not one to mince words, bluntly remarked, “Of course, it had to be Vanessa Smith you have made upset! But there's no use blaming you now. Just make sure Laura is comforted properly. She's such a fragile soul” After Edwin acknowledged her advice, she ended the call and promptly assembled a formidable legal team of twelve lawyers.

They stood ready to take action against the Smiths and any media outlets that had spread the scandalous story.

Determined to mitigate the situation, Alexis reached out to Vanessa, but found her unyielding and unwilling to back down.

Lowering her voice, Alexis tried to reason with her.

“Vanessa, while Edwin bears some fault, the main responsibility is still yours. We have to think about our families’ reputations and futures. If you need to vent out your anger, confront Edwin directly. Our families won't even intervene. But don't take it out on Laura. She's innocent in all of this. Why target her so viciously?” Alexis knew the real victim in this escalating scandal was — Laura.

The reputations of the Evans and Fowler families might seem at stake, but ultimately, they wouldn't suffer significant damage.

Vanessa's goal seemed to be to break up Edwin and Laura so she could marry him herself, but she failed to understand Edwin's true nature.

He cared little for public opinion, focusing only on his loved ones, which would only strengthen his resolve to protect Laura.

The influence of the Smith family was indeed considerable in Duefron, but against a united front from the Evans and Fowler families, they could still face significant opposition. The outcome hinged on the decisions of the elder family members.

After a lengthy silence, Vanessa finally responded in a low, defeated tone, “I can’t turn back now! I love him!" And with those words, the call ended abruptly.

Chapter 2373 Sighing lightly at the complexity of the situation, Alexis went back to work and left the law firm around 8 pm, ready to head back to her apartment.

As she reached the parking area, she noticed a Lotus Evora parked nearby.

It was unmistakably Leonel’s.

Through the rolled-down window of the car, Leonel’'s handsome face was visible in the early spring night.

Holding her briefcase, Alexis mused on his uninhibited behavior in bed, contrasting sharply with his more composed demeanor now.

She approached the car, tapping on its body.

for someone, Mr. Douglas?” she

this. Next time we're in the mood, we can just meet at a hotel. It's actually more discreet —" Leonel's frustration was palpable, wishing he could silence her provocative

settled next to him, Alexis took off her

an intense encounter with Leonel at noon,

pale complexion at a red light, Leonel asked softly, “Not feeling well?” Alexis, not one to neglect her

sent today, you didn't eat it?" Alexis let out a

as childish as that again.” Leonel remained silent, his grip firm on the steering wheel. As the traffic light turned green, he drove to a nearby Mexican restaurant known for its

the air had thinned

Alexis ordered their meal, which arrived quickly. She ate

partially satiating her hunger and drinking half a glass of water, she noticed Leonel

faint smile, “Not to your liking?" Leonel simply

in watching her, a rare moment when she seemed to let her guard down, a contrast to

dinner continued with minimal

these years, haven't you met someone you liked? Why are you still single?” Alexis wiped her lips, leaning back with a gaze full of

think I'm like you, taking home just anyone?” she

me?” Leonel followed

chose to be with

logic. To answer your question, you mean nothing to me. We just had a couple of encounters. Stop pursuing me,

have learned that pushing the conversation only

of

and now.” As she prepared to leave, Leonel reached out to grasp her

building entrance.” Alexis looked down at him, her

Alexis spoke

taxi.” She left without

in the crystal glass on

was familiar with

had been here that Christmas, the one

had dined inside with Robert, while Waylen waited

it was Leonel's turn to suffer the bitterness of

of late February, Alexis stepped outside and inhaled the

was about to hail a taxi when her

father. His tone

immediately! Mark and Cecilia are both

just as she was

back.” Alexis

taxi driver peered out

in or not? I've got another fare waiting!”

him a hundred-dollar

Library The driver's mood

he exclaimed

faint smile and turned to

my car,” he said

into his car, buckling up,

about Edwin?" Alexis leaned back,

villa was quiet, the conversation sparse and centered

ending up

only a faint

hour later, they

the car door, she

and will always side with her. It makes me think about our past-“ Her voice trailed off, leaving her thought

watched her walk towards the villa, deep in

Waylen and Mark were engaged

was involved in a discussion with

and Leonel entered one after another. Mark, attempting to lighten the mood, quipped, “There is our little Lexil”

daughter to Leonel trailing behind her, his

two return together?” His intense eyes moved back and forth between them,

just had dinner together,” Alexis replied

Growing impatient, Alexis

these minor details?" Waylen shot her a stern look but decided not to

Laura?” Alexis asked, changing the subject as she

“Peter and Lina are

to Waylen, “Dealing with the Smith family is already tough. We can't afford to be openly hostile! Our relatives in Czanch are also against Edwin and

family or the elders in Czanch, he needs to handle it. If he can’t

She glared

you, he and Laura wouldn't be in this mess.” Clearly uncomfortable with his wife pointing out his faults, Mark

add, “If it weren't for that incident, our son might not even be

her advancing years, she still had a fiery

dearly by Waylen and

a huff, she stormed

called out to her, but she ignored

embarrassed but tried to maintain his composure in

mind her,”

suggested, “Maybe

a big deal out of it.” Despite that, he headed upstairs the

Alexis and Leonel, his

comfortable in your life, unaware of others’ struggles. You and Mom can be

What do you mean by ‘having a little fun’? With whom?” Alexis stood up and silently mouthed two words

lounging on the sofa, stroked his

2378 Alexis sure knew how to stir things up! Waylen, taken aback, struggled to respond. Feeling out of his

a game to you?” Leonel replied with restraint, “I expect her to

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