《Divorced》


 1

    <h1 id="8305748" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 1</h1>


    ¡°When will you divorce her?¡±


    In the private room, the girl gazed at the man before her with deep affection.


    Aveline stood outside the private room with cold hands and feet. Like the girl inside, she stared at the man¡¯s handsome, sharp face, as herplexion gradually turned pale.


    That was her husband, Lucas Tudor.


    He was mute, working as a server in this club. Today, she got off work early to go home with him but didn¡¯t expect to stumble upon this scene.


    The man who usually wore a server¡¯s uniform was now in a tailored suit, his short hair meticulously styled. His expression was noble and cold, with an air of elegance and aloofness she had never seen before.


    His thin lips parted, his voice low and pleasant. ¡°I¡¯ll bring it up to her soon.¡±


    She shut her eyes abruptly and turned to leave.


    He could speak.


    His voice was actually so pleasant.


    However, she never expected that the first words she would hear him say were about divorce.


    Aveline was in a daze, thinking she must have mistaken someone else for him.


    How could that noble and cold man be Lucas?


    How could Lucas be divorcing her?


    She exited the club, and it started raining outside. She quickly got soaked. She took out her phone and, on an impulse, dialed his number.


    She walked to the window of the private room and looked inside through the hazy rain.


    She saw him pick up his phone, his stern brows furrowing, and he hung up the call expressionlessly before starting to type.


    Soon, she received a message from Lucas, ¡°Ave, did you forget I can¡¯t talk? Why did you call me?¡±


    Aveline looked at the message, her heart aching as if pierced by a knife!


    Why did he lie to her?Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    When did he recover?


    When did he meet that girl?


    When did he decide to divorce her?


    With countless questions in her heart, she wanted to rush in and confront him, but she was afraid of seeing his cold expression.


    She couldn¡¯t bear it.


    A year ago, she took in Lucas, who was a mute man with amnesia. He could only remember how to write his name and had forgotten everything else.


    She taught him everything from the beginning, helping him learn to read, use signnguage, and even leading him to fall in love with her.


    Later, they got married.


    There was a saying that it¡¯d take 21 days to form a habit. After spending a year with him, she had truly grown ustomed to his presence and his warm smiles.


    So, she believed all this must be a lie, and he wouldn¡¯t divorce her.


    Returning home in the rain, Aveline took a hot shower, prepared Lucas¡¯s favorite dishes, and sat quietly at the dining table waiting.


    At ten o¡¯clock in the evening, the door opened. He walked in, bringing in a chill.


    Aveline saw that he had changed back into his server uniform.


    Her heart inexplicably ached.


    For a moment, she couldn¡¯t tell if what she saw during the day was an illusion.


    ¡°Ave, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Lucas walked over, seeing her pale face and dazed expression, and anxiously asked in signnguage.


    His handsome face was filled with concern, and his eyes showed worry.


    However, in Aveline¡¯s mind, all she could see was his indifferent look as he typed on his phone, then turned to chat andugh with another woman.


    It was a bit ironic.


    ¡°Lucas, I can smell another woman¡¯s perfume on you,¡± Aveline said, avoiding his touch.


    Lucas¡¯s expression froze, and he signed. ¡°I was assigned to help in a private room today. Maybe I got some of the client¡¯s perfume on me. I¡¯ll go shower now.¡±


    He got up and went to the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water filled the room.


    The way he nervously exined didn¡¯t seem like a lie at all.


    Aveline stood up and walked into the bathroom, hugging him despite getting wet. She tightly closed her eyes. ¡°Lucas, I went to find you today.¡±


    The man¡¯s movements stiffened. After a moment, he sighed. ¡°You know everything.

 2

    <h1 id="8305749" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 2</h1>


    Earlier, when she heard his voice, it was mixed with music, making it hard to hear clearly. But now, his deep, maic voice came from right above her, so clear that it struck her heart, leaving her breathless with pain.


    He could speak.


    However, he hadn¡¯t told her about it immediately.


    In fact, he wanted to divorce her.


    All of it was true.


    Why?


    Why did he want a divorce?


    Aveline wanted to ask, but she held back.


    Why should he get to divorce her just because he wanted to?


    Over the past year, she had done nothing to wrong him. Even if he wanted a divorce, he owed her an exnation!


    Aveline¡¯s heart felt cold, but she craved the warmth of his body, hugging him even tighter.


    ¡°Yes, I heard you talking to someone, but I didn¡¯t catch what you said. Lucas, your voice is so nice.¡±


    She kissed his back.


    ¡°Lu.¡±


    It was what she called him only in their most intimate moments.


    Whenever he heard it, he would respond with even more passion.


    But tonight, Lucas pushed her away.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face went pale as she looked at his straight back, suddenly feeling a surge of anger.


    ¡°But I want to, Lucas. You¡¯re my husband; you should fulfill your duties as a husband!¡±


    Why was he tired?


    Had he already been with that other woman?


    She had to find out!


    Lucas seemed surprised by her sudden assertiveness. Her soft hands started to roam over him, and soon his breathing grew heavier.


    His body was honest; he had never been able to resist her touch.


    A dark glint shed in his eyes as he turned and grabbed her chin, kissing her deeply.


    Aveline instinctively closed her eyes, hershes trembling. Aside from the initial scent of perfume on his clothes, there was no other scent on his body.


    Her tense body rxed, and the temperature in the bathroom quickly rose.


    His hot body enveloped hers, and as he kissed her shoulder, his voice was a bit husky. ¡°Ave, we¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going to sleep now!¡± Aveline interrupted him, running to their bedroom and turning off the light.


    What was he going to say? Divorce? She wouldn¡¯t agree!


    She had invested a year and had fallen in love with him. Why should he get to divorce her just because he could talk now?


    He couldn¡¯t be that heartless!Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    In the darkness, Lucas looked at Aveline¡¯s blurry profile. He sighed quietly as he held her and fell into a deep sleep.


    The next day.


    When Aveline woke up, Lucas had already gone out. Panic immediately set in, and she hurriedly got out of bed to search for him.


    Their home was a small two-bedroom apartment she had worked hard for years to buy. After marrying him, it had be a warm and cozy ce.


    She had imagined a bright future together. He was so talented, learning everything quickly. She had once said he would make a lot of money and buy them a bigger house. He had earnestly nodded and agreed back then.


    He hadn¡¯t gotten her the bigger house yet; he couldn¡¯t leave!


    Frantically searching the apartment, Aveline¡¯s face grew paler. Just then, the door opened, and Lucas walked in carrying breakfast.


    Seeing him, Aveline immediately rushed over and hugged him tightly, as if afraid he would run away.


    Startled, Lucas asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Aveline looked up, gazing into his dark eyes. ¡°We¡¯ll always be together, right?¡±


    Lucas remained silent.

 3

    <h1 id="8305750" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 3</h1>


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Say something.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°Let¡¯s eat first.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    He gently pushed her away and walked to the dining table, cing the breakfast on it.


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank deeper into despair as she stared at his back, pain evident in her eyes.


    She had stopped him from saying the word ¡°divorce,¡± but his attitude was clear. He was distancing himself from her, not even offering a false promise.


    He never used to be like this!


    In the beginning, he just followed her everywhere, clinging to her. Later, when she decided to take him in, she taught him to read and learn signnguage. His gaze on her became more focused.


    No matter what she did, his eyes were always on her, as if she were his whole world.


    ¡°Lucas, you didn¡¯t give me my good morning kiss.¡±


    Aveline walked over and said, reminding him of the promise they made after they got together.


    Lucas pushed the milk toward her. ¡°Let¡¯s eat first. I have something to tell youter.¡±


    Aveline clenched her fists. ¡°If I don¡¯t eat, will you not say it?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s dark eyes fixed on her. ¡°You heard everything.¡±


    He was referring to what he said in the private room yesterday.


    Aveline closed her eyes and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    No matter how much she tried to hold back, everything was out in the open now. She couldn¡¯t deceive herself anymore.


    Lucas replied, ¡°She¡¯s important. I have to take responsibility for her.¡±


    ¡°What about me?¡± Aveline looked at him with a bitter smile. ¡°What does our year together mean?¡±


    As if she realized something, she walked up to him. ¡°You got your memory back, didn¡¯t you? You remember who you are, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lucas nodded. ¡°Ave, I¡¯m very grateful for the year you spent with me. I¡¯ll repay you. Whatever you want, just ask, and I¡¯ll make sure you get it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want a divorce,¡± Aveline said, looking at him, enunciating each word.


    Lucas¡¯s expression grew cold and distant, his handsome features losing their warmth. ¡°We must divorce.¡±


    At that moment, an unapproachable, icy aura surrounded him¡ªsomething Aveline had never seen before.


    Her nails dug into her palms as she met his gaze. ¡°I won¡¯t divorce you!¡±


    Compensation? How could hepensate for a year¡¯s worth of love and effort?


    Lucas¡¯s brow furrowed with apparent impatience. ¡°Aveline, if we continue like this, neither of us will be happy.¡±


    Aveline sat down and began eating breakfast without saying another word. She was determined not to divorce him.


    Lucas watched her with aplex expression. The memories of the past year lingered in his mind, unwanted but persistent whenever he saw her, making him feel uneasy.


    He stood up and said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll have someone send over the divorce paperster. You can name your terms.¡±


    Then he left immediately.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Aveline kicked over a nearby chair, her eyes brimming with tears as she bit her lip in anger.


    Jerk! He was such a jerk!


    Aveline struggled to control her emotions, taking several deep breaths, her resolve hardening.


    Sure enough, the divorce papers arrived soon after. She had just finished breakfast and was heading to work when a man in a suit showed up at her door, handing over the documents.


    Aveline didn¡¯t even look at them. She took the papers and tore them to pieces.


    ¡°Divorce is out of the question!¡±


    Without paying attention to the man¡¯s reaction, she went straight to work.

 4

    <h1 id="8305751" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 4</h1>


    When Aveline arrived at the office and sat down, a colleague immediately came over and said, ¡°Aveline, have you heard? Ourpany has been acquired! The person who bought it is Lucas Tudor, Frederick Tudor¡¯s third son, who mysteriously went missing.¡±


    Aveline froze. ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°Lucas Tudor. I saw his photo, and he¡¯s really handsome! They say he disappeared for a year and just recently returned to the Tudor family. As soon as he got back, he started making big changes to the subsidiarypanies here. Ourpany was directly acquired. Oh my, having such a handsome man as a boss¡ªI¡¯d be smiling even in my dreams!¡±


    Aveline pulled out her phone and saw the first notification: news about Lucas, a member of the Tudor family who had been missing, returning.


    In the photo, the man wore a ck suit, his short hair neatly parted, his features sharp and handsome, with piercing eyes that carried a cold glint. His entire demeanor exuded noble aloofness.


    Lucas belonged to the Tudor family, Cloudre City¡¯s most prominent elite family!


    Aveline couldn¡¯t even describe her feelings at that moment.


    It felt incredibly ironic.


    She should have been happy¡ªher husband was a wealthy elite, and the big house she dreamed of was within reach.


    However, she couldn¡¯t feel any joy because her wealthy elite husband wanted to divorce her.


    He was going to take responsibility for another girl.


    Ha!


    Aveline clenched her phone, tears welling up in her eyes.


    ¡°Meeting! Meeting in the main conference room!¡± the manager called out loudly. Everyone grabbed their things and headed to therge conference room.


    The massive room, capable of holding five hundred people, was noisy at first. However, as someone pped their hands, the room gradually quieted down.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s wee our new president, Lucas Tudor!¡±


    The general manager announced excitedly. The door to the conference room opened, and a nobleman in a ck suit strode in.


    Seated in the back row, Aveline watched the man who appeared revitalized, sensing a newfound unfamiliarity.


    His expression was cold, his voice deep and maic but devoid of warmth. He immediately issued variousmands, making everyone dizzy.


    The meetingsted over three hours before it ended. People began to leave one by one, and Aveline got up to leave as well.


    She didn¡¯t want to face him.


    ¡°Stop right there.¡±


    At that moment, a deep, maic voice came from behind her.


    Aveline paused, turned around, and pressed her lips together before asking, ¡°What can I do for you, Mr. Tudor?¡±


    Her tone was distant and businesslike as if they hadn¡¯t been entwined in bed the night before.


    Lucas, holding a file in his hand, nced at her. ¡°Come to my office.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    With that, he walked away first.


    Aveline took a deep breath and followed him.


    Once the office door was closed, Lucas frowned at her. ¡°Why did you tear up the agreement?¡±


    Aveline stared at him steadily. ¡°I haven¡¯t congratted you yet, Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Her tone wasced with sarcasm.


    She suspected he had regained his memory long ago; otherwise, he couldn¡¯t have returned to the Tudor family and started working so quickly.


    He had hidden it from her.


    To be precise, he had deceived her.


    Lucas¡¯s handsome face showed a flicker of emotion as he gazed at her. ¡°Ave, we have no real conflicts. Can¡¯t we part amicably?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Aveline suddenly became agitated, unable to hold back the tears in her eyes. ¡°Lucas, I never thought I¡¯d bring home a scumbag! When did you regain your memory? When did you start speaking again? As your wife, your most intimate partner, I knew nothing!¡±

 Divorced 5

    <h1 id="8305752" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 5</h1>


    What did he take her for?


    Her heart ached as if it were being torn apart, making it difficult for her to breathe.


    Seeing the tears in her eyes, Lucas¡¯ gaze deepened, but his expression grew even colder. ¡°I have my reasons. Not telling you was to protect you.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡±


    Aveline scoffed, holding back her tears, her tone turning icy. ¡°Let me tell you, I won¡¯t divorce you. Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±


    She turned and walked away.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want to lose this job, would you?¡±


    Behind her, his cold voice rang out. ¡°You¡¯re an orphan who struggled to establish yourself in this city. This job must mean a lot to you.¡±


    Aveline red at him. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Sign the divorce papers. My previous offer still stands.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    He was threatening her!


    Aveline¡¯s hands trembled with anger. If he weren¡¯t so far away, she might have pped him across the face!


    ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re despicable!¡±


    How could he change so much in such a short time? Or was he always this cold, and the past year had been an act?


    Lucas casually pulled out a tissue, walked over to her, and gently wiped away her tears.


    Aveline pped his hand away, her eyes filled with stubbornness. ¡°Go ahead and fire me if you dare!¡±


    Divorce? Not a chance!


    She turned and walked out of the office, feeling her emotions gradually bing calmer.


    Lucas¡¯s hand froze in mid-air, his handsome face growing tense.


    He reached for the inte on his desk. ¡°Notify the HR department¡ª¡±


    However, before he could finish, memories of Aveline patiently teaching him signnguage and helping him learn to read shed through his mind.


    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to say the words.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, what would you like us to do?¡± came the cautious voice of his secretary over the inte.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Lucas hung up the phone, his expression more irritated than before.


    ¡­


    When colleagues asked Aveline what Lucas had said to her, she just smiled and brushed it off.


    She sat at her desk, carefully thinking about what to do next.


    If Lucas really tried to force her into a divorce, she could go public with their rtionship, make a big scene, and let everyone know he was her husband. Wouldn¡¯t that stop him from divorcing her?


    Realizing what she was thinking, Aveline suddenly froze, then smiled bitterly.


    However, he had a change of heart.


    He didn¡¯t love her anymore. Was there any point in doing this?


    In the end, she was just unwilling to ept it. Why did he get to change his mind so easily? Would staying loyal to one woman for a lifetime kill him?


    ¡°Aveline,e here for a moment.¡±


    In the afternoon, Lucas¡¯s personal assistant, Desmond ke, called her over.


    Aveline got up and walked over. Desmond said, ¡°These are some jewelry pieces. You have a good eye. Pick a set for me to give to a client.¡±


    Aveline was a bit surprised. Why would he ask her to do this?


    There were so many stylishly dressed women in the office.


    Although puzzled, she still selected a set.


    Desmond smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Then he turned and left. Aveline, feeling perplexed, went back to work.


    That evening, she returned home to an empty and quiet house. She stood at the door, staring nkly for a while, her heart aching again.


    Was Lucas not nning toe back?


    She sat on the couch and turned on the TV. She didn¡¯t want the room to be too quiet, or her mind would start to wander.


    ¡°Our report today: Frederick Tudor¡¯s missing third son has reappeared in public, attending a charity g with a beautifulpanion. What changes will Lucas Tudor¡¯s return bring to Cloudre City? Stay tuned for more¡­¡±


    Aveline could no longer hear what the host was saying.


    She stared intently at the girl next to Lucas. The ne around her neck was the very one Aveline had chosen earlier that day!

 Divorced 6

    <h1 id="8305753" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 6</h1>


    That girl was the same one in the private room that day, asking Lucas when he would divorce.


    She was intimately holding his arm.


    Lucas had always been a clean freak.


    When she first brought him home, even though he had lost his memory, some of his body¡¯s instinctive habits remained. Once he became familiar with the environment, he started cleaning her house, making every corner spotless.


    He never epted gifts from others, nor did he eat from street vendors. The asional aura he exuded was something ordinary peoplecked.


    But now, he allowed that girl to hold his arm so intimately.


    Was he trying to tell her that even if they didn¡¯t divorce, he would continue seeing that girl?


    Aveline tightly clenched the hem of her clothes, her heart aching painfully, her eyes stinging with tears.


    How could Lucas be so cruel?


    How could he give the ne she had chosen to another woman?


    She took out her phone and called him. However, he hung up as soon as it started ringing. Undeterred, she kept calling until he finally answered.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    His tone was incredibly cold.


    Aveline tightly gripped her phone. The call connected, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask the questions burning inside her.


    He had already done it all¡ªwhat was the point of asking?


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel well¡­¡±


    Compulsively, she spoke in a muffled voice and hung up immediately after.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    She held her phone, watching the time.


    In the past, if he heard she wasn¡¯t feeling well, he would havee back immediately. Unable to speak, he would ask her with frantic, messy signnguage, his eyes full of concern for her.


    Minute by minute, time passed.


    One hour, two hours, and still, there wasn¡¯t a sound at the door.


    Aveline closed her eyes in pain.


    He truly didn¡¯t care about her anymore.


    She curled up on the sofa, like a wounded animal licking its wounds, tightly hugging herself, hoping it would ease the pain in her heart.


    Half-asleep, she felt someone lift her up.


    Startled, she quickly opened her eyes and saw Lucas¡¯s sharp, handsome face. Her tears fell suddenly.


    ¡°Lu, you¡¯re back?¡±


    Lucas carried her to the bedroom andid her on the bed. Seeing her tears, he raised his hand to wipe them but stopped himself.


    ¡°Aveline, you tricked me intoing back but still refuse to divorce. What exactly do you want?¡±


    He tugged at his tie in frustration, still wearing the same suit she had seen on TV.


    Aveline felt a moment of disorientation. His tone was so cold,pletely different from the gentle way he had just held her.


    She suddenly got out of bed and walked up to him, reaching out to pinch his face.


    Lucas¡¯s handsome face was distorted by her hands. Annoyed, he grabbed her wrist. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Aveline sniffed. ¡°I need to see if you¡¯re really my Lu. My Lu wouldn¡¯t treat me like this. He loves me. He wouldn¡¯t have a change of heart!¡±


    She almost shouted thest sentence!


    She was truly heartbroken and aggrieved.


    How could she ept that he suddenly didn¡¯t love her anymore, as if he were a different person?


    Lucas¡¯s grip on her wrist tightened instinctively, resisting the memories of the past year.


    After a long moment, he released her wrist, his tone still cold. ¡°Aveline, have some dignity.¡±


    Aveline staggered, her face suddenly pale!


    His tone made it sound like she was a bitter, resentful woman.

 Divorced 7

    <h1 id="8305754" ss="title" data-v-496ffb1c="">Chapter 7</h1>


    p!


    Aveline struck Lucas across the face.


    ¡°I have no dignity? You¡¯re the scumbag cheating during our marriage, and that¡¯s dignified?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He never expected her to dare hit him! Raised in luxury, when had anyone ever treated him like this?


    Pressing his tongue against his cheek, he grabbed Aveline¡¯s wrist and pinned her to the bed.


    ¡°Aveline, have I spoiled you too much?¡±


    His eyes were cold and his presence oppressive, bearing down heavily on her.


    Aveline was stunned, a sh of fear passing through her heart.


    How had she forgotten? He was part of the Tudor family, raised in privilege, with an unparalleled status!


    He had probably never been treated this way and would undoubtedly be furious.


    However, he was also her husband! He was cheating, and yet he had the nerve to act righteous?


    Aveline tried to ignore her fear, her eyes red but defiant as she looked at him. ¡°As Lu, you might have spoiled me, but as Lucas Tudor, what have you ever done for me? Don¡¯t you find itughable to say that?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s dark eyes held a cold fury.


    ¡°Aveline, I feel bored seeing you now.¡±


    He released her, stood up, looked down at her with disdain, and turned to leave.


    Aveline¡¯s chest heaved with anger. Bored?


    Ha!


    Last night, he was entangled with her in this very bed, and today he said he was bored of her?


    Was it because he saw that girl?


    Resentment grew in her heart. Aveline got up and rushed over, hugging him tightly. ¡°Lucas, you can¡¯t leave! We aren¡¯t divorced yet. You have to stay with me!¡±


    ¡°Stay to watch you go crazy?¡± Lucas scoffed coldly.


    They had been married for half a year, and Aveline knew how to provoke him. Her soft hand slipped under his shirt, caressing his defined abs.


    Lucas¡¯s breath hitched as he grabbed her wrist. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Aveline stepped closer to him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯re bored of me? Lucas, your words should match your actions.¡±


    Seeing his dark expression, Aveline curved her lips into a provocative smile. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Trying to stay pure for that other woman? But we aren¡¯t divorced yet. You have obligations to fulfill.¡±


    She leaned in closer. ¡°If it¡¯s really a problem, I can pay you. After all, your stamina is pretty good. You¡¯ve kept me quite satisfied these past six months.¡±


    What did this damned woman take him for?!


    Anger red within him. He grabbed her throat, his voice icy. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ll show you the consequences of provoking me!¡±


    He kissed her fiercely, nothing like the tenderness from before.


    Aveline closed her eyes, hershes trembling violently as she clung to him.


    Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.


    She did this only to find traces of the man he used to be.


    He was Lucas Tudor, but he was also her Lu!


    She indeed learned the consequences, as she only got three hours of sleep that night. In their passion, she clung to him tightly, repeatedly calling his name.


    ¡°Lu, Lu, you are mine. I would rather die than divorce you.¡±


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Aveline waste and immediately had her sry docked. The HR department said it was a direct order from Lucas.


    Aveline gritted her teeth, thinking to herself, ¡°What a petty scumbag!¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    All because she pped him?


    He was quick to retaliate!


    She had been naive. After the morning meeting, Desmond walked over to her and said, ¡°This report requires an on-site investigation. You go handle it.¡±


    Aveline nced at the report and saw it was for a construction site!


    Her brow furrowed.


    Desmond asked, ¡°Do you have any questions about Mr. Tudor¡¯s arrangement?¡±

 Divorced 8

    Chapter8


    Avelinelookedathim.¡°WhatifIdon¡¯twanttodoit?¡±


    Desmondsmiled.¡°Youcan¡¯tturnthisdown.¡±


    AvelinerolledhereyesandtookthefilestraighttoLucas¡¯soffice.Desmondtriedtostopher,buthecouldn¡¯t.


    Shepushedthedooropenandwalkedrightin.


    Lucas,tandimposing,stoodbythefloor¨Cto¨Cceilingwindow,talkingonthephone.Hearingthedoorbeingpushedopen,heturnedandfrowned.


    ¡°Let¡¯sleaveitatthat,¡±hesaid,endingthecall.


    ¡°Whoallowedyoutein?¡±heaskedcoldly,hiseyesicy.


    Avelinemmedthefileonhisdesk.¡°Didyoudothisonpurpose?¡±


    Lucasncedatthefileandrepliedcoolly,¡°Isn¡¯tthispartofyourjob?What¡¯s theproblem?Ifyoudon¡¯twanttodoit,youcanquit.Plentyofpeoplewantthisjob.¡±


    Avelinefumedsilently.Thisjerkwasdefinitelydoingthisonpurpose!


    Hewasretaliatingbecauseshehadppedhistnight!


    Thatwaswhyhepushedherto<b>the</b>limistnightandsenthertoaconstructionsitetoday.


    Seeingherangrybut unabletoretort,Lucasfeltprettygoodsomehow.


    ¡°Getout.Andnexttime,remembertoknock,¡±he<b>said</b>,turning


    hisattentionbacktohiswork.


    Avelinestaredathim,thensuddenlyleanedforward.Shecedherhandsonthedeskandleanedherupperbodyclosetohis.Shewhispered,¡°Fine,butnexttime,youneedmypermissionbeforingin.¡±


    Shethengrabbedthefileandleft.


    Lucaswasstunned.


    Whatnonsensewasshetalkingabout?


    Ifshehadn¡¯tseducedhistnight,hewouldn¡¯thavetouchedher!


    Hisbrieflyimprovedmooddarkenedagaininstantly.


    Avelinewasinchargeofthmercialbuildingproject,whichwascurrently underconstruction.Shegotoutofhercarandlookedattheuneven,muddyroad,feelingdisheartened.


    Asshewalkedforward,shesawanelderlywomansittingonthecementgroundnotfaraway,lookinglostandhelpless.


    Peoplepassedbyherwithoutasking<b>if</b>sheneededhelp,afraidofgettingscammed.


    Avelineexaminedthewoman¡¯sclothing,notingthatshewaswell-dressed,evenwearingadiamond braceletonherwrist,whichdidn¡¯tfittheprofileofsomeryingtoscamothers.


    Aftersomethought,theapproachedandasked,¡°Madam,areyoualright?¡±


    Theelderlywomanlookedather,andhereyessuddenlybrightened.¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw!You¡¯remygranddaughter-


    +15BONUS


    inw<b>!</b>I¡¯mlost.Granddaughter¨Cinw,canyoutakemehome?


    Avelinewasstunned.Theoldwomanseemedconfused,possiblysufferingfromdementia.


    Shequicklybentdownandasked,¡°Madam,doyourememberwhereyourhomeis?¡±


    Theelderlywomanlookedbewildered.¡°Whereismyhome?Idon¡¯tknow.Granddaughter¨Cinw,helpmefindit.IforgotwhereIlive.¡±


    Avelookoutherphone,intendingtocallthepolice.


    Seeingthephone,theelderlywoman¡¯seyeslitup.¡°Phone,phone,myphoneishere!¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Shepulledoutasmallbagtiedwithastringfromherneckline.Insidethebagwasaphone.


    Thebagalsocontainedapieceofpaperwithaphonenumberonit.Avelinesawitandfeltrelieved.


    ¡°Madam,howareyoufeeling?Canyouwalk?¡±Avelineasked


    withconcern.


    Theelderlywomanlookedupset.¡°Ican¡¯twalk.Mylegshurt.Granddaughter¨Cinw<b>,</b>mylegshurt.Canyoublowonthemfor


    me?¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.¡°Let¡¯stakeyoutothehospitalfirst.¡±


    Tobesafe,shetookoutherphoneand recordedavideo.¡±Madam,Ididn¡¯thityou,right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯sright,mygranddaughter¨Cinwdidn¡¯thitme.¡±The


    +15<b>BONUS</b>


    elderlywomancooperated,evenmakingaheartgestureatthe


    camera.


    D

 Divorced 9

    Chapter<b>9</b>


    Avelinecouldn¡¯t<b>help</b>butchuckle.Afterrecordingthevideo<b>,</b>shecalledtheambnce.Theambncearrivedquickly.Onthewaytothehospital,shedialedthenumberfromthepaper.


    Thepersonontheotherend,Lucas¡®stepmother<b>,</b>YvonneBetsy,hearingthattheelderlywomanwaslostandinjured,saidimmediately,¡°Thankyou.We¡¯llbetheresoon.Pleasestaywithheruntilwearrive.¡±


    Avelineagreed.


    Afterhangingup,YvonnecalledLucas.


    ¡°Hello?¡±Lucas¡¯scoldvoicecamethroughthephone.


    Yvonnesaid,¡°Lucas, yourgrandmotherislostandnowinthehospital.You¡¯recloser,so<b>go</b>checkonher.I¡¯llbethereshortly.¡±


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Whathappened?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mnotsureofthedetails.Justgoquickly,¡±Yvonneurged.


    ¡°Alright,Iunderstand,¡±Lucasrepliedandheadedtothehospital.


    Atthehospital,thedoctorsfound thatLucas¡¯sgrandmother,BarbaraLuzen,hadaminorbonefractureinherleg,requiringahospital stayfortreatment.


    SheclungtightlytoAveline¡¯shand<b>,</b>heragedfaceshowingatraceofpain.¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw,ithurtssomuch.¡±


    Avelinesighed.¡°Madam,I¡¯mnotyourgranddaughter¨Cinw.¡±


    ¡°Youare!Youare!¡±Barbarainsistedlikeachild.¡°Idon¡¯tcare,youaremygranddaughter¨Cinw!¡±


    +ISDOM


    ¡°Alright,alright,Iam.Pleasedon¡¯tgetupset,¡±Avelinequicklyreassuredher,worriedthatheragitationmightworsenhercondition.


    OnlythendidBarbarasmile.¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw,whydon¡¯tyouvisitme?You¡¯rejustlikemygrandson,bothofyouneveetoseeme!¡±


    Avelinejustsmiledandremainedsilent.


    Atthatmoment,thedoortotheroomopened.Bothofthemturnedtolook,andAveline¡¯seyeswidenedinsurprise.


    Lucas!


    Whatwashedoinghere?


    ¡°Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±Lucasasked,frowningashesawAveline.


    BeforeAvelinecouldspeak,Barbarascolded,¡°Grandson,howcanyoutalktomygranddaughter¨Cinwlikethat?Youmusttreatyourwifewithcare,notbeharsh!Apologizetoher!¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Realizing thatBarbarawasLucas¡®grandmother,Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.


    ShelookedatLucas,waiting<b>to</b>seehowhewouldapologize.Sincetheirrtionshiphadsoured,hehadn¡¯tshownheranykindness,asifsheowedhimmoney!


    Clearly,hewastheonewhodeceivedherfirst!


    LucaslookedatBarbara.¡°Grandma,Ineedtotalktoher.Pleaserestforawhile.¡±


    23


    +15BONUS


    <b>He</b>thengrabbedAveline¡¯sarmandpulledherout<b>of</b>theroom.


    Barbaracontinuedtoshout,¡°Don¡¯tbeharshonyourwife,doyouhearme?¡±


    Asthedoorclosed,LucasgrippedAveline¡¯sarmtightlyandpulledherclose,his eyescold.¡°Aveline,Icantolerateyourantics,butusinganelderlywomanwithdementiaiscrossingtheline.¡±


    Aveline¡¯swristhurtfromhisgrip,buthiswordshurtevenmore.


    ¡°Whatnonsenseareyoutalkingabout?¡±


    Lucassneered,¡°Didn¡¯tyoudeliberatelyapproachmy-grandmotherandrevealyouridentity?You¡¯llstopatnothingto


    avoidadivorce!¡±


    Avelinughedinanger.


    Howcouldhethinkofherthisway?


    Hadn¡¯thelearnedanythingabouther<b>in</b>thepastyear?


    Thegrievancewelledupinsideher,butsheforceditdown.Sheraisedherchin.¡°Idon¡¯twantadivorce,butIhadnoideashewasyourgrandmother!¡±


    ¡°Stoppretending.¡±Lucastightenedhisgriponherwrist.¡°<b>If</b>youdidn¡¯ttellher,whywouldshekeepcallingyouher


    granddaughter¨Cinw?¡±


    L

 Divorced 10

    Chapter<b>10</b>


    <b>+15</b><b>BONUS</b>


    Howcouldsheknow?


    Avelinewasabouttoexin,butseeingthecoldnessinhiseyes,shesuddenlyrealizedthatnomatterhowsheexined,he


    wouldn¡¯tbelieveher.


    Itfeltabsurd.


    Howcouldsomeonechangesomuchjustbyregainingtheirmemory?


    Ormaybe,theLucassheknewbeforewasn¡¯ttherealhimatall?


    ¡°You¡¯rehurtingme!¡±


    Avelinefeltthepaininherwrist,andherbrowfurrowed.


    Almostinstinctively,Lucasreleasedherhand.


    Herskinwasfair,andevenalittleforcewouldleavemarks.Atthismoment,therewereseveralredimprintsonherwrist.


    Suchmarksusedtofrequentlyappearonherwaist.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas¡¯seyesdarkenedevenmore.


    ¡°Aveline,I¡¯msparingyoubecauseofthepastyear.Don¡¯tpush


    me.¡±


    ¡°Whatdoyouwant?¡±Aveline¡¯scleareyesstaredstraightathim.¡°Killme?Goahead!¡±


    Meetinghertearfnddefiantgaze,Lucasfeltasuddenpaininhisheart.


    Thetensionbetweenthemwastangibleastheyst


    ofthehospitalroom.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinesmiled.¡°Lucas,Iwon¡¯tdivorceyou.Nowthatyourgrandmotheronlyrecognizesmeashergranddaughter¨Cinw,thisdivorceisevenmoreimpossible!¡±


    Lucas¡¯sentiredemeanorradiated coldnessashesuddenlysteppedtowardsher.


    Avelineimmediatelybackedaway.¡°Whatareyoudoing? Areyougoingtohitme?Iwarnyou.Ifyouhitme,I¡¯lltellyourgrandmother!¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Hestaredatherindisbelief,notunderstandingwhatthiswomanwasthinking!


    Whatwassobadaboutadivorce?


    Shecouldaskforanyterms,andhewouldagreetothem!


    Lucasfeltdeeplyannoyed,butheknewthisfrustrationwasnotjustbecausesherefusedtodivorcehim.


    ¡°Lucas.¡±


    Atthatmoment,agracefulmiddle¨Cagedwomanapproached.It


    wasYvonne.


    Shewalkedover,andupon seeingAveline,shewasfirst


    surprised,thensaid,¡°YoumustbeLucas¡¯swife,AvelineYoung,right?¡±


    Avelinewastakenaback.¡°Youknowme?¡±


    Yvonnesmiledwarmly.¡°WhenwefoundLucas,wesawyoutwotogether<b>at</b>thesupermarket,appearingveryintimate.WeinvestigatedyouridentityforLucas¡®safety.I¡¯msorryfordoingsowithoutyourpermission.¡±


    2/4


    +15BONUS


    ¡°YoushouldgoseeGrandma,¡±Lucassaid.


    Avelineinstinctivelylookedathim,feelingthathedidn¡¯twanthertogettooclosetohisfamily.


    Yvonnesmiledandsaid,¡°Alright,I¡¯llgocheckonher.¡±


    Shepushedopenthedoorandwalkedin.SeeingAvelhroughthecrackinthedoor,Barbaraimmediatelyreachedout.


    Granddaughter¨Cinwehere.¡±


    Yvonnewassurprised.¡°Mom,youknowAveline?¡±


    Barbaranodded.¡°Ofcourse,Iknowher.She¡¯sthewifeofmy


    thirdgrandson<b>,</b>mygranddaughter¨Cinw!¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutsmile.SeeingLucas¡¯sdarkenedface,shecouldn¡¯tholdbackandburstintughter.


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Thisinfuriatingwoman!


    WithBarbaraandYvohere,Lucascouldn¡¯treact.HehadtoreturntotheroomwithAveline.


    Yvonnesmiledandsaid,¡°It¡¯sfatethatMomgotlostandmetAveline.Lucas,youshoulehomefordinnerwithAvelonightandintroduceher<b>to</b>thefamily.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯snoneed,¡±Lucasrepliedcoldly.¡°Wewon¡¯tbegoingback,¡±


    Yvonnewaspuzzled.¡°Why?¡±


    Lucassaidharshly,¡°We¡¯llbedivorcingsoon.¡±

 Divorced 11

    Chapter<b>11</b>


    BeforeLucascouldsayanything,Barbaraexploded..


    ¡°Divorce?No,absolutelynot!Avelineissuchagoodgranddaughter¨Cinw,youcan¡¯tdivorceher!¡±


    ShegrabbedLucas¡¯shand,heragedfacefullofdistress.


    Grandson,ifyoudaredivorceyourwife,I¡¯llcry,Ireallywillcry¡­


    11


    Andwiththat,Barbaraactuallystartedcrying!


    Thescenehappenedsosuddenlythateveryonewastakenaback.


    Lucaswasstunned,seeinghisgrandmothercrymoreandmoreintensely.Worriedthathercryingmightcausehealthissues,hequicklysaid,¡°Grandma,wewon¡¯tdivorce.Wewon¡¯tdivorce.¡±


    Barbara¡¯stearsstoppedinstantly.¡°Really?¡±


    Lucasnodded.¡°Really.¡±


    Barbarathensaid,¡°Tonight,bringyourwifehomesotheTudorfamilycanmeether!¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯trespondtoherdemand.


    Barbaracontinued<b>to</b>insist,¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tagree,I¡¯llstartcryingagain!¡±


    Yvonne,standingnearby,smiled.¡°ItseemsMomreallylikesAveline.Lucas,Ithinkyoushouldreconsider.Marriageisnotsomethingtobetakenlightly.¡±


    Lucas¡¯slipspressedintoathinline.


    Avelinewatchedtheentirescene,feelingtouched.A


    +16BONUS


    grandmothershehadnevermetbeforelikedhersomuch,butLucasinsistedondivorcingher.


    WhatwasitaboutthatothergirlthatmadeLucas,nowwithhismemoryback,sofixatedonher?


    ShesuddenlybecamecuriousabouttheprofoundpastbetweenLucasandthatgirl.


    AftercalmingBarbaradown,LucaslookedatAveline. ¡°Let¡¯sgo.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyshesflutteredassheturnedtobidfarewelltoBarbara.¡°Madam,


    aserestwell.I¡¯llvisityouwhenIhavetime.


    Barbaranodded,lookingathereagerly.¡°Youmuse,okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Avelinefeltherheartsoftenuncontrobly.


    Suchanadorablegranny!


    Afterleavingthehospital,Lucassaiddirectly,¡°Youhavesomethingelsetodo,soyoucan¡¯tgo.¡±


    Avelinepaused,realizinghedidn¡¯twanttotakehertotheTudorfamily.Didhefindhersounpresentable?


    ¡°WhatifIinsistongoing?¡±


    Lucaslookeddirectlyather.¡°Aveline,pushingtoohardwillonlyhurtyou.¡±


    Avelinesmiled.¡°IfIremembercorrectly,wearen¡¯tdivorcedyet,right?Nowthatyou¡¯vefoundyourfamily,isn¡¯titnormaltotakemetomeetthem?Ordoyouwanttotakesomeoneelse?¡±


    Lucasstaredatherintently,thensuddenlysmiled.¡°Fine,I¡¯ll


    takeyou.¡±


    HissuddenchangeinattitudesurprisedAveline.


    Avelinebegantofeelhopeful.Meetingthefamilymeantbeingepted.


    Coulditbe¡­


    Hewasn¡¯t goingtodivorceher?


    Avelriedtocontrolheremotions,hereyesfixedonhim.¡±Youwouldn¡¯tlietome,wouldyou?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Ineverlie.¡±


    Aveline¡¯slipscurledintoamockingsmile.¡°Really?Haven¡¯tyou.liedtomeenoughalready?¡±


    Lucaskeptquietasheturnedandwalkedaway.


    Avelinewatchedhistall,straightbackandcalledout,¡°Don¡¯tforgettepickmeup!¡±


    Hedidn¡¯trespond.Avelinepursedherlips,thinking,¡°Whatajerk!¡±


    Still,thethoughtofsoonmeetinghisfamilymadeherhappy.


    Backhome,shestartedpickingoutadressandevenputonmakeup.Inthemirror,shelookedelegantandbeautiful.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Hisfamilywouldsurelylikeher,right?


    Feelingexcited,shesoonheardherphonering.ShepickeditupandsawthatitwasLucascalling.

 Divorced 12

    Chapter<b>12</b>


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Comedown.¡±


    Thetwocold,curtwordswerefollowedbytheclickofthephonehangingup.


    Avelinehadn¡¯tevensaidawordbeforeshefoundherselfstaringathernowdarkenedphonescreen,grittingherteethin


    frustration.


    Soannoying!


    Hewasnowherenearassweetashewaswhenhehadlosthis


    memory.


    Shewentdownstairs,theeveningsunsetcastingawarmorangeglowoverher,makingherhairappeartoglow.


    However,hersmilefadedwhenshesawthatthepersonbythecarwasn¡¯tLucas.


    ¡°Where¡¯sLucas?¡±sheaskedassheapproached.


    Desmondreplied,¡°Mr.Tudorhasothermatterstoattendto.HeaskedmetotakeyoutotheTudorfamilymansion.¡±


    Forsomereason,herheartsank.


    Whatcouldbemoreimportantthantakinghertomeethisfamily?


    Shepressedherlipstogetherandgotintothecar.


    ShetookoutherphoneandcalledLucas,buthedidn¡¯tanswer.


    Jerk!


    Clutchingherphone,Avelinestaredoutthewindow.


    +15BONUS


    Soon,thesurroundingsgrewmorebeautiful.TheTudorfamilymansionwaslocatedinthesouthernpartofCloudreCity,nestledagainstthemountainsandnearthesea¨Catrulyprimelocation.


    Thecardrovethroughthegrandck¨Cand¨Cgoldgateandstoppedinfrontofavi.Aservantsteppedforwardtoopenthecardoor,politebutformal.


    Avelinegotout,hereyesshingwithshock.


    Soluxurious!


    ShehadheardoftheTudorsbeforebuthadneverseentheirhome.Nowthatshedid,she realizedtheywerefromentirelydifferentworlds.


    ¡°MissYoung,pleaseinside,¡±theservantprompted,hertoneindifferent,withahintofdisdaininhereyes.


    Avelinefrowned.¡°I¡¯mLucas¡®wife.CallmeMrs.Tudor!¡±


    Theservantturnedandwalkedawaywithoutacknowledgingher.


    EvenAveline,slowtoreact,couldsensetheservant¡¯sdisrespectfttitudetowardher.


    Shepressedherlipstogetherandenteredthevi.


    Theunfamiliarenvironmentmadeherfeeluneasy.Justpasttheentrancewasasmallreceptionroom.


    Theservantsaid,¡°Waithereforawhile.Mr.Lucaswillbeback.


    soon.¡±


    Thentheservantleft.


    Avelinesatonthesofa,cingherhandsneatlyonherknees,


    2/4


    +ID<b>BONUS</b>


    tryingtocalmherself.


    ¡°It¡¯salright,it¡¯sjustaservant.Theydon¡¯trepresenttheTudorfamily¡¯sattitude.¡±


    Justthen,<b>a</b>fewmorepeoplewalkedin,oneofwhomwasYvonne.


    SeeingAveline,Yvonnesmiled.Aveline,you¡¯rehere!Whyareyousittinghere?Comeon,followmeinside.¡±


    Avelinestoodup,herdemeanorpoliteandhumble.¡°Hello,Madam Yvonne.¡±


    Yvonnesmiledandintroducedher,¡°ThisisLucas¡®father.¡±


    Ay¨¦linelookedatthestern¨Cfacedmiddle¨Cagedmanbeside.Yvonne.Heonlyncedather,butshefeltimmensepressure.


    ¡°HasSophiaarrivedyet?¡±askedLucas¡¯sfather,FrederickTudor.


    Yvonnereplied,¡°Lucaswenttopickherup.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±Frederickrespondedindifferentlyandwalkedintothemainlivingroom.


    YvournedtoAveline.¡°Comeon,let¡¯swaitinthelivingroom.Thisiswheretheservantstaketheirbreaks.¡±


    AtraceofembarrassmentflickeredinAveline¡¯seyes.Wasthatservant¡¯sbehaviorintentionaloridental?


    Enteringthemainlivingroom,Avelinenoticedtheluxuriouscrystalchandelierhangingfromthehighceiling,exudinganauraofunderstatedopulence.


    Yvonnesaid,¡°Haveaseatanywhere.Lucaswillbebacksoon.¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutnoticethenameofthegirltheyhadmentioned.ThegirlLucashadpersonallygopickup¨Ccould


    3/4N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    +15BONUS


    itbeher?


    Abouthalfanhouter,therewassommotionatthedoor,andtwopeoplewalkedin.


    Lucasenteredfirst,followedbythegirlAvelinehadseenintheprivateroombefore.


    ShewasSophiaWinter.

 Divorced 13

    Chapter13


    Yvonnesmiledandsaid,¡°Sophia,you¡¯rehere.Notrafficontheway?¡±


    Sophia,wearingawhitedresswithher<b>long</b>,straightckhaircascadingoverhershoulders,respondedsweetly,¡°Madam.Yvonne,therewasnotraffic. Lucasisagreatdriver.Wegotheresmoothly.¡±


    Frederickadded,¡°Nowthatyou¡¯rehere,let¡¯sgowashour handsbeforeweeat.¡±


    Histonewaswarm,astarkcontrasttohiscolddemeanortowardsAveline.


    Eventheservants¡®facesbrightenedwithsmiles.¡°MissWinter,knowingyouwering,thechefpreparedmanyofyourfavoritedishes.¡±


    ThepreviouslytenseatmospherewaslightenedupwithSophia¡¯sarrival.


    Avelinestoodaside,dazedasshewatchedthesceneunfold.


    TheTudorfamilydidn¡¯tlikeher.TheyallpreferredSophia.


    ShesuddenlyunderstoodwhyLucashadagreedtobringhertotheTudorfamily.Hewasindirectlytellingherthatthefamilydidn¡¯tlikeorweeher.


    Itwasacruelwaytocrushherhopes.


    Theironicpartwasthatshehaddressedupcarefully,hopingtheTudorfamilywouldeptandlikeher.


    Avelineclenchedherhands,hernailsdiggingintoherpalms,asharppainremindinghertostayrational.


    ??


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡¯sdarkgazefellonherpaleface,ahintofirritation


    shingwithinhim,buthesimplysaid,¡°Gowashyourhands.beforeeating.¡±


    Howcouldsheeatnow?


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°AreyouAvelineYoung?¡±Sophiasuddenlylookedatherandwalkedover,smiling.¡°I¡¯veheardaboutyou.I¡¯vealwayswantedtothankyoufortakingcareofLucasforayear.¡®


    Sheseemedgenuinelygrateful,hereyesclearandsincere.


    Atthatmoment,Avelinefeltadeepsenseofshame,asifshewereanintruderwhostubbornlyrefusedtoleave.


    ¡°Noneedtothankme,¡±shesaiddryly.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Thetwowomenenteredtherestroomandstoodbythesinktowashtheirhands.


    AsAveline¡¯sgazedropped,shesuddenlynoticedSophia¡¯slegbeneathherskirt.Hereyeswidenedinshock.


    OneofSophia¡¯slegswasaprosthetic!


    SophiaseemedtonoticeAveline¡¯sgazeandsmiledslightly.¡°DidIscareyou?IlostmylegtwoyearsagowhilesavingLucas.Thankfully,aftermorethantwoyearsofrehabilitationandadaptation,Icanwalkonmyownnow.¡±


    Avelinequicklylookedaway.¡°I¡¯msorry,Ididn¡¯tmeantostare.¡±


    Sophia driedherhandsandlookedather.¡°Iunderstand.I¡¯musedtothoselooksoverthepasttwoyears.ButwhenwillyouandLucasdivorce?Iappreciatethatyoutookcareofhimthispastyear,butLucasandIhavealwaysbeeninlove.Canyougive


    #15BONUS


    himbacktome?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbreathcaught,herthroattoodrytospeak.


    So,thiswaswhatLucasmeantbytakingresponsibilityforher?


    Theyhadoncebeeninlove.


    So,whataboutherandLucas?


    Whatdidtheiryeartogethermean?


    ComparedtoSophia¡¯slostleg,thatyeartogetherwithhimseemedinsignificant.


    Otherwise,howcouldLucasgiveitupsoeasily?


    Avelineclosedhereyesforamoment.¡°I¡¯llthinkaboutit.¡±


    Sophiasmiled.¡°Pleasedoitquickly.Idon¡¯twantLucastobeseenasungrateful.¡±


    Withthat,shelefttherestroomfirst.


    Avelinestoodthere,feelingdazed


    So,takinginanamnesiac,muteman,caringforhimforsolong,andthenbeingabandonedonceheregainedhismemory-


    wasn¡¯thebeingungratefultoher?


    COINBUNDLE:getmore freebonus

 Divorced 14

    Chapter<b>14</b>


    ¡°What¡¯sthis?Dowehavetocallyouseveraltimesbeforeyou¡¯letoeat?¡±Lucas¡®deep,maicvoicesoundedfrombehindher.


    Avelineopenedhereyesandlookedathim.¡°Lucas,haveIeverdoneanythingtowrongyou?¡±


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Whatareyoutalkingabout?¡±


    Avelinegaveabittersmile.¡°Whycan¡¯tyouevengive measinglesmileanymore?¡±


    Lucas¡¯sthinlipspressedintoahardline.


    Avelinewalkedtowardshim.¡°DoyoureallyhatemesomuchjustbecauseIwon¡¯tdivorceyou?¡±


    Hereyesshimmeredasshegazedintohisdarkeyes,tryingtofindatraceofherselfinthem.


    Shefoundit,buthiseyesnolongerheldaffection,onlycoldness.


    HefeltresponsibleforSophia.


    Heryearofdevotion,allthosebeautifulmoments,nowfelt likeajoke.


    Lucaswatchedthelightinhereyesextinguish.Thenheheardhersay,¡°Fine,Iagreetothedivorce.¡±


    TherewasnopointinkeepingthisversionofLucasaround.Sheonlylovedthegentle,caringLu,whosawherashiswholeworld.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    However,LuhadregainedhismemoryandturnedintoLucasTudor.HewasnolongerherLu.


    #15DOMUS


    AsAvelinewalkedpasthim,Lucassuddenlygrabbedherwrist.


    Aveline¡¯sbreathcaught,herlongeyshestrembling.¡°What?¡±


    Lucas¡¯slipsmoved,andafteralongmoment,heasked,¡°Areyouserious?¡±


    Avelineclosedhereyes,herexpressionbleak.¡°It¡¯sfunny,there¡¯snotevenabitoftrust left.¡±


    Shepulledherhand freeandlefttherestroom.


    ShebrieflyspoketoYvonneandleftdirectly.


    Yvonnewassurprised.¡°What¡¯swrong?Shedidn¡¯tlookwell.¡±


    Fredericksaid,¡°She¡¯stoonarrow¨Cminded.NotsuitableforourTudorfamily.<i>¡±</i>


    Sophia¡¯seyesflickered,butsheremainedsilent.


    SheturnedtolookatLucasandnoticedhisbrowstightlyfurrowed,withanevenmore intensecoldaurasurroundinghim.


    ¡°Lucaseandeat,¡±Sophiacalledsoftly.


    ¡°Alright,¡±Lucasrespondedandwalkedover,sittingdownnexttoSophia.


    Sophiaservedhimsomefood.¡°Thisisyourfavoritedish.¡±


    ¡°Thankyou,¡±Lucassaidtly,pickinguphisfork<b>to</b>eat.


    However,thenextsecond,amemoryshedthroughhismind.


    Avelineheldhishand,teachinghimhowtousetheutensils.Herfair,beautifulfacewasfullofconcentration.Whenhecouldn¡¯tgetitright,sheevenyfullysmackedhishand.


    14


    +15BOHUS


    ¡°Youseemsosmart,howcanyoubesoclumsy?Thisisthsttime,watchcarefully.¡±


    Shetaughthimagainandagainuntilhefinallygotit.


    Lucassuddenlyclosedhiseyestightly.


    Sophiaquicklyasked,¡°Lucas,what¡¯swrong?¡±


    Lucasputdownhisforkandstoodup.¡°Ihavesomethingtotakecareof.Youallenjoythemeal.¡±


    Withthat,hestrodeoutoftheroom<b>.</b>


    AvelinelefttheTudorfamilymansionandwalkedalongtheemptymainroad.Shetookoutherphocallforaride,buttheyweretoofarfromthecity,andnodriverswereeptingherrequest.


    Shehadwornhigh¨Cheeledshoestomatchherdress,andnow,afterwalkingsuchalongdistance,herfeetwereblisteredand


    sore.


    Shetookoffherheels,holdingtheminherhand,herfacescrunchedupindifort.


    Justthen,sheheardthesoundofacarbehindher.Turningaround,expectingataxi,shesawLucasdrivingtowardher.


    Howunlucky!


    Sheimmediatelylookedawayandcontinuedwalking.


    However,thecarstoppedrightinfrontofher.Lucasgotoutandwalkedtowardher,hisexpressiondarkandgloomy.


    Avelineinstinctivelytooktwostepsback.¡°Whatdoyouwant?


    +15BONUS


    Areyou goingtohitme?¡±


    Thenextsecond,shefeltherselfbeinglifted offthegroundashepickedherup.


    D

 Divorced 15

    Chapter<b>15</b>Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Asherbodywaslifted,Avelineinstinctivelyclungtohim,alookofsurpriseshinginhereyes.


    Whatdidthismean?


    Lucasignoredhergaze,cingherinthecarbeforetakingoutasimple firstaidkitandattendingtoherinjuredfeet.


    Avelinewatchedhisactions,feelingabitdazed,almostasifshewereseeingLuagain.


    HewasLu.


    ¡°Lu¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯tgetthewrongidea.¡±Lucas¡¯sdeepvoicecutheroff.¡°Ijustdon¡¯twanttodealwithanythingunnecessarythatwouldmakeyouchangeyourmindaboutthedivorce.¡±


    Hiswordsfeltlikeasuddensshofcoldwater,extinguishingthetinyflickerofhopeinherheart.


    Sothatwasthereason.


    Hewasafraidshewouldchangehermind.


    Ha!


    Shepulledherfootback.¡°Don¡¯tworry.Iwon¡¯ttakebackwhatIsaid.¡±


    However,heheldherdelicateanklefirmly,makingherunableto


    move.


    Inherstruggle<b>,</b>herskirtrodeup,revealinghersmooth,slenderlegs<b>,</b>creatingatantalizinglypartialview.


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡¯sgazetraveleddownherlonglegs.Fromhisangle,hecouldseequiteabit.


    Avelinequicklypulledherskirtdown,ablushspreadingacrossherfairface.¡°Whatareyoulookingat?Pervert.¡±


    Lucasletoutasoftscoff,liftinghisgazetomeethers.Hiseyes.fixedonherfaceashepulledhercloserwithafirmgrip.


    Avelinegasped,herhandsinstinctively pressing againsthis


    shoulders.


    ¡°We¡¯restillmarried.Isn¡¯tcallingmeapervertabitinappropriate?¡±Lucasstaredatherbeautifulface.¡°Besides,whathaveIdoneforyoutocallme<b>a</b>pervert?¡±


    ThemanbeforeherfeltlikeastrangertoAveline.


    §Õ§Ö§â§Ö§Þ§Ö§ã§á§Ö§ß


    Thefacewasstillthesame,butthosedark,carriedahintofseductivemischief,hislipscurvedintoadevilishsmile,andhisentiredemeanorexudedacertainwickedness<b>.</b>


    ThiswastherealLucas.


    Avelinelookedathim,hereyesshimmering.¡°Haven¡¯tyoudoneenough?¡±


    Hergazefellonhishandgrippingherankle.


    Thoseelegant fingerswerenowdeliberatelyandsensuallycaressingherdelicateskin.


    Lucas¡¯ssmileremainedmischievousashestaredather,hisbreathdrawingcloserasifhewererecallingsomething.


    Thecardoorwaswideopen,buttheatmosphereinsidewasthickwithtensionasifsomethingwasabouttoignite.


    +15<b>BONUS</b>


    Butthen,asuddenringtonebrokethemoment.


    Theyfulsmileinhiseyesvanishedinstantly.Hepulledawayfromherandansweredhisphone.¡°Hello,Sophia.¡±


    Avelinefeltlikeherheartwasstabbedwhensheheardhisdeep,maicvoiceaffectionatelycallingoutanotherwoman¡¯sname.Sheyankedherfootfree,ignoringhissuddenlycoldexpression,andpushedpasthim,headingoutside.


    Shedidn¡¯tneedhishelp!


    Hehadsomeoberesponsiblefor,andshewasnothing!


    Suddenly,hegrabbedherhand,andsheheardhimspeakingfrombehind.¡°Yes,Ihavesomethingtotakecareof.I¡¯lltalktoyoter.¡±


    Thenhehungupthephone.


    Withastrongpull,LucasyankedAvelineback.¡°Whatareyoudoing?Don¡¯tyourealizeyourfootisinjured?¡±


    Avelinestruggledforcefully.¡°Lucas,we¡¯regetting a divorce.<b>If</b>youkeeptanglingwithmelikethis,itmakesmethinkyoudon¡¯tactuallywanttodivorceme!¡±


    Herwordscausedthegrip<b>on</b>herarmtoabruptlyloosen.


    Atthatmoment,herheartfeltempty,leavingherwithacold,painfulsensation.


    COINBUNDLE:getmorefreebonus

 Divorced 16

    Chapter16


    Lucas¡¯sbreathingdeepened,hiseyesfixedonherwithunreadableemotions.


    Avelurnedaway<i>,</i>holdinghershoes,andwalked forwardstepbystep.


    ¡°Getinthecar,¡±hecalledoutagainfrombehind.


    AflickerofbitternesscrossedAveline¡¯seyes.¡°Youcan¡¯tpossiblybethinkingofnotgettingadivorce,right?¡±


    <b>If</b>hewere,hewouldbelettingdownSophia,whohadsavedhimandhadaprostheticlegbecauseofit.


    ¡°ThisisTudorterritory.Ifsomeone seesyoulimpingoutofhere,itwon¡¯tbegoodfortheTudorfamily¡¯sreputation,¡±Lucassaidcoldly.


    Aveline¡¯slongeyshestrembled,shefounditsomewhaughablethatshehadthoughthemightchangehismindaboutthedivorce.


    ¡°Aveline,youaskedmeifIhatedyoubefore.Idon¡¯t,¡±heansweredherearlierquestion.


    Aveline¡¯sfingerstightened,thensheturnedandgotintothecar.


    SeeingherreturnbroughtaninexplicablesenseofrelieftoLucas.


    Composinghimself,hegotintothedriver¡¯sseat.


    Throughtherearviewmirror,he sawhersittingintheback,silentandseeminglydeted.


    ¡°Sitinthefront,¡±hesaidinadeepvoice.


    Avelinelookedat<b>him</b>.¡°Lucas,havesomeconscience,willyou?Myfeethurt!¡±


    Knowingfullwellthatherfeetwereblistered,hestillmadehermovearound!


    Lucasrestedonehandcasuallyonthesteeringwheel,hislong,elegantfingersdrumminglightly.Hesaidnothinganddidn¡¯t


    startthecar.


    Theatmospheregrewtense.


    Bastard!


    Avelinecursedhiminwardly,thenopenedthedoorandmovedtothefrontpassengerseat.


    OnlythendidLucasstartthecaranddriveoff.


    Therestofthejourneywasspentinsilence.


    Itwasn¡¯tuntiltheyreachedtheentrance ofherapartmenplexthatAvelinefinallyspoke.¡°Tomorrowmorningatnine,meetmeatthwyer¡¯soffice.¡±


    WithoutwaitingforLucas¡¯sresponse,sheopenedthedoorandwalkedout.


    Shemovedquicklyasifbeingchasedbyawildbeast.


    Lucuspressedhislipsintoahardline.Hewatchedheruntilshedisappearedfromviewbeforeturningaway.


    Hefoundapackofcigarettesinthecar,shookoneout,andlitit.


    Thesmokefilledthecar,makingLucas¡¯sexpressionevendarker


    andcolder.


    +15BONUS


    WhenAvelinegothome,shefirsttendedtoherinjuredfeetandthentookouttheirmarriagecertificate.


    Lookingatitmadehertearup.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Whentheygotmarried,shehadthoughtthathewastheoneshewouldspendherlifewith.Shehadbeenalonesincechildhoodandbeingwithhimhadmadeherhappyandjoyful.


    Shelookedattheirweddingphotonexttothecertificate.Bothofthemweresmiling,radiatinghappinessandjoy.


    Plop¡­


    Plop!


    TearssuddenlyfellndingdirectlyonLucas¡®faceinthephoto.


    Hisfaceblurred,andsodidhervision.


    Shefeltanoverwhelmingsadness.


    Shereally,reallylikedhim.


    However,howcouldhestoplikingherjustbecauseheregainedhismemory?


    Whenhehadjustlearnedsignguage,hewouldclumsilyexpressthathewouldalwaysstaybyherside.


    Liar.


    Bigliar!


    Avelinehuggedthemarriagecertificate,curlinguponthesofa,hereyesredandhollow.


    Thissmallhousewasfilledwithsweetandhappymemoriesofthem<b>.</b>Everytimeshethoughtaboutit,herheartached.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinehadenough.


    Shecouldn¡¯ttakeitanymore.


    Shehadtastedenoughofheartbreakthesepastfewdays.


    Shedecidedtopretendthathehadneverbeenpart<b>of</b>herlife.Fromnowon,shewouldbealoneagain,withnoorelyon.


    ¡°Aveline,happydivorcetoyou,¡±shemutteredsadlytoherself.


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 17

    Chapter17


    Thenextday.


    Atteninthemorning,Aveline¡¯sphonerang.Shencedatitandignoredthecall.


    JackPotter,theforemanattheconstructionsite,wasupdatingheronthecurrentsituation,andshetooknotesdiligently.


    Bynoon,shefinallyhadamomenttositdownandrest.Shetookasipofwaterandthencheckedherphone.


    Eighteenmissedcalls.


    AllfromLucas.


    Ha!


    Sheletoutasofughandwasabouttocallhimbackwhentheneenthcallcamethrough.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Aveline,areyoumessingwithme?¡±Hisvoicecamethrough,coldandfilledwithsuppressedanger.Shecouldhearhisheavybreathing.


    Ifhewereinfrontofherrightnow,hemightjusttearherapart.


    Aveline¡¯stonewascheerful.¡°Lucas,howdoesitfeeltobetoyedwith?¡±


    Hehadregainedhismemoryandcouldspeak,yethekeptitfromher<b>,</b>pretendingtobethesameasbefore.Howlongwouldhehavecontinuedthecharadeifshehadn¡¯tfoundout?Washesilentlymockingherashewatchedheruse signguagewithhim?


    1/4


    +15BONUS


    Hehaddonesomethingsodespicable;howcouldshenotretaliate?


    Itwasn¡¯therstyletonotgetbackatsomeonewhowrongedher.


    Theheavybreathingontheotherendofthelinegrewlouder,andthesmileonAveline¡¯slipsslowlyfaded.


    ¡°Herearemydivorceterms:athree¨Chundredquare¨Cmeterapartmentandtwomillion.Oncethehouseisundermyname,<b>I¡¯ll</b>gotothwyer¡¯soffice.¡±


    Withthat,shehungupthephone.


    Thrgehouseshehaddreamedof,somethingshewouldneedtoworkherentirelifetoget,couldnowbehersjustthroughadivorce.


    Tsk¡­


    Ifonlyshehadknown.


    No,therewasno¡°ifonly.¡±


    Avelinehadaquickbitetoeatandthencontinuedherwork.


    AttheDKGroup,CEO¡¯sOffice.


    Staringatthedisconnectedphone,Lucasletoutafrustrateugh.


    Wasthiswomancrazy?


    Howdareshetoywithhimlikethis?


    However,thinkingabouthercalm,almostindifferenttoneonthephone,hefeltevenmoreannoyed.


    Shehadn¡¯tbeenlikethisbefore.


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Knock,knock!¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Atthatmoment,Desmondwalkedin.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor,hereareallthecurrentfilesonthmercialbuilding.During<b>the</b>initial construction<b>,</b>someonewasinjured,andtheirfamilyhasbeenunhappy<b>with</b>thpensation.


    They¡¯restillcausingtrouble.¡±


    Lucastookthefileandlookedthroughit,hisexpressiongrowingcolder.¡°Haveyoucalledthepolice?¡±


    Desmondreplied,¡°Evencallingthepolicehasn¡¯thelped.Theetothesiteeverydaybutdon¡¯tdamageanything.Somereportershavenoticedthem,butI¡¯vemanagedtokeepitunderwraps.¡±


    ¡°Ifthey¡¯reunhappywiththpensation,keepnegotiatingandfindtheirweaknesses,¡±Lucassaid,closingthefileandhandingitbacktoDesmond.


    Hereturnedtohisdeskandcontinuedworking.


    Suddenly,herememberedsomethingandasked,¡°Where¡¯sAveline?¡±


    Desmondthoughtforamomentandsaid,¡°MissYoungclockedinthismorningbutleftshortlyafter.Oh,she¡¯sinchargeofthmercialbuildingproject<b>,</b>sosheshouldbetherecollectingfielddata.¡±


    Hearingthis,Lucas¡¯seyesdarkened,andheabruptlystoodupandheadedout.


    Attheconstructionsite.


    Avelinefinishedhersandwich,putonhersafetyhelmet,and


    startedwalkinginside.Suddenly,agroupofpeoplecamerushingoutfromtheleft,angrilymovingtowardsher.


    Somehrewastoneather!


    Avelinewidenedhereyesinshock,andsheinstinctivelydodged.Thestonehithersafetyhelmetdirectly!


    Ifshehadn¡¯tmoved,thestonewouldhavehitherface!


    Whatwaswiththesepeople?


    Sheturnedandran,realizingthatstayingalonewouldmakeheraneasytargetfortheiranger.


    Assheran,sheshoutedforhelp,butnooneontheconstructionsitecameto heraid.


    COINBUNDLE:getmorefreebonus


    D

 Divorced 18

    Chapter18


    Strange,whywastherenobodyaroundduringthemiddaybreak?


    Avelinepanicked,herfacetensingup.


    ¡°Stop!¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°IsawhepanyID.ShemustbefromDKGroup!¡±


    ¡°Gether!Wemustdemandjustice!¡±


    Thepeoplebehindhercaughtupinarush.Avelinebecameevenmoreanxiousandraninonedirection,butthenextmoment,shestumbledandfellforward<b>,</b>barelymanagingtosteadyherself.Itwasimpossibletorunanymore.


    Adozenorso peopleconfrontedAvelinewithaggressive


    momentum.


    ¡°Whoareyou?¡±


    Avelinesteadiedheremotionsandlookedatthemwithherbeautifuleyes.


    PaulThial,themanwithafullbeard,said,¡°Mybrother,PeterThial,wasworkinghereandgothislegbroken. Iseeyou¡¯refromDKGroup.Youmustgiveusanexnation!¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Iunderstandyourconcernaboutyourbrother¡¯sident,butsomeoneelseshouldhandlethismatter.¡±


    Paulwavedhishand.¡°Handlewhat?ThosefromDKGroupdidn¡¯tcareaboutmybrother¡¯sconditionatall!Theyjuspensatedafewthousanddorstomybrother.Hebrokehisleg!Andtheyjustgavehimafewthousanddors?Areyoukiddingme?¡±


    Paulwasdissatisfiedwiththpensation.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Buttargetingmewon¡¯thelp.I¡¯mjustamereemployee.¡±


    Paulsaid,¡°Idon¡¯tcare,youmustgiveusanexnationtoday,orI¡¯llbreakyourlegtoo.Then,Ilpensateyouwithafewthousanddors.Let¡¯sseeifyouwouldbehappywiththat!¡±


    Paulwasdeterminedtomakethingsdifficultforher.


    Avelineforgottobreatheforamoment.Whydidn¡¯tshecheckherhoroscopebeforeleavingtoday?Whatterribleluck.


    Thiswasthefirsttimeshehadencounteredsuchasituation.Itwouldbealietosayshewasn¡¯tpanicking,butnow,shehadtocalmPauldown.


    Shesmiled.¡°Sir,Iknowyouwantjusticeforyourbrother.Howaboutthis,letmegofirst.I¡¯llgobackandtalktothepanyandarrangeforsomeodealwithitproperly.Howaboutthat?¡±


    Paul¡¯sexpressionshowedahintofhesitation.


    ¡°Paul,don¡¯tlistentoher,she¡¯sjustmakingexcuses.Ifwelethergo,shewon¡¯tcareaboutusanymore!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,wecan¡¯tlethergo!¡±


    Someoneinthecrowdexpresseddissatisfaction..


    Avelinewasabouttosaysomethingwhensuddenly,Paul,whowasinfrontofher,widenedhiseyes.


    Shewasstillpuzzledwhenthenextmoment,shefeltasharppaininthebackofherhead!


    Eventhesafetyhelmetwasshattered!


    Herpupilssuddenlydted,andthenherwholebodywentlimpandcopsed.


    ¡°Aveline!¡±


    Asherconsciousnessfaded,sheseemedtohearLucas¡®anxiousvoice.


    Shefeltdazedforamoment.Howcouldthisbepossible?


    Shehadn¡¯tgothwyer¡¯sofficetofilefordivorce.Hemustbesomadathernow,sohowcouldhebehere?Andhowcouldhecallouttoherinsuchanervoustone?


    Darknespletelyenvelopedher,andthevoicesaroundherdisappeared.


    Tick¡­tick!


    Sheheardthesoundofmachineryoperatingaroundher.Avelineopenedhereyes,inhalingthestrongscentofdisinfectant.Shemovedherfingers,andsomeoneimmediatelygrabbedherhand.


    ¡°Ave,areyouawake?¡±


    SheturnedhergazeandsawLucassittingbesideher,hishandsomefacetingedwithworry,hiseyesblinkingashestared


    ather.


    Wasshedreaming?


    Otherwise,whywassheseeingherLu?


    Shemovedslightlyandimmediatelyfeltasharppainintheback.ofherhead.Shesuckedinabreathofcoldair,andhersmallfacewrinkledup!


    ¡°Don¡¯tmove,you¡¯vegotacrackedskundamildconcussion.Youneedtorest,¡±Lucassaidimmediately.


    Avelinelookedathimdazedly.¡°Aren¡¯tyouheretosettlescoreswithme?¡±


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 19

    Chapter19


    Lucasstaredatherforalongmomentbeforehesatbackdown.¡±Iwasthinkingaboutit,butseeingyoulikethis,bullyinganinjuredpersonisn¡¯tmystyle.¡±


    Aveluggedatthecornersofherlips.¡°Thankyouforyourgenerosity,Mr.Tudor.¡±


    Afakegratitude.


    Afakeconversation.


    TE


    Itfeltlikeatransparentwallhadsprungupbetweenthem.Theycouldseeandtoucheachother,buttheconnectiontheyoncehadwasgone.


    Ithadallchangedsincehehadinitiatedthedivorce.


    Lucasfeltinexplicablyirritable.Hereachedupandloosenedhiscor.¡°Takeafewdaystorest.Letsomeoneelsehandletheprojectfornow.¡±


    Avelineasked,¡°Doesthiscountasaworkceinjury?¡±


    Lucaslookedatherbutsaidnothing.


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Workceinjuriesrequirpensation,right?Idon¡¯tmindgettingafewtensofthousands.Youknowmyountnumber,justtransferitdirectly.¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯treplytoherremarks.


    Hadthiswomanbemoney¨Cobsessedsincesheaskedforadivorce?


    First,shewanteda300¨Csquare<b>¨C</b>meterapartmentandtwomilliondors,andnowshewasrequestingabouttensof


    +15BONUS


    thousands?


    Lucasrepliedcoldly,¡°You¡¯vefoundagreatwaytogetrich.¡±


    Aveline¡¯ssmilefaded.¡°IfI¡¯dknowndivorcingyouwouldgetmethismuchmoney,Iwouldhavesignedthepaperslongago.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sfacedarkenedimmediately.


    Justthen,thedoortothehospitalroomopened,andSophiastoodinthedoorway,herfacewearingagentlesmile.¡°Lucas,I¡¯mdonewithmycheck¨Cup.Shallwego?¡±


    Lucasstoodupandwalkedover.¡°Didn¡¯tItellyoutowaitforme?


    Sophiareplied,¡°IwantedtocheckonMissYoung.Is shealright?


    ¡°Yes,she¡¯sfine,¡±Lucassaid.


    Avelineinterjected,¡°Pleaseleave,bothofyou.Ineedtorest.¡±


    Shewasreallyafool tothinkthatLucascaredforher.


    Shehadthoughthewaswithherthewholetime,butitturnedouthewasapanyingSophiaforhercheck¨Cup.


    Itfeltlikeagapingwoundhadopenedinherheart,allowingacoldwindtoblowin,bringingpainand chill.


    Soph¨ªaanxiouslysaid,¡°MissYoung,don¡¯tmisunderstand,actually¡­<b>¡±</b>


    <b>¡°</b>Isaidgetout!¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯twanttohearherspeak.


    Tobeprecise,shedidn¡¯twanttoseeeitherofthem.


    TheirintimatepostureandfamiliarityremindedherofhoughablethepastyearshehadspentwithLucashadbeen.


    Shewasn¡¯ughable;shehadjustmisjudgedtheperson.


    Lucas¡¯sfacedarkened.¡°Aveline,yourinjuryhasnothingtodowithher.There¡¯snoneedtotakeitoutonher.¡±


    Hewasdefendingheralready.


    Thepaininherheartintensified.


    Avelinestareddirectlyathim.¡°Lucas,getout.¡±


    Sophiabecameanxious.¡°MissYoung,ifyouhaveanints,takethemoutonme.WhyareyoutreatingLucaslikethis?Hedidnothingwrong!¡±


    LucasgrabbedSophia¡¯sarm.¡°I¡¯lltakeyoubackfirst.¡±


    Sophialookedathimworriedlybutobedientlynodded.


    Theyfinallyleft.


    Avelinemmedherfistontothebed,hereyesredwithanger!


    Hedidnothingwrong?


    Hadn¡¯thedoneenoughwrong?


    Whydidhehaveteintoherlife?


    Whydidheabandonherwhenshelovedhimwithallherheart?


    HemightnothavewrongedSophia<b>,</b>buthecertainlywrongedher!


    Thatjerk!Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Askingfortwomillionwastoolittle!


    -15BONUS


    Avelookoutherphoneanddialed his number,buthehadthenervetohangup!


    Great!


    AvelinposedamessageonWhatsAppandsentittohim.


    ¡°Divorcefee:sixmillion.Don¡¯teventhinkaboutgettingridofmeforacentless!¡±


    Theywerestillmarried,yethewasalreadyopenlyprotectingSophiawithoutconsideringherfeelingsatall.


    COINBUNDLE:getmorefreebonus

 Divorced 20

    Chapter<b>20</b>


    Avelineclosedhereyes,herheadpoundingwithpain.


    Theskyoutsidehadalreadyturneddark,andsheturnedtolookoutthewindow,hergazegraduallybinghollow.


    Itwasallprettymeaningless,really.


    Justthen,herphonerang.WhenshesawthecallerID,herlitup.


    ¡°Selena!¡±


    eyes


    ¡°Hey,mydear,guesswhereIam?¡±SelenaQuin¡¯scheerfulvoicecamethroughthephone.


    Avelineguessed,¡°CloudreCity?¡±


    ¡°Correct!I¡¯mrightdownstairsatyource.Aren¡¯tyougoingtedownandweeme?¡±Selenughed.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Oh,myprincess,I¡¯mafraidIcan¡¯t.Igotinjuredatworkandaminthehospital.¡±


    Selena¡¯stoneimmediatelyturnedserious.¡°Sendmetheaddress,rightnow!¡±


    Hearinghersuddenseriousness,Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutsmile.¡°Alright.¡±


    Shesenttheaddress,andlessthanhalfanhouter,thedoortoherhospitalroomwaspushedopen.Abeautifulwomanwithbold,alluringfeaturesrushedin.


    ¡°Ave,whathappened?Howdidyougethurtatwork?Whyareyoualone?Where¡¯syourmutehusband?¡±


    .15BONUS


    Selena¡¯squestionscameoneafteranother.


    Avelineimmediatelycoveredherhead<b>.</b>¡°Oh,slowdown!Askingsomanyquestionsatonceismakingmyheadhurt!¡±


    Selenalookedevenmoreworried.¡°Alright,Iwon¡¯taskanymore.


    11


    Shepulled upachairandsatbesideher,lookingatherwitheyesfullofconcern.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Avelinegaveahelplesssmile.¡°He¡¯snotmute,andsoon,hewon¡¯tbemyhusbandanymore.¡±


    Selena¡¯seyeswidened<b>in</b>shock.¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Shehadonlybeenabroadforthreemonths.Whathadhappenedinthattimeshewasaway?


    Avelinedidn¡¯tholdbackandtoldher everythingthathadhappened.


    Sincetheyweregoingtogetdivorcedsooneroter,therewasnopointinhidingit.


    Selena¡¯sexpressioncouldn¡¯tbedescribedasjustshocked;shewapletelystunned!


    Afterawhile,shepulledout herphosearch<b>for</b>information.Afewmomentter,shelookedatAvelinewithplexexpression.


    ¡°Ave,Ithoughtyouwerelyingtome,butit¡¯salltrue.¡±


    Avelinegaveabittersmile.¡°WhywouldImakeup astorylookinglikethis?¡±


    ¡°PoorAve,¡±Selenasaid,standinguptohugher.¡°Don¡¯tworry,


    I¡¯llgetrevengeforyou.Thatbastardwon¡¯tgetawaywiththis!¡±


    Avelinequicklyresponded,¡°Don,youcan¡¯tactrecklessly.He¡¯snotanordinaryperson.Ifyouangerhim,we¡¯llbetheonestosuffer.¡±


    Selena¡¯seyesshed withdetermination.¡°IknowwhatI¡¯mdoing.Youjustrestanddon¡¯tworry.I¡¯llstaywithyoutonight.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Okay.¡±


    Atthatmoment,shereallydidn¡¯twanttobealoneinthehospital;itwouldmakeherfeellonelyandsad.


    Afteraweekofrestinthehospital,Avelinehadanothercheck-up.Uponconfirmationthateverythingwasfine,shewas


    discharged.


    Duringthatweek,Lucashadn¡¯tappearedevenonce.


    Lucashadn¡¯treactedtoherdemands,actingasifshenolonger


    existedinhislife.


    Selenastayedwithheruntilshewasdischarged.¡°I¡¯llgohome.andtakeashowerfirst.Youshouldgo homeandfreshenuptoo.We¡¯llgoouttoeattonight.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±Avelinenodded.


    Theyeachwenthome,butlessthananhouter,Aveline¡¯sphonerang.Itwasanunfamiliarnumber.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Aveline,it¡¯sSophia.IsSelenayourfriend?¡±Sophiasounded.


    serious.


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Yes,sheis.What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    Sophiareplied,¡°CometoMoonlightTower.¡±


    Thenshehungupabruptly.

 Divorced 21

    Chapter21


    Aveline¡¯slipstightenedasshedialedSelena¡¯snumber,butitkeptgoingunanswered.


    Theyhadjustpartedwaysnotlongago,sowhywouldshegotoMoonlightTower?


    Recallingwhatshehadsaidearlier,Aveline¡¯sbreathinggrewheavy.ConfrontingLucaswasdefinitelysomethingshewoulddo.


    Notdaringtooverthink,shehurriedoutandhailedataxitoMoonlightTower.


    Enteringquickly,shefoundthelobbyindisarray,shatteredsseverywhere,asiftherehadjustbeenarobbery.


    ¡°Where¡¯sSelena?¡±


    Avelinegrabbedawaiter,askingurgently.


    Thewaiterpointedtoaprivateroomdownthecorridor.¡°Inthere.


    Avelinehurriedoverandpushedopenthedoor,findingSelenabeingheldbytwobodyguards,herfaceflushedwithanger.


    ¡°Letgoofme!¡±


    Shewasstillstrugglingincessantly.


    Onthesofa,Lucas¡¯sexpressionwasgrim,hiswhiteshirtstainedwithblood,andhisdark eyesstaringlifelesslyatSelena.


    Hisrightsleevewasrolleduptohiselbow,revealingawoundonhisarm,whileSophiasatbesidehim,tendingtoit.


    Avelinewidenedhereyesassherushedoverandpushedthe


    1/3


    +15BONUS


    bodyguardsaway.¡°Lethergo!¡±


    Everyonelookedover.


    Lucas¡¯sexpressiongrewevendarkeruponseeingher.


    Selenasaid,¡°Ave,whyareyouhere?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Avelineasked,¡°Whatonearthhappened?¡±


    Selenapursedherlipsanddidn¡¯tspeak,hereyeslikedaggersatLucas.Iflookscouldkill,Lucaswouldhavebeentorntopiecesby


    now.


    AvelookadeepbreathandlookedatLucas.¡°Canyoutellmewhathappened?¡±


    Lucas¡¯svoicewascold.¡°Youshouldaskherthat.¡±


    ¡°Hey,youmute,what¡¯syourattitude?¡±Selena¡¯sangerredupimmediately.¡°Oh,you¡¯renotmuteanymore,andyou¡¯veforgottenhowAvetreatedyou,youungratefulbastard!¡±


    Shescoldedhimruthlessly,showingnorestraint.ThensheturnedtoAveline.¡°Iwarnedyoulongagonottotake<b>in</b>justanyman.Nowlook,he¡¯sregainedhismemory,cantalk,andhasgonehometoinheritthefamilyfortuneandrekindle thingswithhis oldme,makingyoulooklikethemistress.¡±


    Avelineremainedsilent.


    Afterthreemonths,Selena¡¯sfightingspiritthan


    ever.


    wass


    ¡°Holdherdown,¡±cameLucas¡¯scold,maicvoice.


    ThetwobodyguardsimmediatelymovedtorestrainSelena.


    Seeingthis,Avelineintervened,¡°No,youcan¡¯ttouchher.¡±


    ¦°


    ButthebodyguardsonlylistenedtoLucas.


    Selenawaspinneddownagain.Thistimethebodyguardsweredeterminedtomakeherkneel.


    AvelurnedtoLucas,hergazndingonthewoundonhisarm,andshespokewithatremblingbreath,¡°Lucas,nomatterwhatSelenadid,itwasforme.Ifyou¡¯reangry,takeitoutonme.¡±


    Lucas¡¯seyesdarkenedashestaredather.¡°Shedideverything.WhyshouldItakeitoutonyou?¡±


    Avelinechokedupandsaid,¡°Whatwillittakeforyoutolethergo?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Makeherapologize.She triedtohurtSophia.¡±


    Selenagrittedherteeth.¡°Iwillneverapologizetoher.Whodoesshethinksheis?Doesshedeserveanapologyfromme?¡±


    Lucassignaledthebodyguards.


    Thebodyguardsappliedmoreforce,andSelenacriedoutinpain,herfaceturningpale.


    ¡°I¡¯msorry,MissWinter!¡±AvelinesaiddirectlytoSophia.

 Divorced 22

    Chapter<b>22</b>


    ¡°Selenaisimpulsive.Ifshedidsomethingtohurtyou,Ihopeyouwon¡¯tholditagainsther.Ipromiseshewon¡¯tdoitagain.¡±


    Selena¡¯seyesturnedredinstantly.¡°Ave,whyareyou.apologizing?Thishasnothingtodowithyou!¡±


    AvelineignoredherandlookedatLucas.¡°Isthisenoughnow?¡±


    Herfacewasslightlypale,andtherewasashatteredlightinher


    eyes.


    Wasn¡¯titjustforcinghertply?


    Whywasn¡¯thesatisfiedwhenshehadalreadpliedwithhiswishes?


    Shewastrulyblind.


    Whydidn¡¯tshelistentoSelena?


    Thetasteofreapingwhatonesowswastrulyunpleasant.


    Lucaslookeddeeplyather,feelingawaveofirritation.Whatdidthismatterhavetodowithher?


    Acold,harshauraenvelopedhim.


    Sophiaspokeupatthismoment,¡°I¡¯mfine,butLucasisinjured.IunderstandthatMissQuinisangry,buthurtingsomeoneisagainstthw.IhopeMissQuinwon¡¯tdothisagaininthefuture.¡±


    Shelookedatthetwobodyguards.¡°LetgoofMissQuin.¡±


    ThetwobodyguardsimmediatelyreleasedSelena.


    Ave¡­¡±


    +15BONUS


    SelenalookedatAveline.


    Avelinesaid,¡°Ifthere¡¯snothingelse,we¡¯llleavenow.Wewon¡¯tdisturbyouanylonger.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Selenabegantopanicandquicklyfollowed.


    Lucasstaredcoldlyatthetwobodyguards.¡°Whosemenareyou?


    Thetwobodyguardswerestunned.¡°Weareyourmen,Mr.Tudor.


    ¡°So<b>,</b>youdoknow.¡±Lucas¡¯stonegrewevencolder.¡°Getout ofhere,anddon¡¯tletmeseeyouagain.¡±


    Thetwobodyguardswereimmediatelyterrifiedandwantedtosaysomething,butunderLucas¡¯scoldgaze,theyshiveredandleftwiththeirheadsdown.


    Sophiawasslightlytakenabackbythesituation.


    Whatdidhemeanbythis?


    Washedispleasedthatthebodyguardslistenedtoher?


    ¡°Lucas,yourinjuryhasbeentreated.Becarefulnottogetitwet,¡±shesaidsoftly,suppressingthestrangefeelinginherheart.


    Lucastookoutacigarette,litit,andhalf¨Cclosedhiseyes.Thesmokeenvelopedhisface,makingithardtodiscernhisexpression.


    Sophialookedathim.¡°Lucas,areyoustillworriedaboutMissYoung¡¯sinjury?Sheseemstohaverecovered.¡±


    ¡°No,¡±Lucasrepliedcoldly.


    Sophia¡¯seyesflickered.Really?


    Ifhewasn¡¯tworried,thenwhydidhedealwithPandhisgangsoharshly?


    Theprotestorscametotheconstructionsitetocausea


    disturbancebefore,andheneverpersonallyintervened.ButwhenAvelinegothurt,hesentthosepeoplestraighttoprison.


    Theyjustwantedfaipensation.Wasn¡¯tthistoosevere?


    ¡°I¡¯llhavesomeakeyouhome.¡±


    Lucasstoodupandlefttheprivateroom.


    Sophiawatchedhistallbackandsuddenlyasked,¡°Doyoulikeher?Ifyoudo,Iwon¡¯tsayanything.Afterall,savingyouwasmyone¨Csideddecision.EventhoughIlostaleg,I¡¯vegottenusedtoitoverthepasttwoyears.¡°!


    ¡°Don¡¯toverthinkit.¡±


    Lucaslookedather.¡°Gohomeandrestwell.SheandIwillgetdivorcedsoon.¡±


    Heopenedthe door,andDesmondwasalreadywaitingoutside.


    Lucasgaveabriefinstructionandthenleftquickly.


    DesmondlookedatSophia.¡°MissWinter,please.¡±


    Sophialoweredhereyes,hidingheremotions.


    ¡°Ave,waitforme.¡±


    SelenacaughtupwithAveline,seeingherpalefaceandfeelingasurgeofguilt.¡°I¡¯msorry,Ididn¡¯texpecthimtobesoruthlessnow.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelookadeepbreathandsaid,¡°Whyareyouapologizing?Youdiditforme.Butpromiseme,don¡¯tgotohimaloneagain.Wecan¡¯taffordtoprovokehim.¡±


    D

 Divorced 23

    Chapter<b>23</b>


    Selenasaid,¡°I¡¯mjustsoangry.¡±


    Avelinesighedsoftly.¡°Yourangeronlybringssufferingforbothofus.¡±


    Selenachoked,afewtracesofguiltappearing<b>on</b>herdelicateface.¡°IknowIwaswrong.¡±


    ¡°Alright,weren¡¯twegoingtohavedinnertogether?Thismealisonyou,¡±Avelinesaid.


    ¡°Noproblem!¡±


    -Selenacheerfullyagreed,linkingherarmwithAveline¡¯sasthey


    walkedtotheroadside.


    Bythetimetheyfinishedtheirmeal,itwasalreadyevening.


    SelenawantedtogohomewithAveline,but Avelinerefused.


    ¡°You¡¯vebeentakingcareofmeinthehospitalforsolong.Gohomeandrestwell,orelseyouwon¡¯tbeprettyanymore,¡±Avelinesaid.


    Selenaimmediatelycoveredherface.¡°Really?AmInotprettyanymore?That¡¯suneptable.Ineedtogohomeandtakecareofmyself.Bye,Avedarling.<b>¡±</b>


    Watchingherleave,Aveline¡¯ssmilecarriedatouchofhelplessness.


    ReturningdirectlytoherapartmentintheWaterfrontDistrict,shewentupstairs.Thelightonherfloorhadgoneoutatsomepoint,leavingthehallwayshroudedindarkness.


    Shetookoutherkeytounlockthedoor.Assheenteredandtried


    +15BONUS


    toclosethedoorbehindher,aforcepreventedherfromdoingso.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    AvelineeximedinsurpriseandturnedaroundtoseeLucas¡®handsomeface.


    Hehadbeenhidingsomewhere,seeminglywaitingforalongtime<b>,</b><b>as</b>hisbodycarriedaslightchill.


    Avelinepushedhim.¡°Getout.You¡¯renotweein myhouse.¡±


    Sherememberedthehumiliationhecausedhertoday.Whatdidhewantnow?


    Lucasgrabbedherwristfirmly,hisvoicelow.¡°Aluxuriousapartment,sixmillion.Don¡¯tyouwantitanymore?¡±


    Avelinepaused.¡°Youcansendthedeedandthecheckdirectlytome.There¡¯s<b>no</b>needforyoutotroubleyourself.¡±


    Lucastightenedhisgriponherwrist.


    Avelookadeepbreath.¡°Whatareyougoingcrazy


    for?¡±


    Lucaswalkedin,closingthedoorbehindhim.


    Heturnedonthelights,andtheroomwassuddenlybright.


    Avelinepressedherlipstogether,lookingathim.Shepulledherhandaway,hercleareyesfilledwithahintofmockery.¡°What?Wasmyapologytodaynotsincereenough?ShouldIapologizeagain?Tellme,howwouldyoulikeit?¡±


    ¡°Aveline,¡±Lucasinterruptedher,¡°whydoyouhavetobesosarcastic?<b>¡±</b>


    Avelinealmosughedinanger.¡°Listentoyourself.Isthathowapersontalks?Wasn¡¯tityouwhomadethingsdifficultforme


    +15BONUS


    first?¡±


    to


    Assoonasshevoicedherusation,hereyesturnedred.Sheimmediatelyturnedherheadandtookadeepbreath.¡°Lucas,whathappenedtodaymademefeellikeIdidsomethingwrongyou.Butthetruthis,theonewhodidsomethingwrongisyou.Theonewhoshouldapologizeisyou!¡±


    Hervoicetrembledslightly.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Shetriedhardtocontrolheremotions,buthispresencemadeitdifficult.Whenhewasn¡¯taround,itwaseasiertokeep


    everythingincheck,butonceheappeared,heremotionsbrokefree.


    Howcouldhetreatherlikethat?


    Shehadn¡¯tdoneanythingwrong.NeitherhadSelena.EverythinghappenedbecausetheywereperceivedasathreattoSophia¡¯ssafety.


    Shegaveabittersmile.¡°Wehavenothingmoretosay.Bringthedeedandthecheck,andwe¡¯llfilefordivorceimmediately.¡±


    Shedidn¡¯twanttostayinthismarriageforanotherday.


    Lucaslookeddeeplyather,hislipspressedintoaline,aheavyatmospheresurroundinghim.Hewalkedovertothesofaandsatdown.


    ¡°Ave,mywoundhurts,¡±hesaidinahoarsevoice.


    Avelinewasreallyinfuriatedtothepointoughter.


    ¡°Lucas,doyouhavenoshame?¡±


    Howcouldhesayhiswoundhurtaftereverythingshejustsaid,withoutevenachangeinhisexpression?

 Divorced 24

    Chapter24


    ¡°Six millionandthehouse,don¡¯tyouwantthemanymore?¡±


    Lucaslookedatherwithanemotioninhiseyesthat Avelinecouldn¡¯tdecipher.


    Avelineclenchedherfists,staringathim,andsuddenlyfeltdeted.


    Shedidwantthem.


    Withmoneyandahouse,shewouldn¡¯thavetoworkanymore.Shecouldleavethiscity,gofaraway,andmakesurehecouldneverfindher.


    Oh¡­hownaiveofher.Asifhewouldeverlookforher.


    Keepingacoldface,shefoundthefirstaidkit,satdownbesidehim,openedit,andbegandisinfectinghiswound.


    ¡°Ithurts,¡±hesaidsoftly.


    Hisdeep,maic voice,slightlyhoarse,carriedhisuniqueroughness,makingitarealtemptationtoAveline.


    Herbreathingbecameslightlyerratic,andinsteadofbeinggentle,hermovementsbecamemoreforceful.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Thistime,Lucasdidn¡¯tsayanything.


    Hejustwatchedherquietly.Herexpressionwasindifferent,herdelicatefeaturesstunninglybeautiful.Thoughsheusuallydidn¡¯twearmakeup,shehadatouchofpurityabouther.


    Twpletelydifferenttemperamentsblendedwellwithinher.¡°It¡¯sdone.¡±


    Hercoldvoicebrokehisthoughts,


    AsAvelinepackedupthefirstaidkit,shesaid,Mr.Tudor,pleasekeepyourword.Iwanttoseethecheckandthedeedbytomorrowmorning.ThenI¡¯llgowithyoutofileadivorce.


    Sheclosedthefirst aidkitwithasnapandturnedtolookathim.


    ¡°Ifyouweretobackout,thenwewouldn¡¯tgetdivorced.Wecanjustdragthisout.Itwon¡¯tbemylossanyway.¡±


    Withthat,shepickedupthefirstaidkit,putitaway,andwentstraightintothebedroom.


    Lucasstaredatthebeautifulbowonhisarm,hiseyesdarkening.


    Aftertakingashower,Avelineworeonlyacamisolenightdress.Shennedtohaveassofwaterbeforegoingtobed,assuminghehadleft.Butwhensheopenedthedoor,shesawhimstillsittingonthesofainthesameposition,unmoving.


    Hewasstaringathisinjuredarm,lostinthought.


    Avelinepausedforamomentbeforecasuallywalkingtowardsthewaterdispenser.


    Withherbacktohim,shecouldn¡¯tseehisexpression.


    Afterdrinkinghalfassofwaterandjustsettingthecupdown,astrongarmencircledherwaist.


    Startled,Avelineimmediatelybegantostruggle.¡°Lucas,whatare youdoing?Letgoofme!¡±


    Softkissesfellonhershoulderandneck,hishotbreathcaressingherdelicateskin,causinghertoshiver.


    Intheirhalf¨Cyearofmarriage,sheknewhowtoprovokehis


    +15BONUS


    nerves,andheknewhowtodothesame.


    Afterjustafewteasingtouches,Aveline¡¯sfaceturnedred.


    Heturnedheraround,hisdominantpresenceoverwhelmingashekissedherlips.


    Smack!


    Avelinesuddenlyraisedherhandandppedhimacrosstheface.


    ¡°Lucas,youbastard!¡±


    Hereyesreddenedatthecorners.¡°We¡¯regettingdivorced.Whatdoyouthinkyou¡¯redoing?¡±


    Lucaspressedhistongueagainsthischeek,hiseyesfixedonher.¡°Butwe¡¯renotdivorcedyet.Andthisisthesecondtimeyou¡¯veppedme.¡±


    Avelrembledwithanger.¡°What?Areyougoingtohitmeback?¡±


    Lucassuddenlygrabbedherwrist.¡°Ican¡¯tjustletitgounpunished.¡±


    Beforeshecouldreact,hisdomineeringkissdescended,seizingherbreathandlockingherfirmlyinhisembrace.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Avelinestruggled,theirteethshing,thetasteofbloodspreadingintheirmouths.


    ButLucasdidn¡¯tletgo.Hegrippedherwaist,liftingherup,andthenhookedherlegsaroundhiswaist.

 Divorced 25

    Chapter25


    Bastard!Thisbigbastard!


    Aveline¡¯sbodywentlimp,butshestillstruggled.


    HelpingSophiaduringthedayandtheingtoher atnight.Whatwasthisabout?Couldn¡¯tSophiasatisfyhim?


    SweatbeadedonLucas¡¯sforeheadashekeptherpinnedbeneathhim,hismovementsforcefndintense.¡°Ave,begood,oritwillbeunpleasantforbothofus.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswerered.¡°Getout!Getout!¡±


    Shepoundedonhim.¡°Don¡¯tyouhavesomeotakecareof?Gofindher!Go!¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯twanttohearanotherwordandkissedheragain.


    Intheroom,muffledcriesintertwinedandgraduallyshatteredasthetemperaturerose.Thestrugglecontinued.


    Lateintothenight,everythingfellsilent.


    Avelinywithherbacktohim.¡°Addanothertwomilliontothedivorcesettlement.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sbreathgrewheavier,buthedidn¡¯tsayanything.


    Avelineclosedhereyes,herlongeyshestrembling.Theclosershegottohim,themoreithurt.


    Thepainwascoldandpiercing,makinghercurlupinvoluntarily.


    Justthen,astrongarmwrappedaroundherwaist.


    Avelinestiffened.¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°IfeellikeI¡¯mlosingout.¡±


    Sowhat?


    Washegoingtocontinue?


    Avelinegrittedherteeth.¡°Lucas,IfIhadknownyou werethisawful,Iwouldn¡¯thavetakenyouinevenIfyouwerestarvingonthestreet.¡±


    Assoonasshefinishedspeaking,shecriedoutinpain.


    Thismanwasheabeast?


    Heactuallybithershoulder!


    Shestruggled,butthenextsecond,shefeltawetnesswherehehadbittenher¨Chewasgentlysoothingthespot.


    ¡°Youcan¡¯tundothepast,¡±hesaidwithasteadyvoice.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Therewerenowhat¨Cifs.


    Avelinewasfurious.¡°So,please,letmego.I¡¯vealreadyagreedtothedivorce.Whatareyoutryingtodonow?¡±


    Sheletoutacolugh.¡°Lucas,don¡¯ttellmeyouwanttotakeresponsibilityforSophia andstillnotdivorceme?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Gotosleep.¡±


    Aveline,however,wasnolongersleepy.Sheturnedoverandlookedathisfaceinthedarkness.¡°Answerme!¡±


    Lucas¡¯sdeepvoicecamesoftly,¡°Itseemsyou¡¯renottiredyet.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Damnhim!


    +15BONUS


    Shecursedhimsilentlybutdidn¡¯tdaretoactoutanymore.Lucasreallycouldberuthless,andshewasafraidshewouldn¡¯tgetanysleeptonight.


    Soon,thesoundofsteadybreathingcamefrombesideher.Lucasturnedhisgazetoher.


    Inthedarkness,hecouldn¡¯tseeherfaceclearly,butheknewherfeatureswererxedandsoft,tingedwithabitoftranquility.


    Inthepast,shewouldsnuggleinhisarmsandsleepsoundly.


    Butnow,hisarmswereempty.


    Afteralongwhile,thefaintsoundofthebedcoversrustlingcame.Lucaspulledthesoftwomanintohisarms.Inthatinstant,hisunsettledheartseemedtofinditsceagain.


    Thenextday.


    AvelinewokeupinLucas¡¯sarms.


    Foramoment,shefeltdisoriented,asifnoneofthosethingshadeverhappened,andhewasstillherLu.


    Hewasstisleep,hishandsomefacedeepandcaptivating,withlongeyshes.Sheused<b>to</b>marvthowhiseyshes,foraman,werelongerthanagirl¡¯s.


    Avelineinstinctivelyreachedouttotouchhim,butsuddenly,herwristwasgrabbed,andLucas¡¯seyessnappedopen.Heflippedover,pinningherbeneathhim.


    ¡°Ave,goodmorning.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tstruggle;shejustlookedathim calmly.


    Lucasslowlyleanedin,butjustashislipswereabouttotouch.


    hers,shesaid,¡°What<b>if</b>wedon¡¯tgetdivorced?¡±

 26

    Chapter26


    Asthewordsfell,theairseemedtofreeze.


    Avelineblinked,thensmiledandpushedhimaway.¡°Lucas,thisispointless.¡±


    Wantingadivorceandtosleepwithher¨Cwheredidhegetsuchaudacity?


    Avelinewentstraighttofreshenup.


    Lucas¡¯semotions,whichhadfinallycalmeddown,becameagitatedagain.


    BythetimeAvelinecame out,Lucashadalreadyleft.


    Withoutanyexpression,shewenttothekitchen,madesomesd,andateafewbites.ThenshetookoutherphoneandcalledDesmond.


    ¡°Hello,MissYoung.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°I¡¯mtakingadayofftoday.Couldyouassistme?¡±


    Desmondwasstartledandthenasked,¡°MayIaskwhyyou¡¯retakingadayoff,MissYoung?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Togetadivorce.¡±


    Desmondkeptquiet.


    Heshouldn¡¯thaveasked.


    ¡°Alright,I¡¯llhelpyouwiththat.¡±


    ¡°Thankyou.¡±


    Afterhangingup,Avelinegotuptowashthedishes.


    Thenshestartedcleaningthehouse.Shedidathorough


    cleaning,butevenafterthehousewasspotless,somethingstillfeltoff.


    Hergazesweptoverthecoffeetable,andshesaw thecouple¡¯smugsonit.


    Theywereaneyesore.


    Avelineimmediatelyfoundanunusedboxandpackedeverything inthehousethatbelongedtohim.


    Themugs,clothes,shoes,socks,fitnessequipment,evenhisrazorandmouthwash¨Ceverythingwentintotheboxtobethrownout!


    Wheneverythingwaspacked,Avelinelookedatthecontentsoftheboxandfeltabitdazed.


    So,afterlivinghereforayear,allhisbelongingsfitintojustonebox?


    Herfingersrestedontheedgeofthebox,hereyesfilledwithbitterreflection.


    Thiswasdestinedtobeartionshipthatcouldn¡¯st,whichwaswhyhisthingsweresofew,toofewtoevertrulyintegrateintoherlife.


    Herchestachedwithasharp,sourpain.Shetookadeepbreath,pickedupthebox,andceditoutsidethedoor,intendingtothrowitinthetraster.


    WhenLucascameup,hesawtheboxatthedoor.Hencedatthefamiliaritemsinside,andashebentdowntolookcloser,hisexpressiondarkened.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinewassittingonthesofaeatingfruitwhenherphonerang.Shepickeditupandanswered,¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Comedown,¡±cametheman¡¯slow,indifferentvoice.


    Avelineasked,¡°Isthedivorceagreementready?¡±


    Butthecallhadalreadyended.


    Ha!Whatatemper!


    Avelinefinishedhestbite,thengotup,grabbedherbag,andheadeddownstairs.


    Whenshereachedthedoor,shenoticedtheboxwasgone<b>.</b>


    Wherediditgo?


    Didsomehrowitaway?


    Shestoodatthedoorthinkingforamomentbutdidn¡¯tdwellonitsinceshewasnningtothrowitoutanyway.


    Shelockedthedoorandwentdownstairs,spottingaluxuriouscarparkednearby.Thecar¡¯stintedwindowsblurredtheman¡¯ssternfeatures,softeninghiscolddemeanorsomewhat.


    Avelineopened thecar¡¯sbackdoorandwasabouttogetin.


    ¡°AmIyourdriver?¡±Lucas¡¯scoolvoicecamefromthefrontseat.


    Avelinegotinanyway.¡°We¡¯regoingtogetdivorced,notonadate.Cutthecrapanddrive!¡±


    Lucaskeptquiet.


    Hisfacedarkened,andhegrippedthesteeringwheelwithonehand,notmovingforalongwhile.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinewaitedforawhile,seeinghehadnointentionofstarting


    car.Sherolledhereyes.¡°Sohardtoplease.¡±


    the


    Shegotoutandthensatinthepassengerseat.


    Thistime,thecarstarted,theengineroaringastheyquicklyleftthedistrict.


    Theysoonarrivedatthwyer¡¯soffice.Avelookadeepbreath,pushedopenthedoor,andgotoutofthecar.


    Lucasfollowedbehindher.Justthen,hisphonerang.HeContent protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    answeredit,andwhateverwassaidmadehimfrown.¡°Alright,I¡¯monmyway.¡±


    Hangingup,hegrabbedAveline¡¯shand.¡°You¡¯ringwithme.

 27

    Chapter<b>27</b>


    Avelinewastakenaback.¡°Wherearewegoing?¡±


    Lucas,lookingtense,openedthepassengerdoorandpushedherinside,asenseofurgencyinhisactions.


    Oncehegotinthecar,Avelinefrownedandasked,¡°Whereexactlyarewegoing?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Grandmahadanepisode.¡±


    Barbara?


    Aveline¡¯smindshedtothesweetoldysufferingfromdementia,andshefeltamixofemotions.


    Theentiredrive,shestayedquietuntiltheyarrivedatthenursinghome.


    Lucaswalkedbrisklyahead,withAvelinefollowingbehind.


    Theywalkeddownalongcorridorandarrivedatacharminglittlebuilding.Inside,severalcaregiverslookedflustered,andfromafar,theycouldhearBarbara¡¯scries.


    ¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw,Iwantmygranddaughter¨Cinw.


    Waaa,granddaughter¨Cinw¡­¡±


    Hearingthis,Avelinewasstunned.


    Patientswithdementiaoftenhavepoormemory.ShethoughtBarbarahadlongforgottenher,butitseemedshestill


    rememberedafterallthistime.


    Theyquicklyenteredthebuilding,whereBarbarawassittingonasofa,notlettinganyonenear,andcontinuouslycallingforhergranddaughter¨Cinw.


    <b>+15</b>BONUS


    ¡°Grandma.¡±Lucassteppedforwardandtookherhand.¡°<b>I¡¯m</b>here.


    Barbarastoppedcrying,butonlyforafewseconds.ShethenpushedLucas¡®handaway.


    ¡°Notyou.You¡¯reabadboy.Iwantmygranddaughter¨Cinw,granddaughter¨Cinw!¡±


    Lucas¡¯stemplethrobbed,andhencedatAveline.


    BarbaranoticedAvelineatthatmoment,immediatelystoppedcrying,andreachedoutherhand.¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw,you¡¯rehere.Youfinallycametoseeme.Ithoughtyoudidn¡¯twantmeanymore.Waaa¡­¡±


    Avelinefeltplexmixofemotions,butshemanagedtoputonasmile.¡°Madam,Ihaven¡¯tforgottenyou.I¡¯vejustbeencaughtupwiththingtely.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Barbaratightlygrippedherhand,herwrinkledfacestillwetwithtears.¡°Whathappened?Isthatbadboybullyingyou?Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯llteachhimalesson!¡±


    ShelookedoveratLucas.¡°Comehere.¡±


    Lucaplied,bending down.¡°Grandma,whatisit?¡±


    Smack!


    BarbararaisedherhandandppedLucasontheshoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯tbeafraid,granddaughter¨Cinw.Grandmahastaughtthebadboyalesson.¡±BarbarapattedAveline¡¯shandreassuringly.


    Lucaswasstunned.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutburstouughing.


    ¡°She¡¯ughing,she¡¯ughingMygranddaughter¨Cinwishappy,isn¡¯tshe?¡±Barbarappedherhandsjoyfully.


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes,I¡¯mveryhappy.Madam,ifthebadboy


    bulliesmeagain,I¡¯letoyou,andyoucanhelpmedealwithhim,¡±


    ¡°Good!¡±


    Barbaraeagerlyagreed,notlettinggoofAveline¡¯shand.¡±Granddaughter¨Cinw,let¡¯sgohavesomefun,shallwe?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡±Avelinereplied,thinking itbesttokeepBarbara¡¯sspiritsup.SheagreedtowhateverBarbarasuggested.


    Lucaswatchedtheelderlywomanandtheyoungerwomanleavethesmallbuildingandheadtowardsthegarden.Anunbiddensoftnessappearedinhiseyes.


    Justthen,hisphonerang.Helookedatthescreen;itwasacallfromSophia.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Sophia¡¯sgentlevoicecamethrough.¡°Lucas,I¡¯mheretovisitMadamBarbara.Isawyourcar.Areyouheretoo?¡±


    Hearingthis,Lucasinstinctivelysaid,¡°Todayisn¡¯tconvenient.Maybeyoucaeanotherday.¡±


    Sophia¡¯svoicehesitatedontheotherend.¡°Isitbecauseyou¡¯rewithher?Isawher;she¡¯swithMadamBarbara.¡±

 Divorced 28

    Chapter<b>28</b>


    Lucasfrownedandhungupthephone,thenwalkedout.


    Inthegarden,SophiahadalreadyapproachedBarbara.Sheheldoutacottoncandyshapedlikeakitten.¡°MadamBarbara,lookatthiscutelittlekitten.¡±


    Barbara¡¯seyeslitupwhenshesawthecottoncandy,butshedidn¡¯ttake<b>it</b>.Instead,shetuggedonAveline¡¯shand.


    ¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw,yougetmecottoncandy.Idon¡¯tlikekittens;Ilikebunnies.¡±


    FromthemomentSophiaappeared,Avelinehadinstinctivelytensedup.ButwhensheheardBarbara¡¯svoice,shesuddenlyrxed.Anindescribablefeelingwelledupinsideher,makingherfebitsadandclosetotears.


    ¡°Okay,I¡¯llgetyouone,¡±Avelinesaid.


    Barbarasmiledbrightly.¡°Mygranddaughter¨Cinwisthebest.¡±


    Sophia,stillholdingthecottoncandy,frozeawkwardly.SheslowlywithdrewherhandandlookedatAveline.¡°MadamBarbaralikesyouverymuch.¡±


    Avelinerepliedcalmly,¡°Shejusthappenstofindmepleasing.¡±


    Sophiasmiledslightly,loweringhereyeswithahintof


    displeasureshinginthem.


    ¡®Whatdidshemeanbythat?


    ¡®WassheimplyingthatIdidn¡¯tpleaseBarbara?¡®


    ¡°Grandma,¡±Lucassaidashewalkedover,¡°areyoutired?Doyou


    wanttorest?¡±


    +15BONUS


    BarbaraclutchedAveline¡¯shand.¡°Iwantmygranddaughter¨Cinwtewithme.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Alright.¡±


    ShesupportedBarbaraandstartedtowalkbacktothesmallbuilding.


    Afterafewsteps,BarbaranoticedthatLucaswasn¡¯tfollowing.Sheimmediatelywavedhimover.¡°Grandsonehere!¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutfemused.


    Thetoneshehadusedtocallhimsoundedabitinsulting,didn¡¯tit?


    LucaswalkedoverandsupportedBarbara.¡°Let¡¯sgo,Grandma.¡±


    Barbarawasdelighted.¡°Grandson,youneedtocherishyouwife,orshe¡¯llrunaway,andyou¡¯llregretit.It¡¯llbetotebythen!¡±


    SheleanedinclosertoLucas.¡°Letme tellyou,regretisavery,verybitterfeeling.Youwon¡¯tbeabletohandleit!¡±


    Heneededtounderstandthatoncesomethingisdone,itcouldn¡¯tbeundone.


    Lucasjustlistened,sayingnothing.


    Avelinencedathim,hercleareyesshimmeringslightly.


    Regret?Howcouldhepossiblyregretit?


    Theywerealreadyatthwyer¡¯soffice.Ifitweren¡¯tforBarbaracausingascene<b>,</b>theywouldhavefiledforadivorcebynow.


    Awaveofbitternessspreadwithinher,andsheforcedherselfnottothinktoomuch.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sophiastoodbehind,watchingthegroup,feelingliketheywereahappyfamilywhileshewasjustanoutsider.


    Herotherhandsuddenlysqueezedthecottoncandy.Thefluffytreatwasinstantlycrushed,eventuallyformingalumpthatshetossedintothetrash.


    AvelineandLucashelpedBarbarabacktoherroomwhenLucas¡¯s


    phonebuzzed.HelookedatAveline.¡°Pleasetakecareof


    Grandmaforamoment.¡±


    Lucasimmediatelytook<b>his</b>phoneandsteppedout.


    ¡°Whereishegoing?¡±Barbaraasked,puzzled.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Yourgrandsonisvery busywithwork.He¡¯sdealingwithsomethingforhisjob.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡±Barbarasaid,notseemingtomindhisabsence.


    AvelookoutastorybookandbeganreadingtoBarbara.


    Afterabouttenminutes,Barbarafesleep.


    Aveluckedherinandquietlylefttheroom.


    Asshewalkedtothegarden,shesawtwopeoplestandingtogether.Thesunlightpouredoverthem,withLucas¡¯sbackfacingher,andinfrontofhim,Sophiawaslookingupathim,hereyesfilledwithaffection.


    Avelineintendedtolookaway,butthenextsecond,shesawLucasreachoutandhugSophia.


    Herbreathcaught,feelingasifaknifehadbeenplungedintoherheart,thepaincausinghertoswayslightly.

 Divorced 29

    Chapter29


    Avelinelookedawayandturnedtoleavethenursinghome.


    HISBONUS


    ¡°Lucas,thankyou.Isuddenlyfelotofpain<b>in</b>myleg,¡±Sophiasaid,leaningonLucas¡¯sarmforsupport,frowning.


    Lucasstaredatherprostheticlegandaskedinadeepvoice,¡°Doyouneedawheelchair?¡±


    Sophiashookherheadwithasmile.¡°No,thispainhappens


    everyday.Ijusthavetoendureit.It¡¯salingeringissuefromtwoyearsago¡­¡±


    Realizingwhatshehadsaid,shequicklyadded,¡°Lucas,don¡¯tmisunderstand.Ididn¡¯tmeananythingbyit,Ijust¡­<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°I¡¯llhavesomeakeyouhome,¡±Lucasinterrupted,guidingheroutside.


    Sophialoweredhergazeslightly.ShehadseenAvelineand


    deliberatelymentionedherlegpaintomakeLucassupporther.FromAveline¡¯sperspective,itwouldlooklikeLucaswashuggingher.


    Thoughitwasamisunderstanding,shefeltshehadto<b>act</b><b>.</b>SheneededAveloknowsheandLucaswerethetruecoupleandthatAvelinewasjustthethirdparty.


    ShesavoredLucas¡®warmthandwalkedslowly.Justthen,Lucas¡¯sphonerang.Helookedatthescreen<b>,</b>hisexpressiondarkening.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Aveline¡¯svoicecamethrough.¡°I¡¯mwaitingforyouatthwyer¡¯soffice.Pleaseassoonaspossible.¡±


    Withthat,shehungup.


    Hertonewasexceptionallycold.


    Lucas¡¯slipspressedintoathinlineasheputhisphoneaway.


    SophiasawthatitwasAvelinewhohadcalled.Hereyesflickered,andshesuddenlyletoutasoftgroan.


    ¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±Lucasasked.


    Sophia¡¯sfacequicklyturnedpale.¡°I¡­mylegsuddenlyhurtssomuch,Lucas,whydoesithurtsobadly?¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ShegrabbedLucas¡¯sarm,tearsstreamingdownherface.


    Seeingthis,Lucasscoopedherupandquicklywalkedoutside.I¡¯lltakeyoutothehospital.¡±


    Sophiasobbedsoftlywhilestillmaintaininganunderstandingdemeanor.¡°Lucas,doyouhaveworktoattendto?Ifyoudo,shouldgo.Icanmanageonmyown.¡±


    you


    ¡°It¡¯sfine,¡±Lucasrepliedashestartedthecarandspedtowardsthehospital.


    Sophiawatchedhishandsome,sternprofile,herheartpoundinguncontrobly.Hestillcaredabouther.


    Avelinewasnothing!


    Avelinewaitedoutsidethwyer¡¯sofficeuntilthestaffhadfinishedworkfortheday,butLucasnevershowedup.


    Shewasextremelyirritated.


    Whatwasthisabout?


    +15BONUS


    Hehadagreedteforthedivorce<b>,</b>sowhydidn¡¯theshowup?


    Asdusksettled,AvelinestaredatthesunsetforalongwhilebeforetakingoutherphocallLucasagain.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Thistime,itwasn¡¯tLucaswhoansweredthecall,butSophia.


    Aveline¡¯swordsstoppedinherthroat.


    ¡°MissYoung,areyoulookingforLucas?He¡¯sintheshower.I¡¯lllethimknowyoucalled.¡±Sophia¡¯svoicewassoftandsweet,carryingauniqueallure.Itsoundedasifshehadjustbeenthroughsomethingintimate.


    Aveline¡¯sthroatfeltlikeitwasbeingsqueezedbyatightgrip,makingithardtobreathe.


    Shehungupthephonewithoutsaying aword.


    They<b>¡­</b>they!


    Herwholebodytrembledwithanger<b>,</b>butmorethanthat,shewasheartbroken.


    Theyweren¡¯tevendivorcedyet.Howcouldhetreatherlikethis?


    Washethateager?


    Hereyesstungwithtears,andsheblinkedtoholdthemback.Justthen,herphonerangagain.ThinkingitwasLucas,shewasreadytounleashherfury<b>.</b>Butwhenshelooked,itwasSelena¡¯snameonthescreen.


    Shetookadeepbreathandansweredthecall.¡°Hello,Selena?¡±

 Divorced 30

    Chapter30


    ¡°DarlingAve,wantteoutandhavesomefun?Ifoundatgreatnewbar,¡±Selena¡¯sexcitedvoicecamethrough.


    Avelookadeepbreathandsaid,¡°Sure,sendmethelocation.


    ¡°OK,seeyousoon.¡±Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Afterhangingup,Avelinelookedatthesunsetoncemore,thepaininhercheststilllingering.Shescoffedatherself.


    HewasalreadymessingaroundwithSophia,sowhyshouldshecareanymore?


    Onceshegotthedivorcesettlement,she¡¯dbelivingthehighlifewithyoung,handsome<b>men</b>oneacharm,carefreeandhappy!


    Whynotstartenjoyingthatlifeabitearly?


    WhenAvelinearrivedatFelineBar,Selenawaswaitingattheentrance.Sherusheduptoherandgaveherabighug.


    ¡°Ave,howdoyoumanagetolookprettiereverytimeIseeyou?¡±Avelinughed.¡°Youalwaysknowhowtotterme.¡±


    Selenalinkedarmswithherandledherinside.¡°IheardtheDJhereiswild.You¡¯regoing<b>to</b>loveit!¡±


    Aveleased,¡°DidyouforgetI¡¯mamarriedwoman?¡±


    Selenascoffed.¡°Whyshouldthatmatter?Doesthatscumbagrememberhe¡¯samarriedman?He¡¯souttherewithhisso¨Ccalled¡®truelove,¡®isn¡¯the?Ave,life¡¯stooshort.Enjoyitwhileyoucan.Thereareplentyoffishinthesea!¡±


    +15BONUS


    ¡°You¡¯reright!¡±


    Avelinenodded,fullyagreeingwithher.


    ¡°Tonight,wewon¡¯tleaveuntilwe¡¯redrunk!¡±


    Selenaraisedherhand.¡°Yes!¡±


    Peoplewerejuststartingtofillthebar.Thelights weren¡¯tfullyonyet,butitwasclearthecewaspopr.


    SelenahadalreadyreservedaboothandledAvelineover,calling.awaiter,¡°Bringusallyourbestdrinks.¡±


    ¡°Surething,¡±thewaiterrepliedcheerfullyandwalkedaway.


    Avelinencedaround,butSelenagrabbedherarm.¡°Ave,lookoverthere.¡±


    FollowingSelena¡¯sgaze,Avelinesawamaninackleatherjacketstepout.Hishairwas dyedgray,andhisfacewasbothdelicateandhandsome,withsharpeyesthatexudedacertainfierceness.Hehadaroguishcharm,anditwaseasytogetmesmerizedbyjustasimplencefromhim.


    ¡°Isn¡¯thehot?¡±Selenaasked.


    Avelinenodded.¡°Heis.¡±


    Selenacontinued,¡°He¡¯stheDJhere.He¡¯sgotabigattitudeandusuallydoesn¡¯tbotherwithpeoplebuyinghimdrinks,butIbethewon¡¯tignoreyou.Ifheweretoseeyou,he¡¯dturnintoalittle.puppy!¡±


    Avelinelookedatherskeptically.¡°Whatdoyoumean?<b>¡±</b>


    Selenablinkedmischievously.¡°Life¡¯sshort,enjoyitwhileyoucan,right?¡±


    Avelinekeptquiet.


    Thatquick,huh?


    Honestly,shewasn¡¯tquitereadyforthis.


    Atthatmoment,thewalterreturnedwiththeirdrinks.


    ¡°Let¡¯sstartwiththedrinks.¡±


    AvelinepickedupabottleandpouredsomeforSelena.


    Selenaraisedherss.¡°Mydearfriend,don¡¯tbeafraid.Ditchthatscumbagandthefutureiswideopen!¡±


    Avelinesmiledandtookasipofherdrink.Itwasn¡¯tverystrong,withapleasantsweetandsourtaste.


    Unabletocontrolherself,shedrankonessafteranother.


    Soon,everythingaroundherstartedtoblurandsway.Sheshookherhead,andhergazeunintentionallyfellonthegray¨Chaired


    man.


    However,allshecouldseewasLucas¡¯ssternface.


    Ha¡­


    Ifhedidn¡¯tcareanymore,whyshouldshehesitate?


    Selenawasright,thewide¨Copenfieldwaswaitingforhertoexplore!


    Avelinestoodupunsteadilyandmadeherwaydirectlytowardthegray¨Chairedman

 Divorced 31

    Chapter<b>31</b>


    ¡°Hey?¡±


    AsSelenasawAvelinestaggertoherfeetandsquintbeforewalkingtowardsthehandsomegray¨Chairedguy,asmileimmediatelyappearedonherface.


    ¡°Notbad,notbad!Dumpthejerkandstartanewlife!¡±


    RussellSkyler,holdinganearpiecetohisearwithonehandandadjustingthemusicwiththeother,exudedadevilishcharm.Whenhesmiled,itwasutterlycaptivating.Severalgirlswerewatchinghisactionsandscreaming.


    Avelinepushedthroughthecrowdandwent straighttohim.¡±Hey,handsome,wantadrink?¡±


    Russell,stillholdingtheearpiece,didn¡¯thearAvelineclearly.Hecontinuedtomaniptethemusicslowlyandcasually,hiseyesdowncast.


    ¡°Whyisheignoringme?¡±Aveline¡¯scheekswereflushed.


    Suddenly,shereachedoutandsnatchedtheearpiecefromhim,puttingitaside.¡°Hey,I¡¯mtalkingtoyou!¡±


    Themusicwasdeafening,butthe atmospherearoundtheminstantlybecamedeathlyquiet.EveryurnedtolookatAveline,includingRussell.


    Noonehadeverdaredtotakesomethingfromhishandbefore.Helookedatherdispleased,¡°Whatdidyousay?¡±


    Avelinemadeadrinkinggesture.¡°Wantadrink?¡±


    Russellsmiled,buthisgazegrewcolder.¡°Sure.¡±


    Heagreed!Theotherswhoheardhisresponsewerewide¨CeyedinN?velDrama.Org ? content.


    +15BONUS


    shock.


    EveryoneinthebusinessknewRussell¡¯sreputation;thewilderhesmiled,theharderheyed!Anyonewhoprovokedhimwouldhaveaterribleending.


    Thiswoman,cluelessandaudacious,tookhisstuffandwouldprobablybetoyedwithtodeatter!


    ButAvelinedidn¡¯tsensethedanger.Shesmiledathim.¡°Comeover,Ihavedrinkshere¡­¡±


    Notfaraway,Selenakeptaneyeonthmotion.


    WhenSelenasawRussellfollowAvelinedownfromthestage,hereyeswidened.Shequicklytookoutherphone,snappedapictureofthemwalkingsidebyside,andposted itonhersocialmedia.


    Selenawrote,¡°Thereareplentyofotherfishinthesea!¡±


    ThepicturewasofRussendAvelinewalkingtogether.


    Hmph.ShewasfriendswithLucasonFacebook.Hewoulddefinitelyseeit!


    ShewantedhimtoseethatherdearAvewasn¡¯tdependentonhim!


    Did<b>he</b>thinkbeingpartoftheTudorfamilymadehimspecial?Inreality,noonecared!


    Atthehospital,LucasapaniedSophiaforacheck¨Cup.Theresultwasthatthepainwascausedbyan oldinjury.Sheneededtokeepherselfwarmandavoidstrenuousactivities.


    +15<b>BONUS</b>


    Sophia¡¯sfaceshowedabitofguilt.¡°I¡¯mreallysorrytotroubleyouovernothing.Ijustdidn¡¯texpectmylegtohurtsomuchtoday.¡±


    Lucasasked,¡°Canyouwalk?¡±


    Sophianodded.¡°Yes,Ican.¡±


    Hereyesheldabitofadmirationasshelookedathim.¡°Lucas,whydon¡¯tyoetomyce?I¡¯llcook foryou.Mycookingisstisgoodasitusedtobe.¡±


    Uponhearingthis,Lucaspaused,rememberingAveline¡¯scalltellinghimtomeetheratthwyer¡¯soffice.


    Forsomeinexplicablereason,anirritationwelledupinhisheart.¡°Lucas?¡±Sophiaasked,puzzledwhenhedidn¡¯trespond.


    ¡°Okay,¡±Lucasagreedimmediatelyandwalkedoutofthehospitalfirst.


    Hearingthis,Sophia¡¯sfacelitupwithjoy.Ignoringthepaininherleg,shequicklyfollowedhim.


    Onceinthecar,Lucastookouthisphocheckmessages.Whenthescreenunlocked,itdirectlydisyedthesocialmediainterface,andSelena¡¯spostimmediatelycaughthiseye.


    Thephotowasdimlylit,butheinstantlyrecognizedthewomaninitasAveline!


    Ha!Shewenttoabar?


    Didshegotherebecausetheyweregettingdivorcedandcouldn¡¯twaittostartlivingfreely?

 Divorced 32

    Chapter32


    SophiasatnexttoLucas,holdingherphoneandlookingatrecipes.Seeingadishsheliked,sheleanedclosetohim.¡°Lucas,howaboutImakethisdish?Butweneedtogotothesupermarket;Idon¡¯thaveenoughingredientsathome.¡±


    Lucasfrownedslightlyandsuddenlysaid,¡°Stopthecar.¡±


    Thedriverimmediatelypulledover.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sophialookedathim<b>in</b>confusion.¡°Lucas,what¡¯sthemeaningofthis?¡±


    Lucasaddressedthedriver,¡°MakesureMiss Wintergetshomesafely.¡±HethenturnedtoSophia.¡°Ihavesomethingtodo,soIneedtoleave.¡±


    Withthat,heopenedthecardoorandgotout.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡±Sophiacalledouttohim,butheleftwithoutlookingback.


    Sophiaclenchedherphone,herexpressionquicklyturningcold!ShesawthatLucashadbeenlookingatFacebookandhewaslookingatthepostaboutAveline.Thatwaswhyheleft


    immediately!


    Hehadpromisedtogotoherhousefordinner!


    CoulditbethatAvelinereallyupiedhisheart?


    No!Sheabsolutelywouldnotallowthattohappen!


    Insidethebar,thelightsshedandswayed,creatingalivelyatmosphere.


    AvelinedraggedRussellbacktotheboothandpattedSelenaontheshoulder.¡°Look,Ibroughthimback!¡±


    Selenagaveherathumbsup.¡°Impressive!¡±


    AvelinepouredRussedrinkandhandedittohim.¡°Hey,handsome,haveadrink¡­¡±


    ButRusselldidn¡¯ttakeit.Hisroguishlyhandsomefaceshowedayfulsmile.¡°Justdrinkinglikethis?That¡¯stooboring.¡±


    Avelineblinked.¡°Howdoyouwanttodrink,then?¡±


    Russellstaredather,linedupaboutsevenoreightssesonthetable,thenpickedupabottleandfilledthemall.


    ¡°Drinkingwithmeswithconditions.Ifyoudrinkallofthese,I¡¯ll drinkwithyou.Howaboutthat?¡±


    Avelinelookedattherowofsses,abitdazed.¡°You¡¯reprettyhighmaintenance.¡±


    Russell¡¯seyesturnedcold.¡°Areyougoingtodrinkthemornot?¡±


    Avelineputthessdown.¡°No,you¡¯rereallyboring!¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡±Russellletoutacolugh.¡°Youdaretosnatchmythingsawayfromme?Woman,youwilldrinkallofthesetoday,whetheryouwanttoornot!¡±


    Withawaveofhishand,severalbodyguardssuddenlyappearedfromnowhere,surroundingtheirbooth.Themusicinthebarhadsomehowlowered,andeveryurnedtheirattentionto


    them.


    Avelinewasstunned.Shehadneverseensuchagranddisbefore.


    +15BONUS


    <b>¡°</b>Inthisworld,youcan¡¯tforcesomeodosomethingtheydon¡¯twantto.Handsome,ifyoudon¡¯twanttodrink,thenpleaseleave.¡±


    Avelinesoberedupabit,realizingshehadprovokedsomeoneextraordinary.Justfromhisdemeanor,sheknewhewasnotordinary.Shecouldn¡¯thelpbutsighinwardly,wonderingwhysheactedsorecklesslywhenshedrank.Howdidsheendupprovokingsuchaperson?


    Russellreplied,¡°Doyouthinkyoucanjustaskmetoleave?Eitheryoudrink,or<b>¡­</b><b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Fine,I¡¯lldrink!Isn¡¯tthatenough?Abigmanlikeyoubeingsopetty.¡±Avelinepressedhertemplesinfrustrationandpickedupass,drinkingitinonego.


    ¡°Ave¡­¡±Selenawasslightlytakenabackbythescene.


    ButAvelinecontinuedtodrinkonessafteranother.Ifonelookedclosely,theycouldseetearswellingupinhereyes.Hermindwasn¡¯tfocusedonthecurrentpredicamentbutonLucas¡®coldandhandsomeface.


    Itstillhurt.Justthinkingabouthimmadeherheartache.Whywasitsohardtoforgetsomeone?


    Shewonderedif drinkingthesewouldhelpherforgetallthebadmemories.


    Shedrankfiercely,andevenRussell,whohadanonchntsmileonhisface,wasstunned.


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 33

    Chapter33


    ¡°Ave,stopdrinking,¡±Selenabegan,initiallyfrightened,butnowevenmorescaredseeingAvelineinthisstate.


    Avelinepushedheraway.¡°IfIdon¡¯tfinishthese,whatifhedoesn¡¯tletusgo?¡±Shesaid,downinganotherss.


    Russell¡¯snonchntsmilegraduallyfaded,hisgazegrowingcolderwithahintofinterest.Hah!Thiswomanhadtheaudacitytosnatchsomethingfromhishandearlier,andnowshewasutterlyterrified.Butfromherdemeanor,itseemedshewasdrinkingtodrownhersorrows.


    ¡°Enough!¡±Russellsaidimpatiently.


    ButAvelinedidn¡¯tstop.Outofeightsses,shehadalreadydrunkfive.


    ¡°Ihaven¡¯tfinishedyet.Noway.¡±Avelineshookherhead,hervisionnowextremelyblurry,yetsheuratelypickedupanotherssanddrank.


    ¡°Isaid,enough!¡±Russellsuddenlystoodup,grabbedherwrist,andsnatchedthess fromherhand,hurlingittothefloor.Thessshatteredintopiecesinstantly.


    Avelineswayedonherfeet.Selenaquicklyheldherup.¡°Ave,youdon¡¯tneedtodrink anymore.It¡¯sokay.Wecanleavenow.¡±


    Avelineblinked,hereyesstingingwithtears,hermindrepeatedlyshingimagesofLucasholdingSophia.


    ¡°Howcanitbeokay?Ihaven¡¯tfinishedyet¡­¡±shemuttered,stillreachingformoredrinks.


    Russellwasbothangryandamused.Wasthiswomancrazy?


    Comingtohisceandgettingdrunk?


    Hefirmlygrippedherwrist.¡°Doyouhaveadeathwish?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfingerstrembled,andatearfellndingdirectlyonRussell¡¯shand.


    ¡°Howcanitbeover?Wehaven¡¯tgottenadivorceyet.Aslongaswe¡¯restillmarried,youcan¡¯tdoanythingtobetrayme,¡±shemurmured,hertearsfallingmoreintenselywitheachword.


    Russellwastakenabackandabruptlyletgo,staringatthetears.onhishand,utterlybaffled.


    HelookedatSelena.¡°Getheroutofhere!Whestomycetocry?¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena,frightenedbyAveline¡¯sstate,urged,¡°Ave,don¡¯tdo this.Let¡¯sgetoutofhere.¡±


    ButAvelinepushedheraway.¡°We¡¯renotdivorcedyet!Howcanyoubewithanotherwoman?We¡¯renotdivorcedyet!Howcanyoudothis?¡±


    SelenarealizedthatLucashadbrokenAveline¡¯sheart.ShecursedLucasathousandtimesinhermindandwenttosupportAvelineagain.¡°Ave,wedon¡¯tneedhim.It¡¯snotworthbeingsadoverajerklikehim.Let¡¯sforgetabouthim,okay?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfacewasnowcoveredintears.¡°Howcanyoutreatmelikethis?WhatdidIdowrong?Ijustsavedyou!Youwanttorepayherkindness,butwhataboutmine?Whywon¡¯tyourepayme?¡±


    Russellinitiallywantedtoleave,butseeingAvelinelikethismade himfeelirritated.Suddenly,hesteppedforward,grabbedherhand,andstartedwalkinginadirection.


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Hey,whatareyoudoing?¡±Selenahurriedafterhim.


    Russell¡¯stonguepressedagainsthischeekashespoke,¡°Ifshekeepscausingascenehereandaffectsmybusiness,areyou


    goingtopayforit?¡±


    Selenawasstunnedandfellsilentbutcontinuedtofollow,remainingvignt.


    Suddenly,someoneswiftlymovedpastSelenaand,intheblinkofaneye, grabbedAvelineawayfromRussell!


    Selenawassurprised.¡°Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±


    Russell¡¯shandwasleftemptyallofasudden.Heturnedtofaceapairofcold,murderouseyes.


    COINBUNDLE:getmorefreebonus

 Divorced 34

    Chapter34


    LucasheldAveline,lookingatherflushed,drunkenfacewithadeepfrown.¡°Ave,I¡¯mtakingyouhome.¡±


    ¡°Whoareyou?¡±Aveline¡¯svisionwas blurry,andfeelingsomeoneholdingher,sheimmediatelystartedtostruggle.


    Lucaspatientlysaid,¡°It¡¯sme,Lu.¡±


    Hearinghisvoice,Avelinepausedforamoment,thenstruggledevenharder.¡°Getoffme,youbastard!Don¡¯ttouchme!¡±


    Lucas¡®facedarkened.


    Russell¡¯slipscurledintoamockingsmile.¡°Buddy,didn¡¯tyouhearher?Shedoesn¡¯twant youtouchingher.¡±


    Lucasshothimacoldlook.¡°Thisisbetweenmeand mywife.It¡¯snoneofyourbusiness.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Russell¡¯ssmilefaltered.


    Wife?


    WatchingAvelinestruggle,aninexplicableangerredupinsidehim.¡°Itdoesn¡¯tlooklikeit.Howaboutyoushowmeyourmarriagecertificatetoproveyou¡¯reherhusband?Otherwise,Ican¡¯tjusthandherover.¡±


    Lucas¡®handsomefacegrewevencolder,hisexpression


    darkened.Hepulledthemarriagecertificateoutofhispocket.Isthisclearenoughforyou?¡±


    Russellstaredatitforamoment,reachingouttotakeit.


    ButLucasquicklyputthecertificateaway.¡°SincewhendidtherebelliousheirfromtheSkylerfamilylikeyingahero?Does


    1/0


    yourfamilyknowaboutyoursuddenchangeofheart?¡±


    Russellnarrowedhiseyes.¡°Youknowme?Whoareyou?¡±


    Ignoringhim,Lucasturnedaway,carryingAvelineoutofthebar.¡°Hey,whereareyoutakingAve?¡±Selenahurriedafterthem.


    Outsidethebar,Lucas¡¯scoldgazefellonSelena.¡°Didyoubringhertoacelikethis?¡±


    Selenafeltachilldownherspineunderhisstare,butshestillsaid,¡°WhereAveandIgoisnoneofyourbusiness!Lethergo!¡±


    ShesteppedforwardtotrytotakeAvelineback.


    Lucascoldlywatchedheractions.¡°Lookslikeyoudon¡¯twant tostayinCloudreCityanymore.¡±


    Selenafroze.¡°Lucas,you¡¯redespicable!¡±


    LucasignoredherandgotintothecarwithAveline.Thecarquicklydisappearedintothenight.


    Selenastompedherfootinfrustration.¡°Howinfuriating!¡±


    ¡ª


    Avelinewasrestless,asionallyreachingouttograb


    somethingorkickingherlegs.Lucashadtoholdhertokeepherfromhurtingherself.Watchingherinthisdrunkenstate,hisfrowndeepened.


    Shedranksomuch¨Cdidshehaveadeathwish?


    ThecarstoppedattheTudorresidence,andthesecurityguards.openedthegate.LucascarriedAvelineoutofthecarandquicklystrodeintothevi.


    AlfredTucker,thebutler,sawthemandhurriedlyasked,


    ¡°Mr.


    BONUS


    Lucas,whathappened?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Tellthekitchentopreparesomegingertea.¡±


    ¡°Yes,sir.¡±Alfredquicklywenttogivetheinstructions.


    LucascedAvelineonthebedinthebedroom.Whenhestoodup,hisclotheswereipletedisarray,withoneofhisshirtbuttonsmissingbecauseAvelinehadgrabbedit.


    ¡°Ugh¡­Whereisthis?Iwanttogohome,gohome¡­¡±Avelriedtoget up,lookingaroundtheroominadaze,findingipletelyunfamiliar.


    Lucaspressedhershouldersdown.¡°Aveline,lookatme<b>.</b>¡±


    Herfacewasveryred,andshetriedtoopenhereyeswide,buteverythingstillseemedblurry.Sheppedhimonthehead.


    ¡°What?Stopshakingme!You¡¯remakingmedizzy!¡±


    Lucasclosedhiseyestightly,theveinsonhistemplethrobbing.Herealizedshewasdeliberatelytryingtogetbackathim!


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 35

    Chapter35


    ¡°Mr.Lucas,thegingerteaisready,¡±theservant¡¯svoicecamethrough.


    ¡°Bringitin,¡±Lucamandedinadeepvoice.


    Theservantcedthe gingerteaonthenightstand,bowedslightly,andlefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindthem.


    LucasheldAvelinedown.¡°Ave,drinkthegingertea.It¡¯llmakeyoufeelbetter.¡±


    Avelinecontinuedtostruggle.¡°No,no,getawayfromme.Iwanttogohome.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Drinkit,andI¡¯lltakeyouhome.¡±


    Avelurnedherheadandfloppedontothesoftbed.¡°Idon¡¯twanttogohome.Iwanttoliveinabigapartment,likeoneofthose300¨Csquare¨Cmeterones!¡±


    Lucaspinchedthebridgeofhisnoseinfrustration.¡°Thisisit.Youcanstayherefromnowon.¡±


    ¡°Whoareyou?¡±Avelineasked.


    ¡°LookatmeandseewhoIam,¡±Lucassaid,grabbingherchingently.


    Avelinestoppedstrugglingandstaredathimforamomentbeforesaying,¡°Oh,you lookfamiliar,likemyscumbagex-husband.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sfrowndeepened.¡°Wehaven¡¯tdivorcedyet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯shappeningsoon,verysoon.¡±Avelineraisedherhand.¡°Afterthedivorce,I¡¯llhaveacuteguyonmyleftandahand<b>.</b>


    onmyright.It¡¯llbegreat!¡±


    Lucas¡¯sexpressiondarkened.¡°Wehaven¡¯tdivorcedyet,andyou¡¯realreadynningforthefuture?¡±


    Aveliltedherhead.¡°Whynot?Wehaven¡¯tdivorced,butyoucanstillhugotherwomen.Whycan¡¯tIthinkabouthandsomeguys?Hey,don¡¯tbesounreasonable.¡±


    Huggingotherwomen?Whatwasshetalkingabout?


    Lucas¡®eyesshowedamixofemotions.Heknew shewasdrunkandcouldn¡¯tlethergoonlikethis.Withoutthegingertea,shewouldfeelterrible.


    Lucaspickedupthecupandbroughtittoherlips.¡°Drink.¡±


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°No.¡±


    Losingpatience,Lucasstaredat herintensely,thendrankrgemouthfuloftheteahimself.Heheldherchinandkissedher,forcingtheteaintohermouth.


    ¡°Mmm!¡±


    Caughtoffguard<b>,</b>Avelinewasfedamouthfulofgingertea,causinghertocoughviolently.


    Butassoonasshefinishedcoughing,herlipswereblockedagain.Thisrepeatedafewmoretimesuntiltheteacupwasempty.


    LucasletAvelinelie downandthenwenttothebathroom.Whenhecameback,shewasalreadyasleep.


    Onceshequieteddown,sheseemedmuchmorepeaceful.Hercheekswereflushed,herlongeyshescurled,andherfeaturesweredelicatelyelegant.


    +15BONUS


    Hereachedoutandtouchedherface.Itwaswarm,likelyfromthealcohol.Theroomwasquiet,withonlythesoundoftheirbreathing,sometimesovepping,so


    timesinsync<b>.</b>


    Thenextmorning,Avelineopenedhereyes,feelingconfused.Thesensationunderherhandwaswarmandresilient.Sheinstinctivelytoucheditafewtimes.


    Hmm¡­whydiditfeelsegmented?


    Thenextsecond<b>,</b>herhandwasgrabbed.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Haveyoutouchedenough?¡±


    Aboveher,aman¡¯shoarsevoicecamethrough,tingedwithdrowsiness.


    AvelinelookeduptoseeLucaswithhalf¨Cclosedeyes,hisdarkgazefixedonher.


    Whyweretheyinthesamebed?Andwherewasthisce?


    AvelinerememberedgoingtothebarwithSelenstnightanddraggingahandsomeguytodrink.Afterthat¡­hermemorywentnk.


    ¡°Whereisthis?¡±Avelineasked.


    ¡°Myce,¡±Lucasreplied.


    ¡°Hah!¡±Avelineletoutacolugh.¡°Wearen¡¯tevendivorced yet,andyou¡¯vealreadygotaceyoucallyourown.¡±


    Lucas¡¯seyesdarkenedinstantly.Forsomeinexplicablereason,hearinghermentiondivorcemadehimfeelirritable.Yet,itwashewhohadbroughtuptheideaofdivorceinthefirstce.

 Divorced 36

    Chapter36


    Avelriedtogetup,buthepulledherbackdown.


    ¡°Whatareyou¨Cmmph¡­¡±


    Beforeshecouldfinish,hisfiercekisssilencedher.Avelriedtopushhimaway,buthegrabbedherhandsandpinnedthem.aboveherhead.


    Thekissgrewmoreintense,spreadingtoherneck,hercorbone¡­


    Theirbreathingbecameerratic.


    Staringattheintricateceiling,Aveline¡¯seyesfilledwithtears.Lucas,I¡¯mnotyourtoolforventingyouremotions.<b>If</b>youstippreciatethatIsavedyouonce,pleaseletmego.¡±


    Pleasestopthis.Itwasreallypainfulforher.Hewassupposedtotakeresponsibilityforanotherwoman,yethekeptentanglingwithheroverandover.Whatwasthepoint?Wasn¡¯thetheonewhowantedadivorce?


    Couldn¡¯thebedecisiveaboutit?


    Lucas¡®breathonhercorbonegrewheavier,butfinally,helethergoandgotoutofbed,headingtothebathroom.


    Avelineslowlyloweredherhands,closedhereyes,andexhaledadeepbreath,feelingawaveofdisappointmentwashoverher.Shewishedhewouldsaytheywouldn¡¯tgetdivorcedandthattheycouldcontinue¡­


    Ha!Howfoolish.


    WhenLucascameout,Avelinehadalreadposedherself.


    1/3


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Let¡¯sgotothwyer¡¯sofficenow,¡±shesaid.


    Lucas¡¯sexpressionturnedcolder.¡°Let¡¯seatfirst.¡±


    Avelinestartedtoprotest,¡°No,¡±butherstomachbetrayedherwithaloudgrowl.


    Hereyes


    flickeredwithembarrassment.¡°Fine,¡±shemumbled,hervoicebarelyaboveawhisper.


    Forsomeinexplicablereason,thefrustrationinLucas¡®hearteasedabit.Heleftthebedroomwithoutaword.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Avelinesighedinresignationandfollowedhim.Whensheopenedthe door,aservantstoodnearby,handingherabag.Hello,thesearethetoiletriesMr.Lucaspreparedforyou.¡±


    ¡°Oh,thankyou.¡±Avelookthebagandwentbackinsidetofreshenup.


    Whensheemergedfromthebedroom,sherealizedshewasinavi.Thebedroomwason thesecondfloor,withaviewofthelivingroomfromtherailing.Thewholevihadacold,monochromatolorschemeofck,white,andgray.


    Theservantsmovedaboutefficientlyandsilently.


    AvelinedescendedthestairsandsawLucasinthediningroom.Shewalkedoverandsatdownwithoutaword,startingtoeat.


    Aforkholdingapieceofbaconstripappearedinfrontofher,cingitonherte.


    ¡°Youlikebacon,¡±Lucassaidinadeep,maicvoice.


    Avelinestaredatthebaconforamomentbeforereturningittohiste.¡°Idon¡¯tlikeitanymore.


    <ul>


    <li>15BONUS</li>


    </ul>


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Whydon¡¯tyoulikeitanymore?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Ijustdon¡¯t.DoIneedareason?DoIhavetowaituntilitsaysitwantstobewithsomeoneelsebeforeIstoplikingit?¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Avelinedrankhermilkandateherfriedegg.Shewipedher


    mouthwithanapkinandlookedathim,abouttosaysomethingwhenshenoticedsomeitemsinanearbycab.


    Whydidtheylooksofamiliar?


    Theyseemedlikethingsshehadthrownaway.


    Avelinepointedattheitemsandasked,¡°DidyoupickupthethingsIthrewaway?¡±


    Theairaroundthemgrewnoticeablycolder.Lucas¡®turnedevenicier.¡°ThosearethingsIbought.Whatdoesithavetodowithyou?DoyoureallythinkIwouldpickupwhatyoudiscardedandkeepit?¡±


    Avelineblinked.Weren¡¯tthosethethingsshethrewaway?


    Whydidtheylooksomuchlikethem?

 Divorced 37

    Chapter37


    ¡°Let¡¯sgo,¡±Lucassaidashestoodup,blockingherview.


    Avelinelookedathim.¡°Huh?¡±


    Lucaslookeddownather.¡°Aren¡¯twegoingtothwyer¡¯soffice?


    Avelineloweredhereyesanddidn¡¯tsayanything.ShegotupandfollowedhimoutoftheTudorresidence.


    Asshencedbackattheexpansiveandluxuriousvi,shecouldn¡¯thelpbutsay,¡°Whatashame,Iwon¡¯tbeable tehereanymore.¡±


    Shedidlikethisce.


    ¡°Youcanstile,¡±Lucassuddenlysaid.


    Avelinelookedathim,meetinghisdark,intenseeyes.Shesmiledandreplied,¡°Nothanks.ItwouldbeawkwardifIranintoyouandMissWintergettingcozy.


    Lucas¡¯sbrowfurrowed,andhisdemeanorgrewcolder.


    Hestoppedlookingatherandgotintothecar.


    Avelookthefrontpassengerseat,butthedriverdidn¡¯tstartthecar.


    Sheblinkedinconfusion.¡°What¡¯sthehold¨Cup?Let¡¯sgo.¡±


    Thedriverwassweatingnervously.¡°Couldyoupleasesitintheback?¡±


    AvelurnedtolookatLucas.Sureenough,helookedevenmoredispleasedthanbefore.Shefounditamusing.¡°Youtoldme


    +15BONUS


    tosit<b>in</b>thefrontbefore,andnowyoudon¡¯twantmeto.Whyareyousofickleafterregainingyourmemory?¡±


    Lucasjuststaredathercoldly.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Withouthimand,thedriverdidn¡¯tdaretostartthecar.


    Avelinerolledhereyesandmovedtothebackseat.¡°You¡¯rereallyhardtoplease.Goodthingwe¡¯regettingdivorced.¡±


    Otherwise<b>,</b>livingwithhimwouldbesuchaheadache.


    Herwordsmadethecar¡¯satmosphereevenmoretense.Thedriverncednervouslyintherearviewmirrorbeforefinallystartingthecar.


    Avelookoutherphoneandnoticedit wasoff.Whensheturnediton,countlessmessagesfloodedin,takingawhiletostop.


    MostofthemessageswerefromSelena,soshecalledherright


    away.


    ¡°Ave,whereareyou?Areyousafe?Ifyou¡¯vebeenkidnapped,justcoughonce,andI¡¯llcallthepolice!¡±Selena¡¯sanxiousvoicecamethrough.


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.¡°I¡¯mnotsomeimportant


    person.Whowouldkidnapme?I¡¯mfine.Icalledtoletyouknowsoyouwouldn¡¯tworry.¡±


    Selenasighedinrelief.¡°Thankgoodnessyou¡¯reokay.Iwould¡¯vehatedmyselfifanythinghappenedtoyou.¡±


    Avelineasked,¡°Whydoyousaythat?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Icouldn¡¯tstopthatjerkfromtakingyou.Ifit


    weren¡¯tforhim,you¡¯dbeoffhavingfunwithsomecuteguyby


    +15BONUS


    now!¡±


    Hearingthis,Aveline¡¯seyshesfluttered,andshencedatthemanbesideher.Lucashadhiseyesclosed,hisprofilesharpanddefined,exudingatenseaura


    Coveringthephonewithherhand,shewhispered,¡°Yeah,hereallymessedthingsup.¡±


    Assoonasshesaid that,acoldgazefell onher.


    Avelineclearedherthroat.¡°Alright,there¡¯snothingtoworryabout,I¡¯llhangupnow.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Afterendingthecall,sheturnedtoLucas.¡°Whatareyoustaringat?¡±


    Lucas¡¯sdeep,darkeyeswereunreadable,makingitimpossibletotellwhathewasthinking.


    Atthatmoment,Aveline¡¯sphonerangagain.Shepickeditupandsawitwasherdepartmentmanager,WilliamFoster,calling.Hello,Mr.Foster.¡±


    ¡°Aveline,whereareyou?Getbackhererightaway.There¡¯saproblemwiththeprojectyou¡¯reinchargeof!¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionimmediatelyturnedserious.¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Williamreplied,¡°Ican¡¯texinoverthephone.Youneedtebacknow.¡±

 Divorced 38

    Chapter38


    AvelinehungupthephoneandturnedtoLucas.¡°Ineedtogo.backtotheoffice.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sexpressionwascold.¡°No,we¡¯llfilefordivorcefirst.¡±


    Avelinefeltapang inherchestbutresponded,¡°Icandivorceyouanytime,butIcan¡¯tlosemyjob.YouknowIrelyonthisjobtomakealiving.¡±


    Lucas¡®darkeyesstaredatherforalongmomentbeforehefinallysaid,¡°Gototheoffice.¡±


    Thedriverimmediatelychangeddirection.


    Assoonastheygotoutofthecar,Avelinehurriedtowardstheelevator.ShegotinjustasitarrivedandpressedtheclosebuttonwithoutwaitingforLucas.Butjustbeforethedoorsclosed,ahandreachedin,triggeringthesensorstoreopenthe doors.


    Avelinesighed.Couldn¡¯thehavetakentheotherelevator?


    Lucas¡¯stallfigureentered,makingtheelevatorfeelevensmaller.Avelinestoodinthecorner,openingtheprojectfilesonherphoreviewallthedetailsandensureshewaspreparedtodiscussthemwithhermanager.


    Whentheelevatordoorsopened,Avelinewalkedoutwithoutlookingback.


    Lucaswatchedherslenderfiguredisappear,someofthedarknessinhiseyesfading.


    AssoonasAvelineenteredtheoffice,shenoticedtheunusutmosphere.Everyonelookedserious,andWilliamwaspacing


    +18BONUS


    backandforth,lookingextremelystressed.


    ¡°Mr.Foster,what¡¯sgoingon?¡±Avelineasked.


    Seeingher,themanagerimmediatelysaid,¡°ThedesignnsfortheShentonprojectwereleaked.SomeoneusedthemtonegotiatewithBrightonEnterprisesfirst.


    ¡°BrightonEnterprisesjustcalledmetosaythey¡¯rereconsideringthecoboration.MissYoung,youwereinchargeoftheShentonproject.Duringthistime,didyouevertakeanymaterialsoutoftheoffice?¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedserious.¡°Mr.Foster,areyouusingmeofleakingthens?¡±


    Williamreplied,¡°Ijustcheckedwitheveryoneelse,andtheyhavenosuspicions.Butyou¡¯vebeeinginearlyandleavinte, andyou¡¯veevenmissedafewdaysofwork.MissYoung,Iknowyou¡¯recapable,butit¡¯shardnottosuspectyou.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Iwasinthehospitalforaworkinjury.Areyoucountingthatagainstmetoo?¡±


    Atthatmoment,awoman¡¯svoiceinterrupted,¡°Isn¡¯titeasytodosomethinglikethiswhileyou¡¯reinthehospital?¡±


    ThewomanwasZoeFox,whohadpreviouslpetedwithAveline fortheShentonproject,whichAvelineultimatelysecured.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Didyouseemeleakingthens?¡±


    Zoepaused.¡°Ofcoursenot.¡±


    ¡°Thenwhyareyoutalkingnonsense?¡±Avelineretorted.


    Zoe¡¯sexpressiondarkened.


    +15BONUS


    Williamwavedhishand.¡°Nowisnotthetimeforarguments.ThemostimportantthingrightnowistosalvageourcoborationwithBrightonEnterprises.Youallknowwhatthisdealmeans.Ifweseed,itwillbeasignificantachievementforoupany,andpromotionsandraiseswillsurelyfollow!¡±


    HethenturnedtoAveline.¡°MissYoung,youarethemainpersonresponsibleforthisproject.Whatdoyouthink?¡±


    Avelineloweredhergazeand,afteramomentofcontemtion,said,¡°IwillworktorecoverthelossesandgetBrightonEnterprisestocoboratewithusagain.¡±


    Zoescoffed.¡°You¡¯resofullofyourself.¡±


    Avelinelookedather,hercleareyesfilledwithcoldness.


    Zoemutteredacurseandwalkedaway.


    Williamsaid,¡°Alright,we¡¯recountingonyou.Everyoneelse,stayfocusedanddon¡¯tneglectyourtasks.¡±


    Avelinereturnedtoherdesk,staredatheputerindeepthoughtforawhile,thentookoutherphosendamessagetoSelena.


    DCOMMENTS

 Divorced 39

    Chapter39


    Avelexted,¡°Selena,canyoufindoutBrightonEnterprises¡®CEO¡¯sschedule?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°I¡¯lltry!¡±


    Avelurnedoffherphoneandwaitedquietly.


    IntheCEO¡¯soffice,DesmondexinedthesituationtoLucasandthenasked,¡°Mr.Tudor,shouldwearrangeameetingwithBrightonEnterprises?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Noneed.¡±


    Desmondwastakenaback.¡°Butif thisisn¡¯thandledwell,MissYoungmightloseherjob.¡±


    Sincetheincidenthappenedunderherwatch,ifshecouldn¡¯tmanageitandfindtheleaker,shewouldtakethefall.Gettingfiredwouldbetheleastofherworries.Ifrumorsspreadthatsheleakepanysecrets,shewouldn¡¯tbeabletoworkintheindustryanymore.


