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.

someone, Mr. Douglas?”

slight tilt of his chin, simply said, “Get in." Alexis replied with a smile, “I drove here myself. You don’t need to keep showing up like 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

him, Alexis took off her high heels,

morning, an intense encounter with Leonel at noon, and handling Edwin's crisis through the afternoon and evening without so much as a

softly, “Not feeling well?” Alexis, not one to neglect her well-being, directed him, “Let's go eat something.”

didn't eat it?" Alexis

as that again.” Leonel remained silent, his grip firm on the steering wheel. As the traffic light turned green, he drove to

the air had thinned the

ordered their meal, which arrived quickly. She ate mostly in silence, her

hunger and drinking half a glass of water,

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

2374 “No, it's fine.” He was more interested in watching her, a rare moment when she

dinner continued

these years, haven't you met someone you liked? Why are you still single?” Alexis

you, taking home just anyone?” she

what about me?” Leonel

I the one you chose to be with after all

couple of encounters. Stop pursuing me, I don't have the energy for it” Leonel quietly resumed eating,

pushing the conversation only

with the turn of events, Alexis

for the hospitality, both at noon and now.” As she

entrance.” Alexis looked down

a short pause, Alexis spoke up with a

She left without lingering, her

glass on the

was familiar with

of Waylen and Rena. They had been here

while Waylen waited outside in the

was Leonel's turn to suffer the bitterness of

February, Alexis stepped outside and

to hail a taxi when her phone

father. His tone was grave.

Cecilia are both here.” “I'll be right

as she was about to enter, a strong hand grasped

back.” Alexis stood still, their hands still joined, her eyes

out

I've got another fare waiting!” he said

handed him

driver's

played, young man!” he exclaimed with

smile and turned

get in my car,”

car, buckling

about Edwin?" Alexis leaned back, murmuring

Fowler villa was quiet, the conversation sparse

Edwin ending up with

only a faint smile in

later, they arrived at

the car door, she

Edwin chose Laura and will always side with her. It makes me think about our past-“ Her voice trailed off, leaving her thought unfinished, but she knew Leonel

towards the

Waylen and Mark were engaged in a low-key conversation on the

usually more reserved, was involved in a

to lighten the mood, quipped, “There is our little Lexil” Alexis greeted

to Leonel trailing behind her, his eyes

intense eyes moved back and forth between them, filled with concern that his daughter might be

had dinner

Growing impatient,

Why are you fixating on these minor details?" Waylen shot her a stern look but

asked, changing the subject as she

and Lina are with her

hostile! Our relatives in Czanch are also against Edwin and Laura's marriage. It's chaos back at home. I told them the marriage is happening, and if they object, they

it's the Smith family or the elders in Czanch, he needs to handle it. If

She glared

If it weren't for you, he and Laura wouldn't be in this mess.” Clearly uncomfortable with his wife pointing

for that incident, our son might

advancing years, she still had

her parents and loved dearly by Waylen and Rena, so sometimes

huff,

out to her, but she ignored him and quickened

but tried to maintain his composure in front of Waylen,

her,” he

good night's sleep.” Angela's Library Waylen, however, suggested, “Maybe you should go talk to her?” Mark stubbed

We men don’t need to make a big deal out

Alexis and Leonel,

reclining casually, responded, “What could be going on? Dad, you're comfortable in your life, unaware of others’ struggles. You and Mom can be lovey-dovey, but you begrudge us having a

little fun’? With whom?” Alexis stood up and silently

the sofa, stroked his nose

Alexis sure knew how to stir things up! Waylen, taken aback, struggled to respond. Feeling out of his depth with his daughter, he turned his

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

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