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.

Mr. Douglas?” she inquired

Next time we're in the mood, we can just meet at a hotel. It's actually more discreet —"

to him, Alexis took

noon, and handling Edwin's crisis through the afternoon and evening without so much as a

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

as that again.” Leonel remained silent, his grip firm on the steering wheel.

air had thinned

arrived quickly. She ate mostly

glass of water, she noticed Leonel

asked with a faint smile, “Not to your liking?"

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

continued

Leonel ventured, “All these years, haven't you met someone you liked? Why are you still single?” Alexis wiped

taking home just

about me?” Leonel followed

the one you chose to be with after

just had a couple of encounters. Stop pursuing me, I don't have the

learned that pushing the conversation only led to Alexis’

the turn of events, Alexis stood

both at noon and now.” As she prepared to leave, Leonel reached out to grasp

your building entrance.” Alexis looked down at him, her expression one of haughty

a short pause, Alexis spoke up

She left

visible in the crystal glass on the table. His appearance was

was familiar

Waylen and Rena. They had been here that Christmas, the one

inside with Robert, while Waylen waited outside in

now it was Leonel's turn to

February, Alexis stepped outside and inhaled the brisk

hail a taxi when

was her father. His tone was grave.

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

as she was about

“I'll take you back.” Alexis stood still, their hands still joined, her

out of his rolled-down

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

him a hundred-dollar

Library The driver's mood

young man!” he exclaimed

smile and turned

my car,” he said

his car, buckling up,

this about Edwin?" Alexis leaned back, murmuring her

quiet, the conversation sparse and centered around Edwin and

Edwin ending up with Laura,”

a faint smile

an hour later, they

door, she

It makes me think about our past-“ Her voice trailed

towards the

Waylen and Mark were engaged

usually more reserved, was involved in a discussion with

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

daughter to Leonel trailing behind her, his eyes flashing

moved back and forth between them, filled with concern that his

dinner together,” Alexis replied

Growing impatient, Alexis

to discuss the Smiths’ situation. Why are you fixating on these

asked, changing the subject as she glanced

“Peter and Lina

cigarette, he vented 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 Laura's marriage. It's chaos back at home. I told them the marriage is happening, and if they object, they should take it up with my mother.”

caused this mess. He should fix it. Whether it's the Smith family or the elders in Czanch, he needs to handle it. If he can’t manage this small issue, he doesn't

glared at

he and Laura wouldn't be in this mess.” Clearly

it weren't for that incident, our son might not even be with Laura now!” Cecilia's eyes blazed with

years, she still had a fiery temper.

by Waylen and Rena, so sometimes she still acted like a

a huff, she stormed

to her, but she ignored him and

felt embarrassed but tried to maintain his composure in front of Waylen, Rena,

her,”

Waylen, however, suggested, “Maybe you

a big deal out

Alexis and

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?”

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

the sofa, stroked his

aback, struggled to

this a game to you?” Leonel replied with restraint, “I expect her to take responsibility.” This answer sounded more pleasing to

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