    Lucaslookedatthedocumentsonhisdesk,hisexpressioncalmanddistant.¡°Shecanhandleit.¡±


    Histonewasconfidentasifheknewherverywell.


    Andhedid.


    Withherpersonality,shewouldn¡¯ttakethemequietly.


    Desmondlookedathim,feelingconflicted.Theywereabouttodivorce,yetLucasstillseemedsoproudofher.


    +15BONUS


    Aroundnoon,SelenamessagedAveline.


    Selenatexted,¡°Ifoundit!Intwodays,theSkylerfamily¡¯spreciousprincessishostingabirthdaypartyandhasinvitedalltheelitesofCloudreCity,includingBrightonEnterprises¡®boss.


    ¡°I¡¯llsendyouthe timeandce,butbabe,Ican¡¯tgetyouaninvitation.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Knowingthisisenough.I¡¯lltreatyoutodinneranotherday!¡±


    Selenatextedback,¡°Great,Iwantspicychicken!¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Noproblem!¡±


    TheSkylerfamily¡¯sheiress,JenniferSkyler,washostingherbirthdaypartyonayacht.Avelinestartedmonitoringtheeventearly andfoundouttheywerehiringpart¨Ctimeservers.


    Shesignedupimmediately.


    Aftertwodaysoftraining,theyachtpartybeganthatevening.


    Avelookherbagandwenttothechanging roomtochange.Aftermostpeoplehadarrived,shewentback<b>to</b>thechangingroomandtookouttheeveninggownshehadpreparedearlier.


    She wastherejusttofindsomeone,soshekeptitsimple.Withlightmakeupandackeveninggownthatwasunderstatedyetelegant,shefinishedherlook withatouchoflipstickandsteppedout.


    Bythistime<b>,</b>theyachtwassailingintothemiddleofthesea.Theeight¨Cdeckyachtwasbrightlylit,andthedeckwasfilled withelegantlydressedguests,minglingandenjoyingtheevent.


    +15BONUS


    AvelookassofchampagnefromawaiterandbegansearchingforBrightonEnterprises¡®CEO,HenryBrighton.However,theyachtwasenormous,andshefoundherselfwanderingaroundthedecklikeaheadlesschicken.


    Shecouldn¡¯taffordtomissthisopportunity,butwherewashe?


    Asshelookedaround,shesuddenlybumpedintosomeone.


    ¡°I¡¯msorry,I¡¯msorry¡­¡±Avelinequicklyapologized.Whensheturnedtoseewhoshehadbumpedinto,thepersonlookedsomewhatfamiliar.


    Themaninfrontofherhadneatlystyledgrayhairandacasual,roguishsmile.Hiscksuitwasslightlyunbuttonedatthecor,givinghimacarefree,charminglook.


    RussellrecognizedAvelineandalookofsurpriseshedinhiseyes.Seeingtheconfusioninhereyes,hechuckled.¡°What?Youdon¡¯trememberme?¡±


    Avelinehesitated.¡°Havewemet?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Russellreplied,¡°That night,youtookmyearpieceandinsistedwedrinktogether¡­¡±


    Avelinesuddenlyremembered,her faceshowingabitof


    embarrassment.¡°I¡¯m reallysorryaboutthat.Idranktoomuchanddidn¡¯tmeantooffendyou.

 Divorced 40

    Chapter40


    Russelllookedatherinsurprise,thinkingshewapletelydifferentfromhowsheactedatthebarthatnight,drinkinglikecrazyandunstoppable.


    ¡°It¡¯sfine,¡±Russellsaid,ncingathisclothesbeforeadding,¡±Was¨Cthisalsoanident?¡±


    Avelinefeltevenmoreembarrassed.¡°Thisreallywasan


    ident.Howaboutyougivemeyourjacket,andI¡¯llcleanitforyou?¡±


    Russellchuckled.¡°Here?Now?¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°I¡¯mAvelineYoungfromDKGroup¡¯s


    CloudreCitybranch.Youcansendthejackettomyoffice,andI¡¯llhaveitcleanedandreturnedtoyou.¡±


    Hersenseofboundariesanddistancewaswellexecuted.


    ¡°Aveline¡­¡±Russellsilentlyrepeatedhername,thensaid,¡±Alright,I¡¯llrememberyou.¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandwalkedaway.


    Avelinesighedinrelief.Thankfully,hedidn¡¯tpursuethematter.Shereallydidn¡¯twantanymoretrouble.


    Onthesecondfloor,neartherailing,Sophiawatchedbelowwithalookofsurprise.


    Avelinewas heretoo?


    Howdidshegetin?


    SeeingthatAvelinewasaloneanddressedinlywithoutanyjewelry,Sophianarrowedhereyes.


    BONUS


    SheguessedthatAveline probablydidn¡¯thaveaninvitation.


    Atsuchanevent,anyonecaughtsneakinginwouldbethrownintothesea.Ha!


    AvelineresumedhersearchforHenry.Finally,onanotherdeck,shespottedhimchattinghappilywithagroupofpeople.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Surroundedbymany,shecouldn¡¯tapproachhimdirectly.So,shestoodatadistance,quietlywaitingforanopportunity.


    Thenightgrewdarker,theseabeyondtherailingapitch¨Cckexpansewiththefaintsoundofwavesgentlybrushingagainsttheyacht.Atthatmoment,Henrymoved,walkingwithafewotherstowardstheoppositesideofthedeck.


    Hewasleaving!


    Aveline¡¯shearttightened,andsheimmediatelyfollowedhim.


    ¡°Mr.Brighton,hello.I¡¯mAvelineYoungfromDKGroup¡¯sCloudreCitybranchandtheleadontheShentonproject.I¡¯dliketodiscussthedesignconceptsandideasfortheShentonprojectwithyou.IbelievenooneunderstandsthembetterthanIdo!¡±


    SheblockedHenry¡¯spath,sayingallthisinonebreath,thenwaitedforhisresponse.


    ThesmileonHenry¡¯sfacefadedslightly.¡°ButI¡¯vealreadyreceivedbetterdesignns.I¡¯mnotinterestedinyours.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Whatyoureceivedismydesignn¡­¡±


    HenryBrightoncutheroff,¡°That¡¯syourissue.Pleasedon¡¯twastemytime.¡±


    Atthesametime,twoserversapproached.¡°Doyouhaveaninvitation?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionfroze.


    Henrywalkedaway.Instinctively,shewantedtofollow,buttheserversblockedher.¡°Stop.Pleaseshowyourinvitation.¡±


    Theirvoiceswereloud,drawingtheattentionof thosearoundthem.


    ¡°I¡­¡±Avelinebegantospeak,butthenshesawtwopeoplenotfar


    away.


    LucasandSophia.


    Theystoodtogetherlikeaperfectcouple¨CLucastandhandsome,Sophiagentleandgraceful.


    Avelinesuddenlyfeltdeeplyembarrassed,likeajokebeingscrutinizedby everyone,andLucashappenedtoseeit.


    Wouldhemockherforoverestimatingherself?


    Aveline¡¯sfingersclenchedtightly.


    Theserver¡¯stonegrewmoreaggressive,¡°Pleaseshowyourinvitation.Ifyoucan¡¯t,we¡¯llhavetothrowyouintotheseaaspertherules!¡±


    Notfaraway,LucasdownedhischampagneinonegulpandstartedwalkingtowardsAveline.

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    Chapter41


    WhentheserverssawthatAvelinestillhadn¡¯tshownthemaninvitation,theysteppedforwardtodrag heraway.Justthen,someones


    andpulledAvelinebehindhim.


    ¡°Mr.Skyler.¡±theserversimmediatelybecamerespectfuluponseeingtheneer.


    Russelllookedatthemcoolly.¡°Whatwereyounningtodotomyguest,hmm?¡±


    Theserverswerehorrified.¡°I¡¯msorry,Mr.Skyler.Wedidn¡¯tknowthidywaswithyou.¡±


    Russell¡¯sturnedicy.¡°Getoutofmysight,anddon¡¯t<b>let</b>meseeyouonthisyachtagain!¡±


    Thetwoservershurriedaway,silentlycursingwhoevertoldthemtherewasanuninvitedguest.Theyhadgottenscoldedfornothing!


    RussellturnedtoseeAvelinelookingabitdazed.Hesmiled.¡°Whatacoincidence,wemeetagain<b>.</b>¡±


    Avelhoughttoherselfthatonayachtthissize,itwasn¡¯tthatsurprisingtorunintosomeoneagain<b>.</b>Buthehadjusthelpedherout,soshesmiledslightly.¡°Thankyou.¡±


    Russell¡¯scharminglymischievousfacelitupwithateasingsmile.Despitehissuit,hestillexudedaroguishcharm.¡°IsaverbalthankyouallIget?Ifitweren¡¯tforme,youmighthavebeen<b>thrown</b>intotheseatofeedthesharks.¡±


    Ashesaidthstfewwords,heleanedincloser,histonechilling.


    Avelineinstinctivelytookastepback.¡°Sir¡­¡±


    Butbeforeshecouldfinish,someonegrabbedherwristwithagripsostrongitfeltlikeherbonesmightbreak.


    1/3


    +15<b>BONUS</b>


    ¡°Ow!¡±Avelinegaspedand turnedtofaceLucas¡®sternface.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±Avelineaskedinalowvoice.


    Herheartacheduncontroblyassherememberedhowhe stoodclosebywithSophia,watchingherbeingquestioned<b>in</b>public.


    ¡°Weren¡¯tyouindifferenttohowIwastreated<b>a</b>momentago?Nowwhyareyouhere?Tomakeyourselfknown?¡±Avelinecursedhiminherthought.


    LucasignoredherandlookedatRussell.¡°Mr.Skyler,ifyouhavebusinesswithmywife,youcandiscussitwithmedirectly.¡±


    Russellnarrowedhiseyes,theteasingsmileonhislipsdeepening.¡±ButIjustsaidshe¡¯smydate.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Lucas¡®voicewascoldanddetached.¡°Shehasn¡¯tagreedtobeyourdate.¡±


    ¡°Isthatso?¡±RussellraisedaneyebrowandturnedtoAveline.¡°MissYoung,whatdoyouthink?¡±


    Lucas¡®gazealsofellonher,andhisgriponherwristtightenedslightly.Herchoicehadalwaysbeenhim!Ithadalwaysbeenthisway,andhebelievedtodaywouldbenodifferent.


    However,AvelineforcefullypulledherhandawayandwalkedtoRussell¡¯sside.¡°Yes,Iamthisgentleman¡¯sdate.¡±


    Lucas¡®expressioninstantlyturnedcold,andaninvisiblepressurefilledtheairaroundhim,makingtheatmosphereheavyandtense.


    Avelinestraightenedup<b>,</b>realizingthatLucaswasangry.


    Butsowhat?Russellhadhelpedherout,andshecouldn¡¯tlethimdown.


    AsforLucas¡­Ha!Whocaresabouthim?


    <b>23</b>


    Tunelligaveacharmingunile:¡°WasYoung,mysummameisNigler.RunwellskylerCow¡¯sycallingthewinWarsontohavesamehomeHowboutwedeBamalta(**


    kotineamifiedwarmilyhemigh


    Rosellsaid,¡°BattegenTherfirenyuventhensansquitegrant.Sirisarmtolovechosen,Bot


    idomemorwassofryBadenindleforyoute.

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    Chapter<i>42</i>


    Lucas¡®darkeyesstared intentlyattheirbacks,achilling auragrowingaroundhim,makingothersafraidtoapproach.


    ¡°Lucas.¡±


    Sophiawalkedover,herfacefilledwithconcernasshelookedathim.¡°Areyoualright?¡±


    Shefrowned.¡°WhatdoesMissYoungmeanby this? Althoughyou¡¯reabouttodivorce, sheisstillyourwife.Howcouldsheshowyounorespectatall?WalkingawaywithMr.Skyler,it¡¯soutrageous.¡±


    Lucaswithdrewhisgazeindifferentlyand saidcalmly,¡°Ihavesomethingtoattendto,I¡¯llbeleavingfirst.¡±


    WithoutlookingatSophia¡¯sexpression,heturnedandwalkedawayinanotherdirection.


    Sophia¡¯sexpressionfrozeslightly.


    Shefeltasenseofcrisis.


    AvelineclearlyhadaspecialceinLucas¡¯sheart.


    Howcouldthisbe?


    Shehadworkedsohardtogetwhereshewastoday,evenlosingalegintheprocess.Sheabsolutelycouldn¡¯tletanyakeherce!


    Ontheotherside,AvelinelookedatRussell.¡°Mr.Skyler,I¡¯lltreatyoutoamenotherday,butIhavesomethingimportanttodonow,soIcan¡¯tapanyyou.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Youdon¡¯thavemynumber.Howwillyoutreatmetoameal? Isitjustanemptypromise?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelineasked,¡°Doyouhaveapen?¡±


    Russelltookafountainpenoutofhissuitpocketandhandedittoher.


    Avelineunscrewedthepencap,lookedaround,andfinallysaid,Excuseme,¡±beforewritingherphonenumberdirectlyonhisshirt.


    ¡°Callthisnumberwhenthetimes.¡±Avelinehandedthepen.backtohimandadded,¡°Youcanalsobringthisshirttomeforwashingthen.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Russellwasmomentarilystunnedbyheractions.


    Whensheleanedintowritehernumberonhisshirt,afaintfragrancefromherreachedhim,makinghimfebituneasy.


    Nowomanhadeverdaredtogetthisclosetohimbefore.


    Ha!


    ThisAvelineseemedtobebreakingmanyofhisfirsts.


    Hetookthepen,andAvelurnedandwalkedawaywithouthesitation.


    ShehadtofindHenry!


    Thatwashergoalfortonight;asforchattingwiththeyoungman,thatcouldwait.


    ShewentstraightinthedirectionHenryhadleft.Whenshereached.theentrance,shewasstopped,asentrywasbyinvitationonly.


    Avelinehadnochoicebuttowaitatthedoor.


    Timepassedbitbybit,thenightgrowingdeeper,andthestarryskyovertheseawasundoubtedlybeautiful,withtwinklingstarsthatinspiredawe.


    +15BONUS


    Asthenumberofpeopleonthedeckdwindled,Avelinedarednotleave,fearingshemightmissthisopportunityifsheleft.


    Eventually,shecurledupinacorner,constantlywatchingthe


    entrance.


    Thenightwindontheseawasverycold,andAvelineshivered,huggingherselftightly.Herheadfeltheavy,andshekeptnoddingoffwhilesquattinginthecorner.


    Halfasleepandhalfawake,afamiliar¨Cscentedcoatfellonher.Sheinstinctivelygrabbedthecoatandwrappedherselfabitmoretightly.Thescentaroundhernosemadeherfeelveryatease.


    ItwasLu¡¯scoat.


    Whenthedaylightbroke,Avelineopenedhereyesandrealizedshehadfallenasleepinthecorner!


    Shestoodup,supporting herselfagainstthewall,thewarmthofthecoatmakingherpause.Lookingdown,shesawitwasaman¡¯ssuitjacket.


    ItwasLucas¡®coat;shehadseenhimwearingistnight.


    She clutchedthecoat,deepinthought.Atthatmoment,sheheardsomenoisesinthedistance.Afewpeopleweringout,headingtowardsthedeck.


    AmongthemwasHenry.


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    Avelinewasn¡¯tconcernedaboutwhenLucaswastheretogiveherthecoat<b>;</b>sheimmediatelyrantowardsHenry.


    ¡°Mr.Brighton,I¡¯msorry,justgivemeoneminute.Afterthat,yourcandecideifyouwanttohearmore.¡±


    Henrylookedatthegirlstandinginfrontofhim<b>,</b>feeling<b>she</b>seemedfamiliar.Seeingherfacepalefromthecold,hefinallystopped.


    ¡°Alright,oneminute.¡±


    However,hewasn¡¯toverlykind,soheliftedhiswristwatchandstartedtiming.


    Avelookadeepbreathandbeganexiningherideasandthoughts.


    Timepassedslowly¡­


    Atsomepoint,HenrystoppedcheckinghiswatchandwatchedAvelinewithinterestinstead.


    Whenshefinallystopped,shesmiledapologetically.¡°Sorry,Igotabitcarriedawayand wentovertime¡­¡±


    Tenminuteshadpassed.Shehadonlycoveredthekeypoints;exiningtheentirenandconceptwouldtakeawholemorning.


    Henrynoddedapprovingly.¡°Yourideasareindeedimpressive.¡±


    Avelinebowedtohim.¡°Thank<b>you</b>forgivingmethisopportunity.Ihopeyou¡¯llreconsiderthepartnership.Afterall,somethinggenuineisalwaysbetterthansomethingstolen.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    Henrughedheartily.¡°Wellsaid.Ilikeyourpersonality.You¡¯reverytalented.Haveyoueverthoughtaboutworkingwithus?¡±


    Avelinewasstunned.¡°Mr.Brighton,ifIleavenow,I¡¯llbemedforeverything.Idon¡¯twantto bringthatstigmatoyoupany.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Henrynodded.¡°Goodthinking.Gobackandwaitformyresponse.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Alright,Iwon¡¯ttakeupanymoreofyourtime.Enjoythesunrise.¡±


    Sheturnedandleft,exhalingdeeply.


    Thishurdle<b>,</b><b>if</b>nothingunexpectedhappened,shouldbecleared.


    AvelinewrappedLucas¡¯scoattighteraroundherself,shiveringasthecoldfinallyhither.


    Afterbreakfast,thecruiseshipwouldreturntoport.


    Avelinelookedatthecoatinherhands,hereyesfilledwithbitternessandherfacepale.Sheslowlysippedherhotwater.


    ItwasgettingharderforhertounderstandLucas.


    Whentheshipdocked,Avelineleftimmediately,notevenbotheringtoimherpay.ShejustwantedtogetbacktothpanyandwaitforHenry¡¯sresponse.


    AssoonasAvelinereturned,thereceptionistcalledouttoher.


    Avelinewalkedoverandasked,¡°What¡¯sup?¡±


    Thereceptionistsaid,¡°Youhaveacall.¡±


    Avelinepickedupthephone,¡°Hello<b>,</b>thisisAvelineYoung.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mMr.Brighton¡¯sassistant.Areyoufreeatthemoment?I¡¯dliketodiscussthecoboration.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeslitup.¡°Yes,I¡¯mfree!¡±


    Shehungupthephone,grabbedthecontract,andheadedstraighttoBrightonEnterprises.


    +15BONUS


    Thecoborationwassessfullyfinalized,liftingaweightoffAveline¡¯smind.Whenshereturnedtothpanyandstoodinfrontoftheelevator,acoldglintappearedinherbeautifuleyes.


    Ithadbeenthreedays,andAvelinestillhadn¡¯tprovidedagoodsolution.Shehadn¡¯tevenshownupforthreedaysstraight.


    Theprojectteamwasinapanic.Someonesaid,¡°DoyouthinkMissYoungmighthaverunaway?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯sreallydespicable!Shestolesomanydaysofourhardwork.Whoknowshowmuchtheothersidepaidher?Howcanshespendthatmoneywithoutfeelingguilty?¡±


    ¡°WhetherIfeelguiltyornotisanothermatter.Butusingme.


    withoutevidenceandeveninsultingmeisquiteunreasonable,don¡¯tyouthink?¡±


    Assoonasthepersonfinishedspeaking,Aveline¡¯svoice,tingedwithcoldness,rangout.


    BIGSALE:3000bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter 44


    EveryonewasstunnedandturnedtoseeAvelinewalkin.Herface.waspale,buthereyeswerecoldasshelookedaroundtheroom.¡±It¡¯shingtobadmouthmebehindmybackwhenIcan¡¯thear,butifIcatchyou,shouldn¡¯tyouapologize?¡±


    Shemadeapointoflookingatthepeoplewhohadjustinsultedher.


    Theireyesdartedaroundnervously,andamalecolleaguestoodupandsaid,¡°Whyshouldweapologizetoyou?Theprojectinformationyouwere responsibleforleaked,andnooneelsetouchedyourdesk.Wehaveeveryreasontosuspectitwasyou!¡±


    Avelinelookedathimcoldly.¡°So,youadmitit¡¯sjustasuspicion,notconcreteevidence,right?¡±


    Themalecolleaguestammered,lookingembarrassed.


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Noapology?You¡¯vegotnoshame!¡±


    Herwordsprovokedthemimmediately.


    ¡°MissYoung,youmadeamistake.Whyshouldweapologize?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,wedidn¡¯tdoanythingwrong!¡±


    ¡°Sinceyousaiditwasn¡¯tyou,thenshowusthatyoutookcareofthematter.¡±


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    Avelinemmedthefilefolderontothetable.¡°IregainedthepartnershipwithBrightonEnterprises.Isthatenough?¡±


    Everyonefrozeatherwords.


    ¡°Shegotthepartnershipback?¡±


    ¡°Didshereally?Howdidshedoit?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Thepeoplewhohadbeenshoutingearlierwerestunned.Themalecolleaguepickedupthecontractandcheckedit,confirmingitwasindeedthepartnershipwithBrightonEnterprises.


    Hisfaceturnedred.


    ¡°Sorry,Iwastoohastyearlier.¡±


    Thoughembarrassed,he apologizedtoAveline.


    Avelinesmiled.¡°It¡¯salright,Idon¡¯tholdgrudges.Let¡¯smoveon.¡±


    TheothersalsoapologizedtoAveline,andsherespondedtoeachoftheminthesameway.


    Atthatmoment,Williamreturned,hisfacebeamingwithjoy.¡°MissYoung,Iheardeverything!You¡¯reamazing,gettingtheBrightonpartnershipback.Ourperformanceisdefinitelysecurenow!¡±


    Avelinesmiledlightly.¡°Whilethat¡¯sresolved,there¡¯sstillonemoreissuetodealwith.¡±


    Williamlookedpuzzled.¡°Whatissue?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Aveline¡¯ssmilevanished.¡°Naturally,weneedtofindthepersonwholeakedtheinformation.Suchacancercan¡¯tbeleftuntreated.Arewenningtokeepthemoleuntilthefollowingyear?¡±


    Williamnodded.¡°You¡¯reright,butwehavenoideawholeakedit.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Ihaveawaytofindout.¡±


    Everyoneimmediatelylookedather,waitingforhernextmove.


    Avelinewalkedtoherworkstation,wherearowofcutecatfigurineswaslinedupinfrontofheputer,usuallyunnoticed.


    Atthismoment,shepickedupanorangecatandconnectedittoheputerwithadatacable.


    +15BONUS


    ¡°I¡¯macautiousperson.Whetherit¡¯sathomeoratmyworkstation,evenifit¡¯sjustasmarea,Iinstasurveincecameratopreventunexpectedsituations.Itturnedouttobeusefulthistime.¡±


    Sheworkedonheputeruntsurveincevideoappearedonthescreen.Shescrolledthroughitandfinallypausedataspecificmomentonthethirddayofherhospitalstay.Someonewasatherworkstation.


    Inthevideo,thesurroundingareawasdark,clearlyafterworkhours.Thepersonsatdown,lookedaroundforawhile,andthenturnedonheputer.Whilewaitingforittobootup,thepersonpickeduphercatfigurineandyedwithit,revealinghisfaceclearly.


    COMMENTS

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    Chapter45


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Ha,howsurprising.¡±Avelinescoffed,hergazefixedonWilliam¡¯sface.


    EveryurnedtolookatWilliam,theirfacesfullofdisbelief.


    ¡°Howcoulditbeyou?¡±


    ¡°Whydidyoudothis?¡±


    ¡°Thisprojectissoimportanttous.Whydidyouleaktheinformation?¡±


    Williamwasspeechless.


    First,therewasdisbelief,thenanuncontrobleanger.ThecrowdsurroundedWilliam,demandinganexnation.


    Williamhadn¡¯texpectedwhathedidtobeexposedsoeasily.Atthatmoment,hewasspeechless.


    Indeed,withtheevidencerightthere,whatelsecouldhesay?


    Outside.


    Lucasstoodtallbythess,hiseyesfixedonAveline.Seeingherpaleface,hisbrowsfurrowed..


    Desmond,standingnearby,said,¡°Ididn¡¯texpecthertohaveacameraatherworkstation.¡±


    Lucas¡¯slipspressedintoalineasheturnedtoleave.


    Suddenly,Desmondeximed,¡°MissYounghasfainted!¡±


    a


    Aveline,havingresolvedamajorissue,feltthetensioninherbodysuddenlyrelease.Assherxed,waves<b>of</b>coldnesssweptoverher.Shefrownedandtriedtogetuptopouracupofwarmwater, butassoonasshestood,hervisionwentck,andshecopsed!


    Everyonegaspedandrushedtocheckonher.


    Beforeanyonecouldreachher,thecrowdpartedasLucaspushedthrough,scoopingherupandstridingoutoftheoffice.


    Desmondstayedbehindtohandletheremainingmatters.


    Thesmellofdisinfectantfilledtheair.


    Avelineslowlyopenedhereyes,herheadstilldizzy<i>,</i>andherbodyutterlyweak.


    ¡°Drinksomewater.¡±


    Herthoughtswerehazy,butsuddenlysheheardaman¡¯sdeep,maicvoicebyherear.


    Thetonewasgentleandwarm,unlikethecoldnessfrombefore.


    AvelurnedhergazeandsawLucasstandingbythebedside.Hishandsomefaceshowedacalm,gentleexpression,betrayingnootheremotions.


    Avelinesaid,¡°Lucas,I¡¯verealizedthateversinceImetyou,I¡¯vebeenprettyunlucky.¡±


    Lucas¡®handsomefacedarkenedimmediately.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°You¡¯renotfeelingwell,youshouldtalkless!¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°See,you¡¯restillbeingmeantoapatient.¡±


    Lucasretorted,¡°Lookingatyou,youdon¡¯tseemlikeapatientatall.IfIweretogiveyouamicrophonenow,I¡¯msureyoucouldgiveaspeechtotheworld.¡±


    Thismanhadareallysharptongue.


    Aveline,feelingtired,half¨Cclosedhereyes.¡°I¡¯mthirsty.¡±


    Lucasleaneddown,hisarmslidingunderhershoulderstohelpher.situp.Thenhesatattheheadofthebed,lettingherleanagainsthistchest.


    Theclean,pleasantscentof himenvelopedher,makingAvelinefeeldazedagain.


    Shereallylikedhisscent.


    Inthepast,shewouldalwaysclingtohim,askingforhugsandkisses,butnow¡­


    Avelriedtositupstraight.¡°Icanmanageonmyown.IfMissWinterseesthis,whatifshemisunderstandsyou?¡±


    Lucas¡®eyebrowsknitted together.¡°Aveline,Ishouldjustpoisonyoumute.¡±


    Evenwithafever,herthroatdidn¡¯thurt?


    Howcouldshestilltalksomuch?


    Avelinekeptquiet.


    Lucaspickedupthewatercupandbroughtittoherlips,butshepressedherpalelipstightlytogether.


    ¡°Didn¡¯tyousayyouwerethirsty?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯mafraidyou¡¯llpoisonme.¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless<b>.</b>


    Theatmosphereinthewardsuddenlybecametense.


    Afteralongmoment,Avelineleanedforwardandtookasip.¡°Oh,nopoison.¡±


    Sheclearlyfeltthemanbehindherturncolderandcouldalmostpicturehisdarkenedexpression,andatraceofamusementflickered


    inhereyes.


    BIGSALE:3500 bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter46


    Lucassatbehindher,watchingherobedientlydrinkwater.Agentlelook shedinhiseyes,butitdisappearedquickly.


    Afterdrinkingthewater,Avelinedidn¡¯tliedownagain<b>.</b>Sheleanedagainsttheheadboardandcheckedherphone.Manypeoplehadsenthermessages,mostlycolleaguesaskingaboutherconditionandafewfromSelena.


    ShecalledSelena.


    ¡°Ave,dideverythingworkout?¡±Selenaansweredquickly,hersweetvoicingthrough.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Yes,itdid.Youwereabighelp.Haveyoudecidedwhatyouwanttoeat?¡±


    Selenaresponded,¡°Inthatcase,I¡¯llmakemyrequest.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Noproblem.¡±


    Selenachuckled.¡°Ihaven¡¯thadyourcookinginalongtime.Canyou


    makemesomething?I¡¯lleatwhateveryoucook.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡±Avelineagreed.Selenahadhelpedhersomuch;she


    deservedanythingshewanted.


    Selenacontinued,¡°Hey,yourvoicesoundsabitoff.Areyouokay?<b>¡±</b>


    Avelinereplied,¡°Icaughtacold,andI-¡±


    Beforeshecouldfinish,someonesnatchedherphoneaway,ending.thecabruptly.Lucasputthephoneinhispocket.


    ¡°Lucas,whatareyoudoing?¡±Avelineredathim.


    ¡°Youneedtorestnow,¡±Lucassaidfirmly.


    Avelineretorted,¡°Butatleastletmefinishmysentence!AmIabout.


    +15BONUS


    todieorsomething?Can¡¯tIevenfinishasentence?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercoldly.¡°Ifyouwanttodierightnow,Icanmakethathappen.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shecursedhimahundredtimesinherheadbutdidn¡¯tdaresaya


    wordoutloud.


    Howinfuriating!Hewassooverbearing!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Wherewasthatgentlepuppyfrombefore?Givehimbacktoher!


    Fuming,Avelurnedherheadawayandignoredhim.


    Lucasstaredatherprofile,hiseyesdarkandbrooding.¡°Youdidwellthistime.SecuringthepartnershipwithBrightonmeansthedepartmentheadpositionisyours.¡±


    Hisdeepvoiceechoedintheroom,metwithonlysilence.


    ¡°Saysomething!¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°Areyoucrazy?You¡¯retheonewhotoldmetorest,andnowyouwantmetotalk.¡±


    Lucasfrowned,lookingatherpaleface,andsaidnothing<b>.</b>Hejustclosedhiseyes.


    Avelinegrittedherteethandeventuallygaveup.


    Afteralongwhile,hervoice brokethesilenceintheroom.


    ¡°Lucas,whydidn¡¯tyoe tohelpmstnight?¡±


    Lucas¡®breathhitched,seeminglynotexpectinghertoasksodirectly.


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Didn¡¯texpectmetoask,didyou?Butwhyshouldn¡¯tI?You¡¯re<b>my</b>husband,thepersonI¡¯vealwaysreliedon,theoneI¡­oncelovedthemost.Inthatsituation,youshouldhave


    2/3


    steppeduptohelpme.¡±


    Asshespoke,afaint,bittersmileappearedonherface.¡°Butyouactedlikeanoutsider,watchingmymisery.¡±


    Lucas¡®eyeswerefixedonher.¡°Whatdoyoumeanby¡®onceloved.themost?Doyounotlovemeanymore?Howcanyoubesofickle?¡±


    Avelinelookedhimstraightintheeye.¡°Whydon¡¯tyouaskyourselfwhyit¡¯s¡®once¡®?¡±


    Lucas¡¯slipspressedintoatightline,andtheatmospherearoundhimbecameevenmoreintense,makingtheroomfeelseveraldegreescolder.


    Aveline,exhausted,said,¡°Stoptormentingthispatient.¡±


    Hepaused,hisgazeunreadable,butafireseemedtoburnwithinhischest,leavinghimdeeplyunsettled.


    Didshereallyprefertheversionofhimwholosthismemory?


    Theroomfinallyfellintoaprolongedsilence.


    Avelinedriftedbacktosleep,andwhen shewokeup,theIVdripwasfinished.Daylightstreamedthroughthewindow,andshesawherphoneonthebedsidetable.


    Whensheopenedit,shesawamessagefromLucasonWhatsApp.

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    Chapter47


    ¡°Youcantakeadayoffanebacktoworktomorrow.¡±


    Ha!


    Avelineletoutabitteugh,hereyesdevoidofanyemotion.


    Lastnight,shehadgatheredallhercouragetosaythosethings.Shewantedaresponse,anexnationfromhim.


    Evenaperfunctoryanswerwouldhavesufficed.


    Buthisattentiondidn¡¯tseemtobeonherwords.Whendidhestopcaringabouther?


    Itmadeherfeelthataskinghimthatquestiostnightwasincrediblyfoolish.


    Aself¨Cinflictedhumiliation.


    Avelinposedherselfpletedthedischargeprocedures,andwenthome.There,shesawthefilefolderonthecab.Openingit,shefoundthepropertydeed,acheck,andakeyinside.


    MapleGarden.


    AprimelocationinCloudre City,withtop¨Ctiergreenery,25floors,and500squaremeters.


    Wow,itwasevergerthanexpected.


    Didhethinkthiswouldmakehergrateful?


    Aveline¡¯seyesremainedemotionlessasshetookoutthecheck.Theamountofsixmilliondorswasclearlyprintedonit,alongwithLucas¡®strongsignatureatthebottom.


    Avelineheldthecheck,lostinthoughtforalongtime.


    Shehadgrownup inanorphanage,butitcloseddownwhenshewas


    1/4


    415BONUS


    inhighschool.Sheworkedpart¨Ctimejobswhilestudying,rightupuntilshegraduatedfromcollege.


    HerbiggestdreamhadalwaysbeentobuyherownhouseinCloudreCityandbewealthy.


    Ifherpastselfhadknown thatdivorcecouldeasilybringherthese.things, shewouldhavebeenoverjoyed.


    Butnow,allshefeltwaspain,aheartachethatspreadthroughher.entirebody,makinghersoultremble.


    Thesethingsbelongedtohernow,butLucasdidn¡¯t.


    Avelookadeepbreath,cedthecheckandthepropertydeed.together,andputthembackintothefilefolder.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Shehadbeawealthywoman.


    Shenolongerneededtowork.


    Shecouldhaveacuteguyononearmandayounghottieontheother.


    Shecould¡­


    Couldshereally?


    Sheslowlysatonthesofa.Thetwo¨Cbedroomapartmentwassmall,andevenalittleextrastuffwouldmakeitfeelcrowded.Whenhe


    camealong,shemaderoomforhisthings.


    Shehadn¡¯tnoticedbefore,butnow,withouthisthings,theapartmentfeltsoulless.


    Everywhereshelookedwasempty.


    Sadnesstookrootinherheart,growingdeeperwitheverypangofpain.


    Howpathetic.


    Howcouldshestilllongfor suchalousyman?


    Avelinegotupandwenttothebathroom,washedherface,andthencalledSelena.


    ¡°Ave,whathappenestnight?Wasthatjerkwithyou?¡±Selenaaskedassoonassheanswered.


    Avelineresponded,¡°Yes,hewas.I¡¯mfreetoday.Comeover,andI¡¯llcookforyou.¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Alright,I¡¯llbethere.Waitforme.¡±


    Afterhanging up,Avelinewentouttobuygroceries.SheboughtallofSelena¡¯sfavoritefoods.Asshecrossedthestreet,shecaughtaglimpseofafamiliarcaroutofthecornerofhereye.Whensheturnedtolook,thecarwasalreadygone.


    ¡°Watchtheroadwhilecrossing,miss.¡±


    Someoneremindedher,andshequicklylookedback,hurryingacrossthecrosswalk.


    ¡°Thankyou.¡±


    Shethankedthepasserbyandthencarriedhergroceriesbackhome.


    Atthecorner.


    Asilver¨CgrayMaybachstopped,itswindshieldadornedwithdappledpatternsfromtheshadowsoftrees.Inside,Lucassat,


    frustrationevidentashetuggedathistiewhilegrippingthesteeringwheelwithonehand.


    Why couldn¡¯thebringhimselftoapproachher?

 Divorced 48

    Chapter48


    Hegaveherwhatshewanted;sheshouldbehappy.Butjustnow,herexpressiondidn¡¯tseempleased.Why?


    Lucasgrewmoreirritatedthemorehethoughtaboutit.Justthen,hisphonerang.ItwasDesmond.¡°Mr.Tudor,Mr.Hanghasarrived.¡±


    ¡°Okay,I¡¯llbebackrightaway.¡±Lucasrepliedcoldly,thenhungup.HecastalonglookinthedirectionofAveline¡¯shousebeforeturningthecararoundandleaving.


    Intheevening,whenSelenaarrived,Avelinehadalreadypreparedfourdishes,withtwomoreandasoupstillcooking.


    ¡°Ave,there¡¯ssomuchfood!¡±Selenaeximedexcitedly,huggingherandrubbingagainsther.


    Avelinesaid,¡°It¡¯salright.Gowaitoutside;it¡¯llbereadysoon.¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Okay,Ibroughtsomealcohol.¡±


    Avelinesighed,¡°Ican¡¯tdrinkit;Itookcoldmedicine.¡±


    Selenawassurprised.¡°You¡¯resick?Butyoulookfine.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelineanswered,¡°You¡¯llseewhyIlookfineinabit.¡±


    Selenawentoutside,andsoonafter,Avelinebroughtouttwotesoffood.Thesoupwasalsoready.Afterwashingherhands,shehandedafilefoldertoSelena.¡°Here,takealookatthis.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯sthis?¡±Selenaopenedit,tookoutthecontents,andhereyeswidenedindisbelief.


    ¡°This¡­Ave,didyoujusthitajackpot?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Sortof.Afterthedivorce,Ibecameawealthy


    +15BONUS


    woman.Canyoumemeforlookinggood?¡±


    Uponhearingthis,SelenasettheitemsdownandcuppedAveline¡¯sfaceinherhands.¡°Isthatreallyhowitis?Youmustbesosad.¡±


    Avelinewastakenaback,staringatSelenaforamomentbeforeburstingintughter.


    ¡°What¡¯stheuseofbeingsad?Canloveputfoodonthetable?Moneyismorereliable.I¡¯mnningtopickagooddaytomoveandthenquitmyjob.Doyouhaveanyningup?Ifnot,let¡¯sgoonaworldtour.¡±


    Avelinidoutherns.


    Selenacouldn¡¯ugh.KnowingAvelinewell,sheunderstoodthatheroptimismwasjustonthesurface.AvelinehadoncebeensofondofLucas.


    Now,withthedivorcesettlementinhand,theirmarriagewastrulyover.Allthatwasleftwasthe divorcecertificate,severingtheirtiepletely.


    Avelinesighed.¡°I¡¯mfine,sowhyareyou lookinglikethat?I¡¯msharingmyjoywithyou.Didn¡¯tyoualwaysencouragemetodumpthejerkandembracethefuture?That¡¯swhatI¡¯mdoingnow.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°Butyoumustbehurting,Ave.Ifyou¡¯resad,justcryitout.It¡¯sokay,IpromiseIwon¡¯t recordortakepictures.¡±


    Avelinughed.¡°Alright,let¡¯seatbeforethefoodgetscold.¡±


    ¡°Okay,let¡¯s<b>eat</b>!¡±


    Selenanodded,openingthebottleofalcohol.¡°Youcan¡¯tdrink,<b>so</b>justwatchme.Cheers!¡±


    SheclinkedherssagainstAveline¡¯sssandtookabiggulp.Avelinewasspeechless.


    Ifshe¡¯dknownSelenawouldreactthisway,shewouldn¡¯thavetoldher.


    Afterthemeal,Avelinewasfine,butSelenadrankuntilshepassedout.Avelinemadesomegingerteaforherandhelpedhertotheguestroomtorest.


    Comingoutoftheroom,readytowashupandgotobed,herphonerang.Shepickedit upandsawthatitwasLucascalling.


    Itwasalready10PM.Whywashecallingher?


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Sheanswered,hertoneindifferent.


    ¡°Desmond.¡±


    Theman¡¯shoarsevoicecamethroughthephone,coldtothe


    extreme.


    Avelinewastakenaback.Didhedialthewrongnumber?


    ¡°ThisisAveline.¡±


    Therewasabriefsilencebeforeshespoke.


    Butallsheheardwashisheavybreathing.Afteramoment,hisvoicecamethroughagain.


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 49

    Chapter49


    ¡°Bringmesomemedicine,something¡¯swrongwithme.¡±


    Withthat,thecabruptlyended.Avelinestaredatherphone,puzzledbythesuddendisconnection,herbrowsfurrowing.


    Didhereallydialthewrongnumber?


    Didn¡¯thehearherspeak?


    Aveline pressedherlipstogetherandcalledDesmond.


    ¡°Hello,MissYoung.¡±


    Thecallconnectedquickly,andshecouldhearafaintbackgroundnoiseonhisend.


    ¡°Mr.ke,Mr.Tudorcalledmebymistakejustnow.Heaskedforyoutobringhimsomemedicine.Canyougotohim?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mafraidthat¡¯snotpossible,¡±Desmondreplieddirectly.¡°I¡¯monabusinesstripandalreadyattheairport.MissYoung,couldyoudeliverthemedicineforme?Icantellyouthenameofthe


    medication;you<b>can</b>getitfromanypharmacy.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbrowsknittighter.¡°You¡¯reonabusinesstrip?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±Desmondconfirmed,andshecouldfaintlyhearairportannouncementsinthebackground.


    ¡°MissYoung,I¡¯llsendyouthenameofthemedicine.Mr.Tudor¡¯sconditionisquitedistressingwhenitresup.Pleasehelpmedeliverit.Thanks.¡±


    Withthat,hehungup.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Avelinewasstunned,standingupinstinctively.


    V¨ªSBONUS


    Soon,amessagewiththemedicine¡¯snamecamethrough.


    Feelingperplexed,shecouldn¡¯tshakethestrangefeelinginsideher.Shestaredatthemedicinenameforawhilebeforefinallyturningaround,puttingonhercoat,andheadingout.


    Ohwell.


    Hehadgiven hermoneyandahousesoquickly;shecouldn¡¯tjustleavehimintrouble.


    ArrivingattheTudorresidence,Aveline¡¯sphonevibratedjustasshereachedthedoor.ItwasamessagefromDesmondwiththeentrycode.Itseemedalmostasifheknewshewouldarriveatthismoment,sendingthecodejustintime.


    Thestrangefeelinginherheartintensified.


    Butsinceshewasalreadythere,Avelinedecidednottooverthinkit.


    Sheenteredthecodeandwalkedintothrgevi¡¯scourtyard.Thesurroundingswerequiet,andthelightscastlongshadows.


    Enteringthevi,shefoundipletelyempty.


    Previously,whenshehadbeenhere,thereweremanyservantsandhousekeepers around.Didtheyallgooffdutyatnight?


    ¡°Lucas?¡±


    Shecalledhisnamefromthelivingroom,butonlyafaintechoresponded.


    Afterwaitingforamoment,shecarriedthebagupstairs.She


    rememberedwherehismasterbedroomwas.Thedoorwasslightlyajar,withdimlightspillingout.Pushingthedooropen,shesawhimlyingonthebed.


    Hewasshirtless,withthenketonlycoveringhimfromthewaistdown.Sweatcoveredhisbody,andhisbrowsweretightlyfurrowed.


    asifhewasenduringimmensepain.


    Avelinewasstartled.Whatwaswrongwithhim?


    Hehadneverhadthisproblembefore.


    Shewalkedoverandgentlyshookhim.¡°Lucas?¡±


    Themandidn¡¯treact,hisbrowsstillfurrowed,andhisbreathingheavy.


    Avelineopenedthemedicineandcheckedtheinstructions,then.mixedacupofthesolution.ShepinchedLucas¡¯snosetomakehimbreathethroughhismouth.


    Strugglingforair,hesuddenlyopenedhiseyes.


    Thoseeyeswereclouded,lookingatherwithoutrecognition.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Avelinewasstartled.¡°You¡¯reawake?Takethismedicinefirst,andthenyoucangobacktosleep.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sdarkgazeboreintoher,makingherfeeluneasy,likepreyunderapredator¡¯swatchfuleye.


    Sheofferedhimthecup.¡°Drinkthemedicine?¡±


    Butinthenextmoment,hegrabbedthecupandthrewitacrosstheroom.Indedonthecarpetwithoutasound.Grabbingherwrist,hepulledherontothebed,hisburningbodypressingdown onher,andhis scorchingbreathimedherlips.


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

 Divorced 50

    Chapter50


    Avelinewasstunned!Whatwasgoingonwithhim?Washenotfullyconscious?


    Shebegantostruggleviolently,butthedisparityinstrengthbetweenthembecameevident.Herstrugglesonlyseemedto


    provoke himfurther.Hegrabbedbothofherwristswithonehandandpinnedthemaboveherhead.


    Hisscorchingbreathtraileddownfromherlips,sendingachicrossherchest,quicklyfollowedbyheatandwetness.


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidened.¡°Lucas,whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Wasn¡¯thesupposedtobesick?Yet,heseemedsofullofenergy.Ordidhemistakeherforanotherwoman?


    Sophia?


    Thethoughtpiercedherheart,andshefiercelykneedhim.


    AllofLucas¡¯smovementsstopped,hisheavybodycopsingontopofher.


    ¡°Getup!¡±Avelwistedufortablybeneathhim.


    Inresponse,Lucasbitdownangrilyonhercorbone.¡°Aveline,doyouwanttoliveasawidow?¡°!


    So,heknewwhoshewas?But¡­


    ¡°Areyoumistaken?We¡¯reabouttogetdivorced.HowcouldIbeawidow?¡±Aveline¡¯sbreathingwaserratic.


    ¡°Getup!¡±sherepeated.


    Herkneeinghimhadn¡¯tbeenforceful,justanattempttosnaphim


    outofit.


    +15BONUS


    Lucasdidn¡¯tmove,stillloomingoverherheavily.


    ¡°Whyareyouhere?¡±Afteralongpause,hishusky,lowvoicereachedherears.


    Avelinereplied,¡°YoushouldaskyourselfwhyyoucalledmeinsteadofMr.ke.¡±


    Thesilencegrewheavier.


    Feelingufortablewithherhandsrestrained,Avelineshifted.¡±Letgoofme.¡±


    ¡°Letyougo,soyoucanrunaway?¡±hesuddenlysaid,leavingherbewildered.


    ¡°Lucas,areyouawakeorconfused?¡±Avelineasked,puzzled.Wasn¡¯thesupposedtobedivorcingher?Wasn¡¯thesupposedtobewithSophia?Whywashesayingsuchambiguousthings?


    Didheevenknowwhathewassaying?


    Lucasliftedhishead,andAvelinesawitclearlythistime.Hiseyeswerestillcloudedckinganyrity.Hewasn¡¯tfullyconscious.


    ¡°What¡¯swrongwithyou?¡±Aveline¡¯sbrowsknittedinconcern.


    ¡°Ifeelterrible,¡±hesaidsuddenly,hisvoicedeeper.


    Then,heslowlyleanedcloser,asiftestingthewaters,andkissedthecornerofhermouth.


    ¡°Helpme?¡±hemurmured.


    Avelinewasstartled,herheartracing.


    Asshewascaughtoffguard,hekissedthecornerofhermouthagain.¡°Hmm?¡±


    Hekeptkissingher,repeatedlyasking,insistingonananswer.


    +15BONUS


    Avelineshouldhaverefused.Sheshouldhavesteeledherselfandwalkedaway.But¡­.


    Theyweren¡¯tdivorcedyet.


    Doingwhatmarriedcouplesdowasn¡¯tagainstthw.


    Aveline¡¯slongeyshestrembledasheleanedintokissheragain.Sheslightlyturnedherhead,offeringhertenderlipstohim.


    Takingthisasaresponse,thistimeLucasdidn¡¯tpuway.Instead,hedeepenedthekiss.


    Theairgrewhotter,andtheroom¡¯stemperaturerose.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Avelineclosedhereyes,thinkingthiswasprobablythsttimeshewouldindulgewithhim.Shedecidedtoletherselfgpletely,atleastfortonight,ha


    washers.


    Thenextday.


    Avelineopenedhereyesatdawn.Memoriesofthepreviousnightfloodedhermind,andshepressedherlipsintoathinline.


    ncingatthestill¨CsleepingLucas,shequietlyliftedthenketandgotoutofbed,intendingtoleave.


    Butinthenextsecond,anarmwrappedaroundherwaist,pullingherback.


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 51

    Chapter51


    ¡°Ave,sleepalittlelonger,¡±afamiliar,affectionatevoicesoundedbehindher.Theman¡¯schingentlynuzzledthetopofherhead.


    Avelinefroze.


    Thiswashowtheyusedtobe.


    Whenshewokeupearlyinthemorning,Luwouldbelikethisgentleandclingy,sayingsuchthings.


    Avelinythereinadaze,unabletodistinguishthepastfromthepresent.


    Howcouldshetellthemapart?


    Becausewhetheritwasthepastornow,theonesayingthesewordswasalwaysLu.


    Herheartachedwithbitterness,butshebitherfingeranddidn¡¯tget


    <ol>


    <li>up.</li>


    </ol>


    Shestillcravedthisembrace.


    Shecravedhiswarmth,hisscent,everythingabouthim.


    Shewishedtimecouldfreezeatthismoment¨Cnodivorce,noSophia,noTudorfamilydrama¡­


    Justthem,astheyusedtobe.


    Whenshewokeupagain,AvelineimmediatelymetLucas¡¯syful


    gaze.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Herexpressionstiffened.¡°Whyareyoustaringatmelikethat?¡±


    Itwasearlyinthemorningandquiteunsettling.


    Lucas¡¯svoicewasdeep.¡°Whyareyouhere?¡±


    Avelinelookedathisface.¡°Youdon¡¯tremember?¡±


    Lucasraisedaneyebrow.¡°Rememberwhat?¡±


    Avelinesatupandcalmlyrecountedtheeventsofthepreviousnigl


    Lucasncedathisphoneandsaid,¡°Soyou¡¯resayingIcalledyobymistake?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯sright.¡±


    ButLucashandedherhisphone.¡°IcalledDesmond¡¯snumber.¡±


    Avelinefrownedandlookedathisphonescreen,whereDesmond¡®namewasatthetopofthecalllog.


    ¡°Howisthatpossible?¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedslightly,reachingouttograbhisphoneforacloserlook.ButLucaspulleditback.


    ¡°So,whyareyouhere?¡±Hiseyesnced atthebed.


    Avelinefeltalumpinherchest,unabletoswallowitorspititout.Itwassuffocating!


    ¡°So,youthinkIcamehereinthemiddleofthenightbecauseImissedyousomuch?¡±


    Lucas¡®handsomeface actuallyshowedabitofcontemtion.Afteramoment,henodded.¡°It¡¯snotentirelyoutofthequestion.¡±


    ¡°Haha,youaretrulyself¨Cabsorbed.¡±


    Avelinughedcoldlywithoutholdingback.Shegrabbedherphone,intendingtoshowhimhercallhistory,onlytofindipletelyempty!


    ¡°Didyoumesswithmyphone?¡±


    Shelookedathimimmediately,disbeliefinhereyes.


    ¡°No,¡±Lucasdenieddirectly.¡°Aveline,there¡¯snothingwrongwithadmittingit.We¡¯restillmarried.It¡¯snormalforyoutetomeifyouhaveneeds,¡±


    Haha!


    Hedefinitelydeletedthecallhistory!


    Absolutely!


    Avelinegrippedherphone,herfaceexpressionless.¡°Fine,sinceyoucaresomuch,Iwon¡¯e toyounexttimeifIhaveneeds.¡±


    Aftersayingthis,Avelinegotoutofbedtoleave.


    Lucas¡¯sexpressiondarkened.Hegrabbedherwrist,pinningherbeneathhim.¡°Thenwhoareyougoingto?¡±


    Avelinestruggledbutcouldn¡¯tbreakfree,soshystindlookedathimmockingly.¡°We¡¯regettingdivorced.WhoeverIgotohasnothingtodowithyou,ex¨Chusband.¡±


    Thenonchncein Lucas¡®eyesgraduallydisappeared.Seeingherprovocativegaze,asurgeofangerignitedinhischest.


    Shewasnningtogotoanotherman.


    Thatcouldn¡¯thappen.


    Lucassuddenlyleaneddownandkissedher,thekissfierceanddemanding.


    Avelinedidn¡¯tresist.Shelookedathimcalmly,lettinghimkissherashepleased.

 Divorced 52

    Chapter52


    Lucassuddenlystopped,hergazemakinghimufortable.


    ¡°Ireally don¡¯tunderstandwhatyou¡¯rethinking,¡±Avelineaskedsoftly.¡°Arewegettingdivorcedornot?¡±


    Lucas¡¯slipstightenedabruptly.Hegotupfromthebedandheadedstraighttothebathroom.


    Avelineclosedhereyesandletoutalongsigh.


    Let¡¯snotdothis.


    Iftheyweregoingtodivorce,itshouldbestraightforward.


    Itwouldbeeasierforbothofthem.


    WhenLucascameout,Avelinewasgone.Shehadn¡¯tevenstayedforbreakfast.


    ShehadonlysenthimamessageonWhatsApp,<b>¡°</b>I¡¯llbewaitingforyouatthwyer¡¯soffice.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sfacelookedas<b>if</b>itwascoveredinfrost,hisentiredemeanoricyandintimidating.


    Thehousekeepercameout,lookedaround,andaskedinconfusion,¡±Mr.Lucas,didMissYoungleave?¡±


    ThehousekeeperknewAvelinehastnightbuthadbeeninformednottodisturbthem.Hehadexpectedtoseeherthismorningbutfoundnoone.


    Lucasputawayhisphone,hisexpressionevencolder.¡°Doyouhavenothingbettertodo?¡±


    FeelingtheicychillemanatingfromLucas,thehousekeeperquicklyshuthismouth.


    Itdidn¡¯tseemtobegoingwell.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinehailedataxi,andassoonasshegot<b>in</b>,herphonerang.ShelookedatitandsawthatSelenawascalling.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Selena¡¯ssleepyvoicecamethrough.¡°Babe,whereareyou?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Iwent out.Ifyou¡¯restillsleepy, gobacktobed.¡±


    Selena said,¡°Ihavetoworktoday,soIwon¡¯tsleepanymore.¡±


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Heatupthefoodyourself.OnceI¡¯mdonewithtoday¡¯smatterseoverintheevening.There¡¯stoomuchfoodformetoeatalone.Thenwecancheckoutthenewhousetogether.


    ¡°Soundsgood,¡±Selenaagreedcheerfully.


    Afterhangingup,Avelinelookedoutthewindow.TheTudorresidencewasgettingfartherandfartheraway,butherheartstillfeltheavy.


    Thisisthsttime,Avelhought.Shewouldnotallowherselftoindulgeagain.Today,afterfilingforadivorce,shewouldresign.fromherjob,andfromthenon,theywouldhavenofurtherties.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Whenshearrived,shestoodatthwyer¡¯soffice.Thereweremanypeoplearoundthewaitingarea.


    AsAvelinelookedatthebusyofficesetting,shefeltamomentofdaze,assherememberedthedayshemarriedLucas.Theyhadbeensohappyandexcited,fullofanticipationfor<i>a</i>blissfulfuture.


    Avelinepressedherlipstogetherandcheckedthetime.If wasalready9:30AM.


    Lucasstillhadn¡¯tshownup.


    Whatdidhemeanbythis?


    She called himdirectly,buthedidn¡¯tanswer,andthecalleventuallydisconnectedonitsown.


    What¡¯sgoingon?


    Aveline¡¯sbrowfurrowed,growingmoreimpatient.Draggingoutadivorcelikethiswasn¡¯tmanly!


    At10:30PM,Lucasfinallyresponded.Whenshesawthemessage,shenearlyspatbloodinanger.


    Ser


    Lucasreplied,¡°Ihavetogoonanunexpectedbusinesstrip.I¡¯llbebackinaboutaweek.¡±


    Avelookseveraldeepbreaths,trying<b>to</b>calmherself.Don¡¯tgetangry,don¡¯tgetangry,gettingsickfromangerwon¡¯thelp!


    Butthisjerkwasinfuriating!Whydidhehavetogoonabusinesstripnow?


    No,thisdivorcehadtohappen!


    SheimmediatelycalledDesmond.


    ¡°MissYoung,¡±Desmondansweredquickly,histonepoliteanddistant.


    ¡°WheredidMr.Tudorgoonhisbusinesstrip?¡±Avelineasked.


    Desmondreplied,¡°Istheresomethingyouneed?¡±


    Avelinesaidsoftly,¡°It¡¯samatteroflifeanddeath.Doyou<b>really</b>needtokeepasking?¡±


    Desmond¡¯seyeswidenedslightly.Wasitthelifeanddeathhewasthinkingof?


    <b>If</b>so,thenhecouldtellher.

 Divorced 53

    <ul>


    <li>Chapter53


    ¡°Mr.TudorwenttoLaborCityforhisbusinesstrip.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Sendmehisdetaileditinerary.¡±


    ¡°Alright,noproblem.¡±


    Desmondagreedandhungup.Shortlyafter,hesentLucas¡®workscheduletoAveline.


    Avelinencedatitandimmediatelybookedaflight.Withouthesitation<b>,</b>sheheadedstraighttotheairport.


    ItonlytookthreehourstoflyfromCloudreCitytoLaborCity.


    OnceshefoundLucas,theycouldfindanothewyertohandlethedivorceproceedingsandthenreturn,withoutwastingmuchtime.Thetwocitieswereclose,withsimrclimates.Aftending,AvelookataxidirectlytothehotelwhereLucaswasstaying.Shebookedaroomandsatinthelobby,waitingforhimtoappear.


    Thisjerkwasn¡¯tansweringhercalls.


    Ha!


    Didhethinkhecouldavoidherbygoingonabusinesstrip?


    Impossible!


    Avelinewaitedforalongtime.TheskyoutsidedarkenedbeforeLucas¡®tallfigurefinallyappearedattheentrance.


    Hereyelidsfeltheavy,butwhenshesawhim,shewasmomentarily.dazed.Afterblinkingtomakesureitwashim,shestoodupand


    walked towardhim.


    ¡°Lucas.¡±


    Shecalledhisnamebeforeevengettingclose.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    +15BONUS


    Lucaspausedandlookedover.Themomenthiseyendedonher,hisgazedarkened.


    Shehadactuallehere.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor,whoisthis?¡±themannexttohimaskedinconfusion.


    AhelplessyetdotingsmileappearedonLucas¡®handsomeandsternface.¡°Mywife,¡±hesaiddirectly.


    Theothermaugheduponhearingthis.¡°ItlookslikeMrs.Tudorhaetosurpriseyou.I¡¯llleaveyoutwoalhen.Seeyouatthedier.¡±


    Lucasnoddedslightly.¡°Takecare,Mr.Summer.


    ¦§


    Avelinestoodbehindhim,listeningtotheirconversation.Herbrows.furrowed,andher facewastensewithemotion.


    Lucasturnedhisgazebacktoher,¡°Whyareyouhere?¡±


    Aveline,withankexpression,said,¡°Tosurpriseyou.Let¡¯sgo.Wecanstillfindwyerhereandfileforadivorce.Areyousurprised?¡±


    ThegentlesmileonLucas¡®facegraduallydisappeared.Hiseyes.fixedonher,andafteramoment,he said,¡°DidyouhearwhatIjusttoldMr.Summer?¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes,butwhatdoesthathavetodowithme?¡±


    Hewastheonewhointroducedherthatway.


    Didhegetherconsent?


    Whatdidhemeanbythisnow?


    Lucaughedinexasperationatherindifferentattitude.¡°IjusttoldMr.Summerthatyouaremywife andagreedtobringyoutothedinnertonight.Ifwegogetadivorcenow,itwillleaveabad


    +15BONUS


    impressiononhim<b>and</b>couldaffectthisdeal.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Avelineremainedindifferent.¡°Sowhat?¡±


    Lucaslookedathersteadily.¡°So,youneedtoattendthedinnerwithme.We¡¯lltalkaboutthedivorcewhenwegetback.¡±


    Withthat,hewalkedpasthertowardtheelevator.


    Avelineblinked.Didsheagreetothis?


    ¡°Waitaminute.¡±


    Sheturnedandhurriedafterhim.¡°Ididn¡¯tagreetoattendthe


    dinner.¡±


    Theelevatordoorsopenedjustintime,andtheybothsteppedin,oneaftertheother.


    Lucassaidcalmly,¡°Ijustwanttorestnow.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfacedarkened.


    Ifshedidn¡¯tattendthedinner,hewouldn¡¯tproceedwiththedivorce.


    Whatwashethinking?


    Theatmosphereintheelevatorwasheavy.Avelinereachedoutandpressedthebuttonforthe7thfloor,whereshehadbookedaroom.


    </li>


    </ul>

 Divorced 54

    Chapter54


    Lucas¡®roomwasonthe9thfloor.Justastheelevatorwasabouttoreachthe7thfloor,hesuddenlycanceledthe7th¨Cfloomand.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±Avelinefrowned,askingimmediately.


    Lucasreplied,¡°Everyonehereknowswe¡¯remarried.Itwouldn¡¯tbeappropriatetosleepinseparaterooms.¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°Idoubtanyonecaresaboutyourprivatelife.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Justincase.¡±


    BythetimeAvelinereachedforthe7th¨Cfloorbutton,itwastote;theelevatorhadalreadystoppedonthe9thfloor.Herexpressiondarkened.


    LucaswalkedoutoftheelevatorandwentfaraheadbeforeAvelinefinallysteppedout.However,shedidn¡¯tfollowhim.Instead,sheheadedtowardthestairwell.


    Seeingthis,Lucastuggedathistieandcalledout,¡°Aveline.¡±


    Shepaused.¡°What?¡±


    Shedidn¡¯tturnaround,soshedidn¡¯tseethedeep,darklookinhiseyes.


    Lucassighedalmostimperceptiblyandsaid,¡°There¡¯snomajorconflictbetweenus.Can¡¯twejustgetalongpeacefully?¡±


    Aveline¡¯shandclenchedintoafist.


    Nowhewantedtotalkaboutgettingalongpeacefully?


    Thatwaswhatshehadwantedbefore,buthowdidhetreather?


    Becausesheinitiallyrefusedtodivorce,hetreatedhercoldlyandharshly.


    #15BONUS


    Shealmostthoughthehadbeenpossessedbysomeoneelse!Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Andnow,hewantedtogetalongpeacefully.


    Avelinechuckledlightly.¡°Fine,attendingthedinnerwillcostyoutwohundredthousanddors.¡±


    Lucaspaused.¡°That¡¯squitethepricehike.¡±


    Avelurnedtolookathim.¡°It¡¯syourreputation atstake,notmine.Afterwe divorce,noonewillcarewhoIam.¡±


    Sheactedas ifshedidn¡¯tcareatall.


    Ifhewantedpeace,hewouldhavetopayforit.


    Lucasstaredathermockingeyes,hisbreathheavy.Shereallydaredtoraisethepriceonhim.


    Seeinghissilence,Avelinewalkedoverwithherarmscrossedandahalf¨Csmileonherface.¡°Or¡­wedon¡¯tgetdivorced.I¡¯lldomypartasMrs.Tudor,andyouactlikeaproperhusband.Thenyoucanforgetaboutanyrepayment.¡±


    ¡°Onemillion,andyoumoveover,¡±Lucassaidcoldly.Hethenturned,pulledouthisroomcard,andentered hisroomwithoutanotherword.


    Aveline¡¯ssmilehadbarelyformedbeforeherexpressionturned


    bitter.


    Ha¡­


    WasitthatassoonassomethinginvolvedSophia,hewouldimmediatelpromise?


    Shewantedtoaskhim,¡°DoyoulikeMissWinterthatmuch?Thenwhynotjustdivorcemequickly?¡±


    +15BONU


    Thedoorbellrang.


    LucasopenedthedoortofindAvelinestandingthere,herexpressionindifferent.


    ¡°Where¡¯syourluggage?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯tbringany,¡±Avelinereplied,steppinginsideandncingaroundtheroom.


    Itwasapresidentialsuitewiththreerooms:twobedroomsandastudy.Thelivingroomwasspacious,withasoftleathersofa.


    Avelinewalkedstraighttothesidebedroom.¡°I¡¯llstayinthisone.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sdeep,maicvoicesaid,¡°Staywithme.¡±


    Avelinelookedathim.¡°Doyourbusinesspartnersreallycareifwesleepinseparateroomsortogether?Isn¡¯tthatabitintrusive?¡±


    Meeting hermockinggaze,Lucasfeltaninexplicableirritationbutsaid,¡°Icanpaymore.¡±


    ¡°Inyourdreams!¡±Aveline¡¯ssmilefadedassheshookherphone.¡±Transfertheonemillionnow.Asforanythingelse,don¡¯teventhinkaboutit!¡±


    P

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    Chapter55


    ShewonderedifSophiaknewhowmuchofajerkhewas.


    No,hewouldn¡¯tbelikethisaroundSophia.Hecherishedhertoomuchtoeverwrongher.


    ButtoAveline¡­.


    Shewasnothing.


    Lucasstaredatthecloseddoor,thefrustrationinhischestgrowing.


    Hetookrgegulpofwaterasifitcouldeasehisirritation.


    Sheusedtobedifferent.


    Whycouldn¡¯ttheyjust<b>get</b>alongastheydidbefore,sincetheyweren¡¯tdivorcedyet?


    Anhourpassed.


    TherewasaknockonAveline¡¯sdoor.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Groggily,shegotupandopenedit,seeingLucasalreadydressedinasuit,lookingatherwithacalmexpression.¡°It¡¯stimetoheadtothedinner.¡±


    Herhairwasdown,andherdelicate featureslookedfreshandsoft,withatouchofconfusion.Thesharpnessseemedtohavefaded,leavingagentlerside.


    Itremindedhimofhowsheusedtobe,andhisheartsoftenedunexpectedly.


    ¡°Idon¡¯thaveadress,¡±Avelinesaidwithayawn.


    Shewastrulyexhausted.Shehadtravelednon¨CstopfromCloudreCitytoLaborCityandspent theentireafternoonwaitinginthehotel.lobby.Shewasafraidtoclosehereyes,worriedshemightmisshim.Asaresult,shehadonlymanagedtosleepforanhour,whichwas


    farfromenoughtorolleveherfatigue,


    Lacasreplied,¡°It¡¯salreadybeendevered.¡±


    Avelinepromptlyclosedthedoor.


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Aveline?


    Whatwassheuptonow?


    Butsoon,shereopenedthedoor,herfaceslightlydamp,indicatingshehadjustwashedup.


    Avelineignoredhimandlefttheroom,spottingtheckdressonthesofa.Shepickeditupandreturnedtoherroom.


    Thedresswasmodestyetelegant,eithertooshy<i>in</i>showcasingherfigurenorsoconservativeastofeelsuffocating.IthadaV¨Cneckdesignandwascinchedperfectlyatthewaist,highlightingherslenderframe.


    However,thezipperwasattheback,andshecouldn¡¯treachit.


    Afterseveralfailedattempts,sheopenedthedoorand,withoutexpression,lookedathim.¡°Helpmewiththezipper.¡±


    Sheturnedaround,sweepingherhairoveroneshoulder.


    Lucasstoodupandwalkedover,hisgazefallingonherpaleback.Shewasslender,hershoulderdesbeautifullyshaped.Hiskissesfrostnightstilllingeredinhishemory.


    Hisfingersbrushedherdelicateskin,andthesoftnessmadehisfingertipstrembleslightly.


    Hiseyesdarkenedat


    Taby.


    However,hequicklyzippedupthedress.


    Avelinefixedherhair,tookoutherbag,andappliedlightmakeup.beforelookingathim.¡°Alright,let¡¯sgo.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Shelookedverysimpleandelegant,withoutanyjewelry,likeagentlebreeze¨Cpleasantbutnoteasilymemorable.


    Lucasfrownedashelookedather.Hepulledouthisphone<b>,</b>madeacall,gaveafewinstructions,andthenlookedbackather.¡°Waitamoment.¡±


    Avelinenoddedandsatonthesofa,pullingoutherphopass.thetime.


    Truetohisword,hehadtransferredonemilliondorsintoher


    ount.


    Ha,ha,ha,shewasrich!


    Suddenly,shethoughtmaybedyingthedivorcewasn¡¯tsuchabadidea.


    Ifhehadmoredemands,shecouldaskforanotheronemillioneachtime.Lifewouldbesweet!


    Afteraboutanhour,therewasaknockonthehotelroomdoor.


    Lucaswalkedoverandopenedit.Abodyguardstoodthere,respectfullyhandinghimabag.


    Lucasreturned,tookoutajewelryboxfromthebag,andopenedittorevesetofdazzlingdiamondjewelry.


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter56


    Avelinelookedover,puzzled,andasked,¡°What¡¯sthis?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°You¡¯remy wife.Ifyoulooktooin,peoplewillthinkI¡¯mtreatingyoupoorly.¡±


    Hetookoutapairofearringsandsaidtoher,¡°Comehere.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡±Shethought,¡°Whodoesn¡¯tlikediamonds?¡±


    AsAvelinestoodup,sheasked,¡°Arethesemine?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±Lucasreplied,catchingthesparkleinhereyes.


    Avelinequickenedherpaceandreachedoutherhand,¡°I¡¯lldoit.myself.¡±


    Lucas,however,said,¡°There¡¯snomirror,youcan¡¯t see.¡±


    Sayingthis,heliftedherhairandleanedintoputontheearrings.


    Thediamondearringswereteardrop¨Cshaped,perfectlycut,and sparkledbeautifullyunderthelight.Herearlobes,withahintofpink,weredelicateandtheearringseasilyslippedthroughtheholes.Hisfingerslingeredashepinchedherearlobebeforepickinguptheotherearring.


    Theywereveryclose,andhisbreathseemedtograzeherskin,feelingwarmandslightlyticklish.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Theearringswerequicklyputon,andnextwasthene.


    Themandidn¡¯tstepback,stayingclosetoherasheheldthene.Insteadofmovingbehindher,hereachedaroundherneck,leaninginclose,


    Itfeltasthoughhehadenvelopedherinhisarmspletelysurroundedbyhispresence.


    +15BONUS


    Aveline¡¯sheartraced.


    Herlongeyshestrembledasshetriedtocalmherself.


    Forthesakeof thisjewelryset,shehadtoendure!


    Thenewasfastened,andashestraightenedup,hislips.brushedagainsthercheek.


    Avelinesuddenlylookedup,displeased,andsaid,¡°Lucas,you¡¯requitecunning.¡±


    Lucasstaredatherwithdarkeyes,¡°Whatdoyoumean?¡±


    Avelinesneered,¡°Youputthejewelryonmeyourselfjust<b>to</b>kissme,huh¡­¡±


    Hereyesgleamedwitha¡°I¡¯veseenthroughyou¡±look,andshelifted.herchinslightly,lookingsmug.


    Lucaschuckledsoftly,thensuddenlyleaneddownandkissedherlipsfirmly.


    Afteramoment,hesteppedbackandsaid,¡°DoIneedareasontokissyou?¡±


    Avelinewasstunned.


    Shelookedathimindisbelief.


    Didheevenrealizewhathewasdoing?


    Theywereabouttogetdivorced!


    Didhenotthinkhisactionsweredespicable?


    Avelinepressedherlipstogether,herexpressionsuddenlyturning


    cold.¡°Let¡¯sgo.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Wehaven¡¯tputontheringyet.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelinencedatthediamondring,ahintofbitternessshinginher eyes.¡°Doyourememberwhatyouusedtosaytome?¡±


    Lucas¡¯sexpressionfroze.


    He didn¡¯twanttoremember,butthememorycameunbidden.


    Whentheygottheirmarriagecertificate,hepromisedherthatonedayhewouldgiveherarealdiamondring,cutintheshapesheliked,withtheirinitialsengravedontheinside,symbolizinghislifelongloveforher.


    ¡°Canyoustillkeepyourpromise?¡±


    Avelineaskedsoftly,thenlookedaway.¡°Theringisunnecessary.¡±


    Shehadalreadyopenedthedoorandwalkedout.


    Lucas¡®previouslycheerfulmood instantlybecameheavy.Helooked.attheringinhishand.


    Howwasitunnecessary?


    Inthecar.


    Theatmospherewassubtle.


    Avelinelookedout thewindow,herexpressioncalmoncemore.


    Shehadjustlostcontrolofheremotionsearlier.Thinkingbacknow,shefounditquiteamusing.


    Theywereabouttogetdivorced,sowhyevenbringitup?


    Promises¡­


    Theywerejustnonsense.


    Shehadactuallybelievedthem,whichwasutterlughable.

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    Chapter57


    Thebanquetwasheldinaviestate.


    Aredcarpetstretchedfrominsidetheestateallthewaytotheentrance,withvehiclesstoppingattheendoftheredcarpet,andelegantlydressedpeoplesteppingoutof thecars.


    Lucas¡®carsoonstoppedaswell.Avelinereachedouttoopenthedoor,butheheldherback.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Shelookedathiminconfusion.


    Lucas,slightlyexasperated,said,¡°Waitamoment.Youneedtotakemyarm.Wecan¡¯tletpeopleseethatwe¡¯renotgettingalong.¡±


    Avelineasked,¡°Isthatreallynecessary?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Weareamarriedcouple.¡±


    ¡°Oh,addmoney,¡±Avelinesaidbluntly.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucasresponded,¡°Areyoumakingalivingoutofthis?¡±


    Avelinughed.¡°Youjustrealizedthat?¡±


    Lucasgaveheradeeplookandsaid,¡°We¡¯llsettleitwhenwegetback.¡±


    Avelinewantedtosaymore,butatthatmoment,thecardooropened,andshehad<b>to</b>keepquiet.


    Shecouldn¡¯tcontinuetheargument;ifhegotupset,herpathtowealthwouldbecutoff.


    Lucasgotoutofthecarfirstandextendedhishandtoher.Shelookedathispalm,feltasuddenimpulse,andthencedherhandinhis,allowinghimtogripittightly.


    Aftergettingoutofthecar,shenaturallytookhisarm.


    ThecornersofLucas¡®lipscurvedslightlyasheledherintothe


    estate.


    ThisbanquetwasabusinesseventhostedbytheChamberofCommerceinLarborCity,attendedbytheeliteofLarborCity¡¯sbusinesmunity.BeingpartoftheTudorfamilyfromCloudreCity,Lucaswasnaturallyinvitedwhileonhisbusinesstriphere.


    Hisreturnhad notonlystirredCloudreCitybutalsocausedarippleinLarborCity¡¯sbusinesscircles.


    EveryoneknewthattheheadoftheTudorfamilyhadthreesons,butovertenyearsago,akidnappingcaseshockedallofCloudreCity.Someonehadkidnappedhisthreesonsforransom.


    TheTudorfamilymobilizedalltheirresourcesbutcouldn¡¯tfind.wherethekidnapperswerehiding.Halfamonthafterthethreeofthemwerekidnapped,thepolicefinallyfoundthekidnappers¡®hideout,butitwastote.


    Outofallhissons,two died,leavingonlyLucasasthesolesurvivor.


    HebecametheonlyheiroftheTudorfamily.


    However,afterbeingrescued,hewasinadaze,anddespitehisyoungage,countlesspsychologistswerebroughtintotreathim.<b>It</b>wasn¡¯tuntyeaterthathisconditionbegantoimprove.


    Buttwoyearsago,hegotintoacaridentandfellintoa.Ayearago,hemysteriouslydisappearedfromhome.


    <b>He</b>returnednotlongago,andpeoplecouldn¡¯thelpbutthinkthattheremainingheiroftheTudorfamilyhadalifefullofmisfortunesandthatsurvivingwasastrokeofluck.


    CuriousnceswerecasttowardLucas,butheseemedoblivious,hishandsomeandsharpfeaturescalmandindifferent,surrounded


    byanauraofpowerandnobility.


    Avelinewaspuzzled,wonderingwhypeoplekeptstaringathim.


    Hedidn¡¯thaveflowersonhisface,afterall.


    Atthatmoment,a middle¨CagedmanapproachedwithasmileandbeganchattingwithLucas.Avelinefoundtheconversationboringanddidn¡¯tpayattention.


    Suddenly,someappedherhand,andsheturnedinconfusion.


    Lucassaidtoher,¡°There¡¯sabuffetoverthere.Ifyou¡¯rehungry,goeat something.I¡¯lefindyoter.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Avelinenodded,immediatelylettinggoofhis handandwalkingforwardwithoutamoment¡¯shesitation.


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Ahintofhelplessnessshedinhisdeepckeyes,buthequicklyresumedhisconversation.


    Atabusinessbanquet,attendeesnaturallycamewiththe intentionofseekingpartnerships,findingsuitablecoborators,and


    exchangingindustryexperiences,noneofwhichinterestedAveline.


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter58


    Seeingthedeliciousfoodinfrontofher,Aveline¡¯seyeslitup.


    Shepickedupafewsnacksandquietlyatetheminthenearbyloungearea.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Severalwomenhadalreadystartedchattingoverthere.


    SincetheyweretalkingaboutLarborCity,Avelinewasn¡¯tinterestedbecauseshedidn¡¯tknowmuchaboutit.


    ¡°Hey,haveyouseenMr.Lucas?He¡¯sthethirdsonofFrederickTudorfromCloudreCity,theonewhowasinaandthenwentmissingforayear.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,Isawhim.Iheardhischildhoodfriendsavedhim,buther<i>leg</i>


    gotbroken.Thenhelost hismemoryandwasfoundbyanotherwoman.Whenshefoundoutwhohewas,sherefusedtodivorcehim.


    ¡°Hah!That¡¯stheTudorfamily.IfyoucanholdontoMr.Lucas,youcanrisetothetop.Whowouldwantadivorce?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯thischildhoodfriendpitiful?Shesavedhim,brokeherleg,andshestillcouldn¡¯tbewithhim.Thatwomanmustbeshameless,clingingtoamanwhodoesn¡¯tloveher.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Listeningtotheirconversation,Avelinerealizedshehadbetheirmaintopic.Herexpressionchanged,andshegotupandwalkedover.


    ¡°Howdidyou hearaboutthisinLarborCity?¡±


    Sheapproachedthemwithagossipylookandasked.


    Thewomensawher,foundherunfamiliar,but theircuriositywaspiqued,andtheycouldn¡¯tresist.


    ¡°ThisnewsspreadintheLarborCitybusinesscirclenotlongago.CloudreCityshouldknowaboutittoo,right?¡±onewomansaid.


    Avelinenodded.¡°Thechildhoodfriendisindeedpitiful,butisthewomanwhoendedupwith Lucasreallyshameless<i>?</i>She didn¡¯tseemtodoanythingwrong,didshe?<b>¡±</b>


    Thewomanlookedathersuspiciously.¡°Whoareyou?¡±


    Avelinesmiledslightly.¡°I¡¯mthewomanwhomarriedLucas.¡±


    Assoonasshesaidthis,everyonefellsilent.Thedistantmusicseemedtobeblockedout,anditwassoquietthatapindropcould


    beheard.


    Seeingthemquietdown,Avelineaskedinconfusion,¡°Hmm?Whydidyoustoptalking?Ienjoylistening.Keepgoing.¡±


    Thewomenexchangednces,thenignoredherandgotuptoleave.


    Soon,theareaaroundAvelinewasempty.


    Shesmirked,thinkingtheywereallcowards.


    Shegotuptogetmorefood,andshehadtoadmitthatthebanquetfoodwasdelicious!


    Suddenly,awaiterpassedbyherside,andhistrayslipped.Thedrinksspilledalloverher.


    ¡°I¡¯msosorry!I¡¯msosorry!¡±Thewaiterrepeatedlyapologized,flustered.


    Aveline frowned.¡°It¡¯sokay.¡±


    Butshecouldn¡¯thelpbutwonder,whydidthewaiterhavetowalkrightbehindherwhenthepathwassowide?


    ¡°Yourclothesarewet.Youshouldgoupstairsandchangesoyoudon¡¯tcatchacold.¡±Agentlevoicesounded.


    lihoodpowerwelldelgatactingathunwith


    Thegwjulythongson,theghofthngue h


    thedayhavedianggeraddatiofildheHunge


    YouWaSaewiddyoutogooutwithannanpropliezurzonuile T¨¹s,Huganalefurallyou.¡±

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    Chapter59


    Avelinepausedforamoment,thenlookedatherandsaid,¡°Thankyou.¡±


    Judysmiled.¡°You¡¯rewee.Followme<b>.</b>¡±


    Judyledherupstairstorgeroomandpulledoutseveraldressesfromthewalk¨Cincloset,saying,¡°Theseareallunworn.Pickone.¡±


    Avelinepointedtoackdresssimrtotheoneshewaswearing,¡±I¡¯lltakethisone.Let¡¯sexchangecontacts,so<b>I</b>canreturnittoyouafterI¨Cwashitorbuyyou anewone.


    Judysmiled.¡°Noneed,it¡¯sjustadress.Goaheadandchange,I¡¯llwaitoutside.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Okay.¡±


    Thewalk¨Cinclosetdoorclosed.


    Avelinelookedatthedresssimrtoherown,hereyesglimmering.


    Afteramoment,sheopenedthedoor,smiling.¡°Itfitsperfectly,thankyou.¡±


    Judynodded.¡°I¡¯md<b>you</b>likeit.IthinkMr.Lucasislookingforyou.¡±


    ¡°Really?I¡¯llgofindhimthen.¡±Avelinesaidimmediately,then


    turnedandwentdownstairs.¡±


    ButassoonasshereachedthebottomandstartedlookingforLucas,themusicintheentirevihallsuddenlyquieted.


    ¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯shappening?¡±


    Everyonewaspuzzled,andatthatmoment,abutlercameout,his


    +15BONUS


    expressionserious,andsaid,¡°Everyone,pleasedon¡¯tpanic.Mdy¡¯spearlearringshavegonemissing.Theywereakeepsakefromoutematriarchandareveryprecioustoher.Weneedtofindthemquickly.Apologiesforthedisturbance.¡±


    ¡°Whatdoesthismean?Arewegoingtobesearchedonebyone?¡±someoneasked.


    Thebutlersaid,¡°Ofcoursenot.I¡¯vecheckedthesurveincefootage,andafedieswentupstairstoMissThompson¡¯sroomearlier.Wekindlyaskthesdiestocooperatewithourinquiries.¡±


    Everyoneexchangednces.


    Afterawhile,afewgirlssteppedforward,one ofthem saying,¡°Iwentup,butIdidn¡¯tgointoMissThompson¡¯sroom.¡±


    ¡°Iwenttoo,andIleftwithMissThompson.¡±


    ¡°Iwentwithafriend,chattedwithMissThompsonforawhile,thenleft.¡±


    Thebutlernoddedatthegirlsandthenlookedaround.¡°Anyone.else?¡±


    Nooneresponded.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Thebutlerfrowned.¡°There¡¯sonemordy.Ifyoudon¡¯tstepforward,Ihavereasontosuspectyoutookthe pearlearrings.¡±


    Everyoneexchangednces,searchingforthewoman.


    Butnoonecameforwardafterthebutler¡¯swords,andhisface.darkened.HesuddenlypointedatAveline.¡°Thidy,pleasecooperatewithus.¡±


    Alleyesturnedtoher.


    Avelinesuddenlyfoundherselfthecenterofattention.


    Notfaraway,Lucassawthisandimmediatelyfrowned.Heputdown


    +15BONUS


    hiswinessandwalkedstraighttowardher.


    Avelinesaidcalmly,¡°Myclotheswerewet<b>.</b>MissThompsonwaskindenoughtolendmeadress,that¡¯sall.¡±


    Thebutlersaid,¡°ButyouwerethsttoleaveMissThompson¡¯sroom,andafteryouleft,herpearlearringswentmissing.Ma¡¯am,weneedtosearchyounow,pleasecooperate!¡±


    Withthat,hewavedhishand,andseveralservantsquicklywalkedtowardAveline,ready<b>to</b>searchherbody!


    Treatingherlikethis,infrontofeveryone,wasnodifferentfromstrippingherofherdignity inpublic.


    Aveline¡¯sfaceturnedcold.¡°Trytouchingmeifyoudare!¡±

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    Chapter60


    Thebutler¡¯sfacedarkened<b>further</b>.¡°Ma¡¯am,if<b>you</b>don¡¯tcooperate,Ihavereasonto suspectyoustolethepearlearrings,so¡­¡±


    ¡°Doyouhaveanyevidence?¡±Avelineasked<b>directly</b>..


    Thebutlersaid,¡°YouwerethsttoleaveMissThompson¡¯sroom,soyouaretheprimesuspect¡­¡±


    ¡°Doyouhaveanyevidence?¡±Avelinerepeated,herbeautifuleyesfillingwithcoldness.


    PeoplearoundbegantolookatAvelinewithincreasingdisdain.


    ¡°Isn¡¯tsheMr.Lucas¡®wife?¡±


    ¡°No,she¡¯sjustanordinarypersonwhohappenedtomarryMr.Lucaswhenhelosthismemory.Onceshefoundouthisidentity,sherefusedtodivorcehim.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Nowondershe¡¯dstealMissThompson¡¯spearlearrings.Womenlikeheraredisgusting!¡±


    Avelineremainedquiet.


    Thebutlerfrowned.¡°Sinceyouwon¡¯tcooperate,don¡¯tmemeforbeingrude.Searchher!¡±


    Theservantsimmediatelymovedto conductabodysearchonAveline.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Atthatmoment,adeep,maicvoiceechoed,andthemurmursofthecrowdfellsilent.


    Lucas¡®tall,imposingfigureapproached,hissharpeyesfixedonthebutler.¡°Whatdidyoujustsay?¡±


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Mr.Tudor.¡±


    The


    tler¡¯sattitudeinstantlybecamemorerespectful.


    ¡°It¡¯slikethis,Mr.Tudor.Mydy¡¯spearlearringswentmissing.Ireviewedthesurveince,and thidywasthsttoleaveMissThompson¡¯sroom,so¡­


    Lucas¡¯svoiceturnedcolder.¡°Ifsomethingismissing,shouldn¡¯tyoucallthepolice?¡±


    Thebutlerstiffened,feelingthepressure fromLucas¡®formidablepresence<b>.</b>


    ¡°Mr. Tudor,thisbusinessbanquetcan¡¯tbedisruptedbysuchmatters,sowedidn¡¯tcallthepolice.¡±


    Lucastookouthisphoneandcalledthepolicedirectly.


    Thebutlerwasstunned,¡°Mr.Tudor,you,you¡­<b>¡±</b>


    Lucasrepliedcoldly,¡°Noneedtothankme.¡±


    Thebutlerwasspeechless.


    Hewasabsolutelynottryingtothankhim;hewasonthevergeoftears!


    Thiswasn¡¯tthetaskhehadsignedupfor!Nowthatthepolicewerehere,whatwashesupposedtodo?


    Avelinelookedatthemanstandingprotectivelyinfront<b>of</b>her,feelingasurgeoplexemotions.Shebrieflysmiled,thoughitquicklyfaded.


    Hewasprobablydefendingherbecauseshewashiswifehere,right?Hisreputationmattered.


    Ifhetrulycaredabouther,howcouldhehavebeenindifferentwhenshewastargetedatherbirthdaycruiseparty?


    OFISBONUS


    Avelineremindedherselftowakeup.


    Hewasjusta cold¨Cheartedperson.


    Sheshouldhaverealizedthislongago.


    Thepolicearrivedquickly,andthescenebecameveryquiet.Theycollectedevidence,investigated,andconductedasearch,followingproceduresmethodically.


    Soon,thepoliceemergedfromJudy¡¯sroom,saying,¡°Wefoundtheearrings.¡±


    Thebutlerwasstunnedandquicklyasked,¡°Officer,whereweretheearringsfound?¡±


    Theofficerreplied,¡°Insideadress.Ifthey¡¯resoprecious,they


    shouldbeproperlykept.usingotherswhenyoulosethemduetocarelessness isunjust.¡±


    Thebutler,reprimanded,couldonlynodrepeatedly.¡°Yes,yes,Iunderstand.¡±


    Withtheearringsfound,thepoliceleft,butthebanquethallremainedsilent.


    Thebutlerwipedthecoldsweatfromhisforeheadandsaid,¡°Itwas


    amisunderstanding.Iapologizefordisturbingeveryone¡¯s


    enjoyment.¡±


    Afterspeaking,heturnedtoleave.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    Frombehind,Lucas¡¯scalmandcoldvoiceechoed.


    Thebutlerpausedandlookedathim.¡°Mr.Tudor,isthereanything.else?<b>¡±</b>


    Lucasgazedathimcoldly.¡°Apologizeto


    <i>¡°</i><i>Wife</i>!¡±

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    Chapter61


    Atthismoment,Lucas¡®aurasuddenlybecamesharpandintimidating,hispiercingeyesholdingacold,ghostlylightashelookedatthebutlerasifhewereadeadman.


    Thebutlerfeltanoverwhelmingpressuredescenduponhim.HewipedthecoldsweatfromhisforeheadandquicklylookedatAveline.


    ¡°Mrs.Tudor,Isincerelyapologize.Iwastoohastyand offendedyou.Pleasebemagnanimousandforgivemethistime.¡±


    Heboweddeeply,hisattitudenowextremelyrespectful,astarkcontrast tohisearlierdomineeringdemeanor.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Lucas,however,didn¡¯tletAvelinespeak.Histoneremainedcold,Doyouthinkjustafewwordscanearnmywife¡¯sforgiveness?Doyoudeserveit?¡±


    Thebutlerwastakenabackandasked,¡°Mr.Tudor,whatdoyouwantmetodo?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Ifyouhavetoaskhowtoapologize,itshowsyouhavenosincerity.SincethebutlerfromtheThompsonfamilyactslikethis,doesn¡¯titmeanthateveryoneintheThompsonfamilybehavesthesameway?¡±


    Hearingthis,thebutler¡¯slegstrembled,andhehurriedlysaid,¡°No,no,it¡¯sallmyfault,ithasnothingtodowiththeThompsonfamily.Mr.Tudor,IknowIwaswrong.Please,Mrs.Tudor¡­Itruly


    understandnow.¡±


    Thebutlercouldn¡¯taffordtoletLucasdirecthisangertowardstheThompsonfamily!


    Hewouldberuinedifthathappened!


    So,hehadtoresolvethismatterimmediately!


    Helookedat Avelineanddirectlykneltdown,¡°Mrs.Tudor,IknowIwaswrong.Youcanpunishmehoweveryouseefit,butpleaseforgivemethisonce.


    Seeingthis,everyonearoundwasshocked.


    ¡°What¡¯s<b>going</b><b>on</b>?Didn¡¯ttheysaythat<b>this</b>womanrefusedtodivorceMr.Lucas?


    ¡°Mr.Lucasis defending herlikethis.Itseemstherumorsarefalse!¡±


    ¡°AmIthe<b>only</b>onewhofeelssorryforMr.Lucas¡®childhoodfriend?¡±


    Aveliniewasspeechless.


    Theonlookerswatchedthescene<b>unfold</b>.Thebutlerwas fromtheThompsonfamily,anddespitethmotion,noonefromtheThompsonfamilyhaeforward.ItwasclearLucashadnointentionoflettingthebutleroff.


    Avelinewatchedthis,feelingasubtlestirofemotionswithinher.


    Hestoodinfrontofher,hisbroadbacklikeamountainshieldingherfromthewindandrain.


    Howcouldshenotfestirofemotions?


    Butshealsofeltthatthissupporthaeabittote.


    Sheloweredhergazeslightly andremainedsilent.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor.¡±


    Atthatmoment,Judy¡¯svoicecamefrom thestairs.Shedescended,herfaceshowing ahintofguilt.¡°Isincerelyapologize.Itwasmyoversight.HehasbeendismissedandwillnolongerappearinfrontofyouandMrs.Tudor.Canthebanquetcontinue


    Thebutler¡¯sfaceturnedevenpaler.


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡®coldgazefellonJudy¡¯sface. ¡°Youtreasurethoseearrings?¡±


    Judywasstunned,thennodded.¡°Yes,theyaremymother¡¯skeepsake.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡±


    Lucassneeredwithoutshowinganounceofrespect.¡°Forsomething


    soprecious,youcarelesslymiscedthem.Itseemsyoudon¡¯trespectyourmotherthatmuchafterall.¡±


    ThesmileonJudy¡¯sfacesuddenlyfaded.


    Lucasnolongerlookedather.Instead,hetookAveline¡¯shand.¡°Areyoutired?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfingertipstrembled.¡°Abit.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°ThenI¡¯lltakeyouhome.¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandwalkedtowardthedoorwithher.


    HehadshownnorespecttotheThompsonfamily.


    Hewasbehavingarrogantlyanpletelyaudaciously!


    EveryonewatchingfeltthatLucaswasbeingtoobrazen!


    TheTudorfamilymightbethewealthiestinCloudreCity,butthiswasLarborCity!


    AcoldglintshedinJudy¡¯s eyes.Shencedatthebutlerbesideherandsaidcoldly,¡°Useless,whyareyou stillstandinghere?Getlost!¡±

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    Chapter62


    Thecarwasalreadywaitingoutside.


    Onceinsidethecar,Avelinehesitated.¡°We¡¯rejustleaving likethis?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°What,shouldwestayforbreakfasttomorrow?¡±


    Avelinekeptquiet.


    Itwaspointlesstryingtotalktohimproperly!


    Therewasabriefsilenceinthecar.


    Backatthehotel,Avelinewentintotheroomfirsttochangeclothes.andtakeashower.


    Whenshecameoutwrappedinabathrobe,shesawLucasonthephone,hisexpressiongentle,andshecouldvaguelyhearhimcallingsomeone¡°Sophia.¡±


    Avelurnedaroundandwentbacktoherroom<b>.</b>


    Whatbadluck.


    Lyingonthebedwithherphone,shecouldn¡¯tsleepnomatterhowmuchshetossedandturned.


    HermindkeptreyingthesceneofLucasstandinginfrontofher,dealingwiththeThompson¡¯sfamilybutler.


    Sohandsome!


    Socharming.


    Butsoon,herthoughtsshiftedtohimtalkingtoSophia.


    Suchajerk.


    Shefeltlikestabbinghim.


    Frustrated,Avelinecoveredherheadwithapillow,herwholebodyfilledwithconflictinganplicatedemotions.


    Shetossedandturnedallnight,finallyfallingasleeparounddawn.


    Thenextday,shefeltlikeshewassuffocatingandalmostdied!


    SheabruptlyopenedhereyesandmetLucas¡®amusedgaze.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Avelinepushedhishandaway,lookingathimdispleased.


    Lucassaid,¡°Timetogetup.I¡¯mtakingyoutoexploreLarborCitytoday,¡±


    Avelinelookedathimasifhewerecrazy.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Lucasraisedaneyebrow.¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±


    Avelinereachedupandranherfingersthroughherhair,saying,Lucas,canwehandlewhatwearesupposedtodofirst?¡±


    Lucaspaused, ncedathiswatch,andthenstartedunbuttoning<b>his</b>shirt.


    Avelinewasmomentarilystunned.¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Didn¡¯tyousayweshouldstartdoingwhatwe¡¯resupposedtodo?¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidened,hercheeksflushing.Sheimmediatelypickedupapillowandthrewitathim!


    Thismaniscrazy!


    <b>How</b>couldhethinkaboutsuchthingswhentheywereabouttogetadivorce?


    <ul>


    <li>15BONUS</li>


    </ul>


    Lucaseasilycaughtthepillowandceditbackonthebed,sayinginacalmvoice,¡°Wecan¡¯tgetdivorcedinanothercity.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidened.¡°Really?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°It¡¯syourchoicetobelieveitornot.¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandleftherroom.


    Avelinestaredaheadinadazepletelydumbfounded.Hadsheallthiswayfornothing?


    Shefeltevenmorefrustrated!


    Afterfresheningup,shecameoutofherroomtofindLucassittingonthesofa,handlingemailsonhisphone.


    ¡°There¡¯sfoodonthetable.Eatfirst,¡±Lucassaidwithoutlookingup.


    Avelineatewithankexpression,thenasked,¡°Whenwillyourworkherebefinished?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Notsure.¡±


    ¡°Approximately?¡±


    ¡°Not sure.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Avelinealmostsqueezedherloafuntilitwas abouttoburst.


    Shetookadeepbreathbeforesaying,¡°Lucas,areyoutryingtoavoidthedivorce?DoesMissWinterknowaboutthis?¡±


    Lucasshiftedhisgazefromthephonescreentoherface,hiseyesdarkandunreadable.¡±


    Avelinelookedathimmockingly.¡°What?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Wheredoyouwanttogo?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelinefeltlikeshewastalkingtoawall.


    Whydidhealwaysavoidgivingadirectanswerwhenitcame tothismatter?


    Hewastheonewhobroughtitup,yetnow,duetohisvariousissues,itkeptgettingdyed!


    Ifitweren¡¯tforhim,shewouldhavealreadystartedherworldtourbynow!


    Avelookanotherdeepbreathandsaid,¡°Lucas,draggingthisoutisn¡¯tfairtoMissWintereither.Thesoonerwegetdivorced,thesooneryoucanbeopenlyresponsibleforher.¡±


    D

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    Lasassaid,¡°Ityoudon¡¯twanttogoout,thenjuststayhome.¡±


    Aftersayingthis,hestoodupand walkedtowardstheroom.


    Avelinemmedherforkonthetablewithforce.Shewassoangrythatshelostherappetite!Whycouldn¡¯thetalkaboutthismatterpagerbtwallyinfuriatedher!


    Atthatmoment,herphonerang.Aftercalmingdown,shepickedituptoseeitwasacallfromSelena.


    ¡°Ave,whereareyou?¡±Selena¡¯zyvoicecamethrough.


    elinereplied,¡°LatborCity.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Selenasaid,¡°LarborCityisnice.Thechurchestherearesaidtobequiteeffective.Doyouwanttogoaskforsomeblessings?Andwhile


    ou¡¯reatit,prayformetoo,hehe.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sevesbrightened,¡°Sure,I¡¯llstayanextraday.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°Ijustmissyou.Hurryback.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±Avelineresponded.


    Thecallendedquickly.


    Lucassooncameout.Avelinestoodupandsaid,¡°I¡¯mgoingtothechurch.¡±


    Lucaslookedather,hiseyesunreadable.¡°ShallIapanyyou?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±Avelinenoddel.


    Lucasrespondedindifferentlyandwalkedahead.Itseemedlikehereallydidn¡¯thaveanythingtodotoday.Aftergettinginthecar,wherevershesaidtogo,hedrovethere.


    Todaywasn¡¯taworkday,andtherewerequiteafewpeopleatthechurchprayingforblessings.Whentheyreachedthefootofthehill,thetwoofthemstartedhikingup.


    Lucasncedatherandasked,¡°Whydidyousuddenly wanttogotothechurch?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Toaskgodto helpmequicklygetridofascumbag.


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Hestoppedwalkingimmediately.


    Avelinehadclimbedseveralstepsbeforerealizing hewasn¡¯tbesideher.Sheturnedbackandaskedwithafaintsmile,¡°Whydidyoustop?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°HowamIascumbag?¡±


    Avelinughedathisquestion,¡°You¡¯renot?Ourmarriagewasfine,butassoonasyouregainedyourmemory,youwantedtodivorcemeandtakeresponsibilityforanotherwoman.Isn¡¯tthatscummyenough?¡±


    Lucas¡®lipsformedathinline.Afterawhile,hesaid,¡°Yousawhowshelostalegsavingmebackthen.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Oh,soshouldwejustgetthedivorcedonenow?¡±


    Whydragitout?Wouldn¡¯titbebetterto enditquickly?


    Lucaslookedatherintentlyandafteralongpause,said,¡°We¡¯lldoitassoonaswegetback.¡±


    back.¡±


    Avelinelookedathim.¡°CanIbelieveyourwords?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°EvenifIdon¡¯tsayanything,youwouldn¡¯tbelievemeanyway.¡±


    360Bebesthewaswinal


    AlineblondhimandLavar,weshoutonthispeacefully.


    Aftersayingthat,dheturamanmendwalkingupthewillneededtopraythewestryinatankingforblessing


    Lawassharedatherback,unghiedescribethefeelingwithin him.


    it


    Bythetimetheyletthechurch,wasafomadyafternoon.Once insthecas,Avelookouthergamemessagetelena.TvealreadysaidaprayerforyouandgetapepecardI¡¯llgiveittoyouwhen1


    back


    Selenareplied,¡°Loveyousomuch


    Avolinesmiled. Justthen,thecatsuicidemnity nitund,causingherphoslipfromhethand.Shewaykentupandnoticedthat


    thecarwasspeedingupwithouthandsmeltingit.


    ???


    ¡°What¡­.what¡¯sgoingon?¡±sheas,abitnervous,


    Approachingaton,soadofshoodingdown,thecaEWITHE(VATI


    daster¡®


    <b>¡°</b>LaceswhenIsandweshouldgetpofly.Ididn¡¯t meanlikethisI¡¯mstillyoung,idon¡¯twanttheyontemer,calmdown!¡±Aveliarwapuintexsinwand.


    caugintinity

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    Lucas¡®expressionwasicy,hisgazefixedahead.¡°Thebrakeshavefailed.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedinshock.Shequicklygrabbedthehandle<b>,</b>¡±What¡­whatdowedonow?¡°!


    Lucasreplied,¡°Wemightactuallydietogether.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sheartnearlyleapedoutofherchest.Shesuddenlysaid,¡°Ifthat¡¯sthecase,won¡¯tMissWinterbereallysad?¡±


    Lucasncedather.¡°Whyareyouthinkingaboutsomeoneelseatatimelikethis?¡±


    ¡°Watchtheroad!¡±Avelinestruggledtostaycalm,tryingnottodistractLucas.


    ¡°Whatelse?Youkeepthinkingaboutbeingresponsibleforher.Shereallyisquitepitiful,losingherlegtosaveyouandwaitingforyouallthistime,onlyforyoutodiewithme.¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutimaghescene,feelingthatSophiawouldbedevastated.


    ¡°Andwhataboutyou?¡±Lucasaskedinadeepvoice.


    Her?Whatabouther?Shehadn¡¯tlostalimb,onlyadeeplyheartfeltlove.


    Avelinesuddenlyfeltlikughing,¡°Idon¡¯twanttobelikethoseTVdramafemaleleadswhoenduplosingsomeheylove.¡±


    Thethoughtof thatscenegavehergoosebumps.


    Lucas¡®thinlipspressedintoastraightlineasthecar¡¯sspeedcontinuedtoincrease,theveinsonthebackofhishandbulging.


    ¡°Aveline,doyouregretsavingme?¡±Inthesilentcar,hisdeepvoice.


    +15BONUS


    brokethroughthesoundoftheirrapidheartbeats.


    Aveline¡¯sbreathcaughtinherthroat.


    Regret?


    Whenshefirstlearnedofhisdecision,shedefinitely regrettedit,evenresentedit.Whydidhewantadivorceassoonasheregainedhismemory?


    ButafterseeingSophia¡¯ssacrifice,thosefeelings ofregretandangersuddenlydisappeared.


    ¡°Nolongerregretting,¡±Avelinesaid.¡°Meetingyoumightjustbethecmityofmylife.¡±


    Lucasletoutalough,¡°CanImakeituptoyou?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±Avelinefroze,asuddensenseofforebodingrisingwithinher.


    Lucassaid,¡°Aftertoday,canyoustophatingme?¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    BeforeAvelinecouldrespond,hesuddenlyjerkedthesteeringwheel,crashingthecartowardstheguardrail!Thiswasamethodtoforcefullystopthecar.Iftheycontinueddriving,therewasnotellingwhatmighthappennext!


    Thismethodwasextremelydangerous;ifhemiscalcted,thecarwouldcrashintotheguardrail,destroyingthefrontandkillingthemboth!


    Avelinehadnotimetothink.Shecouldonlywatchashecontrolledthesteeringwheelwithatenseexpression.Thecar mmedintotheguardrandkeptmovingforward,butthespeeddidindeed.decrease!


    Evenso,thecarwasstillgoingveryfast!


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    TheguantaldealsubtenlySong,andthecapungedhow


    Berlinewasalost,andthecasethetensbing


    AtThstmoment,Lacaspodealmesumringwheed,causingthehsidetestaantotwhere thegrandmother¡±


    defarmornameofmipast,AvetisieSedulu.controlhandwinced


    Thermallyone tostog


    SalineMantiallyantinckled


    fantendand


    faced


    using


    hissongwoundthe


    Palkwithdose,tinerekodvetantly


    Youwassucbangom


    Samhasbeenhasphone,daling with

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    Theambncetookawhiletogetthere,andAvelinedidn¡¯tdaremoveLucas,afraidshemighthurthimmore.Ashis facegrewpalerfromthebloodloss,shefeltmorepanickedthaneverbefore.


    Feapletelyenvelopedherasshetightlyheldhisuninjuredhand.¡°Lu,youhavetohanginthere,youabsolutelycan¡¯tbe¡­¡±


    Shechokedup,hervisionblurringwithtears.¡°Ifsomethingreallyhappenstoyou,Iwilldefinitelyhateyou,IpromiseIwill!¡±


    Sheleaneddown,pressingherfaceagainsthishand,feelinghiswarmth.¡°Lucas¡­youhavetohanginthere.Youcan¡¯tbreakmyheartandthenleavemelikethis.Youjustcan¡¯t¡­¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Theambncefinallyarrived,andAvelinefollowedittothehospital.


    Attheentranceoftheemergencyroom,shestoodinadazeuntilthedoorsopenedandanursecameout.


    ¡°How¡­howishe?¡±Avelineaskedanxiously.


    Thenursereplied,¡°Whoareyou?Areyouartive?¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°I¨CI¡¯mthefamilymemberoftheinjuredpersonwhowasjustbroughtin.Howishe?¡±


    Thenurse¡¯seyesfilledwithsympathyasshelookedatAveline.¡°It¡¯snotlookinggood.Youshouldprepareyourself.¡±


    Withthat,thenursewalkedaway.


    Avelinewasstunned.What?Prepareforwhat?


    Sheinstinctivelytookastepback,herfaceturningpale.No,itcan¡¯tbe!


    Itdefinitelycan¡¯tbe!


    Lucas,whoalwayshadsuchgoodluck,howcouldhebeindanger?


    Heonlyhadacut,eventhoughitwasbleedingalot,itshouldn¡¯tbelife¨Cthreatening!


    However,shecouldn¡¯tcontrolhertears,whichkeptfalling.Her,entirebodywastremblinguncontrobly.Shebitdownonherknuckles,tryingtosuppresshersobs,feelingasifherheartwas.beingshatteredbyahammer.


    Ithurtsomuch!Whydidithurtevenmorethanwhenhewantedtodivorceher?


    Shehadnoideahowmuchtimehadpassedwhenthedoctorsandnursesfinallycameout.Ignoringeverything,Avelinerushedinandimmediatelysawthefigurecoveredbyawhitesheet.


    Herstepsfaltered,nearlycausinghertofall.


    ¡°Lucas?¡±


    Hervoicewasverysoft,almostasifshedidn¡¯twanttobellevehewasreallydead.Howcouldhebedead?Wasn¡¯thesupposedtodivorceher?Wasn¡¯thesupposedtoberesponsibleforSophia?Howcouldhebedead?


    Avelinewalkedtothebedside,hertremblinghandreachingtoliftthewhitesheet,butshecouldn¡¯tbringherselftotouchitduetotheintenseshaking.


    Shesobbed,¡°Lucas,areyoureallydead?Areyoureally goingtobeascumbag?Doyouknowthatyou¡¯veletdowntwowomenatonce?MissWinterlostalegforyou!Howcouldyoubesoheartless?¡±


    Shecriedsohardthateverythinginfrontofherbecameblurry.Shehadneverfeltsuchpainandsorrow!


    ¡°Howcouldyoudie?WhatamIsupposedtodoifyou¡¯redead?Lucas,Lu,whatamIsupposedtodo?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Shecriedsohardthatherlegsgaveout,andshecopsedtothefloor.Justthen,someonegrabbedherarm.


    Asighcame fromaboveherhead,¡°I¡¯mnotdeadyet.Isn¡¯tittooearlyforyoutocry?¡±


    Avelinefroze.


    SheturnedherheadsharplyandsawLucasstandingthereperfectlyfine.Shencedatthebedinfrontofherandquicklypulledbackthewhitesheettorevestranger¡¯sface.


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shehadbeencryingoverastrangerallthistime!


    ¡°You¡¯reokay?¡±sheaskedLucas,hereyshesstillwetwithtears,hervoicesoftandtrembling,eventhoughshedidn¡¯trealizeit.


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter66


    Lucassaid,¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tgetupsoon,youmightmakemyInjuryworse.¡±


    Avelinehurriedlystoodupandfinallynoticedhisleftarmwasbandagedandinasling,withgauzewrappedaroundhisforehead.Helookedratheramusing,anditseemedlikeheonlyhadsuperficialinjuries.


    Avelineletoutasighofreliefandthenlookedathim.¡°Ifyou¡¯reokay,whydidn¡¯tyousaysoearlier?¡±


    Lucasblinkedinnocently.¡°Iwokeupbecauseofyourcrying.


    Hehadbeenunconscious,buthisawarenessgraduallyreturned,andheheardher sobbinguncontrobly.Atthatmoment,hisheartacheddeeply.


    Hedidn¡¯tdisturbher,quietly watchinghercryoverastranger¡¯sbodyasifshewerepouringouthersoul.Afraidshemighthurtherself,heforcedhimselftogetupandmanagedtocatchherjustasshewasabouttofall.


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shequicklylookedawayandwipedherface.


    Atthatmoment,anursewalkedin,seeingthemstandingfacetoface,andaskedinconfusion,¡°Whatareyoutwodoing?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°I¡¯mhisfamilymember.Icametofindhim.Isheokay?


    Thenurseasked,¡°Name?¡±


    ¡°LucasTudor.¡±


    Thenursencedatherrecordsandsaid,¡°Hehasaminorfractureinhisleftarmandneededfourstitchesonhishead.It¡¯snotserious.


    buttheremightbeaslightconcussion,soheshouldstayhospitalforafewdaysforobservation.¡±


    Avelinequicklynodded,¡°Okay.¡±


    Afterarrangingthehospitalstay,shereturnedtotheroomtoBadLucasalreadylyingonthebed.Whenhesaw herenter,hetolizedintenselyatherface.


    Rememberingherrecentembarrassment,Avelineredathim.¡±Whatareyoulookingat?Haven¡¯tyouseenabeautifulwomanbefore?¡±


    AsmileappearedonLucas¡®lips.¡°Ave,ifIhadreallydied,whatwouldyouhavedone?¡°.


    ¡°Ranoutofthingstosay,huh?¡±


    Avelinescowledathim,clearlydispleased.


    Atthatmoment,shewastrulyterrified.Shecouldn¡¯tevenbegintoimaginewhatshewoulddoifhereallydied.


    Lucassaid,¡°Iwasjustcurious.Youwerecryingsomiserably.Wouldyoudieforlove?¡±


    ¡°Dieforlove?Foryou?¡±Avelinesoundedasifshe¡¯dheardajoke.¡±Thatwouldbesostupid!You¡¯renotworthit!Ifyoudied,Iwouldn¡¯tevenneedadivorce.I¡¯dbelivinginaluxuryapartmentwithmillions,andIcouldgoflirtwithhandsomeguysanddateyoungstuds.Wouldn¡¯tthatbenice?¡±


    Shepulledoverachairandsatdown,actuallystartingtoenvisionthisdelightfullife.


    ¡°Today,I¡¯dhavedinnerwithayounghottie,tomorrow,I¡¯dgotoabarwithacharmingguy,andthedayafterthat,I¡¯dtravelwithahandsomeadventurer.Tsk,tsk,tsk,I¡¯dbelivingmybestlifewhilestillyoung!¡±


    15BO


    ThesmileonLancas¡®lipsslowlydisappeared.Hesaidquietly,¡°So,ifdied,youwouldn¡¯tlookforme?¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Thedreamylookonherfacevanishedinstantly.Herslightlyswollereyesstareddirectlyathim.


    Afteralongpause,shefinallyspoke,¡°Lucas,ifIreallyfoundanotherman,wouldyoubejealous?¡±


    Ifhewasjealous,itwouldmeanhestillcaredabouther.Andifthatwasthecase,thepastyearwouldn¡¯thavebeenwasted.


    Lucas,however,respondedcoldly,¡°Let¡¯stalkaboutitwhenI¡¯mdead.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Avelinewasspeechlessagain.


    Talkaboutwhatwhenhe¡¯sdead?


    Shewantedtogetangry,butlookingathispaleface,shehelditbackintheend.


    Fine!Consideringheprotectedher,shedecidednottoholdthisagainsthim.


    COMMINIS

 Divorced 67

    Chapter67


    Byevening,thebusinesspartnersinLarbor CityhadheardaboutLucas¡®identandcametovisithim.Avelineobservedquietlyfromtheside,notsayingaword.


    Aftereveryoneleft,sheclosedthedoorandasked,¡°Earlier,youmentionedthebrakesfailed.Doyouthinkitwasintentional?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°It¡¯spossible.¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Whowoulddosuchathing?Whatwouldtheygainfromit?¡±


    Lucasexined,¡°Therearemanybenefits.ItcouldbesomeonefromCloudreCityextendingtheirreachhere.IfIweretodie,therewouldbenooinherittheTudorfamily.¡±


    Currently,LucaswasthesoleheirtotheTudorfamily.Ifhedied,therewouldbenoocarryonthefamilyline,andotherswouldlikelytearthefamilyaparttotaketheirshare.ThevastwealthandresourcesoftheTudorfamilywouldbeasignificantgainforanyoneinvolved.


    Aveline¡¯sexpressiongrewmoreserious.Afterthinkingforat


    moment,shewalkedtothebedsideandsaidfirmly,¡°So,oncewegetback,let¡¯sgetthedivorcefinalized.¡±


    Lucaslookedatherindisbelief.¡°Whatdoyoumeanbythat?¡±


    Avelineblinked.¡°To preventyourtroublesfromaffectingme.I¡¯mjustanordinaryperson.IfIgotcaughtupinyourmessandendeduphurt,I¡¯dbedevastated.¡±


    Lucaswassilent,notknowinghowtorespond.


    Suddenly,hethoughtthatherpreviousrefusaltodivorcewasn¡¯tsobadafterall.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinecontinuedseriously,¡°Itseemsyou¡¯reactuallyagoodperson.Youregainedyourmemoryandrealizedhowdangerous.yoursituationis,soyouwantedadivorcetoprotectme,right?¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Avelinepressedon,¡°Beagoodpersontotheend.Don¡¯tdragthisout.anylonger.Let¡¯sgetthedivorcedoneassoonaswegetback,okay?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Ihaveaheadache.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Thenyoushouldrest.Iwon¡¯tbotheryou.¡±


    Shesatdownonthesofanearbyandfelpletelysilent.


    Theroomgrewquiet,creatingastrangeatmosphere.Avelineclosedhereyes,andthesenseofeaseshehadfeltgraduallyfadedaway.


    Shehadneverthoughtbeforethathewouldbeinsuchdanger.


    Thinkingabouttherumorsshehadheard:Hewaskidnappedwhenhewasateenager,andhistwobrothersdiedwhileonlyhesurvived.Later,hewasinacaridentandremainedinaforayear.Whenhewoke


    memoryandwanderedaboutup,hehadlost<i>his</i>aimlesslyuntilshefoundhim..


    Hewassupposedtogrowupinaprivilegedfamily,buthisfatehadbeenmoretumultuousthanhersingfromanorphanage.


    Theseincidentsseemedunrted,buttheyalltargetedtheTudorfamily.


    WouldthesetroublesendonlyifLucaswasdead?


    Aveline¡¯smindwandered,andherheartsankwithworry.


    Onthethird dayinthehospital,Lucaswasdischarged.


    Avelinewentouttobuylunch,andwhenshereturned,shefoundhimalreadydressed,thoughhisarmwasstillinasling.His


    +15BONUS


    expressionwasascoldandnobleasever.


    ¡°You¡¯renotfullyrecovered.Whyareyouleavingthehospital?¡±Avelineasked,frowning.


    Lucasreplied,¡°I¡¯llcontinuerecoveringathome.There¡¯ssomethingIneedtohandle.¡±


    Avelineasked,¡°Whatisit?¡±


    Lucaslookedather,¡°Doyouwantteandsee?¡±


    Avelinehesitated.¡°CanI?¡±


    ShegotintoLucas¡®car.Thedriverwashisbodyguard,amanwithafiercelookwhoeyedAvelinewithhostility.


    Afterjustonence,AvelineavertedhereyesandwhisperedtoLucas,¡°Yourbodyguardisringatme.Ididn¡¯t doanythingtohim,didI?¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


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    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡®mouthtwitchedslightlyashesaidcalmly,¡°Brian,stopringather.She¡¯seasilyscared.¡±


    BriandidnotutterareplyandAvelineremainedquiet.


    Afaintsenseofawkwardnessfilledthecar.


    Theysoonarrivedattheirdestination,anabandonedwarehouse.


    Avelinegotoutofthecarandsquintedatthebuilding.¡°Whyarewehere?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Thepersonisinside.¡±


    Avelinelookedatthetightlycloseddoorsofthewarehouse,herlipspressedtogether.


    Brianwalkedover,andthetwobodyguardsstandingatthedoorgreetedhimwithanod,¡°Mr.Cooper.¡±


    Brianwavedhishand,andthebodyguardsopenedthedoor.


    BrianturnedtoLucas.¡°Mr.Tudor,thepersonisinside.¡±


    Lucasasked,¡°Didheconfess?¡±


    Brianreplied,¡°Hesaidhe¡¯lltalkwhenheseesyou.¡±


    Acold,faintsmileappearedonLucas¡®handsomeandsharpfaceashewalkedstraightintothewarehouse.


    Avelinehesitatedbutfollowed.Shehadwitnessedtheincident,sosheneededtoknowwhowasbehindittobementallyprepared.


    Thewarehousewasfilledwithdust,andapersonwashangingfromtheceiling beams,handstied.


    AtBrian¡¯ssignal,abodyguardgrabbedabucketofwaterandthrewitovertheperson.


    +15BONUS


    Thepersonjerkedawake,squintingashelookedaround.WhenhesawLucas,hiseyeswidenedslightly,thenhesaid,¡°You¡¯re¡­stilive.¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°I¡¯malive.Yourbossmustbeverydisappointed.¡±


    Thepersongrinned,¡°You¡¯lldiesooneroter.Debtshavetobepaid!¡±


    LucasncedatBrian.¡°Givehimabeating.Idon¡¯tlikewhathe¡¯ssaying.¡±


    Briannodded,pickedupasteelpipe,weigheditinhishand,andthenswungithard,hittingtheman¡¯sthigh..


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Thesoundwasloud,andthemanimmediatelyscreamedinagony.


    Aveline,whohadneverwitnessedsuchascene,widenedhereyesinshock.


    ¡°Areyouscared?¡±


    Lucas¡®deep,maicvoicesoundedinherear.


    Shelookedathiminadaze.¡°Isthisusingextrajudicialmeasures?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercalmly,¡°Hetamperedwithmycarandtriedtokillme.Usingalittleextrajudicialmeasuresisn¡¯texcessive,right?¡±


    Avelinequicklyagreed,¡°Notexcessiveatall.¡±


    Suddenly,shefeltthathittinghimlikethiswastoolenient.


    Briancontinuedtostrikethemanmorethanadozentimesuntilbloodseepedthroughthe man¡¯spantsbeforestopping.


    ¡°Tellme,whosentyou?¡±


    Theman¡¯sfacewastwistedinpain,andhisvoicetrembled,¡°I¡­I


    wouldratherdiethantell¡­¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Verybrave,¡±Lucaspraisedhim.¡°Thenkeephitting.Breakhisbones,set them,andthenbreakthemagain.¡±


    Aftersayingthis,heturnedandwalkedaway..


    Brianraisedthesteelpipe,readytocontinue.


    PerhapsLucas¡®wordshadaneffect,astheman¡¯sfaceturneddeathlypale,andhespokeup,¡°Wait¡­I¡¯lltalk.IfItellyou,willyouletmego?¡±


    Lucassneered,¡°Ijustpraisedyou,andnowyou¡¯recavinginsoeasily?¡±


    Themanwasspeechless.


    Brian,withacoldexpressionmanded,¡°Speak!¡±


    The manswallowedhard.¡°Itwasawoman.Idon¡¯tknowwhosheis,


    butshepromisedmeonemilliondorsandawayoutofthe


    countryifIseeded.¡±


    Brianasked,¡°Howdidyomunicate?¡±


    Themanreplied,¡°Wemetinperson,buteachtimeadifferentpersoncame.Theyworehatsand<b>masks</b><b>,</b>soIcouldn¡¯tremembertheirfaces.¡±


    BrianlookedatLucas.


    LucasthenturnedtoAvelineandsaid,¡°Gowaitinthecar.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Oh,okay.¡±


    Asshewalkedaway,Lucas¡®expressiondarkened.Hetold Brian,¡±


    Cutoffoneofhishandsandsendittoaspecife.¡±

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    Themanwidenedhiseyesinshock.¡°I¡­Ialreadytoldyoureverything.Whydoyoustillwanttocutoffmyhand?¡±


    Brianrepliedcoldly,¡°Isaidwe¡¯dletyouyouleaveintact.Doit!¡±


    ,butIdidn¡¯tsaywe¡¯dlet


    Inthecar,Avelineanxiouslylookedaround.SheonlyrxedwhenshesawLucas¡®tall,imposingfigureemergingfromtheabandoned.warehouse.


    AsLucasgotintothecar,sheimmediatelyasked,¡°Didyoufindoutanything?¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucasresponded,¡°Yes.¡±


    Avelineleanedincloser.¡°Whotamperedwithyourcar?¡±


    Therehadbeensomedistancebetweenthem,butasshe movedcloser,thespacevanished,andthefaintscentofherperfumefilledtheair.Lucasloweredhisgaze,hiseyesfallingonherface,rememberinghowshehadcrieduntilshechoked,hereyes.extremelyred,lookingutterlyheartbroken.


    ¡°Notscaredanymore?¡±heasked.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Ofcourse<b>I¡¯m</b>scared,butIwanttoknowwhoisbehindthis.Thatway,Icanbementallyprepared.¡±


    Lucasasked,¡°Mentallypreparedforwhat?¡±


    Avelinesatbackandsaidwithaflickerinhereyes,¡°Naturally,tobereadytorunatanymoment.Idon¡¯twanttobedraggeddownbyyou.


    TheinterestinLucas¡®eyesdisappearedinstantly.


    ¡°Tote,¡±hesaid,closinghiseyes.


    1/3


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    So,washerlifeindangernow?Whatshouldshedo?Shehadn¡¯tevenmovedintoher500¨Csquare¨Cmeterapartmentyet,hadn¡¯tspenthersixmilliondors,andhadn¡¯tstartedenjoyinghergreatlife.


    Sigh¡­


    Shesighedheavily.


    Lucasgaveheracoldnce.¡°You¡¯renotdeadyet.Whyareyousighing?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Isn¡¯tmysituationprettyclosetodying?¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Briansooncameout,acigarettedanglingfromhismouth.Whenhereachedthecar,hetookalongdrag,thendroppedthecigarettebuttandstompeditoutbeforegettingin.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor,it¡¯salltakencareof,¡±Briansaid.


    ¡°Good,¡±Lucasreplied,closinghiseyesagaintorest.


    Avelineasked,¡°Didthatperson¡­die?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Idon¡¯tdoillegalthings.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechlessbutwondered,¡°Isn¡¯tusingextrajudicial


    measure.


    AttheThompsonfamilyestate.


    AservantknockedonJudy¡¯sroomdoor,speakingrespectfully,¡±MissThompson,youhaveapackage.¡±


    Judywaspuzzled.¡°Ididn¡¯torderanything.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Theservantsaid,¡°Butithasyournameonit.¡±


    Judytookthepackage,examineditcarefully,andthenopenedit.Assoonasshesawwhatwasinside,shescreamed!¡°Ah!¡±


    Theservantalsosawwhatwasinsideandcopsedtothegroundinfear!


    ¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Judy¡¯sparentsrushedoutandsawtheseveredhandthathadfallenfromthebox.Itwasstillbleeding,lookingextremelyterrifying!


    Judythrewherselfintohermother¡¯sarms.¡°Mom,someonewantstohurtme.I¡¯msoscared¡­¡±


    Judy¡¯smother,MichelleWalker,wasalsofrightened,thenturnedtoJudy¡¯sfather,HankThompson.¡°What¡­whatisthisabout?¡±


    Hank¡¯sfacewasgrimashelookedatJudy.¡°DidyoudosomethingtoMr.Lucas?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    Judytriedtodenyit.


    Herfatherknewbyherexpression.¡°Tellthetruth!¡±


    Judywasstartledandquicklysaid,¡°I¡­Ijustwanted<b>to</b>scarehimabit.Whoaskedhimtodisregardourfamily?¡±


    ThebutleroftheThompsonfamilywasnotsomeoneLucascoulddismissashewished!


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    ShejustwantedtopunishLucasalittle!


    ¡°You¡¯vebeentooreckless!¡±Hank¡¯sexpressiondarkened ashepointedatJudyangrily.¡°You¡¯restayinghomefromnowon.You¡¯renotallowedtogoanywhere!!!


    Withthat,heturnedand hurriedtohisstudy.


    Backatthehotel.


    Avelinestartedpackingherthings.Shedidn¡¯thavemuch, asshehadboughtmostofherstuffafterarriving.


    Shepackedeverythingintoasmallbagandwasabouttoleavewhenthedooropened,andamiddle¨Cagedmanwalkedin.Brianfollowedbehind,givingheracoldlook.


    Avelineinstinctivelytookastepback.Whywashealwaysringather?


    Lucassaw thatshehadfinishedpackingandwalkedover.¡°Waitamoment,we¡¯llleavetogether.¡±


    Avelineblinked.¡°Oncewegetback,let¡¯sfinalizethedivo-¡±


    Lucassuddenlycoveredhermouth.¡°Waitforme.¡±


    Hethenturnedandenteredthestudywiththemiddle¨Cagedman.


    Avelinefrowned.Whydidn¡¯theletherfinish?


    Brianstoodbythestudydoor,givingheranothercoldlook.


    Avelinekeptquiet andredback,thinkingthatifhekeptstaringather,shewouldgooverandgougehiseyesout.


    Backinherroom,Aveline¡¯sexpressiongraduallychangedtooneof


    +15BONUS


    deepthought.


    Themiddle¨CagedmanwhohadenteredthestudywasHank<b>,</b>theheadoftheThompsonfamilyandpresidentoftheLarborCityChamberofCommerce.Didhispresencemeanhewasinvolvedinthissituation?


    Avelineponderedthiswhenherphonerang.Shelookedatthescreenandsawitwasanunfamiliarnumber.


    Shedidn¡¯tntoanswer,butthenthoughtitmightbesomeonefromworkneedingher,asshe¡¯dbeenonleaveforseveraldays¡­


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Sheansweredthecall,buttherewasnoimmediateresponse.


    Avelinelookedatherphoneinconfusion;itshowedthecallwasconnected.¡°Hello,whoisthis?¡±


    ¡°Hellothere¡­¡±Aharsh,raspyvoicecamethroughthephone,sendingachilldownAveline¡¯sspine.


    Herfaceturnedpale.


    Shequicklyhungup,herheartracing.Thevoicewasterrifying,unlikeanythinganormalpersoncouldproduce,leavingher feelingdeeplyunsettled.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Wassomeoneyingaprankonher?


    Howchildishcouldsomeonebe?


    Shelookedatthenumberandblockeditimmediately.Clearly,answeringunknowncallswasn¡¯tagoodidea.


    Nightfell.


    AknockonherdoorjoltedAvelineawake.Shelookedtowardsthe<b>door</b>,stillshaken.


    ¡°Whoisit?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯sme.¡±


    Lucas¡®deep,maicvoicecamethrough,andheopenedthedoor,turningonthelighttoseeherpaleface.


    Aflickerofconcern,unnoticedevenbyhimself,passedthroughhiseyes:Hewalkedoverquicklyandasked,¡°Whathappened?Areyoufeelingunwell?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±Avelineshookherhead,thenadded,¡°Ihadanightmare.¡±


    Shehaddozedoffandeveninherdream,sheheardthathorrifying,eerievoice.


    ¡°Areweleaving?¡±sheasked.


    ¡°Yes,¡±Lucasreplied.¡°Areyouhungry?Doyouwanttoeatbeforewego?¡±


    ¡°No,let¡¯sjustgo,¡±Avelinesaid,eagertoleave.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Theyleftthehoteltogether,andBrianwasnowheretobeseen.


    Bythetimetheirnnded,itwasalreadypastmidnight.


    AvelurnedtoLucas,¡°Lucas,canyougivemearide?¡±


    Lucasrespondedcoolly,¡°EitheestayattheTudorresidencewithmeorgetacabhomeyourself.


    Avelinewasspeechless.


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    Itwateatnight,andthesurroundingswerpletelysilent.Therewasn¡¯tasinglepersoninsight,letaloneanytaxis.


    Rememberingthestrangephonecallshehadreceived,Avelinefelt.moreandmoreuneasy.


    Sheclutchedherbagtightlyandsaid,¡°We¡¯reabouttogetdivorced.Isn¡¯titabitinappropriateformetostayatyource?¡±


    ¡°Arewedivorcedyet?¡±Lucasasked,lookingather.


    Avelinereplied,¡°No.¡±


    Lucascontinued,¡°Thenwhatareyouhesitatingfor?What,areyouafraidyouwon¡¯tbeabletocontrolyourselfandmakeamoveon me?


    Avelinelookedathimasifhewerecrazy.¡°Haha,you¡¯resofullofyourself!¡±


    Withthat,shewalkedstraighttohiscar.Makeamoveonhim?Thatwasabsolutelyimpossible!


    Lucaswatchedherback,thesmileonhislipsdeepening.


    AttheTudorresidence,thebutlerhadbeeninformedofLucas¡®return,andtheentireviwasbrightlylit.


    Avelinewalkedin,sawthebutler,andsuddenlythoughtof


    something.Sheasked<b>in</b>confusion,¡°Haveyoubeenherethewhole.time?¡±


    ThebutlerwasabouttonodwhenhecaughtsightofLucas¡®gaze.Hestraightenedupandquicklysaid,¡°Iwasjustabouttofinishmyshift.IstayedtowaitforMr.Lucas,so<b>I</b>hadn¡¯tleftyet.¡±


    HelookedatLucas,¡°Mr.Lucas,nowthatyou¡¯reback,I¡¯llheadhome.¡±


    ¡°Alright,staysafeonyourway back,¡±Lucasreplied.


    Thebutlerturnedandleft.


    Avelinesuspiciouslywatchedthebutler¡¯sretreatingfigure.Wasthatreallythecase?Whydidsomethingfeeloff?


    Lucasasked,¡°Aren¡¯tyoutired?¡±


    Avelinepulledhergazebackandblinked,¡°WhereamIsleeping?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Thereareplentyofroomshere.Choosewhicheveroneyoulike.¡±


    Avelinenoddedandstartedtryingtoopendoors,buteachoneshetriedwaslocked.


    Whatwasgoingon?Somanyroomsandnoneofthemwereessible?


    SheturnedtolookatLucas,onlytoseehimheadingtowardsthemasterbedroom.


    ¡°Hey!¡±Avelinecalledout,butheshowednosignofstopping.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Shehurriedtocatchupandblockedhisway.¡°Didn¡¯tyouhearme?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercalmly,¡°DoInothaveaname?¡±


    Avelinepausedandthenasked,¡°Whyarealltheroomdoorslocked?


    Lucassaid,¡°Ijustgotback.Ihavenoidea.¡±


    Avelinehesitated,¡°ThenwhereamIsupposed tosleep?¡±


    Lucas openedthedoortothemasterbedroomandsaid,¡°Thisdooropens.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Somethingwasdefinitelynotright.Somethingwasvery,verywrong!


    Lucasdidn¡¯tlookatherandwentstraightintothemasterbedroom,startingtounbuttonhisshirt.Ashemoved,hepulledoffhistieandtosseditaside,followedbyhisshirtandjacket.


    Aveline¡¯sheartbeatinexplicablyquickenedasshewatched.Hisphysiquewastrulyimpressive,andevensuchsimpleactionscarriedanirresistibleandseductiveappeal.


    Shefoundherselfstrugglingtocope.


    Well,shehadinitiallybeenattractedbyhis looks;otherwise,whywouldshehavetakenhimhome?


    ¡°Enjoyingtheview?¡±


    Hisdeep,pleasantvoicesuddenlybrokethroughherthoughts.


    Avelinesnappedbacktoreality,herpalefaceflushingred.¡°I¡¯mnotwatchingyou!¡±


    Shewalkedinsideanydownonthesofa.Withtheotherroomslocked,therewasnowayshewouldsleepinthemasterbed.Thatwouldbelikewalkingintothelion¡¯sden.


    Lucaschuckledsoftlyatheractionsandwalkedover,hisshirtnopletelyunbuttoned.


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    Hisshirthunglooselyinfront,flutteringgentlyashemoved,


    revealinghiswell¨Cdefinedmuscles.FromAveline¡¯sangle,shehadaperfectviewofhischiseledabs.


    Herheartbeatseemedtoquicken.


    Lucashadalreadyreachedherandleaneddownslightly,hishandsomeandsharpfaceholdingahintofasmile.¡°Notlooking?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s faceturnedadeepshadeof red.Then,asifathoughthadstruckher,theembarrassmentandhesitationdisappeared.


    ¡°SowhatifIlook?Wehaven¡¯tdivorcedyet.You¡¯remyhusband.Icanlook,andIcantouchtoo!¡±


    Shereachedouttotouchhisabs.


    Hmm¡­theyfeltreallygood!


    Lucasfrozeforamoment,hercoolbutsofthandonhismusclesmakingtheminstinctivelytenseup.


    AgleamoftriumphappearedinAveline¡¯seyes.¡°Alright,it¡¯te.Let¡¯ssleep.¡±


    Shestartedtopullherhandback,butLucasgrabbedherwrist,leaningoverandpressingherontothesofa.


    Avelinewasstunned.¡°Hey,whatareyoudoing?¡±


    ¡°Youtouchedme,¡±Lucassaid.


    ¡°SowhatifIdid?¡±Avelineblinked.


    Lucaslookedatherintently.¡°Youthinkit¡¯soverafterjustatouch?¡±


    Whatelse?


    Aveline¡¯seyesclearlyshowedherconfusion.


    15BONUS


    Lucasmovedcloser,hisweightpressingdownonher.¡°Ave¡­¡±


    Hemurmuredhername,hisbreathwarmonherface.Theatmospheregrewthickwithintimacyandtensionasifheading.towardsanuncontrobledirection.


    Butjustthen,aphonerang¨CitwasLucas¡®phone.


    Thesharpsoundofthephoneinstantlyshatteredtheintimate.atmosphere.


    Avelinepushedhimaway.¡°Yourphoneisringing.¡±


    Lucas¡®gazewasdarkashestaredatherforamomentbeforestandingupandansweringthecall.


    ¡°Sophia.¡±


    Hearinghiswords,Avelinebitherliphard.


    Itfeltlikeabucketofcoldwaterhadbeendumpedoverher,bringinghertohersensesabruptly.


    Whatwasshe doing?Ifitweren¡¯tforthephoneringing,thingswouldhavespiraledoutofcontrol.


    Thisshouldn¡¯tbehappening.Sheshouldn¡¯tallowherselftokeepfallinglikethis.


    Afterashortconversation,Lucashungupthephone.HiseyesweretingedwitplexityashelookedatAvelineonthesofa.


    ¡°Ihavetogoout.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionchangedasshelookedathim.¡°Doesithavetobenow?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°She¡¯shurt.Sheneedsme.¡±


    Atthatmoment,itfeltlikeherheartwasbeingshatteredintopieces,


    leavingherinsomuchpainthatshecouldhardlyspeak.


    Og


    debelongedtoSophia.Itwasherintrusionthathadtartedtheirlivesintoamess.Sheshouldhavesteppedback.


    Asuddenwaveofbitternessroseinherheart.


    ¡°Lucas,whatifIsaidIneedyoutoo?¡±


    Hercleareyesstaredat<b>him</b>,filledwithsuppressedemotions.


    Lucas¡®lipstightenedintoathinline.¡°Thisceissafe.Youwon¡¯tbeinanydanger.¡±


    Avelinegaveabittersmile.Whatwassheevendoing?


    Theanswerwasobvious.Fromthemomentheregainedhismemory,hishearthad<b>leaned</b>towardsSophia.


    ¡°Alright.¡±shenodded,then closedhereyes,refusingtolookathim<b>any</b>longer.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ThedaysinLarborCity<b>felt</b>likeadream.Nowthatshewasawake,itwastimetofacereality.


    Asshe<b>heard</b>hisfootstepsreachingthedoor,shespokewithoutanyemotion,¡°Tomorrowmorning,Iexpectyouatthwyer¡¯soffice.Lucas,ifyoudon¡¯tshowup,there¡¯snoneedforthedivorce.¡±


    B

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    Hewastheonewhoproposedthedivorce,yethewasalsotheonewhokeptdyingit.


    Sheusedtowonderwhathewasthinking,butnot anymore.


    Ifhedidn¡¯tfulfillherwish,thenheshouldn¡¯tthinkaboutbeingresponsibleforSophiaeither.


    Unless,ofcourse,hewantedSophiatobeanaffair.Shethoughthewouldn¡¯tdothat.Afterall,Sophiastillheldanimportantceinhis


    heart.


    Avelinefeltapangofself¨Cmockery,hereyesstingingwithunshedtears.Shequicklyshuthereyes,determinednottoletheremotions.overflow.


    Afteralongwhile,sheheardthesoundofthedoorclosing.


    Atthatmoment,itfeltlikeherhearthadbeensmashedbyasledgehammer,shatterepletely,thepainsointenseitbecamenumbness.


    Shebitherliphard,buteventually,shecouldn¡¯tholditinanylonger, andthetearsbegantofall.


    Hermindwasfilledwithmemoriesofhisgentlenessoverthepastfewdays,andshefeltasifshehadbeentransportedbacktothedayswhentheywerehappytogether.


    Avelinesuddenlystoodupandwalkedout.


    Orner


    Thehousewarge,butshefeltunbearablystifled,everyfilledwithhispresente,constantlyremindingherthatherbelovedLuhadgoanotherwoman.


    Steppingoutofthevi,acoldwindhither,makinghershiver,butherresolvestrengthened.


    1/3


    Leavethisce.


    Stayfarawayfromhim.


    That way,shewouldn¡¯tfeelsadanymore.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    LucasarrivedatSophia¡¯sapartment.Shelivedalone,andwhensheopenedthedoor,herfacewasextremelypale.


    ¡°Sorry,Lucas¡­Iknowyoujustgotback.Ishouldn¡¯tbebothering.you,butI¡¯mreallyinpain,¡±Sophiasaidapologetically.


    Lucasasked,¡°Didyoucanambnce?¡±


    Sophiafrozeforamoment,thensaidwithembarrassment,¡°I¡­Iforgot.¡±


    Lucastookouthisphoneandcalledforanambnce.Hethenhelpedhertothesofa.¡°Canyouholdon?¡±


    Sophialookedathim.¡°Withyoubymyside,Ihavethestrengthtoendure.¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯trespond.


    Sophia¡¯seyesflickered,andsheasked,¡°DoesMissYoungknowyou.cameouttoseeme?Won¡¯tshe¡­beupset?¡±


    Lucas¡®lipsformedathinline.Hedidn¡¯tanswerherquestion,instead,hesaidcalmly,¡°Ifyou¡¯refeelingunwell,youshouldrest.Theambncewillbeheresoon.¡±


    AcoldglintshedinSophia¡¯seyesbutquicklydisappeared.Hereyesglistenedasshegrabbedhishand.¡°Lucas,ithurtssomuch¡­¡±


    Sheheldhishandtightly,notwantingtoletgo.Seeingherpaleandpainedexpression,Lucasultimatelydidn¡¯tpuway,lettingherholdon.


    Theambncearrivedquickly.


    Throughouttheentiretrip<b>to</b>thehospital,SophiaclungtoLucas!hand.Aftertheexamination,itwasconfirmedthatshehadacuteappendicitisandneededsurgery.


    Beforeenteringtheoperatingroom,Sophialookedat<b>him</b>withtear-filledeyes.¡°Lucas,willyouwaitforme?Idon¡¯twanttowakeupalone.ItremindsmeoftwoyearsagowhenIhadsurgery,cameoutofitalone,anddidmyrehaballbymyself¡­¡±


    Asshespoke,tearsstreameddownherface,makingherlookpitifndvulnerable


    Lucas¡®expressiongrewmorplexashesaid,¡°Alright.¡±


    Sophiafinallymanagedasmilebutstidded,¡°YoushouldletMissYoungknow.It¡¯te,andshemightbeworriedaboutyounoinghome.¡±


    ¡°Noneed,¡±Lucasrepliedcoolly<b>.</b>Hencedatthedoctor,whothenpushedthehospitalbedintotheoperatingroom.


    Indeed,therewasnoneed.Theywereabouttogetdivorced,andhisaffairswouldnolongerconcemher

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    Avelinewalkedfornearlyanhourbeforeshefinallymanagedtogdownataxi.Aftergivingtheaddress,shestaredoutthewindow.


    Itwateat night,andtherewasn¡¯tasoulontheroad.


    Thedriverncedatherandsuddenlyasked,¡°Miss,whyareyouwalkingaloneonthestreetste?It¡¯snotsafe.¡±


    Avelinesnappedbacktorealityandlookedatthedriver.Hewaswearingahatandamask,onlyhiseyeswerevisible,whichmadeherfeeluneasy.


    ¡°Ihadafightwithmyhusband.He¡¯llbeheresoon,¡±shesaid.


    Thedriverresponded,¡°Whyrunoutafterafight?It¡¯sdangerousifyoumeetbadpeople.¡±


    Avelinesmiled,¡°You¡¯reverykind,driver.I¡¯llbemorecarefulnexttime.¡±


    Thedriversmiledanddidn¡¯tsayanythingmore.


    Avelineremainedalertuntilthecarreachedherapartmenplex.The driverthenasked,¡°Whichbuildingdoyoulivein?Icandropyouoffrightattheentrancesoyoudon¡¯thavetowalk.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Noneed,thankyou.¡±


    Thedriverinsisted,¡°It¡¯snotrouble.Letmetakeyouthere.¡±


    Aveline¡¯swarinessgrew,butjustthen,herphonerang.Shequicklyanswered,¡°Hello?Yes,I¡¯mhere.Comedowntogetme.¡±


    Withthat,sheopenedthedoorandgotoutofthecar.


    Seeingthis,thedriverdidn¡¯tsayanythingelseanddroveoff.


    Onceshewassurethedriverhadleft,Avelineletoutabreath.¡±


    Selena,it¡¯s finenow.¡±


    ShehadmessagedSelenawhenthedriverstartedtalkingtoher.


    Selenasaid,¡°Whyareyoinghomealhite?Where¡¯sthatscumbag?¡±


    Avelinewalkedinside.¡°Youcalledhimascumbag,sowhywouldhedoanythingdecent?¡±


    Selenamutteredacurse,¡°Forgetit.I¡¯leoverandkeep yopany.¡±


    ¡°Noneed,¡±Avelinereplied.¡°We¡¯regettingdivorcedtomorrow.Afterit¡¯sdone,I¡¯llcallyou,andthenwecangoseethenewhouse.¡±


    Selenawassilentforamomentbeforesaying,¡°Ithoughtmaybe yourtriptoLarborCitymightimprovethingsbetweenyou two.


    Avelinesmiledsilently,nowinsideherbuilding.¡°Alright,I¡¯mhangingupnow.¡±


    ¡°Okay,callmeifyouneedanything.¡±


    ¡°Iwill.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelinehungupandsteppedintotheelevator.


    Justastheelevatordoorswereabouttoclose,ahandsuddenlyreachedin,triggeringthesensorsandcausingthedoorstoopenagain.Inthequietofthenight,thesuddenappearanceofsomeoneinthehallwaystartledAveline.


    Amanwalkedinwearingahatandamask,keepinghisheaddownto hidehisface.Aveline¡¯sheartpoundedwithfear.


    Heresembledthedriversheencounteredearlier!


    Shedidn¡¯tpressafloorbuttonimmediately,insteadpretendingtofiddlewithherphone.


    Themanwaitedforamoment,thenseeingthatshehadn¡¯tpressedabutton,hereachedoutandpressedthebuttonforthe10thfloorAvelinencedatitandthenpresendthebuttonforthe18thfloor.


    Shelivedonthe21stfloor


    Theelevator doorsslowlyclosed,betthemanssuddenlyreachedoutandcanceledthebuttonforthetothfloor,thenpressedthebuttonforthe17thDoor


    Aveline¡¯slipstightond.Sheheldherphoneanddialedthreedigits,hopingcallingthepolicewouldhelpinthissituation


    Sown,theyreachedthe17thfloor


    Themansteppedout,butjustastheelevatordoorswereabouttoclose,bar fittedandlookedathet


    Thatlooksentchills down Aveline¡¯sspine!


    Hiseyeswerefilledwithacold,derousintent,likeavenomoussnakewatchingitspeey


    Theelevatordoorsfinallyclosed,cuttingoff hisgazeAveline¡¯sfaceturnedas whiteasasheet!

 Divorced 75

    Chapter75


    +15BONUS


    Herhandtrembledasshedialedanumberfromhercontacts.ItwasonlythenthatsherealizeditwasLucas¡®number.


    Shethoughtabouthangingupbuthesitated.


    Deepinside,twovoicesshed.


    Oneurgedhertohangupandcallthepolice,whiletheotherpleadedwithhertokeepthecall,totellLucasandaskforhishelp.


    Theyhadlivedtogetherforayear,surelytherewerefeelings.betweenthem.Thatvoicetemptedhertotakeagamble,toseeifLucasvaluedhermorethanSophia.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Thebusysignalinterruptedherthoughts.


    Avelinequicklycanceledthe18thfloorbuttonandpressedthe


    buttonforthe1stfloorinstead.Shecouldn¡¯tstayinthisbuildinganylonger!


    Meanwhile,atthehospital.


    Sophiahadjustfinishedhersurgery.SeeingLucas,asmilespreadacrossherface.


    ¡°Lucas,I¡¯msodyou¡¯reherewithme.Ifeelsafewithyou,¡±Sophiasaidweakly.


    Lucashadalreadyarrangedforacaregiver,whohadjustarrived.Hearingherwords,hereplied,¡°Thecaregiverwilltakecareofyounow.Ifyouneed,Icanalsocontactyourfamily.¡±


    ¡°No,¡±Sophiaimmediatelyrefused,¡°Don¡¯tcontactthem.Youknowtheydon¡¯tlikeme.Twoyearsago,whenthatincidenthappened,theydidn¡¯tevenvisitme.Tothem,I¡¯munimportant.¡±


    Shegaveabittersmile,thenquicklylookedathimagain.¡°Butluckily,Ihaveyou.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Lucaspressedhisthinlipstogether,sayingnothing.


    Atthatmoment<b>,</b>hisphonerang.HetookitoutandsawthatitwasacallfromAveline.


    Sophianoticedthecandhereyesflickered.¡°Lucas,IthinkIshouldn¡¯tjustliehere.¡°.


    Lucas¡®attentionshiftedtoher.¡°Yes,thedoctorsaidyouneedtopassgasbeforeyoucanrest.¡±


    Sophia¡¯sfaceturnedred,andasshereachedouttohim,sheidentallyknockedhis phoneoutofhishand.Thephonefelltothefloorandthescreenwentck.


    Lucasinstinctivelybentdowntopickupthephone,butwhenhetriedtoturniton,itwouldn¡¯tpowerup.Hisbrowsfurroweddeeply.


    ¡°I¡¯msorry,Ididn¡¯tmeanto.Didyourphonebreak?I¡¯llbuyyouanewone,¡±Sophiasaid,herfacefilledwithguilt.


    Lucas,however,wasthinkingaboutwhy Avelinehadcalledhim.Heturnedtothecaregiver.¡°CanIborrowyourphoneforamoment?¡±


    ¡°Oh,sure,¡±thecaregiverreplied,handinghimherphone.


    Lucasopened thedialer,thinkinghedidn¡¯tknowAveline¡¯snumber.Butamomenter,astringofdigitsappearedinhismind.Heenteredthemandcalled.


    However,anautomatedvoiceinformedhimthatthenumberhedialedwascurrentlyonanothercall.


    Whatwasgoingon?


    Wasshestilltryingtocallhim?


    ¡°Lucas?¡±Sophia¡¯svoiceinterruptedhisthoughts.


    Lucassaid,¡°Letthecaregiverhelpyou.Ihavesomethingtotake


    careof.I¡¯mleaving<i>.</i><i>¡±</i>


    Withoutwaitingforherreaction,helefttheroom.


    ¡°Lucas!¡±Sophiatriedtogetup,butthemovementpulledonherstitches,causinghertogaspinpain.


    Lucasdidn¡¯tlookbackashewalkedaway,leavingSophiawithadarkeningexpression.


    Washegoingback toAveline?


    Sophiagrippedthebedsheettightly,hereyesgrowingcolder.


    #15BONUS


    Whenthecallwasdisconnected,thevoiceshoutinginAveline¡¯smindvanished.


    Herfacewasfilledwithmockery.HowfoolishshehadbeentogamblehersafetybymakingLucaschoosebetweenherandSophia.


    Whatapintheface.


    Shehapletelylostallfaithinhim!

 Divorced 76

    Chapter76


    Whatwastherelefttoholdontonow?


    Butifsomethingtrulybadhappenedtoher,wouldhefeelsadandregretfulwhenhefoundout?


    Ifhedidfeelsad,maybethepastyearhadn¡¯tbeenentirelywasted.


    Asthesethoughtsswirledinhermind,theelevatordoorsopened,andsheranout,callingthepoliceas shewent.


    Thesoundofhurriedfootstepsfollowedclosebehind.


    Aveline¡¯sfaceturnedpalewithfear!


    Shehadn¡¯texpectedthemanto catchupsoquickly!


    ¡°Hello?Someoneisfollowingme.I¡¯mat¡­¡±shebeganurgentlyassoonasthecallconnected.


    Butthenextsecond,herhairwasyankedback!


    ¡°Ah!¡±shescreamedasherphonewassnatchedfromherhandandsmashedontotheconcretefloor,shatteringinstantly.


    ¡°Youdaretorunfromme?¡±


    Theraspyvoicewasidenticaltotheoneshe¡¯dheardonthephoneearlier!


    Achillingfearenvelopedher,andshestruggledevenharder.


    ¡°Whoareyou?Whyareyoufollowingme?¡±sheshouted.


    Shecouldn¡¯t thinkofanyoneshehadwronged.Whowasthisperson?


    ¡°Youlittlewench,youdon¡¯trememberme?Ifitweren¡¯tforyou,Iwouldn¡¯tbeinthismiserablestate!!


    Theman¡¯sharsh,hate¨Cfilledvoicegratedonher<b>ears</b>ashedraggedherbyherhairtowardsthedarkwoods.


    Avelinestruggledfiercely,scratchingdeepmarksonhisarmwithherfingernails.


    Butthemanseemedoblivioustothepain,holdinghertightly.withoutlettinggo.


    ¡°Idon¡¯tknowyou!Whoareyou?Ihavemoney,Icangive youmoney,justletmego¡­¡±


    Shewasterrifiedtothepointofincoherence.


    Themanremainedsilent,hisheavybreathingfillingtheairabove.her.Treesloomedaheadashecontinuedtodragherforward..


    Shewasbeingdraggedintothewoods!


    Avelinescreamed,tryingtocallforhelp.Buthermouthwasquicklycovered,andshecouldonlymakemuffled,helplesssounds.


    Despairfilledeverycellofherbody.


    Whowasthis?Whyweretheyafterher?Shehadn¡¯twrongedanyone!


    Terrified,Avelinestruggledcontinuously.Suddenly,sherememberedLucassayingthat itwasdangerousaroundhim.WasthispersontargetingLucas?


    Awaveofbittersorrowwashedoverher.


    Becauseofhim,shewasindanger,whilehewaswithanother.woman,ignoringhercalls.


    Didshehatehim?Atthismoment,allshewantedwastosurvive!


    Inthefaceoflifeanddeath,loveandhatedidn¡¯tmatter.


    Avelinebitdownhardontheman¡¯shand.Heflinchedinpainbut


    +15BONUS


    didn¡¯tletgo.


    Thewoodsnexttotheapartmenplexweredense,andatthishour,thestreetsweredeserted.


    Whatcouldshedo?Wasshereallygoingtodiehere?Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Shedidn¡¯twanttodie!


    ¡°Bang¡±


    Suddenly,afigurerushedinandpunchedthemaninthehead.


    Themangruntedandstumbleda fewstepsafterbeinghit,instinctivelylettinggoof Aveline¡¯shair.


    Avelinefellhardtotheground,herscalpburningwithpain!


    Thepersonwhohadrushedinkickedthemanagain,sendinghimsprawlingontheground,unabletogetup.


    Aveline¡¯sheartracedasshestruggledtostand,butherlegsweretooweak,andshecopsedagain.


    ¡°Areyouokay?¡±


    Afamiliarvoicerangout.Avelinefeltsomeonegrabherarmandpullherup.


    Shelookedup,andthelightinhereyesimmediatelydimmed.


    Itwastim

 Divorced 77

    Chapter77


    My,what areyousinghAveandhervotesandbblingwithtear


    Shewasutterlyterrifiedhostanmentage,shehadnearlyteendraggedintothewoods.She could


    have happenedContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    beartothinkaboutwhatmight


    Russell replied,¡°Iwas passingbywasonthephonebytheroadsidewhenIheardsomethinghappeningoverhereIcametocheckandfoundyou


    Hetookouthisphone¡°I¡¯llcallthepolicenow


    Aveline nodded,¡°Okay¡±


    Butwhensheturnedback,themanwasgone!


    ¡°Wheredidhego?¡±Avelinegaspedherfacetuningevenpaler


    Russellsquintedhiseyes.¡°Hewon)getfar


    Aftercallingthepolice,theyarrivequicklyAvelinedescribedherordendthen wenttothepolicenationtomakeastatement.ThepolicebeganreviewingsurveinyfootageandtooksamplesoftheskinunderAveline¡¯sfingernails


    Bythetimeeverythingwasdone,wasalowatdawn,


    Astheyleft<b>the</b>palicestation,Aveled toBussell.¡°Mr.Skyler,thankyousomuch fasttoday


    Russellsmiled,hisshortsilverbeglueingfaintlyunderthehights.Hissmilewasbothhatsandachievous¡°Noneedto


    thankme,itwasjust shallg


    Avelinefedeepsenseofgratitudythiswasn¡¯tsomethingasimplethankyouCouldpay


    +15BONUS


    Stuglowedatthetimeandsaid,¡°It¡¯sjusttherighttimeforbreakfast.HowaboutItreatyoutoameal?¡±


    Russellraisedaneyebrow.¡°Thisearly?<i>¡±</i>


    Avelinereplied,¡°Ican¡¯tsleepifIgohomenow.Wemightaswell.havebreakfastfirstandthenrest.¡±


    Russellconsideredforamomentandthennodded.¡°Sure.¡±


    Theywalkedalongtheroadside,lookingforacetohavebreakfast.Seeinghatwasopen,theywentinside.


    TuyasreturnedtotheTudorresidencebutdidn¡¯tseeAvelineanywhere.


    Heimmediatelywoke upthebutlertoask.


    Thebutlerwasstunned.¡°MissYounghasbeeninherroomalong.


    #


    Lucas¡®expressiondarkened,¡°She¡¯sgone.¡±


    Thebutlerwasshocked,¡°What?Sheleftinthemiddleofthenight?It¡¯smyfaultfor sleepingsosoundly.Mr.Lucas<b>,</b>youshouldcallher.It¡¯snotsafefora youngwomantobeoutste.¡±


    Forsomereason,Lucasrememberedthecallshehadmadetohim.


    HefoundasparephoneandcalledAveline,butthistime,itwentstraighttovoicemail,indicatingherphonewasoff.


    Whywoulditbeoff?


    Asenseofuneaseseifiedinhischest.HeimmediatelygotupanddrovetoAveline¡¯sapartmenplex,keepinganeyeontheroadsides,hopingtospother.


    Bestandwissigh ofBarn


    montsehasSulling,assolgfin?


    Theredceilingorgas,eSerphonewasallvi


    Kindthehopgoutoallongafterlig


    Kakaoslouchon? sighemunyhetsleningmensinghglos


    Allesmumssailedtim


    ¡°Windoutwhodvalliightsing

 Divorced 78

    Chapter78


    thesametime,theresultsofSin¡¯sinvestigationcamethrough.


    Lucasopenedhisphoneandsasteralphotos.ThepicturesshowedrelinewalkingsidebysidewithRussell,sittingtogetheratabreakfastspot,andleavingthecetogether.


    Theatmosphereinthecargrewtense,and Lucas¡¯sexpression


    umedicycold.Hisdarkeyeswatchedtheapproachingfigures,whowerechattinganughing


    InsteadofrestingattheTudorresidenceduringthenight,shewasourbadingbreacastwithRussell?


    Theyweren¡¯tevendivorcedyet,andshewasalreadyeagertofind


    sumemeelse


    Meanwide.Brianlookedattheotherphotoshehadnotsentto


    Luces.TheseimagesshowedAvelinebeingfollowed,herhairbeinggrabbedasshewasdraggedintoadarkalley,andRussellsuddenlyappearingtorescueher.


    BnchosenottosendthesetoLuces


    inhispointofview,it wasunnecessary.


    Avellinewasneveragood matchforLucas.


    Theywerefromdifferentworlds.


    Atwasbetterforthemtodivorcesooner ratherthater.


    SophiahadwaitedforLucasforsolong,herwaitingshouldn¡¯tbein


    Withoutanyexpression,Briandeletedtheadditionalphotos.


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Thankyouforsendingmebackhome,¡±AvelinesaidwithaslightsmiletoRussell.


    ¡°Doyouwantmetowalkyouup?Thesecurityaroundhereisn¡¯tgreat.Isuggestyouconsidermovingtoasaferce,¡±Russellreplied.


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°Noneed.Thepolicearelookingforhimnow,soheprobablywon¡¯tdareback.I¡¯mmovingsoonanyway,andI¡¯llinviteyouovertomynewce.¡±


    Russellsmiled,amischievousglintinhishandsomeface.¡°AmIyourfirstguest?¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes.¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°It¡¯sanhonor.¡±


    Avelineextendedherhand.¡°Doyouhaveapen?Givemeyourphonenumber.I¡¯llgetanewphoneandcallyou.¡±


    Herphonehadbeensmashed.


    Shefeltawkwardbecauseshehadintendedtotreathimtobreakfast,butheendeduppaying.


    Avelhoughtsheneededtorepaythismeal.


    Russellreplied,¡°Idon¡¯thaveoneonme,


    butIrememberyourThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    number.I¡¯llcallyoter.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±Avelinenodded.


    Justas shewasabouttosaymore,shesensedsomethingandturnedtoseeLucas¡®tallfigurestandingintheshadowsnotfaraway.


    Shefroze,herheartsinking.


    RussellnoticedLucasaswendsaid,¡°Itlookslikeyourhusbandstillcaresaboutyou.I¡¯llbeonmyway.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Alright,takecare.¡±


    Russellnoddedandturnedtoleave.


    AvelurnedhergazefromRusselltoLucas.Thethoughtofhow


    shehadtriedtoreachouttoLucasforhelp,butcouldn¡¯tget


    through,causedasharppaininherheart.


    Ifitweren¡¯tforRussell,shemighthavebeen deadbynow.


    Shetookadeepbreathandwalkedover,asking,¡°Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±


    Lucaslookedather darkly.¡°Whydidn¡¯tyouanswer mycalls?DidIinterruptyourdate?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbrowsfurrowedimmediately.¡°Lucas,whatareyoutalkingabout?¡±


    Washecrazy?Sayingsuchthings?


    HewenttoseeSophiainthemiddleofthenight,andshedidn¡¯tsayanythingaboutit.Nowhehadthenervetouseher?


    Hewasutterlyshameless.


    ¡°Aveline,fromthewayyou¡¯vebeenacting,Ithoughtyoustillcaredaboutme.ButIseeIwaswrong.Therealreasonyou¡¯resoeagertodivorceisbecauseofhim,isn¡¯tit?¡±Lucassaidinaserioustone,findinghisownbehaviorunfamiliar.

 Divorced 79

    Chapter79


    AvelinelookedatLucasasifshehadheardthemostabsurdjoke,herfacefullofdisbelief.¡°Lucas,doyouhearyourself?¡±


    Ifhewasheretouseher,hecertainlyhadnorighttodoso!


    Lucas¡¯seyesdarkenedashestaredather,hispresenceintenseandoppressive.Theairfellsilent,thecoldwindbitingtothebone.


    Avelinesawtheshadowofgloomonhishandsomefaceanddirectlyasked,¡°DoesMissWinterknowyoucameouttofindme?¡±


    Hertonewacedwithsarcasm.


    Suchdoublestandards.Wherewasthefairnessinthat?This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Lucas¡¯svoicewasicy,¡°You¡¯vealwaysknownaboutSophiaandme.YouknowwhyI¡¯mdivorcingyou.Butwhat¡¯sgoingonwithyouandMr.Skyler?¡±


    Aveline¡¯stemperred.¡°Noneofyourbusiness!¡±


    Angershedinhercleareyes.¡°Lucas,it¡¯salmostdawn.Youmightaswellwaitherewithme.We¡¯regoingtothwyer¡¯sofficeassoonasit opens.Wemustgetdivorcedtoday!¡±


    Whenherlifewasindanger,allshecouldthinkaboutwashim.Shefelpletelyhopeless.Andnow,hewasfullofsuspicionsjustbecausehesawherwithRussell.


    Itwaughable!


    Lucas¡¯sfacegrewevendarker.¡°Soeagertodivorce,thenwhat?Marryhimrightaway?Aveline,doyoureallythinkhe¡¯dwantawomanIhavethrownaway?¡±


    ¡°p!¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯ttakeitanymore.Sheppedhimhardacrossthe


    face.


    ¡°Lucas,Ihaven¡¯twrongedyou!<i>¡±</i>EvelinepracticallyseNWAdon¡¯toweyouanything! Haveyougotnoshametowcouldyousaysuchthings?Ifyouhadevenabitofconscience,youwouldn¡¯thavedraggedoutthisdivorceandputmeindangerbecau


    Alltheemotionsshe¡¯dbeenholdingbackburstonthe?andtearsstreameddownherface.The fearofbeingsavedoverwhelmedher,andshewasstillshakenfromthee


    IfRussellhadn¡¯tappearedintime¡­


    If¡­


    Shecouldn¡¯tbeartothinkaboutit!


    Butaftersurvivingsuchaterrifyingordeal,insteadofwingsconcern,shefacedhis constantquestioningandsuspiciond


    Whatrightdidhehavetobesuspicious?


    Whatgavehimtheright?


    Avelinegaspedforair,desperatelytryingtobreatheinsomefreshair,feelinglikeshemightfaint.


    Lucaspressedhistongueagainsthischeck,ashadowofdarkerscrossinghiseyes,SeeingAvelinecryingsopitifullymadehishearttightenasifgrippedbyagianthand,


    ¡°AreyouafraidI¡¯lldragyoudown?¡±Hisvoicegrewcolder.


    Avelinewipedherfacewithherhand.¡°Yes,Ivaluemylife.Beingwithyouistoodangerous,andIcan¡¯thandleit.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sexpressiondarkenedfurther,theshadowinhiseyesdeepening.Theairaroundthemseemedtogrowolder,hispresencebingalmosttangibleinitsintensity.


    Hesuddenlygrabbedherwristand,withachillingsmile,said,¡±


    ¨CBONUS


    You¡¯resoscared?NowIdon¡¯twanta divorceanymore.


    Avelinefroze.¡°Whatdidyousay?¡±


    Lucasstaredatherintently.¡°Yousaidityourself,anyonewhostayswithmebesendangered.Sophialostalegsavingme,Ican¡¯tletherriskherlife.So,Aveline,Idon¡¯twant adivorce.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯reshameless!¡±Aveline¡¯sfacewasflushedwithanger.Sheraisedherhandtostrike<b>him</b>again,buthegrabbedherwrist.


    ¡°So,fromtodayon,you¡¯dbetterstayawayfromMr.Skyler.If Iseeyoutogether,Iwon¡¯tbehappy,¡±Lacassaidcoldly.Hereleasedherandgotintohiscar,drivingaway.

 Divorced 80

    Chapter80


    ¡°Jerk,jerk,jerk!¡±


    Avelinewassofuriousshecouldbarelycontainherself.


    Howcouldsuchashamelessanddespicablemanexistintheworld?


    Shehadneverregretteditbefore,butnowshetrulydid<b>.</b>She


    regrettedevertakinghimin!


    Shewassoangryshenearlypassedout!


    Now,thedivorcewasn¡¯thappening.Whatwasshegoingtodo?


    Shestormedupstairs,tooupsettosleep.


    Asdawnslowly broke,Avelinefeltacoldemptinessinsideher.


    ShemusthaveowedLucasadebtinherpastlife,whichwaswhy shewastreatedlikethisinthisone.


    Hefeltindebted toSophiaanddidn¡¯twanthertofacedanger,soherefusedtodivorceAveline,makingheratargetforothers..


    Butdidn¡¯theoweAveloo?


    Shewastheonewhotookhimin!


    Withouther,he,withhisamnesiaandnkte,mighthavediedlongago.


    Avelinughedbitterly.


    Whatamess<b>.</b>


    Withdarkcirclesunderhereyes,Avelinewenttotheofficeandsubmitedherresignationletter.


    shesettoetoMapleGard


    Th?naysaritytherewasrebutike,andaibase whathappenestnightwoulsta ?tregwatitsell


    Selenaandholdingbestofthe¡°Congrattio


    beingsingleagain,betulAve


    AveldotaketheBowsandeyedi¡¯tget


    ¡°Whatwas¡°Wwejo¡¯tyousippedweget


    wethermensmoung¡®Shemovedchovagandasked,¡°OndtheNueve¨¤changeofheatandabovewithoutyou,tobehos


    Avganughs¡°wethansingle¡±


    Selenadepool.Thewhathappened¡±


    AvelookadeepbeatsandrepatedwhatLineshadsand


    **8,Jade(evalida**behind vomode,(hapwingthethewryonthegroundwowdsoupingonthemsangThatthejerk,whydon¡¯theJustdes


    Shewassofarsoueabrecosulda¡®tcontrolfurewords.¡°Allthegoodmenmandbepatientbecausethemeritin halloftrashThehan


    Jovellisesaid,¡°1havetogetdisseced,Iseesttofindauthorsway.¡±


    nashpendfortopitska?Wibuatdidaba?veher


    ¡®tage,whatwillyoud


    e¡¯seyesshowedconfusion.¡°Edon¡¯tkow


    Shehadnopoweronface,and@gainstLimas,she s?sodng


    chance.


    COMMENTS


    ?


    SUPPORT


    +15BONUS


    mile¡¯snotthinksaboutthatfornow.Let¡¯sfocusonmoving,welursaid,unableteupwithanothern,soshedecided


    lichennochdedinagreement.¡°Atleastyou¡¯llfinallygettoliveinHeatloslemparyou¡¯vealwayswanted.That¡¯ssomethinggood.¡±


    Avelingsmiledfaintly


    Shepackedabagwithtoiletriesand,alongwithSelena,headedto


    heyarrivedattheentrance,thesecurityguardstoppedthemandrequiredregistrationbefore allowingentry.


    #rassuredAveline.Atleastthatmanwouldn¡¯tbeabletofind


    Lucashadgivenhertheapartmentonthe31stfloor.Astheyexitedtheelevator,theyweregreetedbyanincredibly<b>luxurious</b>and


    vilineusedthekeytoopenthedoor.Asshetookintheinterior,aAdsofamazementshedinhereyes.


    Astheyentered,thesecurityguardquicklycalled<b>Desmond</b>.


    Mke,MissYounghasarrived.¡±


    HetumediatelyinformedLucasofthesituation.


    ¡°hay,¡±Encasresponded,hisexpressionindifferent,showingnot


    rreaction


    testulhesitatedbeforeasking,¡°Mr.Tudor,sincethecheckhastbeaufroes,shouldwetakebacksthe<b>apartment</b>?¡±


    Lucasliftedhisgaze,hisdarkeyesglintingwithachillylightashelookedatDesmond.


    Ashiverran downDesmond¡¯sspine.


    Didhesaysomethingwrong?


    Whatdidhesaywrong?


    FreezingthecheckwasLucas¡®order,wasn¡¯tit?


    HewasjustfollowingLucas¡®logic.Wasthatnotright?C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Ihavesomethingtotakecareof.I¡¯llbegoingnow,¡±Desmondsaidhurriedly,turningtoleave.Itwasn¡¯tuntilheexitedtheofficethatthechillfinallybegantofade.


    Selenasankintotheleathersofawithasatisfiedsigh.¡°Thisisthelifeoftherich.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°MissQuin,don¡¯t bemodest.You¡¯requitewealthyyourself.¡±


    Selenawavedherhanddismissively.¡°Mymoneyisnothinparedtothis.¡±


    Aveline¡¯smouthtwitched,butshesaidnothingmore.


    Thehousewasfullyfurnished,sotheyonlyneededtogetsomeeverydayitemstosettlein.


    Lucasmightnotbeagoodperson,buthehadgoodtaste.Shereallylikedthishouse!


    Avelinedecidedtogoshopping.Withmillionsinherountnow,shecouldgetridofheroldthingsandbuynewones.


    ¡°Let¡¯sgocashthecheckfirst,¡±Avelinesaidhappily.


    Selentnodded.¡®Ave.Icaecleanandkeeptheletvan


    PleasetakemeI¡®


    AvaimeyinlyimerSelena¡¯scoin.¡°YouforneettinaltracJustkeepingthebedwamwillop!¡±


    SelenadramaticalinAveline¡¯scres:¡°Onyou¡¯reerine


    Afterthat.ThetwoofthemtookthechecktothetantoIDLE<b>TOUT</b>thatthecheathadpeeninven


    Avelinev?thereyesinflistelePouzen?¡±


    Testheountwaiterinzeitsoyoucan¡¯tviatemoeyFyouhaveanyquestions,youneedamunicatevititheounttoifer¡°thebankcleexiner


    Avelinecameoutofthecanttoutingthecheckwhichfromseatedworthless.Shewasataloss.


    Selenadidn¡¯tknowvitaltosayeither.Tveseensomemean


    people,butthisisbeyondbelieNowoteITVEYOUDIEhe¡¯salsowithoutingthemoneyWhat¡¯stistea?¡±


    EveloourTWDanddialer Lucar¡¯snumberbutassoonasshetertehungup.Shethenagain,butLucasehangingup


    Thismidianedhertothepoime<b>sie</b>anusUTLETTHphoneThenhepieieitwasamessagefromtheFATE


    capwith¡°Cometackwirkofyoursaagwiltefetuses

 Divorced 81

    mile¡¯snotthinksaboutthatfornow.Let¡¯sfocusonmoving,welursaid,unableteupwithanothern,soshedecided


    lichennochdedinagreement.¡°Atleastyou¡¯llfinallygettoliveinHeatloslemparyou¡¯vealwayswanted.That¡¯ssomethinggood.¡±


    Avelingsmiledfaintly


    Shepackedabagwithtoiletriesand,alongwithSelena,headedto


    heyarrivedattheentrance,thesecurityguardstoppedthemandrequiredregistrationbefore allowingentry.


    #rassuredAveline.Atleastthatmanwouldn¡¯tbeabletofind


    Lucashadgivenhertheapartmentonthe31stfloor.Astheyexitedtheelevator,theyweregreetedbyanincredibly<b>luxurious</b>and


    vilineusedthekeytoopenthedoor.Asshetookintheinterior,aAdsofamazementshedinhereyes.


    Astheyentered,thesecurityguardquicklycalled<b>Desmond</b>.


    Mke,MissYounghasarrived.¡±


    HetumediatelyinformedLucasofthesituation.


    ¡°hay,¡±Encasresponded,hisexpressionindifferent,showingnot


    rreaction


    testulhesitatedbeforeasking,¡°Mr.Tudor,sincethecheckhastbeaufroes,shouldwetakebacksthe<b>apartment</b>?¡±


    Lucasliftedhisgaze,hisdarkeyesglintingwithachillylightashelookedatDesmond.


    Ashiverran downDesmond¡¯sspine.


    Didhesaysomethingwrong?


    Whatdidhesaywrong?


    FreezingthecheckwasLucas¡®order,wasn¡¯tit?


    HewasjustfollowingLucas¡®logic.Wasthatnotright?


    ¡°Ihavesomethingtotakecareof.I¡¯llbegoingnow,¡±Desmondsaidhurriedly,turningtoleave.Itwasn¡¯tuntilheexitedtheofficethatthechillfinallybegantofade.


    Selenasankintotheleathersofawithasatisfiedsigh.¡°Thisisthelifeoftherich.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°MissQuin,don¡¯t bemodest.You¡¯requitewealthyyourself.¡±


    Selenawavedherhanddismissively.¡°Mymoneyisnothinparedtothis.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline¡¯smouthtwitched,butshesaidnothingmore.


    Thehousewasfullyfurnished,sotheyonlyneededtogetsomeeverydayitemstosettlein.


    Lucasmightnotbeagoodperson,buthehadgoodtaste.Shereallylikedthishouse!


    Avelinedecidedtogoshopping.Withmillionsinherountnow,shecouldgetridofheroldthingsandbuynewones.


    ¡°Let¡¯sgocashthecheckfirst,¡±Avelinesaidhappily.


    Selentnodded.¡®Ave.Icaecleanandkeeptheletvan


    PleasetakemeI¡®


    AvaimeyinlyimerSelena¡¯scoin.¡°YouforneettinaltracJustkeepingthebedwamwillop!¡±


    SelenadramaticalinAveline¡¯scres:¡°Onyou¡¯reerine


    Afterthat.ThetwoofthemtookthechecktothetantoIDLE<b>TOUT</b>thatthecheathadpeeninven


    Avelinev?thereyesinflistelePouzen?¡±


    Testheountwaiterinzeitsoyoucan¡¯tviatemoeyFyouhaveanyquestions,youneedamunicatevititheounttoifer¡°thebankcleexiner


    Avelinecameoutofthecanttoutingthecheckwhichfromseatedworthless.Shewasataloss.


    Selenadidn¡¯tknowvitaltosayeither.Tveseensomemean


    people,butthisisbeyondbelieNowoteITVEYOUDIEhe¡¯salsowithoutingthemoneyWhat¡¯stistea?¡±


    EveloourTWDanddialer Lucar¡¯snumberbutassoonasshetertehungup.Shethenagain,butLucasehangingup


    Thismidianedhertothepoime<b>sie</b>anusUTLETTHphoneThenhepieieitwasamessagefromtheFATE


    capwith¡°Cometackwirkofyoursaagwiltefetuses

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    Chapter82


    Avelinewasatalossforwords.


    Thesixmilliondorsslippedthroughherfingers,andshenolongerhadtheconfidencetoresign.


    Shewasabsolutelyfurious!


    Seedingherexpression,Selena asked,¡°Whatdidthatjerksay?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Youcalledhimajerk.Doyouthinkhe¡¯dsayanything,reasonable?¡±


    Sedenakeptquiet.


    Avelineletout afrustratedsigh.¡°Nocelebrationtoday.Ihavetogobacktowork


    Selenablinked,¡°Didn¡¯tyouresign<i>?</i>


    Avelinegaveawrysmile.¡°Withsixmilliondorsgone,howcanIdaretoresign?¡±


    Selena:¡°Youpoorthing,¡±


    BackatDKGroup,Avelinewasstoppedatthefrontdesk.


    ¡°Aveline,there¡¯sapackageforyou.¡±


    evelinewassurprised.Apackage forher?Whosentit?


    Shewalkedover,tookthewell¨Csealedbox,andshookit.Itwaslight,withnosuspicioussounds,


    Assheopeneditandheadedtowardstheelevator,shegotinwhenitarrivedwithoutlookingup.


    Agazefell onher,makingherlookupinstinctively,andshesaw


    Lucas¡®handsomeandsternfaceashewalkedpasther<b>indifferently</b>.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfacedarkened.


    Therewereother peopleintheelevator,andtheylookedatherinastonishment,asifsaying,¡°Areyoucrazy?HowdareyouspeaktoMr.Tudorlikethat?¡±


    Ignoringtheirstares,Aveline walkedstraightuptoLucas.¡°Mr.Tudor,doyouhaveamoment?Ihavesomequestionstoask.¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°I¡¯mnotfree<b>.</b>¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Washeforcinghertomakeascene?N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Lucaswalkedaway,leavingAvelinestandingthere,clutchingthepackage,feelinpletelyexasperated.


    Backatherworkstation,hermanagercameoverimmediately.MissYoung,whydidyousayyouwereresigning?Thankfully,Mr.Tudordidn¡¯tapproveit.YouwerecrucialinsecuringtheBrightonEnterprisesproject.Mr.Henryspecificallyaskedforyoutooverseeit.Ifyou resign,whatwillhappen totheproject?¡±


    Avelinesmiled.¡°Iunderstand.I¡¯lpletemyworkproperly.¡±


    Attheveryleast,shehadtoseethisprojectthrough.Itwasherhardwork,andonceitwapleted,theprojectbonuswould be


    substantial.


    Evenwithoutthesixmilliondors,shecouldstichievefinancialfreedom.


    No.


    Shemusthavethatsixmilliondors!


    +15BONUS


    Itwasherdivorcpensation!


    Shehadtogetitback!


    Thatjerkwentbackonhisword,givingthemoneyandthentakingitback?


    Howdisgusting!


    Avelinefumedinwardly.Hermanager,reassuredbyherpromise,returnedtohistasks,feelingrelieved.


    Avelinefocusedonherwork.Afewdayter,shereceivedacallfromthepolicestation.


    Thepersonhadn¡¯tbeenfound.


    Itwasasiftheyhadvanishedintothinair.


    However,thishadalreadybeacriminalcase,suspectedofattemptedmurder,andaninvestigationhadbeeunched.


    Avelinefeltuneasy.Thatpersonwasstillmissing,likeahiddensnakeinthedark,readytostrikeatanymoment.


    Whatshouldshedo?


    Right,thiscouldverylikelybebecauseofLucas.Shemighthavebeenusedasashield.Sincetheywerenotdivorcingnow,shehadtoinformhimaboutthismatter!


    Cometothinkofit,shehadn¡¯t seenLucasthesepastfewdaysanddidn¡¯tknowwherehewas.


    Avelookoutherphoneanddialedhisnumber.


    Thistime,thecallwasn¡¯trejected.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    However,itwasSophiawhoansweredthecall.


    Avelinepausedforamomentandthenasked,¡°Where¡¯sLacas?¡±


    Sophia¡¯svoicewasgentle,¡°Lucasisabitbusyrightnow.Doyouhaveanythingtosay?Youcantellme,andI¡¯llpassitontohim.¡±

 Divorced 83

    Chapter83


    Aveline¡¯stonewascold.¡°Whereareyou?¡±


    Sophiawasclearlytakenabackbythequestionbutreplied,¡°Suite8088attheNo.9Mansion.¡±


    Avelinehungupthephoneimmediately.


    Ha¡­


    Busy,huh?Busydoingwhat?Goingafterwomen?


    Avelinenarrowedhereyes.Theyweren¡¯tdivorcedyet,andLucaswasalreadycrossingtheline.Ifhewouldn¡¯tagreetothedivorce,thenheshouldn¡¯tmeherforbeinguncooperative.


    Asduskfell,thecitygraduallybecameilluminatedbylights.


    WhenAvelinearrivedattheNo. 9Mansion,shewasstoppedbyanattendant.Theattendantsmiledpolitely,¡°Excuseme,ma¡¯am,doyouhaveareservation?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯mheretoseeLucasTudor.¡±


    Theattendantmaintainedhispolitesmile.¡°Ma¡¯am,withoutareservation,youcan¡¯tenter.¡±


    Avelinepressed,¡°Noteventoseesomeone?¡±


    Theattendantresponded,¡°Unlesssomeoneescortsyouinside,youcannotenterwithoutareservation.


    Aveline openedherbag,pulledouthermarriagecertificate,anddisyedittotheattendant.¡°Now,doIstillneedareservation?¡±


    Theattendantwasstunned.Hecarefullyexaminedthecertificate,makingsureitwasgenuine.


    Internally,hecouldn¡¯thelpbutthink,¡°Whocarriestheirmarriage


    certificatearound?¡±


    ¡°Mrs.Tudor,pleaseinside,¡±theattendantsaid,immediately.changinghistoneandaddressingAvelinemorerespectfully.


    Themarriagecertificatewasindeedreal.


    Hecouldn¡¯taffordtooffendher.IfthiswomainedtoLucater,he¡¯dbeinbigtrouble,


    Avelineput themarriagecertificateawayandwavedherhand.¡°Youdon¡¯tneedtofollowme.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡±theattendantrepliedandturned away.


    Avelinewalkedtowardstheelevatorwhensheheardalighughnotfaraway.SheturnedandsawRussepproaching,hisbluehaircatchingthelight.Heworeadiamondstudinhisleftear,whichsparkledunderthelights.


    Withamischievoussmileonhishandsomeface,helookedbothcharmingandroguish.¡°Yourmovereallysurprisedme.¡±


    Avelinesmiledwithdelight.¡°Whatacoincidence.¡±


    Russellraisedaneyebrow.¡°Indeed,itis.So,whatbringsyouhere?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Can¡¯tyoutellfrommydemeanor?¡±


    Russellsmirkedyfully.¡°Catchingsomeoneintheact?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Ineedtocheckfirst.Ican¡¯tjumptoconclusionsyet.¡±


    Russellgrinned.¡°MindifIjoin?Ilovebeingpartofsuchdrama.¡±


    Avelinesighedbutnodded.¡°Sure,butyou¡¯llbewitnessingapotentialscandal.¡±


    Russellchuckled.¡°Howcoulditbeascandal?Icanbeyourwitness.Ifyouendupinadivorcecourt,Icantestifyforyou.<b>¡±</b>


    Aveline¡¯seyeslitup.Thatcouldwood


    infheat,sheneededtoN?velDrama.Org ? content.


    But


    ¡°Let¡¯sgo!¡±Avelinesaid,heranthtionevident.


    Russellnoticedhereagerness,hissterrentdeepenting


    ¡°Out


    Astheyenteredtheelevation,headded,¡°Didyouwashthecluthentsentyou?¡±


    Avelinewastakenabackandthendippedherforehead.pletelyforgortF¡¯msosorry!¡±


    Shehadreceivedthepackagebuthadn¡¯topenedityou,beingtonbusywithworkoverthepastfewdaye


    Russellsmirked.¡°Ifiguredyoumighthaveforgotten:Here,mhtmeonWhatsAppanIcanremindyou¡®


    Avelinepulledoutherphone.¡°Noneed,Plldefinitelemberthis


    nodded.¡°Gand.¡±


    Whentheelevatordoorsopened,Avelineheadedstraightforauthe8088Thedownhadasmallwindowthroughwhichthebitcatch

 Divorced 84

    Chapter84


    Thelightingintheprivateroomwasdim.Avelineleanedforward.slightly,gettingacloserlook.ShesawLucassittingonthesofa,leaningbackslightly,withSophiabesidehim,usingatissuetowipe.hisforehead.


    Theyseemedveryintimate.


    Avelinesquintedhereyes andsawSophiastandup.Sheseemedunsteadyonherfeet,staggeredacoupleoftimes,andfelldirectly


    onto Lucas.


    ¡°Wanttorecordavideo?¡±


    Suddenly,ateasingvoicecamefrombesideher.


    AvelurnedherheadsharplyandsawRussellmimickingherposture,leaningforwardandsquintingtolookinside.


    Hewastallerthanher,butinthisposition,theirheightswere


    almostthesame.


    Whensheturnedherhead,shealmostbumpedintohisface!


    Startled,Avelinequicklypushedhimaway.¡°No,noneed.¡±


    Russellstraightenedupslowly,lookingatherflusteredexpression,andchuckled,¡°Withoutavideo,howwillyoukeepevidence?¡±


    Avelinehadalreadycalmeddownbynow.


    She smiledandwalkedovertoopenthedooroftheprivateroom.


    Inside,therewereonlyLucasandSophia.


    ??


    AsSophiafellintohisarms,hepushedherawayimmediately.


    ¡°Becareful,¡±hesaidinalowvoice.


    Sophiahadjuststeadiedherselfwhenthedooropened.


    Avelinewalkedin,holdingherphoneup,¡°Hey?Whydidyoustop?¡±


    Seeingher,Lucas¡®eyesdarkened.His gazesweptpasthertoRussell,whohadfollowedherin,andhisexpressionbecamecoldandoppressive.


    Sophiasawherholdingthephoneandimmediatelywalkedover,¡±MissYoung,whatareyoudoing?


    Avelineblinked.¡°Naturally,I¡¯mrecordingevidenceofLucas¡®infidelity. Thatway,whenwedivorce,Icangetrgesumofmoney!¡±


    Shewouldbeinstantlyrich!


    Sophia¡¯sfacedarkened.ShereachedouttograbAveline¡¯sphone,butAvelinedodged.


    Sophia¡¯seyesshed,andshestaggeredbeforefallingdirectlytothefloor!


    ¡°Sophia!¡±


    Lucaseximedinsurpriseandimmediatelywentovertohelpher.¡°Areyouokay?¡±


    Sophia¡¯sfacehadturnedpale.¡°Myleghurts¡­¡±


    Lucassupportedherandhelpedhersitonthesofa,thenturnedtoAvelinewithacoldergaze.


    Avelinehadn¡¯texpectedthingstoturnoutthiswayandimmediatelysaid,¡°GoodthingIrecordedavideo.Letmetellyou,Ididn¡¯ttouchher;shefellonherown!¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Sophiasoftlysaid,¡°It¡¯strue,Iwascareless.Lucas,Ididn¡¯twanthertohaveanythingthatcouldharmyou,soIhurriedtograbherphone.I¡¯msorry,it¡¯sallmyfault.¡±


    Asshe..nishedspeaking,Lucas¡®expressionbecameevendarker


    andmoreunpleasant.


    Russelmentedcoolly,¡°Suchagoodactress.¡±


    Avelinelookedathim,¡°Youknowhowtospotagoodone?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Alittle.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Judgingbyhowyousayit,youmustbeanexpert.Sotellme,whatshouldIdointhissituation?¡±


    Russellrubbedhischin<b>and</b>said,¡°Inasituationlikethis,nomethodwillwork.Italldependsonwhohefavors.Ifhesupportsyou,itwon¡¯tmatterevenifyoupushedher.But ifhedoesn¡¯t,evenifyoudidn¡¯t pushherandhaveavideoasproof,he¡¯dstillmeyouforavoidingher.¡±


    Avelinegavehimathumbsup.¡°You¡¯reanexpert!¡±


    Shesmiledcheerfully,butshewasalreadyfeelingbitterinside.


    WouldLucassidewithher?


    Theanswerwasdefinitelyno.


    HehadalreadyusedherasashieldtoprotectSophia,sohowcouldhepossiblysidewithher?

 Divorced 85

    Chapter85C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Russelllookedatherandsaidhelplessly,¡°MissYoung,don¡¯tyourealizethesituationyou¡¯rein?Howcanyoustillbesmiling?


    Avelinereplied,¡°So,wouldcryinghelp?¡±


    Russellwasmomentarilyspeechless,andthecasualsmileinhiseyesfadedabit.Thiswomanwasinteresting.


    Lucaswatchedthetwo ofthembanter,hisexpressiongrowingcolderandmoreserious,withachillingaurasurroundinghim.HeturnedtoSophiaandaskedgently,¡°Doyouneedtogotothehospital?¡±


    Sophiashookherhead,¡°No,I¡¯musedtothiskindofpain.ButMissYoung¡¯svideo¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯sfine,¡±Lucassaid,immediatelydialinganumber.¡°ComeinandtakeMissWinterhome.¡±


    Inashortwhile,BrianenteredtheroomandhelpedSophiaup.


    SophialookedatAvelinewithapleadingexpression.¡°MissYoung,it¡¯sallmyfault.Ishouldn¡¯thaveinterferedbetweenyoutwo,butpleasedon¡¯tdoanythingthatcouldharmLucas.It¡¯sbeenreallyhardforhimtogetwhereheistoday.¡±


    BrianshotacoldnceatAveline,wonderingwhatkindoftroublethiswomanwascausingnow.


    Avelinesavedthevideoandthensaid,¡°Thenconvincehimtodivorcemequickly.I¡¯llstayfaraway,andyou¡¯llneverseemeagain.¡±


    Sophiawasstunned.


    So,itwasn¡¯tAvelinewhodidn¡¯twantthedivorce?


    ItwasLucas?


    Whydidn¡¯t hewanttodivorce?


    Hehadclearlypromisedherhewoulddoitsoon!


    Hadhechangedhismind?


    SophiastruggledtostaycalmasBrianhelpedheroutoftheprivate


    room.


    AvelinelookedatRussendgavehimaslightsmile.¡°Mr.Skyler,youcanleavefirst.Ihavesomethingtodiscusswithhim.¡±


    Russellresponded,¡°Icanstayandprotectyou.¡±


    Avelinechuckled.¡°He¡¯snotawildbeast.Hewon¡¯teatme.Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯llbefine.¡±


    Russell,feelingconcerned,said,¡°Ifanythinghappens,callme.I¡¯llbewaiting inthelobbydownstairs.¡±


    Avelineinstinctivelyrefused,¡°There¡¯sreally noneed.¡±


    Russellinsisted,¡°It¡¯ssettledthen.¡±


    Withthat,hegaveLucasancebeforeturningtoleave.


    Ashedid,alookofamusementflickeredinhiseyes.Hehadn¡¯trealizedbeforehowentertainingitcouldbetostiruptrouble.betweenothercouples.


    Thedoortotheprivateroomopenedandclosedagain.AvelineexhaleddeeplyandturnedtoLucas.


    Sheextendedherhandtowardshim.¡°Givemethemoney!¡±


    Lucasstaredatherintensely.¡°Showmethevideoyourecorded.¡±


    Avelinequicklyhidherphonebehindherback.¡°IfIgiveittoyou,you¡¯lljustdeleteit.Lucas,don¡¯t thinkIdon¡¯tknowwhatyou¡¯re


    nning.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±Lucaslookedather.¡°Thentellme,whatdoyouthinkI¡¯mnning?¡±


    Avelinehesitated.¡°Idon¡¯tcarewhatyou¡¯renning,I¡­¡±


    Beforeshecouldfinish,Lucassuddenlygrabbedherwrist,pullinghertowardshimandpinningherdownonhip.


    Avelinewasstartled,¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Lucas¡®slender,attractivehandsgrippedherwaist,holdingherfirmlyonhip,makingitimpossiblefor hertomove.


    ¡°Areyoureallynotcurious?¡±


    Hestaredatherdeeply,hisvoicehoarsewithauniqueroughnessthatmadeherfeeldizzyjustlisteningtoit.


    Avelinesuddenlycalmeddown.¡°IrealizenowthatIcameinatthewrongtime.Ishouldhavewaiteduntilyoutwowereintheheatofthemoment.Wouldn¡¯trecordingthevideothenbemoreconvincing?


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefou<b>you</b>


    COMMENTS

 Divorced 86

    Chapter86


    ¡°Ifeellikesewingyourmouthshutrightnow,¡±Lucassaidquietly.


    Avelineresponded,¡°I¡¯mafraid that¡¯snotpossible.There¡¯sno-¡±


    Beforeshecouldfinish,hisfierykisndedonherlips.Thekisswasurgentandfierceasifhewasventingsomedeepemotion.ItwassointensethatAvelinefoundithardtobreathe.


    Shetriedtopushhimaway,buthegrabbedherwristwithonehandandpinneditbehindherback,pullinghereven closer.


    Seizingthemoment,Avelinebithislip.


    Insteadofstopping,hedeepenedthekiss.


    Shefeltlikeshewasgoingtosuffocate.Wasthismancrazy?Sheregretteingintooearly.Ifshehadwaiteduntiltheyweredone,shewouldn¡¯tbetreatedlikethis.


    Hisslenderfingersslippedunderhershirt,skillfullytracingeverysensitivespotonherbody.Shetrembledandwentlimp.


    Realizingshewasnolongerstruggling,hefinallyreleasedher,buthisnosestilltouchedhers.


    ¡°Aveline,whyare yougettingsoclose toMr.Skyleragain?Doyouknowwhatkindofpersonheis?¡±


    Withhereyesreddenedandfilledwithanger,sheredathim.That¡¯snoneofyourbusiness!¡±


    HecouldembraceSophia,so whycouldn¡¯tshefindsomeoneelse?


    Lucasnarrowedhiseyesdangerously,grabbedherleg,andturnedheraround,makingherstraddlehim.


    Avelineregainedabitofstrengthbutdidn¡¯timmediatelymoveaway.Instead,shelookedathimwithahalf¨Csmile.¡°Lucas,couldit


    seamsa


    Shesmilersigtitsrheton,5??ese


    feel


    Ifzennefind,autwuterightingbesjenny,phi|Naughingstas


    Lucasresponded.Whave


    rainewasspeechless


    Chapter87


    Hesmiledbitte


    auswe¡¯vebeentogetherforayear.Event


    ifyourereadyourmemory,thememoriesfromthepastyea


    and,right?Howcanyounotbelieveme?


    Howcouldthelookatherwithsuchsuspicion


    velsecouldn¡¯tunderstanditnomatterhowlongshethought


    Lucasforastrangeponginhischestandthenasked,¡°Didyou


    eportittothepolice


    Aveline¡¯sconegrewcol


    Lucasbrowremainedtightlyfurrowed.Afteramoment,hesaid,I¡¯llinvestigateit.¡±


    Aveline lookedathim¡°Svoustillrefusetodivorceme?


    Lucasdidn¡¯trespond


    Avelinecontinued,¡°MissWinterlifematters,butminedoesn¡¯t


    Lucaslipspressedintoastraightline.


    Hestaredatherforawhilebeforesaying,¡°Yourlifematterstoo.¡±


    Avelineasked.¡°Thenwhywon¡¯tyoudivorce me?¡±


    Divorce,divorce!Didn¡¯tshehaveanythingelsetosay?Wasshegoingtokeepmentioningdivorce allthetime?


    Lucasfeltinexplicablyirritatedanddepressed.Hisgriponherwaistrightenedunconsciously


    ine¡¯sbodystiffened.¡°Areyoutryingtostrangle


    Lucaslookedatherquietly.¡°DoyouthinkIdon¡¯twant


    Frobab


    Lucassaid,¡°Ifwe¡¯renotdivorcing,weneedtoactlikeit.You¡¯lleitherlivewithmeattheTudorresidence,orI¡¯lllivewithyouatMapleGarden.Pickone.Weneedtomakesurepeopleknowwehaveagoodrtionshipasacouple.¡±


    Avelineprotested,¡°Lotsofcouplesliveseparately.Whydowehavetolivetogether?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Tomakeitconvincingforoutsiders.Thatway<b>,</b>noonewilltroubleSophia.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.Whydidsheevenask?Shewasjuststabbingherselfintheheartwithher ownquestions.


    ¡°Thenarrangesomebodyguardsforme,toprotectmeclosely,¡±Avelinecontinued tosetconditions.


    Noonecaredabouther,soshehadtotakegoodcareofherself.


    Lucassaid,¡°Youcangotoandfromworkwithme.I¡¯llprotectyou.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Idon¡¯ttrustyou.¡±


    Lucaswasspeechlessagain.


    Theatmosphereinthe privateroomgrewcolder,theairthickwithtension,andaninvisiblepressurebegan tospread.


    §¢§°§«§²§¯§°§¡§¬§´


    Chapteran


    uddenlybecame


    Latassaidcoolly,¡°You¡¯venotsonijnyconditions.Nowit¡¯smyturn


    AvelinewidenedheroyesslightHy.Areyouserious?Isn¡¯tusingmeasashieldnotenou


    ough?Nowyouwanttosetconditionstoo?How


    Lucaswasspoochlessagain.Hereallywanted tostrangleher.


    ¡°StayawayfromMr.Skylerfromnowon.


    Avelineresponded,¡°That¡¯simpossible,¡±


    Lucassquintedhiseyesindispleasure,


    Avelineexined,¡°He¡¯smysa


    ¡®smysavionWithouthim,I¡¯dbedeadbynow.So,Lean¡¯tstayawayfromhiminthefuture,ifIgetthechance,Ihavetorepayhim.¡±


    Encasasked,¡°Howwillyourepayhim?Bymarryinghim?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Well¡­ifhewantsto,it¡¯snotoutofthequestion.¡±


    ¡°AveAveline!!cas¡®tonegrewharsher.¡°I¡¯mnotjoking.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressiongraduallycalined,¡°NeitheramI,Lucas.Idon¡¯tthinkyouwantthistogetugly.Eitherdivorcemeoragreetomyconditions.¡±


    Lucasaskedcoldly,¡°Getugly?Whatdoyountodo?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Ihavevideoevidenceandwitnesses.Ifthedivorceturnsintoascandal,itwilliourreputation.Isthatenough?¡±


    AcoldsanileappearedonLancas¡®lips.¡°ThenI¡¯lllockyouupandbreakyourlegsbeforeyoucanfilewsuit.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbreathhitched.Atthismoment,shedidn¡¯tdoubtthetruthofhiswordsatall!


    Ifhereallygotpushedtotheedge,hemightactuallydoit!


    Whatascumbag!


    Avelriedtocalmdownandasked,¡°Lucas,doyouactuallylikeMissWinterornot?¡±


    Ifhelikedher,shouldn¡¯themarryherassoonaspossible?Ifhedidn¡¯t,whywashealwaysprotectingher?Itwasreallyhardtounderstand.


    Lucasreplied,¡°That¡¯snoneofyourbusiness.¡±


    Avelinescoffed,¡°Hah!¡±


    Lucaswasquietagain.Theatmospheregrewtenseoncemore.


    Atthatmoment,Lucas¡®phonerang.HepickeditupandsawitwasacallfromBrian.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    Briansaid,¡°Mr.Tudor,MissWinterhasarrivedhome.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Alrightebacknow,¡±Lucasinstructedandthenhungupthephone.


    Takingadvantageofthemoment,Avelinegotupfromhip,exhaleddeeply,andsaid,¡°Lucas,youhavetoagreetomyconditions.Otherwise,ifIwalkawayfrom this,youwon¡¯tfind


    anotherlikeme.¡±


    Withthat,sheturnedandleft.


    Thistime,Lucasdidn¡¯tstopher.


    Lucaswatchedherslenderfigureleave,thedeepdarknessinhis


    272


    eyesgraduallyspreadinglikeanunfathomableabyss.


    WhenBrianentered,hesawLucaswithacigarettebetweenhisfingers,smokecurlingandrisingfromhishand.Lucaslookedup,hisgazeicy.¡°Brian,youhavealotofnerve.¡±


    Brianstiffenedandloweredhishead,remainingsilent.


    Lucasstoodupandwalkedover,kickingBrianinthebackofhisknees,forcinghimtokneel.


    ¡°Whatdidyoufindoutthatnight?¡±Lucaslookeddownathim,hispresenceradiatingacold,oppressiveaura.


    Brianknelt,hisbackstraight.¡°Mr.Tudor,MissWinterlostalegforyou.Whenyouwereunconscious,sheendured thepaintotakecareofyou.Later,whenyouwentmissing,shekeptsearchingforyou.Youcan¡¯tbetrayher!¡±


    Lucas¡®voicegrewcolder.¡°I¡¯maskingyou,whatdidyoufindoutthatnight?¡±

 Divorced 87

    Chapter87BrianfelttheicychillemanatingfromLucas.Hesitationandstrugglefilledhisgaze,but heremainedsilent.


    Lucaslookedathimcoldly.¡°Won¡¯tspeak,huh?Thenyoucanfuckoffandnevershowyourfacetome again<i>!!</i>


    ¡°MrTudor!¡±Brianeximedinpanic.Lucashadsavedhislifeandwashisbenefactor,andBrianhadsworntofollowhimfortherestofhislife,


    Briangrittedhisteethandsaid,¡°LalsofoundoutthatMissYoungwasbeingfollowedby<i>a</i>man.Sheranoutandwasdraggedintoasmallgrovebyhim.Later,Mr.Skylerappearedandsavedher.<i>¡±</i>


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Assoonasthewordsfell,apudeddirectlyonBrian¡¯sface,knockinghimtotheground.


    Enduringthepain,hehurriedlygotbackintoakneelingposition.


    Lucasgrabbedhiscor.¡°Whogaveyoutheguts?¡±


    So,itwastrue!


    Avelinereallyhadghroughallthat!Andwhathadhedone?


    Aftershenarrowlyescapeddeath,hehadsaidthoseburtfulthingstoher!HeevenmisunderstoodherrtionshipwithRussell!


    Anendlessrageburnedinhischest,yethis aura grewcolderandmorefrigid.HiseyesevenhadahintofredasscenesfromthepastyearwithAvelinereyedinhismind.


    Themorehethoughtaboutit,thestrongerthe indescribableemotionandstabbingpaininhisheartbecame.


    ColdsweatformedonBrian¡¯sforehead.¡°<i>Mr.</i>Tudor,Ijustwantyou


    andMissWintertobealright¡­¡±


    ¡°Myaffairsarenoneofyourbusiness,¡±Lucassaidcoldly,hisauraradiatinganintensechill.


    HereleasedBrian,stoodup,andsaidindifferently,¡°Brian,sinceyouliketoactonyourown,youdon¡¯tneedtofollowme anymore.¡±


    Withthat,hestrodepastBrianwithoutlookingback.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor!¡±Brian¡¯seyeswidenedashe watchedLucas¡®departingfigure.ButLucashadnointentionofpayingattentiontohim.


    Brianwasstunned.


    Whathadhedonewrong?


    Didn¡¯tLucascarealotforSophia?


    Aveline¡¯spresencewasjustanident,andgettingridofhershouldsolveeverything,sowhywasLucassoangry?


    Briancouldn¡¯tleaveLucas,butwithLucasfurious,hedidn¡¯tknowwhattodo.Takingouthisphone,hedialedanumber,¡°Mr.Fletcher,canyouhelpme?¡±


    Ateasinughcamefromtheotherendoftheline.¡°Well,well,fromthesoundofit,you¡¯vefallenoutoffavor?Howdelightful!Usually,youweretheonemosttrustedbyLucas,lookingdownoneveryone.Nowyou¡¯vebeencastasideandarefacingbacsh?¡±


    ¡°Mr.Fletcher,I¡¯mnotjoking.¡±


    AaronFletcheughedwithoutholding back.¡°NeitheramI.Butwhyhaveyoufallenoutoffavor?Tellmethestory.It¡¯llmakemyday.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Brianfeltfrustrated.Hewantedtohangup.


    Briantookadeepbreath,exhaled,andthenexinedwhathadhappened.


    Aaronwasloutforamoment.Plonhe said,¡°Brian,you¡¯rearealblockhead.It¡¯samiracleyou¡¯vemanagedtostaybyLucas<i>¡®</i>sideforsomanyyears!¡±


    Brianfrowned.¡°HowamIablockhead?¡±


    Aaronreplied,¡°Whoelsecouldbesuchablockdhead?Thisisalifeor


    deathsituation,andyouhid12matterwhat¡¯shappeningbetweenLucasandSophia,MissYoungtookcareofLucaswhenhehadamnesia.Youshouldn¡¯thavedonewhatyoudid!¡±


    F

 Divorced 88

    Chapter 8890Brianfroze.Ashethoughtcarefully,awaveofshamewashedover


    him.


    Ayearago,whenLucassuddenlydisappeared,theentireTudor.familywasinturmoil.Lucas¡®formersubordinatessearchedeverywherebutcouldn¡¯tfindhim.


    GivenLucas¡®conditionatthetime,anyonewhowantedtoharmhimcouldhavedonesoeasily.


    Later,LucascontactedBrian,revealingwhathislifehadbeenlikeoverthepastyear.


    ItwasAvelinewhohadtakenLucasin.


    AvelinehadsavedLucas.


    SophiahadalsohelpedLucas.


    However,BrianhadonlyrememberedwhatSophiadidandforgottenaboutAveline¡¯sgoodwill.


    Heraisedhishandandppedhimselfontheface.¡°Iwaswrong.¡±


    Aaronsaid,¡°Tellingmewon¡¯thelp.YouneedtoapologizetoMissYoung.Ifsheforgivesyou,thenLucaswouldforgiveyoutoo.¡±


    ¡°Alright,Iunderstand!¡±Briansaidandthenhungupabruptly.


    Aaron,leftholdingthephone,muttered,¡°Hey,Iwasn¡¯tfinished¡­¡±


    Shakinghishead,heclickedhistongue,thinking,¡°Whatablockhead!¡±


    AvelinereturneddirectlytoMapleGarden.


    lespaciousapartmentfeltempty.


    Sittingonthesofa,shestarednklyahead,feelingherheartsink,


    likefallingintoanabyss.Coldanddarknessenvelopedher.


    Justthen,herphonevibrated.


    Shepickeditupandsawatransferofonemilliondors.


    Shewasstunned.


    ThesenderwasLucas.


    Hadheagreedtoherconditions?Hehadrefused<b>before</b>.Whyhadhesuddenlyagreed?


    Hereallycouldn¡¯tunderstandhimatall!


    The moneywasinherhands,butshecouldn¡¯tfeelhappyaboutit.Hewasbuyingherlifewiththismoney.Byeptingtheonemilliondors,itfeltasifshehadsoldherlifetoLucas,whowoulduseherasashieldforSophia..


    Howtragic!Itwastrulytragic!


    Howhadherlifetothis?


    Avelookadeep breathandsentamessagetoSelena,¡°Wannagrabadrink?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Let¡¯sgo!¡±


    Theywenttotheirusualbarbecuespotandorderedabunch oftheirfavoriteskewers.


    Selenaaskedwithconcern,¡°Howareyou?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯mamillionairenow.¡±


    Selenawastakenaback.¡°Tellmemore.¡±


    Avelook<b>a</b>sipofbeer,smiled,andrecountedtheevents.


    AsSelenalistened,herfistsclenchedinanger.


    ¡°MybeautifulAveispriceless.Howdarethatscumbagthinkhecanbuy yourlifeforamilliondors?I¡¯veseenshamelesspeople,butneveranyhisshameless!¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes,hereallyisapieceoftrash!¡±


    Selenasuggested,¡°Whydon¡¯tyourunaway?I¡¯lltakeyouabroad.Imightnothavemuchinfluencehere,butIcanhelpyouoncewe¡¯reoverseas<b>.</b>LucasiscaughtupintheTudorfamilyissues,andhewon¡¯tbeabletotrouble youifyouleavethecountry!¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Avelinepropped herfingersagainstthecornerofhereyes.¡°Ifyou¡¯vemuchmorepoweroverseas,thenwhyareyouhere?Selena,your situationisn¡¯tmuchbetterthanmine.¡±


    Selenafellsilentforamomentbefore raisingherss. ¡°Ourlivesaretough,myfriend.Comeon,let¡¯sdrink!¡±


    ¡°Cheers!¡±


    Afterafewdrinks,Avelinewastipsy,hereyeshalf¨Cclosed,hercheeksflushed,andshestaggeredasshewalked.¡°I¡¯mfine.Icanstilldrink.Bringmeanotherroundofbeer¡­¡±


    SelenawasalsoabitmuddledbutinbettershapethanAveline.Shesupportedherfriend,¡°Ave¡­let¡¯sgohomeanddrink.¡±


    Shebangedonthetable,calledtheownertosettlethebill,andthen.helpedAvelineout.


    However,theywerebeingwatchedbyafewburlymen.


    Astheyreachedtheroadsidetohacab,themensurroundedthem.


    ¡°Hey,beautifudies<b>,</b>whycacab?Letusgiveyouaride.You¡¯regoingtoloveridingwithus!¡±

 Divorced 89

    Chapter89


    However,theprosoffanlymanchealthichwayagain


    ¡°Heybeautiful,we¡¯llne


    You¡¯llhaveagoodtime!


    withthat,theyreachedouttograbBebonaandAveline


    ¡®tbackoft,Pllcallthepredicat


    grabbedSelenaand Avaline,draggingthemtrwand


    Selenastruggled,butshewasnon


    butshewasnomatchforthestrongmenshewasquicklydraggedtothecarAvelinebareleciom,wasstumblingandabouttofall


    Atthatmoment,someonerushedoffer,tickingthemanholding


    Avelineandpunchinganotherof


    binganotherandinthetareinjustafewmover,


    hehadtakendowntwooftheburlynon


    Theotherswerestummed.Selenai


    advantageofdietsurpriseto


    breakfreeandrumtoAveline,holdingherchac


    Brian,withastorm


    Selenastanumerod,¡°Ookay.¡±


    nom


    Thegroupofnewgatheredtogether,eachlookingfierceandready


    tofight.


    Youpunk,youlookingtodie¡±


    ISMONUS


    Briandidn¡¯twastewords.Innotime,hehadthemenlyingontheground.


    ¡°Who¡¯slookingtodie?¡±


    ¡°We¡­weare!Pleasespareus!¡±


    Theburlymenimmediatelybeggedformercy,theireyesfilledwithfearastheylookedatBrian.


    BrianwithdrewhisgazeandapproachedAvelineandSelena.¡°It¡¯salltakencareof.Youcangohomenow.¡±


    Selenanodded.¡°Thankyou.What¡¯syourname?¡±


    ¡°BrianCooper,¡±hereplied,hiseyesfallingonthedrunkenAveline,hisbrowfurrowing.


    ¡°Wheredoyoulive?Icantakeyouhome.¡±


    Selenabecamewary.¡°Noneed.We¡¯lljusttakeacab.¡±


    Briandidn¡¯tinsist.SelenahelpedAvelineintoataxi,whileBriangotintohiscarandfollowedthem.


    Thetaxidrivernoticedandcouldn¡¯thelpbuttease,¡°Miss,didyouhaveafightwithyourboyfriend?He¡¯sbeenfollowingusthewholetime.¡±


    Selenawastakenaback.SheturnedtolookandindeedsawBriandrivingbehindthem,keepingasteadydistance.


    Shebecameevenmorecautious,thinking,¡°Whoisthisguy?Whyishefollowingus?Couldhebewiththoseburlymen?¡±


    SelenaquicklygavetheaddressofMapleGarden.


    Originally,shennedtotakeAvelinehome,butafterthinkingitover,sherealizedherhomewasn¡¯tassafeasMapleGarden.Thesecuritytherewastop¨Cnotch,andBrianprobablycouldn¡¯tgetin.


    ThetaxistoppedattheentranceofMapleCiarden.


    Sincetaxisweren¡¯tallowedinside,SelenahelpedAvelineout


    TheguardrecognizedAvelineandimmediatelysmiled,¡°Oh,MissYoungisback.Canyoumanageonyouown,ordoyouneedhelp?¡±


    Selenaresponded,¡°Thatwouldbegreat,thankyou.¡±


    Theguardreplied,¡°Noproblem.¡±


    Soon, twostaffmemberscameovertohelpSelenaandAvelineuptothe31stfloor.


    Onceinside,Selenafinallybreathedasighofrelief,


    Afterseeingoffthestaff,SelenalookedatthedrowsyAvelineonthebedanydownbesideher.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ave,I¡¯mexhausted,¡±


    Avelurnedover.¡°Ifyou¡¯retired,justsleep,Goodnight.¡±


    Selenawasspeechless,

 Divorced 90

    Chapter90Brianfroze.Ashethoughtcarefully,awaveofshamewashedover


    him.


    Ayearago,whenLucassuddenlydisappeared,theentireTudor.familywasinturmoil.Lucas¡®formersubordinatessearchedeverywherebutcouldn¡¯tfindhim.


    GivenLucas¡®conditionatthetime,anyonewhowantedtoharmhimcouldhavedonesoeasily.


    Later,LucascontactedBrian,revealingwhathislifehadbeenlikeoverthepastyear.


    ItwasAvelinewhohadtakenLucasin.


    AvelinehadsavedLucas.


    SophiahadalsohelpedLucas.


    However,BrianhadonlyrememberedwhatSophiadidandforgottenaboutAveline¡¯sgoodwill.


    Heraisedhishandandppedhimselfontheface.¡°Iwaswrong.¡±


    Aaronsaid,¡°Tellingmewon¡¯thelp.YouneedtoapologizetoMissYoung.Ifsheforgivesyou,thenLucaswouldforgiveyoutoo.¡±


    ¡°Alright,Iunderstand!¡±Briansaidandthenhungupabruptly.


    Aaron,leftholdingthephone,muttered,¡°Hey,Iwasn¡¯tfinished¡­¡±


    Shakinghishead,heclickedhistongue,thinking,¡°Whatablockhead!¡±


    AvelinereturneddirectlytoMapleGarden.


    lespaciousapartmentfeltempty.


    Sittingonthesofa,shestarednklyahead,feelingherheartsink,


    likefallingintoanabyss.Coldanddarknessenvelopedher.


    Justthen,herphonevibrated.


    Shepickeditupandsawatransferofonemilliondors.


    Shewasstunned.


    ThesenderwasLucas.


    Hadheagreedtoherconditions?Hehadrefused<b>before</b>.Whyhadhesuddenlyagreed?Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hereallycouldn¡¯tunderstandhimatall!


    The moneywasinherhands,butshecouldn¡¯tfeelhappyaboutit.Hewasbuyingherlifewiththismoney.Byeptingtheonemilliondors,itfeltasifshehadsoldherlifetoLucas,whowoulduseherasashieldforSophia..


    Howtragic!Itwastrulytragic!


    Howhadherlifetothis?


    Avelookadeep breathandsentamessagetoSelena,¡°Wannagrabadrink?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Let¡¯sgo!¡±


    Theywenttotheirusualbarbecuespotandorderedabunch oftheirfavoriteskewers.


    Selenaaskedwithconcern,¡°Howareyou?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯mamillionairenow.¡±


    Selenawastakenaback.¡°Tellmemore.¡±


    Avelook<b>a</b>sipofbeer,smiled,andrecountedtheevents.


    AsSelenalistened,herfistsclenchedinanger.


    ¡°MybeautifulAveispriceless.Howdarethatscumbagthinkhecanbuy yourlifeforamilliondors?I¡¯veseenshamelesspeople,butneveranyhisshameless!¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes,hereallyisapieceoftrash!¡±


    Selenasuggested,¡°Whydon¡¯tyourunaway?I¡¯lltakeyouabroad.Imightnothavemuchinfluencehere,butIcanhelpyouoncewe¡¯reoverseas<b>.</b>LucasiscaughtupintheTudorfamilyissues,andhewon¡¯tbeabletotrouble youifyouleavethecountry!¡±


    Avelinepropped herfingersagainstthecornerofhereyes.¡°Ifyou¡¯vemuchmorepoweroverseas,thenwhyareyouhere?Selena,your situationisn¡¯tmuchbetterthanmine.¡±


    Selenafellsilentforamomentbefore raisingherss. ¡°Ourlivesaretough,myfriend.Comeon,let¡¯sdrink!¡±


    ¡°Cheers!¡±


    Afterafewdrinks,Avelinewastipsy,hereyeshalf¨Cclosed,hercheeksflushed,andshestaggeredasshewalked.¡°I¡¯mfine.Icanstilldrink.Bringmeanotherroundofbeer¡­¡±


    SelenawasalsoabitmuddledbutinbettershapethanAveline.Shesupportedherfriend,¡°Ave¡­let¡¯sgohomeanddrink.¡±


    Shebangedonthetable,calledtheownertosettlethebill,andthen.helpedAvelineout.


    However,theywerebeingwatchedbyafewburlymen.


    Astheyreachedtheroadsidetohacab,themensurroundedthem.


    ¡°Hey,beautifudies<b>,</b>whycacab?Letusgiveyouaride.You¡¯regoingtoloveriding

 Divorced 91

    withthat,theyreachedouttograbBebonaandAveline


    ¡®tbackoft,PllcallthepredicatThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    grabbedSelenaand Avaline,draggingthemtrwand


    Selenastruggled,butshewasnon


    butshewasnomatchforthestrongmenshewasquicklydraggedtothecarAvelinebareleciom,wasstumblingandabouttofall


    Atthatmoment,someonerushedoffer,tickingthemanholding


    Avelineandpunchinganotherof


    binganotherandinthetareinjustafewmover,


    hehadtakendowntwooftheburlynon


    Theotherswerestummed.Selenai


    advantageofdietsurpriseto


    breakfreeandrumtoAveline,holdingherchac


    Brian,withastorm


    Selenastanumerod,¡°Ookay.¡±


    nom


    Thegroupofnewgatheredtogether,eachlookingfierceandready


    tofight.


    Youpunk,youlookingtodie¡±


    ISMONUS


    Briandidn¡¯twastewords.Innotime,hehadthemenlyingontheground.


    ¡°Who¡¯slookingtodie?¡±


    ¡°We¡­weare!Pleasespareus!¡±


    Theburlymenimmediatelybeggedformercy,theireyesfilledwithfearastheylookedatBrian.


    BrianwithdrewhisgazeandapproachedAvelineandSelena.¡°It¡¯salltakencareof.Youcangohomenow.¡±


    Selenanodded.¡°Thankyou.What¡¯syourname?¡±


    ¡°BrianCooper,¡±hereplied,hiseyesfallingonthedrunkenAveline,hisbrowfurrowing.


    ¡°Wheredoyoulive?Icantakeyouhome.¡±


    Selenabecamewary.¡°Noneed.We¡¯lljusttakeacab.¡±


    Briandidn¡¯tinsist.SelenahelpedAvelineintoataxi,whileBriangotintohiscarandfollowedthem.


    Thetaxidrivernoticedandcouldn¡¯thelpbuttease,¡°Miss,didyouhaveafightwithyourboyfriend?He¡¯sbeenfollowingusthewholetime.¡±


    Selenawastakenaback.SheturnedtolookandindeedsawBriandrivingbehindthem,keepingasteadydistance.


    Shebecameevenmorecautious,thinking,¡°Whoisthisguy?Whyishefollowingus?Couldhebewiththoseburlymen?¡±


    SelenaquicklygavetheaddressofMapleGarden.


    Originally,shennedtotakeAvelinehome,butafterthinkingitover,sherealizedherhomewasn¡¯tassafeasMapleGarden.Thesecuritytherewastop¨Cnotch,andBrianprobablycouldn¡¯tgetin.


    ThetaxistoppedattheentranceofMapleCiarden.


    Sincetaxisweren¡¯tallowedinside,SelenahelpedAvelineout


    TheguardrecognizedAvelineandimmediatelysmiled,¡°Oh,MissYoungisback.Canyoumanageonyouown,ordoyouneedhelp?¡±


    Selenaresponded,¡°Thatwouldbegreat,thankyou.¡±


    Theguardreplied,¡°Noproblem.¡±


    Soon, twostaffmemberscameovertohelpSelenaandAvelineuptothe31stfloor.


    Onceinside,Selenafinallybreathedasighofrelief,


    Afterseeingoffthestaff,SelenalookedatthedrowsyAvelineonthebedanydownbesideher.


    ¡°Ave,I¡¯mexhausted,¡±


    Avelurnedover.¡°Ifyou¡¯retired,justsleep,Goodnight.¡±


    Selenawasspeechless,

 Divorced 92

    Chapter92


    WhenAvelinewokeup,shefeltsomethingheavyonherbody.Startled,shequicklyturnedtoseewhatitwas.SeeingthatitwasjustSelena¡¯slegdrapedoverher,shebreathedasighofrelief.


    Foramoment,shethoughtitwasLucas¡­


    Shakingherhead,shewonderedwhyshewasthinkingaboutthatscumbag.MovingSelena¡¯slegaside,shegotupto wash.


    Aftermakingasimplebreakfast,shecalledSelenatogetup.


    Selenagroggilysatup,staredatherforamoment,andthensuddenlyasked,¡°Doyourememberwhathappenestnight?¡±


    Avelinewaspuzzled.¡°Whathappenestnight?¡±


    Yawning,Selenagotoutofbedandstartedtellingherabouttheeventsofthepreviousnight.


    ¡°BrianCooper?¡±


    Avelinepausedafterhearingthename.Shedidn¡¯tknowthisperson.


    Selenasaid,¡°MaybehereallywasjustagoodSamaritanwhosawusintroubleandsteppedintohelp.Ifweseehimagain,weshouldthankhim.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,you¡¯reright.¡±Avelinenodded.


    Theyatebreakfastandleftthehousetogether.Totheirsurprise,theyencounteredthegoodSamaritanattheentranceofthplex.


    Mr.Cooper?¡±Selena,withhersharpeyes,spottedhimandcalledC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    out.


    Brianlookedover,hisgazefixedintentlyonAveline¡¯sface.


    Selenaimmediatelygaveameaningfulsmile.¡°Ave,itlookslike


    you¡¯vegotyourselfalittlepuppy!¡±


    Avelinenudgedherandthenwalkedup<b>to</b>Brian.¡°Iheardaboutwhathappenestnight.Thankyou.¡±


    <b>Brian</b>responded, ¡°Noneedtothankme.Itwastherightthingtodo.¡±


    Aveline<b>smiled</b>.¡°Whether itwasright<b>or</b><b>not</b>,youdidn¡¯thavetohelpus.So,Istill wanttothankyou.¡±


    Brianinsisted,¡°Itwastherightthingtodo.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s<b>smile</b>becameabitstiff.<b>¡°Uh</b>¡­okay,thankyou.HowabourItreatyoutolunch?Areyoufreethisafternoon?


    ¡°Noneed,¡±Brianrefusedherdirectly,lookingintentlyather.¡°Imadeamistakebefore.<b>I¡¯m</b>sorry.Pleaseforgiveme!¡±


    He thenbowedtoAveline.


    Startled,Avelinejumpedback,hidingbehindSelena.


    Selenawasconfused.¡°<b>Uh</b>¡­doyouknowourAve?!!


    ¡°Yes,<b>¡±</b><b>Brian</b>nodded.


    AvelineandSelenaexchangednces.


    Avelinesaid,¡°ButIdon¡¯tknowyou¡®


    ¡°I¡¯mBrianCooper<b>,</b>¡±hesaid.


    Avelinewastakenaback.¡°What?¡±


    Shethoughthewascrazy,soshewantedtoleavequickly.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Uh</b>¡­Ineedtogettowork.Goodbye!¡±


    Avelinehadpreviouslybeenstalkedandharmedbyamysteriousman,makingherverywaryofstrangers.


    SeeingthatBrianseemedabitoff,shenaturallydidn¡¯twanttotalk


    +15BONUS


    tohimmuch.ShegrabbedSelenaandleftquickly.


    Brianwatchedherback,frowninginconfusion.Washisapologynot.sincereenough?


    ALDKGroup.


    AssoonasAvelinewalkedin,thephoneonherdeskrang.Shepickeditup.¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°MissYoung,pleasetothepresident¡¯soffice.¡±ItwasDesmond¡¯svoice.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Notime.¡±Thenshehungupthephone.


    Desmondwasspeechless.Hestoodbyhisdesk,cautiouslyncing


    atLucas.


    Thephone hadbeenonspeaker,andLucasheardAveline¡¯scurtresponseclearly.Aveinthrobbedonhistemple.Suddenly,hestoodupandwalkedout.


    Desmondfollowedhim,unabletohelpbutthinkthatAvelinewastrulybrave.Evenwithherountfrozen,shestillstooduptoLucas,likethis<b>.</b>

 Divorced 93

    Chapter93


    Avelinehad justsatdownatherdeskandturnedonheputerwhenthechattingaroundhersuddenlyquieteddown.SheturnedherheadinconfusionandimmediatelysawLucasstandingbesideher.


    Herexpressionfroze.¡°Mr.Tudor,doyouneedsomething?¡±


    Lucaslookedintentlyatherfaceandsaid,¡°Yes,followme.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Okay.¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    WhenDesmondcalled,shesaidshewastoobusy.ButnowthatLucascameinperson,shesuddenlyhadtime?


    Lucas¡¯smouthtwitchedinannoyance.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    AvelinefollowedhimtotheCEO¡¯soffice.Desmondncedather,hislookfullofdissatisfaction,butAvelinepretendednottonotice<b>.</b>


    InsidetheCEO¡¯soffice,Avelinelooked atLucaswithankexpression.¡°Whatdoyouneed,Mr.Tudor?¡±


    Lucaskeptlookingatherface.Hisexpressionremainedcoldanddignified.¡°Iknowwhathappenedthatnight.Icanagreetoallyourconditions<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡±Avelinerespondedwithoutanyemotion,


    Lucasraisedaneyebrow.¡°What¡¯swiththatreaction?¡±


    Avelinerep.d,¡°Whatreactiondoyouexpect,Mr.Tudor?DoyouthinkIshouldbegratefultoyouforspendingmoneytobuymylife?¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Itreallywasunnecessarytocallherin.


    Theofficefellintoaneeriesilence.


    Afteralongpause,AvelinelookedatLucas.¡°Mr.Tudor,ifthere¡¯snothingelse,I¡¯llbegoingnow.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡±Lucasrespondedcoldly.


    Avelurnedandleftwithoutahintofhesitation.Lucasreached


    uptopinchthebridgeofhisnose,hisexpressiongrowingevendarker.


    AssoonassheexitedtheCEO¡¯soffice,Desmondspokeup.¡°MissYoung,didIdosomethingtodispleaseyou?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±Avelinelookedathiminconfusion.¡°Whatareyoutalkingabout?¡±


    Desmondkeptquiet.


    Washeoverthinkingit?Hemustbeoverthinkingit,right?WhydiditfeellikeAvelinewasinsultinghimwiththatremark?


    Desmondcouldn¡¯thelplookingratherupset,headded,¡°Miss.Young,whydidyousayyouwerebusywhenIcalledyouearlier?¡±


    Avelineblinked.¡°BecauseIreallywasbusy.¡±


    Desmondwasspeechless.


    Avelinewaitedamoment,andwhenhedidn¡¯tsayanythingfurther,sheadded,¡°Ifthere¡¯snothingelse,I¡¯llbegoingnow.¡±


    WithoutwaitingforDesmond¡¯sreaction,sheturnedandwalked


    away


    Avelingreturnedtoherdesk,momentarilystunned.Heknewwhathappenedthatnight,sowhat?


    Hehadn¡¯tapologizedtoher.Hehadmedherwithoutasinglewordofapology,brushingitoffasifitwerenothing.


    ¨CSONS


    Wasshestillexpectinghimtosaysomethingmeaningful?Ha!


    Avelinescoffedinwardly.


    Clearly,inhiseyes,shemeantnothingatall.


    Shemadeaboldguessandthoughtsheprobablywasn¡¯tevenworthastrandofSophia¡¯shair.


    Closinghereyesbriefly, shepushedthosechaoticthoughtsawayandimmersedherselfinherwork.


    Atnoon,sherememberedthepackageshehadforgottenearlierafterRussellreminded her.Thepackageshouldcontainhisclothes.Howshouldshewashsuchexpensiveclothes?


    Avelineopenedthepackageandsawtheslightlywrinkledshirtandsuitjacket.Shetookoutherphoneandstartedsearchingonline.


    Afterfindingtherightwaytocleanthem,shecarefullypackedtheclothestowashthemproperlyathome.


    Intheafternoon,afterclockingout,shetooktheelevatordown.Astheelevatordoorsopened,shesawLucas standinginside,tand.handsome,hisgazefixedintentlyonherface.


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    Avelinehesitatedforamomentbuteventuallywalkedover.


    Insidetheelevator,therewereonlyLucasandDesmond.


    Avelinesteppedin,andDesmondinstinctivelymovedto thecorner.


    Avelineloweredhereyesslightly,tryingtoignorethestrong,coldauranexttoher.Theelevatorwasquiet,withafaintchilly


    atmospherecircting.


    Whentheelevatordoorsopened,Avelinedidn¡¯trushout.ShewaitedforLucastoexitfirst.Butsinceshedidn¡¯tmove,Lucasdidn¡¯teither.


    Whatwasgoingon?


    Desmond,standinginthecorner,feltlikehewantedtodisappearintothegroundashethought,¡°Mr.Tudor,MissYoung,ifyoutwodon¡¯tleave,howcanI?Can¡¯tyoutalkoutside?Whyupythe


    elevator?¡±


    JustasDesmond¡¯smentaldefenseswereabouttocopse,Lucasfinallyspoke,¡°Aren¡¯tyougoinghome?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Iam.Yougoahead,Mr.Tudor.I¡¯mnotinahurry.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Mm,ifyou¡¯renotinahurry,neitheramL.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelinewasspeechlessandwondered,¡°What¡¯swrongwiththisguy?


    Desmondalsokeptquiet,sharingthesamethoughtsasAveline.


    Theelevat<b>doors</b>wereslowlyclosing.NotwantingtowasteanymoretimevelinesqueezedpastLucas,tryingtoleave.ButLucas.grabbedherwrist,hiscold,narroweyendingonDesmond¡¯sface.


    Desmondstiffenedandquicklysidesteppedoutoftheelevator.Onceoutside,heimmediatelyfeltlikehecouldbreatheeasier.


    +18BONUS


    Avelinefrowned.¡°What¡¯sthemeaningofthis?¡±


    Lucaslookedather,hisdeepvoicesmoothandcaptivating.¡°HaveyouthoughtaboutwhatIsaid?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Whatthing?¡±


    ¡°Livingtogether,¡±Lucassaid.


    ¡°That¡¯snotgoingtohappen,¡±Avelineresponded.


    Hewantedherlifeandherbody?Howcouldhethinkhecouldhaveeverything?Hemustbedreaming.


    Lucas¡¯sbrowfurrowed.¡°Butifwedon¡¯tlivetogether,what¡¯sthepointofmaintainingthisrtionship?¡±


    ¡°Thenlet¡¯sgetadivorce,¡±Avelineretorted.


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Hisbreathinggrewheavier.


    Theelevatordoorsslowlyclosedagain.


    Avelookadeepbreath.¡°Mr.Tudor,Ineedtogohomeandhavemydinner.Canyouletgoofmyhand?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Coincidentally,Ineedtohavemydinnertoo.¡±


    Avelinughedinexasperation.¡°Thengo!Whyareyouholdingontome?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Sincewebothneedtohaveourdinner.Whynoteattogethe


    Avelinewasspeechlessandshewantedtosay,¡°Eattogether,myfoot!¡±


    Sheforcefullyshookoffhishandandwalkedoutwithankexpression.


    +15BONUS


    Lucasstaredatherslenderback,hiseyesdarkening.


    Justthen,hisphonerang.HecheckedthecallerID;itwasSophia.


    ¡°Yes?¡±heanswered.


    Sophia¡¯sgentlevoicecamethrough.¡°Lucas,haveyoufinishedwork?


    ¡°Yes,whatisit?¡±Lucasaskedcoolly.


    Sophiasaid,¡°Imadesomeofyourfavoritedishes.Doyouwantteoverfordinner?Also,Iwanttotalktoyouaboutsomething.¡±Lucas¡¯seyesdarkenedfurther.Afterapause,hesaid,¡°Okay.¡±Sophia¡¯svoicesoundedmorecheerful.¡°Great,I¡¯llwaitforyou!¡±


    Afterhangingup,Sophialookedatthetablefilledwithfoodandsmiled.Noticingheroutfit,shefeltdissatisfiedandreturnedtoherbedroom¡¯sdressingroom.Aftermuchdeliberation,shechoseaburgundyV¨Cnecklongdressandputiton.


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    Seeinghergracefulfigureinthemirror,Sophiasmiledinsatisfaction.However,whenhergazefellonherprostheticleg,ashofdisgustcrossedhereyes.


    Shehadgivenupsomuchtobewith Lucas.Shehadtomarryhim,andLucascouldonlybehers.


    Lucasarrivedshortlyafter.Sophiaopenedthedoorwithabrightsmile.¡°Lucas,you¡¯rehere.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡±Lucasresponded,steppinginandchanginghisshoes.


    Sophia¡¯seyeslitupwithanticipation,butthroughoutthewholetime,hisgazeneverlingeredonher.Shebitherlipandthenasked,¡±Lucas,doyoulikemynewdress?¡±


    Shetwirledinfrontofhim.Lucas¡®eyesfinallyncedather,butonlybriefly.¡°Whatdidyouwanttotalkabout?¡±


    Sophia¡¯sdisappointment wasevident.Couldn¡¯theseehowmucheffortshehadputintodressingupforhim?Whywashesoindifferent?WashelikethisinfrontofAvelineaswell?


    ¡°Let¡¯seatfirst.We¡¯lltalkafterdinner.¡±Sophiposedherselfandledthewaytothediningroom.


    Lucasfollowedher,hencedbrieflyatherprostheticleg,hisexpressiondarkening.


    Sophia pouredtwossesofredwine,cingoneinfrontofhimandoneforherself.Sittingbesidehim,shesmiledwarmly.¡°Lucas,thankyoufortakingcareofmebefore.Here¡¯stoyou.¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯tpickuphisssandsaidindifferently,¡°Itwasmyduty.¡±


    Sophiabitherlipgently.¡°Havewebeenapartforsolongthatyou¡¯re


    Varneyesturnedsh?¡°Eyrau,haveyoufallensiskounwithslee


    Tungoyou.


    We


    diver


    Thepaidophungrassandident&withhers,


    Thecleansundoftakingviceatent,autinedengundwinnswirledandtowsthetramparadas,mimolingSophia¡¯s


    bonossppactforallinnenabur hopeyoucangrowaC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    poursemendforyoutofaul Munate,


    ¨C????? ??ein sogetclosespain,leThat


    kacaupryssetn06lipstogetdien,moramingshot.


    Sophieandelegyof


    youtallsluce


    withMoung,1ponpou bestgeySirestings.Aubuymying


    deuswearyalsout1,having,youwilkomaysendusedyoutakfondcosponsible


    bueasfrownoel¡°Sophia,talte intermentalitybeyoucu


    overthinkhangs


    That wasthewhygoveringAustine?


    shurBandBarendsteelythatamest?s?wherdudy1watiidedimmane


    Who


    SophusmomenttoquietbangorkeyfoundthatLacesdur

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    SophiadirectlythrewherselfintoLens¡®arms,¡°Lacas,what¡¯sgoingon?I¡¯mscared¡­¡±


    Lucas¡¯sbodystiffenedforamoment.Hegrabbedherarmsandpushedheraway,


    ¡°Itmightbeapowertrip.I¡¯llgocheck,¡±


    Sophiatriedtoclingtohimagain,wantingtoholdhim. ¡°Don¡¯tgo.I¡¯mscared,¡±


    Herperfumewaftedover,lingeringaroundLucas¡®nose.Hisbrowsfurroweddeeply.Hepushedherawayagainandtookouthisphoturnontheshlight.¡°Holdthisandshinesomelightforme.¡±Sophia¡¯sexpressionfroze,butshestilltookthephone,


    Lucaswenttothecircuitbreakerandcheckedit.Sureenough,itwasapowertrip.Heflippedtheswitch,andtheentireroomlitup.


    ¡°It¡¯sfixed.¡±Lucastookhisphonebackfromher,speakinginat


    Lone,


    Sophiabitherlip.Inthestruggle,hernecklinehadlowered,


    revealingaglimpseofhercleavage,ButLucasseemednottonotice,Hepickeduphiscoat.¡°It¡¯te,I¡¯llbegoingnow.Takecare.¡±


    Sophiagrabbedthehemofhiscoat¡°Lucas,I¡¯mscared.Canyoustaywithme?¡±


    Lucasncedatherface,clearlyseeing thefearinhereyes,thenshiftedtoherleg.Hisbreathinggrewdeeperandslower.


    ¡°Alright.¡±Heagreed.


    Sophia¡¯seyesimmediatelylitupwithjoy.Shepulledhimtositinthelivingroom.


    FEME


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Lucas,sit here.I¡¯llgopreparearoomforyou.Ihaveanextrabedroom.Youwon¡¯tbeufortablestayinghere.¡±


    Shethought,¡°Aslongashestays,whoknowswhatmighthappentonight?¡±


    Lucaswatchedherbusyingherself,hisexpressioncalm<b>,</b>andhispresencesilent.


    Soon,Sophiahadtheroomready.Shesmiledandsaid,¡°Lucaseandseeifit¡¯sokay.¡±


    Lucasstoodandwalkedover.


    Sophiafollowedhim,andassoonastheyenteredthebedroom,shesuddenlyhuggedhimfrombehind.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡±


    Lucas¡¯smusclesinstantlytensed.¡°Sophia,whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Sophia¡¯svoicetrembledslightly.¡°Lucas,Ireallymissyou.Youdon¡¯tknowhowhappyIwastoseeyousafe.It¡¯ssogoodthatyou¡¯reokay.¡±


    Shepressed herchestagainsthisback,confidentthatnomancould.ignoreherwhenshe actedlikethat!


    ButLucasfirmlygrabbedherwristandpushedheraway.


    ¡°Thankyouforcaringaboutme,¡±Lucassaid,histonegrowingcolder.¡°Butnowisn¡¯ttherighttime.¡±


    Tears


    wonby


    dupinSophia¡¯seyes.¡°Thenwhenistherighttime?WhydivorceMissYoung?Lucas,haveyou forgottenwhatyouC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    oncetolde?¡±


    Lucas¡®expressionbecameevencolder,hishandsomefacesternandhiseyesfilledwithachill.


    Inthepast,hehadnnedtogetmarried,andSophiahadappeared


    +15BONUS


    attherighttime.


    However,justastheywereabouttosolidifytheirrtionship,hehadacaridentandwentintoa.


    Beforetheident,hehadtoldSophiathathewouldmarryher.


    Lucasclosedhiseyesbriefly.¡°Ihaven¡¯tforgotten,butnowisnottherighttime.¡±


    TearsfellfromSophia¡¯seyes,clearandsparkling,makingherlookpitiful.¡°Sincethat¡¯sthecase, youhavetogivemesomethingtoholdonto,right?¡±


    Lucas¡®gazedarkenedfurther.Justthen,hisphonerang.Hetookitoutandanswered,¡°Speak¡±


    Brian¡¯smuffledvoice camethrough.¡°Mr.Tudor,MissYounghadreportedmetothepolice.

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    AsAvelineexitedthpany,webreathedasighedwhenwhensherealizedLenshadn¡¯tfollowedher,shehadbeengwyconcernedaboutwhatthattroublesomemanmigdone


    Shewalkedtowardsthesubwaystation.ItwasconvenienttotakeThesubwayfromthpanytoMapleGardensinceitwasthebes


    doys


    However,asshetumeder,shenoticedsomeonefamilier


    followingher


    Shepausedandncedback,recognizingthemanwhohadsevehestnightandstrangelyapologizedtoherthismorning


    Howdidheknowwheresheworked?Whywashefollowingher?Whatdidhewant?


    Avelinebecamevigntandquickenedherpacetowardsthesubwaystation.Aftersheswipedhereardandentered,shelookedbackandsawthemanfollowingherinside,


    Herbreathhitchedasshepulledoutherphone,readytocallthepoliceatanymoment,


    Ifhemadeanymoveagainsther,shewoulddefinitelyreporthim!


    Fornow,shecouldn¡¯tbesureifhewasjustgoingthesamewaybycoincidence,


    Throughouttheride,Avelinewasonedge.Whenshereachedthefinalstopandgotout,shelookedbackand,sureenough,sawthemanstillfollowingher.


    Ohno.Whatdidhewant?Whywashestillfollowingher?


    Ifheke,owing,her,shewouldcallthepolice!


    Avelinequickenedherpace,


    -15BONUS


    AslongasshemadeitintoMapleGarden,themanwouldn¡¯tbeabletofollowherin.


    However,justasshewasabouttoenterthplex<b>,</b>sheheardhurriedfootstepsbehindher.


    Rememberingapastincidentwheresomeonehadgrabbedherhairfrombehind,herfaceinstantlyturnedpale.Shespunaroundandshouted,¡°Whyareyoufollowingme?Whatdoyouwant?¡±


    Whilespeaking,shewasalreadydialingthepolice.


    Briandidn¡¯texpecthertoturnaroundsosuddenlyandwasstartled.


    Seeingherpaleface,herealizedhehadscaredher.Hequicklytriedtoexin,¡°Ijustwantedtoapologize,I¡­¡±


    ¡°Hello?Police,someone¡¯sstalkingmeandtrying toharmme!¡±Aveline¡¯srapidwordsinterruptedhimashercall connected.


    ¡°No,I¡¯mnot¡­¡±Brianstammered,instinctivelysteppingforward.


    ¡°Ah!Stayaway!¡±Avelinescreamedandbackedawayseveralsteps,


    Ontheotherendofthecall,thepolicerecognizedtheurgencyandimmediatelyaskedforherlocation.


    Avelineprovideditanddidn¡¯tdaretohangup.


    Brianstoodthere,hisusuallyexpressionlessfacenowshowingcracksoffrustration.Howdidthingsesctetothis?


    Withintenminutes,thepolicearrived.Avelinequicklyranbehind.them,pointingatBrian.¡°It¡¯shim!He¡¯sbeenfollowingme!¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯tmov


    WhenLuc¡­


    rivedatthepolicestation,hefoundBrian being


    detainedandquestioned.SeeingLucas,Brian¡¯sexpressionlookedabitaggrieved.


    Lucas¡¯stonewascold.¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    The policeofficerexined,¡°Thdyisnextdoor.Shedoesn¡¯twanttosettlethisprivately.Areyouhisfriend?Canyouhandleit?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±Lucasreplied,headingtothenextroom.


    Openingthedoor,hesawAvelineholdingacupofwater,sittinginachairwhileafemaleofficergentlyspoketoher.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±Lucaslookedather.


    Avelinelookedup,surprisedtoseehim.¡°Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±


    Shehadn¡¯tcalledhim!Washefollowingher?Couldshereporthimtothe policenowandgetthistroublesomemanlockeduptoo?


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    Thepolicewomanlefttheroom.


    Lucaswalkedoverandstoodinfrontofher,saying,¡°Brianworksforme.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedslightly.¡°Yousenthimtofollowme?Areyouinsane?¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Aveininhistemplethrobbed.Hesaidinadeepvoice,¡°Hemadeamistakethatcausedmetomisunderstandyou,sohecametoapologize.¡±


    Whathedidn¡¯texpectwasthatBrianwouldapologizedirectlytoAvelinewithoutexiningwhohewas.ItwasamiraclethatAvelinehadn¡¯tcalledthepolicetohavehimsenttoamentalhospital.


    Avelineasked,puzzled,¡°Whatdidhedowrong?¡±


    Lucasbrieflyexinedtheeventsofthatnight.Avelinenoddedinunderstanding.¡°Oh.¡±


    Lucaslookedather.¡°Howdoyouwanttohandlethis?¡±


    Avelinesuddenlychuckled.


    Lucasfrowned.¡°What¡¯ssofunny?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Heknewtoapologizeforhismistake.Whataboutyou?¡±


    Lucaspaused,hisAdam¡¯sapplebobbingashiseyesgrewdarkerandmoreunreadable.Thenarrowroomfeltsuddenlysuffocating,withaheavy,oppressiveatmosphere.


    Aveline¡¯sgriponthepapercuptightened,causingittodeformslightly.


    ¡°Sorry¡±


    justwhenshethoughtteres would¡¯ts


    Aline,iwrongly


    usedyou.¡®my


    Heseemedafraidshewouldn¡¯tbego,.


    Avelinefeltaslightrolled,butitwentforaddimagined.Demandinganapologywasfrom


    §á§â§Ú§ß§è§Ú


    ¡°Forget it¡±


    Avelinestoodupandcedthepapercupaside,¡°takeyourpeopledon¡¯tshowupinfrontofmean


    Withthat,shewalkedpasthimandjoi


    Lucaswatchedherintensely.Whenhe steppedoutside,briesbedalready beenreleased,Brianstoodinacorner,lookinglike adwhohaddonesomethingwrong


    Lucasspokecoldly,¡°Ifthishappensagain,don¡¯tbotheing, 20


    ¡°Itwon¡¯thappenagain,¡±Brianquicklyreplied,


    AsLatensexitedthepolicestation,hesawhelinealreadyfordownthestreet.ThepolicestationwasclosetoMapleGarden<i>,</i>and


    wouldtakeherlessthantenminutestowalkhome,


    Lavaswatchedherintentlyuntilshetumederanddisappearedfromview.


    Wan,


    youwi


    Byfollowing,behind,suddenlyasked,¡°Mr.Tudor,do*¡°MissWinter?¡±


    14cas¡®voicewasdeepandmaic,histone calm,¡°Whyareyouso


    Briankeptquiet.


    Alrightthen.


    Hefellsilent,stillpuzzled,unabletounderstandwhatLucasatall.


    AvelinefinallybreathedasighofreliefwhenshereturnedtoMapleGarden.Thepastcoupleofdayshadleftheronedge,affectingherwell¨Cbeing.


    Shehadlostanoticeableamountofweight.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    No,sheneededtomakesomethingdelicioustotreatherself.


    Afteingoutofthekitchen,itwasalreadteatnight.SheturnedontheTV,nningtositonthecarpet,watchavarietyshow,andeat.


    Justthen,herphonesuddenlyvibrated.Shepickeditup,andthecolordrainedfromherface.


    Itwasaphoto¨Cagruesome,bloodyimageofanunidentifiablecorpse,fillingthescreenwithviolenceandgore.Shecoveredhermouthandstartedtodryheave.


    Afterthenauseapassed,achillcrawledupfromherfeet,spreadingthroughherentirebody.


    Whowasit?Whywouldsomeonesendhersuchathing?


    AvelinefoedherselftostaycalmandimmediatelydialedLucas¡®number.


    COMMENTS

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    ¡°Hello?¡±


    LucashadjustreturnedtotheTudorresidencewhenhereceivedAveline¡¯scall.Heansweredalmostimmediately.


    Avelriedtokeephervoicesteady,butahintoftremorslippedthrough.¡°Lucas,whereisthebodyguardyouarrangedforme?Theonewho¡¯ssupposedtoprotectmeclosely?¡±


    Lucasnoticedtheurgencyinhertoneandasked,¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Avelineinsisted,¡°Ineedabodyguardclosetomeatalltimes.<b>¡±</b>


    Lucasreplied,¡°Ifyoudon¡¯ttellmewhathappened,Ican¡¯thelpyou.¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°Idon¡¯tcare.IjustwantabodyguardwhowillimmediatelyappearwheneverIneedhim.¡±


    Lucas¡¯seyesdarkenedwhenhesensedAvelinewasindanger.¡±Alright,I¡¯rrangeit.¡±


    ¡°Doitquickly,¡±Avelinesaidbeforehangingup.


    Somehow,hearinghisvoiceeasedthefearandanxietyinherheart.


    Sheclutchedherphoneandgave<b>a</b>bitteugh.


    Wasshebingdependentonhim?Whatwouldshedoafterthedivorcewithouthim?Howwouldshesurvive?


    Orperhaps¡­shemightnotevenlivetoseethatday.


    Avelinelostherappetite.Thegruesomeimagefromthephotokeptshinginhermind,makinghernauseousevery nowandthen.


    Halfanhouter,thedoorbellrang.


    Startled,Avelinegotupandcautiouslywalkedto thedoor.She


    peeredthroughthepeepholeandwassurprisedtoseewhoitwas.


    +15BONUS


    Sheopenedthedoor.


    ¡°Whyisityou?Where¡¯smybodyguard?¡±


    Lucashadchangedhisclothes,hiscktrenchcoatemphasizinghistall,handsomefigure.Hisdemeanorwasnobleandcold,withdeep,sharpfeatures.


    Hiseyesfixedonherashesuddenlywalkedoverandgrabbedherwrist,pullingherclose.


    ¡°Howclosedoyouwantyourbodyguardtobe?¡±


    Avelinewastakenaback.¡°Notthisclose¡­¡±


    Lucasletgoofherandwalkedinasifitwerehisownhome.¡°Abodyguardcanonlyprotectyoufromoutside,notinside.Yourrequestisimpossibleforthemtofulfill.¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°ThenwhatshouldIdo?Thishouseistoobig.I¡¯mscaredtoliveherealone.¡±


    Lucasturnedtoher.¡°Icandoit.¡±


    Avelinehesitated.¡°Idon¡¯treallywantthat.¡±


    Lucaslookedatherintentlyandasked,¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Avelineexhaledandhandedhimherphone.¡°Seeforyourself.¡±


    Lucastook thephoneandsawthephoto.


    Avelinesatonthesofa.¡°Iwasabouttoeat.NowIcan¡¯tevenhavetheappetite.¡±


    Lucasimmediatelymadeacall.¡°Maria,Ineedyoutoinvestigatesomethi


    Hequicklygavesomeinstructions,thenendedthecandsatbesideAveline.Lookingatthefoodonthecoffeetable,eventhough


    +15BONUS


    hehadalreadyeaten,hesuddenlyfelthungryagain.


    Maybeitwasbecauseithadbeentoolongsincehehadeatenhercooking.


    Theyusedto¡­


    Lucasstoppedhimselffromthinking further.Hegotupandwenttothebathroom.Whenhereturned,hewasholdingasetofutensilsandate.


    Avelinewassurprisedtoseehimcasuallysitdownonthecarpet.Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Youdon¡¯thavetheappetite,butIdo.¡±


    Withthat,hepickedupapieceoffoodwithhisforkandtookabite.Thefamiliartastespreadthroughhismouth,andhequicklytookanotherbite.


    Watchinghimdevourthefood,Avelinequicklysatdownandstartedeatingtoo.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Ifshedidn¡¯teatnow,therewouldn¡¯tbeanythingleft!


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    Lucasncedatherandstartedeatingevenfaster.


    Avelinewidenedhereyesindisbelief.Atthatmoment,she


    Thisfoodwas hers!Allhers!


    Intheend,onlyonechickenwingremainedonthete.


    Quickasash,Avelinegrabbedit,grinningatLucasassheputitinhermouth.


    Lucassetdownhisforkandelegantlywipedhismouthwithanapkin,hiseyessofteningslightly.


    Avelinesavoredthstchickenwing,feelinpletelysatisfied.


    Standingup,shewavedherhand.¡°Lu,youcleanup!¡±


    Shesteppedforward,thensuddenlystopped,staringaheadattheemptyspace,blinkingrapidlytoholdbackasurgeofsadness<b>.</b>


    HadsheforgottenhewasnolongerherLu?


    ¡°Youcameuninvitedandatemyfood,soyoushouldcleanup,¡±shesaidwithoutlookingback,thenwentintothebedroom.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucaswatchedherretreatingfigure,hisgazedarkening.


    Thatoneword,¡°Lu,¡±hadmomentarilytakenhimbacktotheirtimetogether.


    Atthattime,theyhadanarrangement:shecooked,andhewashedthedisheithacleardivisionobor.


    Lookingatthedishesinfront ofhim,Lucas¡®lipspressedintoastraightline.


    you,you


    Copedthewomberisatoolhe


    Megecoll¡°Thatattheametatt¡±


    Mariaviled,¡°Idon¡¯thaveanycases


    2009Stokepunokatsangday,w


    bodeingbacktothecountry


    Beigeshecouldrespondisbeingup


    PRONSINGstorgorderrongsFranadeagHENDIESELDDEADEFULLSSOM,ZATOuzoqsaqpagingIn HoqampardMODADIAPIEN


    thebedroomdooropened.


    Startled,deeximed.¡°Whydidn¡¯tyouknock?¡±


    145201AMJAJNOXPrada,¡°paspot?14.¡°?mpopay?aistori


    Avelineanswered.¡°No.¡±


    ¡°?LIDIG,WITHPAROT,sakaaaq¡°meatorhadeenpanNYNIDODYSSY


    SeppoatesayYAIA?OJPUL


    (?SUGAN.ONDIUNGOappnokav?s1pinoysawell,qSSKON?


    ??INOMNO?OPJOUM


    Lucas¡®voicewaslow.Toprotectyouclosed¡±


    Avelinepause


    leave.


    SPYDISSAononspelopsemeys


    ButLucasdidn¡¯tleave.Instead,hewalkedcloset,startingtotakeoft


    hisclothes.


    Bythetimehisshirtwasoff,Aveline¡¯seyeswidened.¡°Lancas,whatareyoudoing?


    taxasreplied,¡°WhatdoyouthinkI¡¯mdoing?¡±


    Asheapproachedher,Avelinequicklystoodup,waryofhim


    suddenlyforcinghimselfonher.Shencedaround,lookingforsomethingtodefendherselfwith.


    Finally,shegrabbedastraighteningironandpointeditatLucas.¡±Don¡¯eanycloser!¡±


    Lucasnoticedhermoveandafaintsmile appearedonhislips.Hechangeddirectionandheadedstraightforthebathroom.


    Hearingthewaterrunninginside,Avelineremainedonhighalert.Itseemedhewasn¡¯tnningtoleavetonight.

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    He¡­heactuallycameoutwithoutwearinganything!


    Whatapervert!


    Avelinequicklyturned herhead,hurriedtothedressingroom<b>,</b>andgrabbedoneofherbathtowels,throwingitdirectlyathim.


    ¡°Putthis<b>on</b>quickly.Idon¡¯twanttogoblind!¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless<b>.</b>


    Thetowelwaspink,notverybig,justenoughtowraparoundhiswaist.Afterwrappingthelowerhalfofhisbodywiththetowel,Avelookonelookandcouldn¡¯thelpbutburstintughter!


    Shefoundithriousandcouldn¡¯tstoughingatthesightofatallmanwithlongarmsandlegswrappedinapink,tight¨Cfittingtowel.


    Seeinghersmile,Lucas¡®eyessoftenedslightly.


    Hewentstraighttothebed,liftedthecovers,anydown.


    Avelinewasstunned.¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Sleeping.¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°Youcan¡¯tsleephere,thisismyroom!¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Didn¡¯tyouwantsomeoprotectyouclosely<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>


    Thiswasconsideredcloseenough<b>,</b>right?


    ThesmileonAveline¡¯sfacegraduallyfaded,hertonegrowingcold.¡±Lucas,thisisn¡¯tfunny.¡±


    Lucasuttered,¡°Oh.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shefeltanoverwhelmingsense offelplessnessasifhereffortsweresinkingintoavoid.


    Sheturnedtoleave.


    ¡°Whereareyougoing?¡±Lucas¡®dey,maicvolersoundedfrom


    behind


    Avelinereplied,¡°Tosleepinanotherroom.¡±


    Afterall,theapertinentwassparioswithmanytuoma.


    Lucassaid<b>,</b>¡°Aren¡¯tyouafraidanymore?


    Avelinepind.¡°You¡¯rescares.¡±


    Laicas wokssgewichtless.


    Watchingherbackassheleft,therxedexpressiononhisEaredisappeared,recedbyahintofserious


    Avelinewenttoone ofthe guestbrooms.TheroomwasneatandEkdy, beatsharzoukdu¡¯lpetconndoctatorinanunfamiliarbed.


    Shetossedandturned,unabletosybest asshewasabouttodriftoff,thatbloody,horrifyingphotoddenlyappearedinhermind


    Darnit!


    Shinnoweredherheadwiththenketandturnedoveragain,butnomatterhowmanytimesshetried,hecouldn¡¯tstopthegruesomeimagefromappearinginhermind


    Frustrated,shegotupandscratchhereburad


    Whydidboneandgecupiedherbedroom?


    WhystadiulContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    wetobrave?


    Withoutanyexpre,lon,Avelurnedtothemasterbedroom.ShesawLacaslyingononeside,apparentlyg.


    +15RONUS


    Shehadbeentormented,yethecouldsleepsosoundly?


    Avelinewalkedtotheothersideofthebedydown,andimmediatelypulledthenketawaywithbothhandsandfeet!


    Shewantedhimtofreezetodeath!


    Inherfamiliarbedwithitsfamiliarscent,Aveline¡¯s restlessemotionsquicklycalmed.Shfortablyclosedhereyes,andsleepgraduallyovertookher.


    Besideher,thesoundofevenbreathingfilledtheair.Inthe


    darkness,Lucasopenedhiseyesslightlyandturnedhisheadtolookather.


    Shehadherbacktohim,andhecouldonlyseethebackofherhead.


    Astrangeemotionflickeredinhisheart,elusiveyethedidn¡¯tdwell


    onit.


    Thenextday.


    AvelineopenedhereyesandwasshockedtofindherselfinLucas¡®arms!


    Sheclungtohimtightly,hercheekpressedagainsthischest,feelingthewarmthofhismuscles.


    Startled,shemovedinstinctively,immediatelyfeelingsomething,andherpalefaceturnedred!


    Thiswretchedman,hereallywasn¡¯twearinganything!


    Thetowelhadsomehowslippedoff!


    Shewaswearingshort¨Csleevedpajamasandshorts,hersmoothlegsidental


    stinginaparticrspot.


    Shelookedathisface,seeingthathewasn¡¯tawake,andtriedtobreathesoftlyassheslowlywithdrewherleg.


    However,hesuddenlygrabbedherbyherankle.


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    Avelinewasstartledand hurriedlytriedtopuway.


    ButLucastightenedhisgriponherankleandswiftlypulledherontohim.


    Herbodyinstantlystiffened.


    30


    ¡°Areyouawake?¡±


    Lucasopenedhiseyes,stillslightlygroggy,buthisgazewasdark.andintense,fixedonher.


    Withyousquirmingagainstme,ofcourseIwokeup.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfaceimmediatelyturnedred!


    Shewasn¡¯tsquirmingagainsthim!Shewasjusttryingtomoveherlegaway!


    Lucaswrappedhisarmaroundherwaist,pressinghertightly


    againsthim,hisvoicehuskyasheasked,¡°Didyouhave anightmarstnight?¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tdaremoveamuscle,afraidthatanymovementmightprovokethisman¡¯swildinstincts.


    ¡°No,¡±shemumbled,herlongeyshestrembling.¡°Letgoofme,Ineedtogetup.¡±


    Lucasshiftedslightly,seeminglyunintentionally,butAveline¡¯sbodygrewevenmorerigid.


    ¡°Lucas,stopdoingsomethingsocrazyin themorning!¡±shesaidthroughgrittedteeth.,


    Lucasgazedatherintently.¡°IfIdon¡¯tactcrazyinthemorningoratnight<b>,</b>thenwhenshouldI?¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°Youcanactcrazywheneveryouwant,justdon¡¯tinvolveme.¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Icanonlyinvolveyou.Involvingotherswouldbeillegal.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbreathgrewheavier.


    Thenshenoticedhisbreathingalsodeepened,hisgazeslidingfromherfacedowntoherchest.


    Shefroze,lookeddown,andsawthatshewassprawledontopofhim,hernecklineslipping,revealingatantalizingviewofhersoft,fairskin.


    ¡°Pervert!¡±


    Avelinecoveredherchestwithherhandandredathim.


    Lucasraisedaneyebrow.¡°You¡¯remywife.Howisitpervertedformetolookatyou?¡±


    ¡°Hal¡±


    Avelinegavehimacoldsmileand,disregardingthesituation,triedtogetupandleave.Shecouldn¡¯tstaywithhimanylonger,orshe¡¯dsurelybedrivenmad.


    However,themomentshemoved,itwasasifshetriggeredaswitch.


    BeforeAvelinecouldreact,Lucassuddenlyflippedover,pinningherbeneathhim,hisscorchingkissdescendinguponher.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Startled,Avelineimmediatelybegantostruggle.


    Thismanreallywasabouttodosomethingcrazy!


    Lucaskissedherdeeplyasiftryingtoconsumeherentirely.Heused


    +15BONUS


    onehandtopressherwristsaboveherhead,whiletheotherslippedunderherclothes,touchinghersmooth,tenderskin.


    Avelineshivereduncontroblyandstruggledevenharder.


    Butwithherbreathbeingstolenaway,hervisionbegantodarken.


    Damnit,shewasgoingtodie!


    Sensingherdistress,Lucas¡¯skissesbecamegentler,allowinghertimetobreathe.


    Aveline¡¯seyesweretingedwithred,hervoicesoftanckingitsusualvigor.¡°Lucas,letmego.Idon¡¯twantthis.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Lucasreplied, ¡°You¡¯relying.¡±


    Ashespoke,hishandmovedlower.


    Aveline¡¯sbodytrembled,andsheredathim.¡°Getoffme!¡±


    Lucasresponded,¡°Youdon¡¯twanttodoitinbed?¡±


    Furious,Avelinegrittedherteeth andsneered,¡°GofindMissWinter.IpromiseIwon¡¯treportyou.¡±


    AllofLucas¡¯sactionsceased.Hislong,narroweyesstaredintentlyatherasiftryingtoseeintoherverysoul.

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    Aveline¡¯sbreathingwasstibitfast,hereyesalluringlytingedwithredatthecorners,buthergazeremainedcoldandemotionless,


    Lucasdidn¡¯twanttoseehersposed.


    Yet,itseemedhecould donothingaboutit.


    Thebedwasstillindisarray,andtheatmospherebetweenthemwastenseandoppressive,withanunspokenandindescribablefeelinghangingintheair.


    Afteralongwhile,Lucasgotupandwentstraighttothebathroom.


    Avelineclosedhereyes,herbreathingnowcalm..


    Bythetimeshefinishedtidyingup,itwastotetomakebreakfast.Sheleftwithoutlookingback,intendingtobuyasandwichatthebreakfastshop.


    Lucascamedownstairs,andthecarwasalreadywaiting,butAvelinehadwalkedtotheentranceofthplex.


    Brian,whowasdriving,hadaseriousexpression.¡°Mr.Tudor,Miss.Youngjustwalkedpast.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Lucasreplied,¡°Sowhat?¡±


    Brianasked,¡°Shouldwegiveheraride?¡±


    Lucas,sittinginthebackseat,closedhiseyes.¡°Whatdoyouthink?¡±


    Briankeptquiet.


    Whymakehimguess?Hehadnoidea!


    Briankep


    stoppingbo


    straightfaceashedrovetothplexentrance,


    Aveline.¡°MissYoung,doyouneedalift?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°No,thankyou.¡±


    Brianreplied,¡°Okay,¡±


    He rolledupthewindowanddroveoff.


    Inthebackseat,Lucasopenedhiseyes,hisgazeicyashelookedBrian.


    Brianfeltachilldownhisspine,confused.¡°Mr.Tudor,what¡¯swrong<b>?</b>¡±


    Lucasstaredathimforamomentlongerbeforeclosinghiseyesagain.


    ¡ª


    Atthpany,Avelhrewherselpletelyintoherwork.


    Atnoon,shewentouttobuyaspeciaundrydetergentforRussell¡¯sclothes,nningtowashthemthoroughlywhenshego


    home.


    Unexpectedly,AvelinesawSophiaandanothergirlshoppingatthe


    mall.


    ThegirlboughtaneforSophiaandsaidwithasmile,¡±Sophia,thisnelooksgreatonyou.Consideritabirthdaygift.Sophiasmiledgently.¡°Thankyou,loveit.¡±


    Thegirlsaid,¡°Your birthdayiingupinafewdays.IwonderwhatMr.Tudorwillgetyouthistime.Sincehereturned,he<b>has</b>reallyimprovedtheCloudreCitybranch,He¡¯llprobablybebackat


    terssoon.Sophia,I¡¯llneedyourhelpthem


    thehead


    Sophiablushed.¡°Don¡¯tsaythat.LugasandIarejustfriends.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯thideit.Mr.Tudorholdsyoudear.Justwandseewhathegetsyouforyourbirthdaythistime.Istillrememberthegemstonenehegaveyoutwoyearsago,worthoversixhundredthousanddors.Thatshowshereallyvaluesyou.¡±


    Theywalkedaway,chattinganughing.


    Aveline,holdinghershoppingbags,feltabitdazed.


    Twoyearsago.


    LucasandSophiawereaperfectmatch.


    Shewasjustanintruderintheirworld.


    Nowshewantedtoleavebutfoundherselftrapped.


    Sheloweredhereyes,pushingthethoughtsaway,andleftthemall.


    Thatevening.


    AssoonasAvelinesteppedinside,sheheardaknockatthedoor.


    Lookingthroughthepeephole,shesawitwasLancas.Herfacedarkened,andshedecidednottoopenthedoor.


    Thatso¨Ccalledcloseprotectionshesawitasulteriormotives!


    Shetooktheclothesandwenttothebathroom,ignoringthenoiseatthedoor.


    Butsoon,shewasdrawnoutbymotion.Shesawherdoorbeingopened,andLucaswalkedin,followedbytheapartmenplex¡¯sstaff,whowerebowingandtteringhim.


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    ¡°Howdidyougetinhere?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfacedarkened.Shewasstillwearingapairofglovesassheredatthemcoldly.


    Lucaswavedhishanddismissively.¡°Youcanleavenow.¡±


    Yes,Mr.Tudor.Ifyouneedanythingelse,justletusknow.¡±Thepropertymanagerquicklyturnedandleft.


    Thedoorclosedagain.


    Lucassaidcalmly,¡°Ihadthemletmein.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°DidIinviteyouin?¡±


    ¡®Sinceyouwouldn¡¯tletmein,Ihadthemopenthedoor,¡±Lucassaid,hisfacecalmasifthiswasperfectlyreasonabletohim.


    Avelineclenchedherhands.¡°Lucas,canyoubeanymoreshameless?¡±


    Lucaslookedatherserenely.¡°Howisitshamelessteintomyownhome?¡±


    ¡°Thisisn¡¯tyourhome!¡±Avelineredathim.


    Lucasreplied,¡°Butwearestillmarried.Eventhoughthehouseisinyourname,it¡¯sstillconsideredmaritalpropertyfornow.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless,herlipspressedtightlytogether.


    Shestaredathimforawhile,thensuddenlysneered.¡°Lucas,you¡¯redespicable.¡±


    Withthatsheturnedandwentbacktothebathroom.Shehadn¡¯t¡±finished¡­shingRussell¡¯sclothesyet.


    Lucas¡¯sfacedarkenedimmediately.


    Sheinsultedhim.


    Sheactuallyinsultedhim!


    Hischesttightenedwithanger.Frustrated,heyankedathistie,butitdidn¡¯thelp.


    Heredinthedirectionofthebathroomandstrodeover.TherehesawAvelinewashingclothesdiligently.


    Henarrowedhiseyesdangerously,realizingthoseclothesweren¡¯t


    his.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Shewaswashinganotherman¡¯sclothes!


    Realizingthis,hisangerintensified,andhisexpressionturnedevenmoregrim.


    AvelinenoticedLucasapproachingbutpaidhimnomind.Ifhewantedtostay,sobeit;shewouldjustignorehim.


    Suddenly,Lucaswalkedover,grabbedtheclothes,andthrewthemonthefloor.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Avelinewasfurious.Shehadalmostfinishedwashingthem!


    Lucas¡¯stonewascold.¡°I¡¯mbeingdespicable.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shestaredathimindisbelief.Hisexpression wasdark,andtherewasaviolent,bloodshotlookinhiseyes,thoughhewastryingtosuppressit.Iresencewaschilling,exudingimmensepressure.


    ¡°You¡¯rereallyouofyourmind,¡±Avelinemuttered,bendingdowntopickuptheclothes.ButLucassteppedonthem.


    Aveline¡¯sbreathingdeepened.¡°Lucas,ifyouwanttogocrazy,doit


    somewhereelse,nothere.¡±


    Lucasfixedhisgazeonher,thensuddenlybentdown,hoistedherontohisshoulder,andbeadedstraightforthebedroom.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?Letmegol¡±


    Avelinewasstarted,strugglingwithallbermight


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    Lucasppedherbutt,histoneevencolder.IfyoukeepstrugglingI¡¯llshowyouwhatrealmadnesslookslike.¡±


    Avelinefroze,herfaceflushingwithangerandembarrassment


    Wasn¡¯tthismanalreadyinsane?


    Shedidn¡¯tdarestruggleanymore.Soon,hethrewherontothebedandpresseddownonher,kissingherwildly.


    Avelurned herhead,tryingtoavoidhiskisses.¡°Loras,getoffme!Stopthismadness!¡±


    ButLucasgrabbedherface,preventingherfrommoving.¡°Aveline,youarestillmywife.


    ThedisparityintheirstrengthleftAvelineunabletobreakfree.Theman,drivenbysomecrazyimpulse,roughlytoreherclothesapart.


    B


    COMMENTS


    15BONUS


    Chapter105

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    ¡°Getoff!¡±


    Avelineredathim,herbeautifuleyestinged withred.Whatdidhethinkshewas?Atoolforhimtoventhisemotions?


    Angerandhumiliationsurgedwithinher,making herfeelutterlymiserable.Shedidn¡¯twanthimtotouchheratall.


    Hishotbreathbrushedagainstherneck,turningherdelicateskinafaintshade ofpink,makingherevenmorealluring.


    Lucas¡¯sbreathingwasheavyanbored,hiseyesfilledwithunquencheddesire.Butwhenhesawthecoldhatredinhereyes,hefroze.


    Hecouldn¡¯tbelievewhathewasseeing.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Shehatedhim?


    Howcouldshehatehim?


    Hadn¡¯tshelovedhimthemostbefore?


    Foramoment,theirbreathswereragged,intertwined,butitdidn¡¯tcreateevenahintofintimacy.


    Itfeltlikeadead,stagnantpool.


    Avelinesuddenlyshovedhimaway,gotupfromthebed,andadjustedherclothes,hervoiceicy.¡°DoesMissWinterknowaboutyouactinglikethis?Ifshedid,wouldshestillwantyou?¡±


    Howcouldhebesodespicable,waveringbetweentwowomen?


    Thiswasno


    Notatall.


    Lucassheremembered.


    TheLucassheknewwouldnevertreatherlikethis.


    BAKASOMSHOFTseathewillendlesspentenessandcane,and


    thataftershepretinsonalitytevoitpatentlforthet


    mus diestilef


    bu tueinhetregtimentaties


    Tandemetineshatlureseverythingthathappenedbetween


    HOTLEWASTHESEA yearmakinghimingerthathewasalsoherin.


    HeonlybuenhewasLucas,theremainingheiroftheTudorfamily.


    Amusm¨¢rfeltqulitynowandsSopitia.


    badandthechauwhodeeplylovedher.


    Itwaughable,


    Clearly,hewasthesameperson


    keinewesedherchaoticthoughtsandignoredLucas¡¯sGafley,true,walkingstraightoutofthebedroom.


    Theclotheswerebeyondsaving


    thedecidedtobuyRussenewone.Afterall,shehadmoneynow.


    AvelinecalledRussell,hertonefullofguilt.¡°Mr.Skyler,I¡¯msorry.Iruledyourclothwhilewashingthem.HowaboutIbuyyouanew


    fossilreplied,¡°Ofcourse.Isthisthefirsttimeyou¡¯veboughtclothesforaman?¡±


    Tovedinepaused,¡°No.¡±


    ShehadboughtmanyclothesforLifeas.


    Butshehadthrownthemawater.


    Russellchuckled.¡°Isthatso?Whatapity.Butitdoesn¡¯tmatter.Anythingyoubuyforme,I¡¯lllike.¡±


    Avelinefeltabitawkward.¡°Mr.Skyler,pleasedon¡¯tsaythat.Thisisjuspensation.¡±


    Russell responded,¡°Alright,whateveryousay.¡±


    Avelinekeptquiet.


    Russellcontinued,¡°TomorrowisSaturday.Areyouoff?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Yes,let¡¯sdoittomorrow.Tellmeyourclothingsize.¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°Sizesareeasytofind,butwilltheysuitme?¡±


    Avelinehesitated,thensaid,¡°Areyoufreetomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Ofcourse,¡±Russelughed.¡°Ifyou¡¯rebuyingmeclothes,I¡¯llmaketime.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shewascaughtoffguard.


    Butshehadtosolvethis.


    ¡°Alright,seeyoutomorrow,¡±Avelinesaid.


    ¡°Seeyoutomorrow,¡±Russellreplied.


    Afterhangin


    makedinne


    Avelineexhaledslowlyandwent tothekitchentoypreparingaportionforherself.


    Lucasdidn¡¯tconoutoftheroom,andshedidn¡¯tcarewhathewasdoinginthere.

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    Afterdinner,Avelinecleanedthekitchenandthenwenttotheguestbedroomtotakeashowerandsleep


    Shehadagoodnight¡¯ssleep.


    Thenextday.


    Whenshecameoutoftheguestbedroom,Lucaswasalreadygone.


    Avelinestoodinthelivingroom,thinkingitover.Itseemedsheneededtochangethelocks.


    Atleastnexttime,hewouldn¡¯tbeabletogetinbycallingthepropertymanager.


    Determined,Avelinecontactedalocksmith,andsoonsomeonecametochangethelock.


    Thistime<b>,</b>sheinstalledafingerprintandpasswordlock.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    OnlysheandSelenaknewthepassword.


    Therewasnowayanyoneelsecouldgetinnow.


    Afterthelocksmithleft,shelookedatthenewlockwithsatisfaction.andthenmessagedSelena.¡°Sweetie,here¡¯sthepasswordformydoorlock.Rememberit.¡±


    Selenacalledherrightaway.


    ¡°Upgradingtosomethinghigh¨Ctech,huh?¡±


    Avelineopenedthedoorandwalkedinughing.¡°Nowyouwon¡¯thavetoknockvnyoeover.Isn¡¯tthatgreat?¡±


    ¡°Great,great,


    <ol>


    <li>up.</li>


    </ol>


    nasaizily,soundinglikeshehadjustwoken


    Avelhoughtforamomentandasked,¡°Doyouhavetimetoday?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Yes,doyouhavens?


    Avelineexinedthesituation.


    Selenasuddenlysatup.¡°RussellSkyler?Fromthe SkylerfamilyinCloudre City?Areyouserious?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Yes,andhe¡¯stheoneIinsistedondrinking withthebarthatnight¡±


    Selenadrewinasharpbreathandthensaid,¡°Ican¡¯tbelieveit,he¡¯sfromtheSkylerfamily.¡±


    Avelinewaspuzzled.¡°IstheresomethingspecibouttheSkylerfamily?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°Whichwealthyfamilydoesn¡¯thaveastory?Justlookatthatscumbaghe¡¯sfullofstories,isn¡¯the?¡±


    Aveline¡¯stonewascold.¡°Let¡¯snottalkabout suchunpleasantpeopleonagoodday,okay?<i>¡±</i>


    Selenughed.¡°Alright,alright.eovernowandtellyoutheSkylerfamily¡¯sstory.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Avelinefinishedmakingbreakfastjustas Selenaarrived.


    Thetwoofthemsatatthediningtable.Selenatookabiteofthehandmadepancake.¡°MmmAve,Ifyoueverquityourjobandstartafoodstallsellingthese pancakes,itwoulddefinitelybeahit.They¡¯redelicious!¡±


    Avelinesmiled.¡°MaybeI¡¯llgiveitatrysomeday.¡±


    Selenacled andthenasked,¡°WhattimeareyoumeetingMr.Skyler?


    Avelinereplied,¡±Atten.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°There¡¯sstillplentyoftime.¡±


    Shetookasipofmilk,clearedherthroat,andpreparedtodiveintolongstory.


    Avelinelistenedintently.Everywornanenjoyedgossip,right?


    ¡°Apparently,RussellSkyleristheillegitimatesonoftheSkylerfamily.Theyonlyfoundhimafewyearsago.He¡¯sknownforhisexplosivetemperandrebelliousnature.TheSkylerfamilycan¡¯tcontrolhimatall.He¡¯snotinterestedinthefamilybusinessbutireallyintothingslikeracing,bars,andcasinos.¡±


    Avelineblinked.¡°Wheredidyouhearallthis?¡±


    Selenareplied,¡°IknowsomeoneintheSkylerfamily.¡±


    AvelinekeptquietandSelenacontinued,¡°Eventhoughhe¡¯sanillegitimatechild,theheadoftheSkylerfamilyreallylikeshim.Ncmatterwhattroublehecauses<b>,</b>evenifhecreatesahugemess,thefamilyheadalwayscoversforhim.


    ¡°Becauseofthis,theSkylerfamily¡¯smatriarchdoesn¡¯tlikehim.I¡¯vealsoheardhe¡¯ssurvivedseverssassinationattempts.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shewonderedifthis washowthewealthylived.Itwasn¡¯tjustRussell.BeingaroundLucasfeltlikehavingaswordhangingoverherhead,readytofatanymoment.


    Selena


    bettert


    gedhertone.¡°Butifyoucouldwinhimover,itwouldbebeingwiththatscumbag.Atleasthisfamilygenuinely


    caresaboutim.¡±

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    Chapter107


    Avelinepaused,herexpressionthoughtful.¡°Whatdoyoumean?¡±


    Selenascoffed.¡°Ifthatscumbag¡¯sfamilycaredabouthim,howcouldtheynothavefoundhimafterhedisappearedforayear?Theyonlyfoundhimafterheregainedhismemory.Ave,thisistheeraofbigdata.Findinganadultisn¡¯tthathard.¡±


    Aveline¡¯slipspressedtogetherslightly.


    Selenacontinued,¡°Forgetit,let¡¯snottalkabouthim.It¡¯sbadluck.¡±


    Finishingthstbiteofherhandmadepancake,Selenasighedcontentedly.¡°Thesearesogood.Icouldeatthemeveryday.¡±


    Avelinesmiled.¡°Sure,payup.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Selenapouted.¡°Youdon¡¯tlovemeanymore.¡±


    Avelinughed.¡°Iloveyou,butIcan¡¯tletthatgetinthewayofbusiness.¡±


    Selenawasspeechless.


    Afterarrivingatthemall,theysawRusselreadythereadistanceaway.Hisstrikingbluehairandhandsome,almostotherworldlyfacemadehimlooklikeacharacterstraightoutoficbook.


    Heexudedacarefreeandrebelliousaura,hislipscurledinzysmirk.Girlspassingbycouldn¡¯thelpbutstealncesathim.


    ¡°Mr.Skyler,haveyoubeenwaitinglong?¡±Avelineaskedapol.ticallyassheandSelenaapproachedhim.


    Russellsmiled.¡°No,Ijustgothere.Andthisis?¡±


    Avelineintroduced,¡°Thisismygoodfriend,SelenaQuin.¡±


    Seleraemendedtheband¡°Hello,M.Skyler¡±


    hussellstrookdetandSell,MissQuin.Irememberyoufromtangiratthetar


    Sabaughed¡°¡°Youhaveagoodmemory.Mr.Skyler.IfI¡¯dknownwinyouwereIwouldwestoppedher.¡±


    Russellcaisedaneyebrow.¡°Couldyoureallystopsomeonewho¡¯s


    Seleraattimet.¡°Thorsealty.¡°¡°¡±


    Sweinewasspeechless.


    Shethepersonioned,wasrighthere.Could theynotbringitup?


    r¡¯sgoinsideandhavealook.¡±Abellinesaidquiddy,changingthe


    Theytradedstraighttothemen¡¯ssectionofthemall.


    Jocelineoskes.¡°Mr.Skaterdoyouprefercasualorbusinessattire?¡±


    Russellreplies,¡°¡±¡°Whatdoyouthinkkroyusualstyleis?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sgazefellonRussellHewasdressedinlight¨Ccoloredshoresanda1¨Csh¨²n,withanearoundhisneckandadiamondstudinhisleftear,sparklingslightly underthelights.


    Hisstylewascondhandsome,neithercasualnorbusiness.


    Mexwonderingforamoment,AvelurnedtoSelena.¡°Whatdo


    How<i>d</i>


    Avelinekay


    ¡°Mr.Solerissohandsome,hecanpulloffanystyle.


    vehimamoreconservativelook?¡±


    WhatoldMeaswererunningthroughherhead?


    Russell,withonehandinhispocket,lookedatthezilyandmischievously.


    Selenacontinued,¡°Look,Mr.Skylerdoesn¡¯tmind.Let¡¯sstylehim.¡±


    Aveline,feelingunsure,lookedatRussell.¡°Isthatalright?¡±


    Russellsmiled.¡°Anythingyouchooseisfinebyme.¡±


    Selenaimmediatelygaveaknowingsmile.


    Avelinefeltabitoverwhelmed.


    Theyenteredamen¡¯sclothingstorefilledwithbusinesssuits.Avelinelookedaroundandpickedoutawhiteshirtandcksuit,handingthemtoRussell.


    ¡°Mr.Skyler,wouldyouliketotrythis?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡±


    Russelltooktheclothesandheadedtothefittingroom.


    Selenacrossedherarms.¡°Ave,hasyourtastebefixed?¡±


    ¡°Whatdoyoumean?¡±


    Selenaleanedincloserandloweredhervoice.¡°Doesn¡¯tthatscumbagalwaysdresslikethis?¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    BIOSALE3500bonusfreyou

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    Shekeptankface,turnedaround,andleftthemen¡¯sclothingstore,headingstraighttoanothertrendystore.


    WhenRussellcameoutanddidn¡¯tseeher,hepaused,puzzled.¡°.Wheredidshego?¡±


    Selenasaidinsurprise,¡°Mr.Skyler,Ididn¡¯texpectyoutolooksohandsome<b>in</b>asuit.Itseemsthatgood¨Clookingpeoplecanmakeevenaraglookfashionable.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Thankyouforthpliment.¡±


    Selenaadded,¡°Avewenttotheoppositestore.¡±


    Russellncedathissuit,hiseyesflickeringbrieflybeforehewentbacktochangeoutofit.Thenheheadedtothetrendystoreacrosstheway.


    Avelinehadalreadypickedoutanoutfit.ShesaidtoRussell,¡°Mr.Skyler,thissetsuitsyourstyleperfectly.¡±


    Russellsmiled.¡°ButIthoughtthesuitlookedprettygoodtoo.¡±


    Avelineasked,¡°Doyoulikesuits?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Icanwearanything.¡®


    Avelinesaid,¡°Try thisoutfit,then.¡±


    Russegreed.¡°Alright.¡±


    Selenawalkedoverleisurelyand,lookingatAveline,leanedintosay,¡°Youshould¡¯veseenhiminthatsuitearlier.Helookedamazing.


    Avelinedismissedit.¡°Allmenlookthesameinsuits,don¡¯tthey?¡±


    Selenashookherhead,¡°Notatall.Ahandsomemaninasuitlooks


    +15BONUS


    likeaCEO,butanunattractiveonejustruinsgoodclothes.¡±


    Avelinegaveheralook.¡°Whatareyoutryingtosay?¡±


    Selena¡¯ssmilefadedabit.¡°I¡¯mserious.Ifyouwantadivorceandtogetrid ofthatscumbag,maybeyoucouldaskMr.Skylerforhelp.¡±


    Avelinesighed.¡°Don¡¯tIhaveenoughtroublealready?¡±


    ShewasalreadyinplicatedrtionshipwithLucas.AddingRussellintothemixwouldmakethingsworse.


    Selenashookherhead.¡°IftheSkylerfamilypressurestheTudorfamily,they¡¯llhavetoforceLucastodivorceyou.Aveline,it¡¯sbettertoriptheband¨Caidoffquickly.¡±


    Avelinefellsilent.


    Justthen,Russellwalkedout.


    Dressedinthetrendyoutfit,helookedevenmorerebelliousandwild,exudinganirresistibleallure.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Russelltookouthisphoneandsnappedapictureinthemirror.Whetherintentionallyornot,heincludedAvelineintheshot.


    Hequicklypostedthephotoonsocialmedia.¡°Youboughtthisforme,Ireallylikeit.¡±


    ThehighsocietycircleinCloudreCitywassmall,soitdidn¡¯ttakelongfortheposttobesharedmultipletimesuntilitappearedinoneofLucas¡¯sgroupchats.


    Atthatmoment,Lucaswasreviewingsomedocumentswhenanotificationpoppeduponhiputer.Hisbrowsfurrowedashesawtheflurryofmessagesinthegroupchat,allfocusedonthephoto.


    Russellhadneverpostedaphotowithagirlbefore,makingthisoneparticrlynotableandsparkingintensediscussion.


    +15BONUS


    Lucasclickedonthephotoandhiseyesimmediatelydarkened.


    ShehadgoneshoppingwithRusselltobuyhimclothes.


    AcoldauraenvelopedLucas,loweringthetemperaturearoundhimbyseveraldegrees.HetookouthisphoneandcalledAveline.


    ¡°Sorry,thenumberyouarecallingiscurrentlybusy¡­¡±


    Theautomatedmessageyed,andthenextsecond,Lucaswasinfuriatedanughedbitterly.


    Ha!


    Shehadblockedhim?


    Excellent!


    Lucas¡¯sslender,elegantfingersgrippedthephone,hisdemeanorgrowingevencolder.¡°Desmond.¡±


    Theofficedooropened,andDesmondwalkedin.


    Lucasthrewastackofdocumentsathimandsaidcoldly,¡°Whocheckedthese?Takethembackandredothem!¡±


    Desmondnceddown,hisexpressionturningwooden.


    ThesewereallthetasksAvelinewasresponsiblefor.

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    ¡°Mr.Skyler,howdoyoulikethisoutfit?¡±Avelineasked,steppingbackasRusselltookaphoto.


    Russellsmiled,hishandsomefacecarryingahintofmischief.¡°It¡¯sgreat.¡±


    ¡°Thenlet¡¯sgowiththisone,¡±Avelinesaid,pullingouthercardto


    pay.


    Russelldidn¡¯tstopher,hiseyeslingeringonherwithamysteriousglint..


    Justasthepaymentwasprocessed,Aveline¡¯sphonerang.Itwasacallfromherdepartmentmanager,GlenLane.


    ¡°Hello?Mr.Lane,¡±sheanswered.


    Glen¡¯svoicesoundedabitstrange.¡°MissYoung,areyoubusyrightnow?There¡¯sadatasetthatdoesn¡¯tseemright.Canyoeback.andcheckit?It¡¯simportantfortheproject.¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°IsitthedataIworkedon?¡±


    Glenreplied,¡°Yes,itis.¡±


    Avelinewaspuzzled.Shehaddouble¨Ccheckedallthedatabeforeleavingworkyesterday.Howcouldtherebeamistake?


    ¡°Alright,I¡¯lebacktotakealook,¡±sheagreed.


    Glenadded,¡°Great,thankyou.Don¡¯tworry,you¡¯llbepaidfortheovertime.¡±


    Avelhankedhimandhungup.SheturnedtoRussendSelena.¡°Ineedtogobacktowork.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°WhatkindoflouspanymakesyouworkovertimeonaSaturday?Youshouldquit.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Russedded,¡°Iagree.Whynoeworkforme?Nameyourterms.¡±


    Selenaperkedup,givingAvelineaknowinglook.


    Avelinepretendednottonotice,smiling.¡°Thankyoufortheoffer,Mr.Skyler,butIneedtofinishmycurrentworkfirst.I¡¯llconsiderotheroptionsonceI¡¯mdone.¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°Noproblem.Takeyourtime.Youcancallmeanytimewhenyou¡¯reready.¡±


    Avelineknewsheneededtoendtheconversationbeforeitgotoutofhand.¡°Ishouldgetgoing.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°I¡¯lldriveyou.Mr.Skyler,doyouneedaridesomewhere?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°No,thanks.Ihavetovisitafriendwholivesnearby.Drivesafely,youtwo.¡±


    ¡°Alright,seeyoter.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    Oncetheywereinthecar,Selenaasked,¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    Avelinesighed.¡°Ijustneedtogobackforsomeovertime.¡±


    Selenafrownedslightly,¡°WhydoIfeellikethisisn¡¯tthatsimple?¡±


    Avelinelookedather.¡°Whatdoyoususpectnow?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Selenareplied,¡°Ihaveafeelingthishassomethingtodowiththatscumbag.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯trespond,justreachedoverandfastenedherseatbelt.


    AtDKGroup.


    GlenwassweatingnervouslyashefacedDesmond.¡°Mr.ke,is


    Desmondsendedsightly.Noneedtobesotense.Mr.Lane.Dreching¡¯sfinenow.Youcangobacktoyourdayoff.¡±


    Glenhaurriedlyreplied,¡°Okay,thankyou.¡±


    Heleftquickly,feelingpuzzled.Desmondhadcalledhiminwithaserioustone,insistingthatAveline<b>had</b>teback.Hethoughttherewasamajorissuewiththeproject.


    Butthatwasit?


    Glenleftthpany,stillfullofquestions


    Assoonashewalkedout.Avelinearrived.


    ShegotoutofthecarandsaidtoSelena,¡°Noneedtowaitforme.Idon¡¯tknowhowlongthiswilltake


    Selenareplied,¡°Alright,callmeifyouneedanything.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Avelineclosedthecar doorandwatchedSelenadriveawaybeforeturningandenteringthpany.


    ItwasSaturday,andthrgpanywapletelyempty.


    Asshesteppedoutoftheelevator, shelookedupandsawDesmondstandingnotfaraway.Whenhesawher,aprofessionalsmileappearedonhisface.

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    Aveline¡¯sfaceimmediatelydarkened.


    ItseemedSelenahadbeenright.ShehadbeenforcedtebackforovertimebecauseofLucas.


    Desmondtriedtoignorehericyreandhandedherthefile.¡°MissYoung,thedatainthisdocumentisincorrect.Pleaserecheckit.¡±


    Avelinesnatchedthefile,sayingcoldly,¡°Ifthere¡¯snothingwrongwiththisdata,Iwon¡¯tforgiveyou.¡±


    Desmondwasspeechless.


    Hefeltpletelyataloss<b>.</b>


    ¡°MissYoung,itwasMr.Tudor¡¯sorder,notmine,¡±Desmondquicklyexined,tryingtodistancehimselffromthesituation.


    Avelinelookedathimwithdisdain.¡°Isthereanydifferencebetweenyouandhim?¡±


    Desmondkeptquiet.


    HereturnedtotheCEO¡¯soffice,feelingliketheskywasfalling


    It wasreallytoughbeinganassistanttotheCEO!


    Hetook outhisphoneandsentamessagetoBrianonWhatsApp.¡±Areyouinterestedinbinganassistant?¡±


    Brianreplied,¡°No,I¡¯mjustabodyguard.¡±


    Desmondtexted,¡°Maybeyoushouldconsiderit.¡±


    Brianrejectedfirmly.¡°No.¡±


    Desmondkeptquiet.


    Briancontinued,¡°Iknowyou¡¯retryingtodragme intothismess.


    Don¡¯teventhinkaboutit.¡±


    Desmondcontinuedtostayquiet.


    Avelineopenedthefileandcarefullybegantocheckthedata.


    Aftershefinished,acoldsmileappearedonherface.ShetookthefileandheadedstraighttotheCEO¡¯soffice.


    ButLucashadalreadyleft.


    Damnit!


    Bastard!


    Aveline¡¯sfacetwistedinanger,andshemmedthefileagainstthedoor,makingaloudnoise.


    ShetookoutherphoneandcalledDesmond.


    Hedeclinedthecall.


    Ha!


    Fine!


    Avelinecalledagain,andhecontinuedtodecline.


    Finally,shesentamessagedirectly.¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tpick upyourphonenow,youwon¡¯thearfrommeeveragain!¡±


    Soonafter,herphonerang.


    ¡°MissYoung?Didyoufinishcheckingthedata?¡±Desmond¡¯svoice.hadahintofforcedpoliteness.


    Avelineasked,¡°Whereare you?¡±


    Desmondreplied,¡°Ah,Ifinishedmyworkandleft.Sorry,Iforgottoinformyou.¡±


    Avelinedemanded,¡°PutLaicasonthephone,¡±


    Desmondncedatthesternmansittinginthebackseat,swallowedhard,andsaid,¡°Um,I¡¯mnotwithMr.Tudorrightnow.Whydon¡¯tyoucallhimdirectly?¡±


    Aveline¡¯stemplethrobbedwithanger.ShehadblockedLucas!


    Callinghimmeantshewouldhavetoremovehimfromthecklist!


    How annoying<b>!</b>


    Avelineasked,¡°ThenpleaseaskMr.Tudorhowhenstohandle.thissincethere¡¯snothingwrongwiththe<b>data</b>.¡±


    Desmondreplied,¡°Oh,Mr.Tudorsaidhemadeamistake.¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°You¡¯vegottobekiddingme¡­¡±


    Beforeshecouldfinishcursing,Desmondhungupthephone.


    Avelinewassoangryshecouldhardlybreathe.HowhadshenotrealizedbeforehowinfuriatingLucascouldbe?


    OnemomentDesmondimedtheyweren¡¯ttogether,<b>and</b>thenext,heryedLucas¡®message.Ha!


    DidLucasthinkshewould removehimfromthecklist?


    Notachance<b>!</b>This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    AvelineopenedthedoortotheCEO¡¯soffice,cedthefileonthedesk,andleft,headingstraighthome.


    But shecouldn¡¯tletitgo!


    Shehadtodosomethingaboutthis


    Sittingonhersofa,Avelhoughtforalongtime.Suddenly,shegotanideaandimmediatelyleft.


    +15BONUS


    Atabeautifullymaintainednursinghome.


    BarbarawasdelightedtoseeAveline.Sheheldherhandandstartedchattingaboutallthedeliciousfoodshehadeatenandthe


    interestingthingsshehadseenrecently.


    Avelinecutstraighttothepoint.¡°Grandma,yourgrandsonisbullyingme.Canyouhelpmeteachhimalesson?¡±

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    Barbara¡¯sfaceinstantlyshowedanger,herwrinkledfeatureshardening.¡°Thatbrat!I¡¯vetoldhimbeforethatawifeshouldbecherished,notbullied.Hedarestobullyyou?I¡¯llcallhimrightnow!¡±


    Shereachedforherphone,whichshealwaysworearoundherneck.Itwasanold¨Cfashionedbuttonphonewithspeeddial,andshequicklycalledLucas.


    ¡°Grandma.¡±Lucas¡¯swarm,maicvoicecamethroughthephone.


    BarbarancedatAveline,whoputafingertoherlips,signalinghernottomentionherpresence.


    ¡°Whereareyou,Lucas?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°I¡¯mathome.Doyoumissme,Grandma?¡±


    Barbarahuffed.¡°Imissyou?Doyoumissme?Whenwasthsttimeyouvisitedme?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°I¡¯vebeenabitbustely.I¡¯leoverrightnow.¡±


    Barbararesponded,¡°Good,I¡¯llbewaiting!¡±


    Shehungupandsmiledat Aveline.¡°Justwait,Iwillgetrevengeforyou!¡±


    AvelinehuggedBarbara.¡°Grandma,whyareyousogoodtome?¡±


    Thoughtheyhadnevermetbefore,butaftertheirfirstencounter,Barbarahadtakentoherinstantly,alwayssmilingandtreatingherwarmly.


    ForAveline,whohadneverexperiencedfamiliallove,thiswasamagicalfeeling.ItfeltlikeBarbarawasherbiologicalgrandmother,


    notLucas¡®.


    Barbarahuggedherback.¡°BecauseIlikeyouthebest!¡±


    +15BONUS


    Aveline¡¯sheartsoftened,andshesuddenlyfeltapangofguiltforusingBarbaratogetbackatLucas.Maybethiswasn¡¯ttherightthingtodo.


    Theywanderedinthegardenforawhile,andasthetimeforLucas¡®arrivpproached,Avelinesaid,¡°Grandma,whenhes,pleasedon¡¯ttellhimI¡¯mhere.I¡¯llhide.¡±


    Barbaraasked,¡°Why?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Otherwise,he¡¯llthinkinedabouthimandbullymeevenmorewhenwegethome!¡±


    Barbaraimmediatelybecameserious.¡°Iwon¡¯tsay aword,Ipromise!


    Avelinesmiledandsaid,¡°Okay,I¡¯llhidenow.¡±


    ¡°Alright,goahead,¡±Barbarareplied.


    HereyessparkledasshewatchedAvelinehide,lookingabitexcitedbutnotforgettinghermission¨Ctoteachhergrandsonalesson.HowcouldLucasbullyhiswife?Thiswasuneptable,heneededtobedisciplined!


    WhenLucasarrived,hesawBarbarasittinginherwheelchairwithatnketoverherlegs,enjoyingthesun.


    Hisexpression darkenedslightlyashequicklyapproachedandasked,¡°Grandma,isnoonehere withyou?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Barbara smiledwarmlyathim.¡°Mydeargrandsonehere andkneeldown.¡±


    Thoughpuzzled,Lucaskneltdownandasked,¡°Grandma,what¡¯swrong?¡±


    Thenextmoment,Barbara¡¯ssmilevanished.Sheraisedherhandandsmackedhimonthehead.


    +15BONUS


    Lucaswasstunned.¡°Grandma?¡±


    Barbaragrabbedhisearandtwisted.¡°Tellme,haveyoubeenbullyingyourwife?¡±


    Lucas¡¯susuallyhandsomefacetwistedinpain,buthedidn¡¯tdarestruggle.¡°No,Grandma,Ihaven¡¯tbulliedher.¡±


    Barbaratwistedhisearharder.¡°Ifyouhaven¡¯tbulliedher,whyhasn¡¯tshetovisitme?HowmanytimeshaveItoldyouthatyoushouldcherishyourwife?Ifyoudon¡¯t,someoneelsewill,andthenshe¡¯llleaveyou!¡±


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter<b>112</b>


    Lucasdidn¡¯tunderstandwhyhisgrandmothersuddenlybroughtupthisissue,buthecouldonlyendureitsilently.


    ¡°Iunderstand,Grandma.I¡¯lltreatmywifewell.¡±


    Barbarahuffed.¡°That¡¯smorelikeit.¡±


    Withthat,shereleasedLucas¡®ear,whichwasalreadyredfrombeingtwisted.


    Aveline,hidingbehindanearbybush,sawthissceneandpressedherlipstogether.Atfirst,shewaspleased.Buthermoodquicklyturnedsomber.


    Afterall,BarbarawasLucas¡®grandmother.Evenifshescoldedhim,shewouldn¡¯tletanythingreallyhappentohim.Thethingsshesaid.-Avelinedidn¡¯tbelievethem,andshedoubtedLucasdideither.


    Forgetit.


    Therewasnopoint.


    JustasAvelinewasabouttoturnandleave,agentlevoicecalledout,¡°MadamBarbara.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbodystiffened.SheturnedandsawSophiawalkinginfrom


    theentrance.


    Sheworeabeigelongdressthatreachedherankles,butherprostheticlegwasstillnoticeable.Herhairwasdrapedoverhershoulders,herlightmakeupwaselegant,andshelookedgentleandgraceful.


    Barbaralookedather.¡°Whoareyou?¡±


    Sophiaopenedthelidofthesnackcontainershewasholdingandofferedittoher.¡°MadamBabara,it¡¯sme,Sophia.¡±


    Barbara¡¯sattentionshiftedtothespacks.¡°Oh,it¡¯syou


    Shetookapieceandstartedeating


    Sophiasaid.¡°MadamBabara,youstilllikethesesnodes.Tusedtomake themforyouoften.¡±


    Barborasmiledassheare¡°Really?Areyouthegoodatmakingstocks?Willyoumakethemformeagain.


    Sophianodded.¡°Ifyoulikethem,I¡¯llmakethemforyouofte


    Barbarabeamed.¡°Ilikethemverymuch.Iespeciallylikethem


    Sophia¡¯ssmiledeepened..


    SophialookedatLucas¡°Whatacoincidence,Ididn¡¯texpectyoutobeheretoo.¡±


    Lucasasked,¡°Doyoehereoften?


    Sophiareplied,¡°Yes,MadamBabaramustfeellonelyhereby


    herself.Sinceyou¡¯rebusy,IthoughtI¡¯d visitheroften.Mostofthetime,though,she¡¯sasleepwhene.Todayisalucky day,she¡¯sawake.¡±


    Lucasrespondedwithanomittalsound,hisgarereturningtoBarbara¡¯s face.


    Shehadcrumbsaroundhermouthfromthesnacks


    Sophiagentlywipedthemawaywithatissue.¡°MadamBabara,doyouremembertwoyearsagowhenyousaidyouwantedLucas andmetohaveabig,chubbygreat¨Cgrandchildforyou?¡±


    Barbaraheldhersnack,lookingasifshewastryingtorecall.Afteramoment,sheshookherhead.¡°Idon¡¯tremember.Butyoucan¡¯thaveachildwithLucas.Healreadyhasawife.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sophia¡¯ssmilefroze.¡±MadamBabara<b>,</b>I¡­¡±


    ISBONUS


    ¡°Stop,Sophia,¡±Lucasinterruptedher.¡°Grandma¡¯smemoryisn¡¯tgood.Don¡¯tpushit.¡±


    Sophiabitbackherfrustrationbutmanagedtoholdhertongue.¡°IguessIwastooeager.¡±


    Suddenly,Barbaragrabbedherhand.¡°Yoursnacksaredelicious,andIlikeyoutoo.¡±


    Sophia¡¯ssmile returned.¡°ThenI¡¯llspendmoretimewithyou,alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes,yes!¡±Barbarappedherhandshappily.


    LucaspushedthewheelchairwhileSophiawalkedbesidehim,andtheystrolledthroughthegarden,creatingapictureofpeaceful,happytimes.


    Fromthebushes,Avelinewatchedwithankexpression.


    Shefeltlikeshewasmakingafoolofherself.Itwasherownfaultforputtingherselfinthissituation.


    ButseeingLucastreathersopoorly,howcouldshejustleaveitbe?


    AflickerofdeterminationshoneinAveline¡¯sbeautifuleyes,andshesteppedout.¡°Grandma.¡±


    Athervoice,allthreeturnedtolookather.

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    Chapter113


    ¡°Mygranddaughter¨Cinw!¡±


    BarbaraseemedtorememberAveline,reachingouttoherjoyfullyWheredidyougo?Didyounotwanttoywithmeanymore?¡±


    Avelinewalkedoverandtookherhand.¡°No,weagreedbefore.Iwouldhide,andyouwouldteach himalesson.¡±


    Barbarawasmomentarilyconfused butthennodded.¡°Yes,yesLucasbulliedyou,soItaughthimalesson.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sdarkgazefixedonAveline.¡°DidyoeheretintoGrandma?


    Avelineraisedaneyebrow.¡°So,whatifIdid?


    Lucas¡®expressiondarkenedfurther.


    Barbaradidn¡¯thesitatetosmackhimagain.¡°Ijusttoldyou,andyou¡¯vealreadyforgotten?Whyareyouringatyourwife?¡±


    Lucasfellsilent.


    AvelurnedtoBarbara.¡°Grandma,you¡¯resogoodtome.


    Barbarughedcheerfully.¡°Ilikeyou,soofcourseI¡¯mgoodtoyouTrythis,ourhousekeepermadethesenewsnacks.They¡¯redelicious


    ShepickedupapieceandheldittoAveline¡¯slips.


    Avelinepausedforamoment,ncingatSophia.Asexpected,Sophia¡¯sfacehadpaled.


    Avelineeptedthesnack.¡°Thankyou,Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Eat,eat!Ifyoulikeit,I¡¯llhavehermakemoreforyou.Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯llmakesureshegetsaraiseforit!¡±


    +15BONUS


    BarbaralookedatAvelineproudly.


    Avelinefeltamixofemotionsasshetookabiteofthesnackandnodded.¡°Itisreallygood.¡±


    BarbaraturnedtoSophiawithasmile.¡°Mygranddaughter¨Cinwlikesittoo.You¡¯llhavetomaketheseoften.¡±


    Sophiacouldbarelymaintainhersmile.¡°Ofcourse,Iwill.¡±


    Howinfuriating!Shehad workedhardtopleaseBarbarawithhersnacks,onlytobetreatedlikeaservant!


    ¡°Grandma,she¡¯snotaservant,¡±Lucassaid.


    Barbarablinked.¡°Thenwhoisshe?¡±


    AvelinealsolookedatLucas,hereyesclearbucedwithsubtle


    sarcasm.


    HowshouldheintroduceSophia¡¯sidentity?


    Ifhehadknownitwouletothis,whyhadhedraggedhisfeetaboutdivorcingAveline?Iftheyhaddivorcedsooner,Sophia¡¯s.positionwouldhavebeenlegitimatebynow.


    Avelhought,¡°Lucas,theawkwardsituationMissWinterisinnow,isallyourdoing.¡±


    Lucasseemedtounderstandherthoughts.Hisvoicewaslowandcalmashesaid,¡°Grandma,she¡¯smyfriend.Youdon¡¯tremember,buttwoyearsago,shesavedmylife.Ifitweren¡¯tforher,Imightnotbehere.¡±


    Barbaralookedenlightened.¡°Oh,right,shesavedyou.So,shebecameaservantinourhouseafterthat?¡±


    BothLucasandSophiawerespeechless.


    EvenAveline¡¯slipstwitchedslightly.


    +15BONUS


    BarbaratookSophia¡¯shand.¡°You¡¯reakindgirl.Yousavedhim,and.I¡¯mverygrateful.Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯llmakesurehegivesyouaraise.¡±


    Sophiakeptquietforawhilebeforeshepulledherhandback,


    forcingasmile.¡°I¡­Isuddenlydon¡¯tfeelwell.Ineedtogototherestroom.¡±


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Areyouokay?Doyouneedtogotothehospital?¡±


    Sophiashookherhead.¡°Noneed.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Shequicklywalkedtowardstherestroom.


    BarbaracontinuedtoinsistthatLucasgiveSophiaaraise.Lucas¡®eyeswerefixedonAveline.


    ¡°Ifyouhaveaproblemwithme,takeitupwithme.WhyinvolveGrandma?¡±


    Avelinemethisgazewithcalmdefiance.¡°MaybebecauseIknewitwouldgetyourattention<b>.</b>¡±


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    <ol>


    <li>


    Chapter114


    AvelurnedtoBarbara.¡°Grandma,he¡¯sbullyingmeagain.


    Withouthesitation,BarbararaisedherhandandsmackedLucas,notholdingbackatall.


    Lucasfellsilent.


    Hisfacewasexpressionless,buthisgazewassointenseitseemedlikehewantedtoburnaholethroughAveline.


    Barbarascolded,¡°Lucas,itseemsyouneverlearn.Ifyoukeepbullyingyourwife,I¡¯lltellhertoleaveyou!¡±


    Lucasclosedhiseyes,suppressinghisemotions.


    AvelinesmiledsmuglyandthenturnedtoBarbara.¡°Grandma,areyoutired?Doyouwanttorest?¡±


    Barbarashookherhead.¡°I¡¯mnottired.Istillwanttoy.¡±


    Butasshesaidthis,sheyawned.


    Seeingthis,Avelineimmediatelysaid,¡°Let¡¯sgotoyourroomandy.I¡¯lltellyouastory.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±Barbaraagreedeagerlyatthementionofastory.


    Avelinewalkedover,nudgedLucasaside,andpushedthewheelchairtowardsthesmallbuilding.


    Lucasstaredatherback,hiseyesdarkandbrooding.


    ¡°Lucas.¡±Sophia¡¯svoicewassoftandmuffledassheapproached.


    Lucasturnedandsawherred,tear¨Cstreakedeyes.¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±


    Ba


    Sophiaforcedabittersmile.¡°Nothing.Ijustdidn¡¯texpectMadamseemeasaservant.Iunderstandshe¡¯ssickanddoesn¡¯trememberme,butwhataboutMissYoung?Doesshealsoseemeas


    +15BONUS


    aservant oftheTudorfamily?Wekneweachotherfirst.Ifitweren¡¯tforthatcarident,wewouldbemarriedbynow¡­¡±


    Asshespoke,heremotionsgrewmoreintense,andtearsfegain,makingherlookpaleandfragile,evokingsympathy.


    Lucas¡®sharpeyebrowsfurrowedslightly.¡°Sophia,shedoesn¡¯tseeyouthatway.¡±


    Sophialookedathim.¡°Youdon¡¯tknowher,sohowdoyouknowshedoesn¡¯t thinkthatway?Orisitthatyouknowherverywendcareaboutheralot?¡±


    Shepausedandtookastepback.¡°Lucas,youpromisedmeyouwoulddivorceher.Butwhatareyoudoingnow?Ifyou¡¯vefalleninlovewithher,justtellme.Iwon¡¯tinterfereinyourlife.Asformyleg,youdon¡¯tneedtoworryaboutit.Ichosetosaveyou,andIneverexpectedanythinginreturn.¡±


    Lucas¡®frowndeepened.¡°Sophia,don¡¯toverthinkit.Nowisn¡¯ttherighttime<b>.</b>¡±


    TearswelledupinSophia¡¯seyes.¡°Thenwhenwillitbe therighttime?ShealreadyseesmeasaservantoftheTudorfamily.Willmorepeoplethinkthiswayaboutmeinthefuture?¡±


    Lucas¡®eyesgrewcolder,buthistoneremainedgentle.¡°Shedoesn¡¯t,andshewouldn¡¯tdarethinkthat.Herpurposeistoprotectyou.


    Sophiahesitated,herexpressionshowinguncertainty.¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±Lucasaffirmed.Hishandsome,sternfaceremainedcalmanddetached,revealingnootheremotions.¡°IjustreturnedtotheTudorfamily,andmanyeyesareonme.Keepingadistancefrommeisthesafestthingforyou<b>.</b>¡±


    Sophiabrokeintoasmile,throwingherselfintohisarms.¡°Lucas,Iknewit!Iknewyoucaredaboutme.I¡¯msorryformisunderstandingyou.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡®bodystiffened,andheinstinctivelypushedheraway.¡°IneedtocheckonGrandma.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Turningaround,hesawAvelinestandingnotfaraway,hergazecoldandclear.


    Avelineppedherhandsslowly.¡°Howtouching,howdeep.I¡¯malmostmovedtotears.ButLucas,canyoustopbeingsuchajerk?Canyoukeepyourbeautifullovestorywithoutusingmeasasteppingstone?It¡¯sreallydisgusting.¡±


    </li>


    </ol>

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    Chapter115


    AvelurnedtoSophia.¡°MissWinter,doyoureallybelievethisjerkthecan¡¯t evenprotectyouandneedstouseuneasacover.Don¡¯tyoufindthatridi


    ridicul


    Unfortunately,shehadoverheardtheentireconversation


    ShewasspeechlessafterhearingLucas¡®shamelesswords.


    HereallydidloveSophial


    Lovedherenoughtodraganinnocentpersonlikeherintothismess.


    Allherhears,hernightmaresinthefiddleofthenight,theywereall


    Ifhedidn¡¯twanthertohavepeace,thennoonewouldhavepeace!This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Afterall,shewasaloneandhadnothingtolose,butmaycouldtakethemdownwithher!


    AwaveofbiessgrowinAveline¡¯sheart,andshebegantoresent


    Sophia¡¯sgaseturnedcold.¡°MissYoung,ifyoudon¡¯tknowthewholestory,don¡¯tspeakcarelessly.TheTudorfamilymightseemmorous,butbucashashadatoughtimethesepastyears.Ican¡¯thelphimmuch,buthopeyouwon¡¯tmakethingsharderforhim


    divorced!¡±


    Avelinesneered.¡°AfraidI¡¯llcausetrouble?Thengetdive


    Inthepast,shefeltguiltyforholdingontoLucas,thinkingsheowedSophiabecauseshehadsavedLucasandlostaleg.Shefeltitwas.


    Butnow,shewaswillingtodivor


    Theonerefusingto divorcewasEttas!


    Avelinedidn¡¯towethemanything!


    Shewalkedcloser,herbeautiful,cleareyeslookingatthem.¡°You¡¯resoinlove,isn¡¯titashamenottobetogether?Divorcemenow,andIpromiseyou¡¯llneverseemeagain.Howaboutthat?¡±


    ShelookedatLucas.


    Seeinghisfacedarken,shesmiled,¡°What?Won¡¯tdoit?Lucas,areyouprotectingMissWinterorcan¡¯tbeartoletmego?¡±


    ¡°Haveyouhadenough,Aveline?¡±Lucas¡®voicewascold,barelysuppressinghisanger.HepulledSophiatohisside,thengrabbedAveline¡¯swristanddraggedheroutside.


    ¡°Sophia,I¡¯llhavesomeakeyouhome,¡±hesaidwithoutlookingbackather.


    Avelinestruggled.¡°Letgoofme!You¡¯redisgusting!¡±


    HehadjusthuggedSophiaandmade<b>promises</b>toher,andnowhewasdraggingheraround.Whatwasthemeaning ofthis?


    Lucasopenedthecardoorandshovedherintothepassengerseat,trappingherbetweentheseatandhimself.Hiseyesboreintohers.Disgusting,amI?¡±


    Avelinefeltthepressureemanatingfromhim,hiscoldauralenvelopingher,seepingintoherbones,makingherheartsink.


    ¡°Lucas,what¡¯sthepointofthis?¡±


    ¡°Whatdoyouunderstand?¡±


    Hisvoicewaslowandhoarse,ahintofrednessshinginhiseyes.Hegrippedhershoulders.¡°Aveline,behave.Don¡¯tdothingsthatwillupsetme,ornoonewillbehappy.¡±


    Hisdemeanorsuddenlyturnedsinister,withturbulentemotionsinhiseyesthatAvelinecouldn¡¯tdecipher.


    Avelinebrokefreefromhisgrasp.Idon¡¯tunderstand.Ofcourse,Idon¡¯tunderstand.Idon¡¯tunderstandwhy,ifyouloveSophia,youwon¡¯tdivorceme.Idon¡¯tunderstandwhyyoukeepbullyingme!Lucas,Idon¡¯toweyouanything.Whydoyoukeepbullyingme?¡±


    Shewasalmostshouting,hersuppressedemotionsburstingout;andtearsstreaminguncontroblydownherface.


    Justbecauseshehadbeenkindenoughtotakehimin,didshedeserveallthis?


    Ifso,shehadmadeaterriblemistake!


    BIGSALE3500bonusfremforyou


    +15BONUT


    Chapter116

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    Chapter116


    Lucaswasstunned.


    Heraisedhishandtowipeawayhertears,butAvelineavoidedhistouch.


    ¡°Don¡¯ttouchme,¡±shesaid,wipingherfacehurriedly.


    Lucasswallowedhard<b>,</b>hiseyesfixedonher.¡°Aveline,you¡­¡±


    Heseemedtowanttosaysomething,butthewordswouldn¡¯e.Hejuststaredather,feelingaconstrictingpaininhischest.Seeingthehurtandsadnessinhereyes,hefeltlostandpanicked.


    Avelinesniffled.¡°Lucas,let¡¯sdivorce,okay?Youhavesomanycapablepeoplearoundyouwhocanprotect Sophia.Ijustwantapeacefullife,onewithoutyou.¡±


    Lucas¡®lipspressedintoastraightline.


    Whatwouldhislifebelikewithouther?


    Memoriesofthepastyear,themomentstheyshared,shed.throughhismind.


    Sheappearedtobesimple.


    Butwasshereallyassimpleassheseemed?


    Whenshefoundouthisidentity,whydidsherefusetodivorce?


    Suppressingtheemotionschurninginhiseyes,Lucasstraightenedup,closedthepassengerdoor,andletthecoldwindblowawayhischaoticthoughts.Hisfaceregaineditsusualcalmness.


    Heopenedthedriver¡¯sdoor,startedthecar,andinadeep,maicvoice,withacondindifferenttone,said,¡°You¡¯vetakenthis


    aonth¡¯smoney,solet¡¯sdiscussitafterthemonthends.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelinelookedathim.¡°I¡¯llreturnthemoneytoyounow.Let¡¯s gogetdivorced.¡±


    Shetookoutherphotransferthemoney,butrealizedshedidn¡¯thave theonemillionanymore!


    ShehadusedsomeofthecashtobuyexpensiveclothesforRussell!


    Foramoment,Avelinedidn¡¯tknowwhattosay.


    Lucasncedather.


    Avelinesniffled.¡°Nextmonththen.!


    Oddly,hefeltasenseofrelief.


    Silencefilledthecarforalongtimeuntilhesuddenlyasked,¡°Wheredoyouwanttogo?¡±


    Avelinerepliedinamuffledvoice,¡°MapleGarden.¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯tsayanythingmoreanddrovestraighttoMapleGarden.


    Whentheyreachedtheentranceoftheneighborhood,hestoppedthecarinsteadofdrivingin.Hedidn¡¯tlookather,justtookacigaretteoutofhispocketandlitit.


    Avelinencedathim,frowned,andseemedlikeshewantedtosaysomething.Shemovedherlipsbutheldback.


    Shegotoutofthecarandwalkedinside.


    Lucaswatchedher,hisgazedeepandunreadable.


    Acloudofsmokeenvelopedhisface,obscuringhisthoughts.


    Atthatmoment,hisphonerang.HesawitwasacallfromAaron.


    ¡°Hell


    Aaron¡¯scheerfulvoicecamethrough,¡°Lucas,I¡¯mback.Aren¡¯tyou


    goingtoweePrepareagraadfeastformyremen!¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Lates¡¯sonewascalmanddetachel¡°Goodring


    handed¡°Whatdese


    *wantedite


    Lucasbangagothephe


    Anightfel,Aslineeredandsing.IfshedidalongshawnSeelewe


    panning.


    rmthewakesg,itwasalreadyrightinthesummingtheparkeredoppertakebutwellingthoughther


    aprumas,derfadBecinganythingthedecidedtocusthurHanself


    Jour


    tronderingherpereina eijerje


    getsbaseballbatandcouchanywalked


    peephole


    Xuelineparkandivandi

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    Chapter117


    Seeingthepersonoutside,Avelinefroze.


    Whywashehere?


    Clutchingthebaseballbattighter,sheturnedaroundandwalked


    away.


    Therewasnowayshewasopeningthatdoor.Notnow,notever.


    Justseeingthismanannoyedher.


    Avelinewentintothekitchenandmadeasimpleteofpasta,thengrabbedhertabletandstartedwatchingaTVshow.


    Shewapletelyabsorbedintheshow,notcaringataboutthepersonoutsideherdoor.


    Aboutanhouter,thedoorbellrangagain.


    AssumingitwasstillLucas,sheignoreditandwentabouthereveningroutine,preparingtogo tobed.


    Butthistime,thedoorbellkeptringingpersistently.


    Feelingirritated,Avelinestompedovertothedoorandyankeditopen.¡°Canyoustop-¡±


    Butherwordscaughtinherthroat whenshesawtwouniformedpoliceofficersstandingthere.


    ¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±sheasked,bewildered.


    Theofficersexchangedncesandsteppedaside,revealingLucassittingontheground.Oneofficerpointedtohimandasked,¡°Isthisyourhusband?¡±


    Avelinewaspuzzled.¡°No,he¡¯snot.¡±


    ¡°Iam,¡±Lucassaidsullenly,pullingouttheirmarriagecertificate.


    +15BONUS


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Theotherofficersaid,¡°Whywon¡¯tyouletyourhusbandinside?Ifyouhavemaritalissues,discussthemathome.Makingasceneoutsideisunbingforbothofyou. Whatevertheissue,youshouldsettleitprivately.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tknowhowtorespond.


    Shewasutterlyshocked.


    Lucashadcalledthepolicebecausehecouldn¡¯tgetin!


    Foramoment,shewasspeechless.


    ¡°Didyouhearme?¡±theofficersaidsternlywhenshedidn¡¯trespond.


    Avelinewasstartledandnoddedrepeatedly.¡°Yes,yes,Iunderstand.


    TheofficerturnedtoLucas.¡°Alright,goin.Nexttime,don¡¯tcallusforthingslikethis;wewon¡¯thandleitagain.¡±


    Lucasstoodup,hishandsomefacetingedwithabitofred,hiseyes.slightlydazed.Henodded.¡°Iunderstand.¡±


    Avelinefrowned asshelookedathim.


    Lucaswalkedover,hisgazefixedintentlyonher.


    ThetwoofficerswereabouttoleavewhenAvelinesuddenlyasked,¡±Officers,sinceyouevenhandlematterslikethis,wouldyouhelpmeifhehadcheatedonme?¡±


    Bothofficerspaused,theirbrowsfurrowing.


    ¡°Ididn¡¯t!¡±Lucasquicklysaid.¡°Ididn¡¯tcheat.¡±


    Avelineletoutacolugh.¡°Whetheryoudidornot,youknowthetruth.¡±


    Lucasstaredather.¡°Aveline,Ididn¡¯tcheat.¡±


    Hiseyesweretingedwithdrunkennessanddetermination,lockedontoherasifsheweretheonlypersoninhisworld.


    Aveline¡¯sheartskippedabeat.


    Seeingthetension,oneoftheofficerssaid,¡°Ifthereareproblemsinyour¨Cmarriage,youcanfilewsuit.¡±


    Withthat,theofficersleft.


    Atthedoorway,AvelinelookedatLucascoldly.


    Hewasdrunk.Otherwise,hewouldn¡¯thavesaidthosethings.Hewouldn¡¯thavelookedatherlikethat.


    Avelinereachedouttoclosethedoor,notwantingtodealwithhim.


    ButLucassuddenlystrodeoverandhuggedhertightly,histall,heavybodypressingdownonher.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Avelineinstinctivelytookacoupleofstepsback,endingupinsidetheapartment,whileLucasclosedthedoorbehindhim.


    ¡°Letgo¡­¡±


    Avelriedtopushhimaway,butheheldhertightly.Nomatterhowhardshestruggled,shecouldn¡¯tmakehimmoveaninch.


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    Chapter118


    ¡°Ave,¡±Lucas¡®hotbreathbrushedagainstherneck,causingatinglingsensationthat feltlikeanelectrurrent


    Avelinestruggledevenharder.¡°Lucas,letgoofme!


    Hadheignoredeverythingshesaidbefore?Couldn¡¯the justletthismonthpasspeacefully?Whywashehereagain<b>,</b>makingherthinkheactuallycared?


    Themoreshethoughtaboutit,theangriershebecame.She


    struggledmorefiercely,butLucasonlyheldhertighter,hisbreathsearingherskin.


    Suddenly,Avelinebitdownonhisshoulderwithallhermight,tearsstreamingdownherface.


    Lucaspausedbutdidn¡¯treleaseher,lettingherbitehim.


    WhenAvelinefinallytired,herbreathingwasheavy.¡°Whatdoyoumeanbythis?¡±


    Lucasjustheldher,sayingnothing


    Avelineexhaledslowlyandreachedforhisphone.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoingwithmyphone,Ave?¡±Lucasasked,hisvoicemuffled.


    Avelinedidn¡¯trespond.Shefoundhisphone,usedhis fingertounlockit, andstarteddialingSophia¡¯snumber.


    Seeingthis,Lucasimmediatelygrabbedthephoneandhungup,thenthrewitfaraway.


    ¡°You¡­


    Avelinewasfurious.


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Lucas,don¡¯tyouloveMissWinter?Don¡¯tyouwanttoberesponsibleforher?Gofindher.Iwon¡¯tstopyou,Iwon¡¯tevenbesadorhurt.Justgotoherandleavemealone,¡±Aveline said,tryingtocontrolheremotions.


    Suddenly,Lucasreleasedherandgrippedhershoulders.Hiseyes.weretingedwithred,andhisvoicewashoarse.¡°Whywon¡¯tyoubesadorhurt?¡±


    Avelinewasstunned.¡°DidyounotunderstandwhatIsaid?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯maskingyou,whywon¡¯tyoubesadorhurt?Don¡¯tyoulikeme?¡±thatflickered


    Lucasstaredintentlyather,watchingeveryemotionlikeme?¡±


    acrossherface.


    ¡°Ave,don¡¯tyoulikeme?¡±


    Ifshelikedhim,whywouldn¡¯tshefeelsadseeinghimwithSophia?


    ¡®Areyoucrazy?¡°!


    Avelinepushedhimangrily.¡°You¡¯rejustajerk.WhyshouldIfeelsadoverajerk?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mnotajerk,¡±Lucassuddenlysaid softly,hiseyesdowncast.Hishandsomefacehadaslightflush,andhiseyeswereclearlycloudedwithintoxication.


    Aveline¡¯shearttightened,butsherefusedtobeswayedbyhislooks.¡°Youareajerk.Youoncesaidyou¡¯dlovemeforever,butafterregainingyourmemory,youdon¡¯tlovemeanymore.YouwanttodivorcemeandberesponsibleforMissWinter.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Hereyshestrembled.¡°You¡¯renotajerktoMissWinter,butyoubetrayedme.¡±


    ¡°Iamnota


    Lucasrepeated,thenhuggedheragain.¡°Ave,I¡¯m


    notajerk,I¡¯mnot.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Aveline¡¯sheartfeltlikeitwasbeingsqueezedbyagianthand,filledwithanachingpain.


    Shespokecalmly,¡°Thendivorceme rightnow.¡±


    Ifhewasn¡¯tajerk,heshouldn¡¯twastehertime.HewasdestinedtoberesponsibleforSophia.Shewouldletgo.


    ¡°Nodivorce,¡±Lucasmuttered,hisweightpressingdownonheragain,pushingherbackward.


    Avelinehadtostepbackuntilsheendedupsittingonthesofa,withhimleaningheavilyonher,stillmurmuringinherear.


    ¡°I¡¯mnotajerk,nodivorce¡­¡±

 Divorced 119

    Chapter119


    Avelineclosedhereyesforamoment,thensuddenlyspokesoftly,¡±Okay,nodivorce,Getup,andI¡¯llmakeyousomesoberingtea,¡±


    Lucasstoppedmumblingandlookedupather,tryingtodiscernifshewastellingthetruth.


    Avelinegazedathimcalmly.


    Afteralongpause,Lucaslightlybrushedhisnoseagainsthers.¡±Reallynodivorce?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Avelineforcedherselftoremaincalm,suppressingtheflutteringinherheart.


    Lucasseemedtobreatheasighofreliefandreleasedher.


    Avelinestoodupandwalkedstraighttothekitchen.


    Lucasrubbedhisforehead.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Lucas,thesoberingteaisready.¡±


    Aveline¡¯svoicecamefromthekitchen.


    Lucasfroze.Thatwasquick?


    Helookedup<b>,</b>andinthenextsecond,a<b>basin</b>ofcoldwaterwas


    thrownoverhim.


    Lucassqueezedhiseyesshut,lettingthewaterflowdownhisbody,soakingthesofaandthecarpet.


    Avch


    icewascold.¡°Areyousobernow?¡±


    Didhethinkthatgettingdrunkandactingcrazywouldmakeherforgeteverythingthathadhappened?


    +15BONUS


    Sherememberedeverywordhehadsaidbefore.


    Lucasseemedtofreeze,notmovingforalongtimeaswaterdrippedfromhisfaceandhair.


    Avelinesuddenlyfeltuncertain.


    Shepickedupthebasinandturnedtoleave.


    Ifhewantedtositinthelivingroom,sobeit.Shewouldn¡¯tapanyhim.


    Butthenextmoment,agustofwindsweptpasther,andshewassuddenlyliftedintotheair.Shegaspedasherlipswerecapturedinakiss.


    Thebasintteredtothefloorwithaloudbang.


    Avelinestruggledimmediately.¡°Mmm¡­Lucas,areyoucrazy?¡±


    Lucaskissedherwildly,hiseyesfixedonher,hishesstillwetwithdropletsofwater.Hewapletelydrenched,holdinghertightly,andnowshewasgettingwettoo.


    Hefinallytossedherontothebed.


    Avelriedtogetupandrun,butLucasgrabbedherwaistfrombehindandpulledherback!


    ¡°Lucas,letgoofme!¡±shecriedout.


    Heflippedherover,grippingherchinashisheatedbreathenvelopedher,silencinghervoiceandbreath.


    Shestruggled,buthepriedherlegsapart.


    Thecoldnromtheirwetclothesagainsttheirskinspread,creatingufortablefrictionforbothofthem.


    Lucaskissedherlips<b>,</b>chin,andneck¡­


    1


    Hisfingersroamedherbody,ignitingfireswherevertheytouched.Despiteherintensestruggle,herbodyeventuallybegantorespond.


    Theinitialroughnessgaveway,andhismovementsbecamefierceandrelentless.Herwordsshatteredintofragments.


    Hewaslikeafiercebeastlurkinginthedarkness,seizinghispreywithunrestrainedaggression,markingherwithhisscentandrepeatedlyaffirminghisim.


    Aveline¡¯seyesweretingedwithred,herentirebeingexudingachaoticallure.


    Lucas¡®kisseslingeredonherlips,silencinghereverytimeshetriedtouttersomethinghedidn¡¯twanttohear.


    Gradually,theroomwasfilledonlywiththesoundsoftheirraggedbreathsintertwining.


    Afterwhatfeltlikeernity,Avelhoughtshemightdieonthebed.Finally,Lucas¡®movementsbecamegentler.


    ¡°Bastard¡­¡±


    Hervoicewashoarse,andshyonthebed,tooexhaustedtosupportherself.


    Lucaspressedtenderkissesalongherbeautifulspine.


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    D

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    Chapter<b>120</b>


    Lucasignoredherwords,andAvelineclosedhereyes,givinguponstruggling.


    Shehadgivenupstrugglinglongago.


    Shecouldn¡¯tbreakfree.


    Ifshekeptstruggling,shewassurehewouldleaveherexhaustedonthebed.


    Sleepovertookher,andAvelineclosedhereyes.


    Lucas¡®kissestraveledtoherears,andashegazed atherclosedeyelids,hisexpressionbecamemorplexanddeep.


    Thewateronhisbodyhadbeenrecedbysweat.Hestaredatherswollenlipsfromhiskissesandsuddenlygrabbedherchintokissheragain.


    Aveline,who hadfinallyfallenasleep,wasawakenedoncemore.


    ¡°Mmm¡­youbastard,¡±Avelinemumbled<b>,</b>pushinghimweakly,buthedidn¡¯tbudge.


    Lucasdeepenedthekiss,hisactionsdeliberate,asifhewantedtomergeher intohisownbody.


    Maybethisway,shewouldn¡¯tsaythingsthatmadehimangryortalkaboutdivorcesocasually.


    Thenextmorning.


    WhenAvelinewokeup,Lucaswasnolongerintheroom.


    Thechaoticmemoriesofthepreviousnightlingeredinhermind<b>.</b>Sheturnedoverandimmediatelyfrowned.


    Herbackandwaistached.


    Shefeltterrible.


    Damnhim!


    Avelinecursedsilentlyandtookawhiletogetupandwashup.


    Shenibbledonsomebread,andherphonerang:SeeingthatitwasSelenacalling,sheansweredandputitonspeaker.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Ave,doyouwanttogoshopping?¡±


    ¡°Idon¡¯thavetheenergyforshopping,¡±Avelinereplied.


    ¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±Selenaasked.


    Avelinesighed.¡°Maybeinafewdays.¡±


    HerhesitanttoneonlyfueledSelena¡¯scuriosity.¡°Didyouhookupwithayoungergustnight?Ave,didyoufinallydecidetoletloose?Tellme,howwashe?Anygood?¡±


    Avelineletoutabitteugh.¡°He¡¯sabastard,alright,butoneyouknow.¡°!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Selena¡¯ughterdiedinstantly.Shecursedafewtimesontheotherendbeforesaying,¡°Lookatitthisway,atleastyougotsomeenjoymentoutofit,right?¡±


    Avelinestayedsilent.


    Selenacontinued,¡°Youneedteoutshoppingevenmorenow.Getamakeoverandbuysomethings.Awomanhastotreatherself!¡±


    Avelhoughtforamoment.¡°Alrightepickmeup.¡±


    ¡°Gotit!¡±


    Whentheymetup,theyheadedstraighttoabeautysalon.Afterafulltreatment,Avelinefeltrevitalized.


    Selenalinkedarmswithherandclickedhertongue.¡°Seriously,thatguyissuchabastard.You¡¯vegotbruisesallover.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Let¡¯snottalkaboutthoseunpleasantthings.Today,theshopping¡¯sonme!


    Selenacheered,¡°Ave,you¡¯rethebest!¡±


    Theywentintoamandheaded straightforajewelrystore.What¡¯sthe pointofsavingallthatmoneyifyoudon¡¯tspendit?


    Selena¡¯seyeslitupwhenshesawapinkdiamondne.¡°Aveecheckthisout.Isn¡¯titbeautiful?Itwouldlookamazingonyou.


    Avelinewalkedover,hereyesalsolightingupatthesightofthene.¡°CanyoutakeitoutsoIcanseeit?¡±


    ¡°Ofcourse,¡±thesalesassistantsaid.


    Assoonasthetraywashandedover,anotherhandmoveditaside.


    Sophia¡¯svoicecamethrough.¡°Lucas,doyoulikethisne?Iloveit.¡±


    AvelineandSelenaturnedsimultaneouslytoseeSophiaandLucasstandingthere.Sophiatooktheneandheldituptoherneck,lookingatLucaswithanticipation.

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    Selenaimmediatelyspokeup,¡°Hey,doyouknowaboutfirse,firstserved?Isawthatnefirst!¡±


    Sophiablinked,asmilespreadingacrossherfaceasshelookedatAveline.¡°PerhapsyoushouldaskMissYoungifsheunderstands.firse,firstserved.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Selenawas furious,pointingatSophia¡¯snose.¡°Whyareyouputtingonashow?DoyouthinkAvelinecaresaboutthis?Youshouldbetalkingtotheonewhorefusestodivorce,nottakingitoutonAveline!¡±


    Sophia¡¯ssmileonlygrew.¡°MissQuin,don¡¯tyouknow?ThereasonLucashasn¡¯tdivorcedMissYoungistoprotectme.AslongasMissYoungcarriesthetitleofMrs.Tudor,Iwon¡¯tbeindanger.¡±


    ¡°Shameless!¡±


    Selenawasabouttoexplodeandturnedtothesilent,stern¨Cfaced.man.¡°Iswhatshesaidtrue?Isthatreallywhatyou¡¯re<b>thinking</b>?¡±


    Lucas,dressedinacksuitandexudinganairofcoldelegance,lookedatSelenawithhisemotionlesseyes.¡°It¡¯sjustane.Resortingtoshoutingwhenyoucan¡¯tgetwhatyouwantwhereareyourmanners?¡±


    Selenascoffed.¡°Mymannersarereservedforthosewhodeservethem.Forpeoplelikeyou?Ha!¡±


    Shughedscornfullyatthem.


    Sophia¡¯seyesflickeredasshetooktheneoffandhandedittoSelena.¡°MissQuin,there¡¯snoneedtoactthisway.It¡¯sjustatne,Idon¡¯tneedit.¡±


    Selenapushed herhandaway.¡°Getlost!Idon¡¯twantanythingyou¡¯vetouched!¡±


    Inthenextmoment,Sophiafellbackward,herfacefilledwithfear!


    Lucascaughther,hisexpressionturningicy.¡°Areyoulookingfortrouble?¡±


    Aninvisiblepressurespreadthroughtheair,achillingcoldnessseepingintoeveryone¡¯sbones,makingthemtense.


    Selenawasabout tosaysomethingmore,butAvelinepulledherback,steppinginfrontofher.¡°WasSelenawrong?¡±


    Lucas¡®coldgazefellonAveline.Hercleareyesheldahintoffrostasshelookedathim,herexpressioncalmandunyielding.


    Thetwoofthemstoodthere,neitherbackingdown.


    Sophia¡¯seyesflickeredagain,andshesuddenlygrabbedLucas¡®hand.¡°Lucas,myleghurts¡­¡±


    Lucas¡®faceturnedevencolderasheredatSelena.¡°Apologize.¡±


    Avelineinterrupted,¡°Whyshouldsheapologize?Selenadidn¡¯tpushher.MissWinteristheoneactingsofragile.Ifshe¡¯s thatdelicate,maybesheshouldstayhome.Agustofwindmightblowheraway!¡±


    ¡°Aveline!¡±Lucas¡®voicewasdeepandsternashelookedather.


    Avelineliftedherchindefiantly.¡°I¡¯mlistening,whatisit?¡±


    Thetensionintheairwaspalpable,readytoexplodeatanymoment.


    Shestillrememberedthegrudgefrostnight!Thatjerkhadhiswaywithherandthenleft,andnowhewasoutshoppingwithanother


    <ol>


    <li>an.Didhereallythinkshewasthatmagnanimous?</li>


    </ol>


    Shewasdeterminedtomakethesituationufortableforthem.


    +15BONUS


    Sophia¡¯seyessuddenlyfilledwithtearsasshelookedatAveline.¡±MissYoung,whatdidIdowrong?Whyareyousayingsuchthingsaboutme?MylegendeduplikethisbecauseIsavedLucas.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sgazewasicy.¡°So,whatdoesthathavetodowithme?¡±


    Sophia¡¯seyesglistenedwithtears.¡°MissYoung,you¡¯rebeingunreasonable.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Avelineletoutaderisivugh.¡°So,snatchingsomethingfromsomeoneelseassoonasyouwalkinisconsideredreasonable?¡±


    SophiafoundherselfatalossforwordsagainstAveline!


    Thiswomanwastooinfuriating!


    Atthismoment,Avelineseemedtohavespikesalloverherbody.Anyonewhospoketoherwouldgetpricked,makingherquiteformidable.


    BIGSALE3500bonusfreefouyou


    D

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    Chapter<b>122</b>


    Lucas¡®lipspressedintoastraightline,hiseyesfixedonAveline.¡±You¡¯renotgoingtoapologize?¡±


    Avelinefeltawaveofpressuresettleoverherheart.


    Shefearednothingandhadnoattachments,butSelenawasThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    different.


    ShecouldholdherownagainstSophia,butwhenLucasspoke,shewasinstantlyatadisadvantage.


    Shewasclearlynotthefavoredone.


    ThedefianceinAveline¡¯seyesfaded,recedbyatraceofselfmockeryandbitterness.


    ¡°Lucas,areyousureyouwanttodothis?¡±


    Tohumiliateheragainandagain?


    Tomakeherfeelutterlyashamedandhumiliated?


    Lucas¡®voicewaslowandmaic,histoneconddetached.¡±Whatdoyouthink?¡±


    Avelineclosedhereyes,thennodded.¡°Fine,Iunderstand.¡±


    SheturnedtoSophia,abouttoapologize,butSelenastoppedher.


    ¡°Ave,don¡¯tbowtopeoplelikethem.I¡¯mnotapologizing.Let¡¯sseeifhecanreallydoanythingtome!¡±


    SelenawrappedherarmaroundAveline¡¯sshoulder.¡°Comeon,wedon¡¯tneedthatstupidne.I¡¯llgetyousomethingevenbetter!¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Selena¡­¡±


    Selenasmiledbrightly,herfacefullofconfidence.¡°It¡¯sfine.Let¡¯sgo.


    Avelinefeltuneasy.


    Lucaswascoldandruthless.IfhetargetedSelena,whatwouldhappentoher?


    Shewantedtolookback,butSelenapreventedher.


    Oncetheywereoutofthemall,Selenasaid,¡°Ave,Icouldn¡¯tletyourloweryourheadforthosejerks.¡±


    Avelineworried,¡°Buthewilldefinitelytargetyou.¡±


    Lucaswasruthlesswithher;hewouldbeevenmoresowithsomeoneelse.


    Selenugheditoff.¡°Noworries.Worstcase,I¡¯llgoabroad.Hecan¡¯treachmethere,right?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough,¡±Selenainterrupted.¡°Stopoverthinking.Let¡¯skeepshopping.Later,we¡¯llgohavesteak.Ifoundagreatceandwantyoutotryit.¡±


    Avelinebitherlip,hercleareyesshimmeringslightly.


    Inthejewelrystore,Sophiastilllookedpale.SheturnedtoLucas.¡±Lucas,thatSelenawassoarrogant.Whoexactlyisshe?¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯tanswerherquestion.Instead,heasked,¡°Doyoustillwantthene?¡±


    Sophiancedattheneonthefloorandbitherlip.¡°SinceMissYounglikesit,whydon¡¯tyoubuyitforhertocalmherdown?It¡¯llkeepherfromcausingtrouble.


    Shelookedunderstandingandgracious,herdemeanorsoftandkind.


    Lucasturnedtothesalesperson.¡°Wrapitup.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Thesalespersonhesitatedforamomentbeforequicklynoddingandpickingupthene. Shecouldn¡¯thelpbutthink,Whataday!Thesceneshehadjustwitnessedmadeherworryaboutthene¡¯sfate.Whydiditdeservetobethrowntotheground?


    Afterpaying,LucasheldtheshoppingbagandlookedatSophia.¡°Isyourlegstillhurting?¡±


    Sophiashookherhead.¡°It¡¯snothurtinganymore.IthinkIjustlostmybnceearlier.I¡¯mfinenow.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Doyouseeanythingelseyoulike?¡±


    Sophiasmiledwarmly.¡°Lucas,I¡¯mmoreexcitedaboutwhatyouchooseforme.Anythingyougiveme,Iwillcherish.¡±


    Lucas¡®eyesweredeepandunreadable.¡°I¡¯lltakeyouhome.¡±


    Sophiahesitated.¡°Aren¡¯twegoingtohavedinner?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Somethingcameup.Ineedtogototheoffice.¡±


    Sophiabitherlip.¡°Alright,butdon¡¯tworryaboutwhathappenedtoday.Alittlepainisnothing.Pleasedon¡¯ttakeitoutonMiss Quin.¡±

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    Lucas¡®eyesdarkenedmomentarily,thenhesaid,¡°I¡¯llhavesomeone.takeyouhome.¡±


    Sophianodded.¡°Alright.¡±


    Thedriverarrivedquickly,andafterensuringSophiawasinthecar,Lucastookout<b>his</b>phoneandmadeacall.


    ¡°FindatimetocatchSelena.¡±


    Afterfinishingtheirsteaks,AvelineandSelenawanderedaroundthenightmarket,theirmoodssignificantlylifted.


    AvelinelinkedarmswithSelena andsighed.¡°Selena,maybeyoushouldgoabroad.¡±


    Selenashookherhead.¡°Noway,I¡¯mstayingheretokeepyopanyandprotectyoufromthatjerk.¡±


    Avelinejoked,¡°MaybeIshouldmarryyouinstead.¡±


    Selenughed.¡°Yes,yes,yes!¡±


    Avelinesmiled.


    ¡°Fancyseeingyouhere.¡±


    Ayfulvoiceinterruptedthem.TheyturnedtoseeRussell,withhissignaturebluehair,smilingasheapproached.


    Avelinewassurprised.¡°Mr.Skyler,you¡¯reheretoo?¡±


    Russell replied,¡°I¡¯maregrhere.Thepastaoverthereisgreat.Mentionmynameandyou¡¯llgetadiscount.¡±


    Aveleased,¡°Really?Imightjustcheckthatout.¡±


    Russellgrinnedmischievously.¡°Notjustthepastashop.Thedessertceandthebarbecuewingspottoo.Justdropmyname.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tactuallygobutsaid,¡°Wow,Mr.Skyler,youhavequitetheconnections.IguessI¡¯llsavealotonfoodhere.¡±


    Selenaadded,¡°LookslikeIcanbenefitfromknowingyoutoo,<b>Mr.</b>Skyler,<i>¡±</i>


    Russelughed.¡°Wanttoheadtomyce?¡±


    Hemeanthisbar<i>.</i>


    Selena¡¯seyeslit<b>up</b><b>.</b>¡°Istheresomethingnew?¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°You¡¯llseewhenwegetthere.¡±


    SelenalookedatAveline eagerly.¡°Let¡¯sgo!Iwanttoseethenewshow!¡±


    Avelinenodded,¡°Alright, let¡¯sgo!¡±


    Thegroupleftthe<b>night</b>marketandgotintoacar<b>,</b>headingtowardsthebar<i>.</i>


    Thebarwasalreadybustlingwithpeople,colorfullightsshing,andtheDJonstagenoticedRussellimmediatelyandsteppedaside<b>for</b>him.


    Russelllookedatthebar managerandsignaled,¡°Getthemsomenicedrinksthatwon¡¯tgetthemdrunk.¡±


    Themanagerquicklynodded.¡°Yes,boss.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeslit up.¡°So,you¡¯retheownerhere?DoesthismeanI¡¯vegotaninsideconnectionnow?¡±


    Russellgrin


    Absolutely.Andnotjustaninsideconnection;you


    cangetascloseasyouwant.¡±


    713


    Selenateased,¡°Oh,reallynow.¡±


    Avelineshotherance,thentumedbacktoRussell.¡°Ican¡¯tdothat.Ifyourgirlfriendfindsout,she¡¯lleatmealive.¡±


    Russell¡¯ssmilefadedslightly,andhischarmingfacemedserious.¡°Idon¡¯thaveagirlfriend,sodon¡¯tspreadrumors.¡±


    SelenagaveaknowinglookExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Avelinechangedthesubject.¡°What¡¯sthenewsoon?


    Russellgaveheradeeplookandsaid,¡°Tonight,I¡¯llbedancingonstage¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Selenacoveredhermouth.¡°I¡¯veheardyou¡¯reanamazingdancer,andnowIfinallygettoseeit.¡±


    Russedded,¡°ButIneedadancepartner.Nopartner,nodance.¡±


    Ashespoke,hefixedhisgazeonAveline.


    Avelinefeltabithelpless.Shewasmarried,afterall!Ifshewere<b>single</b>,shewouldhaveagreed.


    Selenanudgedher.¡°Ave,I<b>remember</b>youcandance.BeRussell¡¯sdance partner,please!I¡¯lldoanythingyouwantifyouletmeseehimdance!¡±


    B

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    Avelinelookedather.¡°Iwantyoutotakebackwhat yousaid.¡±


    SelenashookAveline¡¯sarm,pleading,¡°Ave,pleaseeon,please¡­¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯tresistSelena¡¯spleading,andherheartsoftened.¡±Alright.¡±


    SelenabeamedwithjoyandturnedtoRussell.¡°Whendoesitstart?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Norush,I¡¯lefindyouinabit.Youtwoenjoyyourselvesfornow.¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandleft.


    SelenaandAvelinesatinthebestseats,andthewaiterbeganbringingoverdrinksandfruittters.


    Avelineheldherss,lookingatthebrightlycoloreddrinkinside.¡±Isuddenlyregretthis.¡±


    Wasn¡¯tthisjustaskingfortrouble?


    Shealreadyhadenoughproblems,andifshegotRussellinvolved,thingscouldgetevenmessier.


    Selenasaid,¡°Ave,you¡¯reoverthinkingit.It¡¯sjustadance.Whenwasthsttimeyoudanced?¡±


    Avelinesighed.¡°I¡¯mnotuptoitanymore,I¡¯mtoooldforthis.¡±


    Selenughed.¡°Justdoittomakemehappy.¡±


    Avelinegaveher<b>a</b>resignedlook.¡°It¡¯stotetobackoutnow.


    Selenasmile.dely,raisingherssforatoast.


    Astimepassed,thebargrewmorelively.Whenagroupofguysleftthestage,thelightssuddenlywentout.


    +15BONUS


    Inthenextmoment,Avelinefeltherwristbeinggrabbed.Startled,sheasked,¡°Whoisit?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯sme,¡±Russell¡¯samusedvoicecamethroughasheledheronto


    thestage.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Aveline,focusondancing.¡±


    Russellcedone handonherwaist.


    Avelensedupforamomentbutsoonforcedherselftorx.


    Howlonghaditbeensince shedanced?


    Shehadbeensobusythatshehadabandonedherhobbies.


    Now,withLucastormentingherineverypossibleway,she feltlikeherlifewasnolongerherown.Whatelsewastheretocareabout?


    TheimageofLucasdefendingSophiashedthroughhermind,causingaducheinherchest.Butshequicklyadjustedheremotions,asmileappearingonherface.


    ¡°Alright.¡±Sheagreed.


    Themusicstartedtoy.


    Hereyeslitup;itwasasongshehaddancedtobefore,andsheremembereditwell.


    ThecrowdwentwildwhentheysawRussellonstage,especiallythegirls,whoscreamednon¨Cstop!


    The song¡¯srhythmwasfastandpowerful,andAvelinequicklymatchedRussell¡¯ssteps,evenseemingtosurpasshimattimes.


    Atthatmorient,agroupofpeopleenteredthebar.


    Aaron,withhishandsinhispockets,remarked,¡°Lucas,youhaven¡¯tchangedintwoyears.Youstivoidlivelyceslikethis.Whydo


    +15BONUS


    youalwayswanttogohome?¡±


    Lucaswalkedbesidehim,hisexpressioncoldandindifferent,ignoringAaron¡¯ments.


    Aaronncedatthebustlingbarandclickedhistongue.¡°Whatagreatatmosphere!Thosetwodancingoverthereareprettygood,especiallytheguy.Thewayhelooksatthegirl,youcanalmostseethesparks.¡±


    Lucasinstinctivelylookedatthestage.Seeingthetwodancers,hisfaceimmediatelydarkened.


    Atthatmoment,thesongreacheditsfinalbeats.RussellheldAvelinebythewaist,andAvelinedramaticallytossedherheadback,herarmhookingaroundRussell¡¯sneck.Theireyeslocked,andanindescribableemotionpassedbetweenthem.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Thecrowderuptedintocheers.


    AaronpattedLucasonthearm.¡°Thosetwoaregreattogether.Theyhaverealchemistry.Whatdoyouthinkaboutsigningthem?They¡¯dbeahitinnotime.¡±


    Turninghishead,hesawthatLucas¡®expressionwasstormy.

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    Chapter125Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Aaronjumpedbackinsurprise,quicklypullinghishandaway.


    Whoa,what¡¯swiththatexpression?Areyoulookingtosignwithmpanytoo?¡±


    Lucasredatthetwoonstageforalongmomentbeforeshiftinghisgazetothefront¨Crowseats.¡°Brian.¡±


    Brianimmediatelysteppedforward.¡°Yes,Mr.Tudor.¡±


    Lucassaidcoldly,¡°TakeSelenatotheprivateroom.¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandheadedtowardthestaircase.


    Briannoddedandwalkedtowardthefront¨Crowseats.


    Aaronwasstunned.¡°Wait,what¡¯sgoingon?Who¡¯sSelena?Whyareyougrabbingher?Lucas,don¡¯tjustwalkaway,answerme.¡±


    Selenawasppingenthusiastically,hervoicehoarsefromcheering,herfaceglowingwithexcitement.Thiswasincredible!ThechemistrybetweenRussendAvelineonthedancefloorwaselectric.Shewasallinonthispairing!


    Justthen,ayoungmanwithaseriousexpressionapproachedher.MissQuin,MissYoungiswaitingforyoubackstage.¡±


    Selenablinked.¡°Whydidshegobackstage?¡±


    Theyoungmanshookhishead.¡°Idon¡¯tknow.¡±


    Selenastoodup.¡°Alright,let¡¯sgo!¡±


    Brianledherupstairs.Astheyascended,thenoisefrombelowgraduallyfaded,andtheyfoundthemselvesinacorridorlinedwithprivaterooms.


    Selenapaused,hereyesnarrowingwithsuspicion.¡°Thisdoesn¡¯tlooklikethebackstagearea.¡±


    Sheturnedtoleave,butBriangrabbedherarm,openedaprivateroomdoor,andpulledherinside.


    WhenAvelinereturned,shefoundSelena¡¯sseatempty.Shefrownedandtookoutherphocallher,


    Russepproached,havingtakenoffhisjacketafterthedance,nowwearingacktanktopthatshowcasedhisdefinedarmmuscles.


    Selenadidn¡¯tanswerthephone.


    Aveline¡¯sfrowndeepened.DidSelenagototherestroomandnothearherphone?


    Russellnoticedherconcernandasked,¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Selena¡¯smissing.¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°Comewithmetothesecurityroom.Let¡¯scheckthesurveincefootage.¡±


    Avelinelookedathimgratefully.¡°Thankyousomuch.¡±


    Russellsmiledwarmly.¡°Noneedtothankme.We¡¯refriendsnow,right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,weare.¡±


    Theywenttothesecurityroomand checkedthefootagefocusedonSelena¡¯slocation.


    WhenAvelinesawBrian,herexpressionimmediatelyturnedicy.Lucas¡®manhadtaken Selena!


    WasLucasnningtoretaliateagainstSelenaforSophia¡¯ssake?


    Noway!Shewouldn¡¯t allowthattohappen!


    Avelookoutherphoneandlookedatthenumbershehadblocked.Pressingherlipstogether,sheunblockeditanddialed.


    Thelinewasbusyforthreeringsbeforethecallwasabruptlycutoff.


    Shecalledagain,anditwascutoffagain.


    Onthefifthattempt,thecallfinallyconnected.


    AvelinesilentlycursedLucasbutkepthervoiceascalmaspossible.Lucas,didyoutakeSelena?Whereisshe?¡±


    Lucas¡®deep,maicvoiceresponded,¡°A12,¡±


    Thenhehungup.


    Avelineclosedhereyes,strugglingtocontrolheremotions.


    Russesked,¡°WasitLucaswhotookSelena?¡±


    Avelineexhaleddeeplyandlookedathim.¡°Yes,Iknowwheresheisnow.I¡¯mgoingtofindher.Thankyouforyourhelp,Mr.Skyler.Youcangobacktowhatyouweredoing.¡±

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    Chapter126


    Besarsaid,¡°T¡¯Sgowithyouthatyouwithme


    Juriljurbewarnchinbareharrestbuty


    mulindandorfanand,¡°bon,icarforthehead


    FourSiteManilimarsand,a1


    things


    RunturaenElterendeamentbefoeshermoaan?¡°Alright,butcallmeifgrasssuntanything*


    Bussiliturnedandlef


    ormeerwaythe$25pasnobandingauthordos


    thmwasspurtines,withavothabowTheaunkeBiterenop,Boughaguidesthanhowsire


    Lawasbadonthesofs,heatingssofwineinahandatadiganatosisthatotherstandingavastdignitantpersona


    OppustN¨¢m.?handsomestrangelyenghus


    branefide1heretime topayskeluntuBan


    andNagbeloneandkruinedherebeinghurt?dunn¨²¨¬¨¤iBaliByBianSoulnyAve,Saratogautanpantrybackdown


    khangyoupersontobeinginbe1boutyourworkingthechasckto,plyougo


    thehathseriononBut,betweentherose


    **


    turnedouttobucas¡®man.Howinfuriating!


    Brianremainedexpressionless,seeminglyunaffectedbyher words.


    ¡°Lethergo!¡±Avelinedemanded,pushingBrianaway.


    BriansteppedbackandlookedatLajcas.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Lucasgavehimacoldnce.


    Brianimmediatelyloweredhishead,hisexpressionevenmoreimpassive.


    Aaronwatchedthedramaunfoldwithagleefulsmile.¡°Lucas,thidyseemsveryfamiliartome.Shehasquitethechemistrywithyou.Couldshebeyourwife?¡±


    Lucasrepliedcoldly,¡°You¡¯requiteperceptive.¡±


    Aaronchuckled.¡°Well,whatcanIsay?Mpanyisfullofstarsandactors,alldiscoveredbytheseeyesofmine.IcantellifsomeonewillbeahitthemomentIseethem.Andyouknowwhat?I¡¯mneverwrong!¡±


    LucasshothimafrostyncebeforeturninghisattentionbacktoAveline.¡°Aveline,haveIeverdeniedyoufoodorclothing?Andyet,hereyouare,performinginabar?¡±


    Histonewasicy,andhiswordswereevenmorecutting.


    Avelinemethisgazewithacoldsmile.¡°Youhaven¡¯tdeniedmefoodorclothing,butyou¡¯retakingmylifebitbybit.Lifeisshort,andI¡¯mjusttryingtoenjoyitwhileIcan.SinceI¡¯malreadyashieldforSophia,can¡¯tIatleastlivefreely?¡±


    Assheshed,Selenaerupted,¡°Jerk!I¡¯venever metanyonemoredespic..thanyou.WhenAvefoundyoubytheroadside,sheshouldhaveleftyoutostarve.Takingyouhomewastheworstdecisionever!¡±


    ¡°Estat,Thitherinusmietid


    StianimmediaemeretresainingSelena


    Sveine¡¯sexpressimeevencolder.¡°Whatareyoudoing?ItWannhaveapoznam,sakeitoutonthelWhyareyoutargetingher?¡±


    Takesontgateservedonher.¡°¡°Takeitoutonyou?Whatdoyou


    Avelineseachedwithanger,wishingshecouldphimacrosstheFace.ButshecouldntSelenewasstillthere,andBrianwasLucasThan.WithjustonmandfromLures.Selenacouldgethurt.

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    Chapter<b>127</b>


    +15BONUS


    Avelineclenchedherfists,hergazesweepingovertheassortmentofdrinksonthetable.


    ShewalkedoverandstoodoppositeLucas,takingadeepbreath.beforesaying,¡°Lucas,you¡¯redoingthistoventforSophia,butSelenaisherebecauseofme.Howaboutthis:I¡¯lldrinkallofthese,andyouleaveSelenaalone.Isthatfair?¡±


    Lucas¡®eyesstaredathercoldlyforalongmomentwithoutsayingaword.Avelinesmiledfaintly,thengrabbedabottle,unscrewedthecap,andstarteddrinking.Thesharptasteburnedherthroat,makinghercoughviolently,tearssqueezingoutofhereyes.Shepausedbriefly,thencontinueddrinking.


    Lucasdidn¡¯tstopher;hejustwatched,hisgazedarkanplicated.


    ¡°Ave!¡±Selena¡¯seyeswidenedasshestruggledtomovecloserbut washeldbackbyBrian.¡°Letgoofme!Letmego!¡±


    Selena¡¯svoicewastingedwithtearsassheredatLucas,butshedidn¡¯tdareinsulthimfurther.Avelinewasdoingthisforhersake;ifsheantagonizedLucasnow,allofAveline¡¯seffortswould beinvain.


    Aaronwatchedthescene<b>,</b>thzysmilefadingfromhisfaceashelookedatLucas.¡°Areyouseriousaboutthis?¡±


    Lucas¡®lipstightenedintoalineashewatchedAvelinefinishonebottleandopenanother.Frustrated,hebarked,¡°That¡¯senough!¡±


    Avelineabruptlyputthebottledown,closinghereyesforamomentbeforeaskingwithdifficulty,¡°Doyouagree?¡±


    Suddenly,Lucas stoodup,reachingacrossthetabletogripherchin,forcingher<b>to</b>lookupathim.¡°Aveline,don¡¯tyouhaveanythingelsetosay?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Thealcoholhit herquickly.Aveline¡¯sfacewasalreadyturningredasshestaredat Lucas,asilenughescapingherlips.¡°<b>I</b>havenothingmoretosaytoyou.¡±


    Itwasasifallsoundhadvanished,leavingonlythepoundingofherheart.Tinyfracturesseemedtoappearwithin,apaniedbyasharppainthattoreathersenses.


    Lucas¡®eyesdarkenedominously.HeredatAveline,releasingherchinwithacolugh.¡°Ifshedarestocausetrouble,sheshouldbepreparedtofacetheconsequences.


    Avelineclutchedthebottle.¡°Whatdoyou mean?¡±


    WashenotgoingtospareSelena?


    LucasturnedtoAaron.¡°Areyouinneedofmodels?Whatdoyou.thinkofher?¡±


    Aaron blinked,instinctivelyncingatSelena.¡°Notbad.Herphysicttributesareexcellent.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Signherup,butonlyforthelowest¨Ctiermodelingjobs.¡±


    ¡°Lucas!¡±Avelinewasonthevergeoflosinghertemper.¡°Doyouevenknowwhatyou¡¯redoing?Thisisbetweenus!Whatdoesshehavetodowithit?¡±


    Lucasstaredathercoldly.¡°Whatdoesshehavetodowithit?Whatgiveshertherighttocriticizeme?¡±


    Avelinefeltasifshehadplungedintoanicepit,thechillspreadingthroughherbo¡°¡°.Despitedrinkingtwobottlesofalcohol,shecouldn¡¯tfenywarmth.


    Selenagrittedherteeth.¡°Ave,don¡¯tbeghim.He¡¯snothingbutaningrate!I¡¯llbefine!<b>¡±</b>


    LucaslookedatBrian.¡°Dislocateherjaw.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    +15<b>BONUS</b>


    ¡°Yes,sir.¡±


    BrianraisedhishandtograbSelena¡¯sjaw,butshebitdownonhisthumbwithallherstrength.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Briangrowledinpain,immediatelylettinghergo.


    SelenaquicklyrantoAveline¡¯sside,grippingherhandtightlyandringatLucas.¡°Avewillneverforgiveyoufortreatingherlikethis!¡±


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    ¡°Doesitmatter<b>?</b>¡±


    Lucasleanedback,hisdemeanorexudinganobleandaloofaura.Hishandsomeandsharpfeaturesweremaskedbyacalmandindifferentexpression,makingitimpossibletodiscernhisemotions.


    Selenagrittedherteeth,butfacinghimlikethis,shecouldn¡¯tutterasinglecurse.


    Whatashamelessperson!


    AvelineheldSelena¡¯shand.¡°It¡¯sokay,it¡¯sokay¡­¡±


    ItwasasifshewafortingbothSelenaandherself.


    ShelookedatLucas.¡°Ifyouhaveaproblemeatme.Don¡¯tmakethingsdifficultforSelena.¡±


    Aftersayingthat,sheturnedaroundandpulledSelenaaway.


    Lucaswatchedherbackcoldly,hiseyesgraduallyfilledwithplexandprofoundlook.


    Evenaftertheyleft,theroomremainedfilledwithanoppressiveatmosphere.


    Aaronclickedhistonguetwice.¡°Isay,kid,aren¡¯tyoubeingdifficult?This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Lucaslookedathim.¡°Youthinkyouknoweverything.¡±


    Aaronsneered.¡°Heh¡­DoyouthinkIdidn¡¯tnotice?Sinceyouwalkedin,youreyeshaven¡¯tlefther.Allyouwantedwasforhertosaysomethingnice,butwhathappened?She¡¯sjustasstubbornandwouldrathersufferherselfthanspeakup.Youtwoarebothsostubborn.Ijustwanttoseewhogivesinfirst.¡±


    Lucasresondedcoldly,¡°You¡¯reoverthinking.Tome,shemeans


    gnedathim,suddenlyasking,¡°DoyoureallylikeSophia?¡±


    Gancesthinreply.Instead,hepickedupabottleandpouredhimself


    rinkBrwoningitinonego


    Brianwalkedon,lookingathishand,andhesitantlyasked,<i>¡°</i>METu¨¤m,,ShouldIgetaradiesshot?¡±


    Dacasreplied.¡°Getlost.¡±


    Brianfellsilent.


    eatingthebar,thecoldwindhitAveline,andshebrieflyfeltawave


    Shequicklymovedtoatrashcanandstartedtovomit.


    Selenastayedbyher side,pattingherbackwitheyesfullofconcern.emitydidyoudrinksomuch?He¡¯sjustdoingthistospiteus.ButthatMissWinter,he¡¯lldoanything!


    Avelinevomiteduntilherstomachwasemptyandonlythendidshe


    ¡°Canyougetmeabottleof water?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Selenarespondedimmediatelyandwenttothenearbysupermarkettobuywater.


    Avelinesatonabenchbytheroadside,lettingthe coldwindblowonher,tryinghardnottothinkaboutthosethings.Thosethingsthatmadehersadandupset.


    Tonight¡¯sissuesweren¡¯tresolved.Heletthemgo,butthatdidn¡¯t


    meanitwasover.HemightstillcausetroubleforSelena.


    Selenaquicklyreturned,openingthewaterand handingitto her.Ave,bere.¡±


    Avelookasipandthenlookedather.¡°Selena,youshouldleaveCloudreCity.Ifhecan¡¯tfindyou,hecan¡¯ttargetyou.¡±


    Selenafeltabitsad.¡°ButifIleave,whataboutyou?¡±


    Avelinesmiledlightly.¡°I¡¯malone,whatdoIhavetofear?¡±


    Selenahuggedher.¡°Ican¡¯tleave.IfIseehim,I¡¯lljustavoidhim.Ican¡¯tleaveyoualone.IfIhadknownhewaslikethis,Iwouldn¡¯thavegoneabroad.¡±


    Shehadbeenabroadforthreemonths,andwhenshereturned,Avelineseemedlikepletelydifferentperson,allbecauseofthatscumbagLucas!


    Avelinechuckled.¡°Canyoureallyholdback?¡±


    Selenanodded.¡°Ican,Idefinitelycan.Ifworsestoworst,I¡¯lljustcursehimafterhe walkspast.¡±


    Avelinewasamused,butshedidn¡¯tbringupthetopicagain.


    Aveline,Selena.¡±


    Atthismoment,Russell¡¯svoicecame.


    10Over


    Thetwolookedupandsawhimwithacoatdrapedoverhisshoulder,lookingpuzzled.¡°Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±

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    Chapter<b>129</b>


    AvelinelookedupatRussell,givinghimaslightsmile.¡°IfoundSelena.Wewerejustabouttoheadback.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Great,I¡¯llgiveyouaride.¡±


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°Noneed,I¡¯vealreadycalledacar.Thanksanyway.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°Wecancanceltheride.It¡¯snotroubleforMr.Skylertodropusoff<b>,</b>sothankyou,Mr.Skyler.¡±


    Russell¡¯shandsomeandmischievousfacelitupwithamusement.With Selenasayingthat,areyoustillgoingtorefuseme?¡±


    ¦§


    AvelinegaveSelenaahelplesslook.


    Selena,however,winkedather,herexpressioninscrutable.


    Theygotintothecar.


    Avelineleanedagainstthewindow, staringnklyatthenightoutside.


    Russell,driving,ncedatherthroughtherearviewmirrorandasked,¡°Whathappened?MaybeIcanhelp.¡±


    Selenalookedathim,thoughtforamoment,andsuddenlyasked,¡±Do youknowanyreliablwyers,especiallythosegoodatdivorcecases?¡±


    ¡°Selena!¡±


    Avelineimmediatelygrabbedherhand,¡°Don¡¯tsaythat.I¡¯mnotthinkingaboutitrightnow.¡±


    Selenalookedather,hesitatingtospeakfurther.


    Russellchuckledsoftlyandsaid,¡°Ido,actually.Ifyouneedone,I


    Areesid.¡°ank you.¡±


    Selenasighedhelplesslybesideher


    Eventhestation,couldn¡¯tsheeptsomehelp?Didshetrulywanttodealwith thatsambagLacaseveryday?


    Avelineclosedhereyes,sayingnothingmore.Hermindwashazy,andshedriftedofftosleep.


    Whenshewokeupagain,thecarhadstopped.Lookingaround,sherealizedtheywereatMapleGardenSolenawasnolongerinthecar.


    Russell¡¯scoatwasdraped overhet.


    Areinewas momentmilyStamodandasked,¡°Where¡¯sSelena


    Busselreplied,.Shewenthom¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Arcelinerubbedherachingtemples,feedingabitembarrassal.¡±Sorry,Ifesleep.IhopeIdidn¡¯tdyyou.¡±


    Russellsmiled.¡°Noitwasnotrouble.¡±


    Arelinesaid.¡°Thengo nowtreatyoutoamenotherday.¡±


    ¡°reline.¡±


    Busselcalledhermame


    Axelinebrokedathim,puzzled.¡°Yes,what?¡°¡±


    Russellgotoutofthecatandopenedthebackdoon,lookingatberincandy.¡°BroeschvonshouldquityourjobaneworkformoIpromiseyouwontbemistreated.


    Caughtofgooi,velimedidn¡¯texpecthimtoshythat


    MESHOEWOND¡­


    Russellsaid,¡°We¡¯vebeenthroughalottogether.StopcallingmeMr.Skyler<b>.</b>Besides,Idon¡¯tneedyoutolookuptome.Callmebymyname.Ipreferfriendstocallmebymyname.¡±


    Avelinebitherlipslightly,herlongeyshestrembling.Shelookedathim,hergazeclear.¡°Russell,thankyou,butIhavemyownns.


    Russelllookedatherforamoment,thenchuckled.¡°You¡¯reprettystubborn,aren¡¯tyou?Likeamule?¡±


    Avelinewasstartled,thencouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.


    Russellsaid,¡°Iliveheretoo.Whichbuildingareyouin?¡±


    Avelinepointedtooneofthebuildingsandsaid,¡°It¡¯te.I¡¯llgobacknow.Youshouldrestearlytoo.¡±


    Russellleanedonthecardoorwithonehand.¡°Alright.¡±


    Hisexpressionwasascasundmischievousasalways,thesmileonhishandsomefacewassocaptivatingitwashardnottobedrawnin.


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    Avelinesteppedoutofthecar,buthavingdrunksomuch,shefeltunsteady.Assoonassheliftedherhead,awaveofdizzinesshither,causinghertostumbleinstinctively.


    Seeingthis,Russellimmediatelyreachedouttosteadyher.¡°Areyouokay?¡±


    Avelineregainedherbnceandrealizedhowcloseshewasto


    Russell.Shequicklywithdrewherhandandsmiled.¡°I¡¯mfine,justabitdizzy.¡±


    Russellfrowned.¡°Inyourcondition<b>,</b>howwillyougethome?Letmetakeyou.¡±


    ¡°Noneed¡­¡±Avelineshookherhead,abouttosaymorewhenafamiliarvoicesoundedfromnearby.


    ¡°Thisisn¡¯tthebestspot.Whydon¡¯tyouheadupstairs?¡±


    AvelineandRussellturnedtoseeLucassittinginacarnotfaraway,thewindowrolleddown,revealinghiscold,grimface.Hiseyeswerefixedonthemwithadark,intensegaze.


    Avelinepursedherlips,lookedaway,andsaidtoRussell,<b>¡°</b>I¡¯llgonow.¡±


    Russellseemedworried.¡°Aveline,maybeIshould¡­¡±


    ¡°No,it¡¯sfine.¡±


    Aveline gavehimafaintsmile,thenturnedandwalkedtowardsthebuilding.


    Russellwatchedherbackforalongtimebeforeshiftinghisgaze.toLucasinthecar.Amockingsmilecurledonhislips.¡°Lucas,don¡¯tyouhavesomeoneyoulove?Whynotdivorceher?Aren¡¯tyouafraidofhurtingher?¡±


    Lucaslookedathimcoldly,¡°Why?Tiredofbeingabastardandwantanewroleastheotherman<i>?¡±</i>


    Russell¡¯ssmilechilled,hisgazeturging,dangerous,Lacas,however,didn¡¯tregardhimatall,lookingawayindifferentlyandgivinmandtothedriver.Thecarthenmovedforward.


    Russell¡¯seyesgrewcolder,butamischievoussmilesuddenlyappearedonhislips,


    Whendisappointmentumtes,lettinggobesinevitable.


    Heh!


    In


    Avelinewentupstairsandheadedstraighttoherbedroom.Shesubmergedherselfinwarmwater,graduallydispellingthefeelingsofdizzinessanddifort.


    Closinghereyes,shethoughtaboutLucas¡¯sdemeanortonight.


    Hewassocoldandheartless,astarkcontrasttothemanheusedto


    <ol>


    <li>be.</li>


    </ol>


    Whatwashethinking?


    IfhewasunhappywithSelena¡¯sinsults,hecouldhave<b>easily</b>.avoidedthembydivorcingher.Whykeepdraggingitout?


    CoulditbethathereallyintendedtouseherlifeasashieldforSophia?


    Instinctively,Avelinedidn¡¯twanttobelievethisreason.Shefelthewasn¡¯tthatkindofperson.


    Herthough


    waterengulf


    newincreasinglychaotic.Shesankdeeper,lettingthe


    allowingthesensationofsuffocationto


    pher.


    Thereweresomedisordered sounds<b>in</b>herears.Avelinesuddenlyemerged<b>from</b>thewater,wipedherface,andopenedhereyestoseeLucasstandingnotfaraway.Shewasstartled.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Howdidyougetinhere?¡±


    Shestaredat<b>him</b>indisbelief.


    Shehadchangedthelockcode,andonlysheandSelenaknewthenewcode.Howdidhegetin?


    Lucas<b>simply</b>lookedathercoldly.Heraised<b>his</b>handandloosenedhiscor,thenpulledoffhistieandtosseditaside.


    Sensingdanger,Avelriedtogetupandleave,buthewasalreadyinfrontofher.Hepushedherbackintothetub.


    COMMENTS

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    Chapter31


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Avelinewasstartledandinstinctivelytriedtoavoidhim.However,thebathtubwasslippery,andafterseverttemptstostruggle,shefellbackintoit.


    Lucaspressedonehandonhershoulder,leaningoverher.Hislong,narroweyesfixedonher,alreadytingedwithahintofcrimson,asifsuppressingsomeemotion.


    ¡°Aveline,doyoulikeRussell?¡±Hisdeepvoicequestionedherheavily.


    Avelinewasstunned,feelingspeechless!


    Howcouldheasksuchaquestion?Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Didn¡¯theknowwhomsheliked?


    However,withoutherconsent,heenteredherhome,questionedherinthattone,andbulliedherlikethis.Therewasnowayshecouldsayshelikedhim!


    ¡°WhoIlikehasnothingtodowithyou!¡±


    Aveline¡¯scleareyesstaredstraightathim,notfearinghiscold.demeanoratall.¡°What?YoucanlikeMissWinter,butIcan¡¯tlikeothermen?¡±


    ¡°No,youcan¡¯t!¡±Lucasroared.Hishandpressedonhershoulderwhilegrippingherchin,andhisfierce kissfollowed.


    Avelinewasshockedandimmediatelybegantostruggle.


    Watersshedeverywhereinthebathtub,butshehadnostrengthintheslipperytub.


    He,beingoutofthewater,couldeasilysubdueher.


    Fromthebeginning,shewasatadisadvantage.


    Hisburninglipsandtongueplunderedherbreath,hislongfingers,slightly cool,touchedherbody,makinghershiverviolently.


    ¡°Mm,letgo¡­¡±


    Avelinepushed,hit,andhammeredhim.


    Butitwasallinvain.


    Heseemedtohavegonemad,directlyenteringthebathtub.


    Thespaceinthetubinstantlybecamecrampedandsuffocating,andAvelinewasfirmlycontrolledbyhim.


    Withthewateraiding,everythingwentmuchsmoother.


    Avelinebitdownonhisshoulder,tearsstreamingdown,¡°Lucas,


    youarepletebastard!¡±


    Lucas¡¯shandgrippedherwaist.Thehardershebit,themorefiercelyhe respondedtoher.


    Gradually,she lostallherstrengthandcopseddirectlyintohis


    arms.


    Inthebathroom,steamfilledtheair,andthesoundofwaterwavesechoedcontinuously,notstoppingforalongtime.


    Avelinewasutterlyexhausted,whensheheardhishoarsevoiceinherear,¡°StayawayfromRussell!¡±


    Shenolongerhad theenergytospeakandsimplyclosedhereyes.


    Afteralongwhile,everythingfinallyceased.


    Lucaswrappedherinatowel,carriedheroutofthebathroom,andcedheronthebed.Gazingathersleepingface,hecouldn¡¯thelpbutleandownandgentlykissherforehead.


    +15BONUS


    Anindescribableemotionshedthroughhisheart,shatteringallhispreviousbeliefs.


    HeonlyknewthatseeingAvelineandRussellstandingtogetherughingandchatting<b>,</b>madehimveryupset<b>!</b>


    ¡°Bastard¡­¡±


    Suddenly,Avelurnedover,mutteredsomethinginhersleep,andfrowned.


    Lucasstaredather,hislipspressedintoastraightline.


    Thenextday.


    Avelinewokeup,feelingterribleallover!


    Thishousewas nolongerhers!


    Shehadtomoveout!


    Otherwise,howcouldhestillgetinaftershechangedthelocksandsetupapassword?


    Afterwashingup,shecameoutofthebedroomandsawLucaingoutofthekitchen,holdingtwotes.


    ¡°You¡¯reupeandeat.¡±


    Hencedatherandsaidinalow,maicvoice.


    Avelinelookedathimcoldly.¡°Howdidyougetin?¡±


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    D


    COMMENTS

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    Lucassatdownonachair,hisexpressionnobleandindifferent.¡°Eatfirst.¡±


    Avelinewalkedoverandsnatchedtheutensilsfromhishand,mmingthemontothetable.¡°Lucas,howdidyougetinhere?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercalmly,hismoodinexplicablyliftingatherangryexpression.¡°Doyouthinkchangingthepasswordlockwillkeepmeout?AslongasIwantto,Icaeinanytime.¡±


    Hisdeep,maicvoicemadeherfesthoughhewastalkingaboutsomethingelseentirely.Rememberingeverythingthathappenestnight,shebecameevenangrier.¡°Youwanttoeat?Noway!Noneofthisis foryou!¡±


    Shemovedhisbondutensilsawayandsatatthefarthestspotfromhim,eatingonherown.


    Lucaswatchedherandsuddenlychuckled,¡°Aveline,aren¡¯tyoubeingchildish?¡±


    Avelinesaidnothing.Whatcouldshedo?Shecouldn¡¯tmanagehimwitheitherforceorkindness.ShehadnowaytohandleLucas!


    Lucaswasn¡¯tangry;hejustwatchedherwithamusement.Whenshefinishedeating,hefinallysaid,¡°I¡¯vefoundsomeinformationaboutthepersonwhowantedtoharmyou.¡±


    Avelinepausedinhereatingandlookedathim.¡°Whoisit?¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯tcontinuespeakingimmediately butgazedatherintently.Avelinepursedherlipsandpushedthebondutensilsbackinfrontofhim.


    Lucastookasipofmilkbeforesaying,¡°HisnameisDarrenJones.Thedayhecamelookingforyou,hehadjustbeenreleasedfromprison.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelinewasstunned,herbrowsfurrowing.¡°Idon¡¯tknowthisperson.¡±


    ¡°Iknow,¡±Lucassaid.¡°Afterthatime,hedisappearedwithoutatrace.He¡¯sgoodathiding.Withoutsolidevidence,evenifthepolicesuspecthim,theycan¡¯tdoanything.¡±


    Avelinewassilentforamomentbeforeasking,¡°IsitrtedtotheTudorfamily?¡±


    ShehadalwaysthoughtthatDarrencameafterherbecauseshewas.Lucas¡®wife,makingheranunintendedtarget.


    Lucassaid,¡°It¡¯sstillunclear.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressiongrewmoreserious.¡°Thenit¡¯sverylikelyrtedtotheTudorfamily.Imighthavebeenimplicatedbecauseofyou.Lucas,justhowmanyenemiesdoyouhave?¡±


    Lucaslookedather.¡°What?Areyouscared?¡±


    Avelinughedasifshehadheardajoke.¡°Hewantstokillme.Anyonewould<b>be</b>scared,right?¡±


    ThesmilefadedfromLucas¡®lips.¡°Beingscaredwon¡¯thelp.Ifhe¡¯stargetedyou,hewon¡¯tgiveup easily.Youkeptwantingtodivorce.ItwouldbebettertostaybymysidesoIcanprotectyouinsecret.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Youcanstillprotectme afterwedivorce.Afterall,Iwasimplicatedbecauseofyou.¡±


    Lucasretorted,¡°Ifwe¡¯redivorced,whyshouldIprotectyou?Whatwouldyoubetomethen?¡±


    ¡°You!<b>¡±</b>


    Avelinewasinfuriated.Shewatchedhimeatandonceagainmovedhisbondutensilsaway.


    Heatefinishedwithoutshowinganyshame.


    Lucassaidnothing, gotup,andleftdirectly.


    Avelinelostherappetite.Thefeelingofhavingaknifeatherthroat.wastrulyunpleasant.


    ¡°DarrenJones¡­¡±Shethoughthardaboutthispersonbuthadno.impressionofhim.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Hehadjustbeenreleasedfromprison.Whathadhebeenimprisonedfor?


    AvelinelookeduptoaskLucas,buthewasalreadygone.


    Sheremainedsilentforawhile,thenstoodup,tidiedupabit,andwalkedtothedoor.Staringatthepasswordlock,shetookoutherphoneandmadeacall.

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    ¡°Hey,Selena,doyouknowanyonewhosellshigh¨Ctechlocks?¡±


    Selenawasmomentarilystunnedbyherquestion.¡°Didn¡¯tyoujustchangeyourlock?Whydoyouneedtochangeitagain?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Itcan¡¯tkeeppeopleout,soIhavetokeepchanging


    it.¡±


    Selenawassilentforamomentbeforesaying,¡°Why<b>not</b>justgetanewce?¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeslitup.¡°You¡¯reright,let¡¯sjustgetanewhouse.¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°Icanintroduceyoutosomeoneforthat.MapleGardenisagreatarea.Ifyousellforabitless,I¡¯msuresomeonewillbewillingtobuy.¡±


    Avelineagreed.¡°Okay,let¡¯sdothat.Ihavetogotoworknow.We¡¯lltalkmoreafterIgetofftonight.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Attheoffice.


    Avelinespenttheentiredayworking,coordinatingwithBrightonEnterprises,andinspectingtheconstructionsite.


    Inshort,shedidn¡¯tgetamoment¡¯srest.


    Whenshereturnedtotheoffice,mostpeoplehadalreadyleft.


    Shesatatherdesk,tookasipofwater,andthencalledSelena.


    ¡°Hey,Ave,areyoudonewithwork?¡±Selena¡¯svoicesounded excited.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Yes,Ijustfinished.Ihaven¡¯t gonehomeyet.¡±


    10


    Selenasaid,¡°I¡¯lepickyouup.We¡¯llgrabsomedinnerfirst,thenI¡¯lltakeyoutoseesomehouses.¡±


    Avelinewassurprised.¡°Sosoon?¡±


    Selenaresponded,¡°Whenyoudosomething,doitdecisively.Whydragitout?¡±


    Avelinesmiledwryly.¡°You¡¯reright.Comepickmeupthen.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Theymetup,hadasteakdinner,andthenheadedhome.Ontheway,Selenawasalreadycontactingpotentialbuyers.


    Afterhangingup,shelookedatAvelineandsaid,¡°Ifeverythinggoessmoothly,wecanfinalizeittodayandsignthecontracttomorrow.Thenyoucanfindacethatjerkwon¡¯tbeable tolocate,andhewon¡¯tbotheryouanymore.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°It¡¯sallthankstoyou.¡±


    Selenawasverydecisive.¡°Ijustdon¡¯t wanttoseeyoustrugglinginapitoffire.Thatjerk,honestly,youarehiswife.Can¡¯theatleastshowsomedecency?Whydoeshehavetomakethingssouglybeforelettinggo?¡±


    Avelineloweredhereyesslightly.Shedidn¡¯tunderstanditeither.Initially,hewastheonewhowantedtokeepthingscivil,butnowhe<b>was</b>theonerefusing<b>to</b>divorce.Whatwashethinking?


    Afterabouttwentyminutes,acarpulledup.


    ¡°They¡¯rehere!¡±


    Selenasawthecarandimmediatelyopenedthedoorandgotout.¡±Mr.Skyler,overhere!¡±


    Avelinegotoutofthecarandwasstunnedwhenshesawwhoitwas.


    Russell?


    +15BONUS


    Selena,smiling,said,¡°Surprised?ThemysteriousbuyerisMr.Skyler!¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°But,Mr.Skyleralreadyhasahousehere.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Idon¡¯tmindhavingmorehouses.¡±


    Avelinewasatalossforwords.Shesuddenlydidn¡¯tknowwhattosay.


    Selenasaid,¡°Let¡¯snotstandaround.Let¡¯sgoup andcheckoutthece.¡±


    Russellnodded.¡°Alright.¡±


    Avelinehadnochoicebuttofollow.Assoonastheysteppedoutoftheelevator,theysawLucasstandingatthedoor,enteringapassword.


    ¡°Whatishedoinghere?¡±Selenafrowned.


    Avelookastepforward.¡°Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±


    Lucasturned around,hissuitjacketdrapedoverhisarm.Hishandsome,sharpfacewascoldandnoble,andhiseyesncedindifferentlyatthem.Hisvoicewaslowandmaic.¡°I¡¯mgoinghome.¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Thisisn¡¯tyourhome.Don¡¯ehereanymore!¡±


    Selenasnortedfromtheside.¡°Howshameless.¡±


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    COMMINIS

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    LucasshotacoldnceatSelena.


    Selenafeltachillrunthroughherandinstinctivelylookedaway.


    Lucas¡¯sicygazethenfellonRussell,butitwasjustafleetingncebeforeheturnedtoAvelineandasked,¡°Bringingstrangemenintoourhomewithoutmypermission,isn¡¯tthatinappropriate?¡±


    Avelinughedoutofanger.¡°Thisismyhouse.WhyshouldIneedyourpermissiontobringfriendsover?¡±


    Withonehandinhispocket,Lucasmaintainedhiscold,nobledemeanor.¡°Havewedivorced?¡±


    Avelinepressedherlipstogether.


    Lucascontinued,¡°Sincewehaven¡¯tdivorced,you¡¯restillmywife.Yourhouseismaritalproperty,whichmeanswhat¡¯syoursisalsomine.¡±


    Suppressingheranger,Avelinerepliedcoldly,¡°DoIreallyhavetospellitoutfor you?¡±


    Lucaslookedatherwithafaint,mockingsmile.¡°What?Doyouwanttoargueinfrontofeveryone?Areyousureyouwanttoairourmaritalissuesinpublic?¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Shameless!


    Didhestillremembertheyweremarried?


    Selena,unabletoholdback,finallysaid,¡°Ifyouhadn¡¯tbeensuchajerk,Avemighthavealreadymarriedsomeoneelsebynow!¡±


    ¡°Isthatso?¡±Lucas¡¯sturnedevencolder.


    Avelinesensedadangerousvibeandwantedtosaysomething,butLucassuddenlygrabbedher,pullinghercloseandkissingher.


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedinshock!


    Selena,utterlyincredulous,pointedatLucas.¡°You¡­you¡­you¡¯reshameless!¡±


    LucaskissedAvelinehard,thenlookedat Selenawithasmirk.¡°Howiskissingmywifeshameless?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Selenawassofuriousshecouldn¡¯tspeak!


    Avelinepushedhimawayforcefully,wipingherlipswiththebackofherhand.¡°Whatiswrongwithyou?¡±


    Lucas¡¯sgazedarkenedashewatchedher,thenheturnedtoRussell.¡®Sinceyou¡¯rehere,Mr.Skyler,whynoeinandhaveaseat?¡±


    Russell¡¯slipscurledintoawickedsmile.¡°IfMr.Tudorisinviting.Icertainlywill.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sheartleaped.


    Shehadn¡¯tforgottenhiswarninginthebathtustnighttostayawayfromRussell,yettodayhewasinvitingRussellintothehouse?Somethingwasdefinitelywrong!


    AvelinequicklyturnedtoRussell.¡°It¡¯snotagoodtimetoday.Maybeyoushouldgo.¡±


    Russellsmiledather.¡°It¡¯sfine.


    Avelineinsisted,¡°It¡¯snotfine.¡±


    Russellraisedaneyebrow.


    Selenaalsosensed somethingwasoff.¡°Mr.Skyler,perhapsanother


    +15BONUS


    day.Weshouldleave.¡±


    Aveline immediatelygaveSelenaagratefullook.


    Friendstotherescue!


    SeeingAveline¡¯searnestexpression<b>,</b>Russellnodded.¡°Alright,callmeifyouneedanything.¡±


    HethenturnedandleftwithSelena.


    Watchingthementertheelevator,Avelinefinallybreathedasighofrelief.In thenextsecond,shefeltatugonhercor.


    Lucasgrabbedherandpulledherintotheapartment.Onceinside,heshutthedoorandpressedheragainstit.


    Hishandsome,sharpfacewasnowcoldand dark.¡°Aveline,didyouignoremywarning?¡±


    Aveline,stingry,shovedhimhard.¡°Doyouthinkyourwordsarw?WhyshouldIlistentoyou?¡±


    Lucaughedangrily,hiseyesfilledwithadangerouslight.


    ¡°Youaskedforthis.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hetookasteptowardsher,thenbentdownandhoistedheroverhisshoulder,headingstraightforthebedroom.


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    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?Putmedown!¡±


    Avelinewasshocked.Whathadgottenintothismanagain?


    Lucasquicklywalkedintothebedroom,tossingherontothebed.Beforeshecouldgetup,heleanedover,hisheavybodypinningherdown,hisgazedarkandintense.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing,Lucas?¡±


    Aveline¡¯schestheavedwithanger,herbeautifuleyesburningwithfury.


    Lucaslookedathercoldly.¡°Didn¡¯tItellyoutostayawayfromRussell?Whatwereyouthinkingtoday,bringinghimhere?IfIhadn¡¯thappenedtoshowup,whatwereyounningtodo?¡±


    Avelinefoundhipletelyunreasonable!


    Shestruggledfiercely.¡°Lucas,stopbeingcrazy!RussendIarefriends.What¡¯swrongwithbringingafriendover?¡±


    Shedarednotmentionthatshewassellingthehouse.Ifheknew,hemighttearherheartapart!


    Thisman,whenhelosthis mind,wascapableofanything!


    Lucasstaredatherintensely.Herfacehadturnedadelicateshade ofredfromherefforts.


    Shewasn¡¯twearinganymakeup,buttheblushaddedatouchofcolortoherface.However,herlipswereabitpale.


    Withthatthought,hesuddenlykissedher.


    Hebitandnippedatherlipsuntiltheywerethecolorhedesired.


    ThekisswassuddenandfierceB


    15BONUS


    washappening,hehadpulledaway,watchingherlipswithinterest.


    Avelineclosedhereyesandsuddenlystoppedstruggling,hert.¡°Yoehereeveryday.Doesn¡¯tMissWintergetmad?¡±


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Sheknowsmyfeelings,soshewon¡¯tgetmad.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Wow,she¡¯strulyunderstanding,isn¡¯tshe?¡±Lucassnapped,¡°Whatdoyoumeanbythatsarcastictone?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Avelinesuddenlylookedathimseriously.¡°Lucas,doesshereallylikeyou?¡±


    Lucas¡¯slipspressedintoatightline.


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Idon¡¯tbelieveagirlwholikesamanwould-toleratehimentanglingwithanothergirl.IsuspectMissWinter


    doesn¡¯tlikeyou,orshewouldn¡¯tbesocalmaboutthis.¡±


    Lucasstaredstraightather.¡°So,youlikeme,whichiswhyyoumindSophia¡¯spresencesomuch.¡±


    Avelinefelttheurgetorollhereyes.¡°Lucas,ifyouhadsaidthattomeamonthago,IwouldhaveagreedbecauseIreallydidlikeyouthen.Butnow,Ifeelnothing.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sexpressiondarkened.¡°Whatdidyousay?¡±


    Avelinelookedathimcalmly.¡°Isaid,Idon¡¯tlikeyouanymore.¡±


    Everydisappointmenthadchippedawayatherfeelingsforhim.Onceenoughdisappointmentsumted,shenaturally hadnofeelingsleft.


    ¡°Isthatso?¡±


    Lucassuddenlysmiled.¡°Butyourbodystilllikesme.¡±


    Withoutwaitingforherresponse,hekissedheragain.


    Hisfingersquieldyunbuttonedhershirt,histouchfindinghersmooth,fairskin.Beneaththefullyopenedcor,herchestbore theambiguousmarkshehadlefstnight.


    Avelinewidenedhereyes,butshedidn¡¯tstruggle.Sheforcedherselftostaycalm.¡°Yes,mybodylikesyou.Eventhoughyourcharacteristerrible,yourbodyisstippealing¡±


    Laucas¡¯sactionsstoppedabruptly.isnarroweyesgazeddeeplyather.


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    Avelinelookedathimcalmly,raisinganeyebrow.¡°Notcontinuing?¡±


    Lucassuddenlyscoffedcoldlyandstoodup,leavingtheroom.


    Assheheardthedoormloudly,Avelineletoutadeepbreath.


    Shewasreallyafraidanddidn¡¯tknow howshecoulddefendherselfifhecontinued.Itwaslikstnight;shehadnowaytoresist


    Butshedidn¡¯twantthis.


    HehadfeelingsforSophia,andshedidn¡¯twanttobeentangledwithhimanyfurther.


    Shejusthopedtogetthroughthismonthsafely.


    Bythen,shewoulddefinitelygetadivorce!


    Thenextday.


    Afterwork,Avelinewasabouttoleavewhensomeoneblockedherpathwithasmile.¡°Mrs.Tudor,I¡¯mthebutleroftheestate.MadamYvonneaskedmetotakeyoutotheestatefordinner.¡±


    Yvonne?


    Avelinewaspuzzled.¡°WhydidMadamYvonnesuddenlyinviteme?¡±DidLucasknowaboutthis?


    Thebutlersmiledandsaid,¡°Mr.Lucashasn¡¯tbeenbackforawhile.Mr.FrederickandMadam Yvonnemisshimverymuch,sotheywantedtoinviteyouover.Mr.Lucasisstillbusy,buthewilter.Pleasewithmefirst.¡±


    Avelookoutherphone.¡°Pleasewaitamoment.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Butthebutlersaid,¡°Mrs.Tudor,MadamYvonneinvitedyou.Pleasedon¡¯trefuseandmakeitdifficultforme.¡±


    Forsomereason,Avelinefeltpressured.


    Shecouldn¡¯toffendLucas,letalheTudorfamily.


    Shenoddedandgotintothecarwiththebutler.


    Sittinginthecar,shesentamessagetoLucas.


    However,therewasnoimmediatereply.Shepressedherlips.together,feelingthatthisvisittotheTudorresidencewasnotagoodthing.


    Herpreviousexperienceshedinhermind.TheTudorsdidn¡¯tlike.herandpreferredSophia.


    Whatwasthepurposeofthisinvitation?


    Feelinguneasy,AvelinesoonarrivedattheTudorresidence.Thegrandandluxuriousestatecameintoview,butshehadnointerestinadmiringthescenery.


    Enteringthevi,Avelinesawquiteafewwealthdiesinthelivingroom.


    Instinctively,sheturnedback,onlytofindthatthebutlerhadalreadyleft.


    Shewasmomentarilystunned.


    ¡°Hey,thatmaidoverthereeandtakemybag.¡±


    Amiddle¨CagedyncedatAveline.


    Avelinepausedandsaid,¡°I¡¯mnotamaid.¡±


    CrystalRoss,whohadbeeninvitedfortea,wastakenabacktobe


    refusedbysomeonesheassumedwasamaid.Shecedherteacup


    onthetablewithaloudtter.


    ¡°Where¡¯sthebutler?Howarethemaidstrainedhere?Suchckofmanners!¡±


    Butthebutlerdidn¡¯tappear;hehadseeminglydisappeared.


    Avelinewalkeddirectlytoanearbysofa,ignoringCrystal¡¯swords.


    ¡°Sorude!¡±Crystalinsultedherwithoutreservation.


    Aveline¡¯sbrowfurrowed,andshepressedherlipstogether,remainingsilent.


    Atthatmoment,alittleboyranover,lookedatAveline,andsuddenlyraisedhishand.HehadatoygunandpointeditatAveline¡¯seyes,pretendingtoshoot.


    ¡°I¡¯llkillyou!¡±


    Avelinewasstartledandquicklydodged,instinctivelyraisingherhandtoprotectherself.


    Unexpectedly,theboysuddenlysatonthefloorandbeganto cryloudly.


    Hiscryingdrewtheattentionoftheotherwealthdies.Crystal,seeinghergrandsoncrying,immediatelygotupandasked,¡°Whathappened?Whyareyouonthefloor?¡±


    Theboy,stillcrying,pointedatAveline.¡°Shepushedme,Grandma.Shehitme.Waaaa!¡±


    Avelinequicklystoodup.¡°Ididnot.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Crystal lookedatherwithafierceexpressionandraisedherhandtopAveline.

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    AvelinedirectlygrabbedCrystal¡¯swrist,hercleareyesnowtinged.withcoldness.¡°Itoldyou,itwasn¡¯tme!¡±


    Crystalforcefullyshookoffherhand.¡°He¡¯sonlyseven.Couldhelie?Notonlyareyouanill¨Cmanneredmaid,butyouarealsocrueltoharmachild!¡±


    Thelittleboycriedhisheartout.


    AnyonewitnessingthisscenewouldthinkAvelinehadbulliedtheboy.


    ThepeoplearoundlookedatAveline withdisdainandcontempt.


    Avelineinstantlybecamethetargetofeveryone¡¯sme.


    ¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Atthatmoment,Yvonneappeared,lookingateveryonewithapuzzledexpression.


    CrystalpointedatAveline.¡°Issheyourmaid?WhenIcamein,Iaskedhertohelpmewithmybag,butsheignoredme.Thenshehitmygrandson.Lookathimcrying.Shemustbesocrueltobullyachild!¡±


    WhenYvonneheardthis,sheseemedsurprisedbythesituation.


    Shefrownedandncedsympatheticallyattheboy.¡°Don¡¯tcry,lookwhatIhavehere.It¡¯scandy.¡±


    Shetookoutalollipopandhandedittotheboy.


    Theboyimmediatelytookit.¡°Thankyou,Madam.¡±


    ¡°Suchagoodboy.¡±


    YvonnesmiledindulgentlyandthenlookedatAveline.


    L


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Aveline,he¡¯sjustachild.Whyarguewithhim?Apologize,andthiswillbeover,alright?¡±


    YvonnesmiledwarmlybutdidnotrifyAveline¡¯sidentity,tacitlyagreeingwithCrystal¡¯sassumption.


    Avelinelookedatherindisbelief.¡°Madam,Ididn¡¯thithim.Hesatonthegroundhimself.¡±


    Yvonnesaid,¡°He¡¯ssoyoung.Couldhefalselyuseyou?¡±


    Avelinefeltasuffocatingsenseofoppressionenvelopingher.ShestaredatYvonne.


    re


    Yvonnemaintainedagracefndkindsmile,exudingandnobility,yetsheconvictedAvelinewithoutunderstandingthesituation.


    WasYvonnedeliberatelytryingtoembarrassher?Butwhy?


    Aveline couldn¡¯tunderstand,butshewouldneveradmittosomethingshedidn¡¯tdo.


    ¡°Ididn¡¯tdoit.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sgazefellonthelittleboy¡¯sface.¡°DidItouchyou?¡±


    Meetinghereyes,theboyshrankbackinfear,andhecontinuedto


    cry.


    ¡°Waaah,Grandma,sheredatme!She¡¯ssomean!¡±


    Theheart¨Cwrenchingcriesechoedthroughoutthelivingroom!


    Avelinecouldn¡¯tbelievehereyes.Aseven¨Cyear¨Coldboyactinglikethis?


    Crystalbecameevenangrier.¡°Youdidn¡¯tapologizeafterhittinghim,andnowyoudaretothreatenmygrandsoninfrontofme?MadamTudor,thismaidisshameless!Handherover<b>to</b>me ifyou


    +15BONUS


    can¡¯thandleher,andI¡¯lldeal withhermyself!¡±


    Yvonne¡¯sexpressiongrewmoreserious.¡°Aveline,apologize,andthiswillbeover.IfMrs.Rosstakesyouaway,thingswillgeplicated.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionremainedcold.Dressedinly,shestoodoutfromtheothers,yettherewasanairofprideabouther.


    ¡°Ididn¡¯tdoit.¡±


    ¡°Someone,takeheraway!¡±Crystal,feelingenraged,calledforthebodyguards.


    ThebodyguardssteppedforwardandgrabbedAveline¡¯sarm.ShelookedatYvonnewithapuzzledexpression.


    Yvonnefrowned.¡°Aveline,whyareyousostubborn?Isitsohardtoapologize?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ifshedidn¡¯tdoit,whyshouldsheapologize?¡±


    Asthetensioninthelivingroommounted,adeep,maicvoicerangout.EveryurnedtoseeLucas¡®tandimposingfigurewalkinginfromthedoorway.


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou


    D


    COMMENTS


    ?


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    AssoonasLucasentered,hisgazndedonAveline.Seeingthetwobodyguardsholdingher,hisexpressionturnedicy.


    ¡°Letgo.¡±


    Histonewascold,surroundedbyapowerfndchillingaura.


    ThetwobodyguardsinstinctivelyreleasedherandlookedoveratCrystal.


    Crystal,seeinghim,immediatelysaid,¡°Lucas,you¡¯rejustintime.Thismaidnotonlyignoredmywordsbutalsohitmygrandson.Howarewegoingtoresolvethis?¡±


    LucasignoredCrystal¡¯swordsandwentstraighttoAveline,hiseyes.fixedonher.¡°Areyouokay?¡±


    Aveline¡¯shearttrembledslightly.Sheshookherhead.¡°I¡¯mfine.Ididn¡¯thithim.¡±


    ¡°Iknow,¡±Lucassaidquicklyandconfidently.


    Atthatmoment,Aveline¡¯sheartsettled.


    Regardlessoftheirpastconflicts,atleastfornow,hewasonherside.


    Avelineloweredhergaze,suppressingtheemotionsthatsurgedwithinher.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Crystal¡¯sbrowsfurroweddeeplyasshewatchedthisscene.


    Theonlookerswerealsoquitesurprised.


    Wasn¡¯tthiswomanamaidoftheTudorfamily?


    WhywasLucastreatinghersokindly?


    Couldtheybehavinganinappropriatertionship?


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡¯ssharpeyesturnedtoCrystal,hisvoicecold.¡°Mrs.Ross,


    you¡¯regettingoninyears,soyoushouldavoidgoingouttoomuch.Thisismywife,AvelineYoung.¡±


    Crystal¡¯sfaceturnedpalefromshock!


    Thesurroundingpeoplecollectivelygasped.


    ThiswomanwasLucas¡®wife!


    Crystaltookadeepbreathandsaid,¡°Evenifsheisyourwife,she


    stillhitmygrandson.Doesherstatusmeanthismatterwillbebrushedoff?IsthishowtheTudorfamilyhandlesthings?¡±


    Lucas¡¯snarroweyesfellonthelittleboy¡¯sface.Theboy,hidingbehindCrystal,peekedoutatthem.


    MeetingLucas¡®coldgaze,theboyimmediatelytrembled.


    ¡°Didshehityou?¡±Lucasaskedinadeepvoice.


    Thelittleboylookedlikehewasabouttocry,butLucas¡®eyes grewcolder,andtheboywastooscaredtocry.


    Clutchinghiscandytightly,hemovedhislipsbutdidn¡¯tsayanything.


    Lucassaidcoolly,¡°Childrenwholiewillseetheirnosesgrowlong,andnoneoftheirfriendswilllikethemanymore.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±the boyimmediatelyblurtedout.


    Crystalquicklykneltdown.¡°Mydeargrandson,don¡¯tbefooledbyhim.Didshehityouornot?¡±


    Theboysobbed,¡°No..Idon¡¯tlikeherbecausesheignoredyou,soIwantedtoshoother¡­¡±


    Crystal¡¯sexpression changedrapidly,flushingredwithanger,then.turningpalewithshock,andfinallydarkeningwithembarrassment.


    Thepeople aroundwerealsostunnedbythesuddenturnofevents..


    Atthismoment,Yvonnespokeup,¡°Soitwasamisunderstanding.Childrenhavepoormemoriesandcaneasilygetthingswrong.Alright,sinceit¡¯samisunderstanding,let¡¯smoveonandcontinue.


    ourtea.¡±


    ShethenturnedtoLucas.¡°Lucas,it¡¯sgoodyou¡¯reback.Yourfatheriswaitingforyouinthestudyupstairs.Youshouldgoup.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedcold.


    Earlier,Yvonnehadn¡¯tmentionedheridentityandinsistedonanapology.Nowthattheissuewasresolved,Yvonnesteppedinasamediator.


    WhatifLucashadn¡¯eback?


    WouldYvonnehavejustwatchedasCrystal¡¯speopledraggedherout?


    Crystal¡¯sexpressionsoftenedabitassheturnedtoleavewiththeboyinherarms.


    ¡°What¡¯stherush?¡±Lucas¡¯scoldvoicerangoutagain.


    Yvonne¡¯sexpressionbecamemoreserious.¡°Lucas,whatareyounningtodo?TheRossfamilyhaslong

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    Lucas¡®eyeswerefilledwithyerofcoldindifferenceashenced


    atYvonne.


    Yvonnefeltasuddenweightonhershoulders,aninvisiblepressureenvelopingher.Hereyes flickered,andshesaidnomore.


    Crystal¡¯sfacewasgrim.¡°Whatdoyouwanttodo?¡±


    Surely,Lucaswasn¡¯tgoingtomakeherapologizetoAveline?Washecrazy?WhatwasherstatuparedtoAveline¡¯s?DidAvelinedeserveit?


    LucascastacoldnceatCrystalbeforeturninghisgazetothelittleboy.


    ¡°Comehere.¡±


    Crystalheldtheboytightly.¡°Lucas,whatareyougoingtodo?Areyounningtoharmachild?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercoolly.¡°DoyouthinkI¡¯mlikeyou?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Crystal¡¯sfaceturnedlivid.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Butsheknewthattoday¡¯sincidentwasherfault.Shecouldn¡¯tbetooaggressive.ShealmostwishedLucaswouldforcehertoapologizetoAveline,asitwouldesctetheissuetoaconflictbetweentheTudorandRossfamilies.Thatwouldmakethingshardertoresolve.


    Thelittleboy,coweringinCrystal¡¯sarms,lookedatLucasinfear,notdaringtomove.


    Lucas¡®darkeyesgrewcolder.¡°Areyouaman?Amantakesresponsibilityforhismistakes.¡±


    TheboyimmediatelybrokefreefromCrystal¡¯sembraceandwalked


    towardLucas.


    Crystalheldherbreath,watchingLucasintently,afraidhemight.harmherpreciousgrandson.


    LucascroucheddownandpointedatAvelinebesidehim.¡°Shedidn¡¯thityou,butyousaidshedid.Wereyoulying?¡±


    Theboynoddedtimidly.


    Lucas¡®voicewasstern.¡°Whenyoumakeamistake,shouldn¡¯tyourapologize?¡±


    Theboyblinked,tearsstreamingdownhisface,butheheldbackhissobsandlookedatAveline.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯msorry¡­¡±


    Lucaspatted hishead. ¡°Takingresponsibilityforyouractionsiswhatmakesyouaman.¡±


    Thelittleboy¡¯schestpuffedoutunconsciously.


    Lucasstoodup,hispresenceradiatingacold,chillingaura.HelookedatCrystalcoolly.¡°Well¨Cmanneredpeopleaddressissuesdirectlyanddon¡¯tmakebaselessusations.Mywifedoesthisverywell;sheneveradmitsto thingsshehasn¡¯tdone.¡±


    Withthat,hetookAveline¡¯shandandledherout.


    ThiswasLucasindirectlyusingCrystalofbeingill¨Cmannered!


    Crystalwasfurious!


    ¡°Yvonne,lookathim!Howcanhetreatmelikethis?Iamhissenior!


    Yvonnesighedhelplessly.¡°Mrs.Ross,I¡¯mjustastepmother.WhatcanIsay?¡±


    Crystalwassoangryshecouldn¡¯tbreatheproperly,herfacelooking


    extremelyunpleasant.


    Theonlookers,whohadheardthatLucashadreturnedafterbeingmissingforayear,hadnotyetinteractedwithhim.Today,theyrealizedhowdifficulthewastodealwith!


    Afterall,thiswasjustasmallissuecausedbyachild¡¯smischief,yethemadesuchabigdealoutofit.Hewasclearlynotsomeobetrifledwith.


    OutsidetheTudorfamilyvi,thebeautifndintricatesceneryoftheestatecameintoview,butAvelinehadnotimetoadmireit.


    Hergazefellontheirintertwinedhands,andshepressedherlipstogether.


    Aftertheirpreviousunpleasantparting,shethoughthewouldn¡¯tcareaboutheranymore.Hisattitudethistimeleftherquitesurprised.


    Hestoodupforher.


    Didthismeanhehadfeelingsforher?


    Realizingwhatshewasthinking,Avelinewasmomentarilystunned,andherexpressionturnedcold.


    BIGSALF:3500bonus


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    Whatwasshethinking?


    Wassheactuallywonderingifhecaredaboutherandifhehadfeelingsforher?


    Shemustbecrazy.


    LucaswoulddoanythingforSophia.Hehelpedhertodayonlybecausehedidn¡¯twanthergonesosoon,leavingnooshieldSophia.


    Afterall,itwouldbehardtofindanotherfoollikeher.


    Avelookadeepbreathandthenpulledherhandaway.


    Bythistime,theyhadreachedthegatesoftheestate.


    Lucasturnedbacktolookather,hisexpressionunreadable.


    Avelinesaidcalmly,¡°Thankyoufortoday.¡±


    Thensheturnedtoleave.


    ButLucasgrabbedherwrist,his browfurrowing.¡°That¡¯sit?¡±


    Avelinesmiledslightly.¡°Whatelse?¡±


    Lucas¡®lipspressedintoastraightline.Hepulledherwrist,bringing


    herclosetohim.


    Theyweresoclosethattheirbreathsmingledoneachother¡¯sfaces.


    Avelinefeltufortablewiththeproximity.Giventheircurrentsituation,itfelttoointimate.


    Shesteppedback.¡°Lucas,whatdoyouwantfromme?I¡¯mgratefultoyou,butthat¡¯sall.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sexpressioninstantlyturnedcold.¡°Aveline,whyareyou


    (


    beingsoungrateful?¡±


    Avelinelookeddownslightly.¡°Ifwehaddivorcedearlyon,thesethingswouldn¡¯tbehappeningtome.¡±


    Sheraisedhereyestomeethis.¡°MadamYvonneisdissatisfiedwithyou,soshetargetsme.Lucas,I¡¯msufferingbecauseofyou.¡±


    Lucas¡®facedarkenedfurther.


    Hehadrushedoverafterseeinghermessage,onlytohearthisfrom


    her?


    Hisenthusiasmwascrushed,leavinghimfeelinpletelydeted.


    Ashelookedatheroverlycalmface,Lucassuddenlyletoutalough.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Whyareyoughing?¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Aveline,youshouldsaysomethingnicetome.IfI¡¯minagoodmood,maybeI¡¯llfinalizethedivorcewithyoutomorrow.Butifyoukeepsayingthingsthatupset me,Iwon¡¯tletyougo.AndthenAlfredwillkeeingafter you.Nexttime,withoutmyhelp,howwillyougetawayunscathed?¡±


    ¡°<b>You</b><b>!</b>¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidened slightly,shockedathisshamelessness!


    Hercheeksflushedwithangerasshetriedtopullherhandaway,butheheldontightly.


    ¡°Behaveyourself!¡±


    Lucaswrappedhisotherarmaroundherwaistandledhertowardsthecar.


    ¡°Ifyouwanttodiequickly,justkeepstrugglingandarguingwith


    me.¡±


    Withthosewords,Avelinefellsilentinstantly.


    Sheneededtostaycalm.


    TheywereattheentranceoftheTudorestate,andeverymovetheymademightbewatched.Iftheymadeascenenow,thepeople


    targetinghimmigheafterheragain,andnexttimeitcouldbe


    evenworse.


    Avelinepressedherlipstogether,remainingsilentuntilshewasseatedinthepassengerseat.Herfaceturnepletelycold.


    Lucascedonehandonthesteeringwhend usedtheothertogripherchin,forcinghertolookathim.


    ¡°Aveline,didyouhearwhatIsaid?Saysomethingnicetomakemehappyordosomethingthatpleasesme.¡±


    Avelinelookedathimwithoutmuchexpression.¡°IfIdo,willyoudivorcemeimmediately?¡±


    Lucas¡¯seyesdarkened.¡°Maybe.¡±


    Aveline¡¯slonshesfluttered.Hemightbe toyingwithher,butshewasgenuinelyafraidoffacingsuchdangerousdaysahead.Sheleanedoverandkissedthecornerofhislips.


    D

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    Chapter141


    Atthatmoment,Laicassuddenlyturnedhisheadslightly,causingAveline¡¯sintendedkissonthecornerofhislipstnddirectlyonhismouth.


    Avelinefrozeandquicklysatbackdown,herearsturningred.


    Lucas¡®eyesdarkenedashelookedather.¡°Isthatall?¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Lucas,don¡¯tpushyourluck.¡±


    ButLucaschuckledsoftly.¡°Aveline,you¡¯retheryingtopleasemerightnow.Areyousureyouwanttotalktomelikethat?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sgazeturnedcoldasshelookedathim.


    Healwaysusedthethreatofdivorceagainstherbutneverfollowedthrough.Whatexactlydidhewant?


    Lucaswatchedherleisurelyasifhewascertainshewouldgivein.


    Aveline,however,scoffedandturnedherheadaway,ignoringhim.


    Lucas¡®expressionhardened.


    Hestaredatherfaceforalongtimebeforefinallystartingthecaranddrivingaway.


    Thecarwasfilledwithastiflingatmosphere,makingithardtobreathe.


    Avelineloweredthecarwindow,butwithinseconds,itwasrolledbackup.


    Aveline¡¯smouthtwitchedinirritation.


    Expressionless,sheloweredthewindowagain,onlyforittoberaisedbackupbyLucas,whothistimelockeditince.


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Wasthismanreallythatchildish?


    WhentheyfinallyarrivedatMapleGarden,Avelineopenedthedoortogetout,onlytofindthedoorlocked.


    ¡°Lucas,whatexactlydoyouwant?¡±Avelineasked,tryingtostay.


    calm..


    Lucassaidnothing,yingwithacigaretteinhishand,andclosed.hiseyes.


    Avelinelookedathissharpprofile,feelingastrongurgetopunchhim.


    Bynow,thesunwassetting,andtheskywasgraduallybeing.envelopedbythenight.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Thecar¡¯sinteriorwasgrowingdarker.


    Stayinginthecarwasn¡¯tasolution.


    Thatjerkwasjustwaitingforhertogivein!


    Andgiveinshemust.


    Shegentlytookhishand,hervoicesoftening,¡°Lucas,let¡¯sgetoutofthecar.I¡¯mhungry.Let¡¯sgobackandhavedinner.¡±


    ¡°We?¡±


    Lucaswidenedhiseyesatherwords.Inthedimlight,shecouldn¡¯treadhisexpression.


    ¡°Yes,it¡¯squitte.Youhelpedmetoday,soit¡¯sonlyrighttoinviteyoutodinner.


    Avelinenodded,lookingsincere.


    Lucas¡®tenseexpressionsoftenedabit.Hepressedabutton,andthecarlocksclickedopen.


    +15BONUS


    Avelineimmediatelyletgoofhishand,openedthedoor,andgotout.


    Ah¡­Theairoutsidewassorefreshing!


    Lucaslookedathisnow¨Cemptyhand,frowningindispleasure.


    Whenhelookedup,hesawAvelinequicklyheadingtowardstheapartmentbuilding.


    Heh!


    Littleliar!


    Lucaswasabouttogetoutofthecarwhenhisphonerang.HelookedatthescreenandsawthatitwasSophiacalling.


    ¡°Hello,Sophia,¡±heanswered.


    However,adifferentwoman¡¯svoicecamethroughthephone.¡±Lucas,whereareyou?Cometothehospitalquickly,Sophiatriedtokillherself!¡±


    Lucas¡®expressioninstantlyturnedtense.


    Heclosedthecardoorandsaidinalowvoice,¡°I¡¯monmyway.¡±


    Aveline enteredtheelevatorand,noticingLucaswasn¡¯tthere,assumedhewasparkingthecar.Shedidn¡¯twaitforhimandwentstraightupstairs.


    Atherapartmentdoor,shecoveredthekeypadtopreventLucas.fromseeinghernewcode,thenturnedaround.¡°You¡­¡±


    Therewasnoonebehindher.


    Hehadn¡¯eupyet.


    Shewondered,¡°Doesitreallytakethatlongtoparkacar?¡±


    Avelinepressedherlipstogether,dismissingitfromhermind,andwentinside.

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    Avelinemadeasimplemendsatatthediningtable,instinctively


    checkingherphone.


    What¡¯sgoingon?


    Lucashadn¡¯eupyet?


    Wheredidhego?


    Hermindstartedtowander.Shegrippedherphone,staringatitforawhile,thenrememberedwhathesaidearlier.Sheneededtokeephimappeasedtogetthedivorcefinalized.Otherwise,she¡¯dremain trappedinthisdangeroussituation.


    Takingadeepbreath,AvelinedialedLucas¡®number.


    Afterthreerings,thecallwasanswered.


    ¡°Whenareyoingback?¡±sheaskeddirectly.


    ¡°You¡¯resoshameless!LucaslovesSophia,notyou.Whydoyoukeepclingingtohim?Becauseof you,theycan¡¯tbetogether,andSophiahasdepression!¡±Theangryfemalevoiceontheotherendwasn¡¯t


    Lucas.


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedicy.¡°Didyoueatcrapbeforeleavingthehouse?¡±


    SharonWalsh¡¯sfacetwistedinanger.¡°Howdareyouinsultme?¡±


    Avelinesneered.¡°DidIinsultyou?Iwasjustremindingyoutobrushyourteeth.Eventhroughthephone,yourbreathstinks.


    ¡°Also,youshouldknow,it¡¯snotmeclingingtoLucas.He¡¯stheonewhowon¡¯tdivorceme.Ifyoucanconvincehimtodivorceme,I¡¯dbesogratefultoyou.¡±


    Withthat,shehungupthephone.


    Whatbadluck!


    Sheregrettedmakingthatcall.


    Avelinesatbackdown,butjustasshewasabouttoeat,shelostherappetite.


    Sophiahaddepression.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    So,Lucaswenttoseeher?


    Avelinegotupandwalkedtothebalcony,lookingatthebeautifulsunset.ShesuddenlywishedSophiacouldconvinceLucastodivorceher.


    Shereallydidn¡¯twanttobepartofthisstrangelovetriangle


    anymore.


    Itwaspointless.


    Atthehospital.


    Sharonstaredatthedisconnectedphone,herfacetwistedwith


    anger.


    Thenextsecond,someonesnatchedthephonefromherhand.


    ¡°Whoallowedyoutotouchmyphone?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercoldly,thencheckedthephoneandsawtherecentcalllog.


    Avelinehadcalledhim,andSharonanswered.


    HecouldeasilyimagirlewhatSharonmighthavesaidtoAveline,andhisexpressiondarkenedevenfurther.


    Sharonlookedathim.¡°You¡¯rejustintime.Thatshamelesswomansaidyouwon¡¯tdivorceher.Isthattrue?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡®eyesboreintoher.¡°Watchyourwordsandattitude.Don¡¯tbesurprisedifonedayyougetbeatenupbysomeoneyoudon¡¯tknow.¡±


    Sharongrewevenangrier.¡°AreyouthreateningtohitmebecauseIinsultedher?Lucas,isittruethatyoudon¡¯twantadivorce?Howcouldyoubesodespicable?Ifyoudon¡¯tdivorceher,whataboutSophia?Shelostalegbecauseofyou,andnowshehasdepression.IfIhadn¡¯tarrivedintimetoday,shewouldbedead!¡±


    ThemoreSharon thoughtaboutit,theangriershebecame.¡°Lucas,ifanythinghappenstoSophia,Iwon¡¯tletyouoff!¡±


    Lucasstaredathercoldly.¡°Whodoyouthinkyouare?¡±


    Sharon¡¯seyeswidenedindisbelief.¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°Sharon¡­¡±


    Atthatmoment,aweakvoicecamefromthehospitalroom.


    SharonshotafuriousreatLucasbefore turningandenteringthe


    room.


    ¡°Sophia,you¡¯refinallyawake.Youhavenoidea howscaredIwaswhenIfoundyouonthefloor.Howcouldyoubesofoolish?Howcouldyouthinkofsuicide?¡±


    COMMENTS


    SUPPORT

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    Sophia¡¯spalefaceshowedafaintsmile.¡°I¡¯mfine,Iwasjusttootiredandfesleep.¡±


    Sharonretorted,¡°Nonsense,whofallsasleeponthefloor?Thegaswasoninthehouse,Sophia.Don¡¯tdoanythingstupid,okay?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sophiareplied,¡°Alright,Iunderstand.¡±


    Atthatmoment,Lucaswalkedin,hiseyesfixedonSophia¡¯spaleface,hisexpressiontense.


    ¡°Lucas,I¡¯msorryIscaredyou.I¡¯mreallyfine.Ifyouhavesomethingtodo,youshouldgoahead,¡±Sophiasaid,herfaceshowingagentleunderstanding.


    bet


    Sharoninterjected,¡°Whatcouldhepossiblybebusy with?Hewasprobablythinkingaboutthatotherwoman.Sophia,youshouldn¡¯thavesavedhimbackthen.Youlostalegforhim,andnowyou


    almostdied!¡±


    ¡°Sharon,stoptalking,¡±Sophiainterrupted,thenbegancoughingviolently.


    Lucassteppedforwardandhandedherassofwater.


    Sophiastruggledtositupbutidentallyslipped.Lucasfrownedashesawherstruggle.


    Sharonsnapped,¡°Whatareyouwaitingfor?HelpSophia!¡±


    ¡°Icanmanage¡­¡±Sophiasaidweakly,tryingtogetupagainbutslippingoncemore.


    Lucasreachedouttosteadyher,supportingherassheleanedweaklyagainsthimanddrankthewater.


    Seeingthis,Sharonquicklytookoutherphoneandsnappedaphoto.¡°Lucas,youshoulddivorcethatwomanandtakecareofSophia.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡®voicewascoldandindifferent.¡°It¡¯snotyourcetotellmewhattodo.¡±


    Sharon¡¯sfacedarkened,andshewantedtoarguebutwas


    intimidatedbyLucas¡®cold,handsomeface,soshestayedsilent.


    Sophia,havingdrunkthewater,lookedabitbetterandstoppedcoughing.¡°Lucas,don¡¯tmeSharon.She¡¯sjustworried.¡±


    Lucaslookedather.¡°Doyouneedmorewater?¡±


    Sophiashookherhead.¡°No,thankyou.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯rewee.¡±


    Lucascedthessasideandstooduptoleave.


    Sophiagrabbedthehemofhisshirt,lookingathimwithtearfuleyes.¡°Lucas,tellme,youwilldivorceher,right?Whatyousaidbeforeaboutusingherasmyshield,wasthattrue?¡±


    Lucasfrowned.¡°You¡¯reweakrightnow.Don¡¯toverthinkthings.¡±


    Sophia¡¯stearsbegantofall,herpale,delicatefaceevokingpity.Lucas,youpromisedmeyouwoulddivorceher.Whyareyoustilltogetherafterallthistime?


    ¡°If¡­ifyoureallyfellinlovewithMissYoung,justtellme.I¡¯llletgo.Youdon¡¯tneedtoworryaboutmyleg.I¡¯musedtotheprosthetic.now;Icanlivejustfine.¡±


    Lucasfeltawaveoffrustration.WhenhefirstregainedhismemoryandlearnedthatSophiahadsavedhimandlost alegbecauseofit,hefeltguiltyandwantedtomakeituptoher.


    Butnow¡­


    Hegentlycedherback<b>on</b>thebed,hisvoicecold.¡°Sophia,Iwilpensateyou.Justrestwell.<b>¡±</b>


    Withthat,hetumedandleft.


    ¡°Hey,you¡­¡±


    Sharontriedtosaysomething.


    ¡°Sharon,letitbe.¡±Sophiastoppedher.


    Asthedoorclosed,Sharonfumed,¡°Whatdoeshemeanbythis?Ishereallynotgoingtodivorcethatwoman?Whataboutyou?


    Sophiaturnedtolookoutthewindow.Theskyhapletelydarkened,reflectingacold,bleaklookinhereyes.


    lookedlikesheneededtotakemoredrasticmeasuLTES?

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    Afterleavingthehospital,LucascalledAveline,butshequicklyhunguponhim.


    Hisbrowsfurrowed.


    Theirrtionshiphadjustbeguntoreachadelicatebnce,butSophia¡¯ssuddencrisishadshatteredit.


    Lucashadneverfeltsoagitatedbefore.Hetuggedathistie,tryingtoreleasethefrustrationtighteninghischest.


    Butitwasallinvain.


    Sittinginhiscar,helitacigarette.Thesmokeswirledinfrontofhimashehalf¨Cclosed hiseyes,staringahead.


    Justthen,hisphonerang.Hequicklygrabbedit,expectingittobeAveline,butitwas<b>a</b>messagefromMariainstead.


    ¡°I¡¯vefoundDarren¡¯slocation.¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Senditover.¡±


    Mariatexted,¡°No.¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°What?¡±


    Mariateased,¡°Haha,I¡¯mjustrebelliouslike that.¡±


    Lucastextedback,¡°Thenyoucanspendtherestofyour lifebeing


    rebelliousintheSoutheastregion.Don¡¯eback¡°Yourlifebeing


    Mariaimmediatelyapologized,¡°Boss,I¡¯msorry.I¡¯llsendittoyourightaway.¡±


    Soon,LucasreceivedDarren¡¯scurrentlocation.


    Itwasaslumareaontheoutskirtsofthecity,farfromwherehewas.HeimmediatelycalledBrian,askinghimtobringateamand


    +15BONUS


    joinhim.


    Asnightfell,theslumwassparselylit,withonlyafewscatteredlights.Fewpeopleventuredoutatnight.


    Thecarstoppedatthenarrowroad¡¯sentrance.Brianledagroupofbodyguardsoutandwalkeddirectlyinside.


    Thebuildingwasdpidated,withdozensoffamilieslivingoneachfloor.


    Brianandhisteamapproachedoneofthedoorsandknocked.


    ¡°Who¡¯sthere?¡±Aman¡¯svoicequicklyrespondedfrominside.


    Brianloweredhisvoice.¡°Plumbingrepair.¡±


    Itwentquietinside.


    Thesilencstedforaboutfiveminutes,withnooningtoopenthedoor.Brian¡¯sfacedarkened,andheimmediatelykickedthedooropen.


    Thenarrowroomwasclearlyempty,butthewindowoppositethedoorwasopen.Brianmovedtothewindowandsawafigurequicklyrunningawayinthedistance.


    ¡°Chasehim!¡±Brianorderedinalowvoice.


    Lucassatquietlyinhiscarattheroad¡¯sentrance,waiting.Minutestickedby,andhalfanhouter,Brianreturned,drenchedinsweat.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor,hegotaway.¡±


    Lucasstaredcoldlyathim.¡°Youhadhimcorneredathome,andhestillescaped?¡±


    Brianreplieddejectedly,¡°Hejumpedoutthewindow.Heseemsveryfamiliarwiththisarea.Ourmencouldn¡¯tcatchup.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯resouseless.Maybeyoushouldconsidermovingtothe


    Southeastregion,¡±Lucassuggestedcoldly.


    Brianstraightenedupimmediately.¡°Mr.Tudor,Iwillfindhimassoonaspossible!¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandleft.


    Lucas¡¯sfacegrewcolder,andachilling,oppressiveaurasurroundedhim.Hencedathisphone.


    Whilewaiting,hecalledAveline sevenoreighttimes,butshekepthangingupon him


    Lucaswasinafoulmood


    Hestartedthecaranddrovestraighttothe No.9Mansion


    Aators,afrequentvisitorhete,walkedintoaprivateroomwithbinasstifulwomanughingandchatting.HeturnedhisbeadandsawLucassittingonthesofa,shroudedinshadows,andwimmediatelystartled


    |slides¡¯tjousayanythingwhenyouarrived?


    Aaronnendatthewomanandsaid,¡°Youshouldgo now.I¡¯lltreatyoutodinneranotherday¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Reluctant,thewortsatleft.


    AaronsatdownnexttoLucas,notinghisgloomyandunpleasantexpression.¡°What¡¯sgoingon?Didyourwifekickyouout?


    Lucasdidn¡¯trespond,pouringhimselfadrinkanddowningit

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    Aaronstoppedhim.¡°Iknowyou¡¯reeagertodrink,butyoushouldn¡¯trushit.Youneedareasontogetdrunk.What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    Lucas¡®eyeswerecoldashelookedathim.¡°Areyousick?¡±


    Aaronreplied,¡°Lucas,what¡¯syourproblem?I¡¯mconcernedaboutyou,andyouinsultme?Don¡¯tyouknowthiskindofbehaviorcanhurtafriend¡¯sfeelings?Ifyoukeepthisup,youwon¡¯thaveanyodrinkwith.¡±


    Lucasjuststaredathimcoolly.


    TheyweresilentforamomentbeforeAaronraisedhishand.¡°Fine,Igiveup.Drinkallyouwant.Justdon¡¯tendupcryingonmyleg.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°I¡¯lldigoutyourbrainandcryintothat.¡±


    Aaronwasspeechless.¡°You¡¯reruthless<b>!</b><b>¡±</b>


    Lucasdrank,theburningsensationspreadingthroughhismouth.Hefrowned,leanedback,andcoveredhiseyeswithhishand.


    Hisvoicewaslowandraspy,¡°Aaron,howdidIsurviveuntiltoday?¡±


    Aaronreplied,¡°Becauseyou¡¯relucky.¡°.


    Lucasfellsilent.


    Theconversationdiedimmediately.


    Therewasamomentofsilenceintheroom.


    Aaroughedlightlyandsaid,¡°Iknowwhatyou¡¯retryingtosay.Ialsoknowyou¡¯rehavingdoubts,right?You¡¯recaughtinself¨Cdoubt,aren¡¯tyou?Lucas,ifyou¡¯realreadyhavingdoubts,itmeansthebnceistipping.


    ¡°Insteadof worryingaboutwhether<b>to</b>trustsomeone,thinkabout


    thepersonmakingyoudoubt.Hassheeverdoneanythingtohurtyou?Hassheever disappointedyou?Has shebetrayedyou?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas¡¯sAdam¡¯sapplebobbedasheutteredtheword.


    Aaroncontinued,¡°Ifthat¡¯sthecase,whatareyouworriedabout?¡±


    Lucasrepliedinadeepvoice,¡°Idon¡¯twanttorepeatthesamemistakes.¡±


    Aaronsaid,¡°Ithinkyou¡¯rejustlikesomeonewho¡¯soncebitten,twiceshy.Comeon,let¡¯sdrink.¡±


    Thenightgrewdeeper.


    Avelinewatchedavarietyshowforawhile,thengotuptotakeashower.Whenshecameout,herphonewasringingnon¨Cstop.


    Shepickeditupandsawitwasfromanunknownnumber.Consideringthescaryphotosshe¡¯dreceivedbefore,shewas afraidthismightbeanotherdisturbingcall,soshehungupimmediately.


    However,thecallerpersisted,ringingseveralmoretimes.


    Avelineblockedthenumberandwenttobed.


    ¡°Bang!Bang!Bang!¡±


    Justasshewasabouttodriftofftosleep,therewasasuddenloudbangingonherdoor.


    Annoyed,Avelinegotup.¡°Whoisit?¡±


    Hertonewasparticrlyirritable.


    ThiswasMapleGarden;suchthingsshouldn¡¯thappenhere.


    Grabbingabaseballbat,sheapproachedthedoorandpeeredthroughthepeephole.ShesawLucas¡¯sergedface.


    +15BONUS


    However,somethingseemedoffabouthim.


    Hisheadwasbowed,hischeekswereflushed,anditwasclearhewasdrunk.


    ¡°Bang!Bang!Bang!¡±


    AsAvelinehesitated,thebangingonthedoorresumed.


    Withoutanyexpression,sheopenedthedoor.


    Aaronwasthere,draggingabreathlessLucas.¡°Finally,youopenedthedoor.Whydidn¡¯tyouansweryourphone?Comeon,helpmeout.He¡¯sdrunk.¡±


    AaronstartedtohelpLucasinside.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Avelineliftedthebaseballbat,blockingthedoorway.¡°He¡¯sdrunk.Whatdoesthathavetodowithme?¡±


    Aaron¡¯seyeswidenedslightly.¡°Aren¡¯tyouhiswife?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯mnot.¡±


    Aaronwastakenaback.¡°Didyou both¡­getadivorce?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Almost.¡±


    Aarontookadeepbreathandsaid,¡°Lethimin.Justthinkofitasdoingagooddeed.Whenhewakesup,youcanaskhimformoneyortakesomeembarrassingphotosofhim.Onceyou¡¯redivorced,youcansellthemtohisfansforalotofmoney.Justlethimin,alright?¡±


    INGSALE3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter146


    AvelinelookedatAaronwithafaintsmile.¡°Wouldyoudaretosaythattohimwhenhe¡¯ssober?¡±


    Aaronwasspeechlessforamoment.


    HelookedatAvelineforawhile,thensuddenlyturnedtothesemi-consciousLucasandsaid,¡°Buddy,you¡¯regoingtohaveatoughtimeinthefuture.¡±


    Avelinestillshowednointentionoflettingthemin.¡°Youshouldgo.backtowhereveryoucamefrom.You¡¯renotweehere.¡±


    Withthat,sheloweredthebaseballbatandmmedthedoorshut.


    Aaronstoodthere,takingadeepbreathbeforeturningaroundandsupportingLucasastheyleft.


    Ave¡­¡±Lucasmumbleddrunkenly.


    Aaronsneered.¡°YourAvedoesn¡¯t wantyouanymore.Goaheadandkeepactingout.¡±


    Backinherbedroom,Avelinydownandclosedhereyesbutcouldn¡¯tfasleep.


    Sheopenedhereyes,staringattheceiling,herthoughtsamess.


    Whydidhegodrinkingagain?


    Wasn¡¯thesupposedtoseeSophia?


    Didhefeelsoheartbrokenaboutherdepressionthathedranktodrownhissorrows?


    Wow,howsentimental.


    Aveline¡¯sfaceremainedexpressionlessashermindwandered.Sheturnedoverandtriedtofasleepagain.


    Forthenextfewdays,shedidn¡¯tseeLucas<b>.</b>


    Avelinecontinuedtoworkmethodically.TheprojectdevelopedincoborationwithBrightonEnterpriseswasnearingitsend.


    Oncethiswasdone,shecouldresign.


    Thistime,hehadnoreasontoforcehertostay.


    Avelineorderedacupofteaandsatatherdesk,sippingit.Withhalfanhourleftbeforetheendoftheworkday,shethoughtaboutwhattohavefordinner.


    Justthen,herphonerang.ShesawitwasacallfromSelena.


    ¡°Hello,Selena.¡±


    ¡°Waah¡­¡±Selena¡¯ssobbingvoicecame through.¡°Ave,I¡¯vegottenintotrouble.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedserious.¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Selenasaid,¡°Ihitsomeone,andnowwe¡¯reatthehospital.Hemightdemanpensation¡­¡±


    Avelinencedatthetime,thenstoodup.¡°Don¡¯tpanic.I¡¯letoyourightnow.Whichhospitreyouat?¡±


    Selenagaveherthehospital¡¯sname.Avelineinformedhermanagerandleftimmediately.


    Whenshearrivedatthehospital,<b>she</b>sawSelenastandingattheentranceofahospitalroom,herbrightandprettyfacescrunchedupwithworry.


    Avelineapproachedandlookedherover.¡°Areyoualright?You¡¯renothurt,areyou?¡±


    Selenashookherhead.¡°I¡¯mfine.¡±


    +15BONU!


    Avelinebreathedasighofrelief.¡°Aslongasyou¡¯reokay.¡±


    Selenaadded,¡°Buttheotherpersongotaheadinjury.Thedoctorsaidit¡¯saconcussion,andheneedstobehospitalizedfor


    observationandrestforawhile.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressiongrewevenmoreserious.¡°Whatexactlyhappened?Howdiditgetsoserious?¡±


    Selenasighed.¡°Iwasoutwithsomecolleaguesfordinner,andwewenttoakaraokebarafterward.Idrankabittoomuch.WhenIwenttotherestroom,Isawaguytryingtoforcehimselfonagirl.Ifeltasurgeofrighteousnessandgrabbedafireextinguishertohitthe guyonthehead.Andthen¡­well,hereweare.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechlessforamoment.¡°Isheinside?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±Selenareplied,lookingatherwithapitifulexpression.¡°Ave,I¡¯mscared.I¡¯mnotafraidofpayinpensation,butwhatifIreallyhurthimbadly?¡±


    Avelinereassuredher,¡°It¡¯salright.Thechancesofthatareverylow.Let¡¯sgoinandcheckonhim.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    SelenasteppedforwardandpushedopenthedoortothehospitalThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    TOOI.


    WhenAvelinesawthepersononthebed,shewasstunned.¡°It¡¯syou?


    COMMENTS

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    Aaroyonthehospitalbed,hisheadwrappedinbandages,hishandsomefacelookingsomewhatweak.However,thelookhegaveSelenawasoneoffury.


    SelenainstinctivelyhidbehindAveline.


    Insidetheroom,itwasn¡¯tjustAaron.Lucaswassittinginachairnearby,exudingapowerfndcoldpresence.Assoon assheentered,hisgazefellonher.


    AvelineignoredLucasandaddressed Aaron.¡°Mr.Fletcher,myfrienddidn¡¯tmeantohurtyou.Shewillcoverallyourhospitalexpensesanpensateyouforanylosses.Whatdoyouthink?¡±


    Aaronsneered.¡°IthinkI¡¯dliketohitherontheheadwithafireextinguisher.¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Violenceisnottheanswer.¡±


    Aaron¡¯smouthtwitched,ringatSelenahidingbehindAveline,andthenncedatLucasbeforesaying,¡°Asfopensation,Idon¡¯tneedmoney,butIdoneedanurse.¡±


    Selenaoffered,¡°Iwillhirethebestnursetotakecareofyou.¡±


    Aaronreplied,¡°Idon¡¯twantthat.¡±


    Selenaasked,¡°Thenwhatdoyouwant?¡±


    Aaronstated,¡°Iwantyoutobemynurse.Youmisunderstoodmeandhitme.Youmustfeelguilty,soyou¡¯lltakegoodcareofme.WhenI¡¯mfullyrecovered,thismatterwillbeover.¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡±Selena¡¯seyeswidened.¡°Ihaveajob.Ican¡¯ttakecareofyou.Nameanothercondition.¡±


    Aaronresponded,¡°MissQuin,let¡¯sgetthingsstraight.Iamtmakingdemandshere,notyou


    Selenabitherlip.


    Avelinehesitatedbeforeasking,¡°Isthisreallynecessary?¡±


    Aaronsaid,¡°Yes,itis.Otherwise,llsueher.Even ifshedoesn¡¯tgotojail,shewillbedetainedandhaveacriminalrecord.Hepanywon¡¯twantheranymore.¡±


    Avelinegavehimacoldlook.ItseemedLucas¡®friendssharedhisunpleasanttraits.


    Selenaprotested,¡°Howcanyoubesoshameless?Ididn¡¯tmeantohurtyou.Besides,ifyouhadn¡¯tbeenactingweirdaroundthatgirl, Iwouldn¡¯thavehityou.Intheend,youbroughtthisonyourself.¡±


    Aaronclosedhiseyes.¡°Fine,nomorenegotiations.Callthepolice.Lucas,getmwyeronthephone.


    Selena¡¯sfaceturnedevenpaler.


    AvelookadeepbreathandlookedatSelena.¡°Howlongcanyoupany giveyouoff?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Selenahesitatedforamoment.¡°Atmost,halfamonth.¡±


    AvelurnedtoAaron.¡°She¡¯lltakecareofyouforhalfamonth.Bythen,youshouldbeprettymuchrecovered.Howaboutthat?¡±


    Aaronstillkepthiseyesclosedandremainedsilent.


    Theatmosphereintheroombecametense.


    JustasSelenawasabouttoexplode,Lucas,whohadbeensilent,spokeup.¡°Alright,halfamonthisenough.Besides,aren¡¯tyourworriedthatyouradmirerswillgetjealousifthisdragson?¡±


    Aaronopenedhiseyes.¡°Aveline,I¡¯monlyagreeingbecauseofLucas.Withouthim,yourfriendwouldbelookingatjailtime.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionremainedneutral.


    +15BONUS


    Selenabitherlip,wantingtosaysomething,butAvelinegaveheralook.¡°It¡¯sonlyhalfamonth.Takegoodcareofhimanddon¡¯tactimpulsivelyagain.¡±


    Ave¡­¡±Selenastarted,butAvelinecutheroffwithagentlesmile.


    ¡°Mr.Fletcherisnotonlyhandsomebutalsesfromagoodfamilyandhasagoodcharacter.Howcouldhepossibly holdagrudgeagainstyou?Hejustwantsalittlpensation.¡±


    ThensheturnedtoAaron.¡°Mr.Fletcher,youaretrulykind!¡±


    BIGSALE3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Aaron¡¯seyeswidenedinshock.Hequicklytriedtoexin,¡°No,wait,thisisn¡¯t¡­Ididn¡¯tmean¡­¡±


    Themorehetriedtorify,thelesssensehemade.Hehadjustsaiditwasallbecauseof Lucas,butnowAvelinewascallinghimagoodperson.WhatdidthatmakeLucas?


    AaronfeltachillrundownhisspineandlookedatLucasinapanic.¡±Lucas,she¡¯sjusttalkingnonsense¡­¡±


    Lucassimplylookedathimcoolly.


    Avelinesaid,¡°Mr.Fletcher,pleaserestwell.Wewon¡¯tdisturbyouanyfurther.¡±


    Withthat,shepulledSelenaoutoftheroom.


    ¦°


    ¡°Hey,don¡¯tgo!¡±Aaronwassoanxioushealmostjumpedoutofbed.


    Whatonearthwasgoingon?


    HelookedatLucas.¡°Lucas,Iwastryingtohelpyou,Ireallywas.


    Lucassaid,¡°Youtrulyareagoodperson.¡±


    Aaronwasspeechless.Hefeltlikedying.


    Outsidetheroom,Selenacouldn¡¯tstoughing.¡°Ave,you¡¯rebrilliant!DidyouseeLucas¡®face?It lookedsoupset.Howsatisfying!


    Avelineremainedcalm.¡°Icanseethroughtheirintentions.There¡¯snoneedtoyalongwiththem.¡±


    Selena¡¯seyessparkledasshelookedather.¡°You¡¯vereallystoodupforyourself.You¡¯renolongerthepitifulonebeingcontrolledbyLucas.¡±


    Avelinepausedandthensmiledbitterly.


    Inthesesmallmatters,shecouldstayrational.Butwhenitcamebiggerissues,Lucaswouldstillhavecontroloverher.


    Aslongastheyremainedmarried,theirrtionshipwouldnevepletelysevered.


    Selenasaid,¡°Comeon,letmetreatyoutodinner.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°You¡¯reabouttospendthenextfewweekstakicareofsomeoneelse,andyoustillfeelliketreatingme?¡±


    Selenasmiled.¡°Youdon¡¯tunderstand.Thisiscalledlivinginthemoment.Who knowswhatwillhappeninthefuture?WhatifAarcdiestomorrow?ThenIwon¡¯thavetotakecareofhim.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    Thetwodidn¡¯tgofarandinsteadfounda nearbypastashoptodinin.


    Afterward,theyreturnedtothehospital.


    SelenawenttoinformAaron thatshewouldstarttakingcareofhinthefollowingevening sincesheneededtoarrangetimeoffwork.


    Thistime,Avelinedidn¡¯tgointotheroom.Shedidn¡¯twanttoseeLucas.


    Thehallwaylightsflickeredonasshewalkedtotheendofthecorridor,lookingoutatthedarknightwithacoldexpression.


    Justthen,sheheardsteadyfootstepsbehindher.ShepausedandturnedtoseeLucasapproaching.


    Avelinefrownedandstartedtowalkaway.


    Buthegrabbedherarmandpinnedheragainstthewindowsill.


    +15BONUS


    Aveline¡¯seyesturned cold.¡°Whatdoyouthinkyou¡¯redoing?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Whyareyouavoidingme?Doyounotrecognizeme?


    Avelinesneered.¡°IwishIdidn¡¯tknowyou.¡±


    Ifshedidn¡¯tknowhim,shewouldn¡¯tfeelsoheartbrokenandlost,livingalifethatdidn¡¯tfeellikeherown.


    Lucas¡®eyesdeepenedashestaredatherpalelips,feelingdissatisfied.


    Heleanedintokissher.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Avelineseemedtoanticipatehismoveandcoveredhermouthwithherhand.Hislipndedonthebackofherhandinstead.


    ¡°Lucas,


    Winter hasdepression.Aren¡¯tyougoingtodivorcemeyet?¡±Avelineasked.


    Lucasdidn¡¯tpuway.Hislipsstayedpressedagainstherhand,hiseyesstaringintentlyather,andhestartedtokissherhandbitbybit.

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    Avelrembled,instinctivelytryingtopushhimaway.ButLucasgrabbedherwrist,pulledherhanddown,andkissedheronthelips.


    ¡°Mmm!¡±Avelinestruggled.


    Lucas¡® kisswasintenseandpassionate,onlystoppingwhenherlipsturnedabrightred.Finallysatisfied,hepulledaway.


    ¡°Nowthat¡¯sbetter.


    Avelineshovedhimhard.¡°Lucas,don¡¯tyoufindthisawkward?¡±


    Lucaslookedatherfuriousexpression,hiseyesdarkanddeep.Whyareyouinsuchahurry?Hasthismonthended?¡±


    Avelinewasmomentarilystunned,staringathim.¡°Doesthatmeanyou¡¯lldivorcemenextmonth?¡±


    Lucasraisedaneyebrow,saidnothing,andwalkedaway.


    ¡°Jerk!¡±Avelinecursedunderherbreathasshewatchedhimleave.


    Sheknewhewastoyingwithheragain!Whywasitsodifficultto getadivorce?


    Atthatmoment,Selenacameoutandnoticedherupsetexpression.¡±Whathappened?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Didyousettleeverything?¡±


    Selenanodded.¡°Yes,heagreed,buthedidn¡¯tseemhappyaboutit.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelinesmirked.¡°Ofcourse,he¡¯snothappy.Hisperfectnfepart.¡±


    Selenascoffed.¡°Menareallthesame.Noneofthemaregood.¡±


    Thetwoofthemleftthehospital,headingtotheroadsidetohacab.


    Justthen,awomanstormeduptothem,raisingherhandtopAveline.


    Avelinequicklydodgedandfrownedather.¡°Areyoucrazy?¡±


    Sharonredatherwithhatred.¡°Youvilewoman!Howdare.yoetothehospital?AreyouheretopesterLucas?Don¡¯tyouknowLucasbelongstoSophia?You¡¯reclingingtoLucas,andSophiaisdyingbecauseofyou.Howcanyoubesoheartless?¡±


    Selenasteppedin frontofAvelineandsneered.¡°Whyshouldwecareaboutherproblems?SheshouldbedealingwithLucasdirectly.Tellhimtofinalize thedivorcequickly,andthenyoucandowhateveryouwant.Wewouldn¡¯tevenmindhelpingoutwiththeaftermathbecausewe¡¯resogenerous.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±Sharon¡¯schestheavedwithrage.


    SheredatAvelinewithasinisterlook.¡°Don¡¯tthinkIdon¡¯tknowyourgame.You¡¯rejustaftertheTudorfamily¡¯swealthandpower,pretendingtobeallhighandmighty.You¡¯vegotLucassobewitchedhedoesn¡¯twantadivorce.


    ¡°I¡¯veseenthistricktoomanytimes.Letmetellyou,theTudorfamilywillnevereptyou.Intheirhearts,onlySophiaistheirdaughter¨Cinw!¡±


    Sinceshecouldn¡¯tphysicallyharmAveline,she¡¯dmakehersufferemotionally.


    Ha!Didshethinknotdivorcingmeanteverythingwouldbefine?


    Avelinelookedathercoollyandsuddenlyasked,¡°WhichroomisMissWinterin?¡±


    Sharoneyedher suspiciously.¡°Whatareyounning?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°ShegotdepressionbecauseofLucas.Ashiswife,Ishouldpayheravisit.Ishouldbuysomesupplementsfirst,though.


    +15BONUS


    Itwouldberudetogoempty¨Chanded,wouldn¡¯tit?¡±


    ¡°You,youvilewoman,you¡­¡±Sharonstartedtocursebutwasabruptlycutoffbyap.


    Avelinecoldlystaredather.¡°IfMissWinterwantstobewithLucassobadly,sheshouldconvincehimtodivorceme,notsendyoutoinsultme.Whodoyouthinkyouaretotalktomelikethis?¡±


    Afterbeinginsultedoverthephoneandnowinperson,Avelinefeltsheneededtostandupforherself.


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    Avelinecoldlyturnedawayandwalkedoff.Selenaquicklycaughtuptoher,givingherathumbsup.¡°MydearAve,youfinallystoodupforyourself.¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Idon¡¯tstarttroubleunlesssomeoneprovokesmefirst.¡±


    PeoplelikeSharon,whocamelookingforaconfrontation,wouldnaturallygetwhattheydeserved.


    Selenaclickedhertongueinapproval.¡°Ijustcan¡¯tunderstandthatjerk.Ifheloves MissWintersomuch,whydoesn¡¯thedivorceyou?NowMissWinterhasdepression,andyou¡¯realsosuffering.What¡¯shisendgame?¡±


    Avelinesighed.¡°IwishIknewwhathewanted.¡±


    Ifsheknew,shewouldn¡¯tfeelsotormented.


    ¡°What¡¯sthepointofthisendlessentanglement?¡±Avelinecontinued.


    Selenalinkedarmswithherandsmiled.¡°Ave,stayoveratmyce.tonight.Aftertomorrow,Iwon¡¯thavethiskindoffreedomanymore.


    Avelinenoddedandagreed.


    Selenawasthrilled.Theywenttohersmapartment,acozyce.withonebedroomandalivingroom,justrightforoneperson.Sheboughtsomespicychickenwings,andthetwoofthemspenttheeveningwatchingvarietyshows,drinkingbeer,andenjoyingthewingstogether.


    Abriefmomentofjoy.


    A


    Lateatnight,Avelinewashalf¨Casleepwhenherphonesuddenly<b>rang</b>.Selenahearditfirstandnudged her.


    1/3


    +15BONUS


    Avelinesquintedatthephonescreenandsawitwasacallfrom


    Lucas.


    Whatwasthismandoing,callingherinthemiddleofthenight?


    Shedecidednottoanswerandhungup.


    BackatMapleGarden,Lucasstaredattheemptyhouse.Avelinewasn¡¯tthere,andshehadhunguponhim.His expressiondarkened.


    Wheredidshego?


    HecalledBrian,hisvoicelowandcold.¡°FindoutwhereAvelinewent.¡±


    Brianhesitatedandsaid,¡°Mr.Tudor,it¡¯salready1a.m.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±Lucas¡¯sicyresponsecutthroughthehesitation.


    Briansighed.¡°Understood.¡±


    Resignedtohisfate,hegotuptotraceherlocation.


    Tenminuteter,hesentAveline¡¯slocationtoLucas.


    SeeingthatshewasatSelena¡¯sce,Lucas¡®eyesnarrowed.HethendialedAaron¡¯snumber.


    ¡°Hello?¡±Aaron¡¯sgroggyvoiceanswered.


    Lucassaid,¡°MakesureSelenastaysatyourcetomorrownight.¡±


    Aaronreplied,¡°Areyouserious?¡±


    Lucas¡®turnedcolder.¡°Ifyoudon¡¯t,Iwon¡¯tmindensuringyoustaybedriddenforsixmonths.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aaronsighed.¡°Alright,alright.Igotit.¡±


    Withthat,hehungup.


    Lucastuggedathistie,thescentofherperfumelingeringinthe


    house.Hesatonthesofa,leanedback,andclosedhiseyes.


    Allhecouldthinkaboutwasher.


    WhenhadAvelinestartedaffectinghimthismuch?


    Lucasdidn¡¯tdaredelvedeeperintohisfeelings.Thisgrowingattachmentmadehimwary


    Thenextmorning,Avelinemadebreakfast,andsheandSelenaatetogetherbeforeheadingout.


    Assoonastheysteppedoutofthplex,theysawaluxurycarparkednot faraway.Aveline¡¯s expressionstiffened,butshekepthergazestraightaheadastheywalkedpastthecar.


    ¡°Honk!¡±


    Butthecar¡¯sownerhonkedthehornpersistently,drawingirritatedlooksfrompassersby.


    Avelinesneered.¡°Let¡¯shurryupandgo.Wedon¡¯twanttogetdraggeddownbysomeonewithnomanners.¡±


    Thecarwindowwasopen,andLucas,inside,heardeverywordclearly.


    Hishandsome,sharpfeaturesdarkened.


    First,shecalledhimajerk,thenadog,abastard,andnowshesaidhehadnomanners.


    Didshehavenogoodimpressionsofhimatall?


    DCOMMENTS

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    Twopeoplewerinatingtoworkbysubway.Selenacouldn¡¯thelpbughoutloud¡°Didyouseehissoneface?Itcrackedmeup,haha


    Aveline¡¯sexpresionremainedcalm.¡°Ifhestilldoesn¡¯twanttodivorceme,thiswillbehislifefromnowon.


    Selenasighed.¡°It¡¯saboutmutualtorment,testingtoseewhowillbreakfirst.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯trespondandjustlookedatherphone.


    Whentheyarrivedatthpany,Desmondcalled Avelothe


    CEO¡¯soffice.


    Shedidn¡¯twanttogo, butatthpany,hewashersuperior,andshehadtolistentohim.


    Avelriedtocalmdownbeforegettingupandheadingtothe


    office.


    Sheknockedonthedoor,anduponhearingavoiceinside,shepushedthedooropenandwalkedin


    Theofficewasdimlylit,withascreeninthecenterprojectingthefacesofseveralforeigners.


    Lucaswasinameeting.


    AvelinepausedandwasabouttoleavewhenLucasbeckonedher


    over


    Avelineresisted,pressingherlipstogether.


    Lucas pressedabuttonontheremotecontrol,pausingthevideoconference.


    ¡°Comehere.¡±


    Hiseyeslookedather,darkandunreadable.


    Avelinestoodatthedoorandasked,¡°Mr.Tudor,whatdoyouwant?


    Lucassaid,¡°Mrs.TudoreoverhereandI¡¯lltellyou!


    Asshehadleftthedooropen,anyoneoutsidecouldheareverythingclearly.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Avelineimmediatelyclosedthedoor.


    Shewidenedhereyesslightlyathim.¡°Areyoucrazy?We¡¯regettingdivorced.Don¡¯tmakeourrtionshippublic.Idon¡¯twantanytrouble!¨C


    Lucasraisedaneyebrow.¡°Itwould¡¯vebeenbetterifyouhadjuseoverquietlyfromthestart¡±


    Aveline¡¯scalmheartwasonceagainstirred.Shestruggledtocontrolheremotionsandasked,¡°Whatdoyouwantfromme?


    ¡°Sithere.¡±


    Lucaspattedhisownleg


    Avelinerolledhereyesand pulledoverachair,sittingdownbeside


    him.


    Lucaslookedather,examiningherfromheadtotoe,notmissingasingledetail.Today,sheworealightgreenblouseandwhitetrousers,herlonghaircascadingoverhershoulders,givingherfreshandcapablelook


    Hetdelicatefeaturesweresoftenedbylightmakeup,whichlessenedanyhintofaggressionandaddedatouchofelegance.Everyaspectofhercaptivatedhim.


    Hepressedtheremotecontroltoresumethemeeting


    -15BONUS


    Avelinesatontheside,initiallyveryalert,butshesoonrealizedhewasgenuinelydiscussingcoborationmatters.Itwasallinaforeignguage,whichshestruggledtofollow.Secondarnguagewasherweakpoint,sosheimmediatelytookoutherphostarttakingnotesandlearning,herfocusshiftingawayfromLucas.


    Lucasncedather,noticingherintenseconcentration.HerThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    beautiful,curlesheswerelowered,andherprofilewassoftandlovely.Inside,hefeltaninexplicablesenseof peace.Itseemedthatjusthavingherbyhisside,doingnothing,madehimfetease.


    Thevideoconferencstedforanhour.


    Avelinegainedalotfromit.


    Sheexhaledasighofreliefandstoodup.¡°Thankyou,Mr.Tudor,forlettingmesitin.Ihaveworktodo,soI¡¯llgonow.


    Lucaspressedtheremote control,andthescreenslowlyrose,theblindsopeningtoletlightfloodtheofficeoncemore.


    Lucasgaveheraslightsmile.¡°Afterlearningsomuch,shouldn¡¯tyoupaysometuitionfee?¡±


    Avelinegavehimacoldlook,realizingtherewasnosuchthingasafreelunch.Thismanalwayshadanagendawhenhesoughtherout!


    Avelineasked,¡°Whatdoyouwant?¡±


    Lucasstaredather,hissensualAdam¡¯sapplebobbing,andafteralongpause,hesaid,¡°Cookmeameal.¡±


    D


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    Avelinelookedathiminsurprise.Shehadthoughthewouldmakesomeexcessivedemand.


    Lucassaid,¡°Whythatlook?Tooeasyforyou?ThenI¡¯llchangeitto¡­


    ¡°Okay,¡±Avelineinterrupted,fearinghemightmakeamore


    unreasonablerequest.


    Lucaswavedhishand.¡°Alright,youcangonow.¡±


    Avelurnedandleft.Sittingatherworkstation,shestillfeltabitdazed.


    Justameal?


    Thatwassimpleenough.


    Makinghimabowlofcerealcouldbeconsideredamealtoo.


    Avelinechuckled,feelingmorerxedthanshehadinalongtime.


    Soon,itwastimetoleavework.


    Avelinepackedherthingsandheadedout.Whenshereachedthpanyentrance,shesawthatfamiliarluxurycar.


    ShehadseenthiscarinthemorningatSelena¡¯sapartmenplex,obnoxiouslyhonkingitshorn.


    Avelinefellsilent.


    Shewasannoyedbyitinthemorning,butnowshe hadtogetinitatnight.


    Sigh¡­


    Avelinencedaroundandnoticedmanycolleagueswerestiround.Shetookoutherphoneandmuttered,¡°Wow,theride-


    hailingservice is<b>so</b>fast.¡±


    Thenshewalkedtowards theluxurycar


    Thosenearbywhoheardherdidn¡¯tthinkmuchofit.


    Avelinegot intothecar,butwhenshesawLucasloweringthewindow,sheimmediatelygrabbedhishand.¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    Lucaslookedathercoolly.¡°AmIaride¨Chailingdriver?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Lucas,pleasebesensible.Ourrtionshipshouldn¡¯tbeknownto thepublic.Ifitbespublic,troublewillkeep


    Shewasindirectlysaying,¡°Canyouactlikeadecentperson,please<b>?</b>¡±


    Lucasgaveherahalf¨Csmile.¡°Begme.¡±


    Avelinefellsilent.


    Youjerk!


    Shewasastrongwoman,abletoadaptandrisetoanychallenge.


    So,shetookthechallengeandsaid, ¡°Please,Ibegyou.¡®


    Shelookedathimwithoutblinking.


    Lucasreleasedhishandandstartedthecar,drivingoffimmediately.


    Avelineletoutasighofrelief.


    Wasitherimagination,orwasLucasmorereasonabletoday?


    Avelinedecidednottodwellonitandasked,¡°Whatdoyouwanttocat?¡±


    Lucasreplied,¡°Let¡¯sgotothesupermarketfirst.¡±


    Avelinepaused.¡°Youwanttogogroceryshoppingwithme?¡±


    Lucas¡¯svoicewaslowandmaic.¡°It¡¯snotlikewehaven¡¯tdone.itbefore.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressiongrewdistantasmemoriesofhimbeforeheregainedhismemoryshedinhermind..


    Heusedtogotothesupermarketwithhereveryday.


    Ifshecamehomte,hewouldstillmakedinner,evenifittastedawful.


    Butwhensheate,healwayshadaproudlookonhisface,seekingpraise,andshecouldn¡¯thelpbutpinchhischeeks.


    Backthen,hewaslikeanaffectionate,handsomelittlepuppy.


    Hmm¡­butnow,he¡¯sjustajerk.


    TheywentstraighttothesupermarketnearMapleGarden.


    AvelinepushedthecartwhileLucastossedanythinghesawintoit.


    WhenAvelinesawhimthrowinaboxofcondoms,herexpressionchanged.Sheimmediatelytookitoutandputitbackontheshelf.


    ¡°Lucas,watchwhatyou¡¯reputtingin!¡±


    Lucasncedatherandpickeditupagain,tossingitbackintothecart.¡°Thisisformyuse.Whydidyouputitback?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedcold.¡°Weagreeditwas justforameal.¡±


    Lucasgaveheramockinglook.¡°Doyouthinkthiswouldbeusedonyou?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sbreathcaught.


    Shesuddenlughedatherself.


    Look.


    Shewasgettingaheadofherselfagain.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

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    Aveline¡¯sexpressioninstantlyturnedcold.¡°Thenplease,don¡¯tcauseanyincidents.Attheveryleast,waituntfterwe¡¯redivorced.


    Withthat,shepushedthecartandwalkedaway.


    Luca¡¯swatchedherback,thesmilefadingfromhislips.


    Avelinereachedthevegetablesection,pickedsomevegetables,puttheminthecart,andthenheaded tothesnackaisle.


    Asshepassedacornershelf,someone hurriedlypushedacartandcrashedintohers.Bothcartstippedover,spillingtheircontentseverywhere.


    ¡°I¡¯msorry,I¡¯msosorry!¡±


    Thegirloppositewasfullofapologies,quicklybendingdowntopickuptheitems.


    Avelinealsobentdowntopickupherthings,sayingcalmly,¡°Thesupermarketiscrowded,bemorecareful.¡±


    ¡°Iunderstand.I¡¯llbemorecarefulnexttime.¡±


    Theyquicklyputeverythingbackintotheircarts,andbythen,Lucashadcaughtup.


    Thegirlquicklyturnedandleftwhenshesawhim.


    ¡°Whathappened?¡±Lucasasked,frowningatAveline.


    ¡°Nothing.Doweneedtobuyanythingelse?Ifnot,let¡¯sgoback.¡±¡°No,that¡¯sall.¡±


    Atthecheckoutcounter,Lucasexpertlytookouthiswalletandhandedafewbillstothecashier.


    Avelinejustwatchedfromtheside,showingnointentionof paying.Ifhewantedtoeat,hehadtobuytheingredientshimself.


    BackatMapleGarden,Avelinewentstraighttothekitchentostartcooking.


    Lucasfollowedherinbutheardhersaycoldly,¡°Getout.Don¡¯tgetintheway.¡±


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Iusedtohelp.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tturnaround.¡°Youusedtohavemanygoodqualities.What¡¯sleftnow?¡±


    Lucaspressedhislipstogether,theatmospheregrowingtenser.Heturnedandwalkedout.


    Avelineblinked,pushingdownthebitternessinherheart.


    Whydidhehavetokeepbringingupthepast?


    Couldtheygobacktohowtheywerebefore?


    No,theycouldn¡¯t!


    Avelinegraduallycalmeddown,expertlywashing,chopping,andcookingtheingredients.After40minutes,shecedfourdishes.andasouponthediningtable.


    Shetookoffherapronandsaidcalmly,¡°Dinner¡¯sready.¡±


    Shewantedhimtohurryupandeat,thenleave!


    Lucaswalkedoverwithasullenexpression,buthismoodlightenedslightlywhenhesawthebeautifullyprepareddishes.


    Atthetable,neitherofthemspoke,creatinganoppressiveandheavyatmosphere.


    Avelineateafewbitesanddrankabowl ofsoup,thenstopped,


    415BONUS


    silentlywatchingLucas.


    Hereyesclearlyconveyedadesireforhimto<b>finish</b>quicklyandleave.


    Lucas,however,seemedoblivious,eatingslowlyandelegantly.


    JustasAveline¡¯spatiencewasabouttorunout,Lucasfinallyputdownhischopsticks.


    Hewipedhismouth,givingheradeeplook.Hewasabouttosaysomethingwhenhesuddenlyfrowned,hisAdam¡¯sapplemoved,andbloodstartedtotricklefromthecornerofhismouth.


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedinshock.¡°What¡­what¡¯swrongwithyou?¡±Lucas¡¯sgazeturnedsharpandfierce,staringatherintently.¡°You¡­¡±Hetriedtospeak,butthenextmoment,hisvisionwentck,andhecopsed.


    Avelinewasterrified!


    Shewasscaredbyhisconditionandbythemurderouslookinhiseyesjustnow!


    Thatlookwaslikehewantedtokillher!This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Withoutthinkingfurther,shehurriedlycalledforanambnceanidLucastontheground,notdaringtomovehimcarelessly!


    3500bonusfrenfouyou


    D

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    <li>


    Chapter154


    The ambncearrivedquickly.Avelinefollowedthemtothehospital.


    NotfarfromtheentranceofMapleGarden,agirlwearingackbaseballcapandackmaskwatchedtheambncedriveaway.Shetookoutherphoneandmadeacall.


    ¡°Madam,he¡¯sbeenpoisoned.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Atthehospital,Lucaswaswheeledintotheemergencyroom.Aftertestsandexaminations,itwasconfirmedthathewaspoisoned,andthetoxinswerespreadingrapidly.


    WhenAvelineheardthis,shewasstunned.


    Poisoned?


    Howcouldhebepoisoned?


    Avelinewasipleteturmoil,herfacepale,andherhandsandfeettremblingslightly.Seeinganurseabouttoentertheemergencyroom,shehurriedlygrabbedherandasked,¡°Canthepoisonbetreated?¡±


    The nursereplied,¡°Idon¡¯tknow.You¡¯llhavetoaskthedoctor.¡±Thenshe pushedpastAvelineandwentintotheemergencyroom.


    Theringredlightabovetheemergencyroomdoorshedabove.Aveline¡¯shead.Shestarednklyahead,unsureofwhattodo.


    Shepinchedherarmhard,andthepainbroughtherbacktohersenses,calmingherdown.


    Shequicklydialedthepolice.¡°Ineedtoreportapoisoning¡­¡±


    Afterward,sheneededtoreturnhome,bringingthepolicetocollect


    thefoodfortesting.Lucashadbeenpoisonedaftereatingthatmeal,sotestingthefoodwasnecessary.


    But¡­


    Shehadeaten thefoodanddrankthesouptoo.Whywasn¡¯tsheaffected?


    Aftercalmlyhandlingeverything,andwatchingthepolicetakethefood awayintheircar,shehurriedbacktothehospital.


    Whenshereachedtheemergencyroom,BrianandAaronwerealreadythere.SelenawassupportingAaron,lookingutterlydeste.


    ¡°Ave¡­¡±Selena¡¯seyeslitupwhenshesawher.


    Aaron,hisheadwrappedinwhitebandages,lookedatherwith hostility.¡°Wherehaveyoubeen?¡±


    Brianalsolookedathercoldly.


    Avelinesaid,¡°Lucaswaspoisoned.Isuspectthefoodwastainted.Icalledthepolice,andtheytookthefoodfortesting.¡±


    Uponhearingthis,BrianandAaronexchangednces.


    Theywerebothabitsurprised.


    Ifithadbeensomeoneelse,theywouldprobablyhavebeeninapanic,notknowingwhattodo.


    Avelineremainedrtivelycalm.


    AaronturnedtoBrian.¡°Youshouldalsolookintowhathecameintocontactwithtoday.Seeifthere¡¯sanythingunusual.¡±


    Briannodded.¡°Alright.¡±


    Lucas¡®poisoningcamesuddenly,catchingeveryoneoffguard.


    Meanwhile,theTudorfamilyhadreceivedthenewsaswell.


    Halfanhouter,FrederickandYonnearrivedatthehospital,but


    aswestillintheemergencyto


    ¡°MiFrederick,MadamYvonneongreetedthempolitelywhenhesawthem


    Frederickncedathim¡°Aaron,whendidyoeback?¡±


    ¡°Notlongago,¡±Aaronreplied.


    Fredericknodded.¡°Yourreturnwilleaseyourfather¡¯s mind.¡±


    Aaronjustsmiledwithoutsayinganything


    Yvonne,looking anxious,turnedtoAvelineandasked,¡°Howdidhegetpoisoned?¨C


    Avelineexinedhersuspicions.


    YvonnewasstunnedandimmediatelylookedatFrederick.¡°The


    foodwasmadebyAveline,Lucaswife.Shewouldn¡¯t poisonhim,night?¡±


    Frederick¡¯sgrimgazefellonAveline¡¯sfaceasifhewantedtotearherapartpiecebypiece.


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedcoldasshesaidfirmly,¡°Ididn¡¯tpoison


    Yvonnequicklyadded,¡°Let¡¯sinvestigatefirst.ThemostimportantthingnowisforLukastobesafe.¡±


    Theatmosphereattheentranceoftheemergencyroomgrewtenseandoppressive


    </li>


    </ul>

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    Avelineloweredhergazeslightly,feelingawaveofunease.


    Yvonne¡¯simmediateusationimpliedthatshemightbetheonewhopoisonedLucas.


    RecallingYvonne¡¯spastbehavior,Avelinefeltaninexplicablechillrisefromherheartandspreadthroughoutherbody.


    ¡°Hey,whatareyoudoing?¡±Aaron¡¯svoiceinterruptedherthoughts.


    AvelinelookeduptoseeSelenareleasingAaronandwalkingtowardher.SelenatookAveline¡¯shand,lookingconcerned.¡°Ave,


    everythingwillbealright.¡±


    DespitealwayscriticizingLucas,SelenaknewthatAvelinelovedhimdeeply.Evennow,determinedasshewastogetadivorce,itwashardtobelieveshecouldstoplovingsomeoneshehadonce lovedsopassionately.Itwasalljustafa?ade.


    ¡°Selena!¡±Aaron¡¯sannoyedvoicecamethrough.¡°DoyounotrealizeI¡¯mdizzy?Doyouwanttoseemefandgethurt?¡±


    Selenaturnedtohim.¡°Ifyouknowyou¡¯redizzy,whyaren¡¯t youstayinginyourhospitalroom?¡±


    Aaron,frustrated,cradledhisheadinhishands.AvelurnedtoSelenaandsaid,¡°Don¡¯tactlikethat.Thefasterherecovers,thesooneryou¡¯llbefree.¡±


    SelenabitherlipandsuddenlysaidtoAaron,¡°Waithere.¡±Thensheturnedandwalkedaway.


    Aaronfrowned.¡°Whereareyougoing?¡±


    Selenadidn¡¯tanswerandquicklyleft.


    AaronlookedatAveline.¡°Yourfriendseemsabitunreliable.¡±


    Avelineresponded,¡°Maybeyoushouldhireanurse.Ifyoudon¡¯t


    173


    +15BONUS


    trusther,whatifshehurtsyouwhiletakingcareofyou?¡±


    Aaronsmiled.¡°Noneed.She¡¯sfine.Ifshehurtsme,she¡¯llhavetokeeptakingcareofme.¡±


    Avelinefellsilent.


    Fiveminuteter,Selenareappeared,thistimepushingawheelchair.ShebroughtitrightbehindAaron.


    ¡°Comeon,sit,¡±shesaid.


    AaronlookedatthewheelchairandthenatSelena¡¯sface.¡°Mylegsaren¡¯tbroken.¡±


    Selenablinked.¡°Aren¡¯tyoudizzy?Sittinginthiswillhelp.Besides,yourlegsaren¡¯tbrokennow,butwhoknows,theymightbe


    someday.Youcangetusedtoitearly.¡±


    Aaronfellsilent.


    Hisheadstartedhurtingagain!


    Theirconversationbroketheoppressiveatmosphereattheemergencyroomdoor.


    Afterabouttwohours,thedoortotheemergencyroomopened.


    Ahospital bedwaspushedout,withLucaslyingonit.Hisfacewaspale,hislipsdevoidofanycolor,andanoxygenmaskwasstrappedtohisface.Hewasstillunconscious.


    ¡°Doctor,howismyson?¡±Frederickimmediatelyaskedwhenhesaw


    thescene.


    Thedoctorreplied,¡°Thetoxinsareundercontrol,butitwilltakesometimetofullydetoxify.Fornow,heseemstobeoutofdanger.¡±


    Frederickletoutasighofrelief.¡°That¡¯sgood.


    Lucas wasnowhisonlyson.


    Thissonmustnotfaceanymoreincidents.


    IntheVIPhospitalroom,everyonekeptaclosewatchonLucas.


    YvonnelookedatLucasandthenturnedhergazetoAveline,asking,¡°Aveline,areyouokay?Doyouwanttogohomeandrest?Tonight¡¯seventsmusthavescaredyou.¡±


    FrederickfrownedandlookedatAveline,suddenlysaying,¡°Getout.She¡¯snotallowedinhere!¡±


    Yvonnewastakenaback.¡°Honey,whatareyoudoing?AvelineisLucas¡¯swife.¡±


    Frederick¡¯sexpressiondarkened.¡°Ifitwasn¡¯tforher,howcouldLucasbepoisoned?Isuspectshe¡¯stheonewhodidit!Nothavingherarrestedforquestioningisalreadylenientonmypart,


    consideringLucas.Iftheinvestigationprovesshepoisonedhim,Iwon¡¯tlethergetawaywithit!¡±


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    Assoonashefinishedspeaking,Frederickstartedcoughingviolently.Yvonnequicklymovedtohelphimcatchhisbreath.¡±Honey,don¡¯tgetsoworkedup.Westilldon¡¯tknowallthedetails.Let¡¯swaitfortheinvestigation.¡±


    AvelinejuststaredatLucaslyingonthehospitalbed.However,bodyguardshadalreadeinanddraggedheroutoftheroom.Thedoorshutinfrontofher.


    ¡°Ave!¡±


    Selena,havingtakenAaronback,enteredandimmediatelysawAvelinebeingforcedout.Shefeltanoverwhelmingsurgeofpity.


    Avelinesaid,¡°I¡¯mfine.¡±


    Selenahuggedher,distressed.¡°I¡¯llstayhereandwaitwithyou.¡±


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°Noneed,youshouldgoback.Aaronishardtodealwith,andifyoumakehimunhappy,you¡¯llsuffer.¡±


    Selenapursedherlips.¡°It¡¯sfine.He¡¯snotachild.Hewon¡¯tdiewithoutme.¡±


    Avelinegaveahelplesssmile.¡°Begood,alright?¡±


    Selena¡¯seyesreddened.¡°Ave,Iwanttostaywithyou.¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°Hehasn¡¯twokenupyet.There¡¯snothingwecandonow.Iwon¡¯tletanythinghappentome.Goahead.IfIneed


    anything,I¡¯llcallyou.¡±


    Seeingthis,Selenadidn¡¯tinsistfurther.¡°Youmustcallmeifyouneedanything.¡±


    +15BONUS


    gazefellbackonthedoorofthehospitalroom,filledwith


    uncontrobleworryandanxiety.Shedidn¡¯tevenrealizeherhandsweretremblingslightly.


    Atthatmoment,motionoffootstepsapproached.


    ¡°Getoutofmyway!¡±


    Beforeshecouldreact,aforceshovedheraside,causinghertomagainstthewall.


    Sharonredatherwithhatred.¡°Itmustbeyou,thisvenomouswoman,whopoisonedLucasbecauseherefusedtodivorceyou!¡±


    Sophiainterjected,¡°Sharon,stopit.Let¡¯scheckonLucasfirst.¡±


    Herfacewasstillpale,butitwasfullofworry.


    SharonlookedatAvelineandsneered.¡°WhenLucaswakesup,he¡¯llmakeyoupay!¡±


    Withthat,sheandSophiaenteredtheroom.


    Avelineleanedagainstthewall,herfacegraduallylosingallcolor.ShesuddenlyrememberedthelookinLucas¡®eyesbeforehelostconsciousness.Cold,piercing,filledwithmurderousintent!Hisgazeclearlyusedherofpoisoninghim!


    AsharppainstruckAveline¡¯sheart.Howcouldhethinkthat?Howcouldhelookatherlikethat?Howcouldshepossiblypoisonhim?


    Avelinefeltachillrunthroughherbody,asifshehadfallenintoanicecave.Sheleanedagainstthewall,fearingthatwithoutitssupport,shewouldcopse.


    Thenightpassedslowly.


    Lucasdidnotwakeup.


    Noonecameoutoftheroom,andtheresultsofthefoodtestswere


    stillpending.Thenightwasanordealforeveryone.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    WhenAaronappeared again,hewasstacledbyhowpaleAveline¡¯sfarewas,aswhiteasaghost.


    ¡°You¡¯vebeenstandinghereallnig?¡±


    Avellinedidn¡¯trespond<b>,</b>herbloodshoteyesfixedonthehospital.


    Aasonfrownedashelookedatherforamoment<b>,</b>thensuddenlysaid,¡°Ididsuspectyouofpoisoninghimbefore.¡±


    Ameline¡¯sexpressionfroze.Sheturnedto<b>him</b><b>.</b>¡°Andnow?¡±


    Aaronreplied,¡°Istillsuspectyou,butI¡¯m starting<b>to</b>have<b>doubts</b>.<b>¡±</b>


    Avelookadeepbreath,feelingasharppain<b>in</b>herchestagain.Ididn¡¯tpoisonhim,¡±shesaidhoarsely


    Aaronasked,¡°Howwillyou proveit?Aveline,ifyoucan¡¯tfindevidencetoproveyourinnocence,he¡¯llhateyouforever.¡±

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    Aveline¡¯sfiguresuddenlyswayed.


    ¡°Whatnonsenseareyoutalkingabout?


    Selenahurriedover.¡°They¡¯vebeenmarriedforalmostayear.Lucas


    knowswhatkindofpersonAvelingis.Hemustknow shewouldn¡¯tpoisonhim!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±Aarongavea meaningfulsmilebeforeopeningthe


    hospitalroomdoorandwalkingin.


    Selenafrowned.¡°Hey,whatdoyoumeanbythat?Exinyourselfbeforeyougoin!¡±Shetriedtofollow,butthebodyguardsstopped


    her.


    AsAveline¡¯sfriend,shewasn¡¯tallowedinsideeither.


    ¡°Howfrustrating!¡±Selena¡¯sfacescrunchedupinanger.SheturnedtoseeAvelinestaringnklyahead,herfacerminglypale.


    ¡°Ave,don¡¯tlistentohisnonsense.He¡¯sjusttryingtoscareyou!¡±Selenasaidquickly.


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°He¡¯snotlying.It¡¯spossiblethatLucascouldhateme.¡±


    Selenawasconfused.¡°Howcouldthatbe?Beforeheregainedhismemory,helovedyousomuch.Evennow,withhismemoryback,thosefeelingshaven¡¯tvanished.Heshouldknowyourcharacter.¡±


    Avelineforcedabittersmile.¡°IfitweretheLucasbeforehismemoryreturned,I¡¯dbesurehewouldn¡¯tsuspectme.Butnow,Ican¡¯tbecertain.¡±


    TherealLucashadanunpredictablenature,wasnaturallysuspicious,andsometimesruthlesslystrategic.Itwasasideshehadneverseen,onlyheardaboutthroughhisexperiences.Shehadn¡¯tThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    beenfullypartofhislifestory.


    +15BONUS


    Aaron,ashisfriend,knewmuchmoreaboutLucas.Ifhesaidsuchthings,theremustbesometruthtoit.


    Selenahuggedher.¡°Ave,itwon¡¯thappen.Itdefinitelywon¡¯t.¡±


    Avelineclosedhereyes,restingbrieflyinSelena¡¯sembrace.


    Afterawhile,Selenasaid,¡°Comeon,let¡¯sgetsomebreakfast.Ifyouwanttowaitforhimtowakeup,youneed tohavestrength,right?¡±


    Avelinewantedtorefuse,butsherealizedthatifshecopsed,shewouldn¡¯tbeabletoseehimwakeup.Shenodded.¡°Alright.¡±


    Selenabreathedasighofrelief.Theyleftthehospitaltogetherandgrabbedaquickbitenearby.


    Whentheyreturned,thehospitalroomdoorwasopen.


    Sharonwalkedoutfrominside.Whenshesawthem,acoldsmileimmediatelyappearedonherface.


    ¡°Ha!Servesyouright.So,whatifyou¡¯reLucas¡®wife?Rightnow,it¡¯sSophiatakingcareofhiminside.She¡¯stheheTudorfamilyrecognizesastheirdaughter¨Cinw.You¡¯renothing!¡±


    ShestillfeltthestingfromAveline¡¯sp,andshewas definitelyholdingagrudge.Shewouldgetherrevengeforthat!


    Selenaresponded,¡°A mistress actingsoarrogant.Theworldisreallygoingdownhill!¡±


    Sharon¡¯sfacedarkened.¡°Youknowwellwhotherealmistressis!¡±


    Selenawantedtosay more,butAvelinestoppedher.


    ¡°It¡¯spointless,¡±shesaidcalmly.


    Selenawasemotionndhadlosthercool.Indeed,arguingwith


    +18BONUS


    ShelinkedarmswithAvelineandheadedtowardstheroom,


    Sharon,however,extendedherhandtoblockthem.¡°Mr.Fredericksaidyoucan¡¯tgo in!¡±


    Sheraisedherchinproudly.


    Selenafinallycouldn¡¯tholdback.¡°Areyouadog?TheTudorfamilytellsyoutoguardthedoor,andyoudoit.Ifyou¡¯resoobedient,shouldn¡¯tyouhavealeasharoundyourneck?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Sharon¡¯sfacetwistedinanger,andshewasabouttoretortwhenmotioneruptedfrominsidetheroom.


    ¡°Lucas,you¡¯reawake?¡±


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    COMMENTS

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    AvelinepushedSharonasideandrihedin.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Youcan¡¯tgoin!¡±SharontriedtograbAveline,butSelenainterceptedher.¡°Whatareyoudoing?Doyouwanttobumpintome?Believeme,I¡¯llfandsueyouforeverything.¡±


    Sharon¡¯seyeswidenedindisbelief.You¡­¡±


    Wow!Thiswomanwasabsolutelyunreasonable!


    Selenaliftedherchin,keepingawatchfuleyeonSharon.


    Meanwhile,insidethehospitalroom,Frederick,Yvonne,andAaronwereanxiouslywatchingthemanonthebed.


    Lucasslowlyopenedhiseyes.Hishandsome,sharpfacewaspale,andhelookedunwell.


    ¡°Lucas,you¡¯refinallyawake!Youscaredmetodeath!¡±FredericksighedinreliefuponseeingLucasawake.


    Aaron,standingnearby,asked,¡°Howdoyoufeel?¡±


    Lucas¡®sharpeyebrowsfurrowed.Hestillhadtheoxygenmaskon,andhisvoicewasmuffled.¡°I¡¯mokay.¡±


    Yvonnesaid,¡°Lucas,it¡¯ssuchareliefthatyou¡¯realright.Youdon¡¯tknowhowworriedyourfatherwas.Yourwife,Aveline,stoodoutsidetheroomallnight.Buthowdidyougetpoisoned?Didyoueatsomethingbad?¡±


    Assoonasshefinishedspeaking,theatmosphereintheroomturedtenseandoppressive.


    Luc.darkeyesgrewcolder.Inahoarsevoice,heasked,¡°Where¡­isshe?¡±


    ¡°Lucas.¡±


    HISBONUS


    Atthatmoment,Avelinerushedin.Seeinghimawake,tearsimmediatelystreameddownherface.Shethrewherselfbythebed.¡±You¡¯reawake?Areyouokay?Doyoustillfeelunwell?¡±


    Seeingthathewasreallyawake,Avelinefinallyfeltasenseofrelief.SheclutchedLucas¡®handtightlyasifdrawingwarmthfromhimilikesomeoneonthevergeofdeath.


    ¡°Whoallowedherinhere?¡±Frederick¡¯sfacedarkenedashesawher.


    Yvonnequicklyintervened,¡°Honey,don¡¯tbelikethis.Avelineis stillLucas¡®wife.Nowthathe¡¯sawake,theymusthavethingstotalkabout.¡±


    ShepulledFrederick,tryingtoleadhimoutoftheroom.


    Butatthatmoment,Lucas¡®hoarsevoiceechoedintheroom,¡±Aveline,doyouhatemethatmuch?¡±


    Yvonneraisedhereyebrowsinsurprise.


    Frederick¡¯sexpressiongrewevendarker.


    Aaron¡¯sbrowfurrowedtightly.


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedindisbelief.¡°What¡­whatdoyoumean?¡±


    Whywashesayingthis?Didhereallythinkshehadpoisonedhim?


    Lucasslowlyandfirmlywithdrewhishandfromhers,hiseyesfilledwithdisappointmentashelookedather.¡°Imisjudgedyou.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfaceturnedevenpaler.Shetriedtostaycalm,herfingerscurlinginwardsassheasked,¡°Lucas,haveyoulostyourmind?Doyouhearwhatyou¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°Idon¡¯twanttoseeyou,¡±Lucassaidweakly,thenclosedhiseyes.


    ¡°Lucas!¡±Aveline¡¯semotionswerealmostoutofcontrol,hereyesstingingwiththeurgetocry.Shefoughtbackthetears.¡°Exin


    yourselfDoyoureallythinkI¡¯m the


    wouldbutyou?¡±


    ¡°Getherout,throwhermuttower


    ***


    leanweakrightnow,andyou¡¯wsheetto1perither

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    ed.¡±Lane*andweaklywithinevenclosed.¡°Idon¡¯twantto


    M


    soluehattheicrillmywide.Ifthegetsarrested,itwillharmtheTundra family¡¯s reputation


    Fredericksnorted¡°thealmostkilledyou,andyou¡¯restillthin


    Yvonneadded,¡°Lacas,couldtherebesomemisunderstanding¡®!don¡¯tthinkAvelineisthatkindofpersons¡±


    Tarcaudidn¡¯tsaymore,buthisattitudewasclear.


    Aveline clenchedherfists,staringatLucas¡¯sface.Shetookadeepbreathandsaid,¡°Ididn¡¯tpoisonyou,Lucas,Ifyoufindouter thatyoumisunderstoodme,don¡¯elookingforme.Iwon¡¯tforgiveyou.¡±


    Withthat,sheturnedandwalkedout.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Underthecovers,Laicas¡®handclenchedintoa fist.


    Justthen,Sophiawalkedin,seeingAveline¡¯spalefaceassheleft.Sheaskedinconfusion,¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Yvonnesighed.¡°LarassaysAvelinepoisonedhim,¡±


    Sophia¡¯seyeswidenedindisbelief.Howbowisthatpossible¡±


    Fredericksaid,¡°Lucas,ouceyou¡¯rerecovered,divorcethatwomanimmediately.You shouldmarrySophia.Settledownandhaveachildwon,andtheseproblemswillgoaway.¡±


    Sophia¡¯seyesflickered,andshesaid,¡°Mr. Frederick,LucasisstillveryweakLet¡¯sdiscussthiter.


    Lucassaid,¡°Iwanttobealone


    Fredericknodded¡°Alright,we¡¯llleavefornowanebacter.¡±


    *15BONUS


    HeandYvonneleftthehospitaltogether.


    Sophiawalkedoverandsatbythebed.¡°Lucas,you¡­¡±


    ¡°Leavetoo,¡±Lucasinterruptedher,stoppingherfromcontinuing.


    Sophiabitherlipandstoodup.¡°Alright,I¡¯lebacter.¡±


    Onebyone,theyleft,leavingonlyLucasandAaron,whowassittinginawheelchair,intheroom.


    ¡°Lucas,areyouserious?¡±Aaronasked,lookingathimwithplexexpressionafterhesitating foralongtime.


    Lucassaid,¡°Iatethefoodshecookedandgotpoisoned.Whodoyouthinkisthemostsuspicious?¡±


    Aaronfrowned.¡°EventhoughIalsosuspecther,youshouldn¡¯thavesaiditlikethat.Didn¡¯tyouseeherface?Shelookedlikeshecouldcopseatanymoment.¡±


    Lucas respondedinadeepvoice,¡°There¡¯ssomethingIneedyoutotakecareof¡­¡±


    SelenahadbeenholdingSharonback,butbeforelong,Avelineemerged,herfaceextremelypaleandlookingasifshemightcopseatanymoment.


    Selenawasstartledandquicklysupportedher.¡°Ave,areyoualright?


    ??


    Avelinesaid,¡°Let¡¯sgo¡­let¡¯sgo¡­¡±


    Selenawantedtoaskwhathadhappened,butseeingAveline¡¯scondition,sheheldbackfromasking.ShesupportedAvelineastheyleft.


    Sharoncrossedherarmsandsmiledsmugly,¡°Servesherright.¡±


    +15BONUS


    SelenaredatSharon.IfAvelineweren¡¯tinsuchabadstate,shewouldhavedefinitely hadafierceargumentwithSharon.Thatwoman¡¯smouthwastrulyvile!


    Inthecar,Avelinestarednklyoutthewindow,herfacepale.


    Selenawasveryworried.¡°Ave,whatexactlyhappened?¡±


    Aveline¡¯slongeyshestrembled,andtearssuddenlystreameddownherface.Yet,sheremainedexpressionlessasshesaid,¡°HethinksIpoisonedhim.¡±


    Selena¡¯seyeswidened.¡°What?Howcouldhethinkthat?Ishecrazy?


    D


    COMMENTS

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    TearsstreameddownAveline¡¯sface,andonlythendidsheseemtonoticethem.Shewipedthemawaywithherhand,thenclenchedherfist.


    ¡°What¡¯stheretocryabout?¡±shemuttered.


    Butthemoreshetriedtosuppressthem,themorethetearsflowed.


    Selenaquickly huggedher.¡°Ave,don¡¯tcry.It¡¯snotworthitforamanlikehim.¡±


    AvelinesuddenlygrabbedSelena¡¯sarm,herfingersturningwhitefromthegrip.¡°Hedoesn¡¯tbelieveme¡­Howcouldhenotbelieveme?WhenItookhimin,hewasn¡¯tlikethis.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hewasn¡¯tlikethisatall.


    Hehadlostallhismemories,likeankte,curiousaboutherbutalsowary.


    Buthehadneverlookedatherwithsuchcold,suspiciouseyes.


    Never!


    ThepresentLucaswasastrangerwhoterrifiedher.


    ItwasasifsomeoneelsehadtakenoverLu¡¯sbody,causingherimmensepain.


    Selenapattedherback.¡°Peoplechange.Menwithorwithoutmoneyaredifferent,too.Ave,youdecidedtodivorce,right?It¡¯stimetoletgo.¡±


    Avelinecried,her voicehoarse,¡°But¡­butIreallylovedhim.Howcouldhetreatmelikethis?¡±


    Howcouldhe?


    Hiswordsandhiseyesfeltlikeknivesstabbingintoherheart,makingithardtobreathe.


    Selena¡¯stearsfeswell.Inherheart,shecursedLucasathousandtimes,whiletryingtfortandcalmAveline.


    Thetaxidriverncedatthemandopenedhismouthasiftosaysomething,butrealizingitwouldbefutile,hesilentlyhandedthemtissues.


    Soon,theyarrivedatMapleGarden.


    SelenahelpedAvelineoutofthecar.Shewascryingsomuchshewasoutofbreathandlookedevenworse.


    Onceinside,Avelinesatonthesofa,quietlysobbing,tryingtocalmdown.


    Sheneededtovent.


    Ifshedidn¡¯t,shewasn¡¯tsurewhatterriblethingshemightdo.


    Selenapouredheracupofhoneywater.¡°Ave,stopcrying.Drinksomesweethoneywaterandtrytoforgetthoseunhappythings.¡±


    ¡°Thankyou,Selena.I¡¯msogratefultohaveyoubymyside,¡±Avelinesaid,lookingatherwithappreciation.


    IfSelenahadn¡¯tbeenthere,Avelinereallydidn¡¯tknowwhatshewouldhavedone.


    Selenareplied,¡°ItoldyouI¡¯dbeusefulifIstayed.Butyoukepttryingtopushmeaway.¡±


    ¡°Iwaswrong,¡±Avelinesaid,blinkingherswolleneyes,lookingpitifullyather.


    Selenasighed.¡°Alright,alright,Iforgiveyou.Nowdrinkthehoneywaterandgetagoodnight¡¯ssleep.Whenyouwakeup,you¡¯llstilllookbeautiful!¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelinenodded.Sheneededtopullherselftogether.Wastingsomuchenergyonhimreallywasn¡¯tworthit.


    Everytimeshethoughtofhiseyes,herheartached,soshetriednottothinkaboutit.


    Sheputdownthecupandwentintothebedroom.Aftertakingashowertowashawayherexhaustionandpain,sheclimbedintobed.Shethoughtshewouldhavetroublesleeping,butshefesleepwithinfiveminutesoyingdown.


    Selenastoodatthedoor,lookingatherwithaheartfullofsorrow.


    Justthen,herphonerang.ShetookitoutandsawitwasAaroncalling.


    ¡°Whatisit?¡±Selenaanswered,hertoneicy.


    Aaronreplied,¡°You¡¯remycaregiver,andyouranoff.WhenIcallyou,youaskmewhatit¡¯sabout?MissQuin,haveyouforgottenwhatyou¡¯resupposedtobedoing?¡±

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    Chapter<b>161</b>


    AssoonasSelenathoughtofAaron,shecouldn¡¯thelpbutthinkofLucas,thatjerk.Inhermind,anyonewhocouldbefriendswithLucascouldn¡¯tbemuchbetterinterms<b>of</b>


    character!


    Selenaletout acolugh.¡°Ifyouwanttosueme,goahead.I¡¯mdonewithyou!¡±


    Withthat,shehungupthephoneandblockedAaron¡¯snumber.


    Inthehospital,Aaronstaredathisphone,baffled.


    Washejustavictimofmisdirectedanger?


    Lucasdidit,nothim.Whatdidithavetodowithhim?


    Aaronsighedhelplessly,thentriedtosendSelenaamessage,onlytofindoutshehadblockedhim.


    Aaronfellsilent.


    This womanwasabittoomuch!


    Heletoutacolughand foundanothernumber,dialingitdirectly.¡°Ineedyoutodosomethingforme.¡±


    AfraidthatsomethingmighthappentoAveline,SelenastayedwithheratMapleGarden.However,intheafternoon,shereceivedacallfromherboss.


    ¡°Selena,IheardyouhitMr.Aaron?¡±


    Herboss¡®voicewas trembling.


    1/4


    +15BONUS


    Selena¡¯sfacedarkened.¡°Howdoyouknowthat?¡±


    Herbossreplied,¡°HowdoIknow?Mr.Aaron¡¯speoplecametotheofficetodayandsaidyouneedtotakeresponsibility.Selena,didn¡¯tyoutakeleavetocareforhim?Whereareyounow?I¡¯mtellingyou,ifyoudon¡¯tshowupinrontofMr.Aaronwithinhalfanhour,don¡¯tbotheingbacktowork!


    !!


    Afteryelling,herbosshungupthephone.


    Selenawasspeechless.


    Herfacewasflushedwithanger.


    Sheknewhewasnogood!


    Heactuallywenttohepany<b>!</b>


    ¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±Aveline¡¯shoarsevoicecamefrombehind.


    SelenaquicklyturnedaroundtoseeAvelineleaningagainstthedoorframe.Shehadjustwokenupaftersleepingformostoftheday,lookingmuchbetterthanbefore.


    ¡°It¡¯snothing,justaprankcall!¡±Selenasaidcheerfullyasshewalkedover.¡°Howareyoufeelingnow?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Hungry.¡±


    Selenughed.¡°I¡¯llordertakeout.Justwaitabit.¡±


    Avelinesmiledandwenttogetsomewater.


    Aftercingtheorder,Selenasaid,¡°WasitAaronwhocalledyoujustnow?¡±


    Selenapaused.¡°Howdidyouknow?¡±


    Beineresponded.Hewontheyouoffsoeasily.Selem¡­mystationisalreadycharticenoughYoucan¡¯taffordtogetintheAfterweeatwarshould goback.¡±


    Selenawasreluctant.¡°Idon¡¯twanttogoback.Wheneveriseehim.Ican¡¯thelpbutthinkofLucas.I¡¯mafraid¡®st


    stayandstathim.¡±


    Avelinughedather¡°It¡¯sokaytohavesuchthoughts,but


    ??


    can¡¯tactonthem.Pleaselistentome.chap.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    SeringAveline¡¯ssillsomewhatswolleneves.Selemaeventuallyrelented.¡°Arent.Ilistentoyou.¡±


    Thetwogirlssharedasmile.


    Selenaresumedtothehospitalintheevening


    Aaronwassittinginhiswheelidairwithanunpleasantlookonhisfacewhileacaregiverwasadjustinghispants.


    WhenSelenawalkedin,Aaronimmediatelysaid,¡°Oh,you¡¯re


    D


    Selenaretorted,¡°Doesyourfamilyknowhowdespicableyou


    Aaronwasn¡¯tfazedbyhertaunt.Heraisedaneyebrowandsaid,¡°AslongasIachievemygoal,it¡¯sagoodtactic.Doyouagree?


    Selenatookadeepbreath,restrainingherselffromsnappinghisneck


    Aaronadded,¡°Takegoodcareofme.IfI¡¯minagoodmood,I


    mightsayafewgoodthingsaboutyourfriendtoLucas.Otherwise¡­¡±


    COMMENTS

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    Chapter162


    Selenagavehimastrangelook.¡°Areyoureallythatkind-hearted?¡±


    Aarondidn¡¯trespond,onlylookedatherwithahalf¨Csmile.


    Selenathoughtforawhileandfinallycalmeddown.Clearingherfriend¡¯snamewasthemost importantthingnow.If Aaroncouldreallyhelp,maybetherewashope.


    ¡°I¡¯llhelpyou,¡±Selenasaid,noticinghisdisheveledbelt.Shemovedcloserandbegantoadjustitwithherfingers.


    Assheleanedin,afaintfragrancefromherperfumewaftedtoAaron¡¯snose.Hestaredatherfaceandsuddenlysaid,Actually,you¡¯dbeagoodfitfortheentertainmentindustry.Haveyoueverconsideredit?¡±


    Selenafinishedadjustingthebeltandsteppedback.¡°I¡¯mnotinterestedinfame.¡±


    Whenshemovedaway,thescentdisappeared,leavingAaronwithasurprisingsenseofloss.Hiseyesflickeredforamomentbeforehesaid,¡°Myofferstillstands.Ifyouchangeyourmind,letmeknow.Icanmakeyouastarwithinsixmonths.¡±


    Selenasmiled.¡°Thanks.¡±


    Aaronfellsilent.


    Avelinewenttothepolicestationtoinquireaboutthefoodtestresults.


    Shestillcouldn¡¯tunderstandwhyshedidn¡¯tgetpoisonedeventhoughshehadeatenthesamefood.


    However,whenshearrivedatthestation,shewastoldtheresultswerenotreadyyet.


    Disappointed,Avelinewalkedout.Theskyhaddarkened,andthickcloudsrolledacrossthehorizon,pressingdownlikeaweightonherheart.


    Theheavygloopletelyenvelopedherasshewalked.alongtheroadside,somewhatlostinthought.


    Justthen,theroarofamotorcycleengine soundedbehindher.


    ¡°Watchout!¡±


    Someonesuddenlypulledhertothesidebyherarm.


    Themotorcyclezoomedpasther<b>,</b>andifshehadn¡¯tbeenpulledawayintime,itwouldhavedefinitelyhither.


    ¡°Thankyou¡­¡±


    Aveline,stillshaken,turnedtoexpresshergratitude.


    Tohersurprise,thepersonwhohadpulledhertosafetywasRussell.


    ¡°Mr.Skyler,it¡¯syou.¡±


    Russell¡¯sbrowsfurrowed.Hehaddyedhishairagain,thistimepurewhite.Hisexquisitefeaturesandmischievouseyesmadehimlooklikeahandsomecharacterstraightoutoficbook.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°What¡¯swrongwithyou?Howcanyoubesolostinthoughtwhilewalking?¡±Russesked,lookingatherwithconcern<b>.</b>


    Aveline¡¯slongeyshesflutteredasshesaid,¡°Iwasjustthinkingaboutsomethings.¡±


    Russellresponded,¡°Youneedtobemorecarefulinthefuture.Ifsomethingreallyhappens,itmightbetote.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Alright,Iunderstand.Bytheway,whatareyoudoinghere?¡±


    Russellraisedhischinandpointedinadirection,¡°Afriendofminegotintosometrouble,soIcametogethimout.¡±


    Notfaraway,afewmenweregathered,smokingandasionallyncingoveratthem.


    Avelinesaid,¡°Oh,Isee.Iwon¡¯tholdyouupthen.I¡¯llgetgoing.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±Russellstoppedher.¡°Youhaven¡¯ttoldmewhat¡¯sgoingon.Youlookterrible.Whathappened?¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯twanttotalkaboutitorinvolveRussellinhertroubles.Thingswerealreadybadenough,andifhegotinvolved,itcouldtakeanunpredictableturn.


    ¡°It¡¯snothing,¡±Avelinereplied.


    Russellnarrowedhiseyesslightlyandthensaid,¡°Alright,butifsomethinesup,youcantellme.MaybeIcanhelp.Bytheway,areyoustillsellingyourhouse?¡±


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    Chapter163


    Avelinepaused,realizingshehadalmostforgottenaboutthehouse.Sheshookherhead.¡°I¡¯m notsellingitfornow.¡±


    Russellnodded,hiseyesfixedonherasifhehadmoretosay.


    Avelinesaid,¡°I¡¯llgonow.Goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡±Russellreplied,turningtowalkbacktoward thegroupofmen.


    Avelineexhaledadeepbreathandheadedintheoppositedirection.Heronlyhopenowwasthetestresults.Untiltheycameout,shecouldn¡¯tclearhername.Allshecoulddowas


    wait.


    Afterwalkingforafewminutes,sheheardthesoundof acarenginebehindher.Rememberingwhathadhappenedearlier,shemovedtothesidetoavoidanyidents.


    ¡°Beep!¡±


    Thecarsloweddownnexttoherandhonked.AvelurnedinsurprisetoseeRussell¡¯shandsome,delicatefacepeeringoutfromthecar.Hehadonehandrestingonthewindow,smilingslightly.¡°Getin.I¡¯llgiveyouaride.¡±


    Avelinewastaken aback.Shehadthoughtheleft,butitturnedouthehadgogethiscar.


    ¡°Mr.Skyler,that¡¯sreallynotnecessary.Ilivenearby.Icanwalk,¡±Avelinepolitelydeclined.


    Russellinsisted,¡°I¡¯mheadinghometoo.It¡¯sontheway.Besides,there¡¯snoneedtobesopolitewithmeunlessyoudon¡¯tconsidermeafriend.¡±


    HiswordsleftAvelinenoroomtorefuse.Hehadsaved herlifeearlier,afterall.Itwouldberudetoturnhimdownnow.


    Avelinesmiledathim.¡°Thankyou,then.¡±


    Sheopenedthepassengerdoorandgotin.RussellstartedthecaranddrovetowardMapleGarden,hismovementscasundrxed.Hisexquisitefaceboreafaint,mischievous.smile.


    ¡°IheardLucaswaspoisoned,¡±Russellsaid.


    Avelinewassurprised,¡°Howdidyouknow?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°CloudreCityissmall,andthesocialcirclesareevensmaller.Unlesssomethingisdeliberatelyhidden,it¡¯seasytofindoutaboutit.¡±


    Hencedather.¡°Isthatwhyyou¡¯reupset?¡±


    Avelinenoddedlightly.


    Russellsaid,¡°Actually,I¡¯mquitecurious.HowdidyouandLucasenduptogether?Idon¡¯tmeananythingbyit,butbothofyoefromsuchdifferentbackgroundsthatyourlivesshouldn¡¯thaveintersected.¡±


    Avelinepaused,thengaveabittersmile.¡°Maybeitwasfate.¡±


    Russellraisedaneyebrow.


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Butit¡¯sallinthepastnow.Peopleneedtolookforward.¡±


    Russellnodded.¡°You¡¯reright.¡±


    Theysoonarrivedat MapleGarden.


    Avelineunbuckledherseatbelt.Thankyou.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Russellrestedonehandonthesteeringwheel,afaintsmile.onhislips.¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tmind,I¡¯dpreferifyoudidn¡¯ttreatmesoformally.YoucancallmeRusslikeeveryoneelse.¡±


    Avelinehesitated.¡°That¡­doesn¡¯tseemright.¡±


    Russellraisedaneyebrow.¡°ButwhenyoucallmeMr.Skyler,itmakesmefeellikeI¡¯mseventyoreightyyearsold.¡±


    Aveline¡¯slipstwitched,andshefinallygavein.¡°Alright,Russ.


    Russell¡¯sfacerxedintoasmile.¡°Good.Ifyouneedanything,justletmeknow.CallingmeRusswon¡¯tbefornothing.¡±


    AwarmfeelingfilledAveline¡¯sheart.¡°Alright,Russ.Goodbye.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    Avelurnedandwentupstairs.


    Russellwatchedheruntilshedisappeared,thenrolledupthewindowanddialedanumber.¡°Investigatewhat¡¯sgoingonwiththeTudorfamily.¡±


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    ¡°Russ,whyareyousuddenlyinterestedintheTudor family¡¯saffairs?¡±thepersonontheotherendofthelineaskedin


    surprise.


    Russellrepliedslowly,¡°Theoldmanwantsmetoshowsomerealresults.I¡¯vedecidedtoworkonthat.¡±


    Theotherpersonwasevenmoresurprised.¡°<b>Russ</b>,you¡¯re.actuallyconsideringgoingbacktotheSkylerfamily?Ithoughtyouweren¡¯tinterested.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°I¡¯minterestednow.Isthataproblem?¡±


    ¡°No,noproblematall!Russ,justwait.I¡¯llfindouteverythingsoon!¡±


    Afterhangingupthephone,adarkglintshedinRussell¡¯seyes.Whatexactlywasgoingon?


    TheimageofAveline¡¯spalefaceshedthroughhismind,andhetightenedhisgriponthesteeringwheel.


    Avelinehadbeenwaitingfortwodays,butthetestresults.stillhadn¡¯eback.Thatmorning,shewenttoworkasusual,onlytobesurprisedtofindDesmondatherdoor.


    Avelineaskedinconfusion,¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    Desmondgaveher?professionalsmileandhandedheradocument.¡°Thisisadivorceagreement.Mr.Tudorhasalreadysignedit.Onceyousignit,theagreementwilltakeeffect,andyourmarriagetoMr.Tudorwill bedissolved.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionfroze,andhergriponthedoorknobtightened,herknucklesturningwhite.


    Thedivorceshehadlongedforhae,butatthismoment,shedidn¡¯tknowwhetherto behappyorsad.


    Shescoffed.¡°Lucas,you¡¯rereallyruthless.¡±


    Hefalselyusedher,andnowhewantedtothrowherawayandmeeverythingonher.


    Hehadanotherthining!


    ¡°Letmeseeit.¡±


    Avelinereachedoutherhand.


    Desmondhandedherthe divorceagreement,thinkingthatonceshesigned<b>it</b>,histask forthedaywouldbplete.


    Avelinecarefullyreadthroughthedocument,thensuddenlyraisedherhandandtoretheagreementtoshreds!


    Desmondwasshocked.¡°MissYoung,whatareyou doing¡­?¡±


    Hadn¡¯tshebeeneagertogetadivorce?Nowthatshecouldfinallyhaveherwish<b>,</b>whywasshetearinguptheagreement?


    Aveline¡¯seyesglintedwithcoldlight.¡°Iwilldivorcehim,butnotnow.Ididn¡¯tpoisonhim,andIwillprovemyinnocence.Hemustapologizetome.Otherwise,Iwillneveragreetothedivorce!¡±


    Tryingtopinallthemeonherandthendumpher?Noway!


    Avelossedtheshreddedpaperintothetrashandheaded


    straighttowork,closingthedogebehindher.


    Ismondwasleftstunned.


    Nowhadthingsgonesodifferentlyfromwhatheexpected?


    Atthehospital,Laicas¡®handsome,sharpfacedarkenedashelistenedtoDesmond¡¯sreport.


    Aaromented,¡°She¡¯sastubbornperson.Afterwhatyousaidtoher,ofcourse,shewasfurious,¡±


    Laicas¡®lipspartedslightly.¡°Keepsendingthepapersuntilsheagrees tosign.¡±


    ¡°Yes,Mr.Tudor,¡±Desmondreplied.


    Aaronchuckledfromtheside.First,shewantedadivorce,andyourefused.Nowyouwantadivorce,andsherefuses,Areyoutwoyingagame?¡±


    Lucas¡®gazeshiftedtohiptop.Assoonashestartedrecovering,hebeganhandlingworkagain.


    Hedidn¡¯trespondtoAaron¡¯mentandinsteadasked,¡±How¡¯stheinvestigationgoing?¡±


    Aaron¡¯sexpressiongrewmoreserious.¡°Theothersidecoveredtheirtrackswell.Wehaven¡¯tfoundanythingsuspiciousyet.Laicas,coulditbethatwe¡¯relookinginthewrongdirection?¡±A


    ¡°Impossible,¡±Lucasrepliedcoldly,¡°Toachievehisgoals,he¡¯llstopatnothing.Eitheryouhaven¡¯tfoundanythingyet,or hehashiddenitverywell.¡±


    surviving.¡±


    Aarontookabiteofanapple.¡°True.Heusedeverytrickin


    thebooktotrytokillyou.Youreallyhaveaknackfor

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    Avelinefoundherselfistedatwork.Shewasremovedfromtheprojectteamcoboratingwith Brighton


    Enterprisessincetheprojectwasnearin,letionandherpresencewasnolongerrequired.


    WhenAvelinewasinformedofthis,shewasn¡¯tsurprised.Sheremainedcalm,focusingonherdailytasks.


    However,hercolleaguesalsonoticedheristion,andthosewhousedtocurryfavorwithherbegantodistance


    themselves.Thisnewfoundsolitudeactuallybroughthersomepeace.


    Aroundnoon,adeliverymanapproached,callingout,¡°ApackageforAvelineYoung!¡±


    Avelinepaused.Shehadn¡¯torderedanything,sowherewasthispackagingfrom?Shetookitfromthedeliveryman


    asmallboxthatrattledlightlywhenshaken.Thesenderwasanonymous.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hesitant,shedecidednottoopenitimmediately.Givenherpreviousexperiencesofbeingstalked,draggedintothewoods,andreceivingbloodyphotos,shewasn¡¯tabouttoopenanunknownpackagewithoutcaution.


    Leavingthepackageonherdesk,sheheadedtothecafeteriaforlunch.Beforeshecouldfinisheating,acolleaguerushedover,pale¨Cfaced,andsaid,¡°Aveline,youneedtogobackandcheckyourdeskrightnow.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sheartskippedabeat.¡°Whathappened?¡±


    Thecolleagueseemedterrified,unabletoarticteclearly,¡±


    1¡­Ican¡¯texin.Youshouldseeforyourself.It¡¯sreallyscary!¡±


    Frowning,Avelineputdown herspoonandhurriedbacktoheroffice.


    Shefoundagroupofpeoplegatheredaroundordesk,somelookingpale,othersshowingdisgust.


    ¡°Whatisthat?¡±


    ¡°Howcouldsomethinglikethisbehere?¡±


    ¡°WhatdidAvelinedotodeservereceivingsuchadisgustingthing?¡±


    Avelinelistenedtothesurroundingchatter,herexpressiongrowingmoreserious.


    ¡°Letmethrough,¡±shesaid.


    Atthesoundofhervoice,thecrowdparted<i>,</i>revealingtheopenedpackageonherdesk.


    ¡°Aveline,youcamejustintime.Lookatwhatsomeonesentyou!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,it¡¯sdisgusting.Didyouoffendsomeone,Aveline?¡±


    ¡°Aveline,maybeyoushouldtakeafewdaysoff.Ifwekeepgettingthingslikethisatwork,howcanweevendoourjobs?


    ¡±


    Avelineignoredtheimentsandwalkedovertothedesk.Shenced insidethepackage,herfaceturningwhite.Shequicklycoveredhermouthandrushedtotherestroomtovomit.


    Insidethepackagewasadismemberedcat.Notonly


    dismemberedbutskinned,withitsorganscedbesideitinahorrificdisyofbrutality.


    Avelinevomiteduntiltherewasnothingleftinherstomach,andonlythendidshefeelslightlybetter.


    Shereturnedtotheoffice,hervoicecold,¡°Whoopenedit?¡±Everyonelookedateachother,butnoonespoke.


    <i>Zoe</i>sneered.¡°Ugh,whyhaven¡¯t yougottenridofthatdisgustingthing?Areyoutryingtodisruptourwork?¡±


    Avelookoutherphone.¡°Ifnoonespeaksup,I¡¯llcallthepolice.Openingmypackagewithoutpermissionisaninvasionofprivacy.I¡¯msureyoudon¡¯twanttodealwiththepolice.¡±


    Herwordscausedastir,andeveryonelooked towardZoe.


    Zoe¡¯sfacestiffened.¡°Aveline,isthisnecessary?So,whatifIlookedatyourpackage?Whycallthepolice?Didyouputthatthingintheretoscareeveryone?Otherwise,whywouldn¡¯tyouletusseeit?¡±


    BIOSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou


    P

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    <ol>


    <li>Chapter166


    Avelinelookedathercoldly.¡°Youtouchedmythingswithoutpermissionandthenmadesuchafussaboutit.Don¡¯tyouhaveanysenseofshame?¡±


    Zoe¡¯sfacedarkened.¡°Howdareyouinsultme?¡±


    ¡°Ifyousayanotherword,itwon¡¯tjustbeaninsult,¡±Avelinerepliedcoldly.


    Zoe¡¯sfacegrewuglier,andsheimmediatelywenttofindthe


    manager.


    GwenScoot,themanagerarrivedquickly.Whenshesawwhatwasinsidethepackage,herexpressionchanged.instantly.SheturnedtoAvelineandasked,¡°Isthisyours?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressionremainedcold.¡°Whatdoyoumean?¡±


    Gwensaid,¡°Whybringsuchdisgustingthingstotheoffice?Ifyoudon¡¯twanttowork,doyouexpectotherstonotworkaswell?¡±


    Previously,Gwenwouldn¡¯thavedaredtospeak<b>to</b>Aveline<b>like</b>this.NotonlybecauseshewasresponsibleforBrightonEnterprises¡®projectsbutalsobecauseoftheboss¡®ambiguousattitudetowardsher.


    Today,however,GwenreceivedanotificationfromDesmondhimself,instructinghertoremoveAvelinefromtheproject


    team.


    Shewasshocked!


    When shepolitelyinquiredfurther,Desmondhungup


    withoutaword.


    +15BONUS


    SheguessedthatAvelinemighthavefallenoutoffavorandthatthebosshadlostinterestinher.ThischangeinstatusexinedtheGwen¡¯snewattitude.


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Thispackagewassenttomebysomeoneelse.Ididn¡¯tknowitcontainedsuchthings.Besides,she


    touchedmybelongingswithoutpermission.Whyaren¡¯tyouaddressingthat?¡±


    GwenpausedandthenlookedatZoe.¡°Whydidyoutouchherthings?Don¡¯tyoufinditinauspicious?¡±


    Zoeimmediatelysmiledtriumphantly.¡°Yes,Iwon¡¯ttouchherthingsagain.¡±


    GwenturnedtoAvelinewithasternexpression.¡°Disposeofsuchdisgustingthingsimmediately.<b>If</b>thishappensagain,youwon¡¯tneedteback!¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelineclenchedherhands.Sheclearlyfelttargeted.Shencedatthepackageonthetable,herfaceturningpaleagain.Shegrabbedanearbybagtocoverit,thentookitandthrewitintothetrashcan.


    Returningtoherworkstation,Aveline¡¯shandsandfeetwerestillcold.Wasthispackagefromthesamepersonwhosentherthatmessagsttime?Andwasitthesamepersonwhotriedtoharmherbefore?


    Beforeshecouldthinkfurther,someonedumpedapileofdocumentsinfrontofher.¡°Takecareofthese.¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Thesearen¡¯tmyjobresponsibilities.¡±


    Thepersonsneered.¡°Doyouhaveanyotherworknow?Aren¡¯tyoupartofthisoffice?Thesetasksareforallofusto


    dotogether.Whyareyougettingspecialtreatment.¡±


    ?+15BONUS


    ThebarrageofquestionsleftAvelinespeechless.Sheindeedhadnoworklefttodo.Takingadeepbreath,shegrabbedthedocumentsandstartedworkingonthem.


    Oncesomeonestarted,thefloodgatesopened,andsoon,allthemisceneoustasksfellonAveline.Seeingthegrowingpileofdocumentsanderrandsonherdesk,Aveline¡¯sfaceturnepletelycold.


    Beingabruptlykickedoutoftheprojectteam,themanager¡¯sattitudechange,andeveryone¡¯s opportunisticbehaviorallpointedtohing:Lucaswasbehindthis.


    Washetormentingherlikethisbecausesherefusedtodivorcehim?Aveline¡¯sheartsankfurther.Shestillcouldn¡¯tunderstandwhyhedidn¡¯ttrustherandbelievedshewastheonewhopoisonedhim.


    Astheendoftheworkdayapproached,Avelinefinally


    finishedeverything.Justasshesteppedoutofthpany,shesawDesmondstandingnotfaraw</li>


    </ol>

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    Chapter<b>167</b>


    Avelinepausedforamomentbeforewalkingstraightpastwithoutncingtotheside.Desmondtookadeepbreathandapproachedher.¡°MissYoung.¡±


    Avelinestopped.¡°Whatisit?¡±


    Desmondpulledoutadocument,aprofessionalsmileonhisface.¡°Youshouldsignthis.ItwillbebetterforbothyouandMr.Tudor.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sexpressiondarkened asshelookedatthedocumentinDesmond¡¯shand.¡°Whatdoyoumean?AreyougoingtobringanewoneeverydayaslongasIrefusetosign?Andtargetmeinthpany?¡±


    Desmondreplied,¡°That¡¯showitis,butIdidn¡¯tinstructanyotargetyou.¡±


    Hecouldn¡¯tlethimselfbefalselyused.


    Aveline¡¯stonewascold.¡°Ifitwasn¡¯tyou,then<b>it</b>wasLucas.Itmakesnodifference.¡±


    Desmondwastakenaback.Shouldheexinthatshemisunderstoodsomething?Hedecidedagainstit.BettertoinformLucasfirst;hewouldn¡¯twanttoactonhisownanddispleasehim.


    DesmondhandedthedocumenttoAveline.¡°MissYoung,pleasesignit.¡±


    Avelookthedocument.


    Desmondtensed,fearingshemighttear<b>it</b>upagain.Instead,Avelurnedandwalkedawaywiththedocument.


    ¡°Hey,MissYoung?¡±


    Desmondwasstunnedforamoment,thenquicklytookafewstepstocatchup.¡°Whereareyougoing?¡±


    Avelinerespondedcoldly,¡°Sinceit¡¯saboutthedivorce,Ishoulddiscussitwithhiminperson.¡±


    Desmondhesitated,thenasked,¡°ButMr.Tudor¡­¡±


    Beforehecouldfinish,Avelinegotintoataxi.


    Desmondsighedandtookouthisphone,dialingLucas¡®


    number.¡°Mr.Tudor,MissYoungisonherwaytodiscussthedivorcewithyou.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    TherewasnoresponsefromLucas;thecallwassimplydisconnected.


    Atthehospital.


    AvelinearrivedoutsideLucas¡®hospitalroomandwasimmediatelystoppedbythebodyguards.


    ¡°I¡¯mheretodiscussthedivorcewithhim.Gotellhim,¡±Avelinesaidcoldly,hereyeslookingatthebodyguards.


    Thetwobodyguardsexchangednces,andoneofthemwentinside.Afteramoment,hereturned andgesturedforhertoenter.


    Avelineclenchedthedivorceagreementinherhandandwalkedintotheroom.


    Anursepassedbyher,andassheentered,shesawSophiasittingbyLucas¡®bedside,gentlywipingthecornerofhis


    mouth.


    Lucasdidn¡¯trefuse,lookingatSophiawithsofteyes.Theatmospherebetweenthemwasintimateandaffectionate.


    ThisscenehurtAveline¡¯seyesandbrokeherheart.Shespoke,¡°AmIinterrupting?DidIruinyoursecremeeting?¡±


    Sophia frowned.¡°MissYoung,whyareyoubeingsorude?LucasandIarejustfriends.¡±


    LucaslookedatAveline,hisdeepckeyesdarkening.ApologizetoSophia.¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°ShouldIcurseherfirst?Otherwise,apologizingjustlikethatfeelsufortable.¡±


    ¡°Aveline!¡±Lucas¡®voiceimmediatelydeepened.


    Avelinewalkedoverslowly.¡°Youdon¡¯tneedtoshout.Icanhearyou.¡±


    Sheppedthedivorceagreementontohim.¡°Lucas,Iwantedadivorcesobadlybefore,andyourefused.Nowyouagree?¡±


    Thismorning,whenshesawDesmonddeliveringthedivorce.agreement,shewantedtoaskhim.Whatwas hethinking?


    SophialookedatLucaswithconcern.¡°Areyouokay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mfine,¡±Lucasrepliedcalmly.


    SophiaturnedtoAveline.¡°MissYoung,Lucasdidn¡¯tdoanythingtowrongyou.Youpoisonedhim,andhedidn¡¯tpursueit.He¡¯salreadybeenmorethanfair.Whyareyoutreatinghimlikethis?¡±

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    Chapter168


    Aveline¡¯sgazeturnedicy.¡°Doyouhaveanyproof?¡±


    Sophiaresponded,¡°Hegotpoisonedaftereatingthefoodyouprepared.Whatmoreevidencedoyouneed?¡±


    Avelineretorted,¡°Heboughttheingredientshimself.Byyourlogic,couldIsayhepoisonedhimselftoframeme?¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°You!¡±Sophia¡¯sfacedarkened.¡°MissYoung,that¡¯sunreasonable!¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°It¡¯sbetterthantwistingthefacts.¡±


    Thetensionbetweenthemwaspalpable.


    ¡°Enough!¡±Lucasfinallyspoke.Hishandsome,stern facewasdark,andhisgazewascoldashelookedatAveline.¡°DoyounotknowwhyIwantadivorce?Aveline,Idon¡¯twanttobeharsh,butyoubettersignthepapers,orelse¡­¡±


    ¡°Orelsewhat?¡±Avelinestared directlyathim,themansheoncelovedandsharedahappylifewith,herheartfullofmockery.¡°Areyougoingtokillme?¡±


    Hervoicewaslight,likeafeathendingonLucas¡®heart,yetitirritatedhimfornoreason.Wasn¡¯tshetheonewhowantedadivorce?Whywasshesayingthisnow?


    Lucas¡®tonegrewheavier.¡°Whatareyouunhappywithaboutthedivorceterms?Justtellme.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfingerscurledslightly,butherfaceremainedcalmasshesaid,¡°Iwon¡¯tdivorceyouuntilthismatterisresolved.


    +15BONUS


    Lucas¡®frowndeepened.


    Sophiainterjected,¡°Lucas,ifMissYoungissostubborn,maybeweshouldtakelegction.¡±


    Avelinestated,¡°I¡¯vealreadycalledthepolice.Oncetheinvestigationresultsareout,Lucas,you¡¯llregretthis.¡±


    Sophiawasstunned,hereyesflickering.


    LucasturnedtoSophia.¡°Youshouldgohome.¡±


    Sophialookedworried.¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯sfine,¡±Lucasreassuredherwithalook.


    Sophiastoodupandlefttheroom.Lucasdidn¡¯tlookawayuntilshewas gone.


    Avelinefeltanurgetophim.Washethatreluctanttolethergo?Didhelikeherthatmuch?Whatdidthatmakeher?


    Shepulledoutachairandsatdown,hercleareyesfixedonhim.


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Whatareyoulookingat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mlookingatthemanIonceloved,realizingwhatascumbagheturnedouttobe,¡±Avelinesaid.


    Lucas¡®facedarkened.


    Afteramoment,hespoke.¡°It¡¯safactthatIgotpoisonedaftereatingthefoodyoumade.¡±


    ¡°Andit¡¯safactthatIdidn¡¯tpoisonyou,¡±Avelineretorted.


    ¡°Where¡¯stheproof?¡±Lucasasked.


    ¡°Thepolice<b>are</b>stillinvestigating,¡±Avelinereplied.


    Lucas¡®gazedeepened.¡°Aveline,Ibelieveyouthistime.Signthepapers,andwe¡¯lldivorce.¡±


    Avelineletoutacolugh.¡°No.¡±


    Lucaswasspeechless.


    Hewasabouttoexplodewithfrustration.Whatwasshethinking?Wasn¡¯tthisagoodchancetosevertieswithhim?Whywouldn¡¯tshesign?Whywouldn¡¯tsheagreetothedivorce?Shecalledhimascumbagandabastard,sowhydidshestillwanttobewithhim?


    Avelinelookedintohisdarkplexeyes,unabletoguesswhathewasthinking.Asshewatchedhis face,shesuddenlystoodupandmovedcloser.


    Lucasfrowned.¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±


    AbittersmileshedinAveline¡¯seyes.¡°What?I¡¯myourwife.Can¡¯tIbeclosetoyou?¡±


    COMMINIS

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    Lucaslookedintohercleareyes,noticingherstill¨Cpaleface,Herexpressiondarkened.


    Suddenly,Avelinesatbackdown.¡°Forgetit.You¡¯vealreadydirtiedyourself.Idon¡¯tlikeyouanymore.¡±


    Lucas¡®voiceturnedcold.¡°Whatdidyousay?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°It¡¯ssomethingthatwasgoingtohappensooneroter.Isthereanythingwrongwithmesayingitnow?¡±


    Seeingherindifferentandevenapologeticexpression,Lucasfeltasurgeoffrustrationinhischest.


    ¡°Aren¡¯tyouheretodiscussthedivorce?¡±heasked.


    Avelineactedasifshehadjustremembered.¡°Oh,Ialmostforgot.¡±


    Shepickedupthedivorceagreement,ncedthroughit,thensneeredandtoreituprightinfrontofhim.


    ¡°I¡¯vedecidednottodivorce,¡±shedered,tossingtheshreddedpaperintothetrash.IgnoringLucas¡®darkenedexpression,sheturnedandwalkedaway.


    That¡¯sright.Shecametoprovokehim.Whyshouldhedictatewhethertheydivorceornot?Whyshouldhecontroleverythingwhileshesufferedallthegrievances?Shewasunwillingtoeptit!


    Assheleftthehospital,theskyhadalreadydarkened.Despitethebusytraffic,Avelinefeltadeepsenseofloneliness.


    HISBONUS


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    Afamiliarvoicecalledout.AvelurnedtoseeYvonnestandingnotfaraway,smilingather.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Aveline¡¯sguardwentup,butsheremainedpolite.¡°Mrs.Tudor,istheresomethingyouneed?¡±


    Yvonneasked,¡°Wouldyouliketohaveacoffeetogether?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯msorry,it¡¯snotagoodtimerightnow.¡±


    ShestillrememberedthepreviousincidentwhereYvonnehadturnedherintoatarget,causinghertobetroubledbyCrystal.


    IfLucashadn¡¯tshownupsuddenly,shewouldhavebeebeledassomeonewhobulliedchildren.


    Yvonneapproached,hereyesgentleasshelookedatAveline.¡°Aveline,areyoustillupsetwithmebecauseofwhathappenedbefore?Itwasmyfault.Itrulydidn¡¯tknowthatchildwouldlie.Ipromiseyou,suchthingswillneverhappen.again.¡±


    AsthedignifiedmatriarchoftheTudorfamily,shehadshownAvelineenoughrespectbyloweringherself.Ifitweresomeoneelse,theywouldhavebeenttered.


    However,Avelineremainedcalm.¡°Mrs.Tudor,whynotjustgettothepoint?I¡¯mnotoneforbeatingaroundthebush.¡±


    Yvonnesmiled.¡°Ilikeyourstraightforwardness.¡±


    Shepointedtothecaf¨¦acrossthestreet.¡°Whydon¡¯twegothere?¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelhoughtforamomentandnodded.ShewascuriousaboutwhatYvonnewantedtodiscuss.


    Intheprivateroomofthecaf¨¦,Yvonneorderedtwocups<b>of</b>coffee.Oncethewaiterleft,shesmiledatAvelineandasked,You¡¯vebeen marriedtoLucasforsolong.Haven¡¯tyouthoughtabouthavingchildren?


    Avelinereplied,¡°We¡¯restillyoung,there¡¯s norush.¡±


    Yvonnesaid,¡°ThatwastruebeforeLucasregainedhismemory.Butnow,hissituationisdifferent.HerepresentstheentireTudorfamily.Ifyouwanttobewithhim,youneedtotakecertainsteps.¡±


    Avelineraisedaneyebrow.¡°Likehavingachildwithhimsooner?¡±


    Yvonnecountered,¡°Don¡¯tyouwanttobewithhim?Icanseethatyoulovehim.¡±


    Avelinechuckledsoftly.¡°Areyousayingyou wanttohelpme?


    Yvonnesmiled.¡°He¡¯sstittachedtoSophiabecausesheoncesavedhim.IfSophiastopsappearinginfrontofhim,hisattentionwillturntoyou.Aveline,havingachildwillgiveyouleverage,andhewon¡¯teasilydivorceyou.¡±


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Avelinesaid,¡°Thatdoessoundlikeasolutic


    Yvonne¡¯ssmiledeepened.¡°Actually,Idoquitelikeyou.IfyouandLucascouldstaytogether,itwouldbewonderful.¡±


    Avelinegaveafaintsmile.¡°I¡¯llthinkaboutit.¡±


    Yvonnenodded.¡°Alright,ifyouneedanything,justletmeknow.I willcertainlyhelpyou.


    ¡°Thankyou,Mrs.Tudor.¡±


    Avelinewaspolite onthesurface,butshesuspectedYvonne-mighthaveulteriormotives.


    However,givenYvonne¡¯sstatus,Avelinedidn¡¯thavetheleveragetoconfronther.So,shejustwentalongwith


    whateverYvonnesaid,butwhethershewouldactonitwasanothermatter.


    Avelinestoodup.¡°Mrs.Tudor,Ineedtogohomenow.Goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Alright,takecare.¡±


    Yvonnesmiledandwatchedherleave,sippinghercoffeeleisurely.Shethentookthephonefromhepandpressedthebuttontoendtherecording.Adangerousglintflickeredinhereyesbeforequicklydisappearing.


    WhenAvelinegothome,shereceivedacallfromSelena.Sheputitonspeakerphone,chattingwithSelenawhilecooking.


    ¡°Ave,youwon¡¯tbelievehowannoyingAaronis!Hehatesolives,buteverytimeheordersapizza,heasksforextra


    olivesjustsoIhavetopickthemallout!Canyoubelievethat?


    Selenawasclearlyfrustrated,hertonesuggestingshewishedshecouldtearAarontopieces.


    Avelinewassurprised.¡°He¡¯sthatawful?¡±


    Selenaeximed,¡°Yes!He¡¯sthatawful.I can¡¯tbelieveIwassofoolishbackthen.Whydidn¡¯tIjusthithimharder?Whydidn¡¯tIfinishhimoff?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelinechuckled.¡°That¡¯snotworthit.Goingtojailoversuchamanisn¡¯tworthit.¡±


    Selenatookadeepbreath,readytocontinuerantingwhenAaron¡¯svoicecouldbeheardfaintlyinthebackground.


    ¡°Therehegoesagain.Icursehimtoneverfindagirlfriendortruelove.Hedeservesallthebadluckforgivingmesuchahardtime!¡±


    Selenamutteredafewmorecursesbeforesaying,¡°Ave,Ihavetogonow.Bye!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Avelinehungup,amusedbythecall.


    Thinkingitover,AvelinerealizedthatAaronwasretaliatingagainstSelenaforfittinghim.


    Mencouldbesopetty.


    Afterquicklycookingandeatingsomepasta,Avelinesaton


    +15BONUS


    thecouch.ShewantedtowatchTVbutcouldn¡¯tstopthinkingabouthowthepoisoningincidentwithLucaswasstillunresolved.


    Sherememberedthegroceriesshehadbought;therewerestillsomeleftinthefridge.Shegotup,openedthefridge,andtookoutthevegetables.


    Buthowcouldshedeterminewhichvegetableswerepoisonedandwhichwerenot?Sheponderedthis,consideringcallingthepolice,buttheirtestingwouldtaketoolong.


    Suddenly,shethoughtofRussell.


    Shehesitatedforawhile,lookingathisphonenumber,beforedecidingtocallhim.Shedidn¡¯thavemany


    connections,andthis matterrequiredsomeoneshecould


    trust.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Thecallconnectedquickly,andRussell¡¯zyvoicecamethrough.


    Avelinehesitated,¡°Russ,areyoubusyrightnow?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Notbusy.What¡¯sup?¡±


    Avelinefeltabitembarrassed.¡°Well,IhavesomethingI


    needtoaskyouforhelpwith.Itmightbeabittroublesome¡­¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°Areyouathomenow?¡±


    ¡°Oh,yes.¡±


    ¡°Openthedoorinfiveminutes,¡±Russellresponded.

 Divorced 171

    Chapter171Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelinewasstartled.


    Russellwasnearby?


    ¡°Oh,okay.¡±


    Afterhangingupthephone,Avelinewenttothedoor.Soon,thedoorbellrang.SheopenedittoseeRussellstandingtherewithhissignaturepurplehair.


    ¡°Russ,you¡¯rehere,¡±Avelinesaidwithaslightsmile.


    Russellsmirked,hisalreadystrikinglyhandsomefacebingevenmoreroguish.Hiscaptivatingeyesseemedtodrawpeoplein.¡°What¡¯sgoingon?¡±


    Avelinelethiminandbrieflyexinedthesituation.


    Seeingthevegetablesonthetable,Russellraisedaneyebrow.¡°So,youleftthepolicestationearlier becauseofthis?¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes.¡±


    Russellcontinued,¡°Whydidn¡¯tyoutellmewhenIasked?¡±


    Avelinefeltawkwardandrubbedhernose.¡°Ihopedthismattercouldberesolvedquickly,butthepolice¡¯sefficiencyisn¡¯tthathigh.Ididn¡¯twanttocarrythisburdenanylonger,soIwantedtogettothebottomofitassoonaspossible.¡±


    Shepaused.¡°Ithoughtitwouldbetoomuchtroubletoinvolveyou,butnowIhavenochoice.¡±


    Russellchuckled.¡°Alright,it¡¯snotabigdeal.¡±


    Hearingthis,Aveline¡¯seyeslitup.¡°Howlonguntilwegetthe


    results?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Holdonasecond.¡±


    Hetookouthisphoneandmadeacall.Aftertalkingforawhile,heturnedtoherandsaid,¡°Ifwesenditnow,we¡¯llhavetheresultsbytomorrowafternoon.¡±


    Avelinewasthrilled.¡°That¡¯swonderful,Russ.Thankyou!¡±


    Russellresponded,¡°Isthatallthethanks<b>I</b>get?¡±


    Avelinehesitatedandthenasked,¡°Well¡­howaboutItreatyoutodinner?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°What¡¯ssogreataboutrestaurantfood?Whydon¡¯tyoucookmeamealinstead?¡±


    Avelinewasmomentarilystunned.Thatwaseasyenough!


    ¡°Areyousure?Mycookingisn¡¯tthatgreat,¡±Avelinesaidhesitantly.


    Russellreplied,¡°Justcook.I¡¯llbethejudgeofhowgooditis.¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Alright!¡±


    Shehadotheringredientsonhand,sosherolledupher


    sleevesandgottowork.Russellsettledintothediningroom,wherehecouldseeAvelinebustlingaroundinthekitchen.Itfelt¡­ratherunique.


    Beforelong,thedoorbellrang.Avelinewenttoanswerit.ItwasthepersonRussellhadcontacted,whopackedupthevegetablesandtookthemaway.Avelinereturnedtothekitchentocontinuecooking.


    Russellcrossedhisarmsandleanedagainstthedoorframe,


    hispurplehairmakinghimlookevenmorestriking.Thediamondstudinhisleftearsparkledunderthekitchenlights.


    Catchingsightofhimoutofthecornerofhereye,Avelinesaid,¡°Russ,don¡¯tstandthere.There¡¯stoomuchsmokeinhere.¡±


    Hertonehadshiftedtotreatinghimlikeafriend.Realizingthis,Russell¡¯smouthtwitched.HesuddenlyregrettedaskinghertocallhimRuss.


    ¡°Alright,letmeknowwhenit¡¯sready,¡±hesaid,turningtowanderaroundtheapartment.


    Theapartmentwasspaciousanddecoratedinasimpleyetluxuriousstyle.SinceAvelinemovedin,littlepersonal


    toucheshadappearedinthecorners.Russellpickeduparabbitplushie,chuckled,andputitback.


    Halfanhouter,Avelinecameoutwiththstdish.Russ,dinner¡¯sready.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Russellcameover,pulledoutachair,andstartedeating.Afterthefirstbite,hiseyeslitupwithsurprise.


    BIGSALE3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Chapter172


    Avelineaskedsomewhatnervously,¡°Isit¡­notgood?¡±


    Russelllookedatherandsuddenlysaid,¡°Justonemealisn¡¯tenough.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±Avelinewasconfused.¡°Thenhowmanymealswouldbeenough?¡±


    Russelughedatherpuzzledexpressionandheldupthreefingers.


    Avelinughedtoo.¡°Threemeals?Noproblem.Justletmeknowwhenyou¡¯refree,andI¡¯llcookforyou.¡±


    Herrespectful andhumbleattitudemadeitclearshesawhimasafriend.Russellfeltastrangesenseoffamiliaritywiththisdynamicandslowlyloweredhishand.¡°We¡¯llseewhenI¡¯minthemood.¡±


    ¡°Sure,noproblem,¡±Avelineagreedreadily.


    Cookingafewmealswasn¡¯tabigdeal.Shejustwantedtorepaythisfavor.


    Despitefeelingabituneasy,RussellhadtoadmitAveline¡¯scookingwasreallygood.Itsuited histasteperfectly.Heendedupeatingtwoextraservings!


    Seeingthedishesnearlyempty,Russellbegandoubtinghisownappetite.


    Avelinecameovertodrinksomewater,ncedatthetable,andasked,¡°Russ,wasitenough?¡±


    ¡°Yes,itwas,¡±Russellreplied,abitspeechless.


    Aveline sighedinrelief.


    Itwasagoodthingthefoodwasenoughsinceshedidn¡¯thaveanymoreingredients.


    Russellstoodup,grabbedthedishes,andheadedtothekitchentowashthem.


    Avelinewasstunnedandquicklyfollowed.¡°Russ,letmedoit.Youshouldtakeabreak.¡±


    Russellfrowned,hishandsomefaceshowingahintofdispleasure.Hestaredatherforamomentbeforesaying,Maybeyoushouldn¡¯tcallmeRussanymore.¡±


    ¡°Whynot?¡±Avelineasked.


    ¡°We¡¯rethesameage,¡±Russellexined.


    Avelineblinked.¡°Thatdoesn¡¯tmatter.¡±


    Russellsighedandwavedhishand.¡°Nevermind.¡±


    Heturnedandleftthekitchen.


    Avelinefeltabitpuzzledbutdidn¡¯tdwellonit.Aftertidyingupthekitchen,shewentouttofindRussellsittingonthecouchinthelivingroom.Hislonglegswerecrossed,andhewaslookingdownathisphone,hishandsomefaceperfectlyframed.


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbutmarvel.¡°Areallwealthypeoplethisgood¨Clooking?¡±


    Russelllookedupandasked,¡°WhenareyoudivorcingLucas?


    Avelinewastakenaback,notexpectingsuchadirect


    question.


    ¡°Idon¡¯tknow,¡±sherepliedhonestly..


    Russellsaid,¡°Ifyouneed,Icanhelpyoufindwyer.Youwon¡¯tlose.¡±


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°Thanks,Russ,butthat¡¯snot


    necessary.ThingsbetweenLucasandmehaven¡¯treachedthatpointyet.¡±


    Russellstaredatherandasked,¡°Doyoulovehim?¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯trespond.Buthersilencewasananswerinitself.


    Russellfeltastrangesenseofirritation.AftereverythingLucashaddoher,whatdidsheseeinhim?Wassheamasochist?


    ¡°Forgetit,justpretendIdidn¡¯tsayanything.¡±


    Russellstoodupandheadedforthedoor.Avelinealsogotupandgavehimaslightsmile.¡°Russ,thankyou.Iknowyou¡¯retryingtohelpme,butIcanhandlethis,¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±Russellreplied.


    Ashewasleaving,Russellturnedaroundtosaysomething,butbeforehecouldspeak,Avelinesuddenlyshutthedoor.


    Hismouthtwitched.


    Whatwasthatabout?Notevenapropergoodbye?


    Avelinefellsilent..


    HISBONUS:


    Itwasn¡¯tthatshedidn¡¯twanttosaygoodbye.Shesuddenlyfeltasharppaininherstomachandrushedtothebathroom,realizingherperiodhadstarted.


    Aftertakingcareofherself,shecameout,washedup,andwenttobed.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

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    <blockquote>


    Chapter173


    Thenextday,Avelinearrivedatworktofindanother pileofchaotictaskswaitingforher.


    10153


    However,todayshewasn¡¯tangry;shewaslookingforwardtolunchtime.


    Atnoon,Russellcalledtotellhertheresultswereinandhadbeenemailedtoher.


    ¡°Thankyou,Russ!¡±Avelinesaidexcitedly.


    Russellrepliedslowly,¡°Knowingwhichvegetables arepoisoneddoesn¡¯tproveyourinnocence.¡±


    Avelinepaused.¡°Ithinkthesevegetableswereboughtatthesupermarket.Theremighthavebeenanissuethere.Ineedtocheckthesurveincefootage.¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°It¡¯sbeensomanydays;itmightbedifficult.¡±


    Aveline¡¯slipstightened.Sheknew thatifshehadcheckedonthedayithappened,itmight havebeeneasier.Butshehadtotry.


    Russellspokecasually,¡°Ofcourse,ifyoucooktenmoremealsforme,Imightbeabletofiguresomethingout.¡±


    Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.¡°Russ,don¡¯tyouhaveachefathome?¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°<b>Just</b>sayifyou¡¯lldoitornot.¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡±Avelineagreedwithouthesitation.Cookingonemealortenmealsmadenodifferencetoher.Plus,itwasaneasy


    task.


    M


    ShefeltevenmoregratefultoRussell,ashehadchosenawaythatminimizedherburden.


    ¡°Alright,waitformynews,¡±Russellsaid,thenhur.up.


    Avelineexhaleddeeplyandopenedheremailtocheck.Shefoundthatthepoisonedvegetablesweretheonesshehadaddedtohercartter.


    Shecarefullyrecalledthedetailsofthatday.Sherememberedbumpinginto someoneafterpickingupthevegetables,causingthemtofalltotheground.Thatpersonhelpedherpickthemup.


    Couldsomethinghavehappened duringthattime?Avelriedtoremembertheperson¡¯sface,butshecouldn¡¯t.


    Rubbing hertemples,herphonesuddenlyrang.Itwasacallfromthepolicestation.Thefoodtestresultswereout,andtheywantedhertein.


    AvelinegotupandwenttoaskGwenforleave.


    Withoutevenlookingather,Gwensaidcoldly,¡°It¡¯s workinghours.Youcan¡¯tleavewithoutpermission.¡±


    ¡°So,I¡¯mheretoaskforleave,¡±Avelinereplied.


    Gwenretorted,¡°We¡¯reswamped.Ifyouleave,whowilldoyourwork?¡±


    Avelinepaused.Wasthisherwayofrefusingherrequest?


    ¡°Thenjustdockmypay,¡±shesaid,turningtoleave.


    Gwenwasstunned.¡°Hey,youebackhere!¡±


    Howcouldshebesobrazen?Thehigher¨Cupsdidn¡¯tfavorheranymore,sowheredidshegettheconfidencetoactso


    boldly?


    Immediately,GwenorderedthatAveline¡¯spaybedocked bythreetimes.


    Avelinewenttothepolicestationandgotthetestreport,whichmatchedtheoneRussellhadsenther.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Sheasked,¡°Canyoufindouthowthesevegetableswerepoisoned?¡±


    Thepoliceofficerreplied,¡°Wearestillinvestigating.Thisisaseriousmatterthathasendangeredpublicsafety,sowewilldefinitelygiveyou anexnation.¡±


    Avelineasked,¡°Howlongwillittake?¡±


    Theofficersaid,¡°We¡¯renotsure.Weneedtofollowtheprocedures<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline fellsilent.


    Howlongwouldthisprocesstake?Aweek?Amonth?Orsixmonths?Bythetimetheinvestigationwaplete,itwouldbetotetomatter.


    Shedidn¡¯tsayanythingmore,takingthereportandleaving.


    Justbeforeshegotbacktothpany,herphonerang.ShelookedatthescreenandsawthatitwasLucascalling.


    HISBONUS.


    Chapter174</blockquote>

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    Chapter174


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Avelineansweredthecall,herturningcolder.


    Lucas¡®voicewasevencolderthanhers.¡°Whereareyou?¡±


    Avelinepaused.¡°Doyouneedsomething?¡±


    Wasthisaboutthedivorceagain?Shehadmadeitveryclearthatshewouldn¡¯tagreetoadivorceuntilthematterwasfullyinvestigated.Whywashesopersistent?


    Unexpectedly,Avelhoughtofhispreviousattitudeandbegantounderstand.Watchingsomeonegetanxiousoversomethingwhilesheremaineddetachedfeltoddlysatisfying.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Cometothehospitalnow.Ihavesomethingtoaskyou,¡±Lucassaidandthenhungupabruptly.Histonewamandingandicy,leavingnoroomforrefusal.


    Avelinefrownedatherphone.Whatwaswrongwithhim?Whyshouldshegojustbecausehesaidso?Sheputherphonebackinherbaganddecidednottogotothehospital.Sheneededtoreturntowork.


    AftertheconfrontationwithGwen,shewasprobablyfuriousandmightdock heralotofpay.Sheneededto makeupforit.


    However,whenshearrivedatthpanybuilding,shesawBrianstandingnearby.Hisfacewasexpressionless,buthespottedherimmediately.


    Avelinefeltachillrundownherspineasifsomethingominouswaswatchingher.


    113


    ¡°Issomethingwrong?¡±Avelinewalkedoverandaskedwithafrown.


    ¡°MissYoung,Mr.Tudorwantstoseeyou.Pleasewithme,¡±Briansaid,gesturingforhertofollow,thoughhismannerwasforceful.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Idon¡¯twanttogo.Ifhehassomethingtosay,hecantellmeoverthephone.¡±


    Brianresponded,¡°It¡¯snotsomethingthatcanbeexined.overthephone.MissYoung,Idon¡¯twanttogetrough,sopleasedon¡¯tmakethisdifficult.¡±


    Seeingthecoldnessinhiseyes,Avelinefeltasurgeofunease.WhatdidLucaswant?


    ShebitherlipandgotintoBrian¡¯scar.Hedrovetowardsthehospital.


    Ontheway,Avelineaskedmultipletimeswhatthiswasabout,butBrianremainedsilent,hisexpressiongrowingcolderwitheachpassingmoment.


    Itwasasifsheowedhimmillions!Whatwashisproblem?Hewouldn¡¯texinanythingandjustgaveheracoldshoulder.Howrude!


    Atthehospital,insidethepatientroom,twobodyguardsstoodatthedoor.AssoonasAvelineentered,Brianshutthedoorbehindherwithaloudbang.


    Startled,AvelurnedaroundtoseeSophiasittingpale-facedonthesofa.ThemomentSophiasawher,tearsbegan


    tofall.


    2/3


    +15BONUS


    ¡°MissYoung,whatdidIeverdotoyou?Whyareyoutreatingmelikethis?¡±Sophia¡¯sabruptquestionleftAveline


    Avelineblinked.¡°Whatareyoutalkingabout?¡±


    TearsstreameddownSophia¡¯sface,herpaleappearancemakingherlookpitiful.


    ¡°Ifyouhaveaproblem withme,youcouldhavejustsaidso.Iwouldhavestayedawayfromyou.Whydidyouhavemekidnapped?Why¡­whydidyoutrytoruinme?MissYoung,I¡¯veneverdoneanythingagainstyou.EvenwhenyoucamebetweenLucasandme,Isaidnothing.Whyareyousovicious?¡±


    Avelinewasevenmoreconfused.Whatwasgoingon?Kidnapped?Ruined?Andshesupposedlydidit?


    ¡°MissWinter,youmustbemistaken,¡±Avelinesaid.¡°Aveline.¡±


    Atthatmoment,Lucas¡®deep,coldvoicefilledtheroom,carryinganicyedge.


    Avelinepausedandturnedtolookathim.

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    Lucasstoodinthedoorway,hisexpressiondarkandstern.Hisdeep,narroweyeswereascoldasicepletelckingwarmth.


    Avelinefelttheairaroundhergrowcolder,achill:ingfromher feet.Itwasasiftheatmosphereitselfwaspressingdownonher.


    Herexpressionturnedequallycold.¡°Whydidyoucallmehere?Whatdoyouwant?¡±


    CoulditbewhatSophiahadmentioned?Washemingherforsomeabsurdincident?


    Lucas¡®deepvoicedemanded,¡°WhydidyoukidnapSophia?¡±


    Avelineimmediatelyletoutacolugh.So,itwasaboutthat!


    Hehadactuallysummonedhertoquestionheroversomethingsobaseless!


    ¡°Lucas,areyoucrazy?I¡¯manorphanwithnoconnectionsorpowerinCloudreCity,andIdon¡¯thaveanymoney.HowcouldIpossiblykidnapher?Withastrandofhair?¡±sheretorted,hertonedrippingwithsarcasm.


    Asshefinishedspeaking,shefoundiughableandcouldn¡¯thelpbuughoutloud.Butasshughed,yerofsorrowcloudedhereyes.


    Hedidn¡¯ttrusther¡­Hehadlongstoppedtrustingher.


    Whenhewaspoisonedandspittingblood,thelookhegaveherwaslikeaknife,stabbingintoherheart,causingher


    unbearablepain!This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Andnow,hewastwistingtheknifeagain!


    Didhethinkshewasn¡¯tsufferingenough?


    Whathadshedodeservethis?


    HersorrowfulgazemadeLucascatchhisbreathforamoment,buthisexpressionstayedstern.¡°Ihave evidence.¡±


    Hetookouthisphoneandyedarecording.


    ¡°Hecan¡¯tletgoofSophia,undoubtedlybecausesheoncesavedhim.Ifsheweren¡¯taround,hisattentionwouldbeonyou.¡±


    ¡°Youmeanyouwanttohelpme?¡±


    ¡°Ifyouwant.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯llthinkaboutit.¡±


    Therecordingwasbrief,butitclearlyfeaturedAveline¡¯svoiceandanothervoicethatsoundedlikeYvonne¡¯s.


    Sophia¡¯sfigurewavered.¡°Lastnight,onmywayhome,Iwaskidnapped.Ifitweren¡¯tforBrian,Iwouldn¡¯tbeherenow.MissYoung,howcanyoubesomalicious?¡±


    Avelinewasstunned.Thisrecordingwasfromher


    conversationwithYvonneyesterday!HowdiditenduponLucas¡®phone?Anditwasobviouslyeditedtomakeitsoundincriminating!


    Lucaslookedathercoldly.¡°Doyoustillwanttodenyit?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    24


    +15BABUS


    Avelineopenedhermouthbutcouldn¡¯tsayaword.Thevoicewasundeniablyhers.Itwasn¡¯tfabricated.Theconversationhadbeeneditedandrearranged.Anstnight,SophiahadindeedbeenkidnappedaftershetalkedwithYvonne.


    Somanycoincidencesmadeitimpossibleforhertoexin.


    Avelookadeepbreath,gazingintoLucas¡¯sdark,deepeyes.¡°Ididn¡¯tdoit.¡±


    Herexnationseemedsoweak.


    Sophiughed,butasshughed,tearsbegantofall.Shestoodup,walkedover,andsuddenly shovedAveline.


    ¡°Aveline,theevidenceisrighthere,andyoustillsayyoudidn¡¯tdoit!¡±


    SheturnedtoLucas.¡°Lucas<b>,</b>she¡¯ssomalicious.Whywon¡¯tyoudivorceher?¡±


    Avelinestumbledandalmostfell,dazedanddisoriented.


    Seeingthis,Lucasfrowneddeeply.ButlookingatSophia¡¯spaleface,hislipspressedintoatightline.


    Lastnight,Brianhadcalledhimsuddenly, sayinghehadsavedSophiafrombeingkidnapped.


    ?

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    BrianhadtakenSophiastraighttothehospital.Shehadbeensoterrifiedthatshefaintedfromcrying.


    Brianhadalreadycapturedthemenwhokidnappedher.Aftersomeinterrogation,theyconfessedthatsomeonenamedAvelinehadorderedthemtodoit.


    Lucas¡®firstreactionwasdisbelief.Then,hereceivedthatrecordinginhisemail.


    Theimpossiblesuddenlyseemedpossible.


    Lucaskeptquiet.


    ¡°Lucas!¡±


    SophialookedatLucaswithtear¨Cfilledeyes.¡°Iwon¡¯tmeyouforlovinganotherwoman,butyoushouldn¡¯tlovesomeonesocruel.Shedoesn¡¯tdeservetobebyyourside!¡±


    Lucas¡®darkeyesturnedtoher.¡°Youdidn¡¯trestwelstnight.I¡¯llhaveBriantakeyouhometorest,andhewillprotectyoufornow.¡±


    SophiapointedatAveline.¡°Whatabouther?Whatdoyountodowithher?¡±


    Punishher?


    Aveline¡¯slongeyshestrembledslightlybeforeshelookedatSophiaandsaid,¡°Whetheryoubelieveitornot,Ineverhadanyonekidnapyou.¡±


    Sophia¡¯seyesfilledwithhatredasshelookedatAveline.¡°IusedtobegratefultoyouforsavingLucas,butnowIhaveto


    wonderifyoualreadyknewhisidentityandschemedtosavehim,marryhim,anddeceivehim!¡±


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Ididn¡¯t.¡±


    Sophiawipedherface,butthetearskeptfalling.


    ShelookedatLucas.¡°Whatareyou goingtodoaboutthis,Lucas?Areyougoingtoletitgoasyoudidbefore?ThistimeIwastheone kidnapped,andshewantedmedead.Ifshecan¡¯ttolerateme,thenmaybeIshouldjustenditall!¡±


    Withthat,sheranoutoftheroom.


    ¡°Wait,Sophia!¡±


    Lucaswasshocked andquicklyfollowedher.


    AwaveofdeepanxietywashedoverAveline,andsheinstinctivelyfollowedthem.


    Sophia,fueledbyasuddenburstofenergy,managedto


    shakeofftheagilebodyguardandrantothehospitalrooftop.Shestoodattheedge,herthinfigureswayingdangerously.


    ¡°Don¡¯tdoanythingfoolish,Sophia!¡±


    Lucas¡®eyeswidenedashesawherstandingontheedge.Brianandtheotherbodyguardsrushedup,theirfacesturninggrimatthesight.


    Sophiaturnedherhead<b>,</b>thestrongwindontherooftopblowingherhairintodisarray.HerfacewaspaleasshegaveLucasasorrowfulsmile.


    ¡°Lucas,Iloveyou.I¡¯vebeendeeplyinlovewithyousincetwoyearsago.Doyouremember?Youpromisedtomarryme.Then,youhadthecarident,andIsavedyouatthecostof


    2/3


    15BONUS


    losingmyleg.Ithoughtthatwhenyouwokeup,wecouldlivehappilytogetherforever,butthensheappeared!¡±


    ShepointedatAveline,hertonegrowingmoredesperateandsorrowful.¡°Twoyearsago,wewerefine,butwithherarrival,everythingchanged.Youpromisedmeyouwoulddivorce.her,butyouhaven¡¯tdoneit.Why?¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Takingadeepbreath,hervoicecrackedwithtears.¡°Lucas,nowthiswomanhasdonesuchhorriblethings,andyouwon¡¯tevengivemeaclearanswer.AmInolongerimportanttoyou?¡±


    Lucas¡®facewasdarkandheavy,hiseyesfixedintentlyonSophia.¡°Don¡¯tdoanythingrash.Comedown,andIwillgiveyouasatisfactoryanswer.¡±


    COMMENTS

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    Sophiashookherhead,refusingtedown.HereyeswerestillfilledwithtearsasshelookedatLucas.¡°Iknow,I¡¯mnolongerimportant.Ihavebeenlivingthislife<b>for</b>you,andifyoudon¡¯tneedmeanymore,there¡¯snopointinmestayingalive.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sheturnedaround,spreadingherarmswide,likeabutterflyabouttotakeflight.


    ¡°No!¡±Lucasshoutedinrm.


    Suddenly,acryofpainechoednearby.


    ¡°MissWinter,she¡¯skneelingtoyou!¡±Brian¡¯svoicerangout.


    Everyonelookedovertoseethat BrianhadsomehowforcedAvelotheground,makingherkneelinfrontofSophia.


    Avelinestruggled.¡°Letgo¡­<b>¡±</b>


    ButshewasnomatchforBrian.Heheldherdownfirmly,keepingherfromgettingup.


    BrianstaredintentlyatSophia.¡°MissWinter,it¡¯sherwhodidwrong,notMr.Tudor.Don¡¯tmeMr.Tudor.Shetookadvantageofhisgratitudeandrefusedtodivorcehim!¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedinshock


    SophiaturnedtoLucas.¡°Lucas,isthistrue?¡±


    Lucassaidnothing,hislipspressedintoathinline;hisentirebeingradiatinganicychishestaredatBrian.


    BrianfeltthelethalintentinLucas¡®gaze,buthedidn¡¯t


    releasehisgriponAveline.¡°ApologizetoMissWinter.Youdidwrong,youshouldapologize!¡±


    Avelinebracedherhandsagainsttheground,strugglingtogetup.¡°Ididn¡¯tdoit!WhyshouldIapologize?¡±


    ShelookeddesperatelyatLucas.¡°Mrs.Tudordidmeetwithme,butourconversationwasn¡¯tlikethat!Ineveraskedherforhelp,youcancheck!¡±


    Shelockedeyeswithhim.¡°Lucas,youcan¡¯t condemnmebasedononerecording.Iwon¡¯teptit!¡±


    Thecoldwindhowled,bitingintoherskinlikethefrostofdeepwinter.


    Sophiastillstoodontherooftop¡¯sedge,herfrailfigureswayingprecariously.


    Lucas¡®deep,maicvoicewasdevoidofwarmth.¡°Aveline,signthedivorcepapers.Ineverwanttoseeyouagain!¡±


    Aveline¡¯sfaceturnedseveralshadespaler.ShecontinuedtostareatLucas,desperatelysearchingforanyhintofanotheremotion.


    Buttherewasnothing.Hiseyes,likehisface,werecoldasice.Thechillreachedherbones.


    Notfaraway,Sophiaobservedthescene,aglintoflightshinginhereyesbeforeshecontinued,¡°Lucas,goodbye¡­¡±


    Seeingthis,Brianpanicked.HegrabbedAvelineandtriedtoforcehertokowtowtoSophia.


    Avelineresistedwithallherstrength,butBrianwastoo


    strong.Herheadwasbeingpushedcloserandcloserto


    WESONG


    ground.


    Sherefusedtosubmit!Shedidn¡¯tdoit;whyshouldsheadmittoit?Shewouldn¡¯t!


    Avelinebitherlipsoharditbled,thetasteofbloodfillinghermouthasshepressedherselfagainsttheground.


    ¡°You!¡±Brian¡¯sfaceturnedlividwithanger,butfacedwithAveline¡¯sdefiance,hewasataloss.


    Whattodo?IfAvelinedidn¡¯tapologize,MissWintermightdie!


    ¡°Ah!¡±Atthatmoment,astartledcryrangout.


    BrianlookedoverandsawtwobodyguardshadmanagedtoreachSophiaand,takingadvantageofherdistraction,pulledherdownfromtherooftopedge.


    LucasquicklyrushedtoSophia¡¯sside,grippingherwristtightly.¡°Sophia,youmustneverdoanythingsofoolishagain.


    Sophiathrewherselfintohisarms.¡°Lucas,ifyoudon¡¯tloveme,there¡¯snopointinmeliving.Divorceherandmarryme,okay?¡±


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou


    COMMENTS


    SUPPORT

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    Lucas¡®bodystiffenedashelookedatSophia¡¯stear¨Cstreakedface.Herpalplexionandthewayherskirtflutteredinthewindrevealedherprostheticleg.


    Heswallowedhardandfinallyutteredasinglevrd,¡°Okay.¡±


    Sophia¡¯sfacelitupwithjoy,butthenhereyesclosed,andshefainted.


    Lucasimmediatelyscoopedherupandwalkedquicklybackinside.Ashesawthehospitalstaff,hisvoicewasice¨Ccold.¡±Sealofftherooftop!¡±


    ¡°Yes,sir¡­¡±Thehospitaldirectornoddedquickly,visiblyshaken.Hewavedhishandandsaid,¡°Hurry,contacttheconstructionteam.Sealofftherooftop.Ifanyoneelsetriestojumpinamomentofdespair,howcanthishospitalcontinueoperating?¡±


    BrianhadalreadyreleasedAveline.


    Sheslowlygotupfromtheground,staringdazedlyasLucascarriedSophiaawayatabriskpace.Atthatmoment,herheartfeltlikeitwasbeingtornapart.


    Shetookadeepbreath.ShehadtofindouthowthatrecordingandSophia¡¯skidnappinghadhappened.Shecouldn¡¯tletherselfbefalselyused.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    HerkneesachedfrombeingforcedtokneelbyBrian.Afterdescendingfromtherooftop,sheleftthehospitalinanelevator,feelingsuffocated.


    ShetookoutherphoneandlookedatYvonne¡¯snumber,


    (1)(15NONUS


    hesitating.WasYvoheonewhogavetherecordingtoLucas?Butwithoutevidence,confrontingherdirectlywould.beuseless,asYvonnewouldsurelydenyit.


    Whatshouldshedo?Howshouldsheinvestigatethismatter?


    Whileshewasdeepinthought,herphoneranStartled,sheidentallyswipedtoanswer.


    ¡°Hello?¡±Avelinequicklyputthephoherear.


    Russell¡¯samusedvoice camethrough,¡°Answeringsoquickly?Wereyouwaitingformycall?¡±


    Avelinughed.¡°Ofcourse,Russ.You¡¯re mysavior.Iwaitforyourcalleveryminute.¡±


    Russellchuckled.¡°Aveline,you¡¯regivingmetheimpressionthatyou¡¯rereadytobemyloyalservant.¡±


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±Avelinecouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.Shedidfeelindebtedtohim.


    Russellhadhelpedhersomanytimes.Shewasn¡¯tsurehowtoexpresshergratitudeadequately.


    ¡°Butnoneedtobemyservant,¡±Russellsaid.¡°Justcookafewmoremealsforme.Igotthesupermarketsurveincefootage.¡±


    Aveline¡¯seyeslitup.¡°Really?Canyousendittomenow?¡±


    ¡°Turnaround,¡±Russellreplied.


    AvelurnedandsawRussell¡¯scarparkednearby.Seeingherlook,hewavedwithamischievoussmile.


    Avelinewavedbackandwalkedovertohim.¡°Russ,whatare


    +15BONUS


    youdoinghere?¡±


    Shehungupthephoneandaskedcuriously.


    Russellreplied,¡°Ihadsomebusinessaroundhere.Didn¡¯texpecttorunintoyou.Don¡¯tyouthinkit¡¯sfate?¡±


    Avelinesmiled.¡°Canyousendmethevideonow?¡±


    ¡°Norush,¡±Russellsaid.¡°Getinthecarfirst.¡±


    Avelinehesitatedbutgotin,sitting properlylikeanobedientstudent.


    Russell¡¯smouthtwitchedbeforehestartedthecar.¡°Ihaven¡¯teatenyet.Havelunchwithmefirst,andthenI¡¯llsendittoyou.<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Okay,¡±Avelineagreedreadily.


    Notfaraway,BrianwatchedhergetintoRussell¡¯scar,facegrowingevendarker.


    D

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    Heturnedandheadedbacktothehospitalroom.


    SophiawasalreadyreceivinganIV.Afterthetraumaofbeingkidnappestnight,hermentalstatewasalreadyfragile.Today¡¯seventshadonlyworsenedit,andfaintingwasamildreaction.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor,¡±Briancalledfromthedoorway.


    Lucasstoodbythebedsideandlookedoverathim,hiseyesfilledwithasharp,icycoldnessthatboreintoBrian.


    Brianfeltachillspreadfromhisfeettohisentirebody,reachingthedepthsofhissoul.


    Lucaswalkedout,closedthedoorbehindhim,and wentintothestairwell.


    Brianfollowedsilently.


    Once insidethestairwell,Brianspoke.¡°IsawMissYounggetintoMr.Russell¡¯scar.Mr.Tudor,MissYoungisdefinitelynotinnocent.Mr.Russellisthenephewofthatperson,andMissYounghasbeengettingclosetohimrecently.WithMissWinter¡¯skidnapping,itmustbe¡­¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Beforehecouldfinish,Lucas¡®fisndedsquarelyonhisface.


    Brianstaggeredbackseveralstepsbutdidn¡¯tdarefightback.Heloweredhishead.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucastooktwostepsforwardandkickedhimhardinthe


    knee,causingBriantokneeldowninpain,hisfaceturning


    pale.


    Lucaslookeddownathim,hishandsome,fiercefacegrowingevendarkerinthedimstairwell.Hiseyesshonewithanicychill,andafaint,murderousintentflickeredwithinthem.


    ¡°Didn¡¯tItellyounottotouchher,hmm?¡±


    Lucas¡®coldvoicewasfilledwithanoverwhelmingpressurethatmadeBrian¡¯sbackbendevenmore.


    ¡°ShekidnappedMissWinter¡­¡±Briantriedtoargue.


    Lucasinterruptedwithacoldvoice,¡°Whatevershedid,wasityourcetointervene?¡±


    Brianfellsilent.Hedidn¡¯tunderstand.Avelinehadthe


    audacitytohaveSophiakidnappedandeventriedtoruinher.Thefactthathehadn¡¯idahandonAvelinewasa


    concession.Hehadonlyforcedhertokneel.WhywasLucassoangry?


    Coulditbethat,inLucas¡®heart,AvelinewasmoreimportantthanSophia?


    LucaslookedcoldlyatBrian¡¯snkfaceandsaidwithicydetachment,¡°GotoDesmondandreceiveyourpunishment,thenleave.¡±


    Withthat,heturnedandwalkedaway.


    ¡°Mr.Tudor!¡±Brian,wasshockedandlookedupathim,instinctivelywantingtostand.


    ButseeingLucas¡®anger,hedidn¡¯tdaretorise.Hiseyesturnedred,andveinsbulgedonhisforehead.


    +15BONUS


    WhatdidLucasmean?Washebeingdismissed?


    Brianclenchedhisfists.Hebelievedhehadn¡¯tdoneanythingwrong.ButwithoutLucas,wherecouldhego?


    Thestairwellwasempty,andafaintwindblev.infromsomewhere.HetookouthisphoneandopenedachatwithMaria.


    Briantexted,¡°Mr.Tudordoesn¡¯twantmeanymore.¡±


    Mariareplied,¡°What?Whathappened?¡±


    Brianexinedeverything<b>to</b>Mariaindetail.


    Afterawhile,Mariasentathumbs¨Cupemojiandthensaidnothingmore.


    Brianblinked.So,Mariathoughthewasrightanddidwell,didn¡¯tshe?ThenwhywasLucassoangry?


    Lucasreturnedtothehospitalroom.


    Aaronhadarrived,lookingveryserious.HehandedLucasatablet.¡°ThisisallthevideofootageofSophia¡¯sjourneyhomstnight.I¡¯vealsoinvestigatedthosemen.Oneofthemhasasister¨CinwworkingasamaidfortheTudorfamily.Justafewdaysago,herountreceivedadepositoffourhundredthousanddors.¡±


    Lucastookthetabletandbegantowatchthefootage


    carefully,hisexpressiongrowingcolderbythesecond.¡°Whotransferredthemoney?¡±

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    Aaronreplied,¡°It¡¯sfromananonymousoverseasount.¡±


    Afterapause,headded,¡°It¡¯sprettyobviouswho¡¯sbehindthis.Theywon¡¯tstopuntilyou¡¯redead.¡±


    Lucascedthetabletasideandsuddenlysaid,¡°Have


    someonekeep


    neveor


    Aveline.¡±


    Aaronfrowned.¡°Aftereverythingthat¡¯shappened,you¡¯restillprotectingher?¡±


    Lucaslookedathimwithadeepgaze.¡°Don¡¯tyouunderstandwhyshe¡¯sinthissituation?¡±


    Aaronmovedhislipsbutfinallysighed,¡°Alright,butI¡¯mnotlettinggoofthepoisoningincident.Istillsuspectshe¡¯sworkingforthem.¡±


    Lucassaidnothing.


    Wasshereally?


    Memoriesofthepastyearfloodedhis mind.Ifsheweretrulyinvolved,shehadnumerousopportunitiestoharmhim.Butshehadn¡¯t.


    Hereyesweresoclear,hersmilesopure.Hedidn¡¯twanttobelieveit,yetpasteventsmadehimwaryoftrustingtooeasily.


    SeeingLucas¡®troubledexpression,Aaronponderedforamomentbeforeasking,¡°DoyoureallyntomarrySophia?


    Lucasreplied,¡°I¡¯mstillmarried.¡±


    10


    Aslongastheyweren¡¯tdivorced,theywouldalwaysbeconnected.


    Aaronsaid,¡°Butdivorceisinevitable.¡±


    Thistime,Lucasdidn¡¯trespondandsimplyclosedhiseyestorest.Aaronfellsilentaswell.


    Intherestaurant.


    RussellorderedsomedishesandthenlookedatAveline.¡±Whatdoyouwanttoeat?¡±


    Aveline,stillthinkingaboutSophia¡¯skidnapping,wasmomentarilydistracted.¡°I¡¯vealreadyeaten,Russ.Yougoahead.¡±


    Justthen,herstomachgrowled.


    Avelineblushed.


    Thatwasembarrassinglyfast.


    Russelughedandhandedherthemenu.¡°Comeon,ordersomething.Thisone¡¯sonyou.¡±


    Avelinesighed.¡°Okay.¡±


    Sheorderedherfoodandhandedthemenubacktothewaiter.Russelltoyedwithhiswaterss,observingtheworryonherface.Heaskeddirectly,¡°Thematterwasresolvedquickly.Whyaren¡¯tyouashappyasIexpected?¡±


    Avelineforcedabittersmile.¡°Therearealwaysmore.problemstosolve.¡±


    +15BONUSThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Justasthepoisoningincidentwasbeingresolved,nowtherewasakidnapping.Avelineseriouslywonderedifshewascursedthisyear.Whyelsewouldshehavesuchbadluck?


    Russellsaid,¡°Don¡¯toverthinkit.Liveinthepresent.Thefutureisalwaysunknownandoftenscary.Enjoythemomentandmakeyourselfhappy.Isn¡¯tthatgood?¡±


    Avelinenodded.¡°Yes,you¡¯reright.¡±


    Butatthismoment,shewasn¡¯thappy.


    Justthen,her phonerang.SeeingitwasGwencalling,shetookadeepbreathandanswered,¡°Hello?¡±


    Gwen¡¯stonewasimpatient.¡°Aveline,doyouthinkyouownthispany?Comingandgoingasyouplease?Getbackhereimmediately,ordon¡¯tbotheingbackatall!¡±


    Avelinerepliedcoldly,¡°Unjustlyfiringanemployeerequirepensation.Icanapplyfoborarbitration.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±Gwen¡¯svoicegrewshrill.¡°You¡¯retoomuch.Youleftwithoutpermission.Justwait;I¡¯llreportthistoMr.Tudor!¡±


    Angrily,GwenhungupandimmediatelycalledDesmond.Toher,Avelinewasjustsomeonewhohadfallenoutoffavorwiththeboss.

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    Gwenthoughtsheneededtoteachthatarrogantwomanalessonsoshewouldunderstandherce.


    ¡°Hello?¡±Desmondansweredthecall.


    GwenexaggeratedAveline¡¯ssituationandthentactfullysaid,¡°Mr.ke,AvelinemighthavechangedaftersecuringthecoborationwithBrightonEnterprises.I¡¯mataloss,soIcametoyouforhelp.WhatshouldIdo?¡±


    Desmondasked,¡°Didsherequestleave?¡±


    Gowenreplied,¡°Yes,shedid.¡±


    Desmondsaid,¡°Thenwhat¡¯stheproblem?¡±


    Huh?


    Gwenwasstunned.Wasthatit?Noreprimand?NotalkofdismissingAveline?


    Whatwasgoingon?


    Gwenwasmomentarilyunsureandsaid,¡°Mr.ke,this¡­¡±


    Desmondreplied,¡°Shehasn¡¯tmadeanybigmistakesorcausedthpanyanyharm.Theremustbeareasonshetookleave.Ifyoucan¡¯tmanagethis,whyareyouinthisrole?


    11


    Startled,Gwenquicklysaid,¡°Iunderstand,Mr.ke.I¡¯llhandleit.Sorryforbotheringyou!¡±


    Aftersayingthat,shehurriedlyhungupthephone!


    SheinitiallythoughtAvelinehadfallenoutoffavorwiththe


    *ISBORRIS


    bossandthatDesmondwouldsurelypunishher,butinstead,shewastheonereprimanded!


    CoulditbethatthebossstillfavoredAveline?


    ThenwhydidDesmondpreviouslyinformhertowithdrawAvelinefromtheBrightonEnterprisesprojectteam


    Gwenwaspuzzledbutnowknewone thingforsure:shecouldn¡¯ttargetAvelineanymore,orshemightloseherposition.


    RusselllookedatAvelinewithahalf¨Csmile.¡°Areyounningtoresign?Willyoetoworkforme?¡±


    Avelinesmiledandreplied,¡°Ihaven¡¯tnnedtoresignyet,butwhenIencounterinjustice,Ican¡¯tholdback.¡±


    Russelughed.¡°Ilikehowdirectyouare.¡±


    Then,hiscaptivatingeyesmethers,sparklingwithwarmthandaffection.


    Ifitwereanyothergirl,shewouldhaveinstantlyfallenforhim.


    However,Avelhought againofSophia¡¯skidnappinganddidn¡¯tnoticeRussell¡¯sgaze.


    Russellsuddenlyfeltasenseoffrustration!


    Sittinginfrontofher,shewasthinkingaboutsomethingelse?


    Whatwasonhermind?Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Lucas?


    Whywouldshethinkaboutsomeonelikehim?


    Russellfeltasurgeofannoyancejustasthefoodbeganto


    arrive.


    Avelinecollectedherthoughtsandpicked<i>up</i>herforktoeat,onlytonoticeRussellstaringather.


    Shepaused.¡°Russ,what¡¯swrong?¡±


    Russellsuddenlylosthisappetite.Shecouldquicklyrefocusonfood,butwhenitcametohim,shethoughtofanotherman?


    Hmph,women!


    Russellsaid,¡°Isuddenlylostmyappetite.¡±


    Hearingthis,Aveline¡¯sexpressionturnedserious.¡°What¡¯swrong?Areyoufeelingunwell?Shouldwegotothehospital?


    Russellfeltastifledfrustration,makinghimevenmoreirritable.


    Couldthiswomannotreadtheroom?


    Couldn¡¯tshetellhewasalreadyannoyed?


    Avelineputdownherfork.¡°Russ,letmetakeyoutothehospital.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°¡­Noneed,eat,I¡¯vegotmyappetiteback.¡±


    Avelinewasspeechless.


    3/4


    +15BONUS


    Washereallyfine?


    Hekeptchanginghisattitude;washesurehedidn¡¯tneedtoseeadoctor?


    Seeingherpuzzledexpression,Russellsquinted,¡°Whatareyoulookingat?¡±


    Nowshewasstaringathim,buthedidn¡¯tunderstandwhyshewasgivinghimsuchalook.


    BIGSALE:3500bonusfreefouyou

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    Avelinesmiledslightly athim.¡°It¡¯snothing.Ijustwantedtoseeifyouneededtogotothehospital.¡±


    Russellreplied,¡°Noneed.¡±


    Avelinepickedupherforkagain.¡°Thenlet¡¯seatfirst.¡±


    Shestartedeating,althoughshedidn¡¯thavemuchofanappetite.Therewerestillmanythingssheneededtodealwith.


    Russell¡¯scharmingeyeslookeddeeplyather,buthedidn¡¯tsaymuchmore.


    Afterthemeal,Avelinewenttopaythebill,onlytobetoldithadalreadybeenpaid.


    ShepausedandlookedatRussell.¡°Russ,didn¡¯tweagreethatIwouldtreatyou?¡±


    Russelzilysaid,¡°Whenyou¡¯reoutwithme,there¡¯snowayI¡¯dletyoupay.¡±


    Avelineblinked.¡°So,canIinviteyoutomealsofteninthefuture?¡±


    Russell¡¯smouthtwitchedslightly.¡°Sure.¡±


    Avelinesmiled,thensatbackdown.


    Russellwavedhisphoneather.¡°Thevideohasbeensenttoyouremail.¡±


    Avelineimmediatelyopenedit,andwhenshesawthegirlwhobumpedintohertamperingwiththefood,her


    ¤¤


    expressionturned serious.


    Someonehadintentionallypooned thefoodtoframeher?


    Russellsaid<b>,</b>¡°Youhavetheevidencenow,butIadviseyou toeitherreportittothepoliceorgiveitto Lucas.Don¡¯tinvestigateityourself


    Thepeopleinvolvedwerenotsomed


    herown.


    Avelinenodded.¡°Iunderstand


    Shewasawarethatifsomeonehadintentionthefoodtoframeher,theymustbeverypowerful


    Axelinecouldn¡¯tfigureoutwhatcouldbe


    SheneededtohanditovertothepoliceandaletoLaas.


    First,shehadtoclearhername


    Russellstoodupandasked,¡°whereareyouheadednest?Let


    Avelinereplied,¡°I¡¯mgoingtothepolicestationfirst,it¡¯snottoofarfromhere*


    ¡°Alright,I¡¯lltakeyou¡±


    Bussellhadalreadygrabbedthekeysandlefttherestaurant


    Seeing this,Avelinehadnochoicebuttofose


    Atthepolicestation,sheimmediatelypresentedthevideo,andthepolicequicklycopiediostart investigatingthegirl


    Afterthat,AvelipewentstraighttothehospitaleventhoughExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    +15BONUS


    shedidn¡¯twantto.


    Shedidn¡¯twanttoseeLucasatallrightnow.


    Everytimeshesawhim,shecouldn¡¯thelpbutthinkofthescenewherehepromisedSophiathathewouldmarryher.


    Avelinesuppressedtheheavinessinherheartandsteppeddirectlyintotheelevator.


    However,whentheelevatordoorsopened,shesawtwobodyguardsstandingnotfaraway.Seeingher,theyimmediatelyapproachedandsaid,¡°Pleasegoback.¡±


    Aveline¡¯scleareyesturnedcold,¡°IneedtoseeLucas,gotellhim.¡±


    Thebodyguardsaid,¡°Mr.Tudor hasspecificallyinstructedusnottoletyouseehim.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sheartachedsharply,andshesaid,¡°TellhimI¡¯mheretoexinthepoisoningincident.IhaveevidencetoprovethatIdidn¡¯tpoisonhim.¡±


    Thebodyguard¡¯sattitudehardened.¡°Mr.Tudorsaidno.¡±


    Avelinefellsilent.


    Frustrated,shepulledoutherphoneanddialedLucas¡®number,buthehungupimmediately.


    Thatjerk!


    Whatwashethinking?


    Whywouldn¡¯theseeher?


    <b>Now</b>thatshehadarid


    +15BONUS


    stillcouldn¡¯tevenseehim?Whatwasthepointofgettingtheevidencethen?


    Avelinestubbornlykeptcalling,untilfinally,Lucasturnedoffhisphone.


    Avelinefeltlikesmashingherphone.


    Itwasinfuriating!


    Howcouldhedothis?


    TearsofangerstartedtowellupinAveline¡¯seyes,justastheelevatordoorsopenedandSharonwalkedout.

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    Seeingher,Sharon¡¯sfaceimmediatelyshowedfury,andshechargedover,raisingherhandtopAveline¡¯sface.


    ¡°Youwretch!HowdareyouarrangeforsomeokidnapSophia?Howcouldyoubesocruel?¡±Sharoneximed.


    Avelinewidenedhereyes,andshequicklygrabbedSharon¡¯shand,thenforcefullypushedheraway.¡°Areyoucrazy?Doyoualwayshoutwhenyouseesomeone?Doyouneedtogetyourbrainchecked?¡±


    ¡°Wretch!¡±


    Sharonstumbledfromthepush,butshesteadiedherselfandredatAveline,wishingshecouldtearherapart.


    ¡°It¡¯syouwhorefusestodivorceLucas,youarethemistress,yetclingtothepositionashiswife.Howshamelesscanyoube?¡±


    Aveline,alreadyfuriouswithLucas,nowfoundSharondirectlyinherlineoffire.


    Shecoldlysaid,¡°MymarriagewithLucasis protectedbw.Thwwilldecidewhotherealmistressis.Ifyoukeeptroublingmeoverthis,I¡¯mnotafraidtoconfrontyou.Knowingme,youshouldbeawarethatIhavenothing,andthusnothingtofear!¡±


    Afiercedeterminatjonradiatedfromher,intimidatingSharonintosilenceforamoment!


    Avelinecontinued,¡°Also,IdidnotkidnapSophia.Iwouldneverdosuchathing.What¡¯sthedifferencebetweenan


    +15BONUS


    unfaithfulmanandaroadsidetrashcan?Idefinitelydon¡¯twanttocollecttrash cans!¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Sharonwasinfuriated!


    Everytime,shecouldn¡¯tgetthebetterofthiswoman!


    Justthen,acoldchillfilledtheair,andanunseenpressureweighedoverthegroup.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Everyonefeltashiver!


    Sharonquickly turnedherheadandsawLucasstanding notfaraway,dressedinabespokecksuit,hisfiguretanmanding,hishandsomefacestern,andhiseyesicyashewatchedthescene.


    Clearly,hehadheardeveryword.


    Seeinghim,Sharonimmediatelysaidinawoundedtone,Lucas,didyouhearwhatshesaid?She¡¯stooarrogant,sheevencalledyou atrashcan!¡±


    Lucas¡® expressiongrewevendarkerandmoredispleased.


    ¡°Whyareyoucausingadisturbanceinthehospital?¡°Hespokecoldly,hisvoicedeepandmaic,devoidofanywarmth.


    Sharonchoked.¡°Shepushedme.¡±


    AvelinelookedatLucas,andtookastepforward,butwasstoppedbyabodyguard.Acoldsneerappearedonherface.¡±What,nowyou¡¯retooscaredtoletmegetclose?AreyouafraidImightkillyou?¡±


    212


    +15BONUS


    Ifitweren¡¯tillegal,shereallywouldhavedonejustthat!


    Thismanhadcausedhersomuchpainanddanger;hetrulydeservedit!


    Aveline¡¯sgazewasicy,andwithout insistingon


    approaching,shesimplystated,¡°Lucas,Ihavefound


    evidenceprovingthatIdidn¡¯tpoisonthefood.I willorganizetheevidenceandsendittoyou.Youcanlookatitinyourowntime.AsforSophia¡¯skidnapping,Iwillfindevidencetoclearmyselftoo.¡±


    Withthat,sheturnedandwalkedaway,hereyesnotlingeringonLucasforamoment.


    Herindifferencewasabsolute.


    Lucas¡®lipspressedintoatightlineashewatchedherslenderfigureentertheelevator.


    Hestrodeforwardwithlongsteps.


    Avelinepressedthebuttontoclosetheelevatordoors,butjustastheywerealmostclosed,ahandsuddenlyreachedin.Thedoorsdetecteditandslowlyopened again,andLucasstepped inside.

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    Aveline¡¯sbrowfurrowed.


    Whatwashedoing?


    Blockingherwithbodyguards,notansweringhercalls,andnowsteppingintotheelevator?


    Herexpressionfroze,andshewasabouttoleave.


    ¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±Lucas¡®coldvoicesounded.


    Avelinereplied,¡°Idon¡¯twanttobeinthesamespaceasatrashcan.¡±


    Lucas¡®browfurrowed,andadangerousvibefilledthecrampedelevator.Hepressedtheclosebutton,andthedoorsshutquickly,leavingnotimeforAveloexit.


    Shencedathimwithafrownandstoodinthecorner,radiatingdetachmentandcoldness.


    Before,herefusedtoseeher.Now,shedidn¡¯twanttobenear


    him.Whatbadluck.


    Lucasnoticedherexpression,hiseyesdark andunreadable.Heaskedcoolly,¡°Where¡¯stheevidence?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Isentittoyou.¡±


    Lucassaid,¡°Myphone¡¯soff.¡±


    Avelinesmirked.¡°Can¡¯tyouturniton?¡±


    Lucaslookedatherintentlyandsuddenlyasked,¡°IfIgaveyouaknifenow,wouldyoustabme?¡±


    1/3


    +15BONUSExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Thecoldnessinhereyeswasobvious,whichannoyedhim.


    Avelinesaid,¡°Ifitweren¡¯tillegal.¡±


    Lucas¡®expressiongrewcolder,andtheelevatoratmospherebecameunbearablytense,makingithardforAvelobreathe.


    Sheloweredhergaze,hereyshestremblingslightly.Rememberingthesceneontherooftop,she suddenlyasked,Lucas,let¡¯sfinalizethedivorce.


    Thistime,sherelented.Shedidn¡¯twantanymoretieswithsomeonelikehim.Sincehecared forSophiaandwantedtoberesponsibleforher,hecouldgoahead.She wasdonewithit;itwaspointless.


    Shestillwantedtolivealonglife.


    Lucasremainedsilent,andthetensionintheelevatorwaspalpable.


    Seeinghickofresponse,Avelinelookedup,abouttosaysomething,whentheelevatordoorsopened,andhestrode


    out.


    Notfaraway,Desmondwasapproaching.Avelinehurriedafterhim,¡°Lucas,whatdoyoumeanbythis?¡±


    Withoutturning,Lucasgotintothecar.


    Quicktoreact,Avelineblockedthedoor,preventingitfromclosing,andstaredathimintently.


    Lucas¡®coldgazefellonherface.¡°YoukidnappedSophia.Ihaven¡¯tsettledthatwithyouyet.Ifwedivorcenowandyoudisappear,wherewouldIfindyou? Aveline,ifyoudothings


    2/3


    likethis,don¡¯texpecttoescapewithoutconsequences.¡±


    <b>With</b><b>that</b><b>,</b>hepriedherfingersoffandmmedthecardoorshut.


    ¡°You!¡±


    Avelinestaredindisbelief.Didheintendtoholdher


    ountable?Howwouldhedothat?Kidnapherinreturn?Butshehadn¡¯tdoneanything!


    Herhandsclenchedintofistsathersides.Itwasinfuriating;herheartgrewcolder.Lucasrefusedtobelieveherevenalittle.


    Standingontheroad,shefeltachilldeepwithinhersoul,asifanabysswasbeforeher,inescapablenomatterwhatshedid.


    ¡°Jerk!Bastard!Scumbag!¡±Avelinecursed,hereyes


    reddening.


    Atthatmoment,herphonerang.Checkingit,shesawitwasYvonnecalling.Herfingerstightenedreflexivelybeforesheanswered,¡°Hello,MadamYvonne.¡±


    Yvonne¡¯sgentlevoicecamethrough,¡°Aveline,whereareyou?I¡¯mheadingtothespa.Let¡¯sgotogether.¡±

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    Avelookadeepbreath.Itwasagoodopportunitytoaskabouttherecording.


    ¡°Okay<b>.</b>¡±


    Yvonneasked,¡°Whereareyounow?I¡¯letopickyouup.¡±


    Avelinegaveherlocation,andabout15minuteter,acarslowlyapproached.Thewindowrolleddown,revealing


    Yvonne¡¯swell¨Cmaintainedface.


    ¡°Hello,MadamYvonne.¡±Avelinesmiledpolitely.


    Yvonnesaid,¡°Getin.¡±


    Avelineopenedthedoorandgotintothecar.


    Yvonneaskeddirectly,¡°Whydon¡¯tyoulookwell?Haven¡¯tyoubeenresting?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°TheissuewithLucasbeingpoisonedhasbeenweighingonme.Ihaven¡¯tbeensleepingwell.¡±


    Yvonnesaid,¡°Honestly,Ican¡¯tbelieveyou woulddosuchathing,butsinceyoucookedthefood,it¡¯snaturalforpeopletosuspect.Didn¡¯tyoucallthepolice?I¡¯msurethey¡¯llfindevidencetoproveyourinnocencesooneroter.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±Avelinenodded,sayingnomore.


    Atthebeautysalon,theywentstraighttoaprivateroomanydownonthebedsasthetherapistinstructed.


    Yvonneasked,¡°DidyouvisitLucas inthepastcoupleof


    +15BONUS


    days?¡±


    ¡°Yes,Idid,buthestillmindsthepoisoningincidentandwon¡¯tseeme,¡±Avelinesaid.


    Yvonnereplied,¡°Hejustneedstimetoprocess.Oncehesaround,he¡¯llseeyou.Don¡¯tworry.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡±Avelinerespondedsimply.


    Afterthat,Yvonnedidn¡¯tcontinuetheconversation,nordidshementionSophia¡¯skidnapping.


    Aveline¡¯sbrowfurrowed.Howwasshesupposedtobringitup?


    However,herpurposefoingwastoaskaboutthis;otherwise,itwouldbeawastedtrip.


    Avelinehesitatedforamomentbeforesaying,¡°MadamYvonne,doyouknowthatSophiawaskidnappestnight?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±Yvonne¡¯stoneinstantlyshowed surprise.¡°Sophiawaskidnapped?What happened?Howisshe?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°She¡¯sfine.Lucas¡®menareprotectinghernow,butthetwokidnappersimedIwasbehinditandprovidedarecording.Therecordingwasofourconversationat therestaurant.¡±


    Yvonneeximed,¡°Howcouldthishappen?Aveline,youdon¡¯tthinkIrecordedit,doyou?¡±


    Avelinesaid,¡°MadamYvonne,Idon¡¯tsuspectyou.I¡¯mjustwonderingifsomeoneistargetingusandntedarecordingdeviceinourdiningroom.¡±


    Yvonnesaid,¡°Thisisveryserious.Ineed tolookintoit


    2/3


    thoroughly.Thisimplicatesus,suggestingweconspiredagainstSophia?That¡¯sutterlyridiculous.¡±


    Yvonne¡¯stoneshiftedfromsurprisetoanger,thentoa


    <b>+15</b><b>BONUS</b>


    coldness,likesomeonewhohadbeenwronged,notlikethemastermind.


    Avelineclosedhereyes.CoulditreallyhavenothingtodowithYvonne?Shewasn¡¯tsureanddidn¡¯tdaresaymore,fearingtherecordingissuemighthappenagain.


    Yvonnesuddenlystoodupandsaid,¡°No,IneedtoseeSophia.Thisisamisunderstanding,andI¡¯llexinittoher.¡±


    AsAvelinealsobegantorise,Yvonnesaid,¡°Youstayhere.I¡¯llgoalone.Youdon¡¯tlookwell;it¡¯sbesttorest.¡±


    Shesmiledwarmly,hergazefullofgentlenessandcare.


    Avelinepausedandtheybackdown.¡°Okay.¡±


    IfYvonnewent,perhapsSophiawouldcalmdowninsteadofgettingmoreagitateduponseeingher.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


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    Yvonneleftthebeautysalon.


    Avelinehadn¡¯tbeensleepingweltely.Shyonthebed,and asthetherapist started massagingher,shesoonfesleep.


    Whenshewokeupagain,itwas alreadydarkoutside.Avelineleftthesalonandtookoutherphocataxi.


    Shehadn¡¯tnoticedearlier,butthesalonwasontheoutskirtsofthecity,makingitdifficulttofindaride.Afterwaitingforawhilebytheroadside,shefinallysawataxiapproachingslowly.


    ¡°Whereto?¡±thedriveraskedonceshegotin.


    Avelinereplied,¡°MapleGarden.¡±


    ShethencheckedherphoneformessagesandsawonefromSeleniningaboutAaron.Thstmessagecaughtherattention.


    Selena asked,¡°Doyouhavean extraWhatsAppount?¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Whatdoyouneeditfor?¡±


    Selenatexted,¡°Thisjerkisgivingmesuchahardtime.Ineedtogetbackathim.I¡¯vefoundaway.Justwaitandsee!¡±


    Avelinereplied,¡°Don¡¯tgotoofar.Ifyoupushhimtoomuch,you¡¯llendupsuffering.¡±


    Selenatexted,¡°Don¡¯tworry,IknowwhatI¡¯mdoing.¡±


    Afterreplyingwith¡°Okay,¡±Avelinedidn¡¯tsayanything


    more.


    ShesenttheevidenceofthefoodpoisoningtoLucas,buthehadn¡¯tresponded.Herlonshesflutteredslightlybeforesheclosedthechat withhim.


    Justthen,afaintfragrancefilledthecar.Aveline,sensitivetoscentsandnotfondofperfume,frownedandncedforward.Shenoticedthedriverwearingahatandmask,hisfacpletelycovered.


    Asuddenuneasesweptthroughher.Shegrippedherphightlyandpretendedtostaycalmwhilecontinuingtolookatherphone.


    Shedialed anumberwithoutcheckingwhoitwasduetohernervousness.Whenitconnected,sherealizeditwasLucas¡®number.


    Yes,hewasatthetopofhercontactsbecauseshehadcalledhimearlierwhenthebodyguardswouldn¡¯tletherseehimatthehospital.Hehadn¡¯tansweredandhadeventuallyturnedoffhisphone.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelinepressedherlipstogether.Shewantedtohangup,butheranxietymadeherfingerstrembleslightly,andafainthopesurfaced.


    ¡°Beep¡­beep¡­beep¡­¡±


    Afterthreerings,thecallwasconnected.


    ¡°Hello,you-


    >>


    ¡°WhyareyoustillbotheringLucas?Healreadysaidhewoulddivorceyou.Hedoesn¡¯tloveyou.Can youjustleavehimalone?¡±


    +15BONUS


    BeforeAvelinecouldfinish,sheheardSophia¡¯sweakvoiceontheotherend.


    Stunned,sheinstinctivelygrippedherphighterandfinallysaid,¡°Letmespeaktohim.Ihavesomethingimportanttodiscuss.¡±


    Sophia,agitated,startedcoughing,thensaid,¡°Lucas,it¡¯sAveline.¡±


    ¡°Hangup.¡±


    Hiscold,deepvoicecamethroughwithnowarmth,andAveline¡¯sheartsankinstantly.


    Sophiapromptlyendedthecall.


    Aveline¡¯sfaceturnedpale.Itwasn¡¯tSophiacausingtroubleoranyoneelserejectingher;itwashim,directlysayingtohanguponher.


    Theflickerofhopeinherheartfeltlikeapacrossherface,leavinghercheeksburningandhermindinadaze.


    D

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    Avelriednotto ov


    abbed


    thepolice,butthe


    *Youfigureditout?¡±thedriverpokedcoldly


    Avelinefelteverythingbingblurryandinstinctivelytriedtoopenthecardoor,butwasalready locked


    ¡°Whoareyou?¡±sheaskedwithfaculty,pinching herthightostayawakaContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Thedrivesredathercoldlyfromforgetme?YouBethewitch,ifitweren¡¯tforyou,Iwouldn¡¯thavebeen inprison?*


    AshofcognitionhitAliceLucas hadinvestigated


    Darrenthewinstheone


    Butshedidn¡¯ttoohimatall#hywasfuesehate?


    Insteadofpanic


    ng,&avelineyedcalmandsaid.¡°IsthereandingWhat doyouwant?Mamey,acar,a


    amisunde


    house?Icangiveyou


    MyBendisLucasTudor.Tudorfamily.He¡¯svery


    theheiroftheC


    wealthy*


    *wantyourlife!¡±Darrenshouted,flooringthegaspedal


    Thecarspedof?!


    velineintotheseatis


    something,butthe effectsofthefragrancekickedin,andshe


    +15BCAUS


    Inthehospital,Sophialookedat Lucasbesideherbed,finallyfeelingrelieved.


    Hestillhadaceforherinhisheart.Now,hewasnolongeransweringAveline¡¯scalls.


    ¡°Lucas,whenwillyoudivorceher?¡±Sophiaaskedweakly.


    Lucas,focusedonhisdocuments,remainedunmovedbyAveline¡¯srecentcall.


    Hisvoicewascoldanddeepashesaid,¡°Soon.¡±


    AhintofjoyshedinSophia¡¯seyes.Shequicklyadded, ¡±Lucas,Itrulyloveyou.Withmebyyourside,we¡¯llbeveryhappytogether.¡±


    Lucasdidn¡¯treply;hesimplylookeddownathisdocuments,hisfingersasionallyturningthepages.


    Sophiafeltimmensesatisfactionjustwatchinghisstrikingface,thrilledatthethoughtofsoon bingMrs.Tudor.


    Atthatmoment,hisphonerangagain.Lucas¡®eyshesfluttered,andhencedatthecallerIDwithaneutralexpression.


    ItwasDesmondcalling.


    SophiaalsoncedatthescreenandrxedwhenshesawitwasDesmond.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Desmondsaid,¡°Mr.Tudor,there¡¯sanurgentoverseasvideoconferenceyouneedtoattendnow.¡±


    +15BONUS


    ¡°Alright,I¡¯llbethere,¡±Lucasreplied,hangingup.HeturnedtoSophia,¡°Getsomerest.I¡¯lebytomorrow.¡±


    Sophianodded.¡°Okay.¡±


    AsLucasleft,shegrippedthebedsheettightly,thentookoutherphoneandcalledsomeone.¡°Hellostnight¡¯sissuewon¡¯tbediscovered,right?¡±


    Theotherpersonreplied,¡°No,he¡¯sveryconcernedaboutyounow.Usethisopportunity.¡±


    Sophiaresponded,¡°Iunderstand.¡±


    Afterhangingup,shebreathedasighofrelief.


    Outsidethehospitalroom,Lucaslistenedforanysoundfrominside,hisgazedarkandcold.


    Enteringtheelevator,hedialedAveline¡¯snumber.


    ¡°Sorry,the number youarecallingiscurrentlyswitchedoff.Pleasetryagaiter¡­¡±Theautomatedmessageyed.


    Lucasfrowned.What¡¯sgoingon?Shehadjustcalledhim,andnowherphonewasoff?


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    Lucas¡¯schestconstrictedasherecalledAveline¡¯sicydemeanor.Thememorylefthimwithalingeringdifort.


    Hetuggedathiscor,tryingtoeasethepressure,butitdidn¡¯thelp.


    Steppingoutof thehospital,Lucasfoundhimselfunderadarkenedsky.Thewaitingdriverhadalreadypulleduptothe


    entrance.


    Lucasgotintothecarand,onimpulse,calledAveline¡¯snumberagain.


    Itwasstillturnedoff.


    Feelingfrustrated,hedialedDesmond.¡°FindoutwhereAvelineisrightnow.¡±


    Desmondreplied,¡°Yes.¡±


    Anhourago,Brianhadbeendraggedout,battered,andbruised¨CallforoffendingAveline.Withthatgrimscenefreshinhismind,Lucasdarednotdytheorder.


    HeknewLucaswasdispleased.


    Desmond¡¯sexpressionwasseriousasheinstructedhisteamtoinvestigate.


    Astheirsportscarzippedpastataxi,Russell¡¯sfriend inthepassenger seatsnickered.¡°HeyRuss,checkitout.That cab¡¯spracticallysmoking.What¡¯stheirrush?¡±


    +18BONUS


    Russellncedover.Thetaxiwasindeedgoingfast,butnotasfastastheirsportscar.Astheengineroaredpast,henoticedahandat thebackwindowofthetaxi.


    Itwasawoman¡¯shand,delicateandpale,grippingthewindowtightly¨Csomethingwasoff.


    Russelldidn¡¯tpayitmuchmindandhitthegas,catchingupwiththecarahead.


    Thegroupstoppedataspotonthemountainroad,gotout,andjokedaround.


    Russellsquintedintothedistance,andforsomereason,hethoughtofthathandagain.Itseemedoddlyfamiliar.


    Feelingagitated,heturnedandgotbackintohiscar,saying,¡°Ihavesomethingtodo.Youguysgoahead.¡±


    Withthat,thesportscarroaredoffquickly.


    Avelinefeltherself mmedtothegroundwithcrushing force.Beforeshecouldcatch herbreath,shewasdraggedforward,herarmspainfullyscrapingagainsttheroughsurface.


    WhenAvelineopenedhereyes,shefoundherselfinsideanabandoned factory.Thewallswere dpidated,and draftscamefromallsides.Herbodyfeltweakandlimp,leavingherhelplessasshewas pulledalong.


    Darrendraggedhertotheinteriorofthefactoryandstopped.Noticingshe hadregainedconsciousness,hegave acold,sinisteugh.


    ¡°Awakealready?Good.Theshow¡¯sabouttobegin.¡±


    +15BONUS


    Avelinewascoveredindust.Shecoughedviolentlyacoupleoftimesbeforeasking,¡°Whoareyou?Whyhaveyou


    kidnappedme?¡±


    Initially,shehadassumedshewascaughtupinsomethingrtedtoLucas.Butnowitseemedthismanwasspecificallyafterher.


    Avelinecouldn¡¯tfathomhowshehadoffendedhimsogravelythathewantedherdead.


    Darrengrabbedafistfulofherhairandppedherfacehard.¡°Youlittlewretch!Howdareyouforgetme?Ifitweren¡¯tfor you,Iwouldneverhavebeenarrested!¡±


    Hiseyeswerefilledwithintensehatredandmurderousintent.HepulledoutaknifeandwaveditmenacinglyoverAveline¡¯sbody.


    ¡°Ispenttenyearsinprison.Everysingleday,IthoughtabouthowkillingyouwouldbethefirstthingI¡¯ddowhenIgotout.I¡¯llmakeyoubegfordeath!¡±


    HeheldtheknifetoAveline¡¯sface.¡°First,I¡¯llruinthatprettyfaceof yours.Turnyouintoanuglymonster.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tdaremove.Hercheekstungfiercely,andbloodtrickledfromthecornerofhermouth.Herbreathtrembledasshespoke,¡°Ireallydon¡¯tknowyou.Whoareyou?¡±


    ThisenragedDarrenevenfurther.


    Thepersonhehaddespisedfor tenlongyears didn¡¯t evenrememberwhohe was!


    Howinfuriating!


    Shedeservedtodie!


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    Darren¡¯seyesshedwithmaliceashesuddenlyraisedhishand,thrustingittowardAveline¡¯sface.


    Darknessenvelopedthenight,brokenonlybyasliverofmoonlight.Asthedaggerrose,itssurfacecaughtthepaleglow,shingabrief,ominousglimmer.


    Aveline¡¯sheartsuddenlytightened,andsheshouted,¡°EvenifIdie,youshould atleastletmeknowwhy!¡±


    Darrenpaused,gaveacoldsmile,andviciouslygrabbedAveline¡¯shair.¡°Lookatme,takeagoodlookatmyface.Doyoureallynotrememberme?¡±


    Forcedtolookup,Aveline¡¯seyeswidenedslightlyasshestaredathis face.


    Darrenhad distinctfeatures,andhemusthavebeengood-lookinginhisyouth,butnowhisfacewasfullofhostility,hiseyesbrimmingwithmurderousintent.


    Avelinefeltadeepsenseofunfamiliarity;shetruly didn¡¯trememberhim!


    Seeingtheconfusioninhereyes,Darrenangrilyppedheragain.¡°Youlittlewitch,youruinedme!Ifitweren¡¯tforyoubackthen,Iwouldhavebeenlivingfreelyabroadbynow!¡±


    He didn¡¯twanttowasteany morewordsandraisedthedagger,aimingatAveline¡¯sface.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Theabandonedfactory¡¯sdoorexplodedinwardwithathunderouscrash.Blindingheadlightsfloodedthespaceasa


    sportscarroaredin,tiresscreeching,aimeddirectlyatthem.


    Darrenfroze,notexpectinganyoarrivesoquickly.Inapanic,heinstinctivelyreleasedAvelineandturnedtoflee.


    Thecardooropened,andafigurequicklygavechase,butDarrenclearlyknewtheterrainwell.Sinceitwasnight,hedartedintothetreesandsoondisappeared.


    Avelinestruggledtoherfeet,andsomeonereachedouttograbherarm, startlingher.


    ¡°It¡¯sme.¡±Russell¡¯svoicecame.


    Avelinelookedathim,hercheekswollenandred,herappearance disheveled.¡°Russ,yousavedmeagain¡­¡±


    Russellsaid,¡°Sorry,hegotaway.Whowashe?Whydidheafteryou?¡±


    Avelineshookherhead.¡°Idon¡¯tknow.¡±


    Shecouldn¡¯tunderstandwhyshewassounlucky,alwaysencounteringsuchsituations.


    Russellsaid,¡°Getinthecarfirst,I¡¯lltakeyoutothehospital.


    Avelineattemptedawrysmilebutwincedaspainshotthroughherface.Withoutprotest,sheletRussellsupportherasshegotintohiscar.


    Thesportscarexitedthe warehouse,turnedaround,andwasabouttoleavewhenanothercarspedoverandstoppedrightinfrontofthem.Theheadlightsshonebrightly,illuminatingthearealikedaylight.


    Thecardooropened,andseveralbodyguardsapproached,


    ledbyLucas.Avelinesawhimandherexpressionfroze.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    +15BONUS


    Russelmented,¡°Heonlyarrivednow?Isn¡¯tthatabittote?Ifyou¡¯dwaitedforhisrescue,you¡¯dbeinahospitalbedalready.¡±


    Avelineremainedsilent,justquietlywatchingLucas¡®tall,handsomefigure.


    Lucaswalkedtothefrontofthesportscar.HesawthetwooftheminsideandnoticedAveline¡¯sdisheveledstate,hisbrowsfurrowinginstantly.HewalkedoverandopenedAveline¡¯scardoor.¡°Getout.¡±


    Avelinedidn¡¯tlookathim.¡°Whatdoyouwant?¡±


    Thatcold attitudeagain!


    Lucasfeltasurgeoffrustrationinhischest,hisexpressionturning,colder.¡°Getout.Don¡¯tmakemerepeatmyselfathirdtime.¡±


    Atthatmoment,anicyaurasurroundedhim,morechillingthanthenightbreeze.


    Russellsneered,¡°Mr.Tudor,ifyoucan¡¯tprotecther,justdivorceher.Don¡¯tdyotherswhocan.¡±


    BIGSALE3500bonusfreefouyou


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    ¡°You¡¯reawarewe¡¯restillmarried?¡±


    Lucas¡®expressiongrewcolder,hiseyesglintingwithleyresolve.Anauraofsharp,palpablepowerradiatedfromhim.


    Russell¡¯sgriponthesteeringwheelloosenedforamoment.HencedatAveline;shelookedunwell,herlipspale,hercheeksredandswollen,andwhoknewiftherewereotherinjuriesonherbody,


    FacingLucas,Aveline¡¯sentiredemeanorwasfilledwith


    resistance,especiallywithhimstandingrightthere.Earlier,shehadcalledhimforhelp,onlytoreceiveacurt¡°hangup¡±inresponse.


    How ironic<i>.</i>


    ¡°Russ,let¡¯sgo.¡±Avelinedidn¡¯tlookatLucasandreached toclosethecardoor.


    Hearingherwords,Lucas¡®expressiondarkenedfurther.Hegrabbedherwrist,pullingheroutofthecar,forcefullywrappinganarmaround herwaist,andleadinghertohisvehicle.


    ¡°Letmego!¡±Avelineimmediatelystruggled,andinhermovements,sheinevitablybumpedintoLucas,causinghersomepain.


    Lucaspushedherintothecar,mmingthedoorshut.


    Throughthewindow,helookedathercoldly,¡°Ifyoudaregetout,I¡¯lldealwithhimtoday!¡±


    Aveline¡¯shandhesitatedonthedoorhandle,herfingersThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    415 BONUS


    curlingslightlyasshepressedherlipstogether.


    Seeingherstayput,Lucas¡®expressionsoftenedabit.He


    openedthedriver¡¯sdoor,hitthegas,anddroveaway.Thesurroundingbodyguardsonlygotintotheircarsandleftoncehiscarwasoutofsight.


    OnlythencouldRusselldriveaway.Sittinginhiscar,hischarmingeyesglintedwithadangerouslight.Justthen,hisphonerang.Heanswereditwithafrown,¡°Hello?¡±


    Agentlefemalevoicecamethrough.¡°Russell,how¡¯severythingprogressing?¡±


    Russell¡¯stonewasindifferent.¡°Everythingis undercontrol.¡±


    Thewoman¡¯svoicegrewevensofter.¡°Russell, Iknewyoucouldhandleit.Iwon¡¯tdisturbyoufurther;letmeknowifthereareanyupdates.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡±Russellrepliednonchntly,thenhungup.


    IfAvelineorLucashadbeenthere,theywouldhaverecognizedthevoiceimmediately asYvonne¡¯s.


    Lucasdrovetothe hospitalwithacoldexpression,wherehehadthedoctorconductafullexaminationonAveline.Theresultscamebackquickly;sheonlyhadsuperficialinjuriesthatwouldhealwithacoupleofdaysofmedication.


    Afterward,LucastookhertotheTudorresidence.Asthefamiliarvicameintoview,awaveofreluctancewashedoverher.Sittinginthecar,herexpressionremainedindifferent.¡°Whatdoyouwantfromme?¡±


    +15<b>BONUS</b>


    Everythingwasover;whywasheseekingheroutnow?Wasn¡¯theimpatientwhenhereceivedhercallearlier?Afaintmockery cloudedAveline¡¯seyes.


    Lucasfeltapangoffrustrationinhischest.Helookedatherdeeplyandsaidcoldly,¡°Getout.¡±


    Avelinefrowned,feeling reluctant.¡°Ifyouhavesomethingtosay,justsayit.¡±


    Hesuddenlyheldherfirmly byherchin,forcinghertomeethisgaze.


    ¡°Aveline,sincewhendidyoubesofamiliarwithhim?¡±Lucasstaredatherintently.


    Avelinefrowned.¡°Thatseemstobenoneofyourbusiness.¡±


    Lucas¡®griponherchintightenedslightly.¡°We¡¯restillmarried.Iexpectyourfidelity.


    Avelinelookedathiminsurprise,asifshehadn¡¯texpectedhimtosaysuchathing.Lucas,painedbythelookonher


    face,avertedhiseyesandgotoutofthecar.


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    Aveline looked at his stern back, took a deep breath<b>, </b>and felt incredibly irritated.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    What on earth was he doing?


    He had talked about divorce earlier, and <b>now </b>that she had agreed, he refused.


    He even med her for Sophia¡¯s kidnapping.


    And now she was being watched by Darren.


    Life was a mess<b>!</b>


    After walking for a while, Lucas noticed Aveline hadn¡¯t followed and frowned, turning back to look at her coldly.


    Reluctantly, Aveline got out of the car and followed him into the <b>Tudor </b>residence.


    ¡°Mr. Lucas, Miss Young,¡± the butler greeted them respectfully.


    Lucas replied indifferently, <b>¡°</b>She is my wife.¡±


    The butler paused, then quickly corrected himself, ¡°Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Aveline frowned but said nothing; she was tired of his unpredictability.


    Following Lucas upstairs, they went directly into the bedroom.


    Aveline stood at the door, not entering, watching him take out the first aid kit. Seeing her hesitate, he said, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Aveline curled her lips sarcastically. ¡°Are you going to treat my wounds yourself? If Miss Winter knew, wouldn¡¯t she throw a fit?¡±


    Lucas looked at her coldly. ¡°Aveline, don¡¯t you value your life at all?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart hardened<b>, </b><b>and </b>her tone turned cold. ¡°Lucas, I called you for help back then, but you hung up on me. If Russell hadn¡¯t appeared, I would be dead by now.¡±


    Lucas tightened his grip on the first aid kit.


    Desmond quickly found out about Aveline¡¯s kidnapping and informed him immediately. At that moment, his heart felt as if it was being squeezed tightly, causing him immense pain!


    He didn¡¯t dare to waste a second and gathered a team to rescue her, but he was still a step toote.


    He had no idea what had happened in the warehouse before then.


    Seeing Aveline¡¯s swollen face, anger surged in Lucas. He had ordered a citywide manhunt for Darren, determined to find him no matter what it took.


    The thought of her being rescued by Russell made him extremely ufortable, especially given her cold demeanor toward him.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said gravely.


    Aveline gave a mocking smile. ¡°You had a chance to know, but you hung up my call as soon as we disagreed, Lucas. At that moment, I hated you.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyshes trembled as he set down the first aid kit and walked directly toward her.


    Aveline continued, ¡°But then I thought, why waste my emotions and make myself miserable by hating you? So, I¡¯ve decided not to hate you anymore.


    Nor to love you.


    She decided topletely erase this man from her heart.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes stung as she watched him approach, her tone unusually <b>calm</b><b>. </b>¡°Let¡¯s finalize the divorce. I can¡¯t keep living like this.¡±


    Lucas took her hand and led her into the bedroom, silently reaching out to undress her.


    Aveline was startled and immediately covered her neckline, annoyance appearing in her eyes. ¡°Lucas, did you not hear what I said?¡±


    Watching her so tense and wary, Lucas pressed his lips into a straight line.


    ¡°Take off your clothes,¡± he said, standing by and staring at her intently, ignoring her previous words.


    He also refused to tell her when exactly they would get divorced.


    Aveline felt as if she were striking air, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness.


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    He stood there, watching her intently as if he wouldn¡¯t stop until she followed his instructions. Aveline briefly closed her eyes, amused that despite her disheveled state, he didn¡¯t seem bothered.


    Clearly, he wasn¡¯t picky.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time she had undressed herself in front of him, so Aveline didn¡¯t fuss. Her expression quickly returned to calm as she began unbuttoning her shirt. Beneath it, a white tank top with thin straps hung delicately on her elegant, pale shoulders, entuating her frail beauty.


    Aveline set her shirt aside and looked up at Lucas. He averted his gaze from her, took the first aid kit, and sat beside her. Seizing her arm, he began tending to the scrapes. Aveline paused, surprised he was actually treating her wounds.


    He was so close now, the light casting his sharp, handsome features in deep relief. His long eyshes and high nose bridge,bined with his slightly lowered eyes, gave him a distinguished air. He frowned at the injuries on her arm, his movements gentle and careful.


    His lips thinned to a tight line, radiating a palpable gloom. Once, such intensity from <b>him </b>would have set Aveline¡¯s heart racing. Now, the memory of his cold words swiftly smothered any spark of emotion she might have felt.


    She cast her eyes down, stopping her wandering thoughts. It was better this way. Gradually, she liked, him less and less.


    After he was done treating one arm, he moved to the other, and once he was done, Lucas stepped out.


    When he returned, he held an ice pack, which he pressed against her face. The coldness seeped through her skin, making Aveline shiver slightly, instinctively wanting to pull away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± came his deep, maic voice.


    Aveline didn¡¯t dare move anymore. He stood by her side, his crisp, cool scent wafting over her, making her eyshes tremble. She reached out to take the ice pack from him.


    my own,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°I can manage on my own,¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Lucas did not insist. He handed her the ice pack and turned to enter the bathroom with a change of clothes. The sound of rushing water soon filled the room.


    Aveline felt a moment of daze.


    A sudden phone ring shattered her thoughts. Aveline¡¯s eyes darted to the source¨CLucas¡® phone, its screen aglow with Sophia¡¯s name


    Her momentary daze vanished instantly, and her heart turned colder than the ice pack pressed against her face.


    After applying the ice pack for a while, the burning pain eased. She ced the ice pack on the table, slipped her shirt on, and was about to leave.


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Just then, the bathroom door opened. Lucas, dressed in a silver¨Cgray nightgown, stepped out. Seeing her about to leave, he said coldly, ¡°Stay here tonight.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°No, 1-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you,¡± he interjected.


    His voice was cold and maic,ced with an upromising firmness,


    Aveline stiffened, aware she couldn¡¯t contend with Lucas. To avoid further hardship, she did not insist <b>on </b>leaving.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to another room then.¡±


    om


    Her every movement radiated resistance, showing her reluctance to stay in the same room with him. Lucas¡® expression darkened as he watched her walk away, this time without stopping her. Aveline went to the guest room, closed the door behind her, and exhaled deeply before heading straight for the bathroom. She was in utter disarray, her body still smeared with dirt.


    Aveline stepped into the shower, letting water cascade over her. As she closed her eyes, silent tears mingled with the falling streams, indistinguishable as they flowed down her face.


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    Aveline initially thought she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep at the Tudor residence, but she fell into a deep slumber as soon as shey down. When she woke, it was already the next morning.


    After washing up, Aveline left her room and happened to see Lucasing out of his bedroom. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away and headed downstairs.


    Lucas stared at her intently and, seeing she was about to leave, said, ¡°Come and have breakfast.¡±


    Aveline paused and replied, ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯m runningte for work.¡±


    Lucas remarked, ¡°You have nothing urgent at work right <b>now</b>, so why rush?¡±


    A chill crept into her clear eyes at his words. ¡°Did you instruct Ms. Scoot to kick me off the Brighton Enterprises project team?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°Yes.¡±


    After the poisoning incident, he had her important work halted, assuming she was responsible and wanting to teach her a lesson.


    Aveline let out a coldugh. ¡°Can¡¯t you just fire me directly?¡±


    It would spare her the daily grind of work, where colleagues constantly gave her a hard time¨Can exhausting routine that now seemed pointless.


    Lucas looked at her coldly. ¡°Come and eat.¡±


    The atmosphere around him instantly turned chilly again.


    Aveline didn¡¯t understand why he was angry. Shouldn¡¯t she be the one upset about being <b>removed </b>from the project team?


    She hesitated at the door for a moment before walking in. As she passed some cabs, she instinctively nced at them. Previously, she had seen items she had thrown away, but now they were gone.


    A strange feeling flickered in her mind, but she didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    Sitting quietly at the dining table, she ate her breakfast. Lucas¡® gaze swept over her face, noticing that the swelling had subsided, but faint finger marks remained.


    A cold glint shed in his eyes<b>.</b>


    After finishing her meal, Aveline looked at him and asked, ¡°Can I leave now?¡±


    Lucas frowned, dismayed.


    Did she really not want to stay with him?


    Just then, Aveline¡¯s phone rang. She pulled it out to see a call from Russell.


    ¡°Hello, Russ.


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Her tone noticeably softened with Russell on the line, the coldness in her eyes reced by warmth.


    Lucas saw this and his expression turned cold.


    ¡°How are you doing now?¡± Russell asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, just some superficial injuries,¡± Aveline replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. He hasn¡¯t been giving you a hard time, as he?¡±


    Before she could respond, her jaw tightened, and then a dominating presence enveloped her as he fiercely and angrily kissed her.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Caught off guard like prey to a beast, she let out a muffled grunt.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Aveline, what¡¯s happening?¡± Russell¡¯s voice came through the phone, tinged with urgency.


    Lucas was close enough to clearly hear his voice and deliberately kissed her loudly.


    Aveline hurriedly ended the call, awkwardly pushing him away. Lucas<b>, </b>still eager, was reluctantly forced to stop, his eyes dark and intense as he looked at her.


    A flush of anger tinted Aveline¡¯s cheeks, adding an unintended allure. ¡°Lucas, <b>what </b>are you doing?¡±


    His reply was cool. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Kissing you.¡±


    Aveline was speechless, her anger rendering her mute


    The audacity! She was on the phone<b>, </b>and he deliberately kissed her!


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    Aveline stood up to leave.


    Lucas didn¡¯t stop her, and only after she hadpletely left the dining room did his gaze lose its intensity.


    At that moment, the butler said, ¡°Mr. Lucas, we have ced all those things in the warehouse. What do you n to do with them<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>


    Lucas responded indifferently, ¡°Leave them for now.


    The butler nodded <b>and </b>said no more.


    Aveline left the Tudor residence, which was quite remote, requiring a two¨Ckilometer walk to the nearest bus stop.


    After walking for about five minutes, she heard the roar of a car engine behind her<b>.</b>


    ¡°Beep!¡±


    The sound of the horn made Aveline instinctively nce to the side, only to see Lucas¡® cold, stern face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out this long and only made it this far?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Are you crazy?¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas sneered, stepped on the gas, <b>and </b>the car sped off, leaving her in a cloud of exhaust fumes.


    Fuming, Aveline stomped her foot and continued walking expressionlessly.


    Just as she was about to reach the bus stop, the car returned. The <b>door </b>opened, and without looking at her, Lucas coldly said, ¡°Get in.¡®


    Aveline ignored him and kept walking. Lucas drove alongside her, quickly attracting the attention of passersby.


    Aveline frowned, not wanting to be the center of attention. ncing at the open passenger door, she instead opened the back door and got in..


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Her tone was cold and indifferent.


    Lucas felt as though a dull knife had sliced across his heart, causing a sharp pain<b>.</b>


    He frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not your driver. Sit in the front.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°No, I¡¯m morefortable in the back¡±


    After she spoke, Aveline closed her eyes <b>and </b>ceasedmunicating with <b>him</b>.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas gave her a deep look, said nothing further, <b>and </b>started the car to move forward. At a traffic light, Lucas¡® phone rang. He looked <b>at </b>it, his expression flickering briefly before he answered, ¡°Sophia.¡±


    Hearing his call, a wave of impatience surged through Aveline.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ming over now.¡±


    Whatever Sophia had said, Lucas immediately turned around and headed for the hospital.


    ¡°Drop me off up ahead; it¡¯s not far from the office,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t apologized to Sophia yet,¡± Lucas replied coldly.


    Aveline¡¯s temper red. ¡°Why should I apologize to her? I¡¯ve said it before, I didn¡¯t kidnap her!¡±


    ¡°But all the evidence points to you,¡± Lucas stated.


    Aveline¡¯s fingers curled tightly, her fingertips whitening from the force. She took a couple of deep breaths and said, ¡°Let me out. I¡¯ll find the evidence. I will prove I didn¡¯t kidnap her.¡±


    Lucas remained silent.


    Tears of frustration welled up in Aveline¡¯s eyes. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re such a jerk!¡±


    He showed no reaction, and the car steadily came to <b>a </b>stop in the hospital parking lot. After turning off the engine, he looked at her. Seeing his gaze, Aveline averted her eyes, her look one of cold disdain. Lucas¡® expression grew colder. Suddenly, he got out of the car, opened the back door, and climbed in.


    ¡°What are you-¡°Aveline started, taken aback. She instinctively asked what he was doing, but he seized her chin, and a fierce, fiery kiss enveloped her.


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    ¡°Mmm!¡±


    Aveline pushed against him with all her might, but his strength <b>was </b>overwhelming as if he intended to devour her whole.


    His intense, prating scent enveloped herpletely, relentlessly invading her senses.


    After what seemed an eternity, she gasped for air as he finally released her, his nose brushing against hers as he observed her flushed, breathless <b>state</b>.


    He swallowed hard, then abruptly exited the car.


    Aveline felt utterly weakened by the kiss, unable to lift even her fingers<b>. </b><b>Anger </b>and allure flickered in her


    <b>eyes</b>.


    This jerk!


    Yet, he hadn¡¯t let her out of the car, so she decided not to get down either.


    He wanted her to apologize to Sophia?


    Impossible!N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Unfortunately, Sharon witnessed their kiss and fueled by rage, quickly snapped <b>a </b>photo with her phone before storming off to Sophia¡¯s hospital <b>room</b>.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sophia asked upon seeing her agitated state.


    ¡°I¡¯m so angry! That shameless woman<b>, </b>flirting with Lucas right <b>out </b>in the open!¡± Sharon eximed, showing the photo on her phone.


    Sophia¡¯s expression darkened at the image of them kissing. Though she and Lucas were once engaged, he had never kissed her like that. The way he held Aveline as if to merge her into his very being, with such obsession and intensity, deeply wounded Sophia.


    Her fingernails dug into her flesh, the sharp pain helping her maintainposure.


    ¡°You need to find a way to <b>make </b><b>Lucas </b>divorce her quickly,¡± Sharon advised. ¡°If this drags on<b>, </b><b>who </b>knows what other seductive tricks that woman might pull? Men are weak to that sort of thing!¡±


    Sophia handed the phone back to Sharon.


    ¡°Sharon, do something for me.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t believe that even with the kidnapping scandal, Lucas had not grown to detest Aveline!


    Even with her ultimatum, he still kissed Aveline like that. It was infuriating!


    Lucas was hers! She would not allow that woman to steal him away.


    <b>Sharon¡¯s </b>eyes lit up upon hearing her instructions, then nodded. ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    <b>1/2</b>


    +15 BONUS


    Just then, the door to the hospital room opened, and Lucas walked in.


    Upon seeing him, Sophia¡¯s face immediately softened, and she greeted him with a sweet smile. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were feeling unwell?¡± Lucas asked.


    ¡°As soon as I saw you, I felt much better. Lucas, can you stay with me?¡± Sophia pleaded.


    Sharon had already left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.


    Lucas sat down, his eyes gazing faintly at her. ¡°Sophia, there¡¯s nothing wrong with your health; you don¡¯t need to stay in the hospital all the time.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s smile stiffened, then she said, ¡°But I feel unwell. I keep having nightmares<b>, </b>always about that night. I almost got raped¡­ Lucas, I¡¯m really scared.¡±


    As she spoke, she moved closer, attempting to lean into his embrace.


    However, Lucas raised his hand and nced at his watch, his expression indifferent. ¡°I have to get back to work. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes suddenly reddened. ¡°Lucas, will you still marry me? Why are <b>you </b>so cold to me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lucas said in a deep voice.


    Sophia moved closer. ¡°Then kiss me, please?¡±


    She longed for him to kiss her with the same deep, consuming intimacy he shared with Aveline.


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    Lucas¡® brow furrowed as he looked at her closed eyes and the face that was inches away, suddenly feeling a wave of irritation.


    Just then, his phone rang. He got up immediately and answered the call.


    ¡°Right, I understand.¡±


    After a brief exchange, he ended the call and turned to Sophia. ¡°Rest well, I have to go now,¡± he said,


    then turned and left the hospital room abruptly.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡± Sophia¡¯s face fell as she watched him leave without hesitation.


    She instinctively wanted to get out of bed and follow him, but his steps were quick, and the door to the hospital room had already closed.


    Her hands clutched the sheets tightly, her eyes shing with a cold fury.


    How infuriating!


    Why wouldn¡¯t he kiss her? He could kiss that wretch Aveline, so why not her? It was all that woman¡¯s fault for seducing him¨Cshe despised Aveline!


    Aveline was sitting in the car, trying to calm her breathing, when a knock on the window startled her, She turned her head to see Sharon standing there, looking unfriendly.


    Aveline looked away, ignoring her. She knew better than to engage with someone who clearly meant


    trouble.


    Undeterred, Sharon knocked on the window again, her expression turning uglier by the second.


    That wretch! How dare she ignore her!


    After knocking for a while and getting no response, Sharon pulled out her phone and typed a message, pressing it against the window.


    ¡°You can hide in there all you want, you coward!¡±


    The next second, Aveline rolled the window down.


    Sharon smirked. ¡°You little slu-¡±


    But before she could finish, a bottle of water was thrown in her face, cutting off her words.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Sharon screamed, ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±


    After sshing the water, Aveline rolled up the car window again, her expression cold and detached.


    Watching Sharon furiously stomping outside cooled some of the anger Aveline had felt from Lucas


    earlier.


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Sharon continued to curse furiously. Just then, she felt a chill and instinctively stopped and looked up.


    Lucas approached with his tall, imposing figure. His eyes fixed coldly on her.


    Sharon quickly said, ¡°Lucas, you¡¯vee just in time. She¡¯s being so arrogant, sshing water on me. I¡¯m so mad!¡±


    Lucas looked at her coolly. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Caught off guard, Sharon replied, ¡°I just came to ask when she¡¯s going to divorce you. You and Sophia are the real couple. Why is she still clinging to you?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was cold and maic. ¡°My personal matters are none of your business. Leave.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sharon¡¯s face paled!


    But she didn¡¯t dare act out in front of Lucas. She red at the car window as if trying to annihte


    Aveline with her stare.


    Lucas opened the car door and sat down, his presence icy.


    ¡°Did you ssh her?¡±


    His dark gaze fell on Aveline¡¯s face.


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°I want to ssh you <b>too</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    Lucas¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±


    Aveline picked up the water bottle and started to unscrew it, fearless now.


    Lucas quickly grasped her wrist, leaning in as if to kiss her.


    Aveline immediately dodged, watching him warily. ¡°What are you doing?


    Lucas looked at her intensely. ¡°If you dare ssh me, I¡¯ll keep kissing you until you¡¯re too scared to do it again.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes shed with anger!


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    Chapter 197


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    This man knew no shame! After all that had transpired, he could still utter such callous words without changing his expression.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Aveline took a deep breath and asked, ¡°Not going to thepany?¡±


    Lucas looked at her, feeling a bit disappointed but said nothing, instead starting the car. The


    atmosphere in the car was strangely tense.


    By the time they reached thepany, Aveline hadposed herself and entered the building without looking back.


    Lucas¡® gaze followed her slender figure, his eyes darkening as he noted her graceful walk, even <b>in </b>a simple shirt and trousers,


    It was already past working hours, so not many people were at the entrance.


    Aveline¡¯s arrival from Lucas¡® car went unnoticed.


    As she stepped out of the elevator, Gwen passed by, and paused, wanting to say something, but held back. Aveline keenly sensed the change in her attitude but didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    Aveline nned to resign.


    Since she had been removed from the Brighton Enterprises project team, she finished her current tasks and submitted her resignation. Gwen¡¯s expression stiffened when she saw it. ¡°Why do you want to resign?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°It¡¯s written in the resignation letter.


    Gwen¡¯s face darkened, thinking her attitude was <b>poor</b>.


    However, recalling Desmond¡¯s words, she suppressed her temper and said, ¡°This resignation needs the CEO¡¯s approval. Go back and <b>wait</b>.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Ms. Scoot, I¡¯m just a mere employee. Isn¡¯t it unnecessary to get the CEO¡¯s approval?¡±


    I


    Gwen insisted, ¡°If I say it¡¯s <b>needed</b>, then it is. Leave!¡±


    Aveline curled her lips slightly and turned to leave. Gwen¡¯s eyes shed with disdain as she looked at the resignation letter, ultimately handing it to Desmond.


    Desmond¡¯s expression turned serious when he saw Aveline¡¯s resignation letter, and he immediately knocked on the CEO¡¯s office door.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Young has subrhitted her resignation again.¡±


    Lucas, who was working on some documents, frowned upon hearing this. ¡°Have here over.¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Aveline had just returned to her desk when the phonein front of her rang. She answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    1/2


    Desmond¡¯s cheerful voice came through. ¡°Miss Young, Mr. Tudor wants to see <b>you</b>.


    Aveline asked, ¡°What for?¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that. Perhaps you could ask Mr. Tudor yourself?¡±


    His tone was very respectful.


    This woman was, after all, Lucas¡® wife, the First Lady of DK Group!


    Although there were conflicts between them, they hadn¡¯t divorced yet, so she shouldn¡¯t be easily


    offended.


    Aveline felt an inexplicable irritation but knew that if she wanted to resign, she had to talk to Lucas.


    She hung up the phone, took a deep breath<b>, </b>and went straight to the CEO¡¯s office.


    She knocked on the door, and a deep, maic male voice responded from inside.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Aveline pushed the door open and walked in, asking, ¡°<b>What </b>is it, Mr. Tudor?¡±


    Lucas looked deeply at her. ¡°Why do you want to resign?


    Aveline replied, ¡°Don¡¯t you know why I want to resign?


    Lucas said, ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    <b>Aveline </b>fell silent.


    She was furious!


    However, since his approval was needed for her resignation, she couldn¡¯t confront him directly.


    Her clear eyes looked at him. ¡°What will it take for you to approve?¡±


    Lucas looked at her intently and said, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Aveline frowned, a bit resistant.


    Lucas set her resignation letter aside and stopped looking at her.


    It was clear¨Cif she didn¡¯tply, he wouldn¡¯t consider the matter.


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    Aveline took a few deep breaths<b>, </b>calming herself before walking over to him. Once beside <b>him</b>, she asked stiffly, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Lucas directly grabbed her wrist, pulling her onto hisp. She was startled, her body <b>tensing</b>, but she didn¡¯t struggle.


    Seeing the coldness and reluctance in her eyes<b>, </b><b>an </b>unexinable fire ignited within Lucas. He grasped her chin, his voice deep. ¡°Aveline, do you want to stay away from me?¡±


    Her long eyshes trembled as she replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Lucas tightened his grip slightly, his eyes smoldering with intensity as his thumb brushed her lips. Fine, I can approve your resignation, but you have to agree to one condition.¡±


    A sense of foreboding swept through Aveline¡¯s heart. She cautiously asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Sleep with me once.¡±


    Aveline widened her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    He was supposed to marry Sophia and had already promised her, yet he was saying this to Aveline!


    Her eyes reddened with anger. ¡°How can you do this to Miss Winter?¡±


    Lucas ignored her words, holding her chin as he asked, ¡°Do you want to resign or not?¡±


    Aveline was left speechless. He had her in a bind. After everything that happened, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to sleep with him!


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°You have ten seconds to decide.¡±


    ¡°Ten¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned cold.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Nine¡­¡±


    His deep, maic voice sounded nonchntly in her ear.


    Aveline¡¯s breath trembled slightly, and then she said, ¡°Sign it first.¡±


    He needed to sign it and have it processed by HR for her resignation to beplete.


    ¡°Eight¡­¡±


    Aveline red at him angrily. ¡°Lacas, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Five, four, three¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡±


    She gritted her teeth and agreed. He was such a shameless rogue!


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    Even knowing what kind of person he was, she had no choice but toply!


    Lucas¡® lips curved into a slight smile<b>, </b>and he kissed her softly. ¡°Join me at the Tudor residence tonight.¡±


    Aveline barely managed to hold herself back from pushing him away.


    As he released her, she immediately stood up and walked a good distance away to calm herself before opening the <b>door </b>and leaving.


    Lucas was in a good mood.


    Aveline¡¯s expression, however, <b>was </b>grim. Desmond noticed and couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Lucas had done to upset Aveline again.


    Desmond opened the office door and entered to report the schedule. ¡°Mr. Tudor, there¡¯s a dinner appointment tonight¡­¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Cancel it.


    Desmond paused. ¡°Yes.¡±


    As he was about to leave, he added, ¡°Mr. Tudor, Brian wants to see you.


    ¡°I¡¯m not seeing him. Tell him to get lost.¡± Lucas¡® tone turned cold.


    Desmond hesitated, saying, ¡°Mr. Tudor, Brian is just concerned about you, he¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, Lucas¡® icy gaze fell on him, sharp as a knife, silencing him.


    Remembering Brian¡¯s injuries, Desmond swallowed hard. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Brian, once close to Lucas, faced severe punishment for offending Aveline, which served as a crucial. lesson for Desmond.


    It was clear that Aveline held a much more significant ce in Lucas¡¯s heart than Sophia.


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    COMMENTS

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    Chapter 199


    Aveline returned to her workstation, feeling utterly absurd.


    She really couldn¡¯t understand what Lucas was thinking.


    Didn¡¯t he care about Sophia?


    Then why was he entangled with her like this?


    Anger, sadness, <b>and </b>a mix of emotions intertwined, leaving her feeling deeply powerless.


    Just then, she received a call from Selena.


    ¡°Ave, are you at work?¡± Selena¡¯s voice sounded weak.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m at work. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Aveline asked.


    Selena sighed dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough! I¡¯ve never seen such a picky man. He was discharged, and since my ce is far from his, he suggested I move in with him.


    ¡°I certainly can¡¯t do that! I¡¯m a beautiful woman; moving in would be like walking into the lion¡¯s den! So, guess what happened?¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Aveline prompted.


    ¡°He called me at 2:30 in the morning asking for a cheeseburger. Where am I supposed to find that at this hour? I lost it! I refused, and he threatened me. This guy is such a <b>pain</b>!¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t expect Aaron to be like this. After hesitating, she asked, ¡°How long until he recovers?¡±


    ¡°The doctor said it would take a month, but if he doesn¡¯t get stressed, maybe a bit sooner,¡± Selena


    replied.


    Aveline furrowed her brows and said after a moment, ¡°Why don¡¯t you move in?¡±


    ¡°What? What did you say? Listen to yourself! You¡¯re pushing me, a beautiful woman, into the lion¡¯s den!¡± Selena eximed.


    Aveline¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°I just don¡¯t want him to keep bothering you. Maybe if you move in, he¡¯ll


    calm down.¡±


    Selena was quite reluctant. ¡°No, whenever I see him, I still think about smashing his head.¡±


    Aveline smiled helplessly. ¡°Alright then<b>.</b>¡±


    Selena changed the topic. ¡°But I¡¯ve already thought of a way to get back at him, Ave. Just watch, I¡¯ll make him pay!¡±


    Aveline cautioned, ¡°Take it easy, don¡¯t let him catch you off guard.¡±


    Selena reassured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve <b>got </b>experience in this.¡±


    Aveline was about to say more when her email pinged with the work she needed to handle today.


    1/2


    +15 BONUSN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    She said, ¡°I can¡¯t talk now, I have to get busy.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After hanging up, Selena nced at Aaron in the bedroom, sneered, and then logged into another WhatsApp ount.


    For this ount, she used a profile picture of an innocent¨Clooking college girl and a cute username.


    Opening the chat with Aaron, she sent a message.


    Using the name, Snow, she texted, ¡°Dear Aaron, thank you so much for what you did before. Without you, my dorm mates and I might have to sleep on the streets.¡±


    She then sent him a heart emoji.


    Aaron replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing major. Have you resolved your issues?¡±


    tuition but I can


    Snow answered, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s resolved. Aaron, let me get you something. Send me your address. I might not have much money¨Cmy brother¡¯s in school, and my parents are making me pay my manage a small gift. I hope you won¡¯t mind.¡±


    Aaron transferred her two thousand dors and texted, ¡°I don¡¯t need you to buy <b>me </b>anything for me. Just take care of yourself. If anythinges up, let me know.¡±


    Snow replied, ¡°Aaron, I can¡¯t ept your money. You¡¯ve already helped me, and taking more would make me seem shameless.¡±


    Aaron texted, ¡°You know I¡¯m here for you. Just take it and let me know if you need anything.¡±


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    200


    Snow replied, ¡°Aaron, you¡¯re really too kind to me. I don¡¯t even know how to thank you.¡±


    She then sent him a crying emoji.


    Aaron texted, ¡°Be a good girl and keep the money. Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    Snow answered, ¡°Thank you, Aaron.¡±


    Selena confirmed the receipt, seeing the two thousand dors in her ount, a cold smile appeared on <b>her </b>lips.


    ¡°Selena!¡±


    Just then, a man¡¯s voice came from the bedroom.


    Selena rolled her eyes, logged out of WhatsApp, and entered the bedroom. ¡°What is it?¡±


    After receiving the money, she found Aaron slightly more agreeable.


    Well, just a little.


    Aaron nced at a cup and said, ¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±


    Selena walked over<b>, </b>picked up his cup, and went to fill it with water. Then she handed it to <b>him</b>. ¡°Drink¡±


    Aaron didn¡¯t take it, saying ndly, ¡°I¡¯m not thirsty anymore. I want to go to the bathroom.¡±


    <b>That </b>slight bit of agreeableness vanished instantly.


    Selena wanted to throw the water in his face. She held back, knowing that <b>this </b>man could really make things difficult for her. If she did that, who knew what he would do next?


    She set the cup down, ced his arm over her shoulder, and helped him up. Aaron pressed his entire weight down on her, causing Selena to stagger <b>and </b>nearly fall.


    She raised her eyes<b>, </b>her gaze tinged with anger as she looked at him. ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aaron looked down at her furious expression and raised an eyebrow. ¡°What about me?¡±


    Selena fell silent and held back!


    With a forced smile<b>, </b>she <b>said</b>, ¡°Stand properly. If you fall again, it might not just be a concussion.¡±


    It could be fatal!


    Aaron seemed to catch her thoughts and said yfully, ¡°If anything happens to me, you¡¯ll be fully responsible.¡±


    Selena was speechless.


    Aaron continued, ¡°So, to avoid being tied to me for the rest of your life, make sure you hold me steady.¡±


    Selena stayed silent and thought that getting two thousand dors from him was too little!


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    She struggled to help him into the bathroom. As he sat on the toilet, his brows furrowed for a moment. She instinctively said, ¡°What? Do you need me to help you take off your pants?¡±


    Aaron, feeling dizzy and in pain after sitting down, nced at her with a yful look. ¡°Sure, go ahead.¡±


    Selena froze.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Did she just dig her own grave?


    She wanted to kill herself for asking him that question!


    Selena turned around. ¡°Do it yourself, I¡­ I¡¯ll go check if the soup is ready.¡±


    Aaron watched her hurried departure and sneered.


    Outside the bathroom, Selena exhaled deeply.


    What was going on? Why <b>was </b>she nervous?


    She quickly went to the kitchen to check on the soup. Before long, Aaron called her again.


    Annoyed, she threw the <b>spoon </b>aside and went to the bathroom door. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯ming in


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Selena took a deep breath and then opened the bathroom door.


    Aaron was still sitting on the toilet, his loose clothing adequately covering him. She avoided looking, helped him up, and asked, ¡°Can you pull up your pants?¡±


    Aaron pressed his weight on her again. ¡°I¡¯m dizzy.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Aaron, don¡¯t push it!¡±


    Aaron chuckled, his warm breath brushing her ear, causing her body to tense up suddenly in their close proximity.


    ¡°You¡¯re a caregiver now<i>. </i>Haven¡¯t you read the caregiver¡¯s manual?¡±


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    Selena froze, her body stiffening<b>, </b>and after a long pause, she finally <b>spoke</b><b>, </b>¡°Then stand properly, I <b>can¡¯t </b>hold you well.¡±


    After saying that, she reached out to grab his pants.


    Inevitably, her fingers brushed against his thigh, causing both of them to shudder.


    Selena simply closed her eyes, grabbed his pants firmly, and lifted upwards.


    She heard the man let out <b>a </b>muffled groan next to her <b>ear</b><b>, </b>incredibly sensual <b>and </b>enticing


    Selena awkwardly said, ¡°They¡¯re up, I¡¯ll help you out¡­


    With that, she turned around, letting his arm drape over her shoulder, and walked out.


    This time, Aaron didn¡¯t say anything. He simply pressed his lips together.


    Selena helped Aaron to sit on the bed and asked, ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s voice was a bit hoarse. ¡°No, you can leave.¡±


    Selena immediately turned and walked out in fear that he mighte up with some other trick.


    Once the bedroom door closed, Aaron exhaled a deep breath <b>and </b>reached out to adjust his pants.


    Did this woman really <b>not </b>understand, or did she do it on purpose?


    Was she unaware of the physiological differences between male and female bodies?


    The way she pulled up his pants made him quite ufortable.


    But on second thought, even if she knew, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to help him properly anyway. Aaron leaned against the headboard, slightly tilted his head back, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing up and down, trying hard to ignore the strange feeling within him.


    After Aveline finished her work, it was already time to get off. Thinking about what Lucas had said, she couldn¡¯t help but bite her lip.


    At that moment, Gwen walked over and said, ¡°You¡¯reing with me to the dinner tonight<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline felt a sudden relief. ¡°Alright.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She packed her things and left with Gwen<b>. </b>Once in the car, she sent a message to Lucas.


    Aveline texted, ¡°Something came up. I have to attend ast¨Cminute dinner, so I won¡¯t be able toe


    <b>over </b>tonight.


    Lucas didn¡¯t reply immediately.


    At this moment, Lucas had just concluded a three¨Chour meeting. As he walked out of the conference


    room, his expression was cold and indifferent.


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    Desmond followed behind him, reporting the uing schedule, ¡°Mr. Tudor, there¡¯s a dinner tonight


    at seven¡­¡±


    Lucas reached for his phone, ready to cancel In response tond¡¯s words. But as he nced at the screen, Aveline¡¯s message caught his eye. His expression shifted, a subtle shadow darkening his gaze.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Lucas responded coldly and then put his phone away.


    Ha<b>!</b>


    Did she think he didn¡¯t understand her intentions?


    She knew there were people in the department targeting her, yet she preferred to go to dinner with them rather <b>than </b>face him.


    Very well!


    Night fell.


    Aveline arrived at the Grand Feast Club with Gwen.


    The private room was on the first floor. When they entered<b>, </b>some people were already seated inside.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte.¡±


    Gwen immediately started chatting andughing with those people present.


    Then, she introduced Aveline to everyone, ¡°This is Aveline Young from our department. She has <b>strong </b>business skills. I think she should handle the uing work liaison. She was instrumental in securing the cooperation with Brighton Enterprises; her capability is quite impressive.¡±


    Several men¡¯s gazes fell on Aveline¡¯s face, their eyes showing a growing interest.


    ¡°Regardless of her presumed business acumen, we need concrete evidence of her capabilities.¡±


    Gwen looked at Aveline. ¡°You should propose a toast first.¡±


    As soon as Aveline entered, an uneasy feeling washed over her. Gwen¡¯s words only confirmed her suspicions of ill intent.


    If she turned and walked away, these partners would definitely get angry, and in a fit of rage, they might refuse to cooperate with them.


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    She could very well walk away, but if this deal fell through because of her, Lucas would certainly find ways to make her life difficult.


    She could already imagine what he would say.


    Aveline took a deep breath, walked over, picked up a ss, and smiled. ¡°Here¡¯s to everyone<b>.</b>¡±


    Watching her drink the ss of wine, someone immediately cheered, ¡°Great drinker!¡±


    Gwen, seeing this, exchanged a knowing nce with a man, then led Aveline to sit down right next to him.


    The evening¡¯s guest of honor was a man in his early forties. Though unremarkable in appearance, his warm smile transformed his face when addressing others.


    He turned that genial expression to Aveline as he spoke, ¡°Miss <b>Young</b>, securing cooperation with Brighton Enterprises single¨Chandedly is <b>no </b>small feat. I¡¯ve heard their CEO, Mr. Henry, is infamously


    difficult to deal with.¡±


    Aveline smiled lightly. ¡°As long as my proposal waspelling enough to persuade him, nothing else


    mattered.¡±


    ¡°Well said.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Gernard Darbyughed heartily and casually ced his hand on Aveline¡¯s thigh.


    ¡°Did you join DK Group right after graduation, Miss <b>Young</b>?


    Aveline¡¯s body stiffened, but her expression remained calm. She replied lightly, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Gernard¡¯s hand began to rub her thigh. ¡°For you to stay at DK Group and achieve such impressive


    results, you must be exceptionally talented. I admire young, hardworking women like you. Come, let me toast to you!¡±


    Saying this, he picked up his ss and looked at Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed as the man¡¯s hand wandered inappropriately. Suddenly, she stood up Excuse me, I¡¯m not feeling well. I need to use the restroom.¡±


    and said,


    ¡±


    She left the private room immediately.


    The restroom was at the end of the hallway on the first floor. Aveline quickly walked in and washed her face with cold water to calm herself down.


    As she pondered whether to retugu, the door behind her closed. She turned sharply to see Gernard approaching her with a warm smile.


    ¡°Miss Young, I admire your capabilities, but as a woman, you shouldn¡¯t have to work so hard. Spend one night with me, and I¡¯ll sign the contract with yourpany. What do you <b>think</b>?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°Not a chance!¡±


    1/2


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    With that, she moved to leave.


    But Gernard quickly grabbed her and pulled her into one of the bathroom stalls. ¡°Don¡¯t act ungrateful. Consider it apliment that I want to sleep with you. Cross me, and I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re cklisted in the industry!¡±


    In the past, young women couldn¡¯t withstand his threats and would obedientlyply. Gernard thought this time would be no different.


    Aveline was indeed beautiful. Even without makeup, her every expression radiated an unintentional charm that made people feel hot all over.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Aveline struggled violently and bit Gernard¡¯s hand. He yelped in pain and instinctively let her


    Aveling towards the door, but Gernard was faster. He grabbed her hair!


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know what¡¯s good for you. Tonight, you¡¯re mine. As for the deal, forget it!¡±


    As he spoke, the warm facade disappeared from his face, reced by a menacing snarl.


    <ol>


    <li><b>go</b><b>.</b></li>


    </ol>


    Aveline felt the pain, but with him behind her, she couldn¡¯t break free. She screamed for help, but the bathroom¡¯s soundproofing was so solid that her screams went unheard outside.


    Despair filled Aveline¡¯s eyes, and tears began to fall. She shouldn¡¯t have considered so many things; she should have just left!


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Just as Gernard was about to tear her clothes, the bathroom door was kicked open. A cold, fierce aura swept in and Gernard was kicked out of the stall!


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    Chapter 203


    ¡°Who the hell dared to kick me?¡± Gernard cursed as he struggled to get up. When he saw who had. arrived, the vicious snarl on his face instantly vanished, reced by wide¨Ceyed terror.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor¡­¡±


    At that moment, Lucas held Aveline in his arms, his crisp, pleasant scent filling her senses. She felt stunned and disoriented.


    Lucas radiated a chilling aura, his eyes cold and sharp. ¡°You darey a hand on my woman?¡±


    Gernard immediately fell to his knees in fear. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t recognize who she was. If I <b>had </b>known, I wouldn¡¯t have dared to covet her.¡±


    Gernard had spent decades in Cloudre City, but he was nothingpared to Lucas. Lucas wasn¡¯t just the CEO of DK Group; he had the backing of the influential Tudor family, who could remove anyone from society without a trace.


    As Gernard kept begging for mercy, Desmond walked in, waved his hand, and two bodyguards stepped forward to drag Gernard out.


    Gernard continued to plead, ¡°Mr. Tudor, I know I was wrong, I truly <b>know </b>I was


    wrong.


    The bodyguards covered his mouth and dragged him into a private room, where muffled screams soon


    followed.


    Lucas carried Aveline out of the restroom. Seeing her pale face, his heart tightened, and he asked coldly, ¡°Was it fun bringing this upon yourself?¡±


    If she had just waited at the Tudor mansion, none of this would have happened.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled, and she lowered her eyes, stepping out of his embrace. ¡°Thank you.<b>¡±</b>


    She was truly terrified. His sudden appearance felt like a god descending from the heavens, shaking the walls of the fortress she had built around her heart.


    Seeing her in this state, Lucas couldn¡¯t bring himself to scold her. He looked at her for a long moment <b>and </b><b>then </b><b>said</b>, ¡°Wait in my <b>car</b><b>.</b>¡±


    With that, he handed her the keys.


    Aveline instinctively took them and watched as his tall, imposing figure walked away.


    ¡°Miss Young, please follow me,¡± Desmond said respectfully as he approached.


    Aveline nodded and followed Deshond out of the Grand Feast Club.


    After they left, Gwen peeked out from a <b>corner</b>, covering her mouth, her face full of terror.


    What should she do now?


    It seemed she had offended <b>Lucas</b><b>!</b>


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    If Lucas found out that she had orchestrated tonight¡¯s events, he would surely make her life a living hell! She took out her phone, checked her bank bnce, and immediately booked a ne ticket, nning to leave overnight.


    However, on her way home, two bodyguards suddenly grabbed her and shoved her into a car.


    Aveline knew nothing of this.


    She got into Lucas¡® car, his scent enveloping herpletely, allowing her tense nerves to gradually


    rx.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the car window, startling <b>Aveline</b>. She turned to see Desmond smiling at


    her.


    She rolled down the window and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Desmond handed her a cup of warm tea. ¡°Miss Young, this is from Mr. Tudor. He thought it might warmThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    you up.


    In truth, it was Desmond¡¯s idea.


    Aveline held a special ce in Lucas¡® heart, so it was wise to <b>maintain </b>a good rtionship with her. He wouldn¡¯t be foolish like Brian, who, knowing Aveline¡¯s significance to Lucas, still dared to provoke her. Brian deserved to get himself beaten up!


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Aveline, a bit surprised, took the tea. As she looked at it, she felt a bit dazed.


    It seemed that ever since he regained his memory, he had stopped giving her these little things.


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    Before he regained his memory, he often bought her flowers, warm tea, and small gifts¡­ Though they weren¡¯t worth much, it showed that he was thinking of her. Whenever he saw <b>something </b>beautiful, his first instinct was to share it with her. In his heart, she was always first.


    How could she easily forget or stop loving such a devoted Lu?


    A slight ache pierced her heart, and Aveline quickly reined in her thoughts, trying not to let her mind wander.


    That Lu was gone, killed by Lucas <b>Tudor</b>.


    Now, he was just Lucas Tudor¨Ccold¨Chearted, <b>emotionally </b>distant, unpredictable.


    Aveline inserted the straw into the cup and took <b>a </b><b>sip</b>.


    Indeed, <b>it </b>was warm, driving away the coldness in her heart.


    After half an hour, the driver¡¯s side <b>door </b>opened, and Lucas, carrying a chill with him, got into the car.


    Aveline, holding her cup and looking at her phone, put it away when she saw him enter. Her demeanor softened slightly.


    No matter what, he had saved her.


    ¡°Thank you for tonight,¡± she said.


    Lucas turned to look at her. ¡°Is that all you have to say?


    Aveline bit her lip slightly, then picked up the cup of warm tea. ¡°And thank you for the tea. It¡¯s very good.¡±


    At her words, Lucas raised an eyebrow. When had he given her a cup of tea? But seeing the delight in her eyes, he chose not to expose the lie. Resting one <b>hand </b>on the steering wheel, his wrist, with its strong, defined bones, exuded an air of sensuality and strength.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± he asked.


    Aveline paused, sensing the unusual atmosphere in the car. For a moment, she remained silent.


    Although he had saved her, it was far from enough to break the ice in their rtionship.


    Seeing her silence, Lucas felt irritation rising again. He reached out and gripped her <b>chin</b>, forcing her to look at him. ¡°What? You can¡¯t even say a single kind word to me?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    As he realized this, an inexplicable anger surged up, making his expression even more somber.


    <b>a</b>


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly. She said, ¡°Lucas, aren¡¯t we going home?¡±


    She still remembered his promise that if she slept with him <b>once</b>, he would approve her resignation. She only wanted to distance herself from him to avoid further pain.


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    He suddenly gripped her chin harder.


    ¡°Aveline, why are you acting so ungrateful? I just saved you, and you¡¯re still thinking about resigning?¡± Lucas¡® voice was deep and maic, but his tone carried a chill.


    Aveline looked up at him. ¡°What else can I do? You¡¯ve already agreed to marry Miss Winter. Do you want to keep entangling with me?¡±


    She gave a bitter smile. ¡°Lucas, do you really want to act like a jerk?¡±


    about my engagement?¡±


    Lucas¡® face turned icy, his gaze dark as he stared at her. ¡°Are you happy about my


    Aveline replied, ¡°Whether I¡¯m happy or not is irrelevant to you. I can¡¯t influence your decisions. We¡¯re like hedgehogs; the closer we get, the more we hurt each other. It¡¯s better if we divorce sooner. If we separate, neither of us will get hurt.¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯re clever.¡±


    Lucas sneered coldly, releasing her chin and starting the car, driving towards the Tudor mansion.


    The atmosphere inside the car was tense and oppressive. Watching his stern profile, Aveline couldn¡¯t help but tighten her grip on the cup of tea.


    They soon arrived at the Tudor mansion. Lucas said coldly, <b>¡°</b>Get out.¡±


    He mmed the car door, clearly showing his displeasure.


    Aveline got out of the car and followed behind <b>him</b><b>.</b>


    Seeing her still holding the cup of tea, Lucas found it inexplicably annoying. He said coldly, ¡°Throw that away. I never buy such trash for women.¡±


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    Aveline paused, looking at the cup of tea in her <b>hand</b>.


    Wasn¡¯t he the one who bought it?


    The icy indifference etched on Lucas¡® face <b>was </b>unmistakable, too genuine to be feigned.


    As realization dawned, Aveline¡¯s lips twisted into a bitter smile. She had misread the situation entirely. In her naivety, she had imagined he remembered that he had bought the cup of tea out of concern, a gesture offort after her ordeal.


    It turned out she had read too much into it.


    Taking a deep breath, she threw the tea into the trash and followed him into the Tudor mansion.


    They went straight upstairs and into the bedroom.


    Lucas tugged at his cor, unbuttoning it, and said coldly, ¡°Go take a shower.¡±


    Aveline silentlyplied, showing an attitude of resigned eptance.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Lucas watched her, feeling even more irritated.


    The sound of running water filled the room. Through the frosted ss, he could see her shadowy, graceful figure. Sitting on the sofa with his elbows resting on his knees, he stared at the ss with dark,plicated eyes for a long time.


    His throat tightened, feeling parched. He tugged at his cor as if it would help ease his growing


    agitation.


    He stood up and left the bedroom, heading to the guest room to shower.


    When Aveline emerged from the shower wrapped in a towel, Lucas was no longer in the bedroom. She sighed with relief and turned to dry her hair.


    Just as she had dried it halfway, someone yanked off her towel suddenly.


    A chill swept over her, and she gasped, instinctively trying to cover herself.


    But she was wearing nothing under the towel. Her attempt to cover herself was futile.


    A mockingugh echoed from behind her. In the next instant, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. She looked like a frightened rabbit, which only seemed to amuse him, sparking a glint of interest in his eyes.


    With the prize in hand, he leaned close to her ear. ¡°Why are you trying to cover yourself? There¡¯s nothing here I haven¡¯t seen.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body stiffened at his rough touch. ¡°Can you be gentler?¡±


    His grip was causing her pain.


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    Lucas noticed the redness at the corners of her eyes. Her figure was wless, curvaceous, with fair skin tinged with a delicate blush. The softness in his hands was irresistible, and her unique fragrance kept stimting his senses.


    He grasped her chin with his other hand and kissed her deeply. As their lips tangled, his low, husky voice murmured, ¡°You¡¯re here to please me, so I¡¯ll do what feels good for me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes instantly reddened with anger.


    This bastard!


    She raised her hand to p him, but he applied a little more pressure, making her gasp in pain. Taking advantage of her vulnerability, he deepened the kiss, not giving her any chance to retreat. Her long hair swayed behind her as he suddenly lifted her, pressing her against the wall. In this position, she had no leverage and instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Satisfied, Lucas smirked and kissed her <b>again</b>, forcefully and dominantly invading her mouth. Aveline¡¯s spine stiffened as Lucas left kiss marks from her neck to her chest, like crimson roses blooming on her fair skin¨Csensual and captivating.


    Throughout the night, Aveline felt as if she died and came back to life over and over again. Eventually, she rolled her eyes and passed out, convulsing in his arms.


    Seeing her state, Lucas pinched her waist. She didn¡¯t respond, her body limp and unresponsive.


    A strong


    ng emotion flickered in his eyes, but he didn¡¯t stop.


    When Aveline woke up, she felt like her body no longer belonged to her.


    Every part of her ached<b>, </b>especially her waist.


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    Thinking about the madness of the previous night made her legs weak. She quickly shook off those thoughts and got up.


    As she stepped out of bed and put weight on her <b>feet</b>, her legs buckled, and she nearly fell.


    That bastard!


    Cursing him silently, Aveline steadied herself for a moment before heading to the bathroom.


    She had washed her clothes after showeringst night, and now they were dry. After freshening up, she found the bedroom door open, with the maid having already tidied the bed.


    Maintaining a facade ofposure, she walked downst


    Alfred greeted her with a smile, ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯a¡­¡­.. Breakfast is ready.¡±


    Aveline nodded and headed to the dining room.


    Just as she entered, she heard the steady footsteps of a man behind her. He pulled out the chair next to her and sat down.


    Aveline kept her eyes lowered, eating her oatmeal in small bites.


    Lucas¡® gaze slowly swept over her, his eyes dark and deep.


    Aveline felt uneasy under his stare but didn¡¯t want to engage in conversation. She only hoped that once they got to thepany, he would approve her resignation.


    After finishing her meal, Aveline looked up at him and asked, ¡°Are we going to thepany together?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°If you want to walk, I have no objections.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    Why did he have to speak so rudely?


    She stayed silent, waiting for him to finish eating.


    Lucas wiped the corner of his mouth and stood up. Aveline immediately followed him to the car, her heart fluttering with anticipation.


    +15 BONUS


    Once they arrived at thepany, she nned to bring up her resignation again, hoping he would agree since he had promised.


    Noticing the faint excitement in her eyes Lucas¡® expression darkened.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Was she that happy about resigning?


    His face turned cold, adding to the oppressive atmosphere in the car.


    Aveline sensed the shift but didn¡¯t dwell on it. Soon, they reached thepany.


    To her surprise, they ran into Sophia at the entrance.


    Aveline paused as she was about to get out of the car, a bitter smile crossing her face. It was funny in a sad way ¨C she was hiswful wife, but now she felt like a mistress he wanted to keep hidden.


    Lucas got out of the car and asked Sophia, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s gaze shifted from the car, noticing Aveline. Seeing them arrive together, she wondered if they had spent the night together. The thought made her furious, but there were more pressing matters at hand.


    She said, ¡°Lucas, my cousin works at DK Group, but she went missing after


    returning homest night. Her family can¡¯t reach her, so I came to ask if you know where she might be.¡±


    She smiled slightly. ¡°If she did something wrong, could you forgive her for my sake? She is quite capable, after all.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±


    Sophia replied, ¡°Gwen Scoot.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed. Gwen was her manager. She must have known aboutst night¡¯s events. Aveline hadn¡¯t yet confronted her, and now she was missing?


    Lucas¡® expression remained cold and indifferent as he said, ¡°I had her detained.¡±


    Sophia quickly asked, ¡°Why? Lucas, if she did something wrong, I apologize on her behalf. Please don¡¯t be angry. If necessary, you can fire her. Her family is really worried, and so am I.¡±


    Aveline looked at Lucas as a thought struck her. Maybe he was detaining Gwen because he knew Gwen was involved in harming herst night. If that was the case, he wouldn¡¯t just let Gwen go so easily.


    2/3


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    To her surprise, Lucas nodded to Sophia. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll release her now, but she can¡¯t stay at DK.¡±


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    A smile instantly appeared on Sophia¡¯s face. ¡°Thank you. As long as you don¡¯t keep her detained, that¡¯s enough. Once she returns, I¡¯ll have a serious talk with her.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Lucas responded coldly, just as he was about to say something else, the sound of a car door closing interrupted him.


    ¡°No!¡± Aveline walked over briskly, her clear eyes filled with agitation as she looked at Lucas. ¡°You can¡¯t release Gwen!¡±


    Lucas¡® eyebrows furrowed. ¡°Are you giving me orders?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s fingers instinctively curled, and a sharp pain shot through her heart. His stern, sharp face feltpletely unfamiliar to her.


    Sophia spoke up, ¡°Miss Young, my cousin acted impulsely and made a mistake. She already knows she was wrong. If you feel that¡¯s n nough, I¡¯ll apologize on her behalf.¡±


    With that, she bowed deeply to Aveline, cing herself in the lowest position possible. ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Lucas grasped Sophia¡¯s arm and pulled her up. ¡°Sophia, what are you doing? This has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Tears welled in Sophia¡¯s eyes, but she forced a smile and said, ¡°How can it not? She¡¯s my cousin. Someone has to take responsibility for her actions. I just hope Miss Young can be lenient. It¡¯s better not to burn bridges.¡±


    Lucas turned his cold gaze to Aveline, his attitude clearly saying, ¡°They¡¯ve apologized; are you still not satisfied?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face grew paler. She ignored Sophia and looked straight at Lucas. ¡°You know what I went throughst night, don¡¯t you?¡±


    He knew, and he had found out that Gwen orchestrated it. But now, with Sophia pleading, he still nned to release Gwen.


    He was so good to Sophia.


    And what about her?


    After all, they had spent the entire night togetherst night!


    Was he going to ignore her once he put his pants back on?


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    A flicker of light shed in Aveline¡¯s eyes, stubbornly refusing to show any sign <b>of </b>her sadness,


    Lucas¡® eyes were dark and deep<b>, </b>his voice low and icy as <b>he </b>spoke, ¡°You should me yourself for not following my orders.¡±


    Aveline raised her hand to p him.


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    But Sophia stepped in front of Lucas just in time, taking the p meant for him. Stumbling back, she fell into Lucas¡® arms.


    ¡°Sophia!¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas steadied her, his eyes coldly fixating on Aveline. ¡°Apologize to Sophia!¡±


    Aveline sneered. ¡°Apologize? To hell with that!¡±


    She walked past them, her face pale but her demeanorposed and indifferent.


    Having seen too much shamelessness and disappointment, this was nothing new. If they wanted to put on a show of deep affection, she wouldn¡¯t stick around for it.


    Behind her, she could hear Sophia¡¯s faint sobbing and Lucas¡® low voiceforting


    her.


    What a joke!


    If he cared so much, why not divorce?


    The truth was, he wanted to have his cake and eat it too, unwilling to let go of either.


    But she was done ying his game!


    Aveline stepped out of the elevator and went straight to her desk, starting to pack her things. Her colleagues watched, confused, but no one approached to ask questions.


    She quickly gathered her belongings into a box and headed for the elevator.


    As she waited, Desmond came down and saw her. Noticing her determined


    expression, he quickly said, ¡°Miss Young, Mr. Tudor requests that youe upstairs.


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    ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± Aveline said, not even ncing at Desmond as she stepped into the elevator.


    Desmond felt a headacheing on.


    Weren¡¯t things finest night?


    How did they end up like this after just one night?


    He quickly followed her into the elevator, trying to salvage the situation. ¡°Miss Young, if there¡¯s any misunderstanding, I think it would be best for you to clear it up with Mr. Tudor in person. After all¡­¡±


    Aveline gave him a cold look. ¡°Get out.¡±


    Desmond fell silent.


    He wanted to tell her that refusing tomunicate with each other wouldn¡¯t solve anything!


    But Aveline¡¯s icy gaze made Desmond feel a heavy, invisible pressure, as if Lucas himself were standing in front of him.


    Not daring to linger, he hurried out of the elevator, watching the doors slowly close. He sighed helplessly and took another elevator to the CEO¡¯s office.


    He knocked on the office door, and after hearing a response from inside, took a deep breath and walked in. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Young has packed up and left.¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Lucas mmed the file he was holding onto the desk, and the atmosphere in the office grew cold and oppressive.


    He pulled out his phone and called Aveline, but she hung up on him!


    How dare she!


    It was her own fault for not listening to him and insisting on attending the dinner, or none of this would have happened. Yet she had the audacity to give him the cold shoulder and even curse at him!


    Fury burned in his chest, and his expression turned even colder. ¡°Tell her if she doesn¡¯te back, she¡¯ll never get a divorce in this lifetime!¡±


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    <b>a</b>


    Desmond was speechless.


    His mouth twitched slightly.


    He felt that Aveline might not care about that anymore.


    But seeing Lucas in a fit of rage, Desmond dared <b>not </b>speak his mind. Instead, he dialed Aveline¡¯s number in front of Lucas.


    This time, Aveline answered.


    ¡°You¡¯d better have a good reason,¡± she said coldly, her tone chilling even over the phone.


    Desmond keenly sensed Lucas¡¯s gaze growing even colder as it fell on him. He forced himself to continue, ¡°Miss Young, Mr. Tudor said ¡± if you don¡¯te back, you¡¯ll


    ? never get a divorce.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Whatever!¡± Aveline spat out, then promptly hung up the phone.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Before Desmond could say anything more, Lucas stood up in fury, kicking over a


    chair!


    He was seething with rage, like an enraged lion!


    She didn¡¯t care about anything anymore, not even divorce!


    Ha!


    Fine!


    Very well!


    Desmond didn¡¯t dare to make a sound or leave. He could only stand by the door,¨C waiting for further instructions.


    ¡°Get out,¡± Lucas growled, and Desmond hurriedly fled the room as fast as he could.


    Lucas yanked at his tie, feeling incredibly agitated. The thought of Aveline¡¯s indifferent attitude made him want to grab her and demand answers!


    Aveline was unaware of Lucas¡® current state, and even if she knew, she wouldn¡¯t


    care.


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    She carried her things and went back to Maple Garden. Looking at the beautiful apartment, she pressed her lips together slightly before dialing Russell¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Russ, are you still interested in buying the Maple Garden property?¡±


    Russell¡¯s voice was slightly nasal andzy, clearly just waking up. ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Aveline replied.


    She had made up her mind a long time ago.


    Never had she felt so clear¨Cheaded as she did now.


    It wasn¡¯t just the Maple Garden property; she wo


    sell her other property as well!


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    Chapter 209


    She wanted to erase every trace <b>of </b>him from her life!


    On the phone, Russell chuckled lightly and then said, ¡°Alright, wait for me. I¡¯ll beThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    there soon.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline opened the app and listed her property for sale.


    About fifteen minutester, the doorbell rang.


    11


    Aveline walked over and opened the door. Russell stood there, sporting short purple- gray hair and a roguish grin. He leaned one hand on the door frame and asked, What made you change your mind so suddenly?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°The house is too big. I get scared living here alone.¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s your reason¡­?¡±


    He didn¡¯t press further, though it was clear he didn¡¯t believe her.


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Russ, take a look and see if you like it.¡±


    I


    Russell walked in, taking long strides as he strolled around the house. ¡°Of course, like it, but Aveline, this house is already considered second¨Chand. While the location is great, it might not fetch the price you¡¯re hoping for.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s clear eyes met his. ¡°You haven¡¯t even asked me. How do you know what price I¡¯m expecting?¡±


    Russell looked at her. ¡°Oh? What¡¯s your asking price?¡±


    ¡°Pay and it¡¯s yours.¡±


    Russellughed. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t joke. This is a great house. I won¡¯t let you take a loss.¡±


    Just then, his phone rang. He answered it, said, ¡°Come on up,¡± and hung up.


    In a moment, a well¨Cdressed man in a suit and tie appeared at the door. Adjusting his sses, he greeted, ¡°Mr. Skyler.¡±


    Russell waved him in. ¡°Come on in.¡±


    11


    Turning to Aveline, he said, ¡°He¡¯s here to handle all the paperwork. I¡¯ll transfer the


    1/3


    money to your ount directly.¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°So quickly?¡±


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    Russell replied, ¡°It¡¯s not that quick. Your house has <b>no </b>issues, so once I¡¯ve decided, I prefer to finalize the transaction swiftly.


    Aveline nodded and didn¡¯t say more. They drafted and signed the contract on the spot, and the money was transferred.


    In less than half an hour, the house had a new owner.


    Of course, the transfer of ownership would still need to be processed, but the transaction wasplete. From today onward, Aveline had no ties to the house. Her bank ount now had millions of dors.


    Aveline felt like she had suddenly be wealthy.


    She could live freely and happily now.


    This was the life she¡¯d always wanted. So why didn¡¯t she feel happy about it?


    Russell looked at her and said, ¡°Congrattions! I¡¯ll treat you to dinner tonight.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Sure.¡±


    She began to pack up her things. Russell watched her and said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to rush. You can pack when you buy a new ce.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°No need. I have another apartment. Since I¡¯ve sold this one, I should move out.¡±


    Seeing her determination, Russell didn¡¯t say much more and instead asked, ¡°Is it the ce where you had the incident?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Aveline nodded.


    Russell said, ¡°I¡¯m investigating that person, but he¡¯s really good at spotting us. Every time we get close, he vanishes.¡±


    Aveline looked at him gratefully. ¡°Russ, thank you so much. If it weren¡¯t for you, I might have been dead by now.¡±


    Russell let out augh. ¡°If you really want to thank me, how about doing something useful instead?¡±


    Aveline looked puzzled. ¡°Like what?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Russell said, ¡°In a week, I need to attend a g. Come with me as my date. Consider it as repayment. How about it?¡±


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    Aveline hesitated and said, ¡°But I¡¯ve never attended such an event. I¡¯m afraid I might make mistakes.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°No worries, you just need to look beautiful.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, just promise not to scold me if I mess up.¡±


    Russell chuckled softly. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t.¡±


    Aveline continued packing her things. She didn¡¯t have much; everything fit into one suitcase. Once she was done, she paused for a moment, feeling a bit dazed.


    After living here for so long, this was all she had?


    From the beginning, she had never felt like this ce elonged to her.


    A faint bitterness crossed her eyes as she zipped up her suitcase and carried it out


    the door.


    She


    gave the passcode to Russell.


    Russell nodded slightly, took the suitcase from her hand, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Leaving Maple Garden, they headed back to the apartment she had lived in before.


    It had been a while since she returned, and the ce was a bit messy.


    Feeling a bit embarrassed, Aveline said, ¡°I haven¡¯t been back in a while. I need to clean up first. Russ, please wait a moment.¡±


    Russell nodded, ncing around the simple two¨Cbedroom apartment with a light sparkle in his eyes.


    Had they lived here for the past year?


    But there were no traces that Lucas had stayed here before.


    Had she cleared up everything that was rted to him?


    Scoffing inwardly, he watched as Aveline tidied up the living room and then brought him some tea. ¡°Russ, please have a seat.


    Russell said, ¡°I can help, you know.¡±


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    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No need. You just rest. I¡¯ll be done in a moment.¡±


    After all, it wasn¡¯t right to let a guest help with the chores.


    Russell watched her deft movements, his smile widening. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working today? Have you resigned?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I resigned,¡± Aveline replied calmly,


    Russell said, ¡°You handled it quickly. What are your ns now? Wannae to work for me?¡±


    While still upied, Aveline said, ¡°I just received a lot of money. I¡¯m not nning on finding a job right away. I need to enjoy life first.¡±


    Russell chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s a good n.¡±


    The benefit of a small apartment was that it took less than an hour for Aveline to tidy up. She sat on the couch, took a sip of water, and looked around the familiar surroundings, feeling as if she had been away for ages.


    Suddenly, she sighed and said, ¡°Russ, how can a person change so much once he gets back his memories?¡±


    Russell¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°I don¡¯t know about others, but I wouldn¡¯t change. It¡¯s not like I drank a potion to forget everything. It¡¯s just remembering more things, so there¡¯s no reason to change so drastically.¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Really?¡±


    Russell looked at her earnestly. ¡°Really.¡±


    Her eyes shed briefly, and she smiled nonchntly. ¡°Oh.¡±


    Seeing her somewhat lost expression, Russell felt a strange sensation within him, but he didn¡¯t dwell on it. Instead, he said, ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re an orphan. Have you ever thought about finding your biological parents?¡±


    ¡°Finding my biological parents?¡±


    Russell nodded. ¡°Your life has been too simple. So, when someone like him appeared, you put your whole heart into it. You should look for your biological


    parents and make more friends.¡±


    Aveline began to seriously consider it. She had grown up in an orphanage and had never thought about finding her biological parents.

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    The orphanage was filled with children who had been abandoned by their parents. When Aveline was a child back then, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she had been abandoned too.


    Why didn¡¯t her parents want her after giving birth to her?


    So, for all these years, she had never thought about looking for her biological parents.


    Russell, noticing her distracted expression, said, ¡°Maybe something happened to your family, or perhaps you were taken away. It¡¯s all possible. Do you want to find them, Aveline?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet,¡± Aveline replied.


    Russell said, ¡°Take your time to think it over. When you¡¯re ready, let me know. I can help you.<b>¡±</b>


    Aveline looked at him, feeling touched. ¡°Russ, why are you so good to me?¡±


    Russell saw the familiar look of admiration in her eyes, and it made his heart ache. He choked up a bit and said, ¡°Because I¡¯m your friend, remember? Haha.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Russell didn¡¯t want to continue the topic.


    Did he really appear like a friend to her?


    He squinted, recalling the first time she saw him and the amazement in her eyes.


    Why was it gone now?


    Sigh¡­


    By noon, Aveline made lunch, and Russell didn¡¯t refuse to eat together. He left only after their lunch.


    Aveline sat on the couch and called Selena.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Selena¡¯s voice was soft.


    1/3


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    Aveline asked, ¡°Is it inconvenient to talk?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°No, I just don¡¯t want him to hear my voice and start bothering me again.¡±


    Aveline felt a pang of sympathy for Selena.


    ¡°I sold the Maple Garden property,¡± Aveline said.


    Selena paused. ¡°So quickly? How much did you sell it for?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Eight million.¡±


    Selena¡¯s tone became excited. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic, truly fantastic! My dear, you¡¯ve be a wealthy woman overnight!¡±


    Aveline continued, ¡°I also n to sell my previous property and then leave Cloudre City.¡±


    ¡°What? You¡¯re leaving Cloudre City?¡± Selena eximed, her voice rising a few


    octaves.


    She quickly covered her mouth and nced towards the bedroom to check if there was any reaction from Aaron. Hearing nothing, she lowered her voice and asked, Ave, what happened?¡±


    ¡°Nothing happened. I just had a sudden realization. I¡¯m here alone and don¡¯t see a point in staying here anymore,¡± Aveline replied.


    Selena said, ¡°I¡¯m d you finally figured it out. I support you!¡±


    Aveline added, ¡°Once you¡¯re done with your situation,e over for dinner. But don¡¯t take too long because I¡¯m nning to sell this ce too.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°If everything goes well, I should be done in about a week.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aveline hung up the phone.


    A smile appeared on Selena¡¯s face. She was genuinely happy that Aveline hade


    to this decision.


    She put her phone away and hummed a tune as she headed to the kitchen.


    Meanwhile¡­


    2/3


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    Aaron stood against the wall, having heard her recent conversation.


    Leaving Cloudre City?


    Who was leaving Cloudre City?


    Aaron walked back into the bedroom and dialed Lucas¡® number.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    The phone connected, and Lucas¡® cold voice came through.


    Hearing his tone, Aaron knew that Lucas was in a particrly bad mood, and it likely had something to do with Aveline.


    ¡°Tsk tsk, let me guess, you¡¯re upset because of Ave¡®


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Lucas snapped.


    right?¡± Aaron teased.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He was about to hang up when Aaron casually said, ¡°Aveline ns to leave Cloudre City.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t sure, but he said it anyway, just to provoke Lucas.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew even colder, a chill radiating through the phone that seemed to seep into Aaron.


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    Chapter 212


    Aaron reached up to rub his arm and said, ¡°I overheard Selena talking to Aveline on the phone. She sounds pretty certain. What did you do to make her want to leave Cloudre City?¡±


    But he received no answer; Lucas hung up on him abruptly.


    ¡°What a temper!¡± Aaronmented, setting his phone aside and leaning back against the headboard.


    ¡°Selena!¡± He called out loudly, immediately feeling dizzy and unwell.


    A momentter, Selena pushed the door open and poked her head in. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Aaron, half¨Csquinting, said, ¡°Add me to your messe


    keep shouting; it gives me a headache.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°You could just call me.¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°That¡¯s too much trouble.¡±


    Selena was speechless.


    contact. I don¡¯t want to


    She gave him a perplexed look, unable to understand why he found calling her more troublesome than opening WhatsApp to send a message.


    What had gotten into him this time?


    But, remembering that she only had a week left with him, she decided not to argue. She walked in and added him as a contact.


    Aaron nced at her profile picture and suddenly asked, ¡°Do you like snow?<i>¡±</i>


    Selena¡¯s expression froze, cursing silently. She had forgotten to change her profile picture!


    Both her main and secondary ounts had snow¨Cthemed avatars!


    ¡°Uh, yes, I¡¯m from the south and have never seen snow,¡± Selena lied smoothly.


    She had seen snow. She had witnessed it while watching the Northern Lights in the Arctic.


    Aaron scoffed lightly. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen much of the world, have you?¡±


    Selena¡¯s face turned cold. ¡°Mind your own business!¡±


    1/3


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    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Aaron didn¡¯t make things difficult for her and instead opened another WhatsApp chat window.


    Aaron texted, ¡°Hey Snow, with a name like that, do you like snow?¡±


    After leaving the room<b>, </b>Selena received a message on her secondary ount. She nced at it, smirked, and headed into the kitchen, ready to dig deeper.


    Snow replied, ¡°Yes, Aaron. I¡¯m from the south, and my biggest dream since childhood has been to see snow and build a snowman. It would be <b>so </b>romantic. And if I could do it with you, it would be even better!¡±


    Then she sent a shy emoji.


    Aaron responded, ¡°Are you getting a break soon? It¡¯s


    wing up north this time of year. You should go see it. Take some photos for me when you¡¯re there. I¡¯d love to see them.¡±


    Snow texted, ¡°Yes, my break ising up, but the north is too far. I¡¯ll have to work part¨Ctime during the break to pay for my tuition, so I won¡¯t be able to take beautiful snow photos for you.¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer you ten thousand dors. You go see the snow there, and I¡¯ll handle the rest.¡±


    Snow texted, ¡°Aaron, you¡¯re so kind. I¡¯ve never met anyone as good as you¡­¡±


    Aaron responded, ¡°Just remember to take photos for me.¡±


    Snow texted, ¡°I¡¯ll work hard to earn the money to go. I can¡¯t take your money.¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°Be good, or I¡¯ll be upset.¡±


    Snow texted, ¡°Aaron, don¡¯t be mad. I¡¯ll ept it.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    She epted the transfer and sent a heart emoji in response.


    Selena smirked.


    Ha!


    This man usually seems so shrewd, but the moment he encountered a female college student, he lost all sense of direction.


    What a naive fool!


    2/3


    ¡°What are youughing about?¡±


    At that moment, Aaron¡¯s voice suddenly came from behind her.


    Startled, Selena dropped her phone, whichnded screen up on the floor. Aaron instinctively nced down at it!


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    Chapter <b>213</b>


    Selena nced down too, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.


    Oh no!


    She was about to be caught!


    But when she looked down<b>, </b>she saw that her phone had broken upon impact!


    The screen was ck!


    For a moment, she didn¡¯t know how to react.


    Aaron frowned. ¡°Why are you so nervous?¡±


    Selena looked at him with a nk expression. ¡°I w ¡®t nervous. But you<b>, </b>why did


    up behind me? Were you trying to ambush me?¡±


    you sneak


    Aaron fell silent.


    He gave her an exasperated look and said, ¡°I just came to see if you were done. I¡¯m starving.¡±


    Selena maintained her nk expression. ¡°You could just send me a message! We just added each other on WhatsApp. If you were to fall because you came over, would you me it on me?¡±


    Aaron was speechless, thinking, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into this woman?¡±


    He rubbed his temples. ¡°I don¡¯t have the energy to argue with you.¡±


    Then he left the kitchen.


    Watching him enter the dining room and sit down, Selena let out a deep breath.


    Phew!


    That was a close call!


    She thought he¡¯d figured it out!


    Looks like she¡¯d need to be more careful next time. She wasn¡¯t done fooling him yet and couldn¡¯t let him discover her secret!


    Bending down to pick up her phone, Selena felt a pang of heartache.


    Her phone had be a casualty in the process!


    1/3


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    Night fell.


    Lucas drove straight to Maple Garden.


    Dressed in a custom¨Cmade ck suit, he exuded an aura of cold elegance. His handsome, sharp face showed no trace of warmth as he reached out to press the doorbell.


    The doorbell rang for a long time, but no one answered.


    He took out his phone and called Aveline, but each time, he got the message that she was on another call.


    She had blocked him!


    She had blocked him again!


    That infuriating woman!N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Lucas pressed his lips into a straight line, and the coldness around him intensified, his gaze murderous.


    Just as his patience was about to run out, the door finally opened.


    ¡°Aveline, you-¡± Lucas began to demand an exnation, but his eyes turned icy when he saw who had opened the door.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Russell crossed his arms, his short purple¨Cgray hair adding to his roguish charm. He raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°That¡¯s the question I should be asking you. Why are you ringing my doorbell?¡±


    ¡°Your doorbell?¡± Lucas¡® eyes narrowed dangerously before he barged into the room, his shoulder colliding forcefully with Russell¡¯s.


    Russell stepped back half a pace, a mocking smile curling his lips.


    He watched Lucas head straight for the bedroom and didn¡¯t stop him, following casually behind. ¡°The property transfer waspleted this afternoon. I¡¯m now the owner of this house.¡±


    Lucas searched all the rooms but found no trace of Aveline. Even her belongings


    were gone.


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    Hearing Russell¡¯s words, his expression grew even colder.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Who?¡± Russell replied.


    Danger flickered in Laicas¡® eyes as his powerful, chilling aura bore down on Russell.


    Russell felt the pressure but remained unfazed. He sat on the sofa and said calmly, ¡± Lucas, you¡¯re a guest here, so I won¡¯t make a fuss. But I hope this won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Lucas quickly realized the situation¨CAveline had sold the house to Russell!


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    Chapter <b>214</b>


    Lucas gritted his teeth in anger, now waiting nothing more than to grab Aveline and strangle her!


    The Maple Garden house was a meticulously chosen gift from him. How dare she sell it?


    The pressure in the room intensified, and the coldness in the air seemed to freeze.


    Russell frowned, seeing the murderous look in Lucas¡® eyes. He suddenly felt worried for Aveline. This madman might actually try to kill her. He needed to warn her to get out of town quickly.


    Lucas¡® cold gaze fell on Russell¡¯s face, his voice icy. ¡°Mr. Skyler, you don¡¯t need this house. Name your price, I¡¯ll buy it.¡±


    Russellughed as if he had heard a hrious joke. ¡°Lucas, did I hear you right? You want to buy this house back? Are you that desperate to throw your money away?¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained haughty and detached. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone contact you. Within three days, I expect you to move out.¡±


    With that, he turned and left, heading straight for Aveline¡¯s current residence.


    Russell snorted. The house was in his hands now; he had no intention of selling it. He took out his phone and called Aveline.


    ¡°Hello? Ave, Lucas just left my ce. He¡¯s probably on his way to find you. Be careful, ¡± he said as soon as she picked up.


    Aveline¡¯s cheerful voice came through. ¡°Thanks, Russ. I¡¯ve already left Cloudre City.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Russell paused, sitting up straight. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Just going home for a visit.¡±


    Russell remarked, ¡°You sure move fast. He shouldn¡¯t be able to find you now. Take this chance to enjoy yourself.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Aveline said.


    Russell reminded her, ¡°Don¡¯t forget about the g in a week. It would be embarrassing to attend without a date.¡±


    +15 BONUSThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be back in a week<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Russell said, hanging up.


    The ne had already taken off.


    Aveline put her phone away, donned her eye mask, and allowed herself to rxpletely. She knew Lucas would definitely look for her, but she hadn¡¯t expected it to be so soon!


    However, she had already sold the house, so what could he possibly do about it? And she was already on the ne¨Cwas he going to ground it mid¨Cflight?


    Aveline smirked and soon fell asleep.


    Three hourster, the nended in Stonefall City and headed straight for Arthur Town.


    got into her pre¨Cbooked car


    She had grown up in an orphanage in Arthur Town. Russell¡¯s words had struck a chord with her. Perhaps she really should try to find her biological parents. Her life shouldn¡¯t be filled only with painful memories.


    When she arrived at Arthur Town, it was already the early hours of the morning.


    Aveline checked into a hotel. Arthur Town was a small, poor town, and the hotel she chose was the best avable. There were no strange smells in the room. She took a


    shower and then turned on her phone.


    Countless notifications flooded in. Many were from an unfamiliar number, but judging by the content, she knew they were from Lucas.


    She deleted them all with one click, then got into bed and started watching videos on her phone.


    Having napped on the ne, she wasn¡¯t very sleepy now.


    While scrolling, a call came in from an unknown number. She ignored it and blocked the number. But as soon as she blocked one, another call from a different number came in, relentless and unyielding.


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    Aveline chuckled<b>. </b>¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be back in a week.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Russell said, hanging up.


    The ne had already taken off.


    Aveline put <b>her </b>phone away, donned her eye mask, and allowed herself to rxpletely. She knew Lucas would definitely look for her, but she hadn¡¯t expected it to be <b>so </b>soon!


    However, she had already sold the house, so what could he possibly do about it? And she was already on the ne¨Cwas he going to ground it mid¨Cflight?


    Aveline smirked and soon fell asleep.


    Three hourster, the nended in Stonefall City. She got into her pre¨Cbooked car and headed straight for Arthur Town.


    J


    She had grown up in an orphanage in Arthur Town. Russel words had struck a chord with her. Perhaps she really should try to find her biological parents. Her life shouldn¡¯t be filled only with painful memories.


    When she arrived at Arthur Town, it was already the early hours of the morning.


    Aveline checked into a hotel. Arthur Town was a small, poor town, and the hotel she chose was the best avable. There were no strange smells in the room. She took a shower and then turned on her phone.


    Countless notifications flooded in. Many were from an unfamiliar number, but judging by the content, she knew they were from Lucas.


    She deleted them all with one click, then got into bed and started watching videos on her phone.


    Having napped on the ne, she wasn¡¯t very sleepy now.


    While scrolling, a call came in from an unknown number. She ignored it and blocked the number. But as soon as she blocked one, another call from a different number came in, relentless and unyielding.


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    Chapter <b>215</b>


    Aveline was thoroughly annoyed.


    She didn¡¯t understand.


    Why was he calling her?


    What was there to say?


    His attitude had been clear¨Che was firmly on Sophia¡¯s side. So why was he still bothering her?


    Did he really want to be aplete jerk?


    But she had no patience to y his games!


    Aveline simply turned off her phone and went to sleep.


    She thought she would have trouble sleeping.


    But with her mind upied with other things, she hardly thought of Lucas.


    She had a restful night.


    In Cloudre City.


    At the Tudor mansion.


    Lucas listened to the cold, unyielding tone of the phone¡¯s automated message, and in a fit of rage, smashed his phone!


    He was enveloped in an aura of extreme coldness.


    Aveline had actually run away!


    She had a lot of nerve!


    Did she think this would free her from everything?


    What wishful thinking!


    Lucas took a moment to calm himself, then sent a message to Maria. ¡°Find out where Aveline is now.¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°Tomorrow. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    Lucas demanded, ¡°Do it now!¡±


    1/3


    Chapter 215


    Aveline was thoroughly annoyed.


    She didn¡¯t understand.


    Why was he calling her?


    What was there to say?


    His attitude had been clear¨Che was firmly on Sophia¡¯s side. So why was he still bothering her?


    Did he really want to be aplete jerk?


    But she had no patience to y his games!


    Aveline simply turned off her phone and went to sleep.


    She thought she would have trouble sleeping.


    But with her mind upied with other things, she hardly thought of Lucas.


    She had a restful night.


    In Cloudre City.


    At the Tudor mansion.


    Lucas listened to the cold, unyielding tone of the phone¡¯s automated message, and in a fit of rage, smashed his phone!


    He was enveloped in an aura of extreme coldness.


    Aveline had actually run away!


    She had a lot of nerve!


    Did she think this would free her from everything?


    What wishful thinking!


    Lucas took a moment to calm himself, then sent a message to Maria. ¡°Find out where Aveline is now.¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°Tomorrow. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    Lucas demanded, ¡°Do it now!¡±


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Maria texted, ¡°You¡¯re so fierce! No girl will ever like you like this.¡±


    As if afraid of Lucas¡® anger, Maria sent Aveline¡¯s location right after her cheeky message.


    For Maria, tracking someone¡¯s location was incredibly easy<b>. </b>Unless the person had disappeared into a dense forest<b>, </b>she could find them anywhere!


    Lucas opened the map and looked at the marked location<b>, </b>his eyes narrowing.


    The next day.


    Desmond ced a file on Lucas¡® desk and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, these are all the project details for developing Arthur Town. Arthur Town has been quite impoverished and backward, but its natural resources are abundant.


    ¡°Developing it into a tourist area could boost the economy. The local leaders are very keen on this reform and have strongly invited you to visit the site personally.¡±


    Lucas flipped through the documents with an indiffere


    Make the arrangements.¡±


    Desmond nodded. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    xpression and said, ¡®


    11


    By securing this project, DK Group would be thergest investor in the development of Arthur Town. This would bring a series of policy benefits.


    For Lucas, who had just returned to DK Group, this would be a significant achievement. Sessfully executing this project would further solidify his position as the future heir of the Tudor family.


    Desmond quickly arranged everything for the trip to Arthur Town. By the time they were ready to depart, it was already afternoon.


    In the morning, Aveline went out for breakfast and then took a leisurely stroll down


    the street.


    She wasn¡¯t in a hurry to return to the orphanage.


    It had been many years since shest visited, and she felt uncertain about how to face the director. She wondered if the director had been well over these past few


    years.


    Lost in thought, she was startled by a familiar voice.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    2/3


    +16 BONUS


    ¡°Aveline?¡±


    The voice carried a hint of hesitation and uncertainty, as if the speaker couldn¡¯t quite believe it was her.


    Aveline turned and saw a young man in a ck hoodie and pants standing beside her, his handsome face lighting up with surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s really you! When did you get back?¡±

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    Aveline smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot too. If you hadn¡¯t called out to me, <b>I </b>wouldn¡¯t have recognized you.¡±


    Aveline and Russell grew up together in the orphanage and were close friends as


    kids. But as they got older, things changed and they drifted apart. After Aveline left for college, she lost touch with her old friends from the orphanage.


    Zachary asked, ¡°Are you back to see us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± Aveline nodded.


    Originally, she had wanted to take her time before going back, but it seemed that wasn¡¯t going to happen now.


    Zachary¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s great! Aveline, Madam Hilda will be so happy to see you. She¡¯s been talking about you all these years.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°I¡¯m going to buy a few things. Do you want toe with me?¡±


    Sure,¡± Zachary agreed.


    During their conversation, Aveline learned that Zachary had just graduated and hadn¡¯t found a job yet. He had returned to Arthur Town hoping to find a stable job, which would also allow him to help out at the orphanage regrly.


    Aveline listened with a gentle smile, though her eyes held a distant emotion.


    After buying the supplies, they loaded them into her rented car, and Aveline said, Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Zachary opened the car door and remarked, ¡°You know, you¡¯ve done the best out of all of us from the orphanage. You got out of Arthur Town and made it to a big city like Cloudre. Where are you working now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m currently not working,¡± Aveline replied. She had resigned, so she was indeed jobless.


    Zachary paused and then smiled. ¡°No worries. There are plenty of jobs out there. You¡¯ll find the right one.¡®


    ¡°Yes,¡± Aveline agreed.


    Following the familiar route from her memory, Aveline drove back to the orphanage. It looked just as it had before: a three¨Cstory building surrounded by high walls<b>, </b>theContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


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    gate closed, with asional sounds ofughter drifting out from inside.


    Zachary went to open the gate, calling out to those inside, ¡°Madam Hilda, look who¡¯s back!¡±


    Amid the mor of footsteps, an excited voice rang out, ¡°Is it Juliet? I knew it had to be her. I always knew she¡¯de back to repay me after marrying a wealthy man<b>!</b>¡±


    However, when Hilda reached the gate and saw it wasn¡¯t Juliet, she froze.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± she asked.


    Aveline opened the trunk and started unloading the supplies. ¡°Madam Hilda, it¡¯s me, Aveline.¡±


    Hilda, with her graying hair, squinted at Aveline. The joy on her face vanished instantly, reced by a cold tone. ¡°Why are you back? Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d never return?¡±


    Zachary quickly tugged on Hilda¡¯s arm. ¡°Madam Hilda, Aveline came back because she was thinking of you. Don¡¯t be like that. Let her in.¡±


    Hilda snorted but said nothing more, turning to walk back inside.


    Feeling awkward, Zachary walked over to help with the supplies. ¡°Aveline, you know how Madam Hilda¡¯s temper is. Don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Aveline replied with a smile, her clear eyes remaining indifferent.


    She had expected this reaction, which was why she hadn¡¯t rushed back. Pushing her thoughts aside, she followed Zachary into the orphanage.


    Hilda had already gone into a room.


    Zachary led Aveline inside as well, smiling. ¡°Madam Hilda, don¡¯t you think Aveline has changed a lot over the years? I almost didn¡¯t recognize her.¡±


    Sitting on a wooden stool, Hilda shot Aveline a cold nce. ¡°How much money have you made these years? How much are you nning to give me? I¡¯ve heard Cloudre is a very wealthy city. You must have made millions. Give me six hundred thousand dors, and we¡¯ll call it even for raising you!¡±

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    Chapter <b>217</b>


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly, staying silent.


    She had intended to give Hilda some money, but seeing her current attitude, she suddenly lost interest.


    Perhaps, when Hilda founded the orphanage, she genuinely cared for the children, and Aveline even remembered feeling some warmth there as a child. But over time, entangled interests corrupted everything, and nothing remained pure.


    Aveline pulled out a chair and sat down directly.


    Hilda red at her with disapproval.


    Zachary quickly interjected, ¡°Madam Hilda, Aveline doesn¡¯t have a job. How could she have that much money?¡±


    Hilda scoffed disdainfully. ¡°You¡¯ve been in Cloudre City for so many years and still don¡¯t have a job? Aveline, do you regret not listening to me back then? If you had followed my advice, you¡¯d be a wealthydy <i>by </i>now!¡±


    Zachary shot Aveline an embarrassed nce, swiftly changing the subject. ¡°Madam Hilda, what about the other children? Are they all in school?¡±


    Hilda responded coldly, ncing at him. ¡°Have you found a job? We¡¯re over budget this month; hurry up and bring back some money.¡±


    Zachary grew even more ufortable.


    ¡°Madam Hilda,¡± Aveline spoke up, ¡°I came back this time to ask you something.¡±


    Hilda frowned. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Aveline asked calmly, ¡°When I was young, was there anything that could prove my identity?¡±


    Hilda replied curtly, ¡°No, why are you asking?¡±


    Aveline pursed her lips, looking at her calmly. ¡°Think carefully, is there really nothing?¡±


    Hilda snapped, ¡°I said no, what¡¯s with that attitude? Are you using me of lying?¡±


    Annoyed, Hilda mmed the table and stood up. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already left the orphanage, why did youe back? Seeing you just irritates me!¡±


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    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS</b>


    With that, she stormed out of the room her unweing attitude painfully clear.


    Zachary awkwardly spoke, ¡°Aveline, don¡¯t mind Madam Hilda. She¡¯s always been like this. She¡­¡±


    He wanted to defend her, but after what had just happened, any defense seemed


    weak and hollow.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Aveline replied with a slight smile.


    She was used to it by now.


    Zachary asked, ¡°Are you nning to look for your biological parents?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going to try. Maybe I wasn¡¯t abandoned after all.¡±


    Zachary nodded. ¡°I¡¯m also looking for my biological parents, but I haven¡¯t had any luck. Juliet was the luckiest in our orphanage; she found her biological parents, and they turned out to be quite wealthy.¡±


    Before he could continue, the door was abruptly flung open, and Hilda¡¯s cold voice interrupted, ¡°What are you still doing here? There¡¯s no ce for you here!¡±


    Aveline stood up. ¡°Those supplies are for the children, Madam Hilda. Please think about what I asked you, and if you remember anything, give me a call.¡±


    She wrote down her phone number and left.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Zachary said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk her out.¡±


    Hilda watched them leave with a frosty expression. After they were gone, she closed the door and pulled out her phone, dialing a number.


    ¡°Hello? Madam Hilda.¡±


    Hilda¡¯s voice was tense. ¡°Juliet, Aveline is back. She asked me if there was anything that could prove her identity. She¡¯s looking for her biological parents. What should I do now?¡±

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    Chapter <b>218</b>


    Juliet said, ¡°Why would shee back? Doesn¡¯t she hold a grudge over what happened back then?¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Hilda replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect her toe back either, Juliet. Now is not the time to dwell on that. What if she finds out something?¡±


    Juliet chuckled. ¡°She won¡¯t. She has no idea. But to prevent any mishaps, you can finish what you didn¡¯tplete back then.¡±


    Hilda¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Alright, I understand!¡±


    Then she asked, ¡°Juliet, when are youing back? It¡¯s been so long since you visited me.¡±


    Juliet¡¯s tone cooled. ¡°Madam Hilda, I have some matters to attend to here. I¡¯ll send you ten thousand dorster so you can buy something nice.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Juliet, you¡¯re always so considerate, unlike Aveline, who came back with a bunch of useless stuff. Who needs that?¡±


    After hanging up, Hilda¡¯s eyes gleamed as she scrolled through her phone until she found a number and dialed it.


    ¡°Hello? Mr. Portal? Do you remember Aveline Young?¡±


    Outside the orphanage, Zachary said, ¡°Aveline, don¡¯t take Madam Hilda¡¯s attitude to heart. She¡¯s always been like that.¡±


    Aveline looked at him and asked, ¡°Why do you want to stay here? There are broader horizons and more opportunities outside.¡±


    Zachary had studied interior design, a field with limited prospects in a small town. In a big city, he might really make a name for himself.


    Zachary replied, ¡°I want to repay Madam Hilda. If she hadn¡¯t taken me in, I would have frozen to death that winter.¡±


    Aveline fell silent. She had once thought the same, but people change, and so do their thoughts.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be going now,¡± she said.


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Zachary nodded. ¡°Okay, if you¡¯re sticking around for a bit, just give me a call. This ce has changed a lot since you left. I can show you around if you want.¡®


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aveline smiled. The sunlight fell on her, highlighting her exquisite features and clear, beautiful eyes.


    Zachary was momentarily dazzled by Aveline¡¯s smile.


    Aveline got into her car and drove away. Watching her car disappear, Zachary ced a hand over his chest, feeling his heart race wildly.


    Aveline drove back to the hotel area and dropped off the car. Feeling hungry, she grabbed a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, she took a leisurely walk through the streets, picking up some local crafts as gifts for Selena and Russell. With her shopping done, she made her way back to the hotel.


    Just as she was about to take a nap, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number, but recalling she had given Hilda her number earlier, she decided to answer.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± came Hilda¡¯s voice.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°Madam Hilda, did you remember something?¡±


    Hilda responded, ¡°Yes, I remember you had something with you when I took you in. Let¡¯s meet tonight to talk. Come to Celestial Heights. I¡¯ll be waiting there.¡±


    Celestial Heights was the best restaurant in Arthur Town, frequented by high- ranking officials and important figures. Why would Hilda choose such a ce to meet?


    Aveline replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need to meet there. I cane to the orphanage to find you.¡±


    Hilda¡¯s voice sharpened. ¡°I want to eat at Celestial Heights. I raised you for years, and you won¡¯t even buy me one meal there? Aveline, don¡¯t you have any gratitude?¡±

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    Aveline thought about it and decided that once she learned about her biological parents, she would leave Arthur Town immediately.


    She agreed, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Hilda sneered. ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone.


    Aveline set her phone aside andy down to sleep.


    In the evening, at Celestial Heights, Aveline arrived to see Hilda anxiously waiting at the entrance.


    She walked over. ¡°Madam Hilda.¡±


    Seeing her approach, Hilda seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and grasped Aveline¡¯s hand. ¡°Why are you sote? Do you not want to know about that item you had with you back then?¡±


    Aveline pulled her hand away. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, let¡¯s go in. I¡¯ve already booked a private room. I¡¯ve wanted to try the food here for ages, but with so many children to look after, none of you ever made enough money to treat me.¡±


    Hilda chattered non¨Cstop as they entered the club. Once inside, she marveled at everything, acting as if she had never seen such luxury before.


    Aveline remained indifferent the entire time.


    In the private room, Hilda eagerly took the menu and started ordering the most expensive dishes from Celestial Heights.


    Aveline remained patient. She knew Hilda¡¯s greedy nature and understood that unless Hilda felt fully satisfied, she wouldn¡¯t reveal anything.


    After ordering, Hilda pointed at Aveline and told the waiter, ¡°She¡¯ll be paying. Make sure to remember her face so she doesn¡¯t run off.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    The waiter awkwardly replied, ¡°¡­Alright.¡±


    Hilda studied Aveline, quietly amazed at how she¡¯d changed. As a child, Aveline hadThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS</b>


    been pale and skinny fromck of food. But over the years, she¡¯d blossomed into a beautiful young woman.


    Now, she was a true beauty.


    The bright lighting in the private room highlighted her simple white blouse and jeans. Her long hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, giving her a serene and gentle demeanor. Her features were exquisite and attractive, yet she wore no makeup, exuding a subtle purity.


    The blend of different qualities in her appearance was perfectly bnced, stirring a desire to break through her calm fa?ade.


    Hilda¡¯s eyes gleamed with a cunning light.


    ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re not getting any younger. Have you found a boyfriend yet?¡± Hilda asked.


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Madam Hilda, you shouldn¡¯t bring up what you did back then. If I could bash someone¡¯s head and run away then, I can certainly do it now.¡±


    Hilda choked on her words, feeling a bit displeased. However, remembering what was at stake, she held back her temper and didn¡¯tsh out.


    Silence fell over the room, creating an awkward atmosphere. Fortunately, the food arrived quickly.


    Hilda¡¯s eyes lit up as she picked up her utensils and started eating heartily. ¡°The food at Celestial Heights is really different from other ces, so delicious.¡±


    Aveline remained calm, asking, ¡°Hasn¡¯t Juliet ever taken you here?¡±


    Hilda nced at her and scoffed, ¡°Do you think everyone is like you, an unemployed nobody? Juliet is very aplished now. Her biological parents are very wealthy, and her fianc¨¦ is also rich. She¡¯s a princess now, while you are nothing!¡±


    In Hilda¡¯s eyes, Juliet was like her own daughter, while Aveline was the child she despised the most.

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    Hilda continued to belittle Aveline while greedily eating the meal that Aveline was paying for.


    Aveline found it exasperating.


    Finally, after Hilda had eaten her fill, she burped and stood up, saying, ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom.¡±


    Aveline put down her utensils, intending to ask her about the matter once she returned.


    However, half an hour passed, and Hilda had not returned.


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed, and she took out her phone to call Hilda.


    No one answered.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew cold.


    Just then, the door to the private room was abruptly pushed open, and a young man with a broad, menacing face walked in. He wore a leather jacket and had an insolent demeanor.


    His eyes


    lit up upon seeing Aveline.


    ¡°It¡¯s been years, and you¡¯ve be even more beautiful!¡± he eximed.


    Aveline immediately stood up, warily eyeing the neer.


    It was Mike Portal.


    Mike, the son of Arthur Town¡¯s deputy mayor, was infamous for his rampant behavior and terrible reputation. Five years ago, on the night Aveline received her college eptance letter, Hilda had taken her out to celebrate. She drugged Aveline¡¯s food and sent the unconscious girl to Mike¡¯s bed.


    Aveline had broken a bottle, cutting her thigh to stay awake. When Mike approached her, she struck him on the head with the bottle, rendering him unconscious before fleeing Arthur Town that very night.


    Now, five yearster, she found herself facing him again.


    No, this wasn¡¯t a coincidence!


    How could Mike know she was in this private room? And why hadn¡¯t Hilda returned?


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    The answer was all too clear.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew colder. Hilda was trying to hand her over to Mike again!


    Mike closed the door behind him and rubbed his hands together. ¡°Well, well,


    Aveline. I never forgot how you hit me back then. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d show your face here again. What happened? Couldn¡¯t make it out there?¡±


    He walked toward her, his eyes gleaming with predatory intent. ¡°You should have stayed with me back then. I would¡¯ve made sure you lived a life of luxury.¡±


    Aveline nced at the table, seeing no wine bottles, and moved to the other side, watching him warily. ¡°Seems like you forgot the pain after recovering. Want me to remind you?¡±


    Mikeughed. ¡°Go ahead, try. Last time I wasn¡¯t prepared. Now, I¡¯d like to see how you¡¯ll break my head.¡±


    With that, he lunged at her.


    Aveline dodged, running around the table, looking for a chance to escape.


    Mike flipped the table over, chuckling lecherously. ¡°Run all you want, let¡¯s see where you go now!¡±


    The crashing sound of dishes echoed, and with the table no longer a barrier, Aveline¡¯s heart sank.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Meanwhile, in the adjacent private room.


    Leaders from various levels in Arthur Town smiled at the young, handsome man sitting at the head of the table.


    Suddenly, the tter of dishes hitting the floor startled everyone.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Larry, go check it out.¡±


    The deputy mayor, Steve Portal, instructed his secretary.


    Larry nodded and quickly stepped out to investigate.


    Steve turned back to the young man at the head of the table, smiling. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Arthur Town has great development potential. Our natural spring water is pure unpolluted, and we have natural hot springs.


    and


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    ¡°The mountains are rich in resources. The only downside is the distance from the city. Developing it into a tourist area might not show immediate returns.¡±


    Outlining the pros and cons of Arthur Town was part of their strategy. Since the president of the DK Group hade for an on¨Csite inspection, they had to show their utmost sincerity.

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    Lucas¡® expression remained calm and indifferent as he spoke, Continue to refine the report. I¡¯ll conduct the assessments myself.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Steve nodded repeatedly. ¡°Mr. Tudor, you have to stay in Arthur Town for a few more days to experience our local culture and hospitality.¡±


    At that moment, the door to the private room opened, and Larry entered with a grave expression, whispering something into Steve¡¯s


    ear<b>.</b>


    Steve¡¯s expression shifted, but with Lucas present, he restrained himself from reacting too strongly. Just as he was about to give instructions, the door suddenly burst open, and someone stumbled inside!


    Five minutes earlier, in the neighboring private room.


    Mike advanced towards Aveline a step at a time, his eyes filled with lust as he eyed her tightly buttoned shirt, itching to tear it off.


    ¡°Stay away from me! If youy a finger on me, I¡¯ll make sure your life bes a living hell!¡± Aveline¡¯s face paled as she desperately searched for something to defend herself with,


    Mikeughed arrogantly, dismissing her threats, ¡°Go ahead and try. Here in Arthur Town, I¡¯m untouchable!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t wait any longer and lunged at Aveline.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Aveline screamed and dodged.


    Just then, there was a knock on the private room door.


    Mike¡¯s face darkened with anger as he roared, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    However, the door opened, and Larry stood there with a serious expression. ¡°Mr. Mike, please don¡¯t cause trouble here. Mr. Steve is entertaining investors from Cloudre City.¡±


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS</b>


    ¡°Get the hell out! Who told you <b>to </be in?¡± Mike¡¯s rage intensified as Larry entered the room instead of leaving.


    Knowing Mike¡¯s temper, Larry realized that reasoning with him was futile. He quickly turned to seek out Steve.


    Seeing Larry leave, Mike redirected his focus back to Aveline.


    Sensing an opportunity, Aveline dashed out of the room, heading straight for the neighboring one.


    She knew she couldn¡¯t leave Celestial Heights tonight; Mike was indeed


    untouchable in Arthur Town.


    As long as she stayed in the town, he would find her wherever she went. However, since there were important investors from Cloudre -City next door, barging in there seemed like her safest option.


    ¡°Damn it, you wretched woman, how dare you run!¡± Mike¡¯s angry curses followed behind her, his footsteps growing louder and closer.


    Aveline gritted her teeth and burst through the door of the adjacent private room, charging inside.


    Mike, still cursing, followed closely behind. Seeing the people inside, he quickly said, ¡°Dad, this is my girlfriend. She¡¯s just throwing a tantrum. I¡¯ll take her out, and you can continue with your meal.¡±


    He started walking towards Aveline.


    The moment she entered, her eyes locked onto the handsome man sitting at the head of the table, and her eyes widened in shock.


    It was him!


    But there was no time to think; Mike was already approaching her.


    What should she do?


    Ask Lucas for help?


    He was a scoundrel, and if she sought his help, who knows what the


    <b>2</b>:3


    price would be?


    Aveline nced at Lucas briefly before turning to Steve and saying, ¡± Sir, I don¡¯t even know him. He¡¯s trying to rape me!¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened instantly.


    He was seated right here, yet she was asking someone else for help. Did she think he didn¡¯t exist?This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    The atmosphere in the room grew inexplicably cold, an invisible pressure weighing on everyone.


    Steve nervously nced at Lucas. Seeing his displeasure, cold sweat started to bead on his forehead.


    He turned to Mike. ¡°You brat, get out of here! Don¡¯t you see I¡¯m working? How dare you cause trouble?¡±


    Mike, unwilling to give up, red viciously at Aveline. ¡°Come here. I was wrong before. I¡¯ll apologize. Can¡¯t we make up?¡±


    Aveline immediately hid behind Steve, determined not to go anywhere


    near Mike.


    ¡°Hah!¡±


    Suddenly, a coldugh echoed through the room, sending a shiver down everyone¡¯s spine.


    They all turned towards the source of the sound.


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    Steve cautiously nced at Lucas and asked, ¡°Mr. Tudor, is there something wrong?¡±


    He shot a warning look at Mike<b>, </b>signaling him not to cause any trouble in front of Lucas. If they offended the investor, Mike would be Arthur Town¡¯s public enemy, and not even Steve could protect him<b>.</b>


    Mike understood the gravity of the situation.


    Despite wanting to drag Aveline away, he dared not act recklessly. The imposing presence of the man in the main seat created an oppressive atmosphere, making it hard for Mike to breathe.


    Lucas¡® icy, piercing gaze settled on Mike. ¡°You said she¡¯s your girlfriend?¡±


    Mike was momentarily taken aback but quickly nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    With those words, the chill in the room intensified.


    Everyone could feel the creeping coldness.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes flickered, and she pressed her lips together tightly.


    What did he mean by this? Was he nning to intervene in her situation?


    She did not want him to be involved in her affairs and was reluctant to be entangled with him.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Lucas said coldly, his eyes shifting away from Aveline¡¯s face.


    He uttered the word indifferently before standing and leaving the


    room.


    Everyone in the room looked at each other in confusion.


    ¡°What does Mr. Tudor mean by that?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°No idea.¡±


    ¡°Is Mr. Tudor interested in that girl?¡±


    The others were baffled, unable to understand the situation.


    Steve pointed at Mike, his frustration barely contained. ¡°Go home and stop embarrassing us!¡±


    Mike and Lucas were the same age, yet Lucas was already a CEO of a listedpany, while his own son was a useless yboy.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Theparison infuriated Steve.


    Mike instinctively asked, ¡°Dad, what about her¡­?¡±


    Steve barked, ¡°Get out! If you mess this up, I¡¯ll break your legs!¡±


    Mike flinched, shot a nce at Aveline, and reluctantly left.


    Aveline let out a sigh of relief.


    She looked at Steve and said, ¡°Thank you. I hope your son won¡¯t bother me again. If his actions jeopardize Arthur Town¡¯s future, it will bring a significant loss to the development of this town.¡±


    She turned to leave<b>.</b>


    ¡°Wait,¡± Steve said, his voice cold andmanding, stopping her in her tracks.


    Aveline frowned and turned back. ¡°Is there anything else, Mr. Portal?¡±


    His eyes scrutinized her for a moment before heposed himself. ¡°If you help me find out Mr. Tudor¡¯s stance, I¡¯ll make sure Mike never bothers you again. Deal?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression furned icy. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in this deal. It¡¯s your duty to discipline your son, not leverage it to make deals with me. Besides, I doubt I could extract any information from Mr. Tudor.


    ¡°Mr. Portal, for Arthur Town¡¯s future deve pment, it¡¯s better to focus


    on using real efforts rather than resorting to underhanded tactics.¡±


    With that, she walked away.


    Steve¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, but with so many people around, he restrained himself from reacting further.


    This girl had quite a sharp tongue!


    *15 BONUS


    Aveline left the private room and hurried towards the exit of Celestial Heights, pulling out her phone to call Hilda.


    As she passed another private room, a strong grip seized her wrist, yanking her inside.


    ¡°Ah!¡± she screamed, her face paling instantly.


    Was it Mike again?


    She struggled frantically, but in the next moment, the attacker wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, pinning her against the wall, while he mped a hand firmly over her mouth.


    Despair engulfed her heart.


    COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus

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    ¡°Don¡¯t scream,¡± a deep, maic voicemanded, and Aveline¡¯s struggles ceased abruptly.


    It was Lucas.


    Strangely, her fear began to dissipate.


    She stopped struggling, though her breathing remained rapid, and her body continued to tremble slightly from the residual fear.


    Lucas released his hand from her mouth, his sharp, handsome features cold in the dim light. ¡°Aveline, did I give you permission to resign? This counts as absenteeism!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyelids fluttered briefly.


    ¡°Then just dock my pay,¡± she replied.


    Lucas¡® face twisted in anger. He gripped her neck, forcing her to look, directly at him. ¡°Why did you sell the house?¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t like this position.


    She tried to push him away, but he was too strong. ¡°The house is mine. I can do whatever I want with it. What does it have to do with you?¡±


    Her clear, indifferent gaze irritated Lucas even more, igniting a fiery rage within him. He had been trying to contact her, but she blocked him.


    Now, she wouldn¡¯t even look at him properly.


    How dare she!


    He tightened his grip slightly. ¡°Aveline, we¡¯re not divorced yet. You can¡¯t dispose of marital property without my consent!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s anger red.


    She started hitting and kicking him wildly. ¡°Lucas, are you insane?


    +15 BONUS


    Since you know we¡¯re not divorced, should I hold you ountable for openly cheating on me? Did you think about our marriage when you announced you¡¯d marry Sophia right in front of me? You¡¯re the worst kind of scumbag, and I-¡±


    Before she could finish, Lucas crashed his lips onto hers.


    His hot breath enveloped her, and his cool scent invaded her senses. He used his tall frame to pin her against the wall, making it impossible for her to resist.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Aveline struggled, shaking her head to avoid his kiss, but Lucas tightened his grip on the back of her head, deepening the kiss with fierce intensity. It was as if her taste had driven him wild, turning him into a beast. Their breaths became erratic, and her vision blurred as she struggled to breathe.


    After what felt like an eternity, Lucas finally ended the storm¨Clike kiss. His touch softened as he gently traced the contours of her lips, savoring her breath and how it stirred his emotions.


    ¡°Stay with me these few days when I¡¯m here. No one will dare bully you,¡± Lucas said in a hoarse voice, his other hand already around her waist, pulling her close as if he wanted to merge her with his very being.


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Seizing the moment of his lowered guard, Aveline pushed him away and pped him hard across the face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be anywhere near someone who kisses so poorly!¡±


    Without waiting for his reaction, she hurried away, her steps unsteady. As the cold wind hit her outside, Aveline realized what she had done, her hands trembling slightly. But deep down, she felt a satisfying sense of relief.

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    Lucas appeared like he was about to lose his mind, and Aveline wasn¡¯t going to stick around for it!


    She quickly got into a taxi and headed back to her hotel.


    Inside Celestial Heights, under the dim lighting, Lucas stood tall and imposing, his expression still frozen in a slight smirk, a chilling aura radiating from him. He touched his face lightly, a low chuckle escaping him as if he had just seen a different side of Aveline¨Cone that


    intrigued him even more.


    Just then, his phone rang. He answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s gentle voice came through. ¡°Lucas, why didn¡¯t you tell me you were going on a business trip?¡±


    Lucas¡® tone was cold. ¡°Why should I inform you about my trips?¡±


    Sophia panicked slightly. ¡°Lucas, I didn¡¯t mean to pry into your schedule. I¡¯m just scared when you¡¯re not around.¡±


    Lucas pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag, the smoke swirling around him. His voice turned even colder. ¡°Sophia, I don¡¯t like anyone meddling in my affairs. You understood this two years ago, didn¡¯t you?


    Sophia¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s wrong? Did I do something to. upset you?¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas listened to her cautious tone, his handsome, sharp features remaining impassive. ¡°I just suddenly thought that your attempt to force me to marry you by jumping off a building was rather dull.¡±


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    ¡°Hello? Lucas?¡± Sophia was stunned, wanting to ask what he meant, but the call had ended. She gripped her phone tightly, her hands trembling slightly.


    +15 BONUS


    What did he mean? Didn¡¯t he want to marry her anymore? How could he do this<b>?</b>


    Sophia, her face contorted with anger, dialed another number. ¡°I need to know where Lucas is right now!¡±


    Lucas took a drag on his cigarette, the tip glowing faintly in the darkness. He looked at Desmond and said, ¡°Find someone to deal with that reckless fool.¡±


    Desmond nodded. ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    As night deepened, Mike was furious about not getting his hands on Aveline. He and a few friends drank and plotted their next move to capture her. But suddenly, a group of men in ck burst in, grabbed Mike, and dragged him out.


    Mike struggled desperately. ¡°Who are you? Let go! Do you know who I am? You¡¯d better let go, or you¡¯ll regret it!¡±


    The men ignored his threats and dragged him into a secluded alley. Soon, his screams echoed through the night.


    Before passing out, Mike managed to call Steve, but his cries were cut short as he lost consciousness.


    At the hospital, Steve stared at Mike, who was wrapped in bandages like a mummy. His face turned livid with rage. ¡°Who did this to you?¡±


    Mike shook his head; he had no idea who had beaten him so badly. His ribs were broken in several ces, and his leg was fractured. He wouldn¡¯t be able to leave the hospital for at least a month.


    ¡°Find out who did this I want them brought to me. How dare they


    touch my son? They must have a death wish!¡±


    Steve¡¯s face was dark with fury as he issued the orders, eager to hunt down and punish the culprits.

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    Aveline returned to the hotel, still shaken.


    Lucas was in Arthur Town!


    And from the looks of it<b>, </b>he nned to stay for a while.


    She couldn¡¯t remain there if he <b>did</b>.


    Frowning, she pondered for a moment before dialing Hilda¡¯s number.


    However, Hilda didn¡¯t answer, and Aveline¡¯s expression darkened. They had repeatedly targeted her¨Cdid they really think she was an easy target?This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    She called another number and then headed to take a shower before going to bed.


    The next morning, Hilda was in high spirits, thinking about the


    previous night. She was sure Aveline hadn¡¯t escaped this time because Mike had been fixated on her for a while.


    Hilda nned to check on the children but was interrupted by a knock at the door.


    ¡°Who is it? Coming,ing!<b>¡±</b>


    She hurried to the door and opened it to find several police officers standing there.


    Startled, she asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    The lead officer shed his badge and said firmly, ¡°We¡¯ve received reports of your involvement in child trafficking and forced prostitution. You¡¯ll need toe with us.¡±


    Hilda was stunned. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t done anything like that! I¡¯m the director of an orphanage. I would never!¡±


    The officer replied, ¡°You can exin everything at the station.¡±


    Hilda was taken away by the police.


    Aveline found out about it when Zachary called her.


    She was having breakfast at the hotel. Hearing the concern in


    Zachary¡¯s voice, she responded calmly, ¡°Do you know where I wasst night?¡±


    Zachary was taken aback. ¡°Aveline, where were youst night?¡±


    Aveline chuckled softly and said, ¡°Last night, she asked me to dine at Celestial Heights and sold me to Mike.¡±


    Zachary was utterly shocked. ¡°How is that possible? Is there some misunderstanding?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Five years ago, she sold me once before. I managed to escape by hitting Mike and fleeing amidst the chaos. After I ran away, what did she tell you all?¡±


    Zachary was so shocked he couldn¡¯t speak!


    In his memory, Hilda was a bad¨Ctempered woman with significant ws, but she had a good heart. After all, how else could she have shouldered the entire orphanage on her own?


    He remembered the time when Hilda returned in a fury, cursing and calling Aveline an ingrate who had run away without showing any gratitude for being raised. Everyone believed her back then.


    They couldn¡¯t understand why Aveline would run away after being raised by Hilda.


    It turned out there were deeper reasons behind it all!


    Zachary¡¯s voice was a bit hoarse as he asked, ¡°Aveline, aboutst night


    are you alright?¡±

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    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s tone was calm. ¡°Since she raised me, I won¡¯t hold a grudge over what happened five years ago. But after that night, I considered my debt to her repaid. This time, I won¡¯t let her off the hook. She has to face the consequences of her actions. If she¡¯s innocent, she¡¯ll be released.¡±


    Zachary remained silent.


    Aveline took out a tissue and wiped the corner of her mouth. ¡°Zachary, I advise you to leave Arthur Town and explore opportunities elsewhere. You¡¯re still young, staying here will only hold you back.¡±


    Zachary replied, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline returned to the hotel, nning to visit the police station a few dayster to inquire about her background.


    Hilda needed to suffer a bit.


    To avoid Lucas, Aveline hadn¡¯t left her room for several days.


    That particr morning, she received a call from Russell.


    ¡°Aveline, you haven¡¯t forgotten your promise to me, have you?¡± Russell¡¯s light¨Chearted voice came through.


    Aveline paused, her movements stilled as confusion flickered in her eyes.


    Seeing her silence, Russell sighed. ¡°There¡¯s a banquet tonight. You -promised to apany me. Did you really forget?¡±


    Aveline felt a wave of embarrassment. She had indeed forgotten!


    ¡°Russ, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll book a ticket right now. I should be able to make it in time for the banquet.¡±


    As she spoke, she opened the booking app.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Russell sighed again. ¡°There¡¯s still time. You don¡¯t have to rush<i>, </i>just send me your flight details, and I¡¯ll pick you up and take you to the banquet.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline agreed.


    After hanging <b>up</b>, she quickly changed clothes, grabbed her suitcase, and left the hotel, heading straight to the station.


    The journey from Arthur Town to the city took two hours, followed by a three¨Chour flight. She would <b>just </b>make it in <b>time</b><b>.</b>


    Once on the ne, Aveline sent her <b>flight </b>information to Russell, who replied with an ¡°OK.¡±


    Aveline rxed and looked out the window. She hoped that by the <b>time </b>she returned, Lucas would be gone.


    Celestial Heights.


    In the luxurious presidential suite, Desmond walked in and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, the Johnson family patriarch has sent you an invitation for his birthday celebration.¡±


    <b>The </b>Johnson family of Cloudre City was known for their schrly reputation. Wilbert Johnson¡¯s calligraphy and paintings were


    renowned, with onendscape painting selling for a staggering forty million dors.


    This birthday celebration was set to invite almost all of Cloudre City¡¯s elite, as well as some dignitaries from other cities.


    As one of Cloudre City¡¯s prominent families, the Tudors had to attend.


    Lucas closed the file he was reviewing, nced at his watch, and said, Book the tickets.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Desmond nodded and took out his phone to start booking


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    Suddenly, Lucas asked, ¡°Did you find out which hotel she¡¯s staying at?¡±


    Desmond was initially puzzled.


    She? Who?


    Then, noticing the cold glint in Lucas¡® eyes, Desmond realized Lucas was referring to Aveline.¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°Yes, we found out. Miss Young is staying at a small hotel, but she hasn¡¯t left her room for the past few days.¡±


    Lucas lowered his gaze, hiding his emotions, though a hint of mockery shed in his eyes.


    She must be afraid of running into him, so she hasn¡¯t dared to leave.


    She had the guts to resign, to block him, to run away, but no courage to face him!


    He was curious to see how long she could keep hiding.


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    Lucas ordered coldly, ¡°Tell her toe see me when I return.¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    As Aveline exited the airport, she immediately spotted a strikingly handsome man with short, purple¨Cgray hair.


    A smile spread across her face. ¡°Russ.¡±


    Russell naturally took her luggage and asked, ¡°Are you tired? There¡¯s


    still some time left. If you¡¯re tired, you can rest a bit.¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I slept on the ne.¡±


    Russell opened the car door for her. ¡°Then let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll get you changed first.¡±


    Aveline nodded and got into the car.


    Once they arrived, Russell handed her over to the stylist and waited in the lounge.


    Sitting in front of the mirror, Aveline said, ¡°I don¡¯t want anything too morous, just something simple and elegant will do.¡±


    The stylist<b>, </b>initially eager to showcase her skills<b>, </b>had to rein in her creativity upon hearing Aveline¡¯s request.


    An hour and a halfter, everything was ready.


    Hearing movement, Russell looked up to see Aveline gracefully descending the stairs, holding the railing for support.


    She wore a champagne¨Ccolored sequined gown with a halter neck. design. Delicate pearl chains draped over her shoulders and tiny pearls were scattered across the dress, giving it an elegant yet noble look.


    Her long hair was styled in an updo, and her delicate face had light,


    refined makeup, making her look like a celestial maiden.


    Russell¡¯s eyes shed with admiration.


    He stood up and said, ¡°You look stunning!¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting ¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Russell took out his phone and asked, ¡°Can I take a photo?¡±


    Aveline was puzzled. ¡°Why?¡±


    +15 RONUS


    Russell smiled. ¡°I just want to capture this beautiful moment of you.¡±


    A strange feeling brushed through Aveline¡¯s heart, and she said, ¡°Let¡¯s skip it. It¡¯s gettingte, and we should head out.¡±


    Russell shrugged regretfully. ¡°Alright then.¡±


    The birthday banquet was held at the seven¨Cstar hotel in Cloudre. City, with attendants weing guests on either side of the red carpet.


    Aveline, holding Russell¡¯s arm, walked in. Many eyes followed them as they made their way inside.


    Aveline still felt somewhat uneasy in such settings. This was only her second time attending such a grand event.


    Russell¡¯s gentle voice whispered in her ear, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, just rx.¡±


    Aveline let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief.


    As they entered the hotel lobby, a luxurious Rolls¨CRoyce Phantom arrived at the end of the red carpet.


    A valet respectfully opened the car door, and Lucas, dressed in a ck suit, stepped out. His tall, handsome figure exuded an aura of cold elegance.


    He raised his eyes, and his gaze fell ahead, where a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.


    +15 BONUS


    It seemed like he saw Aveline.


    But how could she possibly be here?


    Lucas strode inside, but by the time he entered the lobby, the familiar figure had already disappeared.


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    The banquet hall was <b>on </b>the 7th floor. As the elevator doors opened, Russell and Aveline stepped out.


    Because of Russell¡¯s recent reunion with the Skyler family, many


    people recognized him and came over to greet him, engaging in polite conversation.


    Aveline stood quietly beside him, ying the role of an essory.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Suddenly, she felt a cold presence enveloping her. Her expression froze, and she instinctively turned to look.


    Her eyes widened when she saw the person not far away.


    Lucas!


    What was he doing here?


    Aveline instinctively grabbed Russell¡¯s arm.


    Russell looked at her and leaned in slightly, asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Aveline replied, her eyelids trembling as she tried topose herself.


    Noticing her unease, Russell said, ¡°If you¡¯re ufortable, you can go over there. That¡¯s the self¨Cservice area, and it has everything.¡±


    Aveline smiled and shook her head. ¡°No need, I¡¯ll stay by your side.¡±


    Hearing this, Russell¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Alright, then stay close to me.¡±


    Aveline, distracted and anxious, didn¡¯t notice the look in Russell¡¯s eyes.


    Not far away, Lucas held a champagne ss in his hand. Though people around him were ttering and engaging in small <b>talk</b>, his gaze was fixed on those two figures.


    He hadn¡¯t been mistaken. It was indeed Aveline!


    +15 BONUS


    It seemed she was Russell¡¯s date for the night.


    And just now, Russell had leaned in so close <b>to </b>her, and she hadn¡¯t pulled away!


    Lucas raised his ss and downed the champagne in one gulp, then strode directly towards Russell and Aveline.


    Just then, someone stepped in front of Lucas, smiling as they said, ¡± Mr. Tudor, Mr. Wilbert requests your presence.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression softened slightly as he nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Following the person, his cold gaze finally shifted away from Aveline.


    Feeling Lucas was no longer staring coldly at her, Aveline let out a sigh of relief.


    She hadn¡¯t anticipated Lucas being here.


    She had originallye to avoid him, but things hadn¡¯t gone as nned. She went to Arthur Town, and he went there on a business trip. She returned to Cloudre City for the banquet, and he was invited as well.


    What a cursed fate.


    Russell noticed her distracted state and asked, ¡°Aveline, are you feeling unwell?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m just not used to these kinds of events.


    Russell smiled slightly, his eyes shimmering. ¡°Then I¡¯ll bring you to more of these events in the future. You¡¯ll get used to it after a few times.¡±


    Aveline almost wanted to cry. ¡°Russ, please have mercy.¡±


    Russellughed at her reaction and, skipping further small talk, led her to the self¨Cservice area.


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    ¡°The food at this banquet is quite good, all prepared by five¨Cstar chefs. You must be hungry after all this time,¡± Russell said to her.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, <b>I¡¯ll </b>see what <b>I¡¯d </b>like to eat.¡±


    Russell stayed by her side, watching as she picked out her favorite foods, a smile lingering on his handsome face.


    Upstairs, by the railing, Wilbert stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Lucas. ¡°You rascal, you¡¯vee back and didn¡¯t even think to visit me<b>. </b>Have you forgotten who I am?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s expression softened, and he smiled faintly. ¡°Mr. Wilbert, a wise man like you surely knows I lost my memory for a while.¡±


    Wilbert snorted. ¡°I heard you got married? Why didn¡¯t you bring your wife along?¡±


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    Lucas¡® gaze swept downward, and he immediately spotted the pair in the self¨Cservice area.


    The girl held a te, taking small bites, and had identally smeared her cheek. The man beside her gently wiped it away with a tissue. The scene was harmonious and beautiful as if they were a couple.


    A cold glint shed in Lucas¡® eyes.


    His tone grew even colder. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to bring someone I¡¯m bound to divorce to avoid being aughingstock.¡±


    Wilbert¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Can you stop acting like your irresponsible father?¡±


    Lucas lowered his gaze slightly and said, ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Wilbert.¡±


    Without waiting for Wilbert¡¯s response, he turned and walked downstairs.


    Aveline got cream on her dress and asked worriedly, ¡°Russ, do you think this stain will ruin the dress?¡±


    Ruining such a delicate and beautiful gown would be a shame!


    Russell replied, ¡°Let¡¯s go over there to clean it up. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s fine.


    Aveline followed him behind a screen where there were fewer people, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t attract attention while cleaning the stain.


    Russell took out a wet wipe and leaned in closely to wipe the cream off carefully.


    Aveline frowned and reached for the tissue. ¡°I can do it myself.¡±


    This close proximity felt unsafe. If someone saw them, it could easily lead to misunderstandings, which would be problematic.


    Russell didn¡¯t let go. ¡°It¡¯ll be done in a second. Just stay still.¡±


    +IS BONUSThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    As Lucas approached, he saw them standing close together, their hands touching, looking especially intimate.


    His handsome face darkened immediately.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this ce a bit inappropriate for such intimacy? Perhaps you should continue this at the hotel,¡± Lucas said coolly, his eyes glinting with a sharp, icy edge as he looked at them.


    Did they really not care about his presence at all?


    How could they act so intimately at someone else¡¯s birthday banquet?


    Startled, Aveline quickly pulled her hand back.


    However, upon hearing Lucas¡® words, her expression turned icy. Lucas, stop talking nonsense. My dress got dirty, and Russ was just helping me clean it.¡±


    Lucas red at her coldly. ¡°You can¡¯t clean it yourself?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aveline realized that no matter how good her mood was, encountering Lucas would always ruin it. Even if she were to say something nice to him, he would twist her words and make it sound unpleasant.


    Russell carefully finished cleaning the cream off her dress, then threw the tissue into the trash.


    He turned to Lucas and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, why would youe over just to maliciously insult your own wife? You got me quite curious. If you dislike her so much, why not divorce her?¡±


    Standing behind him, Aveline felt her heart tighten at his words. Memories of Lucas defending Sophia shed in her mind. She lowered her gaze slightly, a faint mockery flickering in her clear eyes.


    Lucas¡® eyes remained cold as he looked at Russell. ¡°I¡¯m d you know she¡¯s my wife.¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow, his purp charm and rebellion. ¡°So what? Youter.¡±


    Behind the screen, the two men¡¯s gaz seeming to ignite between them.


    Aveline walked over and said, ¡°Russ,


    Lucas¡® face darkened further. ¡°You¡¯re


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    Aveline replied calmly, <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m his date. It¡¯s only natural that I go with him.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened considerably.


    This woman had no sense of danger!


    ¡°Aveline,e here!¡± hemanded, his deep, maic voice cold andced with an icy edge.


    Aveline remained unmoved.


    Who did he think he was? Did he expect her to just obey?


    Lucas¡® eyes fixed on her with a frosty gaze. ¡°If youe over now, I¡¯ll overlook what happened before.¡±


    Aveline chuckled softly and looked at him. ¡°I¡¯lle over if we divorce,


    The air around them seemed to freeze instantly.


    She really had no hesitation about mentioning divorce, even in front of others, and with such calm..


    Rage burned within Lucas as he stared at her as if trying to bore a hole. through her with his gaze.


    Aveline felt a twinge of fear, knowing there would be no good oue. from angering him, but stubbornly, she refused to back down.


    Why should she yield when he treated her so poorly?Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Russell watched with great interest from the side.


    Both of them were equally stubborn.


    How could they possibly live harmoniously together?


    They might as well divorce and are each other the torment.


    +15 BONUS


    He spoke up at the perfect moment, ¡°Mr. Tudor, even an outsider like me knows about your promises to Miss Winter. Why not sign <b>the </b>divorce papers tonight and get the marriage certificate tomorrow morning? That way, you can be responsible <b>to </b>Miss Winter.¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline¡¯s heart twisted painfully. She lowered her gaze slightly, clutching her dress tightly.


    Seeing Russell¡¯s amused expression, a murderous glint shed in Lucas


    eyes. He suddenly strode towards Aveline.


    Before she could react, he grabbed the back of her head and kissed her fiercely!


    Their lips tangled passionately, battling for dominance!


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively pushed him


    <b>away</b>.


    Lucas quickly released her, his intense gaze fixed on her as a wicked smirk yed on his thin lips. ¡°You want to divorce and be with him? Aveline, you can count on that happening over my dead body.¡±


    Aveline trembled with rage.


    Lucas grabbed her wrist, intending <b>to </b>drag her away.


    Russell, however, held onto her other hand, a cold glint shing in eyes. ¡°Mr. Tudor, tonight, she is my date.¡±


    Lucas¡® gaze bore into Aveline¡¯s face, dark and brooding.


    Avelineposed herself, then calmly withdrew her hand from Lucas¡® grasp.


    ¡°Russ, let¡¯s go,¡± she said coolly.


    Russell smiled as he watched her.


    Lucas¡® face darkenedpletely.


    ¡°Aveline!¡± he called her name through gritted teeth.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline acted as if she hadn¡¯t heard, walking away with Russell from behind the screen.


    Lucas¡® expression turned utterly grim, his eyes filled with icy anger.


    Heughed bitterly in his fury, pulling out his phone to make a call.


    ¡°Inform the Skyler family that Russell seems too idletely. Find something to keep him busy, or I¡¯ll find something for the Skylers to deal with!¡±


    He hung up, enveloped in a chilling aura, and walked away.


    Russell looked at Aveline, noticing her low spirits. He said, ¡°If you want to go back to him, I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Aveline shook her head immediately. ¡°No, I¡¯m just worried that angering him might cause trouble for you. I don¡¯t want to drag you into this.¡±


    Russell¡¯s eyes gleamed briefly as he responded with a leisurely smile, So, you do care about me after all.¡±


    IT


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    Aveline smoothly withdrew her hand and smiled, ¡°We¡¯re friends, so it¡¯s only normal that I¡¯m worried about you.¡±


    Russell¡¯s hand felt empty, and a strange emptiness filled his heart. He rubbed his fingers together before casually shoving them into his pocket. ¡°It¡¯s fine. He can¡¯t do anything to me.¡±


    Lucas had just returned to the Tudor family and had not yet entered the Tudor Group. For now, he only had the DK Group under his control, which couldn¡¯t stir up much trouble.


    Aveline let out a slight sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    At that moment, Russell¡¯s phone rang. He nced at the screen, raised his eyebrows, and said to Aveline, ¡°I need to take this call.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± she nodded, watching him walk towards the outdoor garden.


    The hotel¡¯s outdoor garden was beautiful, located only on the 7th floor, with dim lighting and a faint floral scent lingering in the air, creating a serene atmosphere.


    Aveline turned around and found a quiet corner to wait.


    As a waiter passed by, she took a ss of champagne and looked at the bustling scene of the birthday banquet, feeling utterly bored.


    Everyone was putting on a facade, making their conversations. meaningless.


    Just then, a waiter approached her and said, ¡°Miss Young, Mr. Skyler has an urgent matter and needs to see you.¡±


    Aveline was taken aback.


    Russell was looking for her?


    ¡°Where is he?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Please follow me,¡± the waiter replied.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline put down her ss and followed the waiter to the outdoor garden.


    As soon as she stepped outside, a cool breeze swept over her<b>, </b>bringing a refreshing feeling.


    She took a deep breath, enjoying the floral fragrance in the air.


    ¡°Miss Young, Mr. Skyler is just inside. I¡¯ll leave you here,¡± the waiter said before turning and walking away.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Aveline was puzzled, but thinking that Russell might really have something urgent, she proceeded inside.


    Ahead was a flower pavilion corridor


    As she turned a corner, a hand suddenly reached out from the darkness and grabbed her.


    Aveline was startled and instinctively screamed, but the person


    seemed to anticipate her reaction<b>. </b>Another hand covered her mouth<b>, </b>and in one swift motion<b>, </b>she was pinned against a vine¨Ccovered pir.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound!¡±


    A deep, maic voice apanied by a crisp male scent enveloped.


    her.


    Aveline¡¯s frightened and trembling body stiffened slightly, but she quickly rxed.


    Seeing her calm down, Lucas released his hand.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aveline frowned and asked.


    In the dimly lit flower pavilion corridor, she couldn¡¯t see his expression clearly.


    Lucas pressed closely against her, feeling her soft breath rising and falling gently. His eyes darkened in the gloom<b>, </b>but he whispered, ¡°I brought you here to watch a show.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    A hint of confusion shed across Aveline¡¯s face.


    Watch what show?


    ¡°Russ, you promised me before. Why did you bring another woman here today?¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Not far away, a girl¡¯s tearful voice sounded.


    Russell¡¯s indifferent tone cut through, ¡°Rina, this isn¡¯t the right asion for you to be by my side.¡±


    The girl became obviously agitated. ¡°What¡¯s so unsuitable about it? I don¡¯t care what others think. I only care about what you think!¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°If you care about me that much, then listen to what I say, alright?¡±


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    A warm breath brushed against her ear as the man¡¯s deep voice whispered, ¡°Rina Johnson, the sole heiress of the Johnson family. What do you think Russell is aiming for by stringing her along like this?


    As he finished speaking, he fixed his gaze on Aveline¡¯s face. She was apanying Russell to this banquet, but he clearly didn¡¯t care about her at all.


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained indifferent. She stopped listening to the conversation nearby and turned to him. ¡°You called me over just to show me this?¡±


    Lucas raised his eyebrows slightly. ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re just a pawn.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Aveline¡¯s tone was light, showingplete indifference.


    Lucas suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered, ¡® Leave with meter.¡±


    ¦°


    Aveline chuckled suddenly. ¡°Do you think that showing me this will make me leave with you?¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened at her words. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Aveline pushed him away. ¡°I told you, I¡¯m Russell¡¯s date tonight. I have nothing to do with you!¡±


    With that, she turned and retraced her steps.


    She had agreed to apany Russell to this banquet to repay him. Whatever involvement Russell had with someone else was none of her


    concern<b>.</b>


    It wasughable that Lucas thought seeing Russell talk to another girl would make her run to him. Did he think she liked Russell?


    A strange pain pricked her heart. Did he still not understand who she liked?


    A faint mockery flickered in her eyes as sheposed herself. But in the next moment, Lucas grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.


    He held her tightly, biting her ear as a punishment.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Aveline gasped, caught off guard.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    Russell and Rina heard the noise and looked over.


    Aveline instinctively covered her mouth, trying not to make a sound. It would be so embarrassing to be caught!


    Lucas, sensing her thoughts, wickedly kissed her ear as his hand slipped to her waist. He knew her sensitive spots all too well and touched them deliberately.


    Aveline gasped, almost crying out again.


    This awful man! He was doing it on purpose!


    Rina started walking towards them. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart raced. She wanted to stop Lucas, but he cruelly grabbed her hand, showering her neck with fervent kisses. His intent to toy with her was clear, and the force of his kisses made her tremble,


    unable to withstand it.


    ¡°Come out now!¡± Rina was getting angry.


    She had clearly heard something but saw no one. Lifting her skirt, she began to walk towards them.


    With each step Rina took, Aveline¡¯s heart pounded harder. She tried to push away the man tormenting her, but he pressed against her like an immovable mountain.


    Lucas was determined to keep her pinned, making herpletely helpless.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Seeing her panic¨Cstricken face, Lucas began to tease her even more ast

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    ¡°Rina.¡±


    At that moment, Russell¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Tonight is your grandfather¡¯s birthday banquet. There are many guests. It¡¯s notThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    unusual for some of them toe out here to get some fresh air. Don¡¯t go over there.¡±


    Rina nced toward the flower pavilion corridor, hesitated for a moment, but then followed Russell¡¯s advice and returned.


    ¡°Russ, who is <b>that </b>woman? Why did shee with you?¡± Rina¡¯s voice grew more distant.


    Aveline¡¯s body quickly rxed. She pushed Lucas away and ran back towards the banquet hall.


    As her figure disappeared into the light, Lucas nced down at his fingers, noticing the lingering moisture.


    His eyes darkened, and his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed. He cast a look back in the direction of Rina and Russell before striding away.


    Aveline went straight to the restroom and sshed her face with cold. water to calm down. The thought of what had just happened filled her with anger, making her want to hit Lucas.


    But she couldn¡¯t win him.


    That man was truly infuriating!


    When Aveline came out, Wilbert had alreadye downstairs. The guests gathered around, and the Johnson family began offering birthday greetings.


    Aveline stood in a corner, trying to make herself inconspicuous.


    At that moment, Russell approached her, his eyes scanning her. He


    then asked<b>, </b>¡°Where will you be heading after this?¡±


    The banquet was ending soon.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go home,¡± Aveline replied.


    Russell nodded slightly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll drive


    u home.¡±


    Aveline initially wanted to refuse but remembering that the dress she was wearing was a gift from him, she said, ¡°Russ, I¡¯ll wash the dress and return it to you.¡±


    Russell gave her a half¨Csmile. ¡°Who would I give it to if you return it?¡±


    Aveline was taken aback.


    Russell added, ¡°I have no interest in wearing women¡¯s clothing, SO keep it. The dress suits you perfectly.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°That won¡¯t do. Why don¡¯t you tell me how much it costs, and I¡¯ll earn the money to pay you back.¡±


    Russell sighed helplessly. ¡°You really don¡¯t have to be so formal with me.¡±


    Aveline still felt uneasy, knowing the dress was undoubtedly expensive.


    Russell continued, ¡°Enough about the dress. It¡¯s just a piece of clothing with no inherent meaning. It¡¯s you who gives it meaning by wearing it, so it belongs to you.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t refuse any longer. To insist on paying would be ungrateful.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, raising her champagne ss to toast him.


    Russell smiled and clinked his ss with hers, and they both took a sip.


    Not far away, Lucas watched them from a distance, his cold eyes fixed <b>on </b>the corner where they were happily chatting. His grip tightened on his ss, nearly shattering it.


    She had just shared such an intimate moment with him in the garden,


    2/3


    and now she was chatting so cheerfully with another man!


    Hah! Aveline, you¡¯re something else!


    The banquet endedte.


    As they exited the hotel, Russell led Aveline towards the car.


    ¡°Aveline-¡±


    Just then, a deep, pleasant voice sounded from nearby.


    OIS BONUS


    Aveline turned and saw Lucas¡® tall, upright figure approaching. With the light behind him, he appeared almost radiant, exuding an aura of nobility.


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    Her expression froze for a moment, ignoring him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Lucasmanded, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Aveline frowned. Nothing from before was resolved, so why should she listen to him?


    She turned her head and smiled slightly at Russell. ¡°Russ, could you give me a ride home?¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure to drive a beautifuldy home.¡±


    He then reached out to open the car door.


    Lucas¡® face darkened as he stared at Aveline.


    Just then, Russell¡¯s phone rang. He nced at the screen, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes<b>.</b>


    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered.


    Aveline watched him, not getting into the car immediately.


    Russell¡¯s expression soured as he listened to the caller.


    ¡°I understand,¡± he said before hanging up.


    Turning to Aveline, his face showed a trace <b>of </b>apology. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, something urgent came up. I can¡¯t give you a ride.¡±


    Aveline blinked. ¡°Then you should go. I¡¯ll just call a taxi.¡±


    Russell insisted, ¡°I¡¯ll find someone <b>to </b>take you.¡±


    Aveline shook her head with a smile. ¡°No need. There are plenty of taxis avable by the roadside. You go ahead and take care of your business.¡±


    Russell nced at Lucas not far away, his brow furrowing. His


    intuition told him that Lucas was somehow involved in this sudden


    issue, but he had no evidence.


    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll be off,¡± Russell said, getting into the driver¡¯s seat and driving away, clearly in a hurry.


    Aveline watched his car disappear around the corner before she started walking toward the road.


    Lucas¡® cold voice rang out. ¡°Are you so reluctant to part with <b>him</b><b>? </b>If he were to have an ident and die on the road, would you cry and mourn for him?¡±


    Aveline red at <b>him</b><b>. </b>¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    What kind of nonsense was he spouting in the middle of the night?


    Lucas let out a mockingugh<b>. </b>¡°Aveline, you¡¯d better keep your


    distance from him, or I can¡¯t promise I won¡¯t kill him.¡®


    Aveline looked at <b>him</b>, exasperated. ¡°You¡¯re so violent. I suggest you see a doctor.¡±


    Lucas strode over, seized her wrist, and pulled her toward his car.


    Aveline immediately struggled. ¡°What are you doing? Let go of me!¡±


    With a sharp tug, Lucas pulled her close, coldly saying, ¡°Since you know I¡¯m violent, you better not provoke me, got it?¡±


    His eyes were icy, and it seemed that if she resisted any further, he would lose his temper.


    Aveline decided to endure it. She was smart enough not to fight with <b>him</b>. Once in the car, she stated directly, ¡°I need to go to the Waterfont District.¡±


    Lucas ignored her and drove towards the Tudor Mansion instead.


    As Aveline recognized the familiar route, she pressed her lips together.


    <b>Just </b>then<b>, </b>her phone rang. She looked at the screen and saw it was


    +15 BONUS


    Zachary calling.


    ¡°Hello, Zachary, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Aveline answered the call, sounding puzzled.


    Lucas¡® temple throbbed at the sound of her talking to another man so familiarly.


    255


    Zachary¡¯s voice was anxious. ¡°Aveline, Madam Hilda is missing!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression immediately turned serious. ¡°How could she be missing? Wasn¡¯t she detained at the police station?¡±


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    Chapter 235


    Aveline asked, ¡°Can you reach Juliet?¡±


    Zachary shook his head. ¡°No, ever since Juliet found her biological parents, she only asionally contacts Madam Hilda. None of us have been able to reach her.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed deeply.


    It seemed that Hilda had been bailed out by Juliet¡¯s family, who were very influential and difficult to track down. So, was she destined never to learn who her biological parents were?


    Noticing her distraction, Zachary asked, ¡°Aveline, are you alright?¡±


    Aveline snapped back to reality, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Since she¡¯s gone, she probably won¡¯te back. What are you nning to do next?¡±


    Zachary shook his head helplessly. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    The sky was gradually getting brighter. Aveline looked around and then said, ¡°I need to go to the police station and see if I can find out anything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Zachary offered.


    ¡°No need. You should stay at the orphanage. With Hilda gone, someone needs to be there,¡± Aveline replied, shaking her head.


    Zachary nodded. ¡°Alright, but let me know if you find out anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline said as she left.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    She headed straight to the police station, stopping first for breakfast nearby. After eating, she went in to inquire.


    The result was just as Zachary had said: the police refused to disclose who had bailed out Hilda. It was evident they had received orders from higher up.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline walked out onto the street, her expressionplex.


    It was impossible not to feel disappointed.


    She had returned to Arthur Town with the sole purpose of finding her biological parents, and now the only person who knew their identity. had vanished.


    Juliet?


    Aveline¡¯s mind conjured up the image of a little girl.


    After she went to high school, she rarely returned to the orphanage, so her memories of the people there were vague. Thinking back now, everything seemed blurry.


    But she remembered that Hilda had always favored Juliet. When Juliet wanted something, all she had to do was tell Hilda, who would immediately get it for her.


    Aveline pressed her hand against her forehead, then hailed a taxi and returned to the hotel.


    When she woke up, it was already afternoon. Selena happened to call. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hey, babe! How¡¯s your trip?¡± Selena asked.


    Aveline turned over, her tone dejected. ¡°Not great.¡±


    Selena sounded concerned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s tooplicated to exin over the phone. I¡¯ll tell you everything when I get back. How are things on your end?¡± Aveline replied.


    Selena chuckled. ¡°Everything¡¯s under control. Aaron ispletely smitten with my alter ego. He agrees to whatever I say. It¡¯s hrious! I never expected that bastard¡¯s friend to be such a hopeless romantic.¡± Aveline¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Selena, just be careful. Don¡¯t let things get out of hand.¡±


    -15 BONUS


    Selena scoffed. ¡°Oh, please. You have no idea how much of a jerk this guy is. He¡¯s been giving me a hard time <b>in </b>every possible way. I need to get some payback. When he finds out <b>that </b>he person he¡¯s been madly in love with online is my fake ount, he¡¯ll be furious. Just thinking about it makes me feel vindicated!¡±


    COMMERS


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    Chapter <b>236</b>


    Aveline still felt a bit worried. ¡°Anyone who can be friends with Lucas. probably has a bad temper. If you ended up provoking him, make sure you get out of there quickly.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, <b>I </b>will,¡± Selena replied, looking eager for the challenge, clearly not ready to end the game just yet.


    Aveline stood up and said, ¡°I might need a few more days before I can return. I hope nothing happen to you by then.¡±


    your


    Selena pouted. ¡°Come on<b>, </b>can¡¯t you at least wish me good luck?¡± Avelineughed. ¡°Alright, I hope you have Aaron wrapped around finger, making him fall hopelessly in love with you, pining for you, willing to live and die for you, even to the point of banging his head against a wall<b>.</b>¡±


    Selena chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s a bit extreme.¡±


    Avelineughed again and then said, ¡°Alright, I need to go. I have things to do.¡±


    ¡°Okay, take care.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline got up to freshen up. As she came out, her phone rang. Seeing it was Zachary<b>, </b>she answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Zachary¡¯s cheerful voice came through. ¡°Aveline, did you rest well?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Aveline replied. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    There was a moment of silence before Zachary said, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to take over the orphanage.¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°Are you sure? <b>If </b>you take over the orphanage, you won¡¯t be able to do the things you wanted to do.¡±


    Zachary¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°I¡¯ve thought it through. With Madam Hilda gone, what will happen to the children? They might be sent to att


    +15 BONUS


    orphanages, which may not be as good as this one. So, I¡¯ve decided to stay and be the new director.¡±


    Aveline was silent for a moment, then said, ¡°Alright, that¡¯s a good decision.¡±


    Zachary chuckled. ¡°My friend opened a campsite. Would you like to check it out? Please don¡¯t reject me. Once I be the director, I won¡¯t have time to take you out to eat.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go. When?¡±


    ¡°Today. I¡¯ll pick you up shortly,¡± Zachary said.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline changed clothes and tied her long hair up, revealing her delicate and beautiful features. She looked refreshed and ready.


    When she went downstairs, Zachary saw her immediately and stood up, waving to her.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bitte to go camping now?¡±


    Zachary replied, ¡°He happened to pick a great location. You can see the stars really well there at night.¡±


    Aveline, wanting to clear her mind, nodded. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go then.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    They first went to the supermarket to buy some snacks and fruit. The campsite had <b>a </b>self¨Cservice barbecue grill and equipment for grilling meat, so Zachary also bought some skewers and vegetables.


    Aveline followed along the whole time.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    By the time they finished shopping, an hour had passed. Zachary rented a car and took Aveline to the campsite.


    It was dusk.


    ôY


    +15 BONUS


    The setting sun painted the western sky in brilliant hues, resembling a phoenix reborn from the mes¨Ctruly breathtaking.


    Aveline took out her phone to snap some pictures and even took a few selfies.


    As Zachary drove, he asked, ¡°What are your ns next?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯ll find a way to locate her, but in the meantime, I might travel around a bit.¡±


    Zachary nodded. ¡°That sounds good. When you get tired,e back. Don¡¯t worry, now that I¡¯m the director, no one can bully you!¡±


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    Chapter <b>237</b>

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    Chapter <b>237</b>


    Aveline smiled faintly and chose not to respond.


    They soon arrived at the campsite. Zachary unloaded their supplies and carried them to their tent, with Aveline helping from behind.


    Once everything was set up, Aveline rolled up her sleeves. ¡°Let me help you.!!


    Zachary smiled. ¡°Sure, but be careful not to burn yourself.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    They got busy, and soon the aroma of barbecue filled the air. Aveline took out her phone and snapped a picture, sending it to Selena.


    Selena replied, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is that a man¡¯s hand I see? My dear Ave, have you finally decided to start dating someone new?¡±


    Aveline quickly put her phone away, not wanting Zachary to see and get embarrassed.


    Zachary had already grilled some skewers and handed one to her. ¡°Try this.¡±


    With her hands full, Aveline opened her mouth and took a bite. ¡°Hmm, not bad.¡±


    Zachary¡¯s eyes lit up, and his ears turned red. He stood beside her, momentarily unsure of what to do.


    Seeing him still standing there, Aveline asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°N¨Cnothing,¡± Zachary stammered, then asked, ¡°Would you like some more?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°It¡¯s really good. Thanks.¡±


    Zachary stood next to her, holding the skewers and watching her eat. Thest rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow over them, creating a strangely beautiful and serene scene.


    In the distance, a group of people surrounded Lucas as he walked in. with the campsite manager beaming beside him.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Tudor. I¡¯m Martin Looper. It¡¯s an honor to have you here We¡¯ve prepared some fine wine for you. Please, this way.


    Martin not only managed this campsite but also arge vegetable garden, where all the produce was organic. He also raised chickens. ducks, fish, and pigs, ensuring everything was safe and reliable.


    Many prominent figures from Arthur Town came here to rx. Steve highly rmended this ce, so Luxas decided to check it out. He hadn¡¯t expected to see such a scene here a clean and handsome man standing with a fresh and beautiful woman, creating an oddly striking picture.


    Together, they formed an oddly striking picture. Lucas cast a cold nce their way before following Martin into a private roomThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline and Zachary quickly finished preparing the barbecue. Sitting under the tent, Aveline handed him two bottles of cocktails.


    ¡°Can you drink?¡°


    Zachary smiled. ¡°No, I can¡¯t. I have to driveter.¡±


    ¡®Alright, I¡¯ll drink by myself then,¡± Aveline said, opening one and taking a sip.


    The cocktail was sweet, with hardly a hint of alcohol. As Aveline sipped her drink and savored the barbecue, a soft breeze swept by, easing her


    tension


    Zachary sat across frog her, watching the smile form on her lips. Suddenly, he asked, ¡°Aveline, do you have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline looked at him, holding the bottle: ¡°No, why?¡±


    She indeed didn¡¯t have a boyfriend


    +15 BONU


    But she had a husband. A jerk of a husband.


    She took a big gulp, finding the taste pleasant and easy to drink. Without realizing it, she had finished two bottles, a faint blush


    appearing on her fair cheeks.


    Zachary perked up, his eyes sparkling with interest. ¡°So, what¡¯s your type? What are you looking for in a guy?¡±


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    Aveline squinted her eyes slightly and said, ¡°Handsome, gentle, sometimes domineering, but always exceptionally good to me, always goes along with whatever I say¡­¡±


    As she described, Lucas¡® face appeared in her mind.


    No, it was Lu¡¯s face.


    He smiled at her gently, his eyes filled with an overwhelming affection and tenderness. That was the memory¨Cless Lu.


    Her Lu.


    Zachary¡¯s eyes brightened even more, and just as he was about to say something, Aveline suddenly stood up. However,


    much


    i had too


    to drink, she felt dizzy and stumbled as soon as she got up.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Careful!¡±


    Zachary quickly stood up to support her, and she ended up leaning unsteadily into his arms.


    This scene was taken in by a man not far away.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    Aveline, her cheeks flushed, looked at Zachary with a hint of apology in her clear, shimmering eyes.


    She had identally drunk too much. Her alcohol tolerance was low. She could handle half a bottle of this cocktail, but anything more would get her drunk.


    Zachary¡¯s ears turned red as he supported her. ¡°You¡¯re drunk. Let me help you into the tent to rest.¡±


    As he spoke, he began to help Aveline towards the tent.


    But Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I want to look at the stars.¡±


    She had stood up because she saw the beautiful stars! The night sky hadpletely enveloped the earth, and the stars twinkled brightly. and purely.


    She smiled at Zachary, ¡°You didn¡¯t lie. They¡¯re really beautiful!¡±


    Aveline stood very close to him, the scent of her perfume mixed with the aroma of alcohol filling the air around him. Her face, without makeup, was delicate and beautiful, her eyes soft, and the light blush at the corners of her eyes from the alcohol made her even more enchanting.


    Zachary felt his heart race, his eyes drifting to Aveline¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Aveline, may I¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, someone suddenly pushed him aside, and that person pulled Aveline away from him.


    Zachary staggered back a few steps to steady himself, looking up to see a man with a cold and noble demeanor holding Aveline. The man¡¯s eyes were filled with icy hostility.


    Zachary felt a chill run down his spine but still asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was cold, but his gaze remained on the charming woman in his arms. Seeing her looking so clean yet alluring<b>, </b>remembering how she had been smiling at another man just moments ago, anger surged


    within him.


    He squeezed Aveline¡¯s waist<b>, </b>his deep, pleasing voice demanding, ¡°Tell him who I am.¡±


    Aveline felt dizzy but hadn¡¯tpletely lost consciousness. She frowned. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    This infuriating man was relentless!


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°Tell him who I am!¡±


    His grip tightened as if he wanted to crush her waist.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Aveline groaned, pushing against him. ¡°Let go of me. Who you love is none of my business.¡±


    Seeing this, Zachary stepped forward to pull Aveline back. ¡°Aveline doesn¡¯t know you. Let her go!¡±


    Lucas¡® anger red even more. He stared intensely at Aveline, then suddenly grabbed her chin and kissed her fiercely.


    Aveline was stunned, momentarily forgetting to react. Seeing his face so close, her tears suddenly fell.


    ¡°Lu¡­¡± she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck and responding to his kiss.


    Lucas¡® body tensed, and his kiss became even more passionate and intense.


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    Zachary¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at them. ¡°You¡­ you.


    <b>two</b>¡­¡±


    Lucas kissed the corner of Aveline¡¯s lips and said, ¡°My dear Ave, tell him who I am<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline gazed at his face, seemingly forgetting the pain he had caused her, only remembering him as <b>Lu</b>.


    ¡°My husband¡­¡± she murmured softly.


    Lucas¡® lips curved in satisfaction. He looked up at Zachary. ¡°Are you nning to stand there and watch us being affectionate, or are you going to leave?¡±


    Zachary¡¯s expression was like he had been struck by lightning.


    Her husband? She was married? She had said she didn¡¯t have aThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    boyfriend.


    Feeling betrayed and unable to ept it, Zachary looked at Aveline in Lucas¡® arms, feeling she had deceived him. Why hadn¡¯t she told him she was married? All his hopes, his feelings ¨C they seemed wasted now.


    He turned and left.


    Lucas noted Zachary¡¯s reaction with a hint of mockery in his eyes, then refocused on Aveline¡¯s face. The alcohol had taken effect; her fair cheeks were flushed, and her clear, beautiful eyes were misty and alluring.


    ¡°Lu¡­¡± she murmured his name, suddenly cupping his face and kissing his chin<b>.</b>


    ¡°Everything before was just a dream, right? You¡¯re not really thest heir of the Tudor family or the CEO of DK Group, and you don¡¯t have. someone you secretly love, right?¡± Aveline, drunk and earnest, looked at him intently.


    +15 BONUS


    For some inexplicable reason, Lucas felt his throat tighten, his heart sinking along with it.


    He held her close and asked softly, ¡°Is it so bad that I¡¯m the CEO of DK Group? I can buy you a bigger house.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not good at all!¡± Aveline shook her head vigorously like a rattle. ¡°If you¡¯re the CEO of DK Group, you already have someone you love. You¡¯ll want to divorce me, but I don¡¯t want to divorce you¡­¡±


    As she spoke, her voice grew muffled and sad.


    He hadn¡¯t seen her this adorably vulnerable in a long time.


    It struck him right in the heart.


    When she was sober, she was prickly and distant, her eyes void of any light when she looked at him. But now, her whole world seemed to revolve around him.


    Lucas wished he could make this momentst forever.


    ¡°Lu, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± she asked, growing anxious at his prolonged silence. ¡°Was it not a dream? Are you really going to divorce me? You jerk¡­ If I had known you were so awful, I wouldn¡¯t have picked you up. I would¡¯ve left you to starve outside!¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes bore into hers as he asked, ¡°When you found me, weren¡¯t you curious about my identity?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Of course I was curious.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened. So, it was true.


    Aveline pinched his cheek and said, ¡°I thought to myself, how could such a handsome man be so clueless? I had to bring you home quickly before another woman snatched you away.¡±


    Lucas was speechless.


    Aveline giggled and hugged his waist, resting her face against his


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    chest, her demeanor soft and obedient. ¡°Lu, it would¡¯ve been better if you hadn¡¯t regained your memory.¡±


    Lucas¡® Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he suddenly grabbed her chin, making her look at him. ¡°If I weren¡¯t the CEO of DK Group<b>, </b>thest heir of the Tudor family, would you still have taken me home and loved me?¡±


    Aveline blinked, sensing a sudden chill. She shook her head ufortably. ¡°You¡¯re hurting me.¡±


    ¡°Answer my question.¡±


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    Lucas stared at her intently.


    Even though he had watched the surveince footage of the road where they first met countless times, he still couldn¡¯t be sure if she knew his identity from the beginning.


    If she did, then she was incredibly cunning, as he hadn¡¯t noticed it during their entire year together.


    But if she didn¡¯t¡­


    He didn¡¯t dare continue that line of thought, nor did he dare to trust easily. A faint glimmer of light flickered in his eyes.


    A sudden cold wind blew, making Aveline shiver as she burrowed into his chest. ¡°Lu, I¡¯m so cold. Hold me.¡±


    The tension in his heart made him ufortable, but seeing her like this, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to wake her up. Ultimately, he was addicted to her current softness and obedience.


    Lucas collected his thoughts and hugged her tightly, feeling <b>her </b>soft warmth. His eyes darkened further.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    At that moment, Steve walked over. He was momentarily shocked to see Lucas holding a woman, but quickly regained hisposure.


    ¡°Are you staying here tonight or returning to Celestial Heights?¡± Steve asked softly.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back to Celestial Heights,¡± Lucas replied.


    The amodations here didn¡¯t meet his standards.


    Steve nodded quickly, unable to help ncing at Aveline. He was taken aback!


    Wasn¡¯t this the girl his son tried to get his hands onst night?


    She had barged into their private room, and he had struck a deal with her: if she could win over Lucas, he would ensure his son left her alone. He hadn¡¯t anticipated her hooking up with Lucas so quickly. Her tactics. were truly extraordinary!


    A flicker of disdain crossed Steve¡¯s eyes, but he quickly masked his emotions and turned to leave.


    Aveline had her eyes closed, seemingly asleep. Lucas lifted her in hist arms and walked toward the distant car.


    Desmond was already waiting by the car door.


    As they approached, Desmond respectfully opened the car door.


    Lucas gently ced Aveline in the car, then climbed in from the other side, handling her with the utmost care. Desmond noticed this and felt a sense of relief.


    It seemed Lucas had finally learned to cherish his wife.


    The car ride back was quiet, with Lucas asionally ncing at Aveline¡¯s serene sleeping face<b>, </b>his expression softening.


    However, as the car entered the city and passed by a hotel, Aveline suddenly opened her eyes.


    ¡°Stop the car,¡± shemanded.


    Desmond instinctively hit the brakes, looking over in confusion. Lucas also turned to her. ¡°You¡¯re awake?<b>¡±</b>


    Aveline¡¯s face had regained its cool demeanor. She opened the door and stepped out without a backward nce.


    ¡°Aveline!¡±


    Seeing this, Lucas immediately got out and caught up with her,


    grabbing her wrist. His sharp eyes bore into her. ¡°Where are you going?


    Aveline¡¯s expression was calm, her clear eyes showing no trace of intoxication. ¡°It¡¯ste<b>. </b>I need to go rest. Thank you for the ride. Goodbye.¡±


    With that, she pulled her hand free.


    Lucas¡® face darkened. ¡°You were awake the whole time?¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


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    Chapter 241


    Aveline¡¯s fingers curled instinctively as shey in the car.


    She had actually woken up as soon as they put her in, but she hadn¡¯t opened her eyes immediately.


    Zachary had already left, and it was toote for her to return to the hotel alone, so she pretended to be asleep. There mit have been other reasons, but she didn¡¯t want to delve into them.


    She responded coolly, ¡°Yes, any problem with that?¡±


    ¡°Aveline, you deceived me and took a free ride back, and this is how you repay me?¡± Lucas was nearlyughing in frustration.


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say thank you? What more do you want? Should I kneel and kowtow to you?¡±


    Lucas was speechless. This woman really knew how to infuriate him!


    Seeing his increasingly dark expression, Aveline smiled and said, ¡± Lucas, you¡¯re upset because you gave ady a ride back to the hotel? That¡¯s pretty petty of you.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Lucas stood there for a long moment, truly exasperated by her words, before finally returning to the car.


    Desmond, sensing the tension, cautiously started the car and headed towards Celestial Heights.


    Once they arrived, Lucas coldly ordered, ¡°Find out who that guy was with her today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Desmond replied.


    In less than five minutes, Zachary¡¯s information was handed to Lucas. Desmond stood nearby and exined, ¡°He grew up with Mrs. Tudor. They¡¯re childhood friends.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    A cold re was cast in his direction,


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one chance to rephrase that,¡± Lucas said icily.


    Desmond cleared his throat. ¡°Uh, they¡¯re just ordinary friends.¡±


    Damn! Why did he have to say that?


    Calling them childhood friends was bound to cause


    misunderstandings, no wonder Lucas was angry. Desmond reminded himself that he¡¯d have to be more careful next time.


    Lucas withdrew his gaze, scanned the documents indifferently, and then tossed them aside. ¡°Not just anyone can be the director of ant orphanage. Go and notify them.¡±


    Desmond¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    It was clear that Lucas was displeased with Zachary and intended to reject his application.


    Aveline returned to the hotel, took a shower, and then called Zachary.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    She sighed in frustration.


    She hadn¡¯t expected things to unfold this way.


    When she got drunk, her mind was filled with thoughts of Lucas, specifically the version of him before he regained his memory.


    She hadn¡¯t considered anything else.


    Only after sobering up did she realize Zachary might have misunderstood everything.


    ¡°Oh well,¡± she thought. ¡°I¡¯ll exin it to him the <b>next </b>time we meet.¡±


    After her shower, Aveline went to bed.


    +15 BONUS


    It rained again the next day, making travel inconvenient, so she didn¡¯t book a return ticket.


    She spent the day holed up in the hotel, and by evening, the rain had stopped. Deciding to go out for dinner, she dressed simply in a baseyer and a light jacket.


    She headed to a nearby food street and wandered around. She found a steakhouse and had just sat down when her phone rang. It was Zachary. Aveline was a bit surprised; she hadn¡¯t expected him to call her first.


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    ¡°Hello,¡± Aveline greeted.


    Zachary¡¯s voice came through. ¡°How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Aboutst night¡­¡± Aveline began.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Zachary interrupted. ¡°I got too worked up. I hope I didn¡¯t cause you any trouble.¡±


    ¡°No, <b>you </b>didn¡¯t,¡± Aveline replied calmly.


    There was a brief silence before Zachary spoke again. ¡°There¡¯s something I don¡¯t know how to tell you.¡±


    Aveline felt a bit confused. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    After a moment of hesitation, Zachary exined, ¡°I need to take over the orphanage, but I have to submit documents <b>for </b>government approval. I submitted them today, but they were rejected. A friend told me that an investor from Cloudre City pressured the higher¨Cups.


    ¡°I have no idea what I did to offend him. Since you and Mr. Lucas are married, could you ask him about it?


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew colder. Lucas pressured the local authorities. to prevent Zachary from taking over the orphanage? Why?


    Zachary was just an ordinary person with no conflicting interests with Lucas


    Seeing her silence, Zachary added, ¡°I¡¯m sorry if this is too much to ask. Forget I mentioned it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find out what¡¯s going on and let you know,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°Thank you, Aveline,¡± Zachary replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re working for a noble cause, so it¡¯s only right for me to help you. Wait for my call,¡± Aveline reassured him.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline lost her appetite and headed straight to Celestial Heights. On the way, she tried calling Lucas, but he didn¡¯t


    <b>answer</b>.


    By the time she reached Celestial Heights<b>, </b>the sky was overcast, and Aveline¡¯s expression had turnedpletely icy. She walked into the club, and the receptionist asked, ¡°Miss<b>, </b>may I help you?¡±


    ¡°I need to see Lucas Tudor,¡± Aveline stated.


    ¡°Please wait a moment while I check,¡± the receptionist replied.


    After making a quick call, the receptionist put down the phone and handed Aveline a room keycard.


    Seeing this, Aveline¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of mockery.


    What did he mean by this?


    She entered the elevator<b>, </b>went to the door of the presidential suite, and swiped the keycard to enter. The room was pitch dark; Lucas hadn¡¯t returned yet. She wasn¡¯t in a hurry and sat on the sofa to wait. He had <b>to </be back eventually.


    As time passed<b>, </b>Aveline ordered room service for lunch. Shortly after, she heard movement at the door and stood up, puzzled.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Did the food arrive that quickly?


    She reached out to open the door<b>, </b>but the next moment, the door was pulled open from the outside. She was caught off guard and fell


    forward, directly into a man¡¯s arms, enveloped by a crisp, pleasant


    scent.


    Lucas looked at the woman who had stumbled into his arms, his gaze deepening. However, remembering her earlier words, his expression didn¡¯t soften much.


    ¡°Who let you in here?¡± he asked coldly.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline steadied herself, her brow furrowing. ¡°Lucas, why are you targeting Zachary?¡±


    Lucas walked further inside, his fingers tugging at his tie. Hearing her question, his eyes darkened sharply.


    She came here for another man!


    Following behind him, Aveline pressed, ¡°Answer me.¡±


    Suddenly, Lucas turned around, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her in front of him. His strikingly handsome face was tinged with icy coldness. ¡°You came here just for this?¡±


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    Chapter <b>243</b>


    Aveline struggled twice but couldn¡¯t break free. Her face turned cold.. What else am I supposed to do? I need to understand why you¡¯re targeting Zachary. He hasn¡¯t wronged you.¡±


    ¡°He has,¡± Lucas replied coldly.


    Aveline was taken aback. ¡°When?¡±


    Lucas released her hand and looked at her indifferently. ¡°Why should I tell you? What¡¯s your rtionship with him? In what capacity are you questioning me?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched, looking at his shameless expression, feeling a mix of exasperation and helplessness. With him acting like this, she was at a loss.


    It was clear that Lucas had no intention of letting Zachary off easily. Knowing she was the cause, Aveline realized she had to resolve this


    issue.


    Taking a deep breath, she softened her tone. ¡°Lucas, if he did


    something to upset you, I apologize on his behalf. You¡¯re the CEO of DK Group, handsome and magnanimous. Can¡¯t you just <b>let </b>it go?¡±


    Her words only made Lucas¡® face grow colder. He scoffed, ¡°You apologize for him? Who do you think you are? Is he even worthy?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Seeing his indifferent gaze, she understood that Lucas was determined not to let Zachary off.


    Staring at his handsome face, she asked, ¡°What will it take for you to let him go?¡±


    Lucas sat down on the sofa, crossing his legs. He looked at the woman standing before him with dark, inscrutable eyes. He wanted to tell her


    1/3N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    to leave immediately.


    She was pleading on behalf of another man, with such a familiar tone, even offering to apologize for him. Who did this Zachary think he was, to warrant such lengths from her?


    Aveline felt uneasy under his gaze but reminded herself that she had to help Zachary. She needed to stay calm and couldn¡¯t leave..


    ¡°Come here,¡± Lucas suddenly said.


    Aveline hesitated, knowing nothing good woulde of getting close to him. But the power was in his hands now, and she had no choice but to obey.


    She walked over to him and asked, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Lucas suddenly pointed to the corner of his lips, his eyes holding an inscrutable meaning.


    Aveline felt exasperated.


    She knew it.


    His mind seemed to be fixated on these things.


    But in this situation, she had no choice but toply.


    She leaned in and pressed her soft lips against his. What she intended to be a quick peck turned into something much more when Lucas¡® hand. cupped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.


    He kissed her with such force that she couldn¡¯t react, and by the time she thought to struggle, he had already let her go. It was as if the passionate kiss had been just a fleeting indulgence for him.


    Aveline stepped back, frowning at him.


    Lucas looked at her with a half¨Csmile. ¡°A kiss won¡¯t hurt you. Why are you acting so skittish?¡±


    Aveline exhaled a breath of frustration. ¡°Now, will you let him go?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas replied leisurely, ¡°When did say that kissing me would make me let him go?¡±


    Aveline red at him. ¡°Then what do you want?¡±


    Lucas suddenly changed the subject. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Avel¨ªne was about to retort when the doorbell rang.


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    Chapter <b>244</b>


    ¡°Go check who it is,¡± Lucas instructed.


    Aveline felt exasperated like she had be his secretary.


    How infuriating!


    She walked to the door and opened it, revealing the room service she had ordered. She brought the food inside and set it on the dining table.


    Lucas got up and walked over<b>, </b>opening the bag. Seeing the pork ribs, his brows furrowed deeply. ¡°You expect me to eat this?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°This is for me¡­¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened<b>, </b>and his expression turned grim.


    Aveline mumbled, ¡°How was I supposed to know you¡¯d be back? If you¡¯d told me, I would¡¯ve cooked for you.¡±


    The presidential suite was well¨Cequipped, including a small kitchen where she could easily whip up a simple meal.


    Lucas said, ¡°You can still cook for me now.¡±


    Aveline sighed, feeling like she¡¯d dug herself into a hole. She looked at him and asked, ¡°If I cook for you, will you let Zachary go?¡±


    Lucas¡® cold gaze fixed on her. ¡°Is this how you ask for a favor?¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Then what will it take for you to let him go?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°When I¡¯m in a good mood.¡±


    Aveline forced a smile. ¡°You seem to be in a good mood now, so why not¡­¡±


    Lucas cut her off coldly. ¡°No, I¡¯m in a very bad mood right now. I even feel like killing someone.¡±


    Aveline was taken aback.


    1/3


    Seeing the sinister look in his eyes, she backed down.


    Maybe he really was capable of murder.


    ¡°Ha¡­ haha, let¡¯s be goodw¨Cabiding citizens,¡± she stammered, turning to leave the room.


    Lucas watched her slender figure with a dark gaze, then sat down at the table, opened hisptop, and began working.


    Aveline returned with his favorite dishes, finding him seated and working with a focused, cool expression, exuding an air of nobility. His fingers tapped lightly on the keyboard, each movement highlighting his distinct knuckles and making his hands look exceptionally


    attractive.


    Forcing herself to look away, Aveline reminded herself that while he might be good¨Clooking, his character left much to be desired.


    Entering the small kitchen, she went through the motions of washing, cutting, and cooking. In less than 40 minutes, she had prepared two dishes and a soup.


    She set the table and called out, ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Lucas responded coldly, closing hisptop and standing up.


    Aveline nced at the now unappetizing pork ribs she had ordered, feeling a pang of regret. She had hoped to make up forst night by ordering room service today, but it ended up being wasted. She threw it. in the trash and then sat down to eat.


    Lucas gave her a brief, indifferent look but said nothing.


    Distracted by her concerns, Aveline couldn¡¯t muster much enthusiasm. for her meal. She ate a little and then put down her utensils, gazing expectantly at Lucas.


    Despite her overly eager gaze, Lucas remained unfazed. He ate quickly yet gracefully. Soon, he set down his utensils as well.


    2/3


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline¡¯s eyes lit up, ready to bring up Zachary¡¯s situation. But before she could say anything, Lucas grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him.


    ¡°Hey¡­ what are you doing?¡± Aveline eximed.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Lucas looked at her coolly. ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at me. Does that mean you want it?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°No, I don¡¯t! Don¡¯t say such things!¡±


    She had been watching him, waiting for him to finish so she could talk about Zachary. What on earth was going through his mind?


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    Chapter <b>245</b>

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    Chapter <b>245</b>


    Lucas smirked. ¡°Then why were you staring at me? Do you like me?¡±


    As he spoke, <b>his </b>lips curved into a faint smile.


    He reached out to caress her face. ¡°I know you¡¯ve always liked me, but there¡¯s no need to be so obvious. Otherwise<b>, </b>I might not be able to resist doing something right here.¡±


    Aveline was speechless, thinking, ¡°Is he crazy?¡±


    She quickly got up from hisp, her cheeks feeling warm, and headed straight for the bathroom.


    Lucas watched her retreating back, the smile on his lips fading slightly before he returned to his work.


    Aveline sshed cold water on her face, trying to calm down.


    Otherwise<b>, </b>she might not be able to resist pping him. She reminded herself that she needed to ask him for a favor, so she had to be patient and humble<b>.</b>


    A bitter smile appeared on her face. She was his wife, yet to get him to do something, she had to lower herself and cater to him. She felt like a failure as a wife. Then again, he was even more of a failure as a


    husband.


    When she came out of the bathroom<b>, </b>she saw that he was busy again. She hesitated before asking, ¡°Lucas, could you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy,¡± Lucas interrupted, his deep, maic voice cold.


    Aveline¡¯s words were cut off.


    She looked at his side profile¨Chis slightly bowed head, the sharp jawline, the tense jaw<b>, </b>the straight bridge of his nose, and his lips pressed into a faint line. He exuded a cold, aloof aura.


    Realizing it was pointless to continue, she sat quietly on the sofa,


    +15


    waiting for him to finish. She hadn¡¯t slept well the previous night and hade to see Lucas early in the morning. Now, she was exhausted.


    Unconsciously, she leaned against the sofa and fell asleep.


    Lucas looked up from his work to see her sleeping peacefully, her beautiful face showing signs of fatigue. Her brows were furrowed as if she were having a nightmare. He stood up and walked over, bending down to study her face closely. His gaze traced over her nose, lips, and the faint marks on her neck that hadn¡¯tpletely faded.


    His eyes darkened as he took it all in.


    He stood up, draped his jacket over her, and returned to his work.


    When Aveline woke up, the room was dimly lit. She felt disoriented as she sat up, and the jacket covering her slid off. Surprised, she looked down and realized it was Lucas¡® jacket.


    She had fallen asleep!


    Grabbing his jacket, she turned to look at his workspace, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    Panic set in.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lucas?¡±


    Had he left again? When would hee back? How could she resolve Zachary¡¯s issue if he kept disappearing?


    She pulled out her phone to call him, but just then, the bedroom door opened.


    Lucas walked out, a towel wrapped around his waist.


    His upper body was bare, showcasing his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and defined muscles. Droplets of water glistened on his abs, slowly trickling down and disappearing into the towel.


    ¡°Have you seen enough?¡± his deep, maic voice broke the silence.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline snapped out of her trance. ¡°Why are you taking a bath at this hour?¡±


    It was only six¨Cthirty in the evening!


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    Chapter 246


    Lucas said, ¡°You can¡¯t stop me,¡±


    Aveline tell silent.


    She took a deep breath and asked, ¡°Are you done with your work? Can we talk about Zachary now?¡±


    Lacas picked up a ss of water, took a sip, and with a cold expression, replied, ¡°I have a dinner meetingter. Apany me, and if you do well, I¡¯ll consider letting him go.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Can¡¯t you just say that if I do well, you¡¯ll let him go? Why add ¡®consider¡®?¡±


    What if he were to change his mind and decided not to let Zachary go?


    Lucas looked at her yfully. ¡°You¡¯re quite clever.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She didn¡¯t like that kind ofpliment.


    Lucas lifted his chin slightly. ¡°Go change into the dress.¡±


    Following his gaze, Aveline noticed a dress on the other side of the sofa. She walked over, picked it up, and went straight into the room to change.


    Fortunately, the dress was quite conservative. It highlighted her figure while covering those ambiguous marks.


    When she came out, she saw that Lucas had also changed into a suit. He was putting on a watch, exuding an air of elegance that made one¡¯s heart skip a beat at the sight.


    Aveline¡¯s eyelids fluttered as she suppressed her emotions. ¡°What kind of dinner meeting is this?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when we get there,¡± Lucas said.


    +15 BONUSN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    His eyes fell on her face. She wasn¡¯t wearing any makeup, and her lips were a bit pale. He walked over, cupped the back of her head, and kissed her.


    The kiss was intense and passionate as if he wanted to devour her whole.


    Aveline struggled to keep up, instinctively pushing him away.


    The next moment, his lips moved to her ear<b>, </b>and in a low voice, he murmured, ¡°The more you struggle<b>, </b>the more you upset me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s instantly stopped moving. She endured while thinking about Zachary.


    Seeing the anger in her watery eyes and her helplessness towards him, Lucas¡® lips curved into a faint smile, clearly pleased.


    Aveline said, ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to go to the dinner meeting?¡±


    Lucas responded with a hum and turned to walk out.


    Aveline exhaled a breath of frustration and followed him. When they stepped outside, Desmond was already waiting by the car, respectfully opening the door.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Young.¡±


    Lucas¡® gaze suddenly locked onto Desmond¡¯s face. ¡°Are we divorced?¡±


    Desmond was taken aback and instinctively replied, ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas coldly said, ¡°Then why do you call her Miss Young? Do you enjoy calling her that?¡±


    Desmond¡¯s hair stood on end. He quickly looked at Aveline and corrected himself, ¡°Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Aveline, expressionless, said, ¡°Don¡¯t. We¡¯re getting divorced soon. Calling me that will only cause trouble.¡±


    Desmond was speechless.


    +15 BONUS


    Both of them were making things difficult for him.


    Lucas¡® gaze lingered on Aveline¡¯s face for a long moment, but she remained indifferent.


    ¡°Am I not speaking the truth? You promised Miss Winter you would marry her,¡± she said, a mocking smile appearing <b>on </b>her face.


    Lucas¡® expression darkenedpletely.


    He looked at her deeply and suddenly let out a lowugh. ¡°Aveline, with your attitude, Zachary will never get to take over the orphanage.¡±


    ¡°You!!!


    Aveline was stunned and was about to say something, but Lucas had already turned and got into the car.


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    Chapter <b>247</b>


    Aveline stared at his back.


    If looks could kill, he would be riddled with wounds by now.


    How infuriating!


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, please get in the car,¡± Desmond urged cautiously.


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°I told you not to call me that. Don¡¯t you find it disgusting?¡±


    Desmond fell silent.


    After speaking, Aveline got into the car.


    Looking at Lucas¡® cold, handsome face, she struggled to suppress her


    emotions.


    After mentally calming herself for a while, she said, ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t mean anything by it. I¡¯m just thinking of you. If Miss Winter were to find out you don¡¯t want a divorce, she¡¯d be heartbroken. What if she jumps off a building again?¡±


    She appeared genuinely concerned.


    Lucas¡® anger only intensified.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    He closed his eyes and ignored her.


    Seeing his darkened expression, Aveline felt oddly satisfied and turned to look out the window instead of saying more.


    The car drove smoothly down the road.


    Arthur Town was just a small county. Its nightlife was nowhere near <b>as </b>lively as that of a big city, and the streets became deserted early.


    The car entered a winding mountain road, heading towards the hillside.


    Aveline vaguely remembered that a prominent business figure lived on


    415 BONUS


    the hillside. This person was originally from Arthur Town but had spent years building a career in other cities. Now older, he wanted to return to his roots and retire in Arthur Town.


    As soon as Aveline¡¯s thoughts settled, the car stopped at the gate of a grand vi. The guards checked their identities and invitations before letting them through.


    The car drove into the vi¡¯s courtyard and parked in the lot.


    Desmond got out and opened the door for them.


    Lucas stood by the car, his tall and elegant figure exuding an air of aloofness. His cold eyes fell on Aveline¡¯s face.


    Understanding his cue, Aveline walked over, took his arm, and shed him a sweet smile<b>.</b>


    Lucas¡® eyes paused for a moment, then he said coldly, ¡°That smile is hideous.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She immediately stopped smiling.


    This man was impossible to please!


    Going against him didn¡¯t work, andplying with him didn¡¯t work. either. What was she supposed to do?


    Lucas led Aveline towards the vi.


    As they passed through the gate, the scenery opened up before them.


    The vi¡¯s expansive courtyard, nearly ten thousand square meters in size, was adorned in a whimsical style. Balloons and streamers. adorned the space, and at its center stood a rose¨Ccovered volcano.


    A trail of pink roses wound its way to a sign, which disyed a photo of a young girl.


    -Happy Birthday, Reba Thompson!


    Thompson family


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    a poy and motumont the whautatuo in les eye o Sean wa

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    Chapter 248


    Lucas pushed her away gently and took out a small box. ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    Reba happily took it. ¡°Thank you, Lucas! I love the gift you gave <b>me</b><b>!</b>


    The gift itself didn¡¯t matter; what mattered was who gave it.


    Lucas smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡±


    Reba¡¯s eyesnded on Aveline, who was holding Lucas¡® arm. Her face clouded over. In a sh, she shoved Aveline aside andtched onto Lucas herself.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Who do you think you are?¡± Reba snapped. ¡°What gives you the right to hang on Lucas like that?¡±


    Her arrogant demeanor resembled that of a spoiled little princess.


    Taken by surprise, Aveline lost her bnce. Before she could fall, Lucas reached out and steadied her.


    A cold glint shed in her eyes, but before she could say anything, she caught Lucas¡® warning gaze.


    Fine, she¡¯d endure it.


    Reba clung to Lucas¡® arm as they walked inside. ¡°Lucas, I heard. about what happened to you. I¡¯m so d you came back safe. My father has been worried and is waiting for you inside.¡±


    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m fine,¡± Lucas replied calmly.


    Aveline followed them at a respectful distance.


    Watching Reba cling to Lucas, Aveline couldn¡¯t help but wonder, did Sophia know that Reba liked Lucas? Did Reba know about. Sophia?


    Reba and Sophia weren¡¯t on the same level. One was the pampered


    heiress of the Thompson family, the other a dispensable member of her family. The difference was clear.


    But if it came down to it, who would Lucas choose?


    Realizing what she was thinking, Aveline felt a moment of confusion before refocusing her gaze on Lucas.


    He was outstanding, handsome, and powerful, easily attracting attention from the opposite sex.


    And yet, this remarkable man was devoted to Sophia.


    Neither she nor Reba seemed to be a match for Sophia.


    Because in love, only the beloved one is right.


    ¡°Hey, why are you following us? Who allowed you toe here? Get out now and stop bothering Lucas!¡±


    Lost in thought, Aveline was startled by Reba¡¯s sudden outburst. Before she could react, Reba shoved her again.


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed as she looked at Reba. ¡°I am Mr. Tudor¡¯spanion. Naturally, I need to stay with him.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t provoked this youngdy, so why was she being targeted?


    Reba¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°How dare you talk back? You¡¯re just apanion. Who gave you the nerve to speak to me like this?¡±


    Acting like a spoiled princess, she called over two servants. ¡°Take her outside and throw her into the pool!¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss!¡±


    The two servants immediately reached out to grab Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s gaze turned icy.


    Seeing Lucas chatting with Reynold Thompson not far away, she walked straight towards him.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Ignoring Reba¡¯s murderous re, Aveline took Lucas¡® arm and said, ¡°This ce is so big, I¡¯m afraid of getting lost. Can I stay by your side?¡±


    As she spoke, she even blinked yfully at Lucas.


    Seriously, she was Lucas¡® wife!


    What right did Reba have to drive her away?


    What qualifications did she possess?


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    Chapter 249


    Lacas¡® body stiffened as he looked at her soft, warm smile, and his heart softened along with it.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, you¡¯re so kind,¡± Aveline said sweetly.


    Reba was livid!


    Her cousin had been right; this woman was nothing but a slut!


    No way would she allow such a wretch to stay by Lucas¡® ide.


    Lucas was hers!


    ¡®Dad, I want Lucas to keep mepany for a while. It¡¯s my birthday today, so can we skip the boring business talk, please?¡± Reba clung to Reynold¡¯s arm, pouting.


    Reynold looked <b>at </b>his daughter with fondness, gently tapping her nose. ¡°Come on, sweetie. You¡¯re a big girl now. No need to hang onto Lucas like that, okay?¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, I know,¡± Reba replied, then turned to Lucas. ¡± Lucas, let¡¯s go outside, okay? My garden is beautiful, and I haven¡¯t shown it to anyone else. I just want to share it with you!¡±


    Reynold added, ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s Reba¡¯s birthday today. Let¡¯s not discuss business. You young people should go have fun. No need to stay with. me.¡±


    Lucas nodded slightly. ¡°Alright, Mr. Thompson.¡±


    Reba immediately tried to take Lucas¡® arm, but Aveline, quick and agile, beat her to it.


    Reba was so angry she was gnashing her teeth, but with Lucas there, she couldn¡¯t show it.


    Outside the vi, Reba excitedly talked to Lucas about the rose


    volcano She stood beside it, like a proud little princess.


    ¡°Lucas, I really like the gift you gave me. Will you help me put it <b>on</b>?¡± She handed the box to Lucas, her eyes full of anticipation.


    Lucas replied indifferently, ¡°A gift is meant to be worn by the one who receives it. My job was just to give it.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, no, I want you to put it on me,¡± Reba pouted, grabbing Lucas¡® other hand and shaking it yfully.


    Lucas withdrew his hand and said, ¡°Reba, you should know that I¡¯m married.


    Reba¡¯s expression froze for a moment before she replied, ¡°So what? People can get divorced even after getting married. Besides, I know you don¡¯t really like her. You¡¯re only staying with her out of a sense of obligation, which is why you haven¡¯t divorced her yet.


    ¡°Lucas, a woman like that doesn¡¯t deserve you. You should end it with her as soon as possible!¡±


    Reba actually knew that Aveline was Lucas¡® wife!


    But she pretended not to know, deliberately saying those things to embarrass Aveline. Her cousin had already told her about Aveline¡¯s identity, that she was just an ordinary person who didn¡¯t deserve Lucas at all!


    She nced at Aveline with disdain in her eyes.


    Lucas¡® expression turned colder. ¡°Reba, you¡¯re an adult now. You should understand what it means to have boundaries. My rtionship with my wife is none of anyone else¡¯s business.¡±


    Reba was stunned, not expecting his tone to be so serious. She felt incredibly wronged. ¡°Lucas, how can you be so harsh with me? You


    used to be so kind to me!¡±


    Aveline was also taken aback, not expecting Lucas to say such things. Was he¡­defending her? She lowered her gaze slightly, feeling


    2/3


    indifferent.


    At that moment, the sound ofmotion and noise came from a distance.


    COMMENTS


    Realizing what she was thinking, Aveline felt a moment of confusion before refocusing her gaze on Lucas.


    He was outstanding, handsome, and powerful, easily attracting attention from the opposite sex.


    And yet, this remarkable man was devoted to Sophia.


    Neither she nor Reba seemed to be a match for Sophia.


    Because in love, only the beloved one is right.


    ¡°Hey, why are you following us? Who allowed you toe here? Get out now and stop bothering Lucas!¡±


    Lost in thought, Aveline was startled by Reba¡¯s sudden outburst. Before she could react, Reba shoved her again.


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed as she looked at Reba. ¡°I am Mr. Tudor¡¯spanion. Naturally, I need to stay with him.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t provoked this youngdy, so why was she being targeted?


    Reba¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°How dare you talk back? You¡¯re just apanion. Who gave you the nerve to speak to me like this?¡±


    Acting like a spoiled princess, she called over two servants. ¡°Take her outside and throw her into the pool!¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss!¡±


    The two servants immediately reached out to grab Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s gaze turned icy.


    Seeing Lucas chatting with Reynold Thompson not far away, she walked straight towards him.


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    ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Ignoring Reba¡¯s murderous re, Aveline took Lucas¡® arm and said, ¡°This ce is so big, I¡¯m afraid of getting lost. Can I stay by your side?¡±


    As she spoke, she even blinked yfully at Lucas.


    Seriously, she was Lucas¡® wife!


    What right did Reba have to drive her away?


    What qualifications did she possess?


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    Lucas said calmly, ¡°Your friends have arrived. You should go see what gifts they brought you.


    Reba bit her lip in frustration, shot Aveline a venomous re, and walked away, lifting her dress as she went.


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Lucas, I think you¡¯re setting me up to be hated.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Am I?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°That little princess now holds a grudge against me. Since you brought me here, you have to ensure my safety. If anything were to happen to me, it¡¯d be on you.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Lucas¡® eyes locked onto hers, and a faint smile curved his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t be missing any limbs.¡±


    Aveline instinctively shrank back, not wanting to continue the topic.


    She had to admit, the rose volcano was indeed beautiful, and she couldn¡¯t help but take a few more nces.


    Lucas and Aveline strolled around the garden, admiring the scenery. When they reached a pavilion, Lucas¡¯s phone rang. He checked the caller ID and said, ¡°I need to take this call.¡±


    Aveline nodded and stayed in the pavilion, not wandering off.


    This was the Thompson family estate, and with Reba¡¯s disdain for her, getting lost could end very badly.


    Lucas stepped out of the pavilion to take the call. Not far away, a servant who had been watching them reported the scene to Reba.


    Holding a wine ss, Reba smirked coldly and gave the servant some instructions.


    The servant nodded and went to carry them out.


    Feeling bored, Aveline sat in the pavilion.


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    A servant soon entered, silently cing a tray of drinks and snacks on the table before leaving.


    Aveline raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t touch them.


    <b>Why </b>was Lucas taking so long?


    She stood up and saw him still talking on the phone a short distance away. Deciding to join him, she walked towards him.


    To reach him<b>, </b>she had to pass through a flower corridor. Lucas was standing at the end of it, still on the phone.


    As Av¨¦line approached, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind her. Before she could react, a hand covered her mouth, and a pungent smell overwhelmed her senses. She didn¡¯t have time to call for help before she lost consciousness.


    Two bodyguards swiftly carried Aveline away. In the dimly lit flower corridor, everything happened in silence.


    Reba nced at the unconscious Aveline and sneered. ¡°Throw her to feed the dogs. Let them have a taste of human flesh.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss,¡± the bodyguards responded, carrying Aveline directly to the backyard.


    The Thompson family kept several Mastiffs, known for their extremel ferocity. If Aveline was thrown in there, she would either be killed or severely injured.


    A look of satisfaction shed in Reba¡¯s eyes<b>. </b>She wanted to see how


    that wretch could still seduce Lucas once she was maimed!


    Lucas hung up the phone and turned around, only to find that Aveline was no longer in the pavilion.


    His expression darkened as he quickly walked over. The drinks and snacks on the pavilion table remained untouched. He immediately dialed her number, but there was no answer.


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    Thinking of Reba¡¯s hostility towards Aveline, Lucas pressed his lips. into a thin line.


    He turned and strode towards the vi.


    Just as he reached the door, Reba blocked his way.


    ¡°Lucas, where are you going? The birthday cake has arrived, and I need to make a wish. Can you stay with me?¡± Reba reached out to hold his hand, pouting.


    Lucas pulled his hand away, his tone turning colder. ¡°Where is Aveline?


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    Reba blinked. ¡°Who is Aveline?¡±


    Lacas replied, ¡°The girl who came with me.¡±


    Reba, looking indifferent, said, ¡°How would I know? P¡¯m only concerned with you; everyone else is irrelevant to me. Perhaps she¡¯s never been here and found something she likes.


    As the heiress of the Johnson family, Reba was confident that anyone who came to their house would always be impressed, let alone Aveline, <b>that </b>despicable woman!


    Lucas red at her, a chilling coldness sweeping over Reba.


    His tone grew colder. ¡°Reba, please send someone to look for her. She¡¯s not <b>familiar </b>with this ce, and it wouldn¡¯t be good if she damaged any of your things.¡±


    Rebaughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. She is your guest. If she likes something, I¡¯ll give it to her. Lucas, let¡¯s not talk about her anymore. Will you join me in making my birthday wishes?¡±


    She grabbed Lucas¡± arm again, shaking it like an innocent little princess


    However, Lucas felt an inexplicable anxiety,


    He had been calling Aveline the whole time, but she hadn¡¯t answered.


    Aveline knew Reba didn¡¯t like her, so how could she have wandered off on her own?


    Looking at Reba, Lucas¡® eyes grew colder. ¡°Find her now.¡±


    Reba, feeling his cold attitude, pouted in grievance. ¡°Lucas, how can you be so harsh to me? This is the second time today. Fine, I¡¯ll find her!


    She called her bodyguards and ordered, ¡°Go find the girl Lucas


    +15 BONUS


    brought. Bring her back immediately¡±


    Annoyed, she muttered, ¡°So frustrating. Why did she wander off? She¡¯s ruining my birthday.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained stern as he continued to make a call.


    Reba nced at his handsome, sharp features, a hint of infatuation in her eyes. ¡°Lucas, will you join me in making my birthday wishes? I¡¯ve already dispatched people to search for her. They¡¯ll bring her back once they locate her. There¡¯s no point in waiting here.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression was cold, but he didn¡¯t refuse her. He walked with her towards the massive cake tower.


    However, he still sent a message to Maria, asking her to check the surveince at the Johnson family vi.


    Maria said, ¡°I feel like cking off.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°You can feel all you want but get working immediately!


    He put away his phone and apanied Reba to the garden, where the massive cake tower was adorned with lights, looking very beautiful.


    Reba, beaming with joy, dragged Lucas over. She stood beneath it, sped her hands together, and began making a wish.


    Just then, Lucas¡® phone rang. It was a surveince video clip from Maria. Upon seeing its contents, his expression immediately darkened.


    Reba was still making her wish when, in the next second, Lucas forcefully grabbed her wrist, causing her so much pain she nearly screamed.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Reba, where did you take Aveline?¡± Lucas demanded.


    His dark, ominous eyes were filled with a chilling intensity as he stared coldly at Reba as if he would tear her to pieces the next


    moment.


    Reba¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re hurting me. Let go.¡±


    Instead of letting go, Lucas tightened his grip on her wrist. ¡°Tell me, where is Aveline?¡±


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    Tears welled up in Reba¡¯s eyes from the pain.


    When she met Lucas¡® icy gaze, she shrank back in fear and said, ¡°I¡­ <b>I </b>don¡¯t know where she went, Lucas. You¡¯re really hurting me!<b>¡±</b>


    Lucas, emanating a chilling aura, showed her the surveince video on his phone. The footage, discovered by Maria, revealed Aveline being brought to Reba, who then said something before the bodyguards. carried Aveline away.


    However, there was no further footage showing where they took her.


    Reba widened her eyes. ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡±


    Lucas grabbed a nearby wine ss and smashed it, then pointed the broken edge at her face. ¡°Tell me, where is Aveline?¡±


    Seeing his fierce expression, Reba¡¯s face turned pale with fear. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, I¡¯ll tell you, just let go of me¡­¡±


    Lucas looked terrifying!


    He actually wanted to disfigure her for that despicable woman!


    Reba couldn¡¯t help but hate Aveline even more.


    Lucas coldly released her hand, his icy gaze fixed on her.


    Suddenly, Reba saw Reynold and immediately started crying, running into his arms. ¡°Dad, Lucas is so mean to me!¡±


    Reba had never suffered such grievances before.


    Reynold patted her shoulder, his face darkening as he looked at Lucas. Lucas, what are you doing?<b>¡±</b>


    Lucas silently showed him the video,


    Seeing the footage, Reynold¡¯s face grew even darker. He immediately instructed the butler, ¡°Find this youngdy at once!¡±


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    <b>The </b>butler replied, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    He promptly ordered people to search the vi and courtyard.


    Lucas said, ¡°Why go to such trouble? Just ask her.¡±


    Reba¡¯s eyes flickered.


    By now, Aveline had surely been devoured by those mastiffs. Even if she hadn¡¯t been eaten by them, she must have been severely injured. She just needed to stall for a bit longer until that wretch was dead for good.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I really don¡¯t know¡­¡± Reba cried, shaking her head, her face pale.


    Reynold said, ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve already sent people to look for her. Reba is scared enough; don¡¯t target her anymore.


    Lucas¡® face grew even colder. ¡°Mr. Reynold, she¡¯s the one who took Aveline away. Are you sure you still want to protect her?¡±


    Reynold paused, sensing Reba¡¯s tension.


    He patted her shoulder and said, ¡°Reba, you¡¯ve gone too far <b>this </b>time. Go to your room and reflect on your actions. Don¡¯te out until I give permission.¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡± Reba looked at him in disbelief.


    Today was her birthday, how could he punish her with confinement?


    She had never been punished like this before.


    Reynold stared at her sternly. ¡°Go now!¡±


    Reba bit her lip, urfwillingly running towards the vi. Her hatred for Aveline reached its peak. That wretch better be dead, or she would never let her go!1


    Lucas¡® expression remained dark, dissatisfied with the oue.


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    Reynold approached, patting Lucas on <b>the </b>shoulder reassuringly. ¡°You know I¡¯ve spoiled Reba, Lucas. Maybe she was just ying a prank on <b>this </b>youngdy. Once we locate her, everything will be fine.¡±


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    Lucas exuded an ley demeanor as hespoke, his tone equally frosty. ¡°If that¡¯s how it is, then perhaps someday I¡¯ll y a simr prank on Reba. I trust, Mr. Reynold, you¡¯ll treat it as lightly as you are today.¡±


    Reynold¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Lucas, what do you mean by that?¡±


    Lucas replied icily, ¡°I need to see her now.¡±


    He needed to confirm Aveline¡¯s safety before addressing any other


    matters.


    Reynold took out his phone and called the butler. ¡°Have you found her?


    The butler¡¯s voice wavered, ¡°Sir¡­ we¡¯ve found her, but¡­¡±


    Reynold immediately pressed, ¡°But what?¡±


    Just then, Lucas heard the faint sound of dogs barking. His eyes narrowed, and he dashed toward the noise.


    Aveline was awakened by a dog licking her.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    She opened her eyes to see a furry face<b>, </b>the dog¡¯s tongue continuously licking her arm, the wet sensation filling her with disgust and terror.


    It was a mastiff!


    Her face turned pale with fear, and shey rigidly on the ground, not daring to move a muscle. Reba was truly vicious, throwing her into a ce with mastiffs, clearly intending for them to devour her.


    Aveline stared at the mastiff, her heart pounding in her throat, terrified that it might bite her at any moment.


    Her breathing grew tense, and then the mastiff bared its teeth!


    Her face instantly drained of color. The will to survive made her leap. up and run frantically in one direction.


    ¡°Bark!¡±


    The mastiff¡¯s fierce growl echoed behind her!


    Aveline trembled with fear as she ran desperately, but ahead of her was a wall!


    She was so done for!


    Her heart sank, and a wave of deathly fear engulfed her.


    Reaching the wall, she spotted a stick on the ground. She grabbed it. and turned to face the mastiff, swinging it desperately.


    The sticknded heavily on the mastiff, causing it to yelp and retreat a couple of steps, but its gaze on Aveline became even more menacing.


    Aveline gripped the stick tightly, not taking her eyes off the mastiff, nervously swallowing.


    What should she do now?


    This area was meant for the mastiffs, and it was unlikely anyone woulde here often. Reba wanted her dead, so no one else would be allowed near.


    Her only hope was for Lucas to realize she was missing as soon as possible. That way, she might have a chance of survival.


    The mastiff paced back and forth, its massive form menacingly eyeing her, then suddenly it leapt at her!


    ¡°Ah!¡± Aveline screamed, wildly swinging the stick.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    At that moment, a dull thud sounded. Aveline opened her eyes to see a tall figure tackling the mastiff. The mastiff bit down on his arm!


    ¡°Lucas!¡± Aveline¡¯s voice trembled as she watched the man wrestle with the mastiff, her heart racing.


    Someone nearby fired tranquilizer darts at the mastiff<b>, </b>hitting it five times before it finally copsed.


    Lucas¡® left arm was bleeding heavily, but he ignored it and rushed to her. ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡±


    Aveline stared at him in a daze, his clothes covered in blood, the sight. searing her eyes.


    ¡°Aveline?¡± Lucas, seeing herck of response, grew anxious and touched her face with his uninjured hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re injured. We need to go to the hospital.¡±


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    Aveline finally snapped out of her shock and hurried to help him up.


    However, having been so terrified earlier, her legs nearly gave out now that she had calmed down.


    Lucas caught her just in time. ¡°Are you alright? Can you walk?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine, really. But your hand¡­ it¡¯s covered in blood.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    But Aveline couldn¡¯t help worrying.


    It was a mastiff; what if Lucas suffered from broken bones?


    Reynold rushed over, his face dark with anger. ¡°Get rid of that beast immediately!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the butler responded, quickly ordering the mastiff to be taken away.


    Reynold turned to Lucas. ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ll take you to the hospital. Your wound needs to be treated.¡±


    Lucas said nothing, his eyes fixed on Aveline.


    Aveline, having regained herposure, helped him out of the vi and into the car. Given that the incident happened at the Johnson. family home, Reynold naturally followed them to the hospital.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Only after seeing the doctor treat Lucas¡® wound and administer at vine did Aveline finally rx.


    Lucas sat shirtless, and despite the gruesome bite wound on his arm, his expression remained unchanged. His gaze fell on Aveline¡¯s worried, pale face, and suddenly, the tension that had been building up inside. him dissipated.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let the wound get wet, and change the dressing ording to the


    +15 BONUS


    instructions,¡± the doctor advised before leaving.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes locked onto hers. Moving his lips slightly, he said, ¡°Yes, it hurts.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart tightened. Recalling the earlier scene, she broke into a cold sweat. ¡°Are you crazy? Why would you charge in and confront a mastiff? What if you couldn¡¯t handle it?¡±


    Aveline sniffled, unable to hold back her words.


    Lucas¡® deep voice, tinged with a bit of hoarseness, responded, ¡°It was instinct.¡±


    Aveline was stunned into silence.


    ¡°What kind of instinct?¡± Aveline wondered. ¡°The instinct to rush in. without thinking when you see me in danger?¡±


    Suddenly<b>, </b>Aveline couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. They streamed down her cheeks, unchecked. She turned away, not wanting him to see her crying.


    Seeing her like this, Lucas panicked. He hurriedly grabbed her hand and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying?¡±


    Aveline sniffled, trying to suppress her emotions. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s just go back.¡±


    Lucas gazed at her, trying to discern any other emotions on her face, but there was nothing. A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes.


    ¡°We can¡¯t leave yet,¡± he said in a deep voice.


    Aveline, puzzled, asked, ¡°What else do you need to do?¡±


    on.¡±


    Lucas handed her his shirt. ¡°Help me put this on.


    Aveline obediently helped him dress, then they stepped outside where Reynold was waiting.


    20


    +15 BONUS


    Seeing them, Reynold said, ¡°I¡¯m just d you¡¯re alright. This whole incident was Reba¡¯s fault. I¡¯ve spoiled her too much, and she went too far. Lucas, rest assured, I¡¯ll punish her severely, so she won¡¯t dare to do anything like this again!¡±


    Lucas looked at him coldly. ¡°I¡¯ll go back with you. She hasn¡¯t apologized yet.¡±


    Reynold¡¯s expression faltered, his gaze growing deeper as he looked at Lucas. ¡°Lucas, are you really going to pursue this matter to the end? Have you forgotten what happened back then?¡±

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    The warmth had faded from his demeanor, reced by a sense of seriousness and oppression.


    Lucas¡® strikingly handsome face remained emotionless as he coldly said, ¡°Of course I remember. If it weren¡¯t for that incident, Mr. Reynold, you wouldn¡¯t have walked away unscathed from what had happened.¡±


    Reynold¡¯s expression darkened instantly. Lucas was using past events to threaten him, just as he had tried to remind Lucas of them<b>.</b>


    Impressive, indeed!


    Reynold took a deep breath and said, ¡°Lucas, this matter is my fault for failing to discipline my daughter properly. I apologize to you and Miss Aveline. I have a diamond mine under my name. I¡¯ll arrange for its transfer to you tomorrow. Will that suffice?¡±


    He was willing to embarrass himself and even give up a diamond mine to protect Reba from punishment, showing just how much he pampered his daughter. Reba¡¯s arrogance and unruliness stemmed from her father¡¯s unrestrained indulgence.


    ¡°Reynold¡¯s offer was sincere, leaving Lucas with no reason to refuse,¡± Aveline thought.


    Lucas nced at Reynold and spoke calmly, ¡°Mr. Reynold, considering your efforts, I won¡¯t press this further. Ensure such incidents do not repeat in the future. How many more diamond mines are you willing to offer?¡±


    Reynold was visibly displeased but restrained himself, saying, ¡°Rest assured, I¡¯ll properly discipline that unruly girl when I get back.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯ll head back to the hotel.¡±


    Reynold replied, ¡°Take care on your way.¡±


    1/3


    HIS BONUS


    They left the hospital separately.


    sitting in the car, Aveline remained silent. Though she had anticipated this oue, a faint sadness still lingered in her heart. What was her life worth in the face of profit?


    Seeing her silence, Lucas¡® eyes darkened. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m in pain.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyelids trembled slightly. ¡°Then talk less and rest more.¡±


    Lucas frowned and fell silent.


    Why was she reacting this way? She hadn¡¯t been like this with Zachary!


    The frustration that had finally dissipated began to resurface, darkening his handsome face.


    At Celestial Heights.


    Lucas got out of the car and walked straight inside. Aveline watched his back, recalling that the matter with Zachary was still unresolved. She quickly followed him.


    As they entered the elevator, she spoke up, ¡°Lucas, can we put the issue with Zachary behind us now?¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, the coldness around him intensified, enveloping the elevator in a chilling atmosphere.


    Aveline sensed it and looked at him in confusion. What was wrong with him now?


    Lucas remained silent. He exited the elevator and headed directly to the suite. At the door, he stopped.


    Aveline looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Lucas coldly replied, ¡°I¡¯m injured and can¡¯t swipe the card.¡±


    Aveline nced at his left arm, murmuring, ¡°You can use your other hand¡­¡±


    She took out the room card and opened the door.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas walked in without hesitation, and Aveline followed, closing the doot behind her.


    In an instant, he pressed her against the door, enveloping her in his clean, pleasant scent.


    He pressed his body against her back


    Aveline was startled and hurriedly asked, ¡°Lucas, what are you doing? You¡¯re still injured!¡±


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    Chapter <b>256</b>


    Lucas leaned in close, his hot breath ghosting over Aveline¡¯s ear. Despite the warmth of his proximity, his words carried an icy edge. You know I¡¯m injured, yet your concern lies elsewhere. Tell me, Aveline, why does another man upy your thoughts while I¨Cyour husband¨Cam right here beside you?


    His teeth¨Cclenched tone sounded like he wanted to devour her alive.


    Aveline¡¯s body stiffened, and her heart pounded.


    What was he saying? Was he jealous?


    Impossible.


    He didn¡¯t love her!


    How could he be jealous?


    Aveline thought Lucas might be irritated because she kept mentioning another man after he had done so much to save her.


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered, and she said, ¡± I¡­ I¡¯ll stop mentioning him. Please don¡¯t be upset. It¡¯s not good for your recovery.¡±


    Her tone softened noticeably.


    Lucas wasn¡¯t nning to let her off so easily, but hearing her gentle voice, his anger dissipated instantly.


    He stared at her profile, her flutteringshes.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Suddenly, he kissed her ear, feeling her body shudder violently before stepping back and letting her go.


    Lucas said coldly, ¡°During this period, you¡¯ll stay and take care of me. I¡¯ll let him go when I get better.¡±


    Aveline exhaled a breath of relief. ¡°Alright.¡±


    She didn¡¯t dare say anything more, <b>afraid </b>he and a


    Besides, he did get injured saving he she should take care of him.


    Lucas¡® expression softened with the Pension in his brow easing Hemanded, ¡°Undress me,¡±


    Aveline stopped forward, reached out to help him remove his clothes, and set them aside without doing anything more,


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, ¡°Shirt too, row it all away,¡±


    He sustained the injury while wearing that outfit in the kennel, so keeping it was out of the question.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline walked over and reached to unbutton his shirt.


    As she stood directly before him, her petite frame belled a newfoundposure. The panic and fear that had earlier gripped her had now given way to a serious, determined demeanor.


    She unbuttoned each button, and as his firm chest gradually revealed itself in front of her, she couldn¡¯t help but stop moving.


    She felt an urge to reach out.


    As his well¨Cdefined abs came into view, she hesitated once more,


    How did he maintain such an impressive physique despite his demanding schedule?


    ¡°Enjoying the view?¡± His deep, resonant voice broke her reverie.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ quite impressive.¡±


    Lucas scoffed softly, ¡°You¡¯re not shy at all, are you?¡±


    Aveline feigned calmness as she took off his shirt. ¡°I¡¯ve seen every part of you, why would I be shy?¡±


    Lucas¡® gaze darkened abruptly. ¡°Is that so? Then take off my pants too.


    203


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°You can use your other hand,¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Taking off pants requires bending, which will affect my wound.¡±


    He looked at her with subtle amusement, observing as a delicate flush gradually suffused her fairplexion. The sight caused the corners of <b>his </b>mouth to lift imperceptibly.


    Aveline hesitated for a moment.


    Lucas said, ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen it all? What¡¯s there to be shy about?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Could she take back her words?


    But, meeting his teasing gaze, she pressed her lips together and stepped forward, reaching to unbuckle his belt.


    As her fingers touched the cold belt buckle, her fingertips trembled.


    While she had maintained herposure when unbuttoning his shirt, she now found her calm facade crumbling, and her breathing grew


    erratic.


    Lucas stared at her, his gaze growing darker, his throat tightening. He suddenly grasped her chin and kissed her.


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    Chapter <b>257</b>


    Aveline was startled and quickly dodged. ¡°Lucas, behave yourself.¡±


    Lucas gazed at her intently without saying a word.


    Aveline took a deep breath, pulled out the belt, and then removed his


    trousers¡­.


    At thest moment, she turned around abruptly. ¡°I just remembered 1 haven¡¯t packed my things. I¡¯ll go do that now.¡±


    As she spoke, she was about to leave.


    Lucas asked, ¡°What things do you need to pack?¡±


    Without turning back, Aveline replied, ¡°Clothes. I haven¡¯t washed the clothes I changed out of. I¡¯ll go wash them<b>.</b>¡±


    She swiftly withdrew her hand from his grasp and retreated into the guest bedroom.


    Lucas¡® breath deepened as he nced down<b>, </b>then headed towards the master bedroom.


    Leaning against the door, Aveline covered her face with her hands, trying to calm herself down. She had almost lost control and gave in to her desire!


    Recalling the sight of his gradually aroused state, Aveline felt a rush of heat. She quickly went to the bathroom and sshed her face with cold


    water.


    When she came out, Lucas was already in a bathrobe, sitting on the sofa.


    Having changed out of her gown and into her own clothes, she said, ¡± I¡¯ll head back now ande over tomorrow.¡±


    Lucas frowned. ¡°Go back? Who will take care <b>of </b>me then?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You only hurt your left hand; you can still manage.¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°And how did my left hand get injured?¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    After hesitating, she said, ¡°I need to return to my hotel to check out and gather my belongings. My luggage is still there.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Lucas¡® cold expression softened a bit. He nodded. and said, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Aveline turned and left as if a beast was chasing her.


    Lucas took out his phone and called Desmond. ¡°Send a couple of people to follow her and ensure her safety.¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°Understood.¡±


    Aveline returned to the hotel, quickly packed her luggage, and sat on the sofa. The sudden turn of events left her feeling unsettled. She came to Arthur Town to get away from him<b>, </b>so how did they end up staying in the same hotel?This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    It really felt like fate was ying tricks on her!


    At that moment, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw it was Zachary calling.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Zachary¡¯s gentle voice came through, ¡°Aveline, are you okay?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine, but your matter might take a little more time.¡±


    Zachary said, ¡°If it¡¯s too difficult, just forget it. I don¡¯t want to trouble you<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline paused and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I need to stay here for a few days anyway. Besides, he¡¯s my husband, not a wild beast. As long as I exin clearly, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ????????? ?? ?????? ??? ) by re


    pipe gettin gied up ber mitcase went dintaire Vie hofoed out at the loot and returned to Celestial

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    Upon entering the room, Aveline found Lucas seated at the desk, his demeanor cool and focused on theputer screen, deeply engrossed in his work.


    Aveline paused for a moment, then took her suitcase to the guest bedroom before returning. ¡°It¡¯ste. You should get some rest.¡±


    Lucas responded with a simple nod, closed hisptop, and headed towards the bedroom.


    Watching him disappear into the bedroom, Aveline breathed a sigh of


    relief.


    She went to her own room, took a shower, andy down on the bed.


    However, every time she closed her eyes, the image of that fierce mastiff shed before her, keeping her awake.


    She sat up and ran her fingers through her hair.


    After the scare she had today, she should be able to sleep soundly, but she couldn¡¯t fall asleep. What should she do?


    Suddenly, she remembered the wine cab in the living room, stocked with plenty of red wine. She got out of bed, grabbed a bottle, and started drinking.


    A bit of wine might help her sleep.


    However, the wine had little effect. Before she knew it, she had


    finished the entire bottle.


    Sitting on the carpet by the sofa, holding the empty bottle, she


    murmured in confusion, ¡°No more?¡±


    Hearing the noise, Lucas came out and saw her sitting on the carpet, her cheeks flushed, looking adorably dazed.


    His eyes darkened as he walked over and asked, ¡°Why are you


    1/2


    +IS BONUS


    drinking?¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    He remembered how she acted when she drank before¨Csoft and clingy, making him want to kiss and spoil her.


    Seeing him, Aveline¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Lu!¡±


    Her voice was filled with delight as she tossed the bottle aside and rushed towards him.


    But she stumbled over her own feet, tumbling forward!


    Lucas quickly grabbed her, pulling her into his arms.


    ¡°Mm,¡± he responded, his eyes growing even darker.


    Aveline stared up at him<b>, </b>suddenly breaking into a silly smile. ¡°Thank you for saving me. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve been eaten by that mastiff.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Just a verbal thank you?¡±


    Aveline blinked her hazy eyes, her beautiful gaze glistening with a hint of moisture, looking innocent yet enticing.


    Suddenly, a thought urred to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nted a kiss on his cheek. ¡°Does this suffice as a thank you?


    Lucas¡® breath deepened as he held her tighter.


    Hanging onto him, Aveline rubbed her face against his chest, looking very dependent. ¡°Lu, I miss you so much. When are youing back?¡± Lucas¡® expression paused. ¡°I¡¯ve been by your side all along.¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, you went on a business trip. You haven¡¯t been with me.¡±


    Lucas held her and walked towards the master bedroom without answering her.


    Aveline didn¡¯t resist and let him carry her to the bed.


    +15 DONUS


    She continued <b>to </b>cling to him<b>, </b>her soft body exuding a faint scent of wine, making him feel intoxicated.


    ¡°Ave, will you help me?¡± Lucas asked.


    ¡°Hmm? How can I help you?¡± Aveline asked drowsily, feeling sleepy.


    Lucas whispered something in her ear, but she couldn¡¯t quite hear it. She nodded, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes lit up, watching her intently, waiting for her to act.


    But she slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    ¡°Ave?¡± Lucas¡® voice was hoarse as he pinched her cheek.


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond, instead, she hugged him tighter.


    Seeing her tired expression, Lucas could only sigh and remain still, enduring the heat in his body until sleep finally overtook him.

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    Chapter <b>259</b>This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The next day.


    As Aveline¡¯s eyes fluttered open, she found herself face¨Cto¨Cface with a man¡¯s well¨Cdefined chest. Her gaze widened in sudden realization.


    She quickly sat up, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings. This wasn¡¯t her room¨Cit was the master bedroom!


    What was going on?


    How did she end up in the master bedroom?


    She hastily looked down at her clothes, finding them intact<b>, </b>and felt no soreness or difort in her body, which made her sigh in relief.


    ¡°What are you worried about?¡±


    A hoarse, slightlyzy voice sounded just then.


    Aveline turned her head to see Lucas half¨Csquinting his eyes, looking like he had just woken up, his whole demeanor exuding casualziness.


    ¡°Why am I in your room?¡±


    Lucasughed and said, ¡°I was going to ask you the same question. Why are you in my room?¡±


    He slowly sat up, the quilt sliding off, revealing the open neckline of his robe and the firm muscles underneath.


    With a teasing look, he said, ¡°You didn¡¯t sneak into my room because you were lonely, did you?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Even if I were lonely, I wouldn¡¯te to you.


    She threw off the quilt, intending to get out of bed.


    But in the next second, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back onto the bed.


    1/3


    His handsome face turned stormy. ¡°Not me? Then who? Russell or Zachary?¡±


    Aveline looked at his now cold face and mocked, ¡°Who I seek has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Lucas¡® voice grew even colder. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you know just how much it has to do with me!¡±


    With that, he leaned in to kiss her!


    Aveline immediately struggled, but her hand identally brushed his left arm<b>, </b>making him grunt in pain as his tall body pressed heavily


    onto her.


    ¡°Aveline, are you trying to kill your husband?¡±


    His gritted teeth sounded in her ear.


    Aveline stiffened, realizing she might have gone too far, and said, You shouldn¡¯t have misbehaved! Have you calmed down now?¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond, continuing to press down on her heavily. He was like a mountain, too much for Aveline to bear. She pushed against his shoulder, ¡°Get up, you¡¯re going to crush me.¡±


    Lucas slowly got up, his lips brushing her face as he did. He stared at her, ¡°I actually thought of crushing you.¡±


    That way, she wouldn¡¯t irritate him anymore!


    ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± Aveline muttered, getting out of bed and leaving the master bedroom to freshen up in the guest room.


    Standing at the sink, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder how she ended up in his room. She remembered being unable to sleepst night and having some red wine. After that¡­she couldn¡¯t recall anything.


    Her expression darkened.


    She definitely needed to be more mindful about drinking in the future:


    +15 BONUS


    it always seemed to lead to trouble!


    After washing up and changing clothes, she found Lucas still in his robe. His short hair was a bit messy, but he had already brushed his teeth and washed his face.


    She walked over and asked, ¡°Do you want to wash your hair?¡±


    Lucas gave her a cool look. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together. Could this man never speak nicely?


    She prepared the water and washed his hair, then dried it and took out his clothes. ¡°Take off your robe, I¡¯ll help you get dressed.¡±


    Lucas remained seated, unmoving.


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t push it!¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Think I¡¯m pushing it? Then you can leave.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


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    She took several deep breaths to calm herself before walking over to him and tugging at the belt of his robe.


    Lucas watched her actions with a slight raise <b>of </b>his eyebrow. The next moment, he noticed a blush creeping up her fair face.


    A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes as he remained still<b>, </b>watching her intently.


    Aveline dressed him in a shirt first, followed by trousers. While threading the belt, she identally brushed against his private part.


    Lucas immediately grabbed her wrist, his voice low and questioning, Aveline, are you doing this on purpose?¡±


    Aveline was already blushing, but she forced herself to remain calm. If you can¡¯t control yourself, how is that my fault?¡±


    Lucas stared at her for a long moment before releasing her hand. ¡± Continue.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered as she fastened the belt buckle. When she finally finished, she turned away and exhaled a deep breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s finally done,¡± she thought.


    But the thought of having to take care of him like this for many days toe made her frown.


    She felt overwhelmed!


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    Aveline walked over to open it. It was the room service staff with their breakfast. She stepped aside to let him in.


    The waiter set the breakfast on the table and then left.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Without paying attention to Lucas, Aveline sat down and began to eat.


    HA HONUS


    Lucas came out, saw the scene, and his gaze deepened. He pulled out. <b>the </b>chair next to her and sat down.


    For a moment, the atmosphere between them was harmonious.


    At Celestial Heights.


    Lucas was very busy.


    The main purpose of his visit to Arthur Town was for an on¨Csite inspection. Encountering Aveline was a coincidence.


    However, it turned out to be a beneficial one.


    He sat at the table, reviewing documents with a dignified and indifferent expression.


    Aveline, on the other hand, sat on the sofa, idly ying mobile games.


    Lucas hadn¡¯t broken his left hand; it was just a flesh wound. With


    proper care, it would heal quickly.


    Once Zachary¡¯s issue was resolved, she could leave Arthur Town.


    Once back in the city, Aveline contemted having a serious discussion with him about their divorce.


    They had been caught in this entanglement for so long without any positive oue. It would be better <b>to </b>end it sooner, allowing each of them to pursue their own happiness rather than remaining together and both being miserable.


    Aveline realized this, and a sense of calm washed over her.


    ¡°Pour me a ss of water.¡±


    At that moment, Lucas¡® deep, pleasant voice rang out.


    Aveline put down her phone and got up to pour him a ss of water. Watching him work so intently, she couldn¡¯t help but sav.


    ¡°You¡®


    injured. You should rest more.¡±


    ? +15 BONUS


    ¡°Min,¡± Lucas responded indifferently, clearly not taking her words seriously.


    Aveline didn¡¯t bother with him anymore. She sat back on the sofa and continued ying on her phone.


    Lucas nced at her and saw herughing foolishly at some mindless


    videos.


    He said coldly, ¡°If you have nothing to do,e and work with me.¡± Aveline replied, ¡°I already resigned.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°But I haven¡¯t approved it yet. Right now, you¡¯re absent without leave and owe thepany for losses.¡±


    Aveline, looking unconcerned, said, ¡°Oh, then go ahead and sue me.


    Lucas¡® breath deepened, his patience thinning.


    ¡°You¡¯re from Arthur Town. You should know what the local specialties are. Go buy some for me.¡±


    Aveline retorted, ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas, struggling to keep his temper in check<b>, </b>said, ¡°Aveline, is this how you take care of someone?¡±


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    Aveline put down her phone and looked at him. ¡°Taking care of your doesn¡¯t require me to buy local specialties.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°Eating the local specialties might help me recover faster.¡±


    Aveline sighed and stood up. ¡°Fine, but you better eat them all!¡±


    Lucas watched her storm out, feeling irritated himself. He tugged at his tie, feeling a growing sense of frustration. Things hadn¡¯t always. been like this.


    A year ago, they were so happy together.


    Lucas closed his eyes briefly.


    Aveline quickly returned within an hour, setting


    down the local specialties in front of him and raising her chin. ¡°Here you go. Enjoy your meal.¡±


    Lucas¡¯s temple throbbed. ¡°Aveline, are you doing this on purpose?¡±


    Aveline spoke earnestly. ¡°These are Arthur Town¡¯s specialties. Look at this colorful bracelet, isn¡¯t it pretty? And this intricately embroidered handkerchief is a true cultural gem. You wanted local specialties, and I brought you all of them.¡±


    She pulled out a chair and sat in front of him. ¡°Lucas, I did exactly what you asked. If you have a problem with it, you¡¯re just being unreasonable.¡±


    Lucas red at her coldly.


    Aveline felt incredibly pleased, especially seeing him frustrated. She was delighted!


    At that moment, Lucas¡® phone rang. He nced at it, his expression changing slightly before he answered, ¡°Hello, Sophia.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s smile froze instantly.


    Just her luck!


    Her good mood was ruined!


    Sophia¡¯s gentle voice came through. ¡°Lucas, are you still in Arthur Town?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± Lucas replied indifferently.


    ¡°When will you be back?¡± Sophia asked.


    ¡°I¡¯lle back once things here are settled,¡± Lucas said.


    Sophia replied, ¡°How about Ie over to keep youpany? I miss


    you so much.¡±


    Lucas¡® gaze shifted to Aveline¡¯s face, observing her indifferent


    expression. He had initially intended to agree to Sophia¡¯s suggestion, but as the words formed, he found himself saying, ¡°No need. I¡¯m very. busy and won¡¯t have time for you.¡±


    Sophia responded, ¡°Alright then. Just let me know when you get back, and I¡¯ll wee you home.¡±


    It was as if she hadn¡¯t taken Lucas¡® words to heart.


    Lucas gave a brief acknowledgment and ended the call.


    He stared at Aveline, trying to read her expression, but she remained impassive as if she didn¡¯t care about his interactions with other


    women. This realization soured his mood instantly.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± he said coldly.


    Aveline paused, unable to refuse this time. Cooking for him was part of taking care of him.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    She stood up and went into the small kitchen.


    Lucas watched her get busied as she prepared his meal The


    +15 BONUS


    his chest seemed to ease slightly.


    He absentmindedly toyed with a colorful bracelet from the assortment of local crafts on the table.


    In the afternoon, various leaders from Arthur Town came to visit Lucas.


    Seeing Aveline, Steve¡¯s eyes flickered with curiosity, but he didn¡¯t ask any questions.


    Lucas briefly updated them on his current situation and the uing inspections, assuring them that his work wouldn¡¯t be dyed.


    While they discussed business in the living room, Aveline retreated to the guest bedroom to rest.


    Unknowingly, she fell asleep.


    After some time, she felt a tickling sensation on her cheek. She brushed it away, furrowing her brows in annoyance.


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    The next second, the tickling sensation returned to her cheek. Annoyed, she opened her eyes.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas stood by the bed, releasing her hair.


    ¡°You slept soundly,¡± he said coldly.


    Aveline, already cranky from being woken up, red at him. ¡°Do you need something?¡±


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be busy with work? Why did he have to bother her?


    Lucas, seeing her on the verge of exploding, let out a low chuckle.


    He ruffled her messy hair and said, ¡°Get ready. We¡¯re going out.¡±


    With that, he turned and left the guest bedroom.


    Aveline, feeling frustrated, grabbed a pillow and threw it at the door.


    Half an hourter, Aveline emerged from the guest room and asked coolly, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Lucas tossed her a jacket. ¡°You¡¯ll find out when we get there.¡±


    She dutifully helped him wear his jacket, then walked straight to the door without a moment¡¯s hesitation.


    Lucas watched her slender back, his eyes darkening slightly.


    It was already dusk. The sky was aze with vibrant sunset clouds. Seeing the beautiful scene, Aveline¡¯s foul mood lifted.


    She took out her phone and snapped a photo.


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about sunset clouds?¡± Lucas said indifferently.


    ¡°None of your business,¡± Aveline retorted.


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Lucas pressed his lips together, then suddenly grabbed her hand and raised it. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to take the picture like this?¡±


    Aveline paused, then sneered. ¡°What¡¯s so great about a hand?¡±


    She pulled her hand away and walked ahead on her own.


    Lucas rubbed his fingertips, but he didn¡¯t get angry.


    ¡°You¡¯re going the wrong way,<b>¡± </b>he said, turning and walking in the opposite direction.


    Aveline, fuming, turned around and followed him.


    Arthur Town, a quaint and tranquil locale, was bustling as the workday drew to a close, with more pedestrians on the streets and small


    vendors lining the sidewalks.


    Aveline spotted some street food and walked over and bought some to eat without asking Lucas.


    ¡°Is it good?¡± Lucas asked, watching her intently.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Not bad!¡±


    She ate another piece.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Suddenly, Lucas leaned in and snatched the food from her hand, immediately frowning. ¡°The taste is mediocre.¡±


    Aveline bristled. ¡°I didn¡¯t say you could eat it!¡±


    This man was insufferable!


    But Lucas seemed to be in a good mood. He led her through several winding streets until they stopped in front of a barbecue restaurant.


    Aveline paused. She had worked part¨Ctime at this barbecue restaurant during her school days.


    When she started high school, Hilda stopped supporting her


    financially, so she had to fend for herself to continue her education.


    +15 MONUS


    She woulde here to work after finishing her homework each day, earning just enough for her daily expenses.


    Lucas said, ¡°I had someone look into it. They said the food here is quite good. We¡¯ll have dinner here.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond and simply walked inside.


    ¡°Sit wherever you like, and order whatever you want!¡± The owner, still the same cheerful middle¨Caged man, came out with a big smile.


    ¡°Mr. Zane,¡± Aveline called out with a smile.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Zane Looney looked up and froze for a moment. ¡°You¡­ why do you look so familiar?¡±


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    Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯m Aveline Young. I used to work here part¨Ctime.¡±


    Zane¡¯s face lit up with recognition. Yes, yes, you¡¯re that young girl! You got into college, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    He smiled warmly, remembering the girl who had once stood


    stubbornly at his shop¡¯s entrance, promising not to cause trouble and only wanting to earn some living expenses.


    There werews against employing childbor, but this determined girl had insisted, vowing she just wanted to work to support herself. She had been quick and efficient whenever customers came in and had shared her dream of going to college and leaving Arthur Town.


    Feeling touched, Zane reluctantly agreed to employ her without much. expectation. He thought she mightst a few days before quitting, like many young people who couldn¡¯t handle the hard work. But to his surprise, she had worked there for three years.


    Zane had grown fond of the girl, treating her like the daughter he never had, often cooking special treats for her.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡± Aveline nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion.


    She cherished the warmth and kindness she had found here, a stark


    contrast to much of her life.


    Zane nodded repeatedly. ¡°That¡¯s great, I always knew <b>you </b>were destined for great things. Now that you¡¯re here, make yourself at home. Sit down and eat whatever you like. <b>It¡¯s </b>in the house!¡±


    Aveline was touched. ¡°How could I? You need to run your business<b>, </b>and besides, I didn¡¯te here alone.¡±


    Zane¡¯s gaze shifted to Lucas, and he nodded approvingly. ¡°This young man looks promising. Is he your boyfriend? You have good taste.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t deny it. Instead, she smiled and went to help out.


    Lacas stood aside, observing this unfamiliar side of Aveline and taking in the small, somewhat rundown barbecue restaurant.


    She used to work part¨Ctime here?


    His brows furrowed. While he had investigated her background out of suspicion, he had never truly delved into her past. Now, however, a sudden desire to understand more about her history arose within him.


    Watching her busily helping around the shop, a soft expression unknowingly crossed his eyes.


    Aveline helped clean up two tables before sitting beside Lucas. ¡°Did you order?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Since you used to work here, you should know what¡¯s good. You order.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t hesitate. She picked up the menu and began writing down her choices, then headed to the kitchen.


    Laughter and cheerful voices emanated from the kitchen, warming Lucas¡¯s heart.


    When Aveline returned, she carried a te of skewers. ¡°Here, try these. They¡¯re really good.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Back when Zane used to make special treats for her, these skewers had always been her favorite.


    Lucas took a skewer as she suggested, savoring the rich, spicy vors and tender meat. It was indeed delicious.


    Aveline rested her chin on her hand, watching him. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen this down¨Cto¨Cearth side of you.¡±


    In the past, when he was just Lu, they often enjoyed street food together.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas¡® expression remained calm. ¡°Do you miss it?¡±


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly. ¡°No.¡±


    Remembering the past only brought her sadness.


    Lu was gone.


    Lucas¡® gaze darkened, but he chose not to pursue the topic. Instead, he asked, ¡°Tell me about your past.¡±


    Aveline looked at him in surprise. ¡°Didn¡¯t you look into my background?¡±


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    Lucas said, ¡°It¡¯s more interesting to hear it from you.¡±


    Aveline suddenly smiled. ¡°Alright, how about this: I tell you something about me, and you tell me something about you. Deal?¡±


    Lucas saw the bright<b>, </b>yful look in her eyes and nodded. ¡°Deal.¡±


    Aveline promptly stood up. ¡°We should get some drinks for our stories, otherwise, it won¡¯t be fun.¡±


    Lucas watched as Aveline eagerly fetched the drinks<b>, </b>his gaze


    deepening. Remembering her behavior when drunk, he chose not <b>to </b>stop her.


    She soon returned with <b>a </b>pack of beer, cing a bottle in front of him and one in front of herself. She opened hers and took a sip, closing her eyes briefly. ¡°That¡¯s the taste!¡±


    Lucas opened his can and took a sip, a rare hint of warmth softening his sharp features.


    Aveline began, ¡°I grew up in an orphanage.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow at Lucas.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± he asked with a faint smile..


    ¡°Yes.¡± Aveline nodded.


    He chuckled softly. ¡°I once lost my memory.¡±


    Aveline was speechless. She had hoped to uncover something significant about him, but she had forgotten his usual reserve and cunning nature¡ªalways causing others to lose out, never himself.


    Aveline took a bite of the meat skewer before saying, ¡°After I started junior high school<b>, </b>the orphanage director stopped supporting me. I had to collect scrap <b>to </b>pay <b>for </b>my education, but luckily, she didn¡¯t kick


    me out.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression shifted slightly. ¡°When I was very young, I saw my mother jump off a building.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered as she looked at him in shock. ¡°You¡­¡±


    He had witnessed his mother¡¯s suicide? How much psychological trauma must that have caused him?


    Lucas took another sip of his beer. ¡°Your turn<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together. ¡°My story seems insignificant


    Lucas responded calmly, ¡°Later, my eldest brother and second brother died as well.¡±


    Aveline was at a loss for words. His life truly seemed tragic.


    She picked up her beer bottle and clinked it against his. ¡°Cheers!¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, noticing the sympathy in her eyes. For some reason, it touched something deep within him.


    He suddenly asked, ¡°You didn¡¯t know any of this, did you?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How could I know? When I met you, you¡¯d already lost your memory!¡±


    ¡°Right, that¡¯s true,¡± Lucas murmured, almost to himself.


    She was an orphan with no background, always struggling on her own. She had no connections to those people and couldn¡¯t have known his past. How could she have intentionally gotten close to him?


    Lucas lowered his gaze, letting the coldness in his eyes dissipatepletely. He took another sip of his beer.


    Aveline, holding her bottle, stared at his face and suddenly asked, Answer me honestly. Do you really love Sophia?¡±


    ¦°


    20


    +15 BONUS


    This was a question that had been nagging at her. She had seen how he acted when he truly loved someone, and he wasn¡¯t like that with Sophia. Was it merely because Sophia had saved him that he felt obligated to divorce her out of gratitude?


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    Chapter <b>265</b>


    Lucas¡® eyes gazed intently at Aveline Seeing her slightly tipsy state, asked, ¡°Does it really matter?¡±


    In the face of those events, did love really matter?


    he


    Aveline felt her consciousness growing hazy, but she clung to a shred of rity. ¡°Of course, it matters. If you love her, then we¡­ we¡­<b>¡±</b>


    She really couldn¡¯t hold her liquor. Just half a bottle of beer, and she was already losing her grip on reality.


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°We what?¡±


    Aveline slumped onto the table. ¡°Then we can¡¯t go on.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened immediately. Watching her flushed face as she drifted off to sleep, unlike before when she would cling to him, he felt an unexpected pang of disappointment.


    But ending things like this wasn¡¯t an option.


    He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and gazed at her intently. In a low voice, he murmured, ¡°Aveline, if you had agreed to the divorce back then, you might be free now. But it¡¯s toote.¡±


    At that moment, Zane approached, smiling as he saw their state. Young man, she never could hold her liquor. You should keep an eye on her and stop her from drinking. It could lead to trouble.¡±


    Lucas nodded slightly. ¡°I understand.¡±


    He stood up and pulled out his wallet to settle the bill, but Zane waved him off. ¡°No need. Consider this a homing meal. You don¡¯t pay to eat at home. Just get her back safely so she doesn¡¯t catch a cold.¡±


    Lucas nodded. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Zane chuckled and watched as Lucas effortlessly picked Aveline up


    with one arm.


    Desimond had already parked the car by the roadside. Secing Lucas carrying Aveline, he hurried out and opened the back door.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, is your injury alright?¡± Desmond asked with concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lucas replied calmly, settling into the car. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Desmond replied.


    As he settled into the driver¡¯s seat, Desmond hesitated before speaking. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Brian has recovered from his injuries andThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    arrived in Arthur Town. He said he feels ashamed to face you but wants to protect you from the shadows.¡±


    Lucas¡® brow furrowed immediately.


    Sensing the growing tension in the air, Desmond straightened up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll have him leave right away.¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was stern. ¡°Have him protect Aveline instead.¡±


    Desmond was taken aback. Brian had always harbored a grudge against Aveline; how could Lucas expect Brian to protect Aveline diligently?


    Reading Desmond¡¯s thoughts, Lucas added coldly, ¡°If anything goes wrong again, let him die out there and keep him away from me.¡®


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Desmond replied promptly.


    The car soon arrived at Celestial Heights. Desmond helped Lucas carry Aveline upstairs before departing.


    Downstairs, he noticed someone lingering nearby.


    Desmond approached and patted the person¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You have a chance to redeem yourself.¡±


    Brian, his face still somewhat pale, looked up immediately. ¡°What did Mr. Tudor say?¡±


    ¡°Protect Miss Young,¡± Desmond stated.


    +15 BONUS


    Brian was stunned, not expecting such an order.


    Desmond continued, ¡°I really don¡¯t get it. Are you loyal to Mr. Tudor or to Miss Winter? Why are you so biased towards Miss Winter? Do you have feelings for her?¡±


    COMMENTS


    <b>?</b>


    SUPPORT


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    Brian shook his head vigorously.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°No, you¡¯ve got it wrong. The reason I respect Miss Winter so much is because she saved Mr. Tudor back then, even losing a leg in the process. Doesn¡¯t a woman like that deserve <b>to </b>be cherished?¡±


    Desmond scrutinized him for a moment before abruptly asking, <b>¡°</b>So<b>, </b>you think they¡¯ve managed to deceive everyone?¡±


    Brian was taken aback. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Desmond shook his head in exasperation. ¡°If you don¡¯t get it, forget it.¡±


    He turned to leave but stopped after a few steps, looking back at Brian with a serious expression<b>. </b>¡°Make sure to protect Miss Young. If you don¡¯t, your life will be on the line.¡±


    With Brian still looking confused, Desmond walked away again.


    Brian stood there, stunned for a long moment before collecting himself. Lucas¡® request to protect Aveline resonated deeply. He was prepared to defend her with his life if needed.


    After this incident, he understood his role clearly. He was just a subordinate, and his life belonged to Lucas. All he needed to do was follow Lucas¡® orders. Nothing else mattered.


    ¡ª


    Aveline was awakened by her phone ringing.


    She groggily answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Ave<b>, </b>I¡¯m free!¡± Selena¡¯s excited voice came through<b>, </b>and she was even singing a cheerful tune


    Aveline paused, rubbing her eyes. ¡°Congrattions. Is Aaron better now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, with my meticulous care, even aa patient would recover!¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Selena said dramatically.


    Avelineughed. <b>¡°</b>Just don¡¯t let Aaron hear you say that, or he¡¯ll give you a hard time.¡±


    ¡°Ha! I¡¯ve already aplished my mission. What do I have to fear from him?¡± Selena retorted boldly. When are youing back? I¡¯m. treating you to a big meal to celebrate my freedom.¡±


    ¡°I might need a bit more time before I cane back,¡± Aveline replied.


    Selena sounded puzzled. ¡°Hmm? Why so long?<b>¡±</b>


    Aveline briefly exined the situation.


    ¡°Holy crap!¡± Selena eximed after hearing the story. ¡°He single- handedly held off a mastiff? Is he really that tough?¡±


    Aveline tugged at the corner of her lips. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it either.¡±


    There was a brief silence on the other end before Selena¡¯s voice came again. ¡°My dear Ave, have you fallen for him again?¡±


    Aveline sighed and got up abruptly. ¡°Can we not talk about such scary things so early in the morning? It¡¯s ruining my good mood!¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°But anyone who witnessed such a scene would be moved. If he hadn¡¯t shown up, you might have been dead.¡±


    Aveline ran her fingers through her hair. ¡°I won¡¯t fall for him<b>. </b>Absolutely not!¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to remind you that one heartbreak is enough. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re thinking this way, Ave.¡± Selena sighed in relief.


    She had brought it up because she feared Aveline might unknowingly fall for Lucas again.


    Sure, Lucas saved her, but that didn¡¯t change the fact that he had been a jerk in the past!


    Aveline said<b>, </b><b>¡°</b>Once his injury heals, I¡¯ll head back. Get ready to


    wee me with that feast.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Selena agreed readily.


    After hanging up, Aveline got out of bed to wash up.


    At the door, which was slightly ajar, Lucas had heard their entire conversation. His face darkened as he turned and went back to his room<b>, </b>dialing Aaron¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello? Missing me already?¡± Aaron ans

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    The call connected, and Aaron¡¯s cheeky voice came through.


    ¡°Give Selena something to do,¡± Lucas said coldly.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aaron asked, puzzled. ¡°What did she do to provoke you? Let me guess, she¡¯s advising Aveline to leave you, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes turned icy. ¡°You¡¯re quite perceptive.¡±


    Aaron retorted, ¡°Hey, you¡¯re asking me for a favor. Could you at least be a bit more polite?¡±


    ¡°Oh<b>, </b>you¡¯re really perceptive.¡±


    Aaron sighed. ¡°Fine, fine. I know I¡¯ll never hear a kind word from you, but don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Lucas acknowledged, ¡°Keep an eye on things over there too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything¡¯s under control,¡± Aaron reassured.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    After finishing her morning routine, Aveline came out to find breakfast already delivered by the hotel. They ate together before heading to the hospital.


    Lucas needed his arm re¨Cbandaged and to receive injections. Aveline couldn¡¯t bear to watch, turning her face away when the bandages were removed.


    Lucas stared at her, his lips pressed into a straight line.


    As they left the hospital, her phone rang. She looked at the screen and saw it was Russell calling.


    Aveline answered immediately, ¡°Hello, Russ.¡±


    1/3


    +16 BONUS


    Russell¡¯s pleasant voice came through, ¡°I heard you¡¯re back in Arthur Town. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Sensing the concern in his tone, Aveline casually replied, ¡°Yes, there¡¯s some business to take care of here. Once it¡¯s settled, I¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Russell leisurely remarked, <b>¡°</b>Is Lucas keeping you tied up? At the Johnson family banquet, he couldn¡¯t hide the murderous look in his eyes when he saw me.¡±


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°Really, it¡¯s nothing, Russ. Thank you for thinking of me.¡±


    Russellughed softly, ¡°Of course, I think of you. You¡¯re my only female friend, after all.<b>¡±</b>


    After a pause, Russell continued, ¡°If you need anything, just call me. Even though I¡¯m not in the country, I can still help.¡±


    Aveline felt touched by his words. ¡°Got it, thanks, Russ.¡±


    Russell added, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Honestly<b>, </b>the thing I miss most while being abroad is your cooking. The food here is just terrible.¡±


    Meanwhile, Lucas¡® face had darkened considerably as he watched Aveline¡¯s prolonged conversation with another man. Seeing that they had no intention of ending the call, he suddenly reached out, grabbed her chin, and forced her to turn toward him.


    He kissed her directly on the lips<b>.</b>


    ¡°Mmm¡­,¡± Aveline¡¯s unfinished sentence turned into a muffled sound. of surprise.


    Her eyes widened, and she quickly ended the call. She pushed him away and wiped her lips furiously. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas fixed her with a cold stare, his voice dropping to a serious tone. Flirting with another man right in front of me, Aveline, I¡¯m not invisible, you know?¡±


    Aveline was bbergasted by his behavior,


    <b>She </b>couldn¡¯t understand his train of thought.


    Taking a deep breath, Aveline said, Since we can¡¯t stand each other, why don¡¯t we just get divorced now? That way, we won¡¯t interfere in each other¡¯s lives.¡±


    Lucas let out a derisiveugh. ¡°Back then, I had someone deliver a divorce agreement to you every day, and you refused. Now you want a divorce? Aveline, do you think the world revolves around you?¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Aveline¡¯s chest heaved with anger. If she had known things. would turn out this way, she would have¡­


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    Unfortunately, Aveline couldn¡¯t turn back time. If she could go back to the past, she would have done so already!


    Aveline turned her head towards the window, her lips pressing into a tight line. Lucas, too, looked out the opposite window, the tension between them thickening.


    When they arrived at Celestial Heights, Lucas had barely stepped out of the car when a petite figure dashed towards him.


    ¡°Lucas!¡±


    Reba¡¯s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lucas, but before she could reach him, Desmond intercepted her.


    In response, Reba swung her hand and pped Desmond across the face.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? How dare you stop me? Mark my words, if I were toin to Lucas about you<b>, </b>he¡¯d fire you on the spot!¡±


    Reba¡¯s sudden outburst caught everyone off guard<b>, </b>and Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed as she nced at Desmond. Although he was Lucas¡®ckey, Desmond had never made things difficult for her. They weren¡¯t close, but she couldn¡¯t help feeling indignant on his behalf.


    Lucas¡® expression darkened instantly.


    Desmond calmly turned his head and gave Reba a polite smile. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    His reply made Reba, who had been so arrogant a moment ago, turn red with anger. She red at Desmond before turning to Lucas with a look of aggrieved innocence, her big eyes pleading.


    ¡°Lucas, you saw that, didn¡¯t you? Your subordinate bullied me!¡±


    Lucas¡® sharp, handsome face grew even colder, and his tone was icily indifferent. ¡°I¡¯m not blind.¡±


    Reba¡¯s expression froge, and she quickly said, ¡°Laicas, I was wrong before. I was just joking with Miss Young, I didn¡¯t mean for you to get hurt. I¡¯ve been so worried I couldn¡¯t loop, and I begged my father to let mee see you. Are you badly injurich


    She tried to move closer tocas, but Desmond, whom she had pped, wasn¡¯t about to step aside.te kept her a short distance away from Lucas. Reba watched with envy and hatred as Aveline supported Lucas,


    This wretched woman was incredibly lucky!


    How could she still be alive? What a shamel


    Lucas¡® deep, cold eyes fixed on Reba as he spoke to Desmond, ¡°Get in touch with Mr. Thompson. Put our previous dealings on hold. We¡¯ll resume discussions once he fulfills <i>his </imitments.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Desmond responded immediately.


    As Lucas headed towards the elevator, Desmond positioned himself in front of Reba, preventing her from approaching.


    Reba¡¯s eyes widened slightly upon hearing Lucas¡® words. ¡°Luteas, what do you mean by that? My father already apologized to you. Why are you still holding a grudge? She¡¯s fine, and you only got a minor injury. My father already put down that beast which was my most beloved pet. Even after all this, you still won¡¯t forgive me?¡±


    As she spoke, tears welled up, making her look pitiful as if she had been severely wronged.


    Lucas ignored her tears, stepping into the elevator. As the doors slowly closed, he nced at Desmond.


    Desmond, anticipating his thoughts, quickly smiled and said, ¡°No need to worry, Mr. Tudor. That p was nothing. I didn¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Your year¨Cend bonus will be doubled.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Desmond¡¯s eyes lit up with surprise and joy.


    Taking a p and getting a doubled bonus? It was totally worth it!


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Tudor!¡±


    Desmond was so ted he almost marched on the spot.


    Back in the suite, Lucas gave a brief order. ¡°From now on, don¡¯t let here up if she visits.¡±


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    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Desmond quickly nodded and turned to carry out the orders.


    Given the diamond mine deal and Reynold¡¯s promise to ground Reba for a month, Lucas had let the matter slide. Yet, within days, he allowed Reba to venture out. If Reynold couldn¡¯t enforce discipline with his daughter, he would have to deal with the


    consequences.


    Aveline poured Lucas a ss of water and ced it in front of him before turning to leave.


    Lucas stared at her and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to say?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression was indifferent. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Why should I say anything?¡±


    Her words unexpectedly lifted Lucas¡® gloomy mood. In the past, she would have scoffed at his actions. Could it be that she was beginning to care for him again?


    With this thought, Lucas reached out and pulled her towards him.


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas locked his eyes onto hers as his gaze fell lower. He leaned in to kiss her.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Aveline pushed him away and hurried back to the. bedroom. Just because she brought him a ss of water, he thought he could act on his impulses? This man was losing it.


    Lucas was left stunned, his hand empty, her look of disdain fresh in his mind. He pressed his lips together.


    Had he misread the situation?


    But so what? As long as she was by his side, it was only a matter of time before she fell for him again.


    1/3


    Lucas took a <b>sip </b>from the ss of water, then set it down heavily <b>on </b>the table<b>.</b>


    Lucas¡® wound healed quickly. After half a month, he was almost fully recovered, though he still needed regr injections.


    This time, as they left the hospital and sat in the car, Aveline asked, ¡± You¡¯re almost fully healed. Can I leave now?<b>¡±</b>


    Lucas was reading a document, his expression indifferent as he


    replied, ¡°Where are you nning to go?¡±


    ¡°Back to Cloudre City,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°No way I¡¯m going back there,¡± she thought.


    She needed to go somewhere he couldn¡¯t find her.


    Lucas looked up from his document, a faint smile ying at the


    corners of his lips. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    Aveline felt a surge of frustration. ¡°Believe it or not, we agreed I would stay until you were fully recovered.¡±


    ¡°Am I fully recovered?¡± Lucas challenged.


    Anger shed in Aveline¡¯s eyes as she looked at him. ¡°Lucas<b>, </b>can you stop being unreasonable? Yes, you saved me, and I¡¯ve taken care of you. I don¡¯t owe you anything anymore. Can you just let me go?¡±


    Seeing her angry yet helpless expression, Lucas felt a dull ache in his chest, as if struck by a heavy hammer. His sharp, handsome face remained stoic, but his eyes locked onto hers. ¡°Fine. Once you¡¯ve cooked dinner tonight, you can leave.¡±


    Aveline, still seething, paused at his words. Did he just give in to her so easily? She stared at him in disbelief.


    Lucas<b>¡®</b>


    gaze returned to his document. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, then


    forget it.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Aveline quickly agreed.


    She couldn¡¯t believe how quickly he had given in. For a moment, Aveline wondered if she was dreaming. When had he ever been so amodating?


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    The car stopped at the entrance of Celestial Heights, but Lucas did not get out. Aveline exited the vehicle. Watching the car drive away, she exhaled a sigh of relief, then turned and walked towards the


    supermarket to buy groceries for tonight¡¯s dinner.


    It would be thest meal.


    Just the thought that she could leave and be free after today made her extremely happy!


    At the supermarket, she bought the groceries and sent the receipt to Lucas. After receiving his transfer, she smiled and headed back towards Celestial Heights.


    However, as she passed a corner, two people suddenly grabbed her and dragged her away before she could react. She quickly lost


    consciousness.


    Not far away, a swift figure dashed towards them!


    The two kidnappers lifted Aveline into their car, thinking this task was too easy. But in the next second, one of them received a heavy blow to the head! The blow was so strong that both of them copsed to the ground, unconscious.


    Brian adjusted his clothes, took out his phone, and snapped photos of the two men, then sent them to Maria. Only then did he turn his


    attention to Aveline in the car.


    She was already unconscious.


    Brian frowned, picked up the scattered groceries from the ground, and then carried Aveline towards Celestial Heights.


    The receptionist, seeing this, quickly approached and asked, ¡°What happened to Miss Young?¡±


    Brian replied, ¡°Call a doctor. She¡¯s been drugged.¡±


    +15 BONUSN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    The receptionist nodded and immediately called the ambnce.


    Brian stood aside, hesitated for a moment, then called Desmond.


    Meanwhile.


    At a seaside resort, several officials wereplimenting Lucas on his inspection. Desmond suddenly approached and whispered something <b>in </b>his ear. Lucas¡® expression instantly darkened. He told the officials, I have an urgent matter to attend to. must leave now.¡±


    With that, he turned and left.


    Steve, seeing this, quickly asked, ¡°Mr. Tudor, what happened? Perhaps we can help.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°If necessary, I will let you know.¡±


    He got into the car, and Desmond drove away.


    At the hospital.


    When Aveline groggily woke up, the first thing she saw was the white ceiling, and the smell of disinfectant filled her nose.


    Was


    Her memory still stuck at <b>the </b>moment she was dragged into the alley and drugged.


    She jolted awake and sat up suddenly, inadvertently tugging at the needle in her hand. The abrupt movement caused a sharp pain, and blood began to flow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±


    A deep, pleasant male voice sounded beside her. Her shoulder was held down<b>, </b>and her body stiffened slightly as she looked at him.


    ¡°Lucas?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s voice trembled slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Lucas responded.


    +15 BONUS


    Just then, a nurse rushed in<b>, </b>removed the needle from Aveline¡¯s hand, and didn¡¯t reinsert it.


    Lucas held her hand, pressing down on the back of it to stop the bleeding.


    Realizing she was safe, Aveline exhaled sharply and rxed, leaning back.


    ¡°Someone tried to kidnap me,¡± she said with her eyes closed.


    Lucas replied, <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m investigating. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let them get away with it.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered.


    She didn¡¯t know who had orchestrated this kidnapping, but since arriving in Arthur Town, she had offended two powerful people: Mike and Reba.


    It was likely one of them.


    Mike was the son of the deputy mayor of Arthur Town, where Lucas nned to invest. Reba was the daughter of an old friend with whom Lucas had close ties. Could he really follow through on his promise?


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    *15 BONUS


    Aveline didn¡¯t dare think too much about it. She had been disappointed too many times before.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel safe in Arthur Town. I want to leave now,¡± she said.


    Lucas frowned at her wor leave Arthur Town?¡±


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be safe once you


    Aveline looked up at him. ¡°I have a rough idea of who¡¯s targeting me. If I can get out of <b>their </b>reach, they¡¯ll have a harder time finding me.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°You¡¯re being naive, Aveline. The circles of power are all about connections. You think leaving Arthur Town will make you safe, but how do you know the city you go to won¡¯t have people closely connected to those here?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed as she looked at him. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes stared deeply into hers. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Aveline pressed her pale lips into a thin line. She didn¡¯t want to stay, but he was right. She couldn¡¯t ensure her safety on her own. Following him might be the best option. Yet, deep down, she was reluctant to follow through with that idea.


    She had believed things couldn¡¯t get worse, but then¡­.


    A sudden thought shed through her mind, and she nced up at


    Lucas.


    Seeing that her hand had stopped bleeding, Lucas let go and noticed her gaze. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Reluctantly, Aveline asked, ¡°Lucas, tell me the truth. Those two who kidnapped me, could they have been arranged by you?¡±


    Lucas ¡®expression darkened immediately. He stood up, looking down at her. ¡°Do you think I would go to such lengths to kidnap you and then y the hero just to make you stay?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the case?¡± she almost <b>said </b>but held back.


    Lucas let out a coldugh. He leaned down, gripping her chin, and examined her still¨Cpale face closely.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re not worth jeopardizing a multi¨Cmillion dor project to orchestrate such a scheme.¡±


    With that, he turned and left, a cold aura surrounding him.


    Aveline let out a sharp breath, her face even paler than before.


    What had she been thinking?


    She had actually deluded herself into believing he would go to such lengths to make her stay.


    How foolish of her.


    His final words had cut through her long¨Cguarded heart, stirring a pang of pain. She shut her eyes tightly, struggling to suppress the unfamiliar emotions.


    Lucas, emanating an icy aura, walked out and headed straight for the elevator. As the doors opened, Desmond and Brian stepped out.


    They ran into each other.


    Desmond asked, ¡°Mr. Tudor, how is Miss Young?¡±


    Lucas replied coldly, ¡°Can¡¯t you see for yourself?¡±


    Desmond was baffled.


    He couldn¡¯t make sense of it. Lucas had been so concerned earlier, but now he seemed genuinely angry.


    Desmond nced at Brian, who maintained his usual stoic expression, clearly unable to understand Lucas¡® sudden change in attitude.


    Desmond then pulled Brian aside as Lucas walked into the elevator.


    2/3


    <b>¡°</b>What¡¯s going on here?¡± Desmond muttered, then headed towards Aveline¡¯s room.


    As he pushed open the door, he saw Aveline getting out of bed.


    ¡°Miss Young, you¡¯re awake?¡± Desmond said with a smile.


    Aveline nodded and, noticing Brian following behind him, her brow furrowed immediately.

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    Desmond remarked, ¡°This was really a close call. Thank goodness Mr. Tudor had the foresight to assign Brian to protect you discreetly.


    Otherwise, you would have been in serious trouble.¡±


    Aveline was stunned to hear this.


    Lucas had assigned Brian to protect her?


    Wasn¡¯t he afraid Brian would kill her outright? She still hadn¡¯t forgotten how Brian had forced her to kneel to Sophiast time!


    Brian, unable to meet Aveline¡¯s eyes, stood to the side with his head lowered, like a child who had done something wrong.


    Desmond, ever perceptive, immediately noticed the tension and changed the subject. ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯ll take you back. Rest assured, Mr. Tudor will definitely find out who is behind this and give you an exnation.¡±


    Aveline nodded slightly, feeling a mix of emotions she couldn¡¯t quite identify.


    Desmond escorted Aveline back to Celestial Heights.


    After leaving the hospital, Brian disappeared into the shadows, presumably to continue protecting her.


    Aveline felt indifferent about it.


    Back at Celestial Heights, Desmond walked her to her suite door before taking his leave. As he left, he said, ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯ve arranged for the hotel to send dinner up to your room. Please don¡¯t go to sleep yet.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you,¡± Aveline nodded at Desmond.


    Desmond smiled. ¡°Miss Young, there¡¯s no need to be so polite with me. If you need anything, just let me know.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    under the sun, unt you tod


    dine qusly ajustel her


    Scieze bestand is + Rummons ledere wying, ¡°eus cover <b>hum</b>


    mouers the ward i dont¡® have the sepustit if i works as his assistant in pay


    vn er den *


    How much do you save him?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>One million dors,¡± Selena replied


    Aveline sighed in rellet. ¡°I¡¯ll transfer it to you. Pay him back and get out of there. I don¡¯t want you to be swept away by the sandstorms before I even return.¡±


    Selena was so touched she almost cried. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Ave! I swear, in this life, no, in my next life, I¡¯ll repay your kindness tenfold.¡±


    Avelineughed. ¡°But how did you end up owing him so much money?¡±


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    Chapter <b>273</b>


    Selena sighed heavily. ¡°After I went back to work, I organized an event. Aaron, as the sponsor, sent an item for disy, which I identally broke it. That item was worth one million dors, and mypany, fearing liability, fired me. So now I have to sell myself¡­ but not in the way you¡¯re thinking!¡±


    Listening to her, Aveline sensed a conspiracy. She asked, ¡°Did you keep the broken item?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°No, his men took it away immediately.¡±


    Aveline sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration. Any lingering doubts vanished; she was now sure that Aaron had framed Selena,


    Aveline asked, ¡°Selena, are you still using a dummy ount to interact with Aaron?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am. He¡¯s causing me trouble, so I might as well get something out of it!¡±


    Aveline breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll transfer the money to you now. Pay him back and get out of there as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thanks, darling! Love you!¡± Selena smothered her phone with


    kisses.


    Aveline ended the call and transferred one million dors to Selena. Despite her suspicions that Aaron had orchestrated the whole thing, they had no evidence since he had taken it away immediately. They had no choice but toply.


    What puzzled her was why Aaron would go to such lengths to trap


    Selena.


    ??


    She pondered over it but couldn¡¯t find an answer.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Selena received Aveline¡¯s transfer and immediately sought out Aaron.


    1/3


    In the desert, the wind and sand seemed to merge everything into one color. Selena was wrapped up tightly, with only her eyes visible, as she approached Aaron¡¯s tent. She called out from outside.


    ¡°Aaron, I¡¯ming in!¡±


    With that, she lifted the p and walked in.


    In the next second, her eyes widened in shock.. Aaron was taking a shower! He wore only shorts, revealing lean but muscr upper body. His short hair was wet, and he was holding a towel, drying himself off.


    Selen¨¢ quickly dropped the p and stepped back outside.


    She thought, ¡°It¡¯s still early! What¡¯s he doing taking a shower now? Is He crazy?¡±


    Inside the tent, Aaron had barely time to react before Selena stepped out. Through the gap in the tent p, he glimpsed her slender silhouette standing outside.


    Aaron chuckled lightly but then felt the sand against his skin, and his brows furrowed. If not for Lucas¡® request, he would never havee to this godforsaken ce.


    After getting dressed, he picked up a bottle of water, took a sip, and then called out, ¡°Come in.¡±


    Selena re¨Centered, unwrapping the scarf from her head to reveal her bright, exquisite face. ¡°Give me your ount number. I¡¯ll transfer the money right now!<i>¡±</i>


    Aaron raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°Weren¡¯t you broke?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°I have money now. Is that a problem?¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°That vase was worth one million dors.¡±


    Selena lifted her chin defiantly. ¡°ount number!¡±


    213


    Her proud demeanor seemed to say, ¡°I have the money!¡±


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Aaron¡¯s eyes glinted briefly. ¡°But I didn¡¯t mention the interest. It¡¯s been a week since the vase was broken. The interest for that period¡­ let¡¯s double it. The total is two million dors. My ount number is¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you robbing me?¡± Selena eximed, her eyes wide in disbelief. ¡± Are you running a loan shark operation? Even loan sharks wouldn¡¯t dare charge such interest! Doubling it in just seven days? Aaron, tell me the truth, did you set this up to mess with me?¡±


    D


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    Chapter 274


    Aaron was amused by her flustered reaction and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.


    ¡°You!¡± Selena pointed a finger at him. ¡°What did I ever do to you to deserve this kind of treatment?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°Getting hit on the head with a fire extinguisher really hurt. Did you think I¡¯d be so forgiving? That a few days of care would be enough for me to let it go?¡±


    He got up and approached her. ¡°Back then, Lucas asked, so I obliged out of respect. But now that you¡¯ve broken my vase as well¨Cadding new grievances to old ones¨Cdo you really think I¡¯ll let you off?¡±


    As he approached, his shirt, partially unbuttoned, shifted with his movement, revealing glimpses of his chest.


    Selena couldn¡¯t help but stare.


    Even though she had seen him shirtless earlier, she inexplicably felt her face flush at the sight of his partially revealed chest.


    Was he trying to seduce her?


    Selena red at him and said, ¡°I never thought you¡¯d be so petty. Is this how you want to y it?¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Aaron stopped in front of her, noticing the anger in her eyes. Her chest heaved with emotion, and her eyes had a hint of red, making her look even more alluring.


    Her usual vibrant and striking appearance was now tinged with a touch of seduction.


    A strange feeling stirred within Aaron, but he dismissed it.


    Selena took a deep breath. ¡°So, what¡¯s it going to take for you to let this go?¡±


    1/3


    IS HAUS


    <b>Aaron </b>furrowed <b>his </b>brow<b>, </b>interpreting <b>her </b>question as though he were facing imminent death.


    ¡°Depends on my mood,¡± he replied<b>, </b>raising an eyebrow.


    Selena stared <b>at </b>him, expressionless, before letting out a coldugh. I¡¯m done with this. Go ahead and sue me. I¡¯d rather go to jail than y along with your games!¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Aaron frowned.


    Was she really this gusty?


    Staring at her retreating back, he said, ¡°And what about Aveline? If you go to jail, who will take care of her?¡±


    Selena whirled around, seized his cor, and thrust him against a pir. ¡°Aaron, listen up. Don¡¯t you dare go after Aveline. If you do, I¡¯ll take you on with everything I¡¯ve got!¡±


    Aaron looked at the fiery woman, with a blend of amusement and a hint of something more profound in his gaze. ¡°If you end up in jail, I¡¯ll have to settle your debts with her. But, in deference to Lucas, I won¡¯t add interest.¡±


    Selena gripped his shirt tightly for a moment before gritting her teeth and saying, ¡°Fine, you win.¡±


    She released him, stepped back a couple of steps, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay until you¡¯re satisfied.¡±


    Aaron casually adjusted his shirt. ¡°Then go and do what an assistant is supposed to do.¡±


    Selena swallowed her anger and turned to leave.


    Once outside the tent, she let out a heavy sigh, her eyes reflecting a sense of resigned detachment. She pulled out her phone to log into her dummy ount, only to find there was no signal.


    2/3


    What a stupid ce this was!


    +15 BONUS


    Reba had anticipated her men to bring Aveline to her, but instead, she was confronted with the sight of two severed hands delivered by her subordinates!


    She screamed in horror, her face turning pale. ¡°What happened? What on earth happened?¡±


    The bodyguard who brought back the severed hands said, ¡°Miss, they failed. Mr. Tudor ordered us to bring these back and said you must personally apologize to Aveline, or he will not let you off.¡±


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    Chapter <b>275</b>


    ¡°Ah!¡± Reba screamed, smashing everything in the room.


    Only after the room was aplete mess did she begin to calm down.


    However, her eyes were still full of resentment and hatred.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    How could this happen?


    Lucas wanted her to apologize to that woman! That bitch!


    Reba forced herself to calm down and then dialed Reynold¡¯s number, tearfully recounting the events, though she framed the kidnapping as inviting Aveline over for a visit.


    Reynold listened silently for a while before saying, ¡°Reba Thompson, I told you not to mess with that woman. Why didn¡¯t you listen?¡±


    Reba thought she was hearing things.


    Her father, who loved her the most, had never spoken to her so sternly. He was even addressing her by her full name!


    Feeling even more aggrieved, Reba cried, ¡°Dad, this time Lucas bullied me. Why aren¡¯t you helping me? Why are you scolding me?¡±


    On the other end of the line, Reynold pinched the bridge of his nose. He had always believed in raising his daughtervishly, pampering her from the moment she was born. He truly adored her and indulged her every whim.


    In the past, he thought that was how daughters should be treated.


    But now, seeing just how much trouble she had caused, he began to reflect on whether he had spoiled Reba too much.


    He said, ¡°Lucas is already doing me a favor by asking you to Just go and apologize, and this matter will be over.¡±


    apologize.


    ¡°No!¡± Reba shouted. ¡°Those bloody severed hands are still here!


    1/3


    Why should I apologize to him? He should be the one apologizing!¡±


    ¡°Reba!¡± Reynold¡¯s tone grew even more severe.


    Reba said, ¡°Dad, no matter what, I will never apologize to that bitch. Even if I die, I won¡¯t do it!¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone and smashed it in anger.


    This was unbearable! Everyone seemed to be siding with that bitch! What was so special about her anyway?


    Reba clenched her fists in jealousy, her features twisting in rage.


    +18 BONUS


    In the evening, Aveline received Selena¡¯s transfer. She tried calling her, but the signal was poor. They couldn¡¯t exchange a single word and had to hang up in frustration.


    Perhaps something went wrong on Aaron¡¯s end.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but worry,


    She pondered all afternoon and could only think of one possibility: Lucas had instructed Aaron to do this.


    Maybe he overheard their conversation.


    After all, Selena always made a fuss about her getting a divorce.


    Lucas had been displeased with her for a long time because of it.


    Aveline sighed.


    At that moment, the door opened, and Lucas walked in.


    Instinctively, Aveline looked over at him. His handsome, sharp


    features were icy, and is presence radiated coldness.


    She wondered whether she should ask him about the situation, but the incident at the hospital made her hesitant.


    What if it wasn¡¯t him?


    2/3


    +15 BONUS


    She would be misinterpreting him once more, overestimating her own worth.


    Aveline averted her gaze and remained silent.


    COMMENTS

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    Lucas walked in, removing his suit jacket and loosening his tie as he approached her. Aveline caught a glimpse of himing closer and


    looked at him with confusion, but in the next moment, he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her forcefully.


    His breath reeked of alcohol.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Aveline was stunned and instinctively began to struggle. But Lucas held her tightly, and she couldn¡¯t break free. In her struggle, she felt his erection which made her blush even more.


    Lucas pushed her down onto the sofa, using his leg to pin her down as he unbuckled his belt. The sound of the buckle snapping open was clear and loud, giving Aveline a moment to gasp for air.


    ¡°Lucas, you can¡¯t do this!¡±


    Lucas kissed her ear and cheek, murmuring, ¡°Why not?¡±


    Aveline tried to push him away, but his body was as heavy as a


    mountain, and she couldn¡¯t budge him.


    ¡°Lucas, no! We¡¯re getting a divorce.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath was ragged as she tried to stay clear¨Cheaded.


    ¡°But have we divorced yet?¡±


    Lucas hated hearing her talk like this.


    He had drunk a bit tonight, and with her soft body in his arms, his desire was intense, and his gaze was fiery.


    Aveline¡¯s lips were swollen from his kisses, and her clear eyes showed her anger. ¡°We will get divorced!¡±


    ¡°So, we haven¡¯t gotten a divorce yet. Aveline, have you forgotten what you once said?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    He continued kissing her, lowering his head to bite open the buttons of her shirt, the contact of his breath making her feel like she was melting.


    ¡°We¡¯re married. If I want you, you have to give yourself to me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled violently.


    She had indeed said those words before.


    At that time, she didn¡¯t believe Lucas would fall out of love with her or love another woman.


    But reality had pped her in the face time and time again.


    Was it too <bte </b>to regret now?


    Lucas held her tightly, his eyes glinting as he saw the redness at the corners of her eyes. He suddenly let out a lowugh. ¡°Aveline, your body is much more honest than your mouth.¡±


    With those words, his fingers traced down to her waist.


    Aveline¡¯s body had already softened under his touch. He knew every inch of her, just as she knew every inch of him.


    The room grew hotter as Lucas asserted his dominance, feeling her resistance. He grew impatient, biting her earlobe softly as he whispered, ¡°You wanted this. Don¡¯t cry and plead with meter.¡±


    ¡°Lucas!¡±


    Aveline gasped, but it was toote.


    Everything spun around her until she felt like she was falling apart, eventually passing out.


    When Lucas emerged from the bathroom, his eyes still held a satisfied glint. He looked at Aveline lying on the bed, her smooth, beautiful back covered in marks of their passion. His eyes grew colder.


    He recalled her words at the hospital.


    Ha!


    +15 BONUS


    He had protected her, saved her, and yet she thought he had schemed against her!


    This ungrateful woman!


    Lucas threw aside the towel he was using to dry his hair and yanked the nket off her.


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    Aveline murmured, but her voice was soft and gentle, not sounding like a refusal but more like a coquettish plea, making his blood boil.


    When Aveline opened her eyes, it was already noon.


    She tried to move her fingers but felt weak and powerless.


    She closed her eyes again.


    How did things end up like this again?


    COMMENTS

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    Chapter <b>277</b>


    ¡°Awake?¡±


    At that moment, a deep, pleasant male voice resonated.


    Aveline pursed her lips and turned her head to see Lucas sitting on a chair, aptop in front of him.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    He wasn¡¯t in his usual formal attire but was instead wearing a white bathrobe, sitting casually on the sofa. The robe¡¯s cor was slightly open, revealing a hint of his chest muscles, marked with a few clear scratch lines.


    ¡°Lucas, do you find this amusing?¡± Aveline asked.


    Lucas chuckled softly at her words. ¡°Amusing? Yes, it¡¯s incredibly amusing.¡±


    He stood up and walked over to her, bending down to stroke her face, his eyes filled with a yful glint. ¡°Having a woman to sleep with, feeling this good¨Chow could I not find that amusing?¡±


    Aveline looked at him coldly, not getting triggered by his provocation, She slowly sat up, allowing the nket to slide off, exposing the marks on her skin.


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened as he looked at her.


    Aveline smirked. ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case, I also find it rather amusing. Sleeping with you doesn¡¯t cost a dime, unlike hiring a gigolo.¡±


    She tried to get out of bed, but Lucas pushed her back onto it.


    ¡°If you find it so amusing<b>, </b>then sleeping with me a few more times shouldn¡¯t be an issue, right?¡± Lucas said, staring down at her before leaning in for another kiss.


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered as she spoke softly, ¡°Lucas, since neither of us can stand each other, why not get a divorce?¡±


    10 BONUS


    Their constant bickering was exhausting.


    Lucas, however, continued to caress her face, replying harshly, ¡± Seeing you unhappy brings me joy.¡±


    Aveline was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a response.


    ¡°I must be incredibly unlucky to have met you,¡± she retorted with a mocking smile.


    This time, there was no hysterical confrontation.


    On the bed where they had intertwined the night before, they simply gazed quietly at each other.


    Lucas¡® expression suddenly darkened. He stood up and left the bedroom without a word. The door mmed shut with a deafening sound.


    Aveline closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh.


    Despite Lucas having cleaned her up, Aveline still rose to wash herself. She felt utterly drained, knowing that after a night of turmoil, recovery wouldn¡¯te easily.


    She dressed and walked out of the bedroom.


    Lucas was nowhere to be seen in the suite.


    She nced around and noticed food on the dining table. She sat down to eat and fill her stomach before returning to the guest room to


    continue sleeping.


    When she woke up again, it was already evening.


    The room was pitch ck, and Aveline felt an overwhelming sense of being abandoned by the entire world.


    Oh¡­


    She had always been alone, hadn¡¯t she?


    +15 BO


    Reaching out<b>, </b>she turned on the light


    Just then, her phone rang.


    She picked it up and saw that it was a call from Desmond.


    ¡°Hello?¡± she answered in a calm tone.


    Desmond sounded anxious. ¡°Miss Young, could youe over? Mr. Tudor is drunk, and no one can persuade him to stop drinking. If he keeps drinking like this, it will harm his health.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°If he wants to drink, let him.¡±


    Desmond was momentarily at a loss for words, then pleaded, ¡°Mis Young, please, you¡¯re the only one who can get through to him. Can youe and talk to Mr. Tudor?¡±


    Aveline remained silent.


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    Chapter <b>278</b>


    Desmond continued, ¡°Please, just consider it as a favor for Mr. Tudor, who saved you.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes and said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Desmond breathed a sigh of relief. Great, I¡¯ll send you the address.¡±


    He hung up the phone immediately.


    As Aveline nced at her phone, she couldn¡¯t shake the thought that Lucas would likely use having saved her as leverage whenever her needed something from her. But then again, hadn¡¯t it always been. because of him that she found herself in trouble?


    She changed her clothes and headed out to the bar.


    Even in the dim light, she immediately spotted Lucas on the second. floor. His distinguished and cold aura was impossible to ignore.


    However, there was a woman sitting next to him¨CSophia.


    She hade to Arthur Town.


    Aveline watched them silently.


    She saw Sophia talking to Lucas, and he wasn¡¯t drinking anymore.


    Who said she was the only one who could persuade him?


    Clearly, Sophia could do that too.


    As she saw Lucas reach out to Sophia, Aveline averted her gaze turned to leave.


    and


    Desmond felt like crying. He couldn¡¯t fathom why Sophia was in Arthur Town and what brought her here at this moment.


    Standing aside, he looked at Sophia sitting on the sofa, then nced at his phone.


    Oh no!


    Who could save him now?


    Desmond had just called Aveline. He had hoped to ease the tension. between Lucas and Aveline, but now it was all ruined.


    He saw that Aveline had already left. She must have seen Sophia. This was a disaster!


    Sophia looked at Lucas with a gentle expression, waiting for his touch..


    Lucas¡® hand stopped midway, his handsome, sharp face still showing a trace of drunkenness.


    He looked at her with half¨Cclosed eyes. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Sophia was stunned and grabbed his hand. ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s me, Sophia.¡±


    Lucas immediately withdrew his hand and rubbed his forehead. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    His tone was a bit clearer now.


    Sophia looked at her empty hand and said softly, ¡°You haven¡¯t been back for a long time. I missed you, so I asked your father where you were, and I came to surprise you. Lucas, aren¡¯t you happy to see me here?¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee here.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face turned pale, and tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°Is it because Miss Young is here? Did youe here for her?¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°The environment here isn¡¯t as nice as Cloudre. City. You might not feelfortable here.¡±


    Sophia felt a sense of relief and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll be wherever you are.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll have someone take you to a hotel.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Sophia asked, ¡°Lucas, where are you staying? Can I stay at the same hotel? I¡¯m not familiar with this ce, and I¡¯m a bit scared.¡±


    Lucas lowered his hand and gave her a deep look. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy, and she moved forward to support him. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re drunk. Let me help you.¡±


    But Lucas called out, ¡°Desmond,e over!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Desmond immediately came to support him.


    Sophia had to retract her outstretched hand.


    As they left the bar, Sophia tried to sit with Lucas in the back seat, but he refused.


    He looked at her and said, ¡°You sit in the front. I¡¯ve been drinking, and the smell might bother you.¡±


    Sophia smiled. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Lucas. Let me take care of you.¡±


    COMMENTS

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    ¡°Sit in the front passenger seat,¡± Lucasmanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Sophia had no choice but toply. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Back at Celestial Heights, Sophia followed Lucas to the entrance of the presidential suite. Desmond took out a key card, his heart pounding.


    Once inside, Sophia said, ¡°There are so many rooms here. Let me stay. It¡¯ll be easier to take care of you, okay?¡±


    Lucas¡® cheeks were still flushed. He looked around the suite, but there was no sign of Aveline. He sat on the sofa and closed his eyes, then told Desmond, ¡°Instruct the manager to open another room.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Desmond nodded, then turned to Sophia. ¡°Miss Winter, pleasee with me.¡°.


    Sophia looked at Lucas. ¡°Lucas, let me stay here. I promise I won¡¯t disturb you. I can cook for you and take care of you. Please?¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s expression faltered.


    Lucas had made his stance clear, and pushing further would only annoy him, especially since he had already told her their marriage talk was off the table.


    Maintaining herposure, Sophia said, ¡°Alright, call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lucas replied.


    Sophia left with Desmand.


    Lucas immediately stood up and opened the door to the guest bedroom. It was empty. Aveline had left.


    His expression darkened as he took out his phone and dialed her


    number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Aveline¡¯s voice came through.


    ¡°Where did you go?¡± Lucas asked, his voice low and stern.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have someone following me? Just ask them.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder, ¡°I want you to tell me!¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Oh, well, I don¡¯t want to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Aveline!¡± Lucas¡® chest filled with intense irritation. ¡°Did I give you permission to leave? Come back right now!¡±


    Avelineughed at his words. ¡°My legs are my own. I can go wherever I want. Why do I need your permission?¡±


    The veins on Lucas¡® forehead bulged as he tried to keep his temper in check. ¡°Aveline, you know it¡¯s not safe outside. Come back now, and I won¡¯t hold it against you for leaving without permission.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Aveline chuckled and then hung up the phone.


    Lucas was so infuriated he nearly threw his phone!


    Where had things gone wrong? Why did she leave?


    Wait a minute¡­ Sophia!


    Lucas messaged Desmond and, upon seeing his reply, his face turned icy cold.


    Aveline had seen Sophia.


    No wonder she left so suddenly.


    Lucas immediately called Brian. ¡°Protect her!¡±


    Brian replied solemnly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Tudor. I¡¯ll guard Miss Young with my life!¡±


    Lucas hung up and sat on the sofa, pressing his hand against his


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    Chapter <b>280</b>


    She reached out and touched her chest, feeling a faint, lingering pain within.


    She closed her eyes, her mind reying the memories of the past days.


    Since Lucas regained his memory, this was the first time they had spent such a peaceful period together.


    Initially, she had been avoiding him, but fate had brought them back together.


    This time felt stolen¨Cfilled with arguments, sweetness, and heart- pounding moments. She thought that these memories would likely stay with her for a long time.


    Brian stood in a concealed spot, looking at the rundown motel, and dialed Desmond¡¯s number.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Desmond asked.


    ¡°Miss Young is staying at a motel,¡± Brian replied, ncing at Lucas, who was in a meeting, and lowered his voice. ¡°Okay, I understand. Just make sure she¡¯s safe.¡±


    Hanging up, Desmond waited for an opportunity to inform Lucas about. the situation. The meeting was wrapping up, and people began to file


    out.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Lucas, seated at the head of the table, rubbed his temples and said, Desmond, order lunch.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Desmond replied, reaching for his phone to call the hotel.


    At that moment, Sophia walked in with a lunchbox, her face adorned with a gentle smile. ¡°No need, Mr. ke. I¡¯ve already prepared lunch.<b>¡±</b>


    Desmond nced at Lucas for guidance.


    Laicas said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to do these things.¡±


    Sophia approached and began setting out the food from the lunchbox in front of him. ¡°Lucas, I just want to do something for you, I may not understand business, but I can handle small tasks like cooking.¡±


    She sat beside him, gazing at him tenderly, ¡°Lucas, two years ago, you told me you really enjoyed my coolding,¡±


    Lucas¡® sharp, handsome face remained impassive as his gaze fell on the lunchbox. Seeing the food inside, he furrowed his brows.


    Sophia noticed his expression and immediately asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is the food not to your liking? If you don¡¯t like it, I can make something else.¡±


    ¡°Sophia.¡± Lucas¡¯s gaze shifted from the lunchbox to her face, his eyes dark and intense.


    Sophia¡¯s fingers instinctively curled a little. ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s wrong? Why so serious all of a sudden?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Have you seriously considered what I mentioned over the phone before?¡±


    The smile on Sophia¡¯s face began to falter. She lowered her head. slightly and asked softly, ¡°Lucas, you promised me this two years ago,¡±


    Her voice carried a hint of grievance as if she had been wronged.


    Lucas replied, ¡°Two years ago, it was just a casual question, and you turned me down, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s body stiffened.


    He was telling the truth.


    Back then, when she and Lucas were dating, one day during a meal, he suddenly asked her if she wanted to get married.


    She was stunned at the time.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas wanted to marry her?


    She felt he wasn¡¯t being sincere as if marriage was not a significant matter to him. She got a bit angry and didn¡¯t agree to his proposal, hoping he would propose to her properly.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t just about wanting a proper proposal¨Cthere were other considerations as well. As a girl, being as..ed about marriage so nonchntly would make anyone unhappy.


    He never mentioned it again.


    Then, that incident happened.

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    Lucas said, ¡°When you shot down the idea back then, I figured that was it. I didn¡¯t expect you toe to me two yearster asking me to marry you.¡±


    Sophia met Lucas¡¯s gaze, her eyes full of earnest emotion. ¡°Lucas, I was stubborn before. I didn¡¯t want to feel trapped by marriage so young. But things are different now. I want a lile with you future together, a ce we can call our own.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°But Sophia, I¡¯m already married now.¡±


    Sophia said, ¡°But you told me you would divorce her.¡±


    <b>a </b>real


    Lucas responded, ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking clearly before. I subconsciously felt that since you saved me, I should take responsibility by marrying you. But I¡¯ve realized that taking responsibility doesn¡¯t necessarily mean I have to marry you. I can do it in other ways. Sophia, let¡¯s just let this go.¡±


    His tone was as calm as ever, reminiscent of their time together in the past. But Sophia could read between the lines.


    He was tolerating her for now, but his patience had limits. She knew him too well¨Cunderstood the heat behind his cool exterior. If she pushed too far and he truly turned cold, things wouldn¡¯t end well for her.


    He had indeed fallen in love with Aveline and didn¡¯t want to divorce her!


    It seemed she had to take matters into her own hands.


    Sophia took a deep breath and smiled faintly at him. ¡°Since you¡¯ve put it this way, I shouldn¡¯t continue to bother you. I¡¯ll find my own happiness. So, Lucas, are we still friends?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Latas lips curved into a slight amthe


    Sophia blinked and asked, ¡°Then you give me a hung opt the past two years behind us.¡±


    She spased at him earnestly, confident in her appeal in her mind, si wasn¡¯t asking for much. Unlike the other women who might Hurr themselves at him, she was sure held ept a simple hung from her


    appropriate¡±


    Sophia¡¯s smilepletely vanished, and tears welled up in her eyes She stood up and said, ¡°Then I won¡¯bother you anymore¡±


    with that, she turned and walked away, hor figure looking fragile and unsteady. The prosthetic leg under her dress was particrly noticeable.


    Lucas watched her indifferently, a hint of mockery shing in his eve


    Just then, Sophia suddenly cried out pain, ¡°My legg


    She clutches the joint of her prosthelle leg, her face turning pale


    Desmond, who was closest to her, quickly supported her and asked, ¡± Miss Winter, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Sophia replied in pain, ¡°My leg hurts. it suddenly hurts so much¡­¡±


    Lucas approached and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the hospital¡±


    Tears streamed down Sophia¡¯s face. Wouldn¡¯t that be too much. trouble for you?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°It¡¯s fine. The hospital isn¡¯t far from here. Let¡¯s get your


    checked first.¡®


    Sophia nodded, and with Desmond¡¯s help, she hobbled towards the exit. But she hadn¡¯t gone far when her body staggered, and she fell


    towards Lucas,


    Desmond quickly caught her. ¡°Miss Winter, pardon me.¡±


    Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms.


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    Chapter <b>282</b>


    Sophia said weakly, ¡°Put me down<b>, </b>I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Desmond insisted, ¡°Let me carry you. We¡¯ll get <b>to </b>the hospital quicker that way. Miss Winter, we can¡¯t risk making your leg worse.¡±


    Sophia pressed her lips together and remained silent.


    Lucas nced at Desmond, a faint trace of approval in his eyes.


    At the hospital, the doctor examined Sophia¡¯s leg and then said, There¡¯s nothing wrong.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face was pale. ¡°Then why does it hurt so much?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The doctor replied, ¡°It could be a nerve issue. Would you like to have it checked in the neurology department?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Let¡¯s check everything.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The doctor immediately made the arrangements.


    Sophia nced at Lucas. ¡°I apologize for causing you concern again. My leg always hurts, but I still haven¡¯t gotten used to it.¡±


    She stared at her prosthetic leg, a hint of destion on her face. She was reminding Lucas that she lost her leg because of him. No matter what, he would always owe her.


    Lucas asked, ¡°Considering how often it hurts, have you undergone a thorough examination to find out the cause?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s lips curved into a sad smile. ¡°I¡¯ve had it checked out, but they couldn¡¯t find anything wrong. Maybe it¡¯s all <b>in </b>my head. Every time it acts up, I relive the ident <b>in </b>my dreams. The feeling <b>of </b>that car crushing my leg¨CI don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to forget it.¡±


    Lucas stood nearby, his voice unnervingly calm. ¡°Yeah, <b>I </b>remember too. The impact threw me off the car.¡°¡±


    Sophia¡¯s fingers curled instinctively her mind racing.


    What was he ying at?


    Before, whenever she mentioned her leg, he would show concern. But


    now, he was so calm, even talking about the detalls of that day. She didn¡¯t want to hear this!.


    Lucas said, ¡°I think you need a psychologist. You should talk to someone who might help alleviate your syn oms.¡±


    He sent Sophia a contact number.


    Sophia nodded. ¡°Alright, I understand. I¡¯ll visit a psychologist.¡±


    Lucas acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Get some rest.¡±


    Sophia forced a smile and nodded. Lucas then stood up and left. Shortly after<b>, </b>a caregiver, arranged by Lucas, came in.


    But this wasn¡¯t what she wanted at all!


    Sophia clenched the bedsheet tightly, her eyes filled with resentment.


    Leaving the hospital, Desmond said, ¡°We found Miss Young. She¡¯s staying in a rundown motel.¡±


    Lucas¡® face grew colder. ¡°Ask her toe back, or I¡¯ll demolish that orphanage.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡±


    Aveline had just woken up, reading Desmond¡¯s message with dark. circles under her eyes. Her fingers instinctively tightened around her phone.


    Lucas was such a bastard! He always knew how to manipte her!


    Realizing the matter was still unresolved, she felt deted and had no choice but to return.


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    forine e Bonghi deffed bath her when die had an uphins sitting forcely Semc Ton, the sun of ton appearing shoe Bee Seatt Hardimand again, fading so I was quant in somet

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    Chapter 283


    ¡°Aveline, we need to talk,¡± Lucas said, walking up to her, his eyes fixed on her.


    ¡°What about?¡± Aveline asked.


    Without answering, Lucas took her hand and led her upstairs. Aveline frowned slightly but didn¡¯t pull away.


    Once back in the presidential suite, Lucas pulled her to sit on the sofa and said, ¡°About us.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered as she responded, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about between us. Miss Winter came to see you, so let¡¯s finalize the divorce.¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened, but he remained patient.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made it clear to Sophia that I won¡¯t marry her. You¡¯re right, there are many ways to repay a debt, and marriage isn¡¯t the only one. So, I won¡¯t marry her.¡±


    He tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes locked onto hers. ¡°Now, are we still getting divorced?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart trembled. Everything that had happened recently felt like a dream. She had been uncertain but hearing his words and feeling the emotions welling up inside her, she suddenly felt a surge of impulse.


    But she held back.


    ¡°Give me some time to think,¡± she said.


    Lucas furrowed his brows immediately. ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? There was nothing wrong with our rtionship. Wouldn¡¯t it be good to just stay married like before?¡±


    He didn¡¯t understand. What was there to consider? They had been so good together before.


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    Lucas replied, ¡°Since you¡¯re not getting up, should I feed you?¡±


    Aveline shivered at the thought and quickly said, ¡°No need, I¡¯ll get up.¡± Lucas watched her get out of bed before turning and leaving the room.


    Aveline, wearing a nightgown with her long hair draped over her shoulders, looked utterly drained. Shortly after, the hotel staff brought in dinner.


    Aveline sat at the dining table and began to eat, feeling Lucas¡¯s gaze on her. She looked over at him, suspicion in her eyes.


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    Chapter 284


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Lucas averted his gaze and said ndly, ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Aveline found his behavior puzzling. After eating only half a bowl of oatmeal, she put down her spoon. ¡°I¡¯m full.¡±


    Lucas pushed a bowl of soup towards her. ¡°Drink this, or I won¡¯t let you sleep.


    Aveline frowned, showing her reluctance. However, Lucas¡® words. carried enough authority that she picked up the spoon and started drinking.


    Throughout, the meal, Lucas¡® intense gaze never left her, making her ufortable. She sighed in exasperation and said, <b>¡°</b>I¡¯m still sick. Can you stop staring at¨Cme like that?¡±


    Lucas scoffed lightly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it you who¡¯s trying to seduce me?<b>¡±</b>


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened instantly. ¡°Me¡­ seduce you? What nonsense are you talking about?¡±


    How could she possibly be seducing him?


    Lucas¡® gaze drifted to her chest with a hint of amusement.


    Aveline looked down and saw her nipples protruding through her thin. nightgown. Her face flushed with embarrassment. She quickly covered her chest and got up to leave.


    Oh no! She hade out without wearing a robe! No wonder he had been staring at her!


    Even though they had already been intimate, Aveline still wished she could disappear at that moment from sheer embarrassment.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Back in the guest room, she sat on the bed, trying to calm down.


    Lying down, her cheeks felt impossibly hot.


    #15 BONUS


    This feeling was so strange.


    In the living room, Lucas only looked away once her figure had


    However, every so often, when he thought of her embarrassed expression, a faint smile would appear on his lips.


    Night fell.


    Aveline slept again and woke up in the middle of the night, her thirst rousing her from slumber. Groggily, she reached for her water cup, only to find it empty.


    This time, she wisely put on a robe before stepping out to refill the cup. To her surprise, the living room light was still on.


    Lucas was still at the desk, working. Hearing the noise, he looked up, his dark eyes deep and brooding.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± he asked.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Much better.¡±


    She poured herself a ss of water and sipped it slowly.


    None of them spoke another word.


    As Aveline held her cup, ready to return to her room, she nced at him. He was wearing a bathrobe, the light casting a soft glow on his hair. He leaned back, rubbing his brow, his sharp profile both cold and captivating, but with a hint of weariness.


    Almost without thinking, she said, ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you should rest.¡± It was already 1 AM. He could always work again in the morning.


    Lucas turned to look at her and asked, ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡±


    Aveline froze. ¡°I¡¯ve been asleep the whole time. I haven¡¯t had time to think about anything.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas replied, ¡°Then think about it now. You have five minutes.¡±


    Aveline was speechless, almostughing in frustration. Did he really think she could decide something so significant in five minutes? What was he thinking?


    ¡°Four and a half minutes left.¡±


    His voice interrupted her thoughts again.


    Aveline turned and started back towards her room, but just then, the doorbell rang.


    Lucas stood up, but instead of answering the door, he walked towards her.


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    Aveline was taken aback and looked at him suspiciously. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering the door? What do you need me for?¡±


    Lucas, however, grabbed her hand and said, ¡°I¡¯m scared to open it alone. Come with me.¡±


    Aveline was confused.


    Before she could react, he held her hand firmy and walked towards the door.


    What nonsense was he talking about?


    She started to struggle. ¡°I don¡¯t want to <b>go</b>. <b>I </b>need to rest.¡±


    Lucas said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte at night. Who would be knocking at this hour? Come with me and see.¡±


    His words only made her hair stand on end!


    ¡°Then I¡¯m scared too! Let go of me!¡±


    Aveline was scared out of her wits..


    But Lucas had already reached the door with her, opened it, and someone fell inside.


    Lucas quickly pulled Aveline into his arms, skillfully dodging the person who had fallen.


    The personnded on the floor.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡±


    A delicate voice, tinged with a hint of grievance, rang out.


    Lucas and Aveline looked down and saw Sophia clumsily getting up. Her prosthetic leg had fallen off!


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


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    She said, Tuudding to reach the pupuhuric towover, her hands were trembling with agitation, and after everal attempts, she still couldn¡¯t fix it in c


    Suddenly, she began to cry.


    ¡°Why am I so useless? I¡¯ve gotten used to the prosthetic, but now can¡¯t even put it on properly. Wasal


    She sat on the floor, crying in deep sorrow. Aveline didn¡¯t know what


    to say.


    She tugged at Lucas¡® sleeve and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you help her?¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas¡± brows furrowed as he nced at the prosthetic limb. Finally, he bent down to pick it up.


    ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t!


    To their surprise, Sophia cried out and grabbed the prosthetic, clutching it tightly to her chest, not allowing Lucas to touch it.


    Lucas said, ¡°Let me help you put it on.


    ¡°No, please, don¡¯t touch it! I don¡¯t want you to see me like this. I don¡¯t have a leg. I¡¯m too ugly, Lucas, don¡¯t look at me.


    Sophia held the prosthetic, panicking as she tried to get up and flee. But she was clearly not used to standing on one leg and stumbled after taking a few steps, falling backward!


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened, and he suddenly pushed Aveline forward. ¡°Huh?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline was startled, but her body reacted faster than her mind. She caught the falling Sophia and even asked, ¡°Miss Winter, are you okay?<b>¡±</b>


    The room fell into an awkward silence.


    Sophia pulled away from her, a cold glint shing in her eyes, though her face was full of sadness and embarrassment. ¡°You must be happy seeing me like this. You¡¯re healthy, unlike me. I¡¯ve lost a leg, and now even walking is a struggle¡­¡±


    Aveline was taken aback and shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that, I¡­¡±


    ¡°I get it. You don¡¯t need to exin!¡± Sophia interrupted her. ¡°I¡¯ve given up on Lucas. I¡¯ll leave tomorrow morning. I just came tonight to say goodbye. I didn¡¯t expect things to turn out like this.¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>286</b>


    She gripped the prosthetic leg tightly, her face a mask of grief barely held together. Though she fought to put on a brave front, her trembling gave her away, painting a picture of fragile vulnerability.


    Aveline said, ¡°Let me take you back. Which floor do you live on?¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    Sophia refused outrightly and then looked at Lucas. ¡°Goodbye<b>, </b>Lucas.¡±


    With that, she hopped towards the elevator, her figure thin and fragile, looking both wretched and delicate.


    Suddenly, Lucas walked over and supported her arm. ¡°Let me help you.


    Sophia¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s okay. I can manage on my own¡­¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t say a word, just continued to support her towards the elevator.


    Sophia stared at him, tears falling, her gaze so intense it seemed like it could melt him.


    Aveline stood at the doorway, watching the scene intently.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    What could she say?


    Sophia lost her leg because of Lucas, so he should be responsible for


    her.


    She understood that<b>.</b>


    But she couldn¡¯t help feeling ufortable.


    Especially when she saw Sophia hugging the prosthetic leg and sobbing, it made her even more uneasy.


    Despite Sophia appearing to have ulterior motives, Aveline lowered her eyes, feeling guilty for her unkind thoughts. After all, Sophia had lost a


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    leg, and here Aveline was, entertaining such thoughts.


    Aveline took a deep breath to regain herposure, then headed straight into her room.


    As it waste and she needed rest, Aveline chose to push the matter aside. With Lucas gone over there, he likely wouldn¡¯t return tonight. Closing the door with that in mind, she settled in for the night.


    Meanwhile, downstairs.


    Lucas guided Sophia into the room, easing her onto the sofa. Without a word, he took the prosthetic leg from her grasp and began to reattach


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    Sophia refused again. ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t. I can do it myself.¡±


    Lucas said calmly, ¡°If you want me to guilt¨Ctrip me, it¡¯d be better to let me see your injury.¡±


    Sophia froze at his words.


    She looked at him in disbelief, ¡°What¡­ what are you saying?¡±


    Lucas raised his eyes to meet hers. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your goal?¡±


    Sophia lifted her hand to hit him, but it stopped mid¨Cair, trembling. Lucas, is that what you think of me?¡±


    Her voice shook, and her heart sank deeper into despair.


    She¡¯d always known Lucas was cold and distant. Even when they were engaged, he¡¯d barely shown a flicker of warmth.


    So, she¡¯d thought, maybe the whole life¨Csaver reminder would pile on the guilt. At least when he saw her prosthetic, he¡¯d remember she lost her leg for him.


    But now, he was saying such hurtful things to her!


    He knew she¡¯d sacrificed her leg for him, and he could still be so cruel!


    Sophia felt like Lucas was like a stranger, the way he was looking at her


    2/3


    +15 BONUS


    now appeared so distant.


    While she was lost in thought, Lucas had already reattached her prosthetic leg. He stood up, looking down at her, and said, ¡°Sophia, you should cherish your prosthetic leg. This tactic won¡¯t work many


    times.¡±


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re a bastard!¡±


    Sophia suddenly lost herposure, and she grabbed a cushion and threw it at him!


    Lucas didn¡¯t dodge, letting the cushion hit his back.


    Without looking back, he left.


    Sophia sat on the sofa, trembling with anger.


    Despicable!


    So despicable!


    She had sacrificed so much, yet it couldn¡¯t evoke a shred of guilt from him!


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    Chapter <b>287</b>


    How could he be so heartless? Faced with such a massive debt of gratitude, he didn¡¯t even flinch! How could someone be so cold? Someone like him was truly terrifying!


    Sophia took out her phone and made a call, exining the situation.


    The person on the other end was silent.


    ¡°What should I do now? <b>I </b>can¡¯t y the guilt card to keep him anymore. I¡¯mpletely out of ideas,¡± Sophia said, utterly lost.


    The person on the other end replied, ¡°Then start targeting Aveline. He treats her differently.


    Sophia tightened her grip on the phone. ¡°Really? Does he really care about that woman?¡±


    The person chuckled. ¡°Do you really not know the answer?¡±


    Sophia was genuinely unsure. What if he was just pretending with Aveline too? That would make him even more terrifying!


    The person on the other end said, ¡°You won¡¯t know unless you try. Don¡¯t forget how he died.¡±


    Sophia instantly calmed down, hatred flickering in her eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t forget. I will definitely avenge him!¡±


    Just as Aveline was about to fall asleep<b>, </b>her phone rang. She opened her eyes to see that it was a call from Lucas.


    She wondered why he had called her at this hour.


    Puzzled, Aveline answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Lucas¡® cold voice came through. ¡°Open the door.¡±


    Aveline was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±


    His tone grew even colder. ¡°Where else would I go?¡±


    Aveline chuckled softly. ¡°I thought you were enjoying someone¡¯spany and wouldn¡¯te back.¡±


    As she spoke, she got out of bed, walked to the door, and opened it.


    Just as she turned to go back to sleep, she felt a tight grip around her waist, and she was pulled into a man¡¯s embrace.


    Startled, Aveline instinctively struggled. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas turned her around, pinned her against the wall, and began to shower her with a series of tender kisses.


    ¡°Mmm!¡± Aveline let out a soft moan as his hot breath enveloped her, scorching her skin. The traces of his affection spread across her neck and corbone.


    ¡°Let me go¡­¡± she pushed against him.


    Instead, Lucas bit her corbone in a teasing punishment, his voice husky. ¡°Why would I let go when I have you in my arms?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Aveline was startled, but Lucas carried her to the bedroom.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She was weak from her cold, and he easily subdued her, as if venting some deep emotion. His assault on her body was relentless.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t even find words. The world spun<b>, </b>and eventually, she passed out.


    The night was chaotic.


    The next morning, when she woke up, her body ached all over, but her mind felt clearer.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ ugh¡­¡±


    Just then, a bout of coughing broke the silence.


    She turned her head to see Lucas pushing the door open and walking in, his handsome face unusually pale.


    Seeing she was awake, Lucas said coldly, ¡°Get up and eat.¡±


    Aveline slowly got up, looking at his face, and suddenly startedughing.


    Lucas frowned at her, his voice muffled. ¡°What are youughing at?¡±


    ¡°You deserve it.¡±


    Aveline replied bluntly, then got out of bed and walked toward the guest bedroom.


    aicas watched her back, feeling a wave of frustration spreading hrough his chest.


    fter a night of exertion, Aveline had recovered from her cold, but she anaged to pass the illness to him.


    ow ironic.


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    Chapter 288


    After freshening up, Aveline came out and saw Lucas sitting on the sofa, with Desmond reporting something to him, During their conversation, Lucas would asionally cough.


    Aveline quietly ate her breakfast and, after finishing, said, ¡°I want to leave Arthur Town.¡±


    Lucas immediately looked up at her. After everying that¡¯s happened, you still want to leave?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Staying here is the most dangerous option. Leaving. would be safer.¡±


    Lucas stared at her intensely. ¡°What if I don¡¯t allow you to go?¡±


    Aveline shrugged. ¡°Then I won¡¯t go.¡±


    Lucas was taken aback by her obedience.


    Aveline, sitting diagonally across from him, said, ¡°But why keep me here? I don¡¯t want to be held responsible for upsetting you further.¡±


    Lucas red at her coldly, suddenly coughing violently. The pale hue of his face was tinged with red, adding an almost otherworldly charm to his appearance.


    Desmond said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, please don¡¯t get upset.¡±


    He then turned to Aveline. ¡°Miss Young, Mr. Tudor is concerned about your safety. The situation here will be resolved soon. If you want to Jeave, perhaps you could go with Mr.Tudor.¡±


    ¡°Desmond,¡± Lucas interrupted, causing Desmond to lower his head in silence.


    Desmond wanted to ask Lucas why wouldn¡¯t he just be honest with Aveline. How could she understand if he kept her in the dark? As his assistant, Desmond truly had his hands full!


    <b>Aveline </b>blinked and said, ¡°So you¡¯re saying that if I go with <b>you</b>, I¡¯l safe?¡±


    Lucas replied coolly, ¡°You¡¯ll definitely not die.¡±


    Both Aveline and Desmond were speechless.


    They thought he might as well stay mute.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Aveline stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. ¡°Bang!¡±


    Lucas suddenly mmed the files in his hand onto the coffee table, 1 handsome face looking frighteningly cold.


    ¡°You always need to consider everything. Do you also think twice. before eating or using the bathroom?¡± Lucas retorted sharply.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew colder. ¡°So what? Do you expect me to be puppet, doing whatever you say? Lucas, what do you take me for?¡± The tension in the air thickened.


    Desmond stood by, increasingly anxious.


    How had such a trivial matter escted to this point? It seemed like they were on the verge of a major argument. He hesitated, trying to figure out how to defuse the situation.


    Lucas¡® gaze was icy as he looked at Aveline. ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to refuse me.¡±


    Desmond fell silent and thought he shouldn¡¯t interfere.


    Aveline let out a sarcasticugh and turned to leave.


    Momentster, she returned with her suitcase.


    Desmond¡¯s eyes widened, and he hurried forward. ¡°Miss Young<b>, </b>please don¡¯t act impulsively. Calm down. Mr. Tudor didn¡¯t imply anything else; he¡¯s just concerned about your safety. This is a remote area. If


    +15 BONU


    something were to happen¡­<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°That¡¯s none of his business!¡± Aveline snapped, pushing Desmond aside as she headed for the door.


    Lucas¡® cold voice echoed behind her. Notify the manager to shut down the club. <b>Not </b>even a fly gets out.¡±


    Desmond was speechless, thinking Lucas had employed such a simple and brutal approach.


    Aveline turned back, her eyes shing with anger. ¡°Lucas, are you crazy? I¡¯m leaving. What right do you have to stop me?¡±


    Lucas sat back on the sofa, exuding arrogance. ¡°I told you, without my permission, you can¡¯t leave.¡±


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    Damn it!


    Aveline¡¯s chest heaved with anger.


    Desmond hesitated before speaking up, ¡°Actually, this matter¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Both Lucas and Aveline eximed simultaneously.


    The synchronized shouts silenced Desmond instantly, and he dared not say another word..


    He was terrified, thinking how hard his life was as Lucas¡® assistant.


    Aveline¡¯s temper red. With a coldugh, she turned and walked away. But as she opened the door, she was met by several bodyguards standing there. Seeing her, they immediately moved to block her path.


    Aveline acted as if she didn¡¯t see them and walked straight ahead.


    The bodyguards¡® expressions changed, knowing that if they didn¡¯t move<b>, </b>they¡¯d end up touching Aveline inappropriately. If that happened, Lucas would surely have their hands cut off!


    Instinctively, they stepped back while still trying to block her.


    Realizing their concern, Aveline pressed forward even more determinedly.


    In this strange standoff, they all moved towards the elevator.


    The lead bodyguard wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, ¡± Ma¡¯am, please don¡¯t make things difficult for us.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Just don¡¯t block me.¡±


    The bodyguard said, ¡°If you leave, we¡¯re all dead.¡±


    Aveline sneered. ¡°I¡¯d love to see himmit murder. Then <b>he </b>can go to prison<b>, </b>and no one will be able to stop me.¡±


    The bodyguards were speechless.


    Cold sweat dripped down their foreheads.


    Lucas red at Aveline¡¯s back, <b>his </b>face darkening Suddenly, he strode forward and picked her up


    Aveline was startled ¡°What are you doing


    Lucas said nothing, carrying her back into the suite. Desmond quickdy grabbed Aveline¡¯s luggage and brought it inside before shutting the


    door


    Lucas threw Aveline onto the bed and pinned her down before she could get up


    Aveline struggled even more fiercely


    Lucas pressed his long legs against her body, pinning <b>both </b>her hands with one of his ¡°Since you have so much energy, why don¡¯t we do sartething else?¡± he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers.


    Aveline¡¯s chest heaved with anges, het clear eyes filled with frustration ¡°Lucas, why are you so unreasonable? Why does everything have to go your way? Doesn¡¯t my opinion matter?**


    Lucas stated of her intently and said, ¡°Of course, it matters<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°Then let he


    Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯ll let you go if you stay


    Avelineughed in exasperation. He was saying one thing and doing


    another


    So infuriating!


    What was the point of keeping a man like this around? Why hadn¡¯t she just divorced him and let him torment Sophia instad?


    As if reading her thoughts, Lucas¡® expression darkened, and he kissed her fiercely.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline was caught off guard and couldn¡¯t break free. She struggled <b>in </b>vain, her anger rising, but Lucas¡® mood seemed to improve as he kissed her, and his kisses grew gentler.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He only released her when he felt her body rx. ¡°Aveline, stay by my side, and I promise you¡¯ll be safe.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes, refusing to engage with him.


    Lucas kissed the tip of her nose befo

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>290</b>


    Three dayster.


    Lucas had wrapped up affairs in Arthur Town; now, it was time to dispatch others to finalize the assessment and prepare for signing the investment deal. His presence was no longer required here.


    They departed for Cloudre City.


    The bodyguard ced Aveline¡¯s suitcase in the car. Lucas took her hand. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    Aveline nced at their sped hands but said nothing. Lucas looked at her for a moment before helping her into the car.


    Just as they left Arthur Town, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID,


    expression grew colder.


    It was a call from Reba.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered, his tone noticeably icy.


    his


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m leaving the country. Do you want to see me off?¡± Reba¡¯s voice came through.


    All this time, Reba had not apologized to Aveline.


    Through his business dealings, Lucas had taken direct measures to sanction the Johnson family, leaving them in dire straits. Unable to oppose his daughter¡¯s wishes, Reynold had to send her abroad and humble himself to seek Lucas¡¯s mercy.


    Lucas¡® voice grew even colder. ¡°It seems the Johnson family¡¯s situation doesn¡¯t affect you much.¡±


    Reba¡¯s voice became tearful. ¡°Lucas, why are you so heartless? I like you so much, yet you¡¯re targeting my family for that woman. Our family helped you back then!¡±


    Lucas replied indifferently, ¡°So?¡±


    +15 <b>BONU</b><b>!</b>


    Reba choked up. Over time, she hade <b>to </b>realize that Lucas was indeed a cold¨Chearted person. He was truly heartless!


    Sniffling, Reba continued, ¡°So you can¡¯t treat our family like this. Lucas, please stop. I¡¯m going abroad and won¡¯t bother you anymore.¡±


    Lucas responded coldly, ¡°Did you do what I asked you to?¡±


    Reba¡¯s voice suddenly turned sharp. ¡°I will never apologize to that bitch!¡±


    With that, she hung up abruptly.


    Lucas¡® face darkened instantly as if a storm cloud had settled over him. The tension inside the car grew palpable.


    Aveline sat beside Lucas.


    Even though he was using the handset, she could still hear the conversation. She lowered her gaze slightly, her expression calm.


    She finally understood how it would be to have the backing of a family. It appeared anyone could act recklessly when surrounded by the love of their parents. So, this was what having a family meant.


    Aveline experienced a moment of disorientation.


    Suddenly, a strong curiosity about her own parents overwhelmed her. She yearned to know what they were like.


    Unfortunately, with Hilda¡¯s disappearance, that lead was now lost.


    Aveline nced at her ticket. It was business ss, right next to Lucas.


    But she didn¡¯t want <b>to </b>sit with him, so she got up and moved to economy ss. She swapped seats with a beautiful woman, who happily took the business ss seat.


    When Lucas saw a strange woman sitting in Aveline¡¯s seat, his handsome face darkened immediately. ¡°Where is the person who was supposed to be here?¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    +15 BONUS


    The woman blushed at the sight of such a handsome man and said, ¡® She swapped seats with me.¡°!


    Lucas¡® expression turned even colder,


    Did she really not want to sit with him that much? To the point where she moved to economy ss to avoid him?


    Seeing his sudden cold expression and the surrounding temperature seeming to drop, the woman quickly averted her gaze, not daring to continue the conversation. Despite this, she could still feel the chill


    emanating from him.


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    Chapter 291Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She even asked the flight attendant for a nket, but it didn¡¯t help her feel less cold.


    The woman nced at Lucas and noticed his dark expression as if she had owed him millions. She suddenly understood why the previous girl had swapped seats with her. Sitting next to someone like that would make anyone¡¯s nerves frayed.


    The woman stood up, took her belongings, and went back to economy ss.


    Aveline was sleeping when she was suddenly woken up. She removed her eye mask and saw the woman who had swapped seats earlier.


    ¡°Hi, I don¡¯t want to swap seats anymore. I prefer my original seat. Let¡¯s switch back.¡±


    Aveline was puzzled. ¡°That¡¯s business ss. The seat there is morefortable.¡±


    The woman insisted, ¡°I like my original seat. It was mine to begin with, so please give it back.¡±


    Aveline paused for a moment before silently agreeing to swap back.


    Returning to business ss, she found Lucas sitting with a stern expression, his eyes fixed on her<b>.</b>


    ¡°Why did youe back?¡± he asked coldly.


    Aveline retorted, ¡°None of your business.<b>¡±</b>


    She finally understood why the woman had insisted on switching back. Who would want to sit next to someone with such a frosty demeanor?


    Feeling exasperated, Aveline sat down and put her eye mask back on.


    Suddenly, she felt her hand being held.


    Startled, she quickly removed the mask and looked at the man beside


    her. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas replied iclly, ¡°Holding onto you so you don¡¯t run off again.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched in frustration. She tried to pull her hand <i>at </i>but his grip was strong. The more she struggled, the tighter he h until her hand hurt, and she gave up.


    ¡°Fine, hold on If you want. Sult yourself,¡± she muttered.


    Seeing her stop struggling, a faint sinile appeared on Lucas¡® lips, the atmosphere around him softened noticeably,


    When the nended in Cloudre City, Aveline stepped out of airport, feeling a surreal sense of familiarity and distance.


    She carried her suitcase and got into a taxi, giving the driver the na of her hotel. Lucas watched her leave without looking back, his expression growing cold once more.


    Desmond asked, ¡°Mr. Tudor, are you heading straight to the office ¡°Yes,¡± Lucas replied emotionlessly.


    However, just as he got into the car, his phone rang. Seeing the calle ID, he noticed it was Barbara.


    ¡°Hello, Grandma.¡±


    Barbara¡¯s cheerful voice came through, ¡°My dear grandson, when ar you and my granddaughter¨Cinwing to visit? It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve seen you both! Have you forgotten about me?¡±


    Her voice was full of vitality, indicating she was in good spirits recently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring her over tonight,¡± Lucas said.


    ¡°Great! Come straight home then. I¡¯m at home, and I¡¯ve instructed the servants to prepare a delicious meal. You both muste!¡± Barbara insisted.


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lucas agreed.


    Barbara, feeling delighted, hung up and went to the kitchen to oversee the meal preparations.


    Lucas stared at his phone for a moment but didn¡¯t inform Aveline right


    away.


    Instead, he began reviewing documents and prioritizing his work.


    Meanwhile, Aveline realized her apartment was still unsold. Although it had been listed online, it had attracted only a few interested buyers. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder why it hadn¡¯t been sold yet.


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    Chapter <b>292</b>


    The small two¨Cbedroom apartment had a good location and was <b>in </b>demand.


    Aveline ced her suitcase in the hotel before returning to her home in the Waterfont District.


    She paused as she opened the door, feeling a strange sense of unfamiliarity after being away for so long. This ce held too many memories of her and Lucas, memories she preferred to avoid.


    She walked through the apartment, and just then, her phone rang. Seeing it was a call from the real estate agent, she answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hello, Miss Young. Someone is interested in buying your apartment -and would like to discuss it. When can you meet?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°I can meet right now.¡±


    ¡°Great, I¡¯ll contact the buyer and arrange a meeting.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aveline agreed readily.


    She hadn¡¯t expected her apartment to attract a buyer so quickly.


    Deciding to wait, she spent some time tidying up the ce.


    Just as she finished, her phone rang again¨Cthe buyer had arrived.


    Aveline went to the elevator to wait.


    Soon, the doors opened, and the agent stepped out with a stunningly beautiful woman in tow.


    The woman was alluring, with captivating eyes that could enchant anyone.


    She smiled at Aveline. ¡°Hello, gorgeous.¡±


    Aveline paused, then extended her hand. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Aveline Young.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    The woman winked at her but didn¡¯t introduce herself. Aveline found it odd but didn¡¯t dwell on it and began showing her the apartment.


    After touring the ce, the woman stood on the balcony and asked, ¡± This apartment is nice. Why are you selling it?¡±


    Aveline smiled faintly. ¡°I want to live in a different city.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes flickered for a moment before she said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll buy it. Can we sign the contract now?


    Aveline was surprised by how quickly things were moving..


    The woman didn¡¯t even negotiate, despite Aveline listing the price higher than the market rate.


    Seeing her hesitation, the woman asked, ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Aveline replied, snapping out of her thoughts and looking at the agent.


    The agent had already prepared the contract. Both parties signed it, and the down payment was made. Next, they would handle the transfer procedures.


    The woman suggested, ¡°If you have time today, let¡¯s get the paperwork done right away.¡±


    Aveline nodded in agreement.


    The entire process was quick and smooth. When Aveline handed over the keys, she felt a sudden sense of emptiness.


    The woman looked at her and asked, ¡°Regretting it?¡±


    There was something odd about her attitude, though Aveline couldn¡¯t quite ce it.


    She smiled slightly and said, ¡°To have a better future, <b>you </b>need to let


    go of the past. I have no rep


    The woman nodded. ¡°Impressive mindset. I have other matters to


    20


    ¦°


    attend to Goodbye, ¡±


    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Aveline replied, watching her leave.


    She nced at her phone and saw the updated bnce in her bank. ount. Surprisingly, she didn¡¯t fes happy as she thought sheN?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    would


    After years of hard work in this city, all she had left were these numbers.


    Maria got into her car and dialed Lucas¡® number. ¡°Boss, everything is settled.¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°What did she say?¡±


    Maria chuckled, admiring her freshly done nails, and repeated.


    Aveline¡¯s words. ¡°Miss Young is quite perceptive, boss. Honestly, she¡¯s too good for you.¡±


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    After Maria finished speaking, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine She realized she had made a mistake. She really should think behure she speale.


    ¡°Hehe. Bass, I was just talking nonsense because I had too much to drink. Don¡¯t take it seriously,¡± sheughed nervously, trying to


    backtrack


    Lucas¡® cold voice came through. ¡°Come over and move everything.¡±


    ¡°Okay, got it!¡± Maria quieldy agreed, but she didn¡¯t dare to hang up. right away.


    Cautiously, she asked, ¡°Boss, is there anything else?¡±


    After a long pause, Lucas finally responded, ¡°Did she really say that?¡±


    ¡°Say what?¡± Maria was momentarily confused.


    Lucas hung up without another word,


    Maria blinked in bewilderment, then started the car and headed to the Tudor mansion, unsure of what Lucas was thinking.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Aveline sold her apartment and immediately informed Selena. She hadn¡¯t been in touch with her muchtely because Selena had ventured into a remote jungle with poor signal reception for a film shoot.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t quite understand why filming required venturing into a primeval forest.


    This time, Selena called her.


    ¡°Hello, you have a signal now?¡± Aveline auswered.


    Selena, squatting on a small hillside and ying with a stalk of grass, wore an expression of sheer misery. ¡°Ave, you wouldn¡¯t believe where I am and what¡¯s happening. I could kill that man!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, calon down,¡± Aveline (ded to soothe her.


    Selena¡¯s voice took on a pitiful tone. You have no idea. My body is covered in mosquito bites. The mosquitoes in this jungle are huge like they¡¯ve mutated or something. It¡¯s terrifying!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°How long will the filming there take?¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It depends on that bastard¡¯s mood.¡±


    Aveline, feeling worried, suggested, ¡°Maybe you shoulde back. There are other ways to deal with the debt.¡±


    Selena, however, replied, ¡°It¡¯s fine. This is thest shoot. Once it¡¯s done, I¡¯ll head back. Besides, I¡¯m not the only one getting bitten. That jerk is suffering just as much.¡±


    Aveline sighed helplessly. At times, Selena could be incredibly stubborn.


    Just as she was about to say something, Selena lowered her voice, ¡± That jerk is calling for me again. I¡¯ll go see what he wants. We¡¯ll talk when I get back.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aveline replied, and the call ended quickly.


    Selena descended the hillside and returned to the camp. There, she saw Aaron sitting grandly on a small stool, fanning himself with arge palm leaf fan.


    With an expressionless face, she approached him and asked, ¡°Do you need to poop or pee?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s lips twitched uncontrobly


    This woman! How did she develop such manners? She was so beautiful, yet she spoke so crudely.


    He gave her a cold look and said, ¡°I thirsty. Go get me some water.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes scanned the area¨Chis cup was right beside him, and the water jug was next to the cup.


    +15 BONUS


    She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. She had to endure this! Aaron had been tormenting her in


    these past few days, like a sadist. Selena swo very possible way


    she would avoid him at all costs!


    that once she got back,


    As she poured water, Aaron watched her expression, which seemed like she was about to dump the jug on his head at any moment.


    He thought her patience was truly impressive and wondered how long she could keep it up.


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    Chapter <b>294</b>


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, here¡¯s your water,¡± Selena said, handing him the c without looking at him.


    Aaron took the cup, sipping it slowly. ¡°Do you really want to murd me right now?¡±


    Selena forced a smile. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you¡¯re joking. Committing murder is against thew.¡±


    Aaron chuckled lightly. ¡°So, if it weren¡¯t illegal, you¡¯d murder me?¡±


    Selena smiled at him, and Aaron couldn¡¯t help but feel a shiver run down his spine.


    He stood up and started walking toward the woods. After a couple steps, he noticed Selena still standing there and asked, ¡°What are yo waiting for?¡±


    Selena asked incredulously, ¡°Do you need me to follow you to pee?¡±


    The veins on Aaron¡¯s forehead bulged. ¡°Follow me!¡±


    Selena¡¯s expression changed as she looked at him like he was a pervert even taking a step back. ¡°I refuse.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Aaronughed at her reaction. ¡°I¡¯m not going to the bathroom.¡±


    Selena eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Then why are you heading into the woods?¡±


    Aaron fell silent.


    Why did everything she said have an underlying meaning?


    He red at her. ¡°Are youing or not?¡±


    Selena didn¡¯t know what he was nning, but she sensed that notplying would make her life difficult. He might wake her in the dead of night to cook pasta, only to watch her eat every bite.


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Was that something a normal person would do?


    Selena reluctantly followed him, pursing her lips. ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°I¡¯m in a bad mood<b>, </b>so I¡¯m going to dig <b>a </b>hole.¡±


    Selena asked, ¡°Are you going to bury yourself? Mr. Fletcher, that¡¯s


    quite the decision. Do you also realize that your existence wastes air and pollutes thend?¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    He raised a hand to massage <b>his </b>temples.


    Selena, thinking he was about to hit her, instinctively stepped back several paces. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Aaron looked at her with an intense gaze.


    Selena blinked. ¡°I thought you were going to hit me.¡±


    Aaron scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t have a habit of hitting women.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Selena replied, stepping back to his side and pointing to an empty patch of ground ahead.


    Aaron gave her a puzzled look. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I think that spot over there is perfect for digging a hole.¡±


    Aaron said nothing, simply staring at her with that intense gaze, which made her feel a chill run down her spine. She wisely kept quiet after that.


    After a long, silent stare, Aaron finally looked away and started walking in a specific direction, heading deeper into the woods.


    Selena followed him, swatting away mosquitoes and ring at his back as if she could bore a hole through it.


    15 GAPS


    She didn¡¯t understand why he had dragged her out here. Was he afraid the mosquitoes would go hungry?


    ¡°Found it.¡± Aaron¡¯s voice broke the silence. He stepped forward,


    pulling up a few tufts of grass.


    Selena eyed him suspiciously. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Aaron cast her a cool nce without answering and began to walk back the way they hade.


    Selena frowned but didn¡¯t press the issue. As they walked, she suddenly stepped <b>on </b>a rock and slipped, falling toward Aaron.


    At that moment, there was a sharp sound, like something cutting through the air. The next second, Selena felt a numbness in her shoulder, followed by intense pain.


    She let out a muffled groan and fell onto Aaron¡¯s back.


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 Divorced 295

    Chapter <b>295</b>


    Aaron froze. He too had heard the sound of something cutting through the air. When he turned around, he saw Selena diving towards him, taking the bullet meant for him.


    It was utterly shocking!


    He caught her, watching in disbelief as blood flowed from her shoulder and her face grew pale.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, confused.


    Selena was in so much pain that she couldn¡¯t speak.


    Hearing his voice through the haze, she wanted to p him hard.


    Why was he asking such a dumb question?


    Couldn¡¯t he just get her to the hospital already?


    Did he n to let her die and bury her right here?


    This damn man!


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, are you alright?¡±


    The discreetly positioned bodyguards emerged from their hiding, having captured the shooter, and approached him.


    Aaron snapped out of his daze, his face darkening. doing just now?¡±


    at were wou


    The bodyguard bowed his head. ¡°Sorry, Mr. Fletcher, it happened suddenly, and we were caught off guard.¡±


    Aaron couldn¡¯t describe what he felt.


    He picked up Selena and ran quickly toward the exit. ¡°Selena, hold on. I¡¯m taking you to the hospital now.¡±


    Selena, wracked with pain, felt a small relief at his words.


    +15 BONUS


    Finally<b>, </b><b>he </b>was taking her to the hospital; she wasn¡¯t going to die here.


    As Selena slipped into unconsciousness, she thought she heard at trembling voice calling her name.


    The lights in the emergency room stayed on.


    Aaron¡¯s tall figure stood at the door still stained with Selena¡¯s blood.


    Even after all this time, he couldn¡¯t believe it. The girl he had always tormented had taken a bullet for him!


    Why had she done it?


    Hadn¡¯t she always wanted him dead?


    Why take a bullet for him?


    Aaron couldn¡¯t understand it. He simply couldn¡¯t fathom it.


    Aaron asked, ¡°How is she?¡±


    The doctor responded, ¡°The bullet has been sessfully removed, and fortunately, it didn¡¯t harm any internal organs. She just needs some time to recover.¡±


    Hearing this, Aaron let out a deep breath.


    He had already arranged for her hospital stay and returned to the ward. Watching the still¨Cunconscious Selena, Aaron¡¯s lips tightened.


    Aaron opened a forum and posted his question:


    ¡°Why would a woman take a bullet for a man who always bullies her?¡±


    Almost immediately, the replies started pouring in:


    ¡°How does he bully her? Is it in bed?¡±


    ¡°Buddy, either you¡¯re dreaming, or the woman has a masochistic


    tendency. The more you torment her, the more she likes you. She¡¯d rather die than let you die.¡±


    ¡°Stop dreaming and wake up!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no war how. Where did the gune from?¡± ¡°Maybe she really likes you.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s gaze lingered on one particr reply.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    His brows furrowed deeply.


    Selena liked him?


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    Chapter <b>296</b>


    Was it because she liked him that she couldn¡¯t bear to see him hurt, so she took the bullet for him? Could she really have a masochistic


    tendency?


    <b>He </b>had always been bullying her. And yet, she still liked him?


    Aaron couldn¡¯t help but touch his own face, feeling a surge of


    confidence. With his dashing appearance, Ing him made sense, after


    all.


    He put away his phone, his gaze settling on the unconscious Selena, and sighed helplessly.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    What a pity. He knew he couldn¡¯t reciprocate her feelings.


    When Selena groggily woke up, her left shoulder felt foreign to her. The pain was excruciating and unbearable.


    Where was the anesthesia? Did that damn man not even give her any painkillers? Was he that cruel?


    She sucked in a sharp breath, tears welling up from the pain.


    Seeing her awake, Aaron said, ¡°Don¡¯t move around too much. Your wound will hurt a lot.¡±


    Selenay there on her stomach, feeling utterly miserable. Her face <b>was </b>pale, and she weakly asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, can I ask what exactly you did to deserve an assassination attempt?


    What a close call!


    She had actually experienced a scene straight out of a novel or TV drama!


    Aaron saw the cold sweat on her forehead and suddenly felt touched. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you got caught up in this,¡± he said quietly.


    Selena closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths before asking, ¡°So, I


    saved your life, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Aaron confirmed without hesitation.


    Selena said, ¡°Then can you promise me one thing?¡±


    Aaron paused, his expression suddenly serious as he recalled the replies from the forum post. Could it be that she wanted him to marry her?


    That wouldn¡¯t work!


    He liked Snow, not her.

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    Chapter <b>297</b>


    ¡°By the way, don¡¯t tell Aveline about this,¡± Selena murmured, worried that Aveline might get anxious.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aaron replied absentmindedly. He was still wondering what request Selena might ask for. If she were to ask him to wed her, he would


    know what to do.


    It was a tricky situation. Why did he have toplicate things further by agreeing to fulfill yet another request?


    Aaron sighed, thinking he really shot himself in the foot this time.


    Back at the hotel, Aveline felt a sudden, inexplicable unease.


    She stood there in a daze for a moment, but the feeling quickly passed, leaving her puzzled.


    Just then, her phone rang.


    Seeing it was Lucas, she hesitated.


    Why was he calling her?


    Instinctively, she wanted to ignore it, but since they weren¡¯t divorced. yet, she answered the call.


    What if he was calling about the divorce?


    ¡°Hello?¡± Aveline said.


    Lucas¡® voice came through. ¡°Where are you? I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up. Grandma wants to see you.¡±


    Aveline felt a pang of disappointment¨Cit wasn¡¯t about the divorce.


    She replied, ¡°Given our current rtionship, it¡¯s not appropriate for me to see your grandmother. Please find a reason to decline for me.¡±


    -15 BONUS


    Barbara liked her a lot and treated her well, but after all<b>, </b>she was Lucas


    grandmother. What did it have to do with her?


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder, ¡°I¡¯ve already promised her, Aveline. Grandma has done nothing to wrong you.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to go. Are you going to force me?¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened. She had just sold the apartment filled with their memories and now didn¡¯t even want to see family. Was she so eager


    to sever all ties with him?


    Lucas said in a deep voice, ¡°Come with me, and I¡¯ll consider the divorce.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Aveline paused. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lucas replied, his tone t and emotionless.


    Aveline immediately agreed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send you my location.¡±


    Lucas abruptly ended the call.


    A cold glint appeared on his face.


    Divorce¨Cshe was quick to agree to that.


    Divorce, divorce!


    Why was that all she could think about? They were doing just fine without it, weren¡¯t they?


    Desmond walked in and saw Lucas¡® cold expression.


    He tread carefully, asking, ¡°Mr. Tudor, are we leaving now?¡±


    ¡°Go pick up Aveline,¡± Lucas said, standing up and heading outside.


    Desmond quickly followed him.


    Aveline waited in the hotel lobby.


    When she saw Lucas¡® message, she stepped outside.


    The car was parked at the hotel entrance, She opened the rear door and got in, only to find that Lacas was driving.


    ¡°Sit in the front,¡± he ordered coldly,


    Knowing his stubbornness, Aveline didn¡¯t argue. She got out and took the front passenger seat.


    Once she fastened her seatbelt, Lucas started the car and drove toward the Tudor family estate.


    Aveline nced at his handsome profile and asked, ¡°Were you serious. about considering the divorce?¡±


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    Chapter <b>298</b>


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the atmosphere in the car turned icy, a chilling pressure enveloping Aveline. Her eyshes fluttered subtly, reflecting her inner turmoil.


    Lucas remained silent but he drove faster.


    Aveline clutched her seatbelt, her brow furrowing. ¡°Lucas, slow down.¡±


    It was rush hour.


    Driving this fast was dangerous, and she certainly didn¡¯t want to die.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Lucas snapped. He didn¡¯t want to hear her voice at all, and her words only made him want to strangle her.


    Aveline flinched at his outburst, casting him a bewildered nce. Why are you so angry?¡±


    Lucas¡® face grew even darker, and the car sped up even more.


    Aveline didn¡¯t dare speak again, afraid that his frustration might cause him to crash the car, putting their lives at risk.


    Finally, after a nerve¨Cwracking drive, Lucas stopped the car in front of the Tudor family estate. The gatekeeper opened the gate, and Lucas drove in.


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly, then said, ¡°Lucas, as a man, I hope you¡¯ll keep your word.¡±


    She reached for the door handle to get out, but the door was still locked.


    She looked at him in confusion.


    Weren¡¯t they here to visit Barbara? Why weren¡¯t they getting out?


    Lucas¡® eyes were filled with darkness as he stared at her. His voice was low and maic, ¡°Aveline, how can you be so heartless?¡±


    Aveline looked at him, puzzled. ¡°How am I heartless?¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Hadn¡¯t he always been the cruel one?


    The car fell into an uneasy silence<b>.</b>


    Lucas continued to stare at her, and after a long pause, he finally said, ¡± When we go inside, don¡¯t mention what you said earlier to Grandma. You know her health isn¡¯t good, and she can¡¯t handle any stress.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I know.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t foolish enough to cause unnecessary trouble.


    This time, Lucas unlocked the car door and got out first. Aveline watched his back for a moment, feeling a pang of bitterness before sheposed herself and followed him out.


    They entered the vi¡¯s living room one after the other. Barbara was sitting in a wheelchair, apanied by a maid. Her eyes kept drifting to the door, clearly waiting for them.


    Seeing them enter, she immediately broke into a smile. ¡°My dear grandson, you¡¯re finally here!¡±


    Lucas was speechless.


    Every time he heard Barbara addressing him this way, he couldn¡¯t help but twitch.


    He walked over and asked, ¡°Grandma<b>, </b>how have you been feelingtely?¡±


    Barbara smiled warmly and turned her attention to Aveline. ¡°Come here, my dear. Let me have a look at you. Have you lost weight?¡±


    Lucas felt ignored.


    It was clear to him that whenever Aveline was around, he was invisible. Barbara¡¯s true affections were always for Aveline.


    Aveline smiled and said, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve just been dieting to keep in shape.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Barbara shook her head in disapproval. ¡°You¡¯re already very beautiful. You don¡¯t need to lose more weight. If you get too thin, it will be hard to get pregnant. I still hope to hold a great¨Cgrandchild one day. When will you fulfill this wish for me?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Her wrinkled face was full of hope as she looked at Aveline and Lucas, her eyes shining brightly like a child¡¯s.


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    Aveline¡¯s <b>smile </b>froze.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas said<b>, </b>¡°Grandma, you don¡¯t even care about me. Once there¡¯s a great¨Cgrandchild, you¡¯ll like me even less. Maybe it¡¯s better if we don¡¯t have one.¡±


    ¡°Stop that nonsense! Are you jealous of your own child? What kind of father are you? A great¨Cgrandchild is a must, and I want to y with my great¨Cgrandchild!¡± Barbara waved her hand dismissively, clearly not interested in what Lucas had to say.


    Lucas could only smile wryly.


    Aveline said, ¡°Grandma, the weather is nice today. How about we take a stroll in the garden?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes! I love walking with you,¡± Barbara agreed eagerly.


    Aveline began to push the wheelchair out of the vi.


    Lucas didn¡¯t follow them. Instead, he went upstairs and entered the study.


    Yvonne happened toe out and, upon seeing him, smiled. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re back. Your father was just talking about you. Go on in.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lucas responded coolly.


    Inside the study, the atmosphere was heavy.


    Frederick sat in a leather chair, wearing sses and reading some documents.


    ¡°Dad, you wanted to see me?¡± Lucas asked as he w


    walked in.


    Frederick handed him a document. ¡°Take a look at this.<b>¡±</b>


    Lucas took the paper, nced at it, and his brows immediately furrowed. ¡°Leo wrote this?¡±


    +18 BONUS


    It was written by Leo Tudor, Frederick¡¯s second son, who had supposedly died in a kidnapping years ago.


    <b>Lucas</b>¡® expression remained unreadable as he ced the document back on the desk. ¡°Dad, what do you mean by this?¡±


    Frederick removed his sses and said, ¡°This was a line from a letter that was sent to me. Lucas, there is a chance your brother might still be alive.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°But I saw him die in front of me. I wouldn¡¯t mistake that. Maybe someone is imitating his handwriting. Dad, don¡¯t be deceived.¡±


    Frederick rubbed his temples. ¡°But you were young then. Are you sure you remember it clearly?¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened, his lips pressed into a thin line.


    Frederick said, ¡°Look into it, Lucas. If there¡¯s even a chance your brother is alive, we need to know. It would be the best news if he is.¡±


    Lucas lowered his gaze, focusing once more on the document.


    It was a photocopy, containing only a few words that didn¡¯t form aplete sentence. It would be easy to forge something like this. Yet, Frederick believed Leo was still alive.


    For Frederick, as long as Leo lived, the Tudor family didn¡¯t necessarily


    need Lucas.


    Frederick walked around the desk, nced at Lucas, and said, ¡°You¡¯re not as capable as Leo. If we find him, we¡¯ll bring him back. It would be better for him to manage the DK Group.¡±


    With that, he left the study.


    ¡°Hah!¡± Lucas let out a mockingugh, a sneer appearing on his face. His eyes darkened further, and the cold aura around him intensified.


    +15 BONUS


    In the garden, Aveline had woven a flower crown and ced it on <b>Barbara¡¯s </b>head.


    Barbara was overjoyed, but she moved carefully, afraid the crown might fall off.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Grandma, if you like it, you can take it off and y with it. If it breaks, I¡¯ll make you another one.¡±


    Barbara shook her head. ¡°No, no, I can¡¯t let <b>it </b>break. This is a gift from you, and I will always treasure it!¡±


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    Aveline felt deeply touched.


    She wasn¡¯t particrly close to Barbara, yet Barbara liked her immensely.


    Whenever she saw Aveline, she would give her the best of everything.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this was how parents treated their children. She couldn¡¯t rte. Her thoughts drifted to her own child, which she didn¡¯t yet have.


    A tinge of sadness shed in her eyes.


    She didn¡¯t know when she would ever have a child of her own.


    Whenever she and Lucas were together, he always used protection, preventing any possibility of a child. She had never thought much about it, but Barbara¡¯s words had made her start to care.


    Lucas didn¡¯t want a child but refused to divorce her. Such a


    contradictory man.


    At that moment, a servant came over to announce that dinner was ready.


    Aveline said, ¡°Grandma, let¡¯s go back and have dinner.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Barbara agreed, nodding.


    Just then, the flower crown fell from her head. Barbara quickly caught it and held it tightly in her hands.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    Back inside the vi, Aveline saw Yvonne and Frederick and politely greeted them. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Barbara frowned and said,


    How can you call them Mr. and Mrs.? You


    should call them Dad and Mum, just like Lucas does.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline froze for a moment<b>.</b>


    Frederick showed no expression and headed straight into the dining


    room.


    Yvonne smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s right, Aveline. You¡¯re Lucas¡® wife, so just <b>call </b>me Mum like he does. Calling me Mrs. Tudor is too formal.¡± Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, Mum.¡±


    Yvonne smiled warmly. ¡°You two go ahead to the dining room. Another guest will be arriving shortly.¡±


    As she finished speaking, a servant entered, leading a woman into the room. Yvonne¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Speak of the devil. Sophia, why are you sote?¡±


    Sophia smiled graciously. ¡°Mr. Frederick, Madam Yvonne, Madam Barbara, I stopped to buy some pastries and tea from an excellent shop. I thought you and Madam Barbara might enjoy them. The tea is from my grandfather¡¯s collection, and I brought it for you to try, Mr. Frederick.¡±


    She politely handed the items to the servant.


    Yvonne said, ¡°We invited you for dinner, and you brought all these gifts? Next time, juste as you are, or we won¡¯t invite you again.¡± Sophia linked her arm through Yvonne¡¯s. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Barbara looked at Sophia. ¡°Didn¡¯t you resign? Why are you back? Having trouble finding a higher¨Cpaying job? Working as a servant in the Tudor family is quite nice; we treat our staff well.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s smile froze.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Yvonne quickly intervened. ¡°Mom, this is Sophia, Lucas¡® former fianc¨¦e. Don¡¯t you remember?¡±


    Barbara frowned, her elderly face showing confusion. ¡°Lucas had a fianc¨¦e?¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS</b>


    Yvonne exined, ¡°It was two years ago. You must have forgotten.¡±


    But Barbara insisted, ¡°No, there¡¯s no such thing. Lucas doesn¡¯t have a fianc¨¦e. Lucas only has one wife, and that¡¯s Aveline.¡±


    Yvonne started to say more, but Sophia stopped her. ¡°Madam Yvonne, it¡¯s alright. I know Madain Barbara is just confused.¡±


    Yvonne sighed. ¡°If that incident hadn¡¯t happened, you would have


    been Lucas¡® wife by now, and Grandma wouldn¡¯t have forgotten you.¡±


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    Sophia Instinctively nced at Aveline.


    However, Yvonne acted as if she hadn¡¯t noticed her expression and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, time to eat.¡±


    Throughout the entire situation, Aveline remained silent. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She simply observed everything indifferently.


    How could Yvonne, who managed to be the matriarch of the Tudor family, be someone without


    a scheming mind and intelligence? What was the meaning behind that scene just now? Was she trying to sow discord between her and Lucas, or make her jealous of Sophia?


    A trace of mockery shed within Aveline.


    At that moment, Lucas descended the stairs. Noticing the expression on her face, his eyes darkened a bit as he approached and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Aveline nced at him and said, ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s time to eat.¡±


    As she spoke, she was about to leave, but he grabbed her wrist.


    She looked at him in confusion.


    Lucas furrowed his brows and said, ¡°Aveline, you can tell me if anything happens. You can¡¯t handle everything alone.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned colder, and she looked directly at him. ¡°All the things that have happened to me are because of you. I really can¡¯t handle it How about we get a divorce? Once we¡¯re no longer rted, those troubles won¡¯te to me anymore


    Lucas immediately released her hand and walked straight to the dining room, his face extremely grim as he passed by her.


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly.


    So, he had lied to her.


    Saying he would consider the divorce issue once they came to the Tudor family mansion was just an


    <b>excuse</b>!


    Why was it so difficult to get a divorce?


    In the dining room, a seat was reserved next to Barbara for Aveline.


    As soon as she came over, Barbara pulled her to sit down and then looked at Sophia<b>, </b><b>saying</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b>Since you¡¯ve returned to work for the Tudor family, you should get to work. This isn¡¯t a ce for a servant like you to sit.¡±


    Barbara wore a cheerful smile, not intending to make things difficult for Sophia<b>, </b><b>just </b><b>reminding </b><b>her </b>that as a ¡°servant,¡± she shouldn¡¯t dine with the family.


    However, Sophia¡¯s face stiffened a bit.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Yvonne quickly said, ¡°Mom, she¡¯s not a servant.¡±


    Frederick also added, ¡°Mom, Sophia is a guest of the family.¡±


    Barbara looked at Lucas. ¡°Isn¡¯t she a servant?¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t expect Barbara to be so convinced that Sophia was a servant and said helplessly, ¡°She¡¯s


    not.¡±


    Barbara looked as if she suddenly understood. ¡°I thought she was, I remember she used to bring things when she came to see me. I thought you had instructed her to bring them.¡±


    Yvonne looked at Sophia, holding her hand, and said, ¡°Sophia, don¡¯t mind it. Mom is just confused.¡±


    Sophia forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°She lowered her eyes slightly, a hint of coldness appearing in them. This damn olddy!


    Barbara smiled warmly. ¡°Since you¡¯re a guest, let¡¯s eat. Youngdy, I apologize. I didn¡¯t know you were a guest.¡±


    Sophia quickly responded, ¡°Madam Barbara, don¡¯t say that. I¡¯m still willing to stay by your side and take care of you.¡±


    Barbara then turned to Aveline. ¡°Granddaughter¨Cinw, remember that she¡¯s a guest, not a servant, and has no rtionship with Lucas. Don¡¯t be angry with Lucas because of this.¡±


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    Aveline had been trying to <b>keep </b>a low profile, so she was a bit surprised when Barbara suddenly spoke


    to her.


    ¡°Grandma, try this chicken leg, okay?¡± Aveline put some food on Barbara¡¯s te.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try it.¡± Barbara¡¯s attention was immediately diverted.


    Lucas¡® deep gaze fell on Aveline¡¯s face, but she only looked at Barbara, not giving him an extra nce.


    Yvonne said, ¡°Since you don¡¯te home often, you should spend <b>a </b>night here. Mom has been thinking about you.¡±


    Barbara nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, stay. You must stay tonight.¡±


    Aveline paused and looked at Lucas, hoping he would refuse. Given their current rtionship, it wasn¡¯t appropriate for them to stay together.


    But to her surprise, Lucas nodded slightly. ¡°Alright.


    Her brows immediately furrowed.


    What did he mean? Didn¡¯t he see the look she gave him?


    ¡°Barbara took Aveline¡¯s hand and said with a smile, ¡®Ave, you and Lucas need to work hard so I cant hold my great¨Cgrandchild soon. I¡¯ve had the kitchen prepare a healthy smoothie for you. Make sure you drink it before bed.¡±


    Aveline smiled and nodded. ¡°Okay, Grandma.


    Barbara looked at Lucas. ¡°You drink it too. Every single drop.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Lucas nodded as well.


    Frederick¡¯s expression darkened, and Yvonne¡¯s eyes flickered as she turned to Sophia. ¡°Sophia, why don¡¯t you stay with me tonight? We haven¡¯t had a good chat in a long time.¡±


    Sophia smiled and said, ¡°Madam¨CYvonne, wouldn¡¯t that be inconvenient?¡±


    Yvonne replied, ¡°Not at all. You¡¯ve stayed here before. You can stay in your old room. I¡¯ll have it cleaned up.¡±


    Sophia instinctively nced at Lucas, but he kept his eyes downcast, his expression distant and indifferent, as if he hadn¡¯t heard their conversation.


    Yvonne said, ¡°It¡¯s settled then. Let¡¯s eat first.¡±


    Sophia reluctantly agreed, feeling somewhat awkward.


    The atmosphere was a bit strange.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes flickered with a hint of faint mockery.


    What did this mean?


    <b>1/2 </b>


    Among everyone at the table, Barbara was the most honest.


    +15 BONUS


    Barbara ate seriously, asionally cing food on Aveline¡¯s te, her eyes sparkling whenever she looked at her.


    Aveline quicklyposed herself and quietly ate.


    After dinner, Yvonne turned to Lucas and said, ¡°Lucas, your room is always tidy. Why don¡¯t you show Aveline around upstairs? Let her getfortable with where she¡¯ll be staying.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lucas responded indifferently, standing up and heading upstairs.


    Aveline followed, as she had something to say to him. His room was on the left side of the second floor. She opened the door to find the room decorated just like his office¨Cck, white, and gray, exuding a cold atmosphere.


    As the door closed, Aveline had no interest in making herselffortable in the room. She looked at Lucas and asked, ¡°Why did you agree to stay?¡±


    Lucas took off his suit jacket and tossed it onto the sofa. He nced at her casually, ¡°Why not stay<b>? </b>It¡¯s true I haven¡¯t been back for a while.¡±


    Aveline felt choked, pursing her lips. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to stay here.


    Lucas replied, ¡°Then you can leave.¡±


    Aveline was speechless. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    What if Barbara asked about her?


    She didn¡¯t want to disappoint the elderly woman who treated her so kindly!


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    +15 BONUS


    Lucas seemed to have figured out what <b>was </b>on her mind and said, ¡°It¡¯s just one night. What are your


    afraid of?¡± N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. I just think that, given our current rtionship, it¡¯s not appropriate for us. to stay together.¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°What rtionship?¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°The rtionship of a couple about to divorce.¡±


    Before she finished her sentence, Lucas walked towards her, his eyes dark and cold.


    Aveline immediately became alert. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas stopped in front of her, his gaze intense. ¡°So after all this time, after everything we¡¯ve been through, you still want a divorce?¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly, hershes fluttering. ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve seriously thought about it. We can¡¯t go back to how we were before. Marriage should bring a sense of security andfort, but I¡¯ve never felt that way, and I believe you haven¡¯t either. So, it¡¯s better to separate. It might be the best option for


    both of us.¡±


    She spoke sincerely, then looked up at him with clear and earnest eyes.


    Lucas stared at her deeply and said calmly, ¡°You¡¯re wrong. I do feelfort.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°When?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°When I¡¯m in bed with you. It¡¯s both pleasurable andforting.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned ugly at once.


    This shameless man!


    She was trying to have a serious conversation, and he said that!


    Seeing her anger, Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°You were honest about your feelings with me, so I did the same. Don¡¯t you feelfortable in bed?¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t want to hear any more, her face growing even darker.


    Lucas scoffed lightly. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m just expressing my feelings, and you¡¯re already angry. Aren¡¯t you being too unreasonable?¡±


    Unreasonable?


    Her?


    How dare hel


    Aveline <b>was </b>so furious she couldn¡¯t even form a sentence. She spat in her mind, ¡°Shameless!¡±


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Seeing her puffed¨Cup anger, a faint smile shed In Lucas¡¯s deep eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that for tonight. Take some time to reconsider. The next time we discuss this, you¡¯d better convince me. Then I¡¯ll agree to the divorce.¡±


    Convince him?


    With his stubbornness, how could she possibly convince him? This despicable man had figured her outpletely!


    Aveline didn¡¯t want to talk to him anymore.


    She turned to leave.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to make yourselffortable in the room? We¡¯ll be sleeping here tonight, after all,¡± Lucas said.


    Aveline quickened her pace, yanked open the door, and saw Sophia standing there.


    Aveline¡¯s face immediately turned cold. ¡°Miss Winter, do you have a habit of eavesdropping on other ¡ú people¡¯s conversations?¡±


    Sophia shifted ufortably, her expression sheepish. ¡°I came to see Lucas. I wasn¡¯t trying to listen in on your conversation.¡±


    Aveline scoffed and walked away.


    Lucas approached and asked Sophia, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Sophia wrung her hands together and said, ¡°Lucas, I didn¡¯t know you and Miss Young wereing back today. If I had known, I wouldn¡¯t havee. You have to believe me, I didn¡¯t mean to intrude.¡±


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    She looked at Lucas with a sincere expression, desperately exining as if she feared he might misunderstand her.


    Lucas¡® face remained indifferent and aloof. ¡°I didn¡¯t think much of it.¡±


    Sophia sighed in relief. ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I <b>was </b>really afraid you might misunderstand me and end up having a conflict with Miss Young.¡±


    She paused and added, ¡°But I noticed that Miss Young seemed unhappy. Did you two have a fight?¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond, merely looking at her coldly


    Sophia realized her mistake and quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t pry into your marital affairs. I was just thinking, we should consider ourselves friends now, right?¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°Do you have anything else to say?¡±


    His tone was detached,pletely different from before.


    Sophia bit her lip lightly and said, ¡°No, nothing else. I won¡¯t bother you anymore.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away. She was wearing shorts that exposed her prosthetic leg, making it quite noticeable.


    Lucas¡® gaze fell on her prosthetic leg, his eyes darkening.


    Aveline walked out of the vi and into the garden. The fresh air cleared her mind.


    As dusk fell, the garden lights had alreadye on. She strolled around, stopping asionally to admire the beautiful flowers.


    She couldn¡¯t leave now and even had to stay the night. The thought of spending the night in the same room as Lucas made her very ufortable.


    ¡°Miss Young<b>.</b>¡±


    Sophia¡¯s voice came from behind.


    Aveline turned around, her clear eyes looking at her calmly. ¡°What can I do for you, Miss Winter?¡±


    Sophia approached, her face showing a gentle smile. ¡°I can tell you no longer love <b>Lucas</b>. So why don¡¯t you divorce him?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s tone grew colder. ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask him about that.¡±


    Sophia was surprised. ¡°Is it Lucas who refuses to divorce? I think it¡¯s because you saved him. He¡¯s always valued gratitude highly. For example, he once promised to marry me. However, he reconsidered and decided your kindness to him was greater, so he canceled that n and


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned even colder. ¡°So, what are you trying to say?¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Sophia looked at her seriously and said, ¡°If you truly want a divorce, I can help you.¡±


    A hint of caution shed in Aveline¡¯s eyes. ¡°Does Lucas know about your two¨Cfaced nature?¡±


    Sophia was a bit unhappy but still said, ¡°Miss Young, I only want to help because I see you¡¯re unhappy


    in a marriage built on gratitude. There¡¯s no need to mock me.¡±


    Aveline responded coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t need your help.


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Sophia stared at her back, a cold and sinister glint in her eyes.


    She imed she wanted to divorce Lucas, but when offered help, she refused!


    Hypocritical!


    Pretentious!


    This woman just wanted to stay with Lucas forever.


    Saying she wanted a divorce was merely to provoke Lucas.


    What a clever tactic!


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    <ul>


    <li>15 BONUS </li>


    </ul>


    Sophia lowered her eyes, hiding her thoughts. This time, she wanted to see how Lucas could continue being with Aveline!


    Aveline returned to the vi.


    A servant approached her and said, ¡°Madam Aveline, the kitchen has already sent the smoothie that Madam Barbara ordered to Mr. Tudor¡¯s bedroom. Please remember to drink it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I know.¡± Aveline nodded slightly. ¡°Has Grandma gone to bed?¡±


    The servant shook her head. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go see her.¡±


    The servant led her to Barbara¡¯s room.


    Barbara was ying with a flower gand and looked pleasantly surprised when she saw Aveline.¡± Ave, are you here to keep mepany?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Grandma. How about I sleep with you tonight?¡± Aveline walked over and sat opposite her.


    Barbara was about to nod but then shook her head as if she remembered something. ¡°No, you can¡¯t sleep with me. How will I get a great¨Cgrandchild if you¡¯re with me? You need to sleep with Lucas.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched slightly.


    Barbara looked like a child, yet her mind was filled with the desire to have great¨Cgrandchildren.


    Barbara insisted, ¡°It¡¯ste. You should go back and sleep with Lucas.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t move and said, ¡°How about I y with you for a little while?¡±


    Barbara was about to refuse when Aveline took out a string, tied both ends and said, ¡°How about we y cat¡¯s cradle?¡±


    Barbara¡¯s attention was immediately captured, and she nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yes, yes, let¡¯s y.¡±


    Meanwhile, in Lucas¡® bedroom, the servant said, ¡°Mr. Lucas, Madam Babara instructed me to watch you drink the smoothie.¡±


    Lucas nced at the smoothie on the table, picked it up, and drank it. Then he asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Aveline?


    The servant replied, ¡°Madam Aveline is with the Madam Babara.¡±


    Lucas acknowledged with a nod and handed the empty cup to the servant.


    The servant turned to leave and, upon descending the stairs, encountered Sophia. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Miss Winter, Mr. Lucas <b>said </b>he needs to see you. Please go to him,¡± the servant said, approaching


    her.


    Sophia was taken aback.


    Lucas wanted to see her?


    He had been so indifferent earlier, so why was he looking for her now?


    Although puzzled, Sophia went upstairs.


    As she reached the door and was about to knock, she noticed it was slightly ajar.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she pushed it open and walked in.


    ¡°<b>Lucas</b>, did you call for me?¡± she asked.


    But the room was empty; there was no sign of Lucas.


    Instead, the sound of running water came from the bathroom¨CLucas was showering!


    Sophia, thinking of something, walked directly toward the bathroom and said, ¡°Lucas, Aveline asked me toe help you. If you¡¯re not feeling well, let me in, okay?¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    The water¡¯s noise was mixed with Lucas¡® deep, angry roar.


    Even through the door, his fury was palpable!


    Sophia¡¯s eyes shed, and she continued, ¡°Lucas, let me help you. Aveline doesn¡¯t want toe; she even said she wants a divorce. Lucas, she doesn¡¯t love you. Let me in, okay? I¡¯m the one who truly


    loves you.


    A look of joy appeared on Sophia¡¯s face.


    Lucas emerged from the bathroom in a bathrobe, his body still wet, exuding a chilling aura.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± His dark eyes were cold as if covered in frost.


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    Sophia felt a chill down her spine, but she steeled herself and said, ¡°It¡­ It was Aveline who asked me toe. She said she wouldn¡¯t be back tonight Lucas, she really doesn¡¯t love you anymore. She¡¯s willing to do this just to get a divorce. You shouldn¡¯t think about her anymore. Are you feeling ufortable? Let me help you, okay?¡±


    As she spoke, she bravely reached out towards Lucas.


    At this moment, Lucas waspletely engulfed in anger!


    Aveline had sent Sophia to him?


    She dared to push him towards another woman?


    <ul>


    <li>Fine! </li>


    </ul>


    Excellent!


    Lucas¡® eyes were filled with icy coldness as he looked at Sophia, ¡°You really want to help me? You won¡¯t regret it?¡±


    Sophia immediately showed her intentions, looking at him with eyes full of admiration. ¡°Lucas, I let go before because I thought you two were in love, and I wished you well. But after truly letting go, I felt heartbroken. I really love you, Lucas. As long as can be with you, I¡¯ll do anything and never regret it.¡±


    A cold, mocking smile curved on Lucas¡® lips.


    He said in a frosty tone, ¡°Get on the bed!¡±


    Hearing this, Sophia was instantly overjoyed!


    Was Lucas finally agreeing?


    Was she going to marry him?


    She was one step closer to her goal!


    Feeling excited, Sophia didn¡¯t notice the coldness in Lucas¡® eyes. She blushed shyly and walked towards the bed.


    Meanwhile, Aveline was ying with Barbara for a while.


    At that moment, a servant pushed the door open and said, ¡°Madam Aveline, Madam Babara should


    rest now.


    As the words fell, Barbara yawned.


    Seeing this, Aveline handed the string to Barbara and said, ¡°Grandma, keep this safe. I¡¯ll y with you! again next time, okay?¡±


    Barbara, looking a bit drowsy, replied, ¡°Alright.


    1/2


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    Aveline said, ¡°Then you should rest early. I¡¯ll head back now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, you go back too. Go sleep with that rascal and give me a great¨Cgrandchild,¡± Barbara said.


    Aveline felt a bit helpless.


    Despite ying with her for so long, Barbara still remembered this.


    Leaving Barbara¡¯s room, Aveline slowly walked upstairs. The previous unpleasant encounter with Lucas made her not want to see him at all.


    But no matter how slowly she walked, she would eventually get there.


    Standing at the door, Aveline took a deep breath. It was just one night; she could get through it. The room was big enough, and she could sleep on the sofa.


    With that thought, she opened the door.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    A sudden scream came from inside the bedroom, filled with shyness and fear.


    Aveline froze, her blood turning cold.


    Hershes fluttered <b>as </b>she took two steps inside.


    Then, a disheveled figure ran out of the room.


    The first thing she noticed was a prosthetic leg.


    Sophia saw her, bit her lip, her <b>face </b>flushed, and ran past her.


    Aveline suddenly reached out to stop her. ¡°Where are you running to?¡±


    Her tone was icy, filled with a ridiculous thought that made her feel absurd.


    She grabbed Sophia¡¯s wrist and dragged her <b>back </b>into the bedroom.


    Sophia struggled. ¡°What are you doing? Let me go!¡± N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Ignoring her protests, Aveline pushed her into the room, her heart pounding with anger and disbelief.


    P


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    Aveline dragged Sophia to the bedroom door.


    Inside, <b>a </b>bedsidemp cast a dim, yellow light.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas, wearing a bathrobe, leaned against the headboard, the robe¡¯s cor open. He had a cigarette between his lips, and smoke swirledzily around him.


    ¡°Continue what you were doing,¡± Aveline said, pushing Sophia inside, her expression cold


    watched them.


    <b>she </b>


    Her hands and feet were freezing.


    Ha¡­


    He couldn¡¯t even control his lust even when they were at the Tudor family mansion?¡±


    He had imed he wouldn¡¯t marry Sophia.


    But now, here he was trying to sleep with her, right in front of Aveline.


    She had even considered whether to divorce¡­


    Did it matter? It didn¡¯t matter anymore!


    Lucas had never truly been her Lu; he had always intended to be responsible for Sophia.


    Now, he and Sophia were finally together.


    She should be pping and celebrating her newfound freedom!


    But why? Why did it hurt so much? She had decided not to love him, so why was it still so painful?


    Aveline had a talent for appearing calm when she was most distressed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve ruined my mood. How am I supposed to continue?¡± Lucas took a deep drag on his cigarette, his eyes hidden in the smoke, exuding a chilling aura <b>as </b>he looked at her.


    So, it really was her doing.


    She¡¯d use any means to get a divorce.


    Aveline had held onto a shred of hope that he might deny it.


    But he didn¡¯t.


    It felt like a p in the face, leaving a burning pain.


    Taking a deep breath, she said, ¡°Since it alreadye to this. Lucas, let¡¯s get divorced. You can marry Miss Winter. Don¡¯t let Miss Winter bear the stigma of being a mistress. She doesn¡¯t deserve such injustice.¡±


    Suddenly, Lucas stood up, his tall figure looming <b>as </b>he approached her. He grabbed her by the neck. and pinned her against the wall!


    1/2


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    Seeing this, Sophia felt a mix of fear and humiliation from the earlier scene. Her eyes flickered, and she said to Aveline, ¡°M/s.


    two years ago, Lucas <b>and </b>I were supposed to get married. I¡¯m not a


    mistress.


    Aveline struggled to breathe, and upon hearing Sophia¡¯s words, she forced a mocking smile. ¡°Right, you¡¯re not the mistress. I am. So, can we divorce now?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas¡® dark eyes fixed on Aveline, but his words were directed at Sophia. ¡°Leave us.¡±


    Sophia bit her lip and left the room. As she exited, a look of bitterness crossed her face.


    At that moment, Yvonne approached. ¡°Sophia, what happened?¡±


    Seeing her, Sophia immediately walked towards her.


    ¡°Do you really think that seeing this will guarantee you a divorce?¡± Lucas¡® lips curled into a cold smile as he looked at Aveline.


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    He had already slept with Sophia, yet he still refused to divorce?


    Lucas¡® other hand grabbed her clothes, and with a swift motion, he tore them apart. ¡°You interrupted us and left me unsatisfied. Now, you can make up for it.¡±


    With that, he moved in to kiss her.


    p!


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened, and she swung her hand,nding a p on his face. ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t go too far!¡±


    He had already slept with Sophia, yet he was still harassing her! How disgusting!


    Lucas¡® head turned from the force of the p.


    His tongue pressed against his cheek, and a dark, menacing look spread across his face.


    Grabbing her by the neck, he dragged her to the bed. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in panic. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me don¡¯t want this!¡±


    Lucas pinned her down forcefully. ¡°Do you think you have a say in this?¡±


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    The night was deep and dark.


    The sky, faintly lit by moonlight, was gradually covered by dark clouds


    Raindrops began to fall, eventually turning into a torrential downpour.


    The rain streaked down the windows, creating a chaotic pattern of lines that cast a fragmented, shadowy light into the room.


    Aveline bit down hard on Lucas¡® shoulder, her eyes filled with hatred as she trembled and cried uncontrobly, Lucas¡® shoulder muscles tensed like stone, veins bulging at his temples, and his eyes were filled with cold, piercing fury.


    ¡°I hate you, Lucas, I hate you!¡± Aveline sobbed, hitting him with her fists, struggling and gasping for breath, refusing to give in.


    Lucas, however, was overwhelmingly forceful, as if he wanted to devour her whole. His aggression was relentless<b>. </b>


    She eventually ran out of strength, left helplessly crying.


    Why was he treating her this way?


    He was already slept with Sophia, so why did he still need to take out his frustrations on her? Why not just divorce her? Why humiliate her like this?


    Everything calmed down, but the storm outside continued to rage.


    Lucas looked at her bruised and battered body, his eyes dark with unreadable emotions.


    Grabbing her chin, he said coldly, ¡°Did you think you¡¯d be free if you believed something happened between me and Sophia? Dream on. I won¡¯t allow it. You¡¯ll remain tied to me for the rest of your life!¡±


    With that, he turned and went into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the room <b>¨¢s </b>Aveline felt a chill to her bones. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    She curled up, but any movement brought pain to her waist and legs. Tears streamed down her face, and she wiped them away with trembling hands. She couldn¡¯t stay here any longer!


    Gritting her teeth, Aveline got up and put on her torn clothes, enough to cover herself.


    The mansion was eerily quiet.


    Aveline left immediately, the heavy rain washing away any trace of her departure and masking the sound of her steps.


    As she plunged into the downpour, she was instantly soaked to the skin.


    Pain radiated through her entire body, and the cold seeped deeper with every step she took along the roadside.


    It hurt¡­ It hurt so much.


    1/2


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    Why did he have to treat her this way?


    What had she done wrong?


    She asked herself repeatedly, knowing she had never wronged him. Yet, why was he doing this to her?


    Aveline couldn¡¯t understand.


    She only wanted to escape.


    As long as she was far away from him, she wouldn¡¯t be sad or in pain anymore.


    She didn¡¯t know how long she had walked, but her hands and feet had gone numb from the cold.


    Everything around her began to spin, and she sat down on a bench by the roadside.


    The rain continued to fall, her long hair clinging to her face, rainwater streaming down her cheeks. She tried to hold on, but darkness enveloped her, and she fainted.


    Lucas emerged from the bathroom to find the bed empty, Aveline gone.


    His face darkened, and he quickly dressed to go look for her. The butler and the staff searched the entire mansion but found no trace of Aveline.


    Finally, Lucas checked the security footage and saw her slender figure braving the storm as she left.


    ¡°Heh!¡± Lucas sneered at the sight on the monitor


    She dared to run! Did she think she could escape?


    He pulled out his phone and dialed Brian¡¯s number. ¡°Where is she?¡±


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    Brian was silent for a moment before he said, ¡°Miss Young fainted and was taken by Mr. Russell.¡±


    Lucas¡® voice wasced with cold anger. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you interfere?¡±


    Brian paused before responding. ¡°You instructed me to ensure her safety, and Mr. Russell did not


    harm her.¡±


    Lucas hung up the phone without another word.


    Brian sighed, thinking to himself, ¡°Did I do something wrong? I was just following orders.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s world spun, her body cycling between feverish heat and chilling cold. Consciousness ebbed and flowed like tides, leaving her adrift. Muffled voices reached her ears, but their words were lost in the haze. Without warning, something acrid touched her tongue, and she reflexively expelled it.


    ¡°Aveline?¡±


    The voice became clearer and somewhat familiar. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Russell¡¯s devilishly handsome face close to hers.


    She blinked in surprise. ¡°Russ, what are you doing here?¡± All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Russell frowned and said, ¡°You fainted, and now you have a fever. Take the medicine. I¡¯ve already called a doctor.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s chapped lips moved slightly. Thank you!


    Russell replied, ¡°No need to thank me. But tell me, why did you faint there? When did youe back?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s head throbbed with pain. She took the medicine and sipped some warm water, feeling slightly better.


    ¡°Russ, where am I?¡± She avoided answering his questions.


    Russell¡¯s eyes flickered before he replied, ¡°My ce.¡±


    Aveline quickly tried to get up. ¡°I have to leave. I can¡¯t stay here.¡±


    Lucas had Brian follow her. He would surely know where she was!


    She couldn¡¯t stay here and involve Russell.


    Russell, however, pressed her shoulder down gently. ¡°You¡¯re running a fever. Stay put until you¡¯re better. After that, you can go wherever you want. won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Russ, I can¡¯t drag you into this..


    Russell tapped her forehead with his knuckle and gave a mischievous smile, ¡°You consider me <i>your </i>friend and you think I¡¯d be worried about being dragged into this? Just lie down and rest. The doctor will be here soon.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline, feeling dizzy, was even more grateful to Russell. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Stop saying thank you. Once you¡¯re better, cook me a few meals.¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡± Aveline agreed readily, lying back down on the bed.


    The doctor arrived shortly and examined Aveline, administering medication to reduce her fever.


    Outside the room, the doctor¡¯s expression was somewhatplicated.


    Russell asked, ¡°How is she?¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°She caught a cold. Once the fever subsides, she¡¯ll be fine. But she has somecerations that need proper care.¡±


    Russell¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What?¡±


    The doctor gave him a peculiar look and said, ¡°Mr. Skyler, you and your partner should be more careful. Girls can get hurt easily.¡±


    He handed Russell an ointment. ¡°Apply this to her wounds. She¡¯ll be fine in a few days.¡±


    Understanding dawned on Russell, and his handsome, devilish face darkened. Returning to the room, he saw that Aveline was already half¨Casleep. He ced the ointment beside her, stood by the bed silently for a moment, and then sighed helplessly.


    ¡°Being in such aplicated rtionship with him like this, the only one getting hurt is you. Is it really worth it?¡±


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    Aveline didn¡¯t hear his words; she had already fallen asleep.


    At some point, the rain had stopped. When Aveline woke up again, was already daylight. She felt weak and sore all over and coughed a couple of times.


    ¡°Awake? Are you hungry?¡±


    A tired, raspy voice came from beside her. Aveline turned her head and saw Russell sitting on the sofa. His short hair was a bit messy, and his eyes showed signs of fatigue.


    She sat up and said, ¡°Russ, did you stay up all night?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Yes, I kept an eye on you, afraid something might happen.¡±


    He stared at her intently after speaking. Aveline paused, then looked at him gratefully. ¡°Russ, thank you. If only we were truly family.¡±


    > Russell fell silent.


    A hint of frustration flickered in his eyes. Did she really not see him in a romantic light at all?


    How was he supposed to deal with this?


    Russell irritably ran a hand through his hair.


    Seeing this, Aveline quickly asked, ¡°Russ, what¡¯s wrong?


    With his head down, hands tangled in his hair, he muttered, ¡°My head itches.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched slightly.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡±


    Russell put his hand down, his expression returning to its usual nonchnce.


    The door opened, and the butler appeared, looking quite anxious. ¡°Mr. Russell, there are many people outside.¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who?¡±


    The butler replied, ¡°It¡¯s Lucas Tudor!¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± Russell scoffed. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Russell scoffed lightly and turned to Aveline. ¡°He¡¯s probably here for you. Are you going back with him?


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed. She knew Lucas woulde looking for her eventually, but she had no


    desire to see him. She just wanted a divorce.


    She looked at Russell and asked, ¡°Russ, is there another way out of your house?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Russell responded, ¡°You want to run again? But how long can you keep running like this?¡± Aveline lowered her gaze and said, ¡°I just don¡¯t want to see him right now.¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me,¡± Russell said, standing up and heading towards the door. As he walked out, he added, Just rest well. You don¡¯t need to worry about anything else.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t just- Aveline started to say.


    just-¡°Aveline


    ¡°Enough. Didn¡¯t you say I¡¯m like a family to you? Then listen to me,¡± Russell said, pausing at the doorway to look back at her.


    Aveline felt immense gratitude.


    Russell had helped her time and again.


    She didn¡¯t know how she could ever repay him.


    Debts of gratitude were the hardest to repay.


    Outside the Mansion.


    Several cars were parked along the road, and dozens of bodyguards in ck suits had emerged from them, surrounding the mansion. Lucas sat in his car, his handsome, sharp face etched with a cold, icy expression.


    Aveline had spent the night here!


    A storm of violent emotions surged within him, his grip on the steering wheel tightening with each passing second.


    Brian stood nearby and reported, ¡°Mr. Tudor, no one hase out yet.¡±


    Lucas started the car and, without hesitation, rammed it into the mansion¡¯s gate.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The sound was deafening as the gate!


    deformed from the impact!


    Inside the mansion, the servants looked on in horror at the scene.


    Russell descended the stairs and, hearing themotion, scoffed.


    What a temper.

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    A man like that was trouble, in and simple. The sooner they steered clear, the better. Russell made a mental note: once this mess outside was sorted, he would need to have a serious talk with Aveline.


    Stepping outside the mansion, he saw Lucas¡® car ramming the gate once more. This time, the gate couldn¡¯t withstand the impact and was forced open. The car screeched to a halt just thirty


    centimeters from Russell, drawing gasps from onlookers.


    Russell¡¯s devilishly handsome face remained impassive. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re quite rude.¡±


    Lucas opened the car door, a chilling aura surrounding him, and walked up to Russell.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Aveline?¡± he demanded coldly.


    Russell replied, ¡°I have no idea.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened, and he started towards the mansion. But Russell extended his arm to block him.


    A mocking smile appeared on Russell¡¯s face as he looked at Lucas. ¡°Mr. Tudor, first you damage my gate, and now you want to trespass. What exactly are you nning to do?¡±


    Lucas¡® cold gaze fixed on Russell¡¯s face, his eyes filled with icy hostility. ¡°Hand over Aveline, and I won¡¯t pursue any other matters.¡±


    Russell sneered. ¡°And what if I don¡¯t?¡±


    Lucas¡® indifferent stare bore into him. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve been living quite leisurely. I wonder how your rtives will react when they learn about your current activities.¡±


    The carefree smile on Russell¡¯s face faded slightly. ¡°Lucas, are you threatening me?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Bring Aveline out.


    Russell pressed his tongue against his cheek as his smile returned. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not possible. She doesn¡¯t want to see you right now, and I need to respect her wishes.¡±


    The coldness in Lucas¡® <b>eyes </b>intensified.


    Russell suddenly spoke, ¡°Lucas, she married you because she once loved you, but you betrayed her. Now you regret it and don¡¯t want a divorce? Haven¡¯t you heard the saying, ¡®Bted affection isn¡¯t worth a thing¡°<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Bang! N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Lucas punched Russell in the face!


    Russell staggered back several steps from the blow. Before he could react, Lucas advanced again, grabbing his cor and hitting him repeatedly.


    Aveline heard themotion outside.


    Feeling uneasy, she forced her weak body to move and came out, only to witness the violent scene.


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    She widened her eyes and hurried downstairs, shouting, ¡°Lucas, what are you doing? Let him go!¡±


    Lucas paused mid¨Cstrike.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Russell punched Lucas in the abdomen. A sh of anger crossed Lucas¡® face as he retaliated, hitting Russell again.


    It was clear that Russell was no match for Lucas.


    He was repeatedly beaten back until Lucas¡¯s final kick sent him sprawling heavily to the floor.


    ¡°Russ!¡± Aveline screamed, rushing over to check on him.


    Russell¡¯s delicate and handsome face was bruised and swollen, with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He coughed painfully, struggling to get up from the floor.


    Aveline¡¯s face turned pale with fear. ¡°Call an ambnce, quickly!¡±


    The butler finally reacted and hurriedly called for an ambnce.


    Lucas<b>, </b>radiating icy anger, strode over and grabbed Aveline¡¯s wrist, dragging her outside.


    ¡°Let go of me! Let me go!¡±


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    Aveline struggled with all her might, but his grip was too strong as if he intended to crush her wrist. The pain made her face turn pale. In desperation, she bent down and bit his arm hard.


    Lucas<b>¡® </b>movements halted, but he didn¡¯t let go, simply watching her bite him. The taste of blood filled her mouth, and Aveline, out of breath, looked at him with reddened <b>eyes</b>. ¡°Lucas, what madness are you on about? I don¡¯t want to see you. Let me go!


    ¡°Have you forgotten your ce, Aveline?¡± Lucas tightened his grip, pulling her closer and grabbing her by the neck, his eyes shing with cold fury. ¡°I told you, I won¡¯t agree to a divorce. You will remain mine forever. Moving into another man¡¯s house before our divorce is finalized? Are you asking for trouble?¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline struggled with all her strength but having just recovered from a fever <b>and </b>not eaten, she had little energy left. Her face turned red with frustration.


    ¡°Lucas, I am not your prisoner! We may not be divorced yet, but you have no right to control me!¡±


    ¡°No right?¡± Lucas sneered. ¡®I¡¯ll show you exactly what rights I have!¡±


    He forcefully pulled her into his arms and marched outside.


    ¡°Lucas¡­ cough, cough¡­¡±


    Russell, having recovered somewhat, saw Aveline being dragged away and immediately got up to


    chase after them.


    ¡°Russ!¡±


    Seeing him, Aveline¡¯s eyes filled with guilt and tears.


    It was all her fault.


    If she had left earlier, Russell wouldn¡¯t have been beaten by Lucas.


    Hearing her call out to Russell, Lucas¡® expression darkened even more.


    Were they really so attached to each other?


    Russell turned to the butler. ¡°Get people to stop them!¡±


    The butler looked very worried. ¡°Mr. Russell, your condition is serious. You should go to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Do as I say!¡±


    Russell coughed violently, spitting out blood, his face bing even paler.


    ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡±


    Seeing his condition, the butler dared not disobey and quickly called the mansion¡¯s bodyguards to


    block Lucas.


    A sh of disdain crossed Lucas¡® dark eyes.


    +15 BONUS


    Struggling to stand, Russell looked at Aveline and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no one can force you to do anything you don¡¯t want to¡­¡±


    He started coughing again.


    Aveline¡¯s tears flowed uncontrobly as she pounded on Lucas. ¡®Let go, let me go¡­


    Lucas gripped her wrist tightly. ¡°Let you go? So, you can run back to him? Aveline, I won¡¯t kill you, but i won¡¯t hesitate to kill him!¡±


    Aveline shivered in fear.


    Seeing Lucas¡® cold and stern face, a sudden chill swept over her.


    She was almost certain that he would follow through on his threat. She had already caused enough trouble for Russell; she couldn¡¯t drag him down further.


    Biting her lip, she looked at Russell and said, ¡°Russ, thank you, but I have to go.¡±


    Russell frowned, looking at her. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ll be fine. He won¡¯t dare kill anyone. I won¡¯t let him take you.¡±


    But Aveline couldn¡¯t take that risk. She shook her head and said, ¡°Russ, go to the hospital and get a thorough check¨Cup. This is my fault, and I will make it up to you someday.¡±


    She then averted her gaze, unable to look at Russell any longer. He had gotten seriously injured trying to protect her. She felt unworthy of such treatment.


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    Lucas¡® cold, mockingughter echoed in her ears as he gripped her chin, forcing her to look into his N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    eyes


    <b>¡°</b><b>So</b>, concerned about him? How about I just kill him, and you can cry your heart out once <b>and </b>for all?¡±


    Aveline trembled with anger. ¡°<b>Lucas</b><b>, </b>I already said I¡¯d go with you. What more do you want?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was chilling. ¡°Seeing you cry for him infuriates me. What should I do about that, hmm?¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Lucas said with a satisfied smirk.


    Seeing her stop crying, he pulled her into his arms and left the mansion.


    Russell watched them leave, his eyes bloodshot and his jaw clenched tightly.


    Soon after, the ambnce arrived, and the butler helped him onto it. Just as they got on, the butler received a phone call, his face turning grim.


    ¡°Mr. Russell, the people from the main house somehow got wind of this and have snatched the investor you¡¯ve been dealing with.¡±


    Despite the pain, Russell sneered. ¡°They move fast.¡±


    The butler added, ¡°Mr. Russell, you¡¯ve been working on that project for a long time. I can¡¯t believe someone would do such a thing.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°That ¡®someone¡® just left our house, crashed our gate, and sent me to the hospital.¡±


    The butler was at a loss for words.


    Russell closed his eyes, a flicker of coldness in them.


    Lucas shoved Aveline into the car, started the engine, and drove off.


    Feeling dizzy and disoriented, Aveline closed her eyes and said, ¡°Lucas, let¡¯s get a divorce.¡±


    ¡°Say one more word, and I¡¯ll make sure you can never speak again!¡± Lucas¡® voice was dark and menacing.


    His eyes still burned with barely restrained fury.


    Aveline shivered with fear but still looked at him and said, ¡°You¡¯ve already slept with Miss Winter. Why won¡¯t you let me go?¡±


    Lucas stared coldly ahead as if he hadn¡¯t heard her. Aveline closed her eyes again, feeling cold from the inside out.


    Was this his way of torturing her?


    +15 BONUS


    Keeping a facade of a stable home while having affairs outside?


    Disgusting! What a scumbag!


    She didn¡¯t know how much time had passed before the car finally stopped. Aveline opened her eyes to find herself in front of an unfamiliar standalone vi. She had never been here before.


    The car door opened, and Lucas stood beside it, looking at her indifferently. ¡°Get out.¡±


    Aveline stepped out, confusion was evident on her face.


    ¡°Where is this ce?¡± she asked.


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond, walking straight toward the vi. A sense of foreboding washed over Aveline. She didn¡¯t follow him but instead called out, ¡°Lucas, where are we? What are you nning?¡±


    His face remained dark as he turned back toward her, then abruptly picked her up and slung her over his shoulder, heading into the vi.


    ¡°Let me go! Lucas, you madman, let me go!¡± Aveline struggled, feeling dizzy and nauseous.


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    p!


    Lucas struck her on the backside, his voice cold. Behave yourself!¡±


    Aveline was both ashamed and furious, her eyes filled with hatred for him.


    Once inside the vi, Lucas ced her in a bedroom on the second floor. Seeing the emotions in her eyes, his gaze remained icy.


    ¡°Aveline, I was too lenient with you before, which gave you the courage to scheme against me. This time, you¡¯ll stay here until you realize your mistake and give up on the idea of divorce. Then I¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°You intend to imprison me?¡±


    Lucas looked at her pale, frail form and said coldly, ¡°Think of it that way if you want, but you brought this on yourself!¡±


    With that, he turned to leave.


    Panicked, Aveline got off the bed. ¡°No, you can¡¯t do this! I <b>have </b>no idea what you¡¯re talking about!¡±


    She tried to run out, but Lucas grabbed her back.


    ¡°Aveline, my patience has limits. Don¡¯t test me!¡± Lucas red at her, the thought of her sending Sophia to him filled him with rage, making him want to strangle her.


    This damned woman!


    Yet, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it.


    A sh of pain crossed Aveline¡¯s face, but she persisted, ¡°You can¡¯t do this. You can¡¯t imprison me, Lucas. I didn¡¯t plot against you!¡±


    But Lucas didn¡¯t believe her.


    If she hadn¡¯t done it, how could she have been so calm seeing Sophia run out of his room? N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    How could she have immediately talked about divorce?


    It was clearly premeditated!


    He should never have trusted her! She wasn¡¯t worthy of his trust!


    Releasing her, Lucas said coldly, ¡°Reflect on your actions here.¡±


    With that, he left the room.


    Aveline started coughing violently, her head spinning, her body weak and in pain.


    But his misunderstanding and his words hurt even more.


    She opened the door, desperate to leave.


    +15 BONUS


    However, when Aveline reached the vi¡¯s entrance, two bodyguards in ck suits blocked her path. Madam Aveline, Mr. Lucas has ordered that you cannot leave.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way!<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline tried to push past them, but her strength was no match for theirs. Just then, two maids came over and pulled her back.


    ¡°Madam, please don¡¯t make this difficult for us. We cannot disobey Mr. Lucas¡® orders!¡±


    The two maids forcibly dragged her back to the room and locked the door behind her.


    ¡°Let me out! You have no right to do this! Let me out!¡±


    Aveline pounded on the door, her eyes growing red with frustration. How could Lucas do this to her? What right did he have to imprison her? She had done nothing wrong!


    Just having woken up recently and not having eaten, her body was weak.


    The stress and exertion quickly took their toll.


    After banging on the door a few times, her vision went ck, and she fainted.


    The two maids outside exchanged worried nces.


    Amber Hall asked, ¡°Why did it suddenly go quiet?¡±


    Bonnie Stevens replied, ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about it. Just follow Mr. Lucas¡® orders.¡±


    Amber hesitated. ¡°What if something happened to her? She didn¡¯t look well.¡±


    A hint of disdain flickered in Bonnie¡¯s eyes. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just a tactic to get Mr. Lucas¡® attention. Let¡¯s


    <ol>


    <li>go. We shouldn¡¯t do anything beyond our duties, or Lucas might get upset.¡± </li>


    </ol>


    After thinking it over, Amber agreed and left with Bonnie to continue their work downstairs.


    D

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    Chapter 315


    Lucas sat in the car, a cigarette in hand. Smoke swirled around him, obscuring the cold emotions in his eyes.


    Thinking back on how he had been emotionally moved by her recently, he now felt only contempt.


    In her heart, there was no ce for him.


    She even tried to send another woman to his <b>bed</b>.


    How could she be so despicable?


    Taking a deep drag on his cigarette, Lucas pulled out his phone and dialed a number. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s voice sounded tired. ¡°In Stonefall City. What¡¯s


    up?¡±


    ¡°Why did you go so far?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°I¡¯m here to keep an eye on Selena for you. What¡¯s going on over there?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to watch over her anymore. I¡¯ve decided not to let go.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Aaron was surprised. ¡°Aveline looks like she wants a divorce from you. Aren¡¯t you afraid she¡¯ll hate you if you don¡¯t let her go?¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°She crossed me. Do you think I¡¯ll let her get what she wants?¡±


    Feeling curious, Aaron eagerly asked, ¡°What happened? Tell me so I can enjoy some gossip.¡±


    ¡°Get <b>lost</b>.¡±


    Lucas


    cut him off curtly, then added, ¡°Hurry back to Cloudre City. I need a drink.¡±


    He hung up without waiting for a reply.


    ¡°Tsk, what a temper,¡± Aaron muttered, looking at the disconnected call. He then headed into the hospital room.


    Selena was eating fruit. The gunshot wound on her shoulder was slowly healing, but any movement still made her grimace in pain.


    Seeing Aaron enter, she handed him the fruit pit. Throw this away for me, thanks.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m your servant?¡±


    Selena looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. ¡°But¨Cthe trash can is so far away.¡±


    Seeing her innocent look and remembering her unwavering affection for him, Aaron sighed helplessly. He took the pit and tossed it in the trash.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading back to Cloudre City,¡± he announced.


    Selena asked, ¡°Why so suddenly?¡±


    Aaron looked at the confusion on Selena¡¯s face and sighed Inwardly.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    What could he do?


    Knowing he was leaving, she seemed so anxious.


    Did she not want him to go?


    But no matter how much she might not want him to leave, he wasn¡¯t <b>hers</b>.


    ¡°I¡¯d need to go back once I¡¯ve settled everything here. Do you n to stay here to recover, or will you go back to Cloudre City?¡± Aaron asked, looking at her.


    She seemed so pitiful; maybe he should take her back with him.


    After all, she did take a bullet for him.


    Even if he couldn¡¯t return her feelings, he could make sure she was cared for until she was discharged.


    Selena asked, ¡°Did Ave go back already?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°Yes, she did.¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Then I won¡¯t go back yet. I¡¯ll wait until my injury heals.¡±


    Although Cloudre City wasrge and the chances of running into Aveline were slim, she didn¡¯t want to risk it and make Aveline worry.


    Aaron nodded slightly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll arrange for a caregiver to look after you


    call me.¡± N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    If you need anything,


    Selena looked at him suspiciously. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, why do I feel like you¡¯ve changed?¡±


    Aaron raised an eyebrow<i>. </i>


    Huh? What did she mean by that? Did she think he had be more handsome? Did she like him even more now?


    Tsk tsk¡­


    What could he do?


    He felt moved by her intense affection for him.


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 Divorced 316

    Chapter 316


    ¡°No.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t waver.


    His body and mind belonged only to Snow.


    Aaron¡¯s expression quickly turned cold as he said, ¡°Selena, I¡¯m grateful that you took a bullet for me, and I promise you, if you ever need my help in the future<b>, </b>I¡¯ll be there. But don¡¯t read more into this. My gratitude has limits,¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Selena tilted her head slightly, looking at him with a confused expression.


    What was he saying?


    Aaron stood up. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    With that, he left the ward immediately.


    Selenay on the bed,pletely baffled, unable to make sense of what had just urred. Had this man lost his mind?


    Just then, her phone vibrated with an iing message. She picked it up, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the screen. It was a notification from her alternate WhatsApp ount. The sender¡¯s name caught her attention: ¡°Foolish Aaron¡± ¨C a nickname she had chosen for his contact in her phone.


    Foolish Aaron texted, ¡°What have you been busy withtely? You stopped contacting me. Aren¡¯t you afraid someone might steal me away?


    Foolish Aaron continued, ¡°There¡¯s been a woman clinging to me recently. She helped me a lot, and L promised her a favor. But she seems to have fallen in love with me.


    Foolish Aaron added, ¡°Snow, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s troublesome?¡±


    Snow replied, ¡°Since Aaron is so great, it¡¯spletely normal for someone to like you!¡±


    Foolish Aaron asked, ¡°What about you?¡±


    Snow replied with a blushing emoji, ¡°Aaron, please stop joking. We¡¯re from different worlds. I need to work hard to earn tuition fees, my brother is sick, and I have to make money for his medical bills. I don¡¯t have time to think about anything else.¡±


    Foolish Aaron replied, ¡°Your brother is sick? When did this happen? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    Foolish Aaron transferred ten thousand dors.


    Foolish Aaron replied, ¡°A sick family member isn¡¯t something to brush off. Don¡¯t refuse. <b>Take </b>it and pay for the medical bills.¡±


    Snow responded, ¡°Aaron, you¡¯re really too good to me. I don¡¯t even know how to thank you for this.¡±


    Foolish Aaron replied, ¡°Once your brother gets better, I¡¯ll tell you how you can thank me.¡±


    Snow answered, ¡°Alright.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Selena sent a shy emoji expressionlessly and epted the transfer.


    She felt so great to receive another ten thousand dors just like that.


    this way, shou


    If things were to continue soon achieve financial freedom.


    Selena logged out of her alternate WhatsApp ount and logged into her main ount. However, she couldn¡¯t help but think about Aaron¡¯s strange attitude and the words he had said.


    In the end, she concluded that this man had a mental illness. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Yes.


    And it wasn¡¯t a mild one!


    She moved slightly, feeling the pain from the wound on her shoulder. She gasped and didn¡¯t dare to move again.


    Selene began to wonder when she would fully recover.


    She still wanted to meet up with Aveline!


    Aaron left the hospital and got into his car. Thinking about how he had just helped Snow, he felt very satisfied.


    When this matter was over, he should talk about meeting up.


    After chatting for so long, Snow seemed to be a gentle, kind, beautiful, and sensible girl. He admired such a girl!


    He thought that once they met, he would definitely like her!


    As for Selena¡¯s intense affection for him, he was destined to let her down.


    Sigh¡­


    Aveline drifted into consciousness, her mind hazy and disoriented. Waves of heat and chills washed over her in alternating surges. Her lips felt parched and split, and a bone¨Cdeep exhaustion permeated her body, leaving her barely able to move.


    D

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    Her head throbbed as if it were about to explode!


    Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, she remembered that Lucas had imprisoned her. She reached out to knock on the door, but her hand fell halfway up, and she started coughing violently.


    Struggling to get up, she leaned against the door


    After a moment, she found her phone and dialed Lucas¡® number. She couldn¡¯t stay trapped here. She hadn¡¯t done anything wrong.


    ¡°Beep¡­ beep¡­ beep¡­¡±


    The busy signal sounded three times before the call was disconnected. Aveline tried again, but Lucas kept hanging up until he eventually turned off his phone.


    Aveline coughed a few more times, feeling utterly miserable.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Bonnie¡¯s voice called out, ¡°Ma¡¯am, lunch is ready. I¡¯m bringing it in.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, Bonnie opened the door.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Aveline yelped in pain as the door suddenly opened, crushing her fingers that were still resting on the floor. The unexpected impact sent a jolt of agony through her hand.


    Bonnie <b>gasped</b>, ¡°Ma¡¯am, why are you sitting on the floor?¡±


    Aveline withdrew her hand, looking at the blood on her fingers. She frowned and <b>said</b>, ¡°I need to see Lucas.


    Bonnie replied, ¡°Ma¡¯am, Mr. Tudor is busy.¡±


    Aveline used the wall to stand up. ¡°Then let me out. I¡¯ll go find him.¡±


    Bonnie pushed her back. ¡°No, Mr. Tudor instructed that you can¡¯t leave.¡±


    Already feeling lightheaded, Aveline staggered and fell from the push.


    Bonnie, seeing this, said, ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯ll leave the food on the table. Remember to eat.¡±


    With that, she left the room.


    Aveline¡¯s head spun, and her vision blurred. She reached out to grab her phone, but darkness enveloped her again, and she fainted once more.


    Night fell.


    The vi was illuminated with lights.


    Lucas, dressed in a ck suit and radiating a chilling aura, walked in and asked in a low voice, ¡°Did she admit her mistake?¡±


    <b>1/2 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Bonnie replied, ¡°Ma¡¯am hasn¡¯te out all day. She didn¡¯t eat the food I brought in either.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh.


    Was Aveline trying to protest by starving herself? Did she think that would make him feel sorry for her?


    His handsome face darkened as he headed upstairs. Opening the bedroom door, he found it pitch ck inside. Standing at the doorway, he didn¡¯t turn on the light but said coldly, ¡°Aveline, you better behave and not do anything to upset me. Otherwise, I¡¯ll make your life a living hell.¡±


    When there was no response, his face grew even darker. ¡°Aveline, have you gone mute?¡±


    Having adjusted to the darkness, he walked inside, but the bed was empty. His eyes narrowed, a cold fury surging through him.


    He turned on the light, expecting to find that she had run away, but instead, he saw her copsed near the edge of the sofa!


    Lucas felt his heart clench tightly. He rushed over and lifted her up.


    ¡°Aveline? Aveline?¡±


    He patted her face, but she didn¡¯t respond. Her body temperature was abnormal.


    She had fainted!


    Lucas pressed his lips into a thin line as he picked her up and rushed out, heading straight to the hospital.


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    Amber turned pale at the sight <b>and </b>gasped, ¡°Bonnie, I told you something was wrong with Ma¡¯am. She seems to have fainted. What should we do? Will Mr. Tudor me us?¡±


    Bonnie was also worried, her palms sweating. She swallowed and said, ¡°No, it won¡¯t be our fault. She refused to admit she was sick and wouldn¡¯t admit her mistake. Mr. Tudor will only me her for not taking care of herself!¡±


    Amber remained anxious. ¡°But I¡¯m scared¡­¡±


    Bonnie looked at her and said firmly, ¡°Just do as I say, and we¡¯ll be fine!¡±


    Amber shrank back, her timid nature sumbing to Bonnie¡¯s stern words, and she nodded. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±


    At the hospital, the doctor examined Aveline and started an IV. Her fever had already exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit; if they had arrived anyter, it might have been toote to save her! Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Lucas sat in a chair, coldly watching the unconscious Aveline, his heart a mix of irritation and suffocating emotions.


    If she felt so terrible, why didn¡¯t she say anything?


    Time passed slowly.


    Around midnight, Aveline finally woke up.


    She coughed twice and instinctively tried to lift her hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±


    FOL


    Someone held her hands down..


    She turned her head to see Lucas sitting by her bedside, looking at her with a cold expression.


    Aveline frowned slightly.


    Finally seeing him, she took a deep breath and said urgently, ¡°Lucas, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Aveline, do you think making yourself sick and starving will make me overlook what happened before?¡±


    Lucas¡® cold voice interrupted her. His gaze was unusually icy. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, even if you tried to kill yourself, I wouldn¡¯t let you go. You better give up that idea!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face was deathly pale, her eyes red as she looked at him. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re a bastard!¡±


    Her curses were weak, and she started coughing violently right after.


    Lucas watched her, his face darkening with concern. She was coughing so violently it <b>seemed </b>her lungs might burst. Without dy, he called for a doctor to examine her.


    Aveline looked at him and said with difficulty, ¡°Hypocrite!¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    The doctor examined Aveline and advised her to avoid getting too worked up, as it would hinder her


    recovery.


    After a bout of coughing, she finally calmed down.


    She had lost weight, looking frail and pitiful.


    Lucas pressed his lips into a thin line.


    He hadn¡¯t expected her illness to be so severe.


    She hadn¡¯t eaten all day.


    With a <b>cold </b>expression, Lucas walked out of the room.


    Without him in the room, Aveline rxed a bit.


    She was genuinely afraid he might go crazy at any moment.


    The feeling of hunger was unbearable, and she wanted to use her phone to order some food. However, her phone was left at the vi.


    Aveline closed her eyes in exhaustion. She seriously suspected Lucas was trying to starve her as a form of punishment.


    The thought made her angry! What had she done wrong to deserve such treatment from him?


    After a while, the door to the ward opened, and Lucas walked back in, his face still cold, surrounded by an icy aura.

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    Chapter 319


    Aveline blinked weakly and decided to ask for rification, her tone bing more even. ¡°Lucas, you say I schemed against you. What exactly did I do to make you think that?¡±


    ¡°You still have the nerve to ask?¡± Lucas¡® expression darkened further at her question.


    Aveline said, ¡°I did nothing wrong, and yet you¡¯re nexplicably using me. I need to understand why.¡±


    Pausing, she added, ¡°Don¡¯t beat around the bush. If you have something to say, say it clearly.¡±


    Lucas was so infuriated heughed.


    She had the audacity to lecture him?


    His eyes were cold as he stared at her. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who sent Sophia to my roomst night? Aveline, You met with Sophia in the garden, and then she showed up in my room. Don¡¯t tell me that was just a coincidence.¡±


    I checked the


    Aveline finally understood.


    So that was it.


    She had no idea why Sophia went to see Lucas<b>, </b>but Sophia must have said something to make Lucas misunderstand and think she sent her over.


    That woman just didn¡¯t get it.


    The real issue wasn¡¯t with her but with Lucas!


    As long <b>as </b>Lucas agreed to the divorce, she would sign immediately and never appear before them


    again.


    Seeing the mocking smile on Aveline¡¯s <b>face</b>, Lucas <b>asked </b>coldly, ¡°Why are you smiling? Did I hit the mark? What more excuses do you <b>have</b>?¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Lucas, I do want a divorce, but I don¡¯t think catching you in an affair will make you let go. I know how despicable you are. Even if I had evidence of youmitting murder, <b>you </b>wouldn¡¯t care to divorce me unless you wanted to


    She coughed twice and continued, ¡°This is ultimately about you not trusting me. I don¡¯t know what Sophia told you, but you believed her so easily. Lucas, if you don¡¯t trust me, why keep me around? Wouldn¡¯t it be better for us to get divorced?¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas narrowed his eyes, looking at her reddened eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t send her to find me? Then what about that smoothie?¡±


    Aveline replied<b>, </b>¡°It was sent by Grandma. Her goal is to have a great¨Cgrandchild. You heard her yourself.¡±


    She suddenly felt very bitter.


    He knew Babara¡¯s intentions, knew the smoothie was sent by her, and yet he believed Sophia¡¯s vague words so easily, punishing and Imprisoning her.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    What was the point?


    She was truly exhausted.


    Lucas¡® face remained cold, not believing her.


    Seeing Sophiae out of his room, her reaction <b>was </b>so calm.


    He asked directly, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t you, why weren¡¯t you surprised when you saw Sophia?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled. ¡°I was surprised. I could have gone hysterical, but then what? Lucas, I want a divorce. At that moment, I thought it was good that you were with her, so it would lead to a smooth divorce. But who would have thought you¡¯d act like a madman? Wasn¡¯t Sophia enough for you?¡±


    Her eyes reddened as she spoke.


    He had clearly slept with Sophia, so why did he have to torment her like this?


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    She felt disgusted!


    Lucas¡® face darkened. ¡°We didn¡¯t do anything<b>!</b>¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    Lucas looked away, his throat dry. ¡°Nothing happened between us. I was just angry that you let another woman get into my bed. I had to teach you a lesson.¡±


    Aveline gazed at his chiseled profile, a sense of absurdity washing over her.


    Of all people, she thought bitterly, she <b>was </b>the one who had suffered the most injustice.


    As she thought about it, tears started falling.


    She bit her lip, trying to hold back, but she couldn¡¯t and ended up crying openly.


    Lucas felt his heart clench with a sour, painful sensation. He immediately stepped forward. ¡°Aveline¡­¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    Aveline looked at him with tear¨Cfilled eyes, her voice hoarse.


    Lucas tensed, the realization of his mistake settling heavily upon him. The truth hade to light, exposing his grave misunderstanding. He now saw clearly how unjustly he had treated her. Her anger and frustration, he realized, were entirely warranted.


    He didn¡¯t leave.


    Instead, he stepped closer and said, ¡°Aveline, if you want to vent, hit me.¡±


    Aveline really did hit him.


    However, being sick, she had little strength, and her blows were weak.


    Lucas grasped her hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    With her emotions vented, Aveline didn¡¯t feel as awful. She pulled her hand away, her voice muffled.¡± Lucas, I want a divorce.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to have any rtionship with him anymore.


    She didn¡¯t want to live such a humiting life.


    At her words, the remorse on Lucas¡® face evaporated. His eyes narrowed, darkening with renewed anger. He opened his mouth, poised to retort, when a knock on the hospital room door interrupted him.


    Desmond entered carrying a takeout container, Immediately sensing the tension in the room. He set down the food and hastily excused himself.


    Lucas pressed his lips into a thin line, setting up the small table. He opened the food <b>container </b>and arranged the dishes on the table one by one.


    +15 BONUS Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He looked at Aveline and said, ¡°Eat something first.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t look at him.


    Lucas said, ¡°If you don¡¯t eat, I¡¯ll find a way to make you eat. You don¡¯t want that, do you?¡±


    Aveline red at him fiercely but eventually got up and started eating.


    She was really hungry. She finished a bowl of chicken soup and ate some side dishes.


    After eating, she felt much better,


    Throughout the meal, Lucas watched her. When she set down her utensils, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll have Sophia apologize to you.<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°I want a divorce.


    Lucas seemed to be suppressing his temper, his voice growing colder. ¡°Aveline, stop thinking about impossible things and focus on getting better, okay?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline clenched her fists, ring at him with resentment. ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, why won¡¯t you agree to a divorce?¡±


    Lucas looked at her indifferently. ¡°Are those two things even rted?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Aveline felt she might die of frustration because of him. She turned her head away, refusing to look at


    him.


    Lucas stared at her profile for a long moment before he got up and sat by the bed, eating the leftover food.


    Aveline frowned at the sight but held her tongue. If he was determined to risk infection, so be it. A grim thought crossed her mind: perhaps the illness would consume him, sparing her the need for divorce¨Cwidowhood might solve her problem instead.


    COMMENTS


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    Chapter 321

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    Lucas ate quickly, finishing the remaining food and tossing the container into the trash.


    Aveline, feeling very weak, soon fell asleep again,


    As the light in the room dimmed, Lucas sat on the sofa, his eyes intently fixed on her. He had grown ustomed to having her by his side; how could he let her go easily?


    She wanted him to divorce her?


    She¡¯d have to wait for another lifetime!


    The next day.


    When Aveline woke up, she felt much better.


    Desmond brought her breakfast, and after she finished eating, she said, ¡°Lucas, you can¡¯t imprison me


    anymore.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lucas responded tly.


    Aveline sighed in relief and got out of bed. ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I want to be discharged.¡±


    She needed to see Russell! She still remembered how badly Russell had been beaten, and she felt


    incredibly guilty.


    Lucas frowned and replied, ¡°Your condition is for the doctor to assess.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t leave until the doctor examined her and confirmed she was well enough to be discharged.


    After putting on her shoes, Aveline headed towards the door but turned back to Lucas. ¡°Where¡¯s my phone?¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Lucas¡® expression turned cold. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    She had fainted; how could he have thought about her phone?


    Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°My phone was left at your ce. Have someone bring it to


    me.¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°Are you ordering me?¡±


    Aveline retorted, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, my phone wouldn¡¯t be there in the first ce.¡±


    Lucas was speechless.


    His face darkened. However, he knew he was at fault.


    With a cold and emotionless demeanor, he made a phone call.


    Listening to his instructions, Aveline sat on the hospital bed, quietly waiting.


    1/2


    Half an hourter, her phone was brought to her. She took it and left immediately.


    Lucas watched her. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°None of your business!¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas¡® face turned dark instantly.


    This damn woman!


    Once out of the hospital, Aveline called Russell,


    ¡°Aveline?¡± Russell¡¯s voice sounded weak when he answered.


    Aveline felt even more guilty and asked, ¡°Russ, how are you now? Which hospital are you in?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine. What about you? Did he hurt you?¡±


    His tone was filled with anxiety and concern for her.


    Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯m okay. I want toe see you.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Russell gave her the address.


    Aveline took a taxi to his hospital. She bought a fruit basket and some supplements from a store downstairs before heading to his room.


    Brian informed Lucas about Aveline¡¯s whereabouts. Lucas was in his car when he heard the news, and a frosty expression covered his face.


    After hanging up, his eyes flickered, and he dialed another number. ¡°Rina, Russell is in the hospital, Go check on him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just happy you came. There¡¯s no need to bring anything,<i>¡± </i>Russell said, frowning slightly as he saw Aveline carrying the items into his room.


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    Aveline said, ¡°Russ, it¡¯s just some snacks. They might help when you don¡¯t have much of an appetite.¡±


    These things didn¡¯t cost her much money.


    Russell gave a helpless smile. With his face now bruised, his handsome yet mischievous features looked quite pitiful.


    Aveline sat by the bed and asked, ¡°Are your injuries serious?¡±


    Russell coughed and replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing major, just a few broken bones.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught, feeling even more guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, anyone who saw you fainting on the street would have helped. I did it willingly, so don¡¯t feel bad. If you really feel ufortable about it, why not cook for me while I¡¯m in the hospital? How about that?¡±


    . He smiled at her, his tone light and his eyes forgiving.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll make sure to feed you well!


    Russell¡¯s lips twitched.


    Aveline realized her words were off and rubbed her nose, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll make nourishing meals to help your bones heal quickly.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Russell agreed.


    Looking at her pale face, Russell asked, ¡°He really didn¡¯t hurt you?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s <b>all </b>settled now.¡±


    Russell asked, ¡°Did you two get divorced<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline gave a bitter smile. ¡°If we were divorced, I¡¯d be opening champagne to celebrate.¡±


    Russell offered, ¡°I can get you the bestwyer.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless.¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°As long as it¡¯s something he doesn¡¯t want, no matter what methods are used, it won¡¯t work.¡±


    Russell sighed. ¡°Maybe when he falls in love with someone else, he¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Aveline murmured.


    Just then, the door to the ward suddenly opened, and someone ran inside.


    ¡°Russ, you¡¯re injured? How did this happen?¡± Rina asked, her face filled with worry and tension as she looked at him.


    +15 BONUS N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Russell instinctively nced at Aveline before responding, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Rina said, ¡°I heard you got hurt and came over right away. Russ, who did this to you? Tell me, and I¡¯ll deal with them!¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°It was Lucas Tudor. Go ahead and teach him a lesson.¡±


    Rina was stunned. ¡°Lucas? That can¡¯t be!¡±


    Russell said, ¡°I have no reason to lie to you.¡±


    Rina bit her lip and said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll handle him. But right now, I want to take care of you. Russ, dismiss the nurse. I¡¯ll stay and look after you.¡±


    She then turned to Aveline. ¡°You can leave now. There¡¯s nothing for you to do here!¡±


    Rina mistook Aveline for a nurse.


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°I¡¯m not a nurse.¡±


    Hearing this, Rina immediately became wary. ¡°Then who are you? Why are you here?¡±


    Russell frowned. ¡°Rina, stop making trouble. She¡¯s my friend.¡±


    Rina gave Aveline a suspicious look.


    This woman was so beautiful¨Ccould it be possible that Russ liked her?


    COMMENTS

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    +15 BONUS


    Seeing the clear hostility in Rina¡¯s eyes, Aveline quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, I¡¯m married.¡±


    Hearing this, Rina immediately rxed and asked, ¡°Oh, you¡¯re married? Then why are you here? Aren¡¯t you afraid your husband will misunderstand?¡±


    Aveline <b>was </b>speechless.


    What kind of strange logic was that? Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Rina continued, ¡°You should leave. I can take care of him.¡±


    Her attitude softened a bit, but she still didn¡¯t like Aveline being there.


    ¡°Rina!¡± Russell frowned. Rina was being incredibly rude.


    Rina shot him a hurt look before turning away to sulk.


    Aveline smiled faintly and said, ¡°Russ, I¡¯ll head out now. Take care and rest well.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Let me have my driver take you.¡±


    ¡°No need. I¡¯m going to the market first,¡± Aveline said with a smile.


    Hearing this, Russell smiled. ¡°Alright, be careful on your way.


    ¡°Will do<b>.</b>¡±


    As Aveline left the room, Rina immediately turned back to Russell. ¡°Russ, who exactly is she? Why <b>does </b>shee here if she¡¯s married?¡±


    Russell¡¯s expression turned slightly exasperated. Rina, you¡¯re not a child anymore. The way you acted


    very impolite, you know<i>?</i>¡±


    was


    Rina¡¯s eyes suddenly turned red. ¡°Russ, how can you say that about me<b>? </b>I was just thinking about her well¨Cbeing. What if her husband finds out she came to see you and gets jealous? Won¡¯t that jeopardize their marriage?¡±


    Russell said, ¡°Her husband knows she¡¯s here.¡±


    Lucas definitely knew and was probably fuming about it.


    Thinking of Lucas¡¯s frustration, Russell¡¯s eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement.


    Rina was taken aback. She hadn¡¯t expected that.


    She pouted and said, ¡°I understand, Russ. I won¡¯t act like that <b>again</b>. Please don¡¯t be mad at me.¡±


    Russell¡¯s eyes flickered slightly as he said, ¡°Does your family know you¡¯re here?¡±


    Rina shook her head. ¡°No, I came straight here as soon as I found out you were hurt.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°You should go back. If your family finds out you¡¯re spending time with me, they¡¯ll scold you again.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid!¡± Rina insisted. ¡°I like being with you, and besides, I¡¯m an adult now. They have no right to tell me what to do!¡±


    Russell sighed helplessly. ¡°Rina, don¡¯t be stubborn. Go back, okay?¡±


    Rina found it hard to handle Russell speaking to her like that as if she were his precious little princess. Her face reddened. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t disturb your rest. If you need anything<b>, </b>just call me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    As Russell watched her leave, the gentle helplessness on his face vanished instantly. His eyes shed with a hint of mockery before he closed them.


    Aveline went straight to Selena¡¯s home.


    After entering the password, she found the ce in a mess. She stood still, pondering for a moment, then began to tidy up. Once she finished cleaning, she headed to the market.


    With Russell¡¯s recovery expected to take three months, she was determined to take care of his meals for the foreseeable future.


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    D

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    Chapter 324


    Aveline bought chicken, corn, and some other vegetables, and then started preparing nourishing meal as soon as she got back. Sitting on the sofa, she took out her phone and messaged Selena.


    Aveline texted, ¡°I sold my house, so I¡¯m temporarily staying at your ce.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°No problem, you can stay there as long as <b>you </b>need!¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°When are youing back?¡±


    Selena responded, ¡°It might be a while. The scenery here in Stonefall City is pretty nice. I¡¯ll bring you <b>a </b>gift when I return.¡±


    Aveline texted back, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


    Just as she exited the chat with Selena, Lucas called.


    She answered with a cold tone, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°When are youing back?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Back where?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°The Bluewater Bay Vi, I¡¯ve been staying here.¡±


    Aveline retorted, ¡°What does that have to do with me?¡±


    Lucas fell silent.


    His breathing grew heavier, and even through the phone, she could sense his shifting emotions.


    ¡°Aveline, we¡¯re still married.


    ¡°Ha!¡± Aveline let out a coldugh. ¡°Whichw states that married people must live together?¡±


    Lucas was speechless.


    Aveline said coolly, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing important, don¡¯t call me.¡±


    As she was about to hang up, she added, ¡°If it¡¯s about the divorce, let me know.¡±


    With that, she hung up. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Tossing her phone aside, she went to the kitchen to check on the chicken soup.


    In the cold¨Ctoned office, the oppressive atmosphere was suffocating. Lucas stared at the disconnected call, his expression grim.


    He knew where Aveline was.


    But if he went to find her now and forced her back, she would resist. It might even worsen their already distant rtionship, though it was already at rock bottom.


    12


    At that moment, Desmond walked in. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Winter has arrived.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°Lock her up first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Desmond nodded, unable to help but sigh inwardly.


    Lucas would never have treated Sophia this way before.


    This time, Sophia had really crossed the line.


    +15 BONUS


    In the evening, Aveline brought a food container to the hospital. As soon as she stepped into Russell¡¯s room, Brian sent her location to Lucas¡® phone.


    Lucas coldly ordered, ¡°To the hospital.¡±


    In the hospital room, Russell was leaning against the headboard, watching as she set up the small table and opened the food container, the enticing aroma filling the air.


    ¡°Seems like getting beaten wasn¡¯t for nothing,¡± Russell said with a smile.


    Aveline frowned immediately. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Who would want to get beaten?¡±


    Russell looked at her. ¡°If getting beaten means I get to eat your cooking every day, I¡¯d dly let someone hit me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°It¡¯s just a meal. If you want, I can always cook for you. Don¡¯t say things like that.¡±


    Russell chuckled softly and picked up a spoon to drink the soup.


    Just then, the door to the room opened.


    Lucas entered, bringing with him a chilling aura.


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What are you doing here?<b>¡± </b>


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    Lucas¡¯s cold


    es swept over Russell, and he sneered, ¡°Just checking to see if Mr. Skyler has kicked the bucket yet.¡±


    The smile on Russell¡¯s face faded slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you.


    ¡°No problem. Next time I¡¯ll hit harder, and maybe I won¡¯t get disappointed,¡± Lucas said, pulling up a chair and sitting down. He picked up the bowl and utensils and began eating unceremoniously.


    Aveline immediately protested,


    ¡°That¡¯s not for you!¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Isn¡¯t food meant to be eaten?¡±


    ¡°You<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s face darkened with anger. How could this man be so shameless? Coming to the hospital <b>to </b>steal Russell¡¯s food without any sense of shame!


    Lucas clearly didn¡¯t care. He ate with great enthusiasm.


    Seeing this, Russell didn¡¯t dy and started eating as well.


    With only one person¡¯s portion, it wasn¡¯t long before the two men finished all the food<b>. </b>


    Aveline was speechless!


    Lucas put down the utensils and elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin. He nced at Aveline and said, ¡°Not bad.<b>¡± </b>


    With that, he turned and left.


    Aveline was speechless.


    Was he crazy?


    She turned to Russell, looking apologetic. ¡°Russ, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know he woulde. Did you get enough to eat? If not, I can go back and make more. I have some ingredients left at home.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°I¡¯m full. You don¡¯t need to make me more.¡±


    Aveline frowned slightly. ¡°Russ, it¡¯s no trouble. I¡¯ll go back and make you some more<b>.</b>¡±


    if you <i>o </i>


    Russell said, ¡°He¡¯s been following you. back and hees again, what then?¡±


    Aveline fell silent. She hadn¡¯t expected Lucas toe to the hospital, not to provoke or cause trouble, but simply to steal some <b>food</b><b>. </b>


    Russell clicked his tongue twice. ¡°It seems he¡¯s upset with you cooking for me.¡±


    While packing up the lunchbox, Aveline responded, ¡°It¡¯s my right to decide who eats the <b>food </b>I <b>cook </b>Even if he¡¯s upset, there¡¯s nothing he can do about it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Russell nodded approvingly, his eyes shimmering as he gazed at her with a smile.


    After packing up the lunchbox, Aveline said, ¡°Russ, you can order whatever you¡¯d like.¡±


    Russell was surprised. ¡°Really?¡±


    Aveline nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°Whatever you want, I¡¯ll make it.¡±


    Russell rubbed his chin. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll have to test your cooking skills.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Just think about it and let me know.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t boasting. When it came to cooking, there wasn¡¯t a dish she couldn¡¯t handle. She had a natural talent for it.


    Russell nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you know once I¡¯ve decided.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll be off now. I don¡¯t want to disturb your rest.¡±


    Russell looked at her. ¡°You¡¯ve only been here a short while. Besides, I¡¯ve been resting all day. Stay and chat with me.¡±


    Aveline paused slightly.


    Chat?


    About what?


    She and Russell weren¡¯t exactly at a stage where they could talk about anything and everything<b>. </b>


    Russell looked at her and asked, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve resigned from DK Group, where are you nning to go next?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet.¡±


    She had millions in her ount. Even if she didn¡¯t work, she could livefortably for the rest of her


    life. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


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    Russell said, ¡°You¡¯re still young. It would be better for you to find a job and stay busy. Sitting idle every day will only lead to mental fatigue.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


    Russell then offered directly, ¡°How about joining mypany? I happen to be short of stafftely.¡°¨C


    Avelineughed. ¡°Russ, don¡¯t joke around. I¡¯m not capable enough. What if I mess up your work?¡±


    He looked at her intently and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, even if you cause a huge problem, I¡¯ll back you up.¡±


    Aveline hesitated, about to say something, when the door to the ward opened again, and Rina walked


    <ol>


    <li>in. </li>


    </ol>


    ¡°Why are you here again?¡±


    Rina¡¯s face initially had a smile, but seeing Aveline, it vanished instantly. Her eyes filled with caution, she quickly walked over and said, ¡°Since you¡¯re married, you shouldn¡¯t alwayse here. Russ is still single; others would misunderstand your rtionship with him.¡±


    ¡°Rina!<b>¡± </b>


    Russell didn¡¯t expect her toe, but he quickly realized that someone must have called her over. That person didn¡¯t like seeing him with Aveline. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    However, Rina didn¡¯t heed Russell¡¯s words this time. She looked at Aveline and said, ¡°You should leave now, and don¡¯te back. I don¡¯t want others to misunderstand Russ for being involved with a


    married woman.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s clear eyes showed a hint of coolness. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Rina Rina raised her chin and said, ¡°I¡¯m Rina Johnson!


    Aveline asked, ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Russ?¡±


    Rina was stunned, then became embarrassed and angry, ¡°What does my rtionship with Russ have to do with you?¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°You just said Russ is single. If that¡¯s the case, what gives you the right to dictate my actions?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Rina¡¯s expression turned very ugly from the confrontation.


    Aveline continued, ¡°I¡¯m Russ¡¯s friend. You seem to be closer to him, so let me advise you: it¡¯s really rude to react like this every time a woman appears around him.¡±


    Rina¡¯s face turned even darker. ¡°How dare you lecture me? Who do you think you are?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m not lecturing you, just offering a friendly reminder.¡±


    After saying this, she looked at Russell. ¡°Russ, it¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll head out now.¡±


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    With that, she picked up her food container and left.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, rify what you meant. Hey!¡± Rina tried to stop her.


    Russell rubbed his forehead and said, ¡°Rina, you told her to leave. Now she¡¯s gone, and you want her back. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being contradictory?¡±


    Rina¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°Russ, didn¡¯t you hear what she said to me? What gives her the right to speak to me like that?<b>¡± </b>


    Russell said, ¡°Wasn¡¯t she right?¡±


    ¡°Russ, you¡­¡± Rina¡¯s tears began to fall. ¡°How can you side with her?¡±


    Russell remained calm. ¡°Rina, I¡¯m my own person with my own social circle. Why do you think you have the right to control me so strictly?¡±


    Rina instinctively wanted to say something but held back. She put down the food container and averted her gaze. ¡°I had someone prepare your favorite dishes. You should have some. I¡¯m leaving!¡±

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    After speaking, she turned and left.


    Russell looked at the delicate pink food container then withdrew his gaze without touching it.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline returned to her neighborhood and smelled a faint scent of tobo as she entered the corridor. It wasn¡¯t unusual for someone to be smoking there, so she didn¡¯t pay it much attention.


    But as she climbed the stairs and entered her apartment after inputting the code, a hand suddenly grabbed the door. With a slight force, the door was pushed open, and Aveline was shoved inside.


    Bang!


    The door mmed shut, and Aveline stared in shock.


    ¡°Lucas, what are you doing?¡±


    Lucas¡® tall body cornered her in the entryway, his hand gripping her waist. With a slight effort, he lifted. her onto the shoe cab.


    His nose touched hers, <b>his </b>voice husky. ¡°My wife cooks for another man and goes tofort him. What do you think I should do about that?¡±


    As he spoke, his grip tightened, as if he wanted to break her waist. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Should I kill him, or should I deal with you, hmm?


    With that, Lucas kissed her lips fiercely. The taste of tobo lingered on his lips, invading Aveline¡¯s


    senses.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Aveline struggled, pushing him away forcefully. His scorching kisses wandered from her tender neck to her corbone, biting her gently but firmly.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled, her breath bing erratic.


    She pounded his shoulder, trying to push him away. ¡°Lucas, let me go, let me go!¡±


    Lucas¡® burning kisses found her lips again, <b>and </b>he mumbled, ¡°Aveline, if you push me again, I¡¯ll take you right here.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught in her throat, a mix of shame and anger rising within her.


    She held back her emotions and said, ¡°Lucas, this is my friend¡¯s house. Don¡¯t do anything crazy here!¡±


    Lucas¡® breath brushed her lips as he spoke, his lips grazing hers, his voice deep and hoarse, ¡°Thene with me. I¡¯ll take you somewhere else where we can do crazy things.¡±


    How shameless!


    Aveline cursed internally, taking a deep breath. ¡°Let go. I¡¯m not in the mood to mess around with you.¡±


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m not messing around. I¡¯m taking care of business.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°You call this taking care of business?¡±


    Lucas let out a lowugh. ¡°Handling you is business, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Aveline was speechless, feeling a rush of anger. She wanted to kick him out, but she didn¡¯t have the strength.


    If she said something to provoke him, he might really do something crazy here.


    Aveline closed her eyes, turned her head, and stopped speaking.


    Lucas, seeing her trying to endure, grabbed her chin andughed softly. ¡°You seem very reluctant, but just now, you were panting so hard. Anyone would think I was making you feel good.¡±


    p!


    Aveline didn¡¯t hesitate to p him across the face. She had lost count of how many times she had pped him.


    But it seemed like he didn¡¯t feel humiliated at all. The more she hit him, the more excited he got.


    Lucas¡® tongue pressed against his cheek, his eyes growing darker and more dangerous. ¡°Got addicted to hitting me, didn¡¯t you?¡±


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    Chapter 328


    Aveline¡¯s fingers trembled slightly, a hint of fear surfacing within her.


    Lucas¡® handnded on her clothes, ready to tear them apart with a little force.


    ¡°If you do something crazy here, I will hate you for the rest of my life!¡± Aveline¡¯s voice rang out, filled. with shame and anger.


    Lucas paused, feeling the delicate fabric in his hand. It would tear easily if he applied just a bit more


    force. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    However, seeing the tears welling up in her eyes, he suddenly felt annoyed.


    They were husband and wife!


    What was wrong with being intimate? Why was she so reluctant? He had always made sure she would feel good!


    Lucas took out a cigarette, ced it between his lips, and reached for his lighter. As he was about to light it, he noticed her trembling eyshes and smirked. ¡°Light it for me.¡±


    He shoved the lighter into her hand, his eyes half¨Cclosed with a yful glint.


    Aveline wanted to throw the lighter at his face, but since he had finally calmed down, she had to make the most of it. She held the lighter, ignited it with a ¡°click,¡± and brought it close to him. The me Illuminated his handsome face, his eyes staring at her intently, like a deep pool.


    His gaze felt scorching.


    Lucas took a deep drag from the cigarette and blew the smoke directly into her face.


    ¡°Cough, cough!¡±


    Aveline coughed and pushed him away forcefully


    Lucas chuckled lowly, allowing her to push him aside, then took another drag from the cigarette.


    Aveline walked to the window, opened it, and let the fresh air in, dispelling the smoke.


    She said, ¡°Why did youe to find me?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°To fulfill marital duties.¡±


    Aveline was speec


    Their conversation was going nowhere.


    She ignored him, turned on the lights, and went into the kitchen to bring the warm food to the dining table. She hadn¡¯t eaten yet, having delivered food to Russell first, and now she was starving.


    Lucas watched her sip the soup in small mouthfels, his eyes narrowing dangerously. He walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat beside her, saying in a deep voice, ¡°From now on, you¡¯re not allowed to bring him food.¡±


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline gave him a cold nce. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t beaten him, I wouldn¡¯t have to bring him food.¡±


    Lucas gritted his teeth. Was this woman ming him?


    He stared at her coldly.


    Aveline ignored his gaze and continued eating.


    Lucas extinguished his cigarette, tossed it into the trash, and then walked over, unceremoniously grabbing a bowl and spoon to start eating.


    Aveline frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t invite you to eat.


    Lucas replied, ¡°You¡¯re my wife. If another man can eat your food, why can¡¯t I?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Because you can¡¯t.¡±


    Lucas looked at her. ¡°I¡¯m eating. What are you going to do about it?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Since when had this man be so shameless?


    She felt a bit stunned, finding him unfamiliar. Whether it was the Lucas who had the one who had regained it, he had never acted like this before.


    Shameless and brazen to the extreme!


    st his memory or


    To him, achieving his goal seemed to matter more than his dignity, especially in front of her.


    Seeing him eat with such swift elegance, Aveline lowered her gaze, picked up her spoon, and started eating too. If she didn¡¯t hurry, he would devour everything!


    How infuriating!


    <b>? </b>

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    Chapter <b>329 </b>


    He previously stole food from Russell at the hospital and now came here topete with her for All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    more!


    Was this man so deprived of food?


    Tensions simmered at the dining table.


    When it came to thest piece of rib, Aveline quickly reached out, but Lucas was faster, grabbing it before she could,


    He raised an eyebrow at her.


    ¡°You can eat it, I¡¯ve poisoned it,¡± Aveline said.


    Lucas stared at her and began eating the rib, showing no fear at all.


    Aveline pressed her lips together, remembering how he had suspected her when he was poisoned by > her cooking before.


    Yet now, even when she outright imed to have poisoned it, he ate without hesitation.


    Was he certain she hadn¡¯t poisoned it, or did he simply not fear death?


    Suddenly, Aveline asked, ¡°Lucas, if I really poisoned it, aren¡¯t you afraid of dying?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Before I die, I¡¯ll make sure to kill you first. We can bepanions on the road to the afterlife.¡±


    Aveline rose expressionlessly and walked away.


    Lucas watched her until she disappeared into the bedroom, then finally looked away. He set down his te and utensils, and after a long pause, stood up to clean the dishes.


    Sitting in the bedroom, Aveline felt irritated.


    What should she do if he didn¡¯t leave?


    Let him stay here?


    But this was Selena¡¯s house.


    She couldn¡¯t make that decision.


    Selena hated Lucas so much that if she knew he stayed the night, she would probably throw everything out upon her return.


    ¡°Sigh¡­¡±


    Aveline sighed, opened the door, and stepped out ¡°You¡­¡±


    She began to speak while looking up, only to find that Lucas was no longer in the house.


    She paused.


    He had left?


    +15 BONUS


    ncing at the dining table, she saw that it had been cleaned, and the dishes were washed.


    She pressed her lips together slightly and walked to the door, locking<b>, </b><b>it </b>securely. It was better that he left. It saved her the trouble of having to chase him away.


    The next day.


    Aveline made breakfast and took it to the hospital. But as soon as she entered the ward, another figure followed closely behind her.


    Russell¡¯s eyes twinkled slightly when he saw the two enter together.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, are you nning on turning over a new leaf?¡± He asked, half¨Csmiling at Lucas.


    Lucas, however, acted as if he didn¡¯t hear him, hiszy gaze falling on Aveline.


    Aveline gripped the food container tightly, looking at him warily.


    ¡°If you want breakfast, there¡¯s a breakfast shop to the left after you leave the hospital. Don¡¯t let the door hit you on the way out,¡± she said coldly.


    Lucas turned to Russell. ¡°Did you hear that? There¡¯s <b>a </b>breakfast shop to the left after you leave the hospital.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Russell smirked. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Aveline seems to be talking to you.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained indifferent. ¡°As you said, ¡®seems to be.¡±


    Aveline continued to stay quiet.


    Her mouth twitched. She turned to Russell, ¡°Russ, have the nurse help you with your meal. I¡¯ll step out for <b>a </b>moment.¡±


    She set down the food container, then took Lucas by the hand and led him out of the ward,


    Lucas¡® gaze fell on her hand holding his. His eyes darkened, and he even forgot why he hade. After all this time, she finally took his hand willingly.


    Aveline didn¡¯t notice his unusual reaction until they were out of the hospital.


    She let go of his hand and looked at him coldly. ¡°Lucas, this is so pointless.¡±


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    Lucas looked at his empty hand and suddenly asked, ¡°Why did you let go<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What?¡± Aveline thought she misheard him.


    ¡°Holding hands,¡± Lucas rified.


    Aveline was speechless!


    She said, ¡°You¡¯re the heir of the Tudor family, the president of DK Group. Can you stop doing such childish things?¡±


    Lucas finally focused on her face. His dark eyes and cold, handsome face made it impossible to guess what he was thinking.


    Aveline frowned, unwilling to guess, and turned to leave.


    She didn¡¯t have to stay at the hospital; Russell could eat on his own.


    ¡°Come with me to a ce,¡± Lucas suddenly <b>said</b>.


    Aveline refused without hesitation. ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas stared at her intensely. ¡°If you don¡¯t go, I¡¯lle find you tonight.¡±


    Aveline stopped in her tracks, ring at him. ¡°Where?¡±


    Lucas¡® lips curved into a slight smile as he walked toward a car parked by the roadside.


    Aveline watched his tall, straight back, wishing her gaze could bore holes into it.


    Once in the car, Aveline sat as far from him as possible, practically pressing herself against the door.


    Lucas nced at her and said, ¡°Do you want to ride on the roof?¡±


    Aveline ignored him. But soon, she felt her hand being held. She tried to pull away, but his grip was firm, so she let him hold it.


    As long as he didn¡¯t do anything crazy, holding hands was tolerable.


    Lucas frowned slightly. Why did it feel different? The hand was still the same, soft and smooth,¡±fortable to hold. Yet, something was off.


    Lucas¡® lips pressed into a tight line, and his demeanor grew colder.


    Aveline noticed but didn¡¯t respond.


    His mood swings were truly unpredictable. Even her own during PMS were more stable than his. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The car drove smoothly.


    As familiar street scenes appeared, Aveline¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    She looked at him, ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡±


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    At Bluewater Bay Vi.


    He had previously forced her to stay here, locking her up and not allowing her to leave. Did he n to imprison her again?


    Lucas saw the wariness in her eyes and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you think this ce is beautiful and perfect for us to live in?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I don¡¯t like it, and I won¡¯t live with you!¡± Aveline replied bluntly.


    Lucas¡® face darkened.


    Did she hate him that much? So much that she wouldn¡¯t <b>even </b>hold his hand again? The atmosphere in the car grew tense, and at that moment, the car came to a stop. Aveline opened the door and got out, walking ahead without looking back.


    She wouldn¡¯t let herself get locked up again!


    ¡°Do you really think you can escape?¡±


    Behind her, Lucas¡® deep, maic voice sounded,


    Aveline paused and turned to look at him. ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±


    Lucas stood by the car, his fingers ying with an unlit cigarette. His gaze was fixed on her, deep and unreadable.


    Aveline felt ufortable under his intense gaze. His eyes were so invasive that it felt like he wanted


    to devour her whole<b>. </b>


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    Just as Aveline was about to give up, Lucas suddenly averted his gaze and walked towards Bluewater Bay Vi.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± hemanded coldly without looking back.


    He


    e wasn¡¯t worried about her running away.


    She had no power or influence and couldn¡¯t escape his grasp.


    Aveline clenched her fists and had no choice but to follow.


    However, instead of entering the beautiful vi, Lucas walked towards the garden.


    Suspicion shed in Aveline¡¯s eyes.


    Why were they going this way? What was he nning?


    Her questions were quickly answered.


    At the far end of the garden stood a two¨Cstory building, guarded by several bodyguards at the


    entrance.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor,¡± they greeted respectfully upon seeing Lucas.


    ¡°Open the door,¡± he ordered coldly.


    One of the bodyguards took out a key and opened the door. Aveline, standing a bit farther away. frowned as she peered inside. The small building was pitch dark, but she could see someone sitting


    on a chair.


    The sudden light made the person inside raise a hand to shield their eyes. As they adjusted to the light, they quickly stood and tried to escape, but the bodyguards intercepted them.


    This time, Aveline could see who it was clearly¨Cit was Sophia inside!


    Lucas had locked her up!


    Wasn¡¯t Sophia supposed to be his benefactor? How could he treat her like this?


    After being confined for two days, Sophia looked pale and frail, as if a mere gust of wind could topple


    <b>her</b>.


    ¡°Lucas, you actually locked me up!¡± Sophia¡¯s eyes were red as she spoke to Lucas, her voice trembling.


    Lucas¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°Is this fun for you?¡±


    Sophia trembled with rage. ¡°How can you treat me like this? Even if you don¡¯t like me, if it weren¡¯t for me, you would¡¯ve died in that ident. I saved your life! How can you <b>do </b>this to me?¡±


    She looked at him hysterically, unable to believe the man who once wanted to divorce Aveline for her was now locking her up. For two whole days, she had been inplete darkness, feeling like she was in hell. She had shouted for help repeatedly, but no one responded. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


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    Sophia, looking weak and unsteady, stood out even more with her prosthetic leg.


    Lucas nced at her prosthetic and said, ¡°I found the doctor who treated you after the ident. You didn¡¯t have to use¡¯a prosthetic. Why did you give up your leg?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s body shook at his words. How could he have found that doctor?


    With a pale face, she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. We were both unconscious after the ident. How could I have chosen to give up my <b>leg</b>?


    ¡°Lucas, are you saying this because you don¡¯t want to be in debt to me? How can you say something. like that? We were together for two years, about to get married! I never did anything to wrong you. Why are you treating me like this?<b>¡± </b>


    As Sophia¡¯s cries echoed, Aveline felt a sudden sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. She had said simr things once. Herplex gaze shifted to Lucas.


    Was he really such a heartless person?


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    <b>? </b>

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    Lucas noticed her gaze and suddenly looked over at her. ¡°What are you looking at me <b>like </b>that?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered.


    Sophia also saw her at that moment and suddenly said, ¡°Aveline, you see it now, don¡¯t you? You should never have saved him! I lost a <b>leg </b>for him, and now he treats me like this. You took him in and even married him, but how does he treat you? He doesn¡¯t deserve your love at all


    Aveline frowned. Was Sophia out of her mind? Saying such things in front of Lucas<b>, </b>wasn¡¯t she afraid he¡¯d kill her on the spot?


    As expected, Lucas¡® face darkened, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he nced at Sophia¡¯s prosthetic leg. ¡°One prosthetic leg is quite an eyesore. How about I rece your other leg with a fake one too?¡±


    Sophia looked at him in disbelief. ¡°You¡­ Lucas, are you insane? How dare you treat me like this!¡±


    A surge of anger flickered in Lucas¡¯s eyes, but he suppressed it with great effort. ¡°If both your legs are useless, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re taken care of for the rest of your life.¡±


    ¡°No, no!¡± Sophia backed away in terror, looking at Lucas as if he were a monster.


    He was a monster!


    Treating his savior without gratitude, being so heartless and ungrateful!


    Lucas¡® tone suddenly turned cold. ¡°Do you not know why I locked you up?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face turned even paler. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Lucas fad her with a cold stare. ¡°Everything you said that night at the Tudor family mansion was


    true, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Sophia trembled, an overwhelming chill enveloping her. She knew that if she lied, Lucas might actually cripple her other leg. She had already sacrificed one leg to achieve her goal and couldn¡¯t afford to lose the other. How would she face him then?


    Sophia swallowed hard and suddenly burst into tears, looking delicate and pitiful. ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s my


    all


    my fault. I was just jealous of her. Why could she marry you and stay by your side, when two years ago, it was me who was talking about marriage with you<b>?</b>¡±


    my fault,


    She sobbed, tears streaming down her face. ¡°But now, I feel like an intruder, as if I¡¯m the third party, when it shouldn¡¯t be this way!¡±


    She covered her face and <b>cried </b>bitterly, appearing extremely sorrowful and distressed, Lucas only looked at her coldly.


    Aveline stood not far away, watching him. So, he brought her here to make Sophia confess the


    ¡°Enough crying. Apologize to her,¡± Lucas said.


    <i>¡°</i><i>uth</i>?


    Sophia cried for a while longer, not showing any signs of stopping, her body even swaying as if she


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    might copse.


    Lucas¡® impatient voice cut through her sobs.


    Sophia¡¯s crying h?lted as she looked at him. ¡°Apologize for what?¡±


    Lucas replied irritably, ¡°You twisted the truth and made me misunderstand her. Don¡¯t you think you owe her an apology?¡±


    Sophia bit her lip. When had things changed? He hadn¡¯t treated her this way before!


    With a pale face, Sophia looked at Aveline. ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have said those things. I was just reluctant to ept it¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Lucas interrupted, losing patience with her continued rambling. He turned to Aveline, seeing no change in her expression, and frowned


    ¡°Aveline, she intentionally made me misunderstand you,¡± he said, walking up to her and speaking in a low voice.


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    Aveline met his eyes with a calm gaze, but her tone had a hint of coldness. ¡°Lucas, the real issue is that you don¡¯t trust me.¡±


    Lucas¡® brows furrowed tightly.


    Aveline spoke gently, ¡°I could <b>reveal </b>the truth to you this time. But what if someone frames me again and I can¡¯t prove my innocence? Will you just assume I¡¯m guilty?¡±


    Lucas pressed his lips into a straight line. He really couldn¡¯t guarantee he would believe her.


    He closed his eyes, and suddenly, certain images shed in his mind¨Ca woman holding a toy to amuse him, he happily took it, but the moment he held it, it exploded. His hand was left bloodied and


    torn<b>¡­ </b>


    Such incidents had happened countless times.


    Aveline said, ¡°So, to avoid such misunderstandings, how about we get a divorce<b>?</b>¡±


    If they divorced, anything that happened to him would have nothing to do with her. She wouldn¡¯t have to feel hurt <b>and </b>sad over his actions anymore.


    Lucas stared at her coldly. ¡°After all that talk, your goal is divorce. Aveline, you can forget about it!¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together. She had failed again.


    Sigh¡­


    ¡°Miss Winter?¡± A bodyguard¡¯s hesitant voice broke the silence at that moment.


    Aveline looked over and saw Sophia had fainted.


    Lucas saw it too and simply said coldly, ¡°Take her to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The bodyguard immediately picked up Sophia and took her to the hospital. They had to keep this matter from Frederick, or things would getplicated.


    Aveline turned and started to leave. Lucas watched her retreating figure, feeling extremely frustrated.


    Aveline left Bluewater Bay Vi and called for a taxi, standing by the roadside to wait. She lowered her eyes slightly, unable to shake off Sophia¡¯s words from her mind.


    When Lucas <b>had </b>first regained his memory, he didn¡¯t treat Sophia like this; he even wanted to divorce her for Sophia.


    So, what had changed? Why had he spoken to Sophia so cruelly now? Was there something she didn¡¯t


    know about?


    As Aveline pondered, a car pulled up, and she looked up to see Lucas¡® cold, devilishly handsome


    through the lowered window.


    She didn¡¯t move.


    face


    ¡°Get in. I¡¯ll take you,¡± Lucas said.


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ve called for a taxi,¡± Aveline replied, still refusing.


    Lucas grew more irritated and was about to get out of the car when another <b>car </b>approached.


    Aveline¡¯s phone rang, and she answered, ¡°Hello?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Hello, are you the passenger with the phone digits ending with 6965?¡± the driver asked.


    Aveline nodded and looked at the car, seeing the license te matched the one she had called.


    She walked towards it:


    Behind her, Lucas¡® cold gaze followed her until she got into the taxi, and then he couldn¡¯t see her


    anymore.


    His eyes darkened with frustration. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Get out,¡± he ordered the driver coldly.


    The driver quickly exited the car.


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    Lucas slid into the driver¡¯s seat, started the car, and sped away like a bolt of lightning. Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered as she saw the luxury car zoom past her.


    Aveline thought Lucas must be crazy to drive so fast in the <b>city</b>.


    When she got home and stepped out of the car, she walked a short distance before hearing a voice


    behind her.


    ¡°Miss, <b>wait </b>a moment!¡±


    Aveline turned around, puzzled, and saw the ride¨Chailing driver approaching with something in his hand. He was tall and wore a mask that covered the lower half of his face. However<b>, </b>Aveline could tell he was smiling through his eyes.


    ¡°Miss, is this yours?¡± he asked.


    Aveline looked and saw it was her keychain.


    Indeed, it was hers.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Aveline said as she took the keychain from him.


    The driver waved it off. ¡°No problem. Just leave a five¨Cstar rating.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Aveline nodded, then turned and went inside.


    After all the fuss, she wasn¡¯t hungry anymore. She pulled out her phone and saw a message from


    Russell. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°The breakfast was great. Did Lucas blow up in anger?¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but smile and replied, ¡°No worries. As long as you liked it.¡±


    Russell texted, ¡°You don¡¯t need to bring me lunch. Take a good rest.¡±


    Avelin replied, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll drop by in the evening.¡±


    Russell probably had something to do at noon, which gave her a chance to rest and think about what she should do next. She couldn¡¯t sit idle for long.


    Although she had enough money to livefortably for the rest of her life, living like that would make. life lose its meaning. She wanted to make more money!


    Browsing through job listings, Aveline didn¡¯t find anything suitable, so she decided to call Selena.


    Selena was already up and about, though she had to <b>avoid </b>strenuous activities because her shoulder still hurt.


    ¡°What kind of job are you looking for?¡± Selena asked, puzzled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure. I looked through some job listings, but none of them seemed right,¡± Aveline replied.


    Selena said, ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t the CEO of Brighton Enterprises appreciate you a lot before? Why don¡¯t <b>you </b>try


    sending them your resume?¡±


    Aveline paused for a moment. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


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    Brighton Enterprises could be a good option. They knew her capabilities, so it shouldn¡¯t be too difficult.


    ¡°Miss Quin, it¡¯s time to change your dressing,¡± a voice said in the background.


    Aveline immediately straightened up. ¡°Selena, what happened to you?¡±


    Selena sighed, not expecting the nurse toe at this moment. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I just got a little hurt. I¡¯m at the hospital for a dressing change. I¡¯ll be fine in a couple of days.¡±


    Aveline spoke in a serious tone, ¡°Send me your location. I¡¯ming to see you. Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were hurt?¡±


    Selena was startled and quickly replied, ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need. I¡¯m almost better. Aren¡¯t you busy cooking for Mr. Skyler? If youe to see me, you won¡¯t be able to cook for him.¡±


    Aveline frowned, feeling that Selena was definitely hiding something from her.


    Selena chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m really fine. Don¡¯t make a fuss, okay?¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Selena, if something¡¯s wrong, you have to tell me. Don¡¯t keep anything from me.¡±


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    ¡°Alright,¡± Selena agreed without hesitation.


    ¡°You should get your dressing changed. If you feel ufortable thare,e back, and I¡¯ll take care of you. I¡¯ll cook delicious meals for you every day! Aveline said.


    Selenaughed. ¡°You¡¯re making my mouth water already. I¡¯lle back as soon as I can. Wait for me!¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline was still worried. Selena had been with Aaron recently. Did he know she was


    hurt? However, she didn¡¯t have Aaron¡¯s number.


    After some thought, she dialed Lucas¡® number.


    In the cool¨Ctoned office, the atmosphere was tenge. When Aaron walked in, he saw Lucas¡® sour expression, as if someone owed him millions of dors.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Feeling frustrated again?¡± Aaron pulled out a chair and sat across from him,


    unceremoniously asking.


    Lucas tossed a document at him. ¡°Take a look yourself.¡±


    Aaron picked it up and saw that a project DK Group had been working on was snatched away by the Tudor family.


    Frederick stole a project from his own son?


    Aaron raised an eyebrow in surprise. ¡°What is the old man thinking? Isn¡¯t he afraid that if he pushes you too hard, everything will end up in someone else¡¯s hands?¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°He still believes Leo is alive.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Impossible!¡±


    Aaron put down the document. ¡°We all saw Leo¡¯s corpse. How could he think he¡¯s still alive?¡±


    ¡°Because of a few words,¡± Lucas replied. ¡°He insists Leo wrote to them recently and wants me to find him quickly.¡±


    Aaron <b>was </b>speechless. ¡°Where <b>are </b>you supposed to find him? The underworld?¡±


    He was frustrated. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it. You¡¯re both his sons, but he only thinks about Leo. Has he ever considered what you¡¯ve been through all these years<b>?</b>¡±


    Lucas¡® expression was cold. ¡°If he cared, I wouldn¡¯t have gone through all that.¡±


    ¡°True enough,¡± Aaron agreed.


    Aaron sighed helplessly. ¡°Favoritism shouldn¡¯t be this tant.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s true or not, we <b>need </b>to investigate. If we don¡¯t, DK Group might


    be destroyed before it even gets off the ground.¡±


    Frederick would think it was because Lucas didn¡¯t want Leo toe back.


    The atmosphere in the office <b>was </b>heavy.


    Just then, Lucas¡® phone rang.


    He nced at it, his eyes pausing for a moment. He answered it coldly, <i>¡°</i>What is it?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s soft voice came through. ¡°Give me Mr. Fletcher¡¯s number,¡±


    Aaron, overhearing the conversation, immediately asked, ¡°Why do you need my number?¡±


    Aveline was surprised.


    Aaron and Lucas were together?


    That worked out perfectly. She said, ¡°Give the phone to Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened, but he handed the phone to Aaron.


    Aaron took the phone and asked, ¡°What do you need from me?¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, have you been with Selena? Do you know she¡¯s injured?<b>¡± </b>


    Aaron¡¯s expression changed. ¡°She¡¯s injured? When did this happen?¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°Miss Young, your tone makes it sound like I caused her injury.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just asking,¡± Aveline said. ¡°When did you twost see each other?*


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    Aaron said, ¡°I don¡¯t remember.


    Aveline¡¯s confusion deepened, though she struggled to identify its source.


    ¡°Alright, I understand,¡± she replied, then promptly hung up.


    Aaron looked at his phone, handed it back to Lucas, and sneered. ¡°She didn¡¯t mention you at all.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression grew darker. ¡°Do you have nothing better to do?¡±


    Aaron nodded. ¡°Indeed.¡±


    Lucas narrowed his eyes dangerously, a chilling aura directed at Aaron as if he wanted to kill him.


    Aaron stood up and said, ¡°Your wife didn¡¯t mention you. Why are you ring at me? If you have the guts, go settle it with her.¡±


    With that, he turned and left.


    Lucas leaned back, tugging at his tie in frustration.


    She called just to talk to Aaron?


    When did she start seeking Aaron for help?


    It seemed he couldn¡¯t let Aaron stay idle. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Nor could he let Aveline stay too free.


    He took out his phone and made a call, ¡°I¡¯ll give you some money. Register apany and hire Aveline<b>.</b>¡±


    The voice on the other end waszy. ¡°Boss, I¡¯m on vacation..


    ¡°I decide whether you get a vacation or not,¡± Lucas replied coldly.


    The other party was speechless.


    Aveline clutched her phone, feeling uneasy, but she didn¡¯t know where Selena was and could only sigh helplessly.


    Just then, her phone rang<b>. </b>She picked it up, surprised to see it was the buyer of her house.


    ¡°Hello, Miss Cooper.


    Maria¡¯s cheerful voice came through, ¡°Miss Young? I hope I¡¯m not overstepping, but I can¡¯t shake the feeling we clicked. Do you have time for a cup of coffee?¡±


    Aveline was taken aback. She and Maria were strangers. Why this sudden invitation for coffee?


    ¡°Miss Cooper, I¡¯m not one to beat around the bush. What can I help you with?¡± Aveline asked.


    Maria sighed helplessly. ¡°I want to open a studio and I¡¯m looking for a location, but I¡¯m not familiar with Cloudre City. I was hoping you could help me look at some sites.¡±


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    She paused, then added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you do it for nothing. I¡¯ll treat


    Aveline rxed. So that was it.


    to a meal!¡±


    ¡°Alright, but I¡¯m not from Cloudre City either. I might not be much help. Aveline warned.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we give it a shot first?¡± Maria replied.


    Aveline agreed, and they arranged a meeting ce before hanging up.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid Maria would harm her. She knew Brian was still secretly following her. Otherwise, how could Lucas know her whereabouts so clearly<b>? </b>


    After tidying up a bit, Aveline set off.


    Fifteen minutester, she arrived at the base of an office building and spotted Maria from afar. She was beautiful, her curly hair cascading over her shoulders, her demeanorzy like a pedigreed cat.


    ¡°Miss Cooper,¡± Aveline greeted with a smile as she walked over.


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    Maria handed her a cup of tea. ¡°Tea is better; coffee is so bitter.¡±


    Aveline epted it. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Maria continued, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside first. There are two spots in this building that the agent said <b>are </b>great, but I couldn¡¯t tell for sure. I thought you could help me decide.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I might not be an expert in this either. By the way, what kind of studio are your nning to open?¡±


    ¡°A studio for architectural design,¡± Maria said.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes flickered at the mention. She was an architectural designer herself.


    Maria seemed to recall something and looked at her. ¡°I checked your profile. Aren¡¯t you an architectural designer? Where are you working now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not working at the moment,¡± Aveline said.


    Maria¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Would you consider joining my studio? I can offer better pay than your previous job, flexible hours, and I won¡¯t interfere with your ideas. Think about it?¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t expect the invitation <b>and </b>smiled, politely declining, ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not looking to work right now. I might leave the city soon.


    Maria was momentarily stunned, her eyes flickering. ¡°Leave Cloudre City? Where are you nning to go?¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at the office first.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Maria agreed, understanding that Aveline didn¡¯t want to continue the conversation. She realized she had been a bit too eager and that her direct questioning could be off¨Cputting.


    As they stepped out of the elevator, they saw several studios with people busily working inside. Maria walked to a door, pushed it open, and said, ¡°Here it is.¡±


    Aveline entered. The space was spacious, with office desks and chairs left by the previouspany, all neatly arranged. She walked to the window and looked outside.


    ¡°How is it?¡± <b>Maria </b>asked. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Aveline turned to her. ¡°It¡¯s quite standard. What¡¯s your budget?¡±


    Maria smiled. ¡°No budget. If it feelsfortable, 11¨Cstay.¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then why did you ask me toe along?¡±


    Maria said, ¡°There¡¯s another one upstairs. Let¡¯s go check it out.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aveline replied.


    Following Maria, they spent the entire day visiting several rental studios. In the end, Ma decided on one in a different office building. Aveline had just apanied her the whole time.


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    After signing the contract, Ma said, ¡°Thanks for your help. Let me treat you to a meal.¡±


    Aveline nced at the time and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t today. I have something to do tonight.*


    Maria raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s more important than having a <b>meal</b><b>? </b>


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s very important, maybe another day.¡±


    Maria sighed helplessly. ¡°Alright, but thank you for spending so much time with me. Where are you headed? I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±


    She jingled her car keys. This time, Aveline didn¡¯t refuse because she believed reciprocity helped to maintain rtionships.


    Once in the car, Aveline mentioned the name of her neighborhood.


    Maria asked, ¡°Did you move?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Since I sold my house to you, I had to move.¡±


    ¡°True enough.¡± Maria smiled.


    The car soon stopped at the entrance of the neighborhood. Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯ll head in now. Thank you for the ride.¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°No problem. Call me anytime, we still need to have that meal.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline agreed, turning to walk into the neighborhood.


    Watching her disappear, Maria leisurely dialed Lucas¡® number.


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    ¡°Hello?¡± The man¡¯s voice <b>was </b>deep and maic but his tone <b>was </b>cold.


    Maria replied leisurely, ¡°Boss, Aveline is nning to leave Cloudre City. If you want to do something, you better hurry.¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened at her words. ¡°Did she tell you that herself?¡±


    ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±


    ¡°Did she mention where she ns to go?¡± Lucas asked.


    Maria responded, ¡°I¡¯ve only known her for two days. I was surprised she even agreed to meet me. How could she tell me something so personal?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice turned icy, ¡°Then you better work hard, or I¡¯ll dock your year¨Cend bonus.¡±


    With that, he hung up.


    Maria red at her phone.


    Such a wicked capitalist!


    Always exploiting the weak, helpless, and pitiful like them! She cursed him to never get to reconcile


    with his wife!


    Back at home, Aveline started cooking and then sent a message to Russell.


    ¡°Russ, is it convenient to visit tonight?¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Russell replied, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s convenient.¡±


    She put her phone away, packed the cooked meal and headed to the hospital.


    When she opened the door to the ward, she saw Russell slowly making his way to the bed. The room was empty, and he seemed to be struggling to walk.


    Aveline hurried over to support him. ¡°Russ, why are you out of bed?¡±


    It takes a hundred days to heal from bone injuries. Getting <b>up </b>so soon was not good for his recovery.


    Russell smiled slightly. ¡°Lying down all the time is making my limbs atrophy. I need some exercise.¡±


    Noticing the concern on her face, he remarked, ¡°Lucas must be filled with regret by now.¡±


    Aveline paused, helping him sit on the bed before releasing her hold. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you like tonight¡¯s dinner,¡± she said, changing the topic.


    There was no need to continue the previous conversation.


    Russell¡¯s eyes flickered slightly, then he nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline set up the small table, opened the food container, and arranged the dishes inside.


    +15 BONUS


    Fortunately, no one else showed up unexpectedly today. Russell managed to have a peaceful dinner.


    Aveline sat by his side, asionally ying on her phone. Suddenly, Russell spoke, ¡°Aveline, your don¡¯t


    need toe tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline looked up at him in confusion. ¡°Why?¡±


    Russell said, ¡°I have to go abroad. I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back. If I could, I would want to your cooking.


    veen eating


    As he spoke, his gaze was fixed intently on her. They were both adults; some things didn¡¯t need to be said out loud<b>. </b>


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly. ¡°That¡¯s really unfortunate but take care of yourself while you¡¯re abroad.¡±


    Russell looked at her steadily, noting her calm expression. He lowered his gaze slightly. ¡°I will.¡±


    Aveline smiled faintly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Russell said, ¡°Why the rush? Let¡¯s chat a bit.¡± +


    What could they talk about? Aveline felt there wasn¡¯t much to discuss with him. However, since he suggested it, it wouldn¡¯t be polite to refuse. After all, they were friends now.


    Russell looked at h


    and asked, ¡°Has that persone looking for you recently?¡±


    and asked, ¡°Has that p


    Hearing this, Aveline was momentarily stunned, then she shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    It seemed she hadn¡¯t encountered Darren again.


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    Thinking of Darren¡¯s fierce and menacing appearance, Aveline couldn¡¯t help but furrow her brows. Russell handed her a document. ¡°I had someone Investigate him. Take a look at his file.¡±


    Aveline took it and began to read. Darren, in his forties, had just been released from prison after serving ten years for manughter.


    Russell looked at her and slowly said, ¡°Do you know who he killed?¡±


    Aveline shook her head.


    ¡°It <b>was </b>Lucas¡® second brother, Leo Tudor,¡± Russell said.


    The name was unfamiliar to Aveline.


    Russell continued, ¡°But I couldn¡¯t understand why he wants to kill you. After my investigation, I found out that he kidnapped two Tudor brothers back then. Someone reported him, and in a fit of rage, he set fire and killed Leo, while the other one got rescued.¡±


    He looked at her and asked, ¡°I suspect that the person who reported him might have been you. Aveline, do you really not remember any of this?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face showed confusion.


    ¡°Report him? Kidnap?¡± She tried to recall, but her mind had no memories of these events.


    ¡°No, I never did anything like that,¡± Aveline said.


    Russell frowned. ¡°But if that¡¯s the case, why is he so determined to kill you?¡±


    Aveline was equally puzzled. If she had indeed reported Darren¡¯s kidnapping, it would make sense for him to hate her. But she had no memory of doing such a thing. She hadn¡¯t even heard about the


    kidnapping.


    Russell said, ¡°Maybe I¡¯m mistaken, but you need to protect yourself. He¡¯s still atrge, which is a significant threat.¡±


    ¡°I will, Russ. Thank you.¡± Aveline nodded.


    Russell smiled faintly. ¡°No need to be so formal with me. It¡¯s gettingte. You should go home and


    rest.¡±


    Before she knew it, the sky outside had already darkened.


    Aveline responded with a nod and stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Russell watched her leave, his eyes narrowing.


    Why wasn¡¯t she curious about which one of the Tudor brothers got rescued?


    Or did she simply not care about Lucas anymore?


    1/2 N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    +15 BONUS


    On her way home, Aveline couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what Russell had told her,


    When she unlocked the door, she didn¡¯t notice someone suddenly standing up from the stairs above.


    As she entered, the person followed her inside.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aveline was startled, but when she saw it was Lucas, her heart settled, though her brows furrowed in annoyance. ¡°What are you doing here again?¡±


    Lucas stared at her intensely, then suddenly stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. His breath, hot and fervent, descended on her as he kissed her with a hint of wildness.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Aveline was shocked and struggled immediately. But his strength was overwhelming, holding her tightly as if he wanted to fuse her with him. She felt like her mouth wasn¡¯t her own anymore!


    After what seemed like an eternity, Lucas finally released her. His eyes glowed with a cold intensity.¡± What do you have to talk about with him, hmm?¡±


    Aveline pushed him away forcefully. ¡°What does it have to do with you?¡±

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    Lucas narrowed his eyes dangerously. ¡°I¡¯ll show you right now if it has anything to do with me!¡±


    He forcefully grabbed her and pushed her onto the sofa. Before she could react, his tall, heavy body pressed down on her.


    ¡°No!¡± Aveline eximed, kicking wildly.


    Lucas easily subdued her, his hot breath close to her face. ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Don¡¯t forget, we are


    married.¡±


    Aveline gritted her teeth. ¡°He told me about Darren¡±


    Lucas paused at her words, staring into her slightly reddened eyes before slowly getting up.


    Aveline stood, adjusting her clothes. ¡°He saved me before and has been trying to find Darren, but the man is cunning and keeps hiding.¡±


    Lucas was irritated. The thought of Darren finding Aveline as soon as he got out of prison, and the fact that Russell had saved her, made him even more agitated.


    Aveline headed to the kitchen and took out the food from the pot. She hadn¡¯t had dinner yet.


    Lucas watched her intently and suddenly followed her.


    This time, Aveline didn¡¯t offer him any food. ¡°I only made enough for myself. If you eat it, I¡¯ll go hungry.¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas paused in his attempt to grab a bowl and utensils. ¡°Then make some more.¡±


    Aveline frowned, ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas pulled out a chair and sat down. ¡°Fine, if you don¡¯t cook more, I won¡¯t leave.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Aveline red at him, angry.


    She didn¡¯t rush to cook but started eating her dinner. She was very hungry.


    Lucas wasn¡¯t in a rush either. He simply watched her eat, his eyes darkening. For some reason, observing her brought him a peculiar sense of satisfaction.


    Aveline resisted the urge to p him. After finishing her meal, she got up and began cooking pasta.


    She added a couple of green vegetables as garnish and then ced the te in front of him. ¡°Eat!¡±


    Lucas looked at the in bowl of pasta, his expression unreadable.


    Aveline lifted her chin. ¡°Don¡¯t like it? Then don¡¯t eat.¡±


    She moved to take the te <b>away</b>, but Lucas blocked her hand and picked up the fork to eat, though he appeared displeased.


    He thought about how she made borate meals for Russell, but for him, it was just a in te of


    pasta.


    1/2


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    Aveline, you¡¯re something else!


    Aveline stood aside, arms crossed, watching him with an impassive face.


    Even while eating pasta, Lucas¡® movements were graceful and silent.


    His handsome, sharp features and noble demeanor were a sight to behold.


    When he finally put down the fork, Aveline spoke up. ¡°Lucas, what will it take for you to agree to a


    divorce?¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened instantly. His eyes red coldly at her. ¡°Aveline, are you looking for trouble?¡±


    Aveline remained calm. ¡°I¡¯m serious. Haven¡¯t you ever considered that we¡¯re not suitable for each


    other?¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°I think we¡¯re very suitable.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°In what way?¡±


    * Lucas smirked. ¡°In bed.¡±


    ¨C All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline pressed her lips together and turned to leave. She realized that whenever she brought up divorce, Lucas always found a way to shut her down.


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    Lucas stood up and followed her, his intense gaze <b>fixed </b>on her, clearly displeased with her attitude. Aveline tried to close the door behind her, but Lucas forcefully pushed his way in.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aveline asked warily.


    Lucas¡® tall figure filled the room, making it feel cramped. He started undressing and theny down on the bed. This was the bed that Selene had reserved for Aveline, one that was filled with her scent.


    Seeing this, Aveline immediately protested, ¡°Lucas, this is my bed.¡±


    Lucas


    patted the space beside him, his eyes dark and inviting. ¡°Share it with me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s mouth twitched in disbelief. Did he not understand her words? This was her bed, and he had


    no right to take over.


    She walked over and grabbed his arm. ¡®Get up. There¡¯s no ce for you to sleep here. If you want to sleep, go home!¡±


    But Lucas was too heavy for her to move. Instead, with a light tug, he pulled her down onto him.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Before she could react, Lucas flipped her over, pinning her beneath


    him, his hot breath on her neck.


    ¡°Lucas, let go of me!¡± Aveline¡¯s voice trembled.


    He pressed down on her firmly, making it hard for her to breathe. With his eyes closed, Lucas said, ¡°I just want to sleep. If you move again, I won¡¯t mind making love with you first before sleeping<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline froze, barely daring to breathe. She knew he meant what he <b>said</b>.


    ¡°Then get up and sleep by yourself,¡± Aveline said, trying to reason with him. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°No,¡± Lucas refused, tightening his hold on her.


    Aveline was at a loss,pletely helpless against the strength difference. That damned man actually slept on top of her the entire night! His even breaths brushed against her sensitive skin, sending waves of shivers through her.


    The sensation was unbearable. Even when she eventually fell asleep, she felt as if she was being crushed by a mountain, constantly shouting for help in her dreams, only to be suffocated in the end.


    She woke up with a start, immediately seeing Lucas watching her calmly.


    Startled, Aveline eximed, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°I was wondering why you kept shouting for help.¡±


    Aveline rolled her eyes unceremoniously. ¡°You try sleeping with someone squashing you all night!¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas raised an eyebrow and suddenly flipped her over, making her lie on top of him.


    He bounced her slightly. ¡°You¡¯re not that heavy.¡±


    1.2


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline¡¯s face turned red. She smacked him and struggled to get up. After being pressed down <b>all </b>night, she felt awful! Her body ached everywhere.


    She twisted her neck and stretched as she walked into the bathroom. Lucas watched her with a faint smile, clearly pleased.


    Just then, a phone rang. Lucas picked it up and saw ¡°Mr. Zane¡± on the screen.


    ¡°It¡¯s your call,¡± he said in a deep voice.


    Aveline came out, toothbrush in hand, and answered, ¡°Hello, Mr. Zan

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    ¡°Ave, I¡¯m really at the end of my rope. Can you help me?¡±


    As soon as the call connected, Zane¡¯s weathered, trembling voice game through. The middle¨Caged man sounded utterly helpless.


    Aveline was taken aback and quickly asked, ¡°Mr. Zane, what¡¯s wrong? Tell me slowly.


    Zane said, ¡°I¡¯m in Cloudre City. It¡¯s hard to exin over the phone. Where are <b>you</b>? Can Ie to see you?¡±


    Aveline agreed. ¡°Alright.¡±


    She asked Zane for his current location, then hung up and quickly started getting ready.


    Lucas<b>, </b>sitting on the bed, watched her with his intense eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Aveline replied.


    Lucas¡® face darkened. He was her husband! She was facing an issue, so how could she show him such an attitude?


    Aveline, however, had no time to worry about his feelings. Grabbing her keys, she pulled him along and headed out the door. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Locking the door behind her, she ignored Lucaspletely.


    Standing in the hallway, Lucas¡® expression grew even more unpleasant.


    She had kicked him out without even letting him wash up.


    He took out his phone and called Brian. ¡°Follow her and find out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Brian replied<b>, </b>¡°Yes.¡±


    Zane <b>was </b>staying in a very cheap motel. When He saw Aveline, he was overwhelmed with emotion. Ave, you¡¯re the only one who can help me now!


    Aveline tried to calm him down. ¡°Mr. Zane, don¡¯t worry. Tell me slowly.¡±


    Sitting on the bed, Zane sighed heavily and said, ¡°It¡¯s <b>about </b>my son, Bobby. He works as a driver for a wealthy family. Just a few days ago, I received photos of him beaten and covered in blood. I Immediately called them, but they imed Bobby stole something very valuable and they were going to press charges to send him to jail!¡±


    He took out his phone and showed Aveline the photos. ¡°Ave, Bobby isn¡¯t like that. He¡¯s honest and decent. There¡¯s no way he would steal from his employer. This has to be some kind of misunderstanding.


    ¡°But when I went to their ce, they wouldn¡¯t let me in <b>or </b>see Bobby. I even considered calling the police, but I¡¯m afraid. They have evidence against him, and if I report it, Bobby¡¯s life will be ruined!¡±

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    Aveline said, ¡°Mr. Zane, please wait here for my call. If I managed to see Bobby, I¡¯d let you know. I¡¯m worried they might not let us both in. If that happened, we¡¯d just be wasting our time.¡±


    Zane hesitated, unsure of what to do.


    Aveline gave him a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll find a way to help Bobby. Your family took care of me during high school, I owe you that much.¡±


    Zane nodded, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll do as you say. But be careful.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Aveline promised.


    She left the small motel and headed straight for the Tudor Estate. This was her second time going there alone. The first time was when Lucas had just regained his memory, and Barbara had invited her to the estate for dinner. She had witnessed Lucas being kind to Sophia.


    Recalling that scene, Aveline felt a twinge of pain within her..


    <b>Back </b>then, she was still reeling from the disbelief and sorrow. How could Lu, who had been so gentle and loving just a few days before, change so drastically overnight?


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew distant.


    She missed Lu.


    She missed him desperately.


    But Lucas was determined to erase the gentle, loving Lu from the past year <b>in </b>his own way.


    She closed her eyes, pushing down the pain. The taxi stopped at the gate of the Tudor Estate. Aveline paid the fare and got out, walking directly to the doorbell.


    After a moment, a servant came out. ¡°Madam Aveline, what brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to find someone,¡± Aveline replied.


    The servant opened the gate and invited her in, asking, ¡°Who are you looking for?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°A man named Bobby Looney. He works here as a driver. Where is he now?¡± Aveline inquired.


    The servant¡¯s expression changed instantly. ¡°Madam Aveline, I need to ask Madam Yvonne about this. Please <b>wait </b>here.¡±


    With that, she hurriedly went into the vi.


    Aveline stopped, not wanting to go any further inside.


    She felt a strong aversion to this ce.


    Yvonne¡¯s ambiguous attitude and Frederick¡¯s obvious dislike made her reluctant toe here.


    Meanwhile, in the study on the second floor, Frederick threw a stack of photos in front of Lucas and spoke coldly, ¡°That driver has some <b>nerve</b>, daring to steal your brother¡¯s belongings and sell them for


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    money! Lucas, I want you to handle this. I want him to suffer!¡±


    Lucas picked up the photos with his fingers and started flipping through them. The images clearly showed Bobby entering Leo¡¯s room, stealing items, and selling them. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    His eyes darkened as he looked at the photos.


    Frederick continued, ¡°Among these items <b>are </b>many things you gave your brother. He treasured them dearly. He always loved you very much!¡±


    Lucas¡® fingers trembled slightly as he held the photos. Memories of a youthful and handsome face appeared in his mind, full of ambition, talking about future dreams.


    And what was he like back then? He only gave Leo cold looks and harsh words, shattering his brother¡¯s dreams.


    But Leo never minded. He always smiled at Lucas, his hand resting on his shoulder. ¡°Lu, it¡¯s fine if you¡¯re like this with me. But when you find a girlfriend, you can¡¯t treat her this way. She¡¯d run away if you did.¡±


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    At that time, he had shaken off Leo¡¯s hand. ¡°What I do is none of your business!¡±


    He walked away, ignoring Leo¡¯s calls behind him. Lucas squeezed his eyes shut and, when he opened them <b>again</b>, they were cold and devoid of warmth.


    Just then, Yvonne walked in, cing a cup of tea next to Frederick. ¡°Are you done discussing? Aveline is here, outside.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression shifted. He walked over to the window and saw Aveline standing downstairs. The sun was ring, but she showed no intention ofing inside. He knew she was reluctant to be here.


    ¡°Why is she here?¡± Lucas asked in a low voice.


    Yvonne replied, ¡°The servant said she¡¯s here for Bobby, probably to plead for him.¡±


    Lucas pressed his lips into a thin line.


    ? Frederick looked at Lucas coldly, ¡°Lucas, you know <b>what </b>you have to do!¡±


    Yvonne spoke softly, ¡°Don¡¯t be so harsh. The items have been returned. Maybe Bobby just made a mistake. Since Aveline knows him, why not let it go this time?¡±


    ¡°Who does Aveline think she is?¡± Frederick scoffed. ¡°She isn¡¯t worth even a hair of Leo¡¯s!¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    He then fixed his gaze on Lucas. ¡°If you don¡¯t deal with Bobby because of that woman, forget about joining the Tudor Group!¡±


    With that, he turned away, taking a sip of his tea.


    Yvonne looked troubled but didn¡¯t dare to say more, seeing Frederick¡¯s anger.


    Lucas turned and left the


    The servant nodded. ¡°Yey, instructing <b>a </b>servant, ¡°Tell her to leave.¡±


    sir.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Lucas called after the servant, frowning. ¡°Don¡¯t tell her I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The servant walked out and approached Aveline ¡°Madam Aveline, you should go. Madam Yvonne is busy, and Mr. Lucas is not home.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Where is Bobby being held?¡±


    The servant shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know that.¡±


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly. ¡°Then, when Madam Yvonne is free, please tell her I need to talk to


    her.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± the servant replied.


    Aveline turned to leave, and as she walked out the gate, she felt a gaze on her. She turned around but saw nothing. What was that? Was it just her imagination?


    1/2


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    She put away her thoughts and took out her phone, finding Yvonne¡¯s number. She dialed it, but the call was immediately declined. They didn¡¯t want to see her or take her call. What did that mean? Were they¡® trying to stop her from seeing Bobby?


    Pressing her lips together, Aveline¡¯s fingers hovered over Lucas¡® name before dialing. After three rings, the call connected.


    ¡°Hello?¡± His deep, maic voice was as cold as ever.


    ¡°Where are you? I want to see you,¡± Aveline said.


    Lucas scoffed, ¡°You used to avoid me, wouldn¡¯t even let me touch you. Now suddenly, you want to see me? Need a favor, don¡¯t you?¡±


    His casual tone made Aveline¡¯s heart tighten. She did need his help. As the only heir of the Tudor family, finding out where Bobby was should be easy for him.


    ¡°I need your help to find someone,¡± she said softly.


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°A man or a woman?¡±


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    ¡°Man.¡±


    ¡°Forget it!¡± Lucas said bluntly and hung up the phone.


    Aveline felt a headacheing on. Lucas had dismissed her so decisively, not even giving her at chance to exin. She needed to see him in person.


    As she walked outside, her phone rang again. It <b>was </b>Zane calling.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Zane.¡±


    Zane asked urgently, ¡°Ave, have you seen Bobby?


    ¡°Not yet, but don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll find a way,¡± Aveline replied.


    Zane sounded desperate. ¡°He¡¯s been beaten so badly. He must be suffering. Ave, you must find him quickly. He can¡¯t go to jail. He¡¯s our only <b>son</b>. If something happens to him, we won¡¯t survive.¡±


    Aveline reassured him, ¡°Mr. Zane, don¡¯t worry. They haven¡¯t handed Bobby over to the police yet, which means there¡¯s still room for negotiation. I¡¯ll find a way.


    Zane sighed. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°It¡¯s what I should do<b>.</b>¡±


    After a few moreforting words, she hung up the phone and sent a message to Lucas.


    ¡°What do you want for dinner tonight?¡±


    After sending the message, she took a taxi and left. Lucas liked her cooking, and he had been keeping an eye on her these past few days. He would likely make a request.


    She was <b>asking </b>for a favor, so she needed to lower her stance.


    In the damp, cold basement, the lights were bright. A man was hanging by his arms, suspended in midair, his body covered in blood, unconscious


    Lucas stood a short distance <b>away</b>, watching with cold eyes. His phone beeped, and he took it out, then irritably pulled out a cigarette, cing it between his lips and lighting it. Smoke curled upward, obscuring his expression.


    Desmond stood nearby and asked, ¡°Mr. Tudor, what should we do with him?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Find out why Aveline suddenly came here asking for him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Desmond left and returned shortly after. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Mr. Zane came to Cloudre City seeking help from Mrs. Tudor. She agreed because she felt grateful for the help she received from Bobby¡¯s family in the past.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas listened to the report, his handsome face growing colder,


    ¡°Contact Bobby¡¯s father and tell him to leave Cloudre City.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Desmond turned and left.


    A guard holding a saltwater¨Csoaked whip looked at Lucas. With a wave of Lucas¡® hand, the whipshed heavily across Bobby¡¯s body.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Bobby screamed, jolted awake by the pain. Opening his eyes, he saw the tall, handsome mant with narrow, cold eyes staring at him without a hint of warmth.


    ¡°You dared to touch his things should I cripple your left hand or your right hand first?¡±


    Bobby pleaded repeatedly, ¡°I was wrong! I admit my mistake. I wasn¡¯t thinking straight. Please spare me, Mr. Lucas. I won¡¯t do it again!¡±


    Lucas, with the cigarette between his lips, coldly said, ¡°Toote.


    He turned and walked away, leaving behind the sound of Bobby¡¯s anguished screams.


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    After buying groceries, Aveline returned home. She kept checking for a reply from Lucas, but her


    message


    seemed to <b>have </b>vanished into the vold¨Chot a notification from him


    What was going on?


    He had seemed normal in the morning, but now it was as if he had be a different person.


    What had gone wrong?


    Aveline couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    It was already afternoon. As she watched the sun slowly set, her heart sank with it. She didn¡¯t understand the Tudors¡® intentions. They had captured Bobby, tortured him, and threatened to send him to jail, yet they sent those photos to Zane.


    Aveline wondered who the mastermind was. Was it Yvonne or Frederick?


    What were they trying to achieve, and why did they target a mere driver?


    While she was lost in thought, her phone rang again.


    She quickly picked it up, hoping it was Lucas, but it turned out to be Zane.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Zane. What¡¯s the matter?¡± Aveline answered.


    Zane¡¯s voice was anxious. ¡°Ave, those people came to find me. They told me to leave Cloudre City and even gave me money to stop worrying about Bobby. How can I do that? Bobby is my only son. I refused their money, so they are trying to force me out of the city. I have nowhere to stay now.<i>¡± </i>N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline stood up abruptly, shocked by the severity of the situation. The Tudors intended to silence Zane with money, all to keep Bobby confined!


    ¡°What could Bobby have done to deserve such harsh treatment?¡± Aveline wondered.


    She asked, ¡°Mr. Zane, where are you now?*


    Zane replied, ¡°I¡¯m on the main road. The inn kicked me out.¡±


    ¡°Send me your location. I¡¯lle and find you,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Zane agreed.


    After hanging up, Aveline looked at the location he sent and then quickly left to find him.


    Just <b>as </b>she reached downstairs, her phone rang again.


    This tim


    This time, it was from Lucas.


    She exhaled deeply before answering, ¡°<b>Lucas</b><b>, </b>are youing over for dinner tonight?¡±


    Lucas¡® deep, maic voice came through the line. ¡°Aveline, is this how you ask for a favor?¡±


    Aveline bit her lip. ¡°Where are you? I want to see you.¡±


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    Her voice was soft, her demeanor no longer cold.


    Lucas found it ironic. She was willing to humble herself for someone else. He coldly replied, ¡°The Tudor Estate. I want to see you now.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Can it beter? I have something urgent to take care of.¡±


    Lucas¡® tone was frosty. ¡°Half an hour. If I don¡¯t see you by then, don¡¯t bother talking to me.¡±


    He hung up immediately.


    Aveline was furious.


    What was wrong with this man?


    There was no time to dwell. She quickly located Zane, used her ID to book him a hotel room, and ensured he was settled. An hour slipped by before she finally reached the Tudor Estate.


    Aveline arrived at the Tudor Estate¡¯s gate, slightly winded. Her long hair, tousled by the wind, whipped across her face. She pressed the doorbell, but silence greeted her.


    She could clearly see lights on inside the house!


    Aveline called Lucas.


    He didn¡¯t answer. He even hung up on her!


    What was going on? Was he really this upset about her beingte?


    Aveline felt utterly confused, especially after her visit to the Tudor family.


    Lucas had been incredibly cold towards her.


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    Aveline jabbed the doorbell repeatedly, her stubbornness matching the house¡¯s silence. As twilight deepened, an autumn chill <b>crept </b>into the air, the Wind¡¯s bite growing sharper.


    Aveline lowered her hand and sighed in resignation, turning to leave.


    She headed straight to the hotel, only to find the manager trying <b>to </b>evict Zane.


    ¡°Sir, we are closing for renovations. Please leave, the manager insisted.


    Zane protested, ¡°You <b>were </b>open when I arrived. Why all of a sudden you¡¯re closing?¡±


    The manager responded, ¡°Sir, please don¡¯t make this difficult for us.¡±


    Aveline approached and said, ¡°Is it really for renovations, or did someone order you to do this? If you don¡¯t tell me the truth, I will make sure you really close down for good.¡±


    The manager hesitated upon seeing her, then said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t disclose that information. We 5 will refund your payment in full.¡°,


    Aveline¡¯s face darkened as she turned to Zane. ¡°Mr. Zane, let¡¯s go.¡±


    The hotel staff were just following orders from above.


    Zane, carrying his bag, followed Aveline, sighing heavily. ¡°What now? It¡¯s clear they won¡¯t let Bobby go. They¡¯re making it impossible for me to stay in Cloudre City!


    Aveline thought about taking Zane back to her ce, but the apartment belonged to Selena, her good friend. She was wee to stay there, but bringing someone else would be crossing a line. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She looked at Zane. ¡°There¡¯s a small inn nearby we can try for tonight. I¡¯ll find something more


    suitable tomorrow.¡±


    Some local inns were known for their flexibility with guests and payment methods.


    Zane shook his head immediately. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I can go to a nearby city andmute back and forth every day. It¡¯s no trouble.¡±


    Aveline smiled gently. ¡°I also need to find a ce to stay in anyway. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Hearing this, Zane fell silent for a moment before asking, ¡°Ave, I really hate to trouble you.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Without your help, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to attend college.¡±


    Zane smiled faintly. ¡°You would have managed. You¡¯ve always been very smart.¡±


    Remembering the past seemed to calm Zane down a bit. Aveline took Zane to a small inn, paid for the room, and told him to rest well before leaving.


    She stood on the quiet roadside and called out, ¡°Brian!¡±


    There was no response, but she <b>knew </b>he was there, watching over her from the shadows.


    ¡°You want my forgiveness? Show yourself,¡± Aveline continued.


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    After a moment of silence, a figure emerged from the nearby bushes. Dressed in ck, he blended seamlessly with the night. Had he not revealed himself, he would have been nearly impossible to spot.


    He approached her with a nk expression. ¡°What must I do for you to forgive me?¡±


    He had been protecting Aveline as part of his penance.


    Earning her forgiveness meant he could return to Lucas¡® side. He didn¡¯t want to stay with this woman; he preferred the thrilling tasks he received from <b>Lucas</b><b>. </b>


    Aveline looked at him directly and asked, ¡°Where is Lucas?¡±


    Brian shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve been protecting you. I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Aveline insisted, ¡°You¡¯re his subordinate. You must know other colleagues. Ask them. I need to know where Lucas is. Find him and tell me, and I¡¯ll forgive you.¡±


    Brian paused. ¡°Really?¡±

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    Aveline nodded.


    <b>Brian </b>took out his phone and made a call. After a moment, he looked at her and <b>said</b>, ¡°I¡¯ll <b>take </b>you


    there.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Alright.¡±


    They arrived at the Noble Color Bar.


    As Aveline got out of the car, she looked at Brian and asked, ¡°Is Lucas here?¡±


    Brian nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    With determination in her eyes, Aveline walked inside. The bar wasrge, spanning three floors. The first floor was the main hall, with a stage and booths, the liveliest part of the bar. The second and third floors were more private, and often frequented by wealthy patrons.


    Aveline went straight to the bar and asked, ¡°Which floor is Lucas Tudor on?¡±


    The staff member behind the bar looked confused and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know who


    that is.¡±


    Aveline frowned. Didn¡¯t this person know Lucas? Would she have to search each room upstairs? It seemed that was her only option.


    She headed for the second floor but <b>was </b>stopped by two burly guards at the staircase.


    ¡°No entry without a reservation!¡± they barked. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline turned to Brian and tilted her head slightly. Without a word, Brian stepped forward and easily subdued the two men.


    Ignoring their angry res, Aveline walked past them and headed upstairs, with Brian following closely behind. The two guards quickly contacted the manager, who was currently in a private room, respectfully attending to a guest.


    Hearing the report from his subordinates, the manager¡¯s expression darkened. He turned to the man sitting on the sofa and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, I apologize. There¡¯s a small issue I need to handle.¡±


    The man didn¡¯t respond, merely waved his hand dismissively.


    The manager hurried out and saw Aveline and Brian approaching from the opposite direction.


    ¡°Are you the one who forced your way in here? Do you think this <b>ce </b><b>is </b>your home where you can act recklessly? Get out of here!¡± The manager rudely pointed at Aveline¡¯s nose, shouting.


    Brian stepped forward, grabbed the manager¡¯s finger, and with a slight twist<b>, </b>made the manager scream in pain..


    Aveline nced at the name tag on his chest and then asked, ¡°Where is Lucas Tudor?¡±


    The manager was stunned. This woman knew Lucas! Trembling, he asked, ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡±


    1/2


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    ¡°His wife,¡± Aveline replied calmly.


    The manager was shocked! This was the infamous wife of Lucas? The one who refused to divorce


    him!


    With his finger still held by Brian, the manager could only point to a private room. ¡°There¡­¡±


    Aveline walked straight over and pushed the door open.


    Compared to the livelymotion downstairs, the private rooms upstairs were quiet and dimly lit. Aveline immediately saw Lucas sitting on