Rex turned his attention to Leon and stared quizzically at him.
"You brought your wife down here and now you are hiding her from me?"
In a bit to redeem herself and save her neck from her mother's strangling glares, Ivory quickly took the spotlight away from a slightly riled Leon and spoke in his defense.
"Dad, it was actually Nana Esther that took Ella away from us, when we arrived here. You know how Nana Esther is fond of her."
"Oh, I see!" Rex shook his head in reply while smiling. He could sense the uneasiness in Ivory's tone and the sudden chilly atmosphere. So he concluded that the reason for Ella's current absence in the room and Ivory's tension was because of Marissa.
"Well, it was thoughtful for Ella to come over, knowing fully well that she has a company to run. Good job, Leon."
"Thanks, dad!" Leon's lips curved into a smile.