Elaine left Antonio's mansion feeling completely devastated. The moment she stepped outside the large compound, she felt as though everything around her had suddenly become meaningless. The beautiful mansion that had impressed her earlier no longer fascinated her. The carefully maintained compound, the expensive cars, and the imposing security personnel meant nothing to her anymore. All she could think about was Antonio. More precisely, she could think about the fact that Antonio had rejected her. She had gone there with so much confidence. She had believed that seeing him again would awaken something between them. She had believed that their history would make it impossible for him to completely reject her. Instead, Antonio had calmly told her that he had moved on. And Cynthia had made the situation even worse. Elaine's face burned whenever she remembered the way Cynthia had walked toward Antonio, wrapped her arms around his neck, and held him affectionately. The image refuse

The following day, Elaine woke up earlier than usual. She had barely slept during the night because her mind was occupied with what awaited her. She kept thinking about Cedric and how much influence he might still have over Antonio. She knew she could not be certain that the older man would help her, but she believed that meeting him was worth the effort. If there was anyone who could speak to Antonio in a way that might make him reconsider his decision, Elaine believed Cedric could be that person. She remained in bed for several minutes, staring at the ceiling while replaying the events of the previous day in her mind. Cynthia's words continued to echo in her thoughts. Antonio had made it clear that his life had moved forward, and Cynthia had made it even clearer that she would not accept another woman entering their marriage. Elaine knew she had been rejected. But she refused to believe that rejection was the end. After getting ready, Elaine left for the airport. She kept

Cedric remained seated for a while after promising Elaine that he would intervene. However, the more he thought about the situation, the more he realized that there was something far more important to him than the request Elaine had brought before him. He wanted to see Antonio. After all these years, he wanted to see the boy he had known since childhood. He wanted to know what kind of man Antonio had become and whether the little boy he remembered was still somewhere beneath the successful and powerful man he had heard about. Cedric looked at Elaine and smiled. "There's something I want you to understand," Cedric said. Elaine looked at him attentively. "What is it?" "I'm more interested in seeing Antonio than anything else." Elaine was surprised by his response. Cedric continued. "I haven't seen him for many years. I've wondered about him so many times." He sighed deeply. "I often wonder how he managed to get over the death of his mother." Elaine became quiet.

Antonio remained seated, but his attention was now completely fixed on Cedric.The older man had just told him that there was something important he wanted to discuss, and Antonio could tell from the seriousness in his voice that it was not something Cedric intended to take lightly. His uncle had been quiet for a while, studying him with an expression that suggested he was carefully choosing his words. There was a firmness in his posture, but there was also genuine concern in his eyes.Antonio leaned forward slightly."What is the problem, Uncle?"Cedric looked at him for a few seconds before finally speaking."I was told that you and Elaine broke up."Antonio blinked, as though he had not expected that particular subject to come up."Elaine?"Cedric nodded."Yes. You and Elaine."Antonio glanced briefly toward Elaine, who was still sitting quietly in the living room. She had barely spoken since arriving at the mansion, and her silence had not gone unnoticed by him. She sat with her

Cedric turned around and looked back at Antonio and Cynthia.There was something else on his mind, something he had suddenly remembered before leaving. The expression on his face had changed, and Antonio immediately noticed it. Cedric no longer looked as though he was ready to walk away. Instead, he seemed to be struggling with another thought that he felt compelled to express."Uncle?"Cedric slowly walked back a few steps."I just thought of something."Antonio waited, watching him carefully.Cedric looked at Cynthia first and smiled."I want to make something clear. I have no problem with your marriage."Cynthia nodded politely."I know.""You are a good woman," Cedric continued. "And from everything I've seen today, I am happy that Antonio married you."Cynthia smiled."Thank you."Cedric nodded before turning his attention toward Antonio."But there is something I think you should consider."Antonio raised an eyebrow."What?"Cedric hesitated briefly, as though he knew what he wa