She couldn't accept that her feelings for him would end so ambiguously.
She decided to attend the wedding, to hear Dennis say it himself, even if it was to end things. Only then could she truly let go and start anew.
After a night of deliberation, Raymond decided to leave Sam behind and go to Thalassia alone, considering the many oddities and potential dangers surrounding Dennis's wedding.
Melinda came downstairs just in time to see Raymond and Sam having breakfast. Sam, seeing Melinda awake, clamored to go out and play.
When Melinda learned that Raymond wasn't taking Sam to the wedding, she was shocked. After all, Dennis was Sam's godfather, and it was only natural for Sam to attend.
Raymond explained that the invitation had come from the butler, not Dennis himself, which made him suspect something was amiss. Moreover, Dennis's cold handling of his relationship with Claire was baffling.
They struck a deal with Sam: he would stay behind in exchange for a summer trip around the world.
Melinda agreed with the plan.
That evening, Claire arrived at the airport on time, boarding the plane as Melinda's assistant. Kathy also came along to take care of Melinda. Before boarding the Thomas Group's private jet, Melinda comforted Claire, urging her to stay rational and not do anything foolish out of heartbreak.
Claire nodded, saying she just wanted an answer and would then move on with her life.
Under the night sky at the Gonzalez Villa, a black luxury car pulled into the parking lot. Zachary, tall and imposing, stepped out, carrying a simple duffel bag. His military bearing was unmistakable, his face handsome and resolute.
The butler of the Gonzalez Villa greeted him politely, informing him that Dennis was too busy with wedding preparations to meet and would arrange a meeting the next morning.
Though displeased, Zachary accepted this for the time being. After being shown to his guest room, the staff prepared dinner and subtly hinted that he should stay put.
But Zachary was not one to follow orders obediently.
In the dead of night, he leaped from his fourth-floor window like a phantom, heading straight for Dennis's bedroom.
Having been there before, he knew the layout well. He crossed the shadowy garden and climbed through a lit window.
Dennis, dressed in a black robe and holding a glass of red wine, looked every bit the picture of elegance with his dark hair falling over his forehead.
Sensing movement outside, Dennis demanded to know who was there. Zachary jumped in without hesitation.
Seeing it was Zachary, Dennis greeted him with a calm indifference that left Zachary feeling dejected. Zachary demanded to know why the wedding announcement had come from the butler and why Dennis seemed so indifferent, as if their friendship meant nothing.
Dennis, looking puzzled, asked if it was really necessary for him to notify everyone personally.
Frustrated and helpless, Zachary threw himself onto the bed, lamenting how he had dropped everything to come, only to be met with Dennis's cold detachment. Dennis, still indifferent, suggested he get some rest.
Zachary, staring intently at Dennis, tried to discern the reason behind his behavior. Dennis, feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny, pushed him away.
Though certain something was wrong with Dennis, Zachary couldn't pinpoint it and decided to let it go for the moment, agreeing to talk the next day before jumping back out the window.
Dennis remained unfazed, seemingly unconcerned about Zachary's safety.
Everyone had noticed the changes in Dennis over the past few days. He had become more distant, his emotions flat, responding to everything with a detached calm.
Unable to sleep, Zachary resolved to uncover the truth behind Dennis's drastic change.
The next morning, Zachary joined Dennis for breakfast, sitting directly across from him and scrutinizing him closely.
Dennis, unperturbed, ate his meal in silence.
Qiana came to greet them, making small talk with Zachary before asking Dennis to catch up with him. Dennis declined, citing work, leaving Zachary feeling even more disheartened.
Qiana pulled Zachary aside, her voice tinged with worry. "Zach, something's really off with Dennis. Ever since he got back, he's been so... distant. It's like he doesn't care about anything, not even the wedding. It's just a chore to him."
Zachary frowned. "When did this start?"
"The day after he came home," Qiana replied. "The doctors checked him out, but they didn't find anything physically wrong. They just said it was emotional, maybe a personality issue."
"Let me take a look at his schedule since he got back," Zachary suggested. "Maybe we can figure out what happened."
Qiana nodded. "I'll help you with that."
Meanwhile, in the lab, Hayden was having a revelation of his own. The medication he had given Dennis had messed up his nervous system, stripping him of his emotions and messing with his functions. But with Ivy's wedding coming up and his own research funding on the line, Hayden decided to keep quiet. He'd use Dennis as a research subject instead. Cleo and Ivy were blissfully unaware, caught up in wedding preparations.
At noon, Melinda, Raymond, Claire, and Kathy arrived at Thalassia International Airport and then drove to the estate.
During the ride, Claire stared out the window, lost in memories. Tears welled up as the familiar air brought back thoughts of Dennis. Her heart was torn between the joy of seeing him and the despair of his wedding.
Kathy tried to comfort her, and Claire fought to hold back her sorrow.
When they arrived at the estate, they were blown away by its grandeur. The sprawling grounds and castle-like architecture were breathtaking, with meticulously designed gardens.
The butler showed them to their rooms. Melinda remarked on the Gonzalez family's resemblance to royalty, with their strict hierarchy and formality.
Melinda advised Claire to rest.
Claire assured her she wouldn't cause any trouble, knowing this was a rare opportunity and determined to keep her emotions in check.
As soon as Melinda and Raymond entered their room, Zachary came to visit.
Zachary informed them about Dennis's condition.
"He seems like a different person," Zachary said. "He's indifferent to everything, his emotions flat. He treats us like strangers and shows no joy about the wedding, as if it's just a task, not something he wants."
Melinda and Raymond were shocked, filled with suspicion about Dennis's behavior and sympathy for Claire.
Raymond, eager to investigate, suggested they visit Dennis immediately.
Zachary agreed to accompany them, and they soon found Dennis in the garden, playing with his dog, Fido.
Fido, as usual, was playful, but Dennis responded lazily, a stark contrast to his former enthusiasm.
When Raymond and Zachary appeared, Dennis glanced at them indifferently, showing no joy, remaining seated. They felt the full force of his coldness.
Raymond, trying to stay composed, chatted with Dennis as usual.
Mentioning the wedding and Melinda's desire to meet his wife, Dennis responded mechanically, saying he would arrange it, then excused himself, citing a video conference.
Zachary tried to stop him, first by holding him back, then by suggesting a fight to provoke some emotion.
The once competitive Dennis now showed no interest, stating he didn't like fighting and walked away.
Zachary's attempts to provoke him failed, with Dennis responding coldly and even snapping at Zachary for meddling before leaving decisively.
This convinced Raymond and Zachary that something was wrong with Dennis, and they needed to find out what. But being at the Gonzalez Villa, they had to proceed cautiously.
Meanwhile, Claire, keeping her promise, wandered the garden.
Overwhelmed by memories and pain, she unknowingly wandered deep into the garden.
In the unfamiliar surroundings, with no one to turn to, her sorrow erupted, and she broke down in tears.
Her cries reached Dennis, who initially wanted to send someone to shoo her away but was drawn to the sound, heading in Claire's direction.
Claire, lost in her grief, didn't notice anyone approaching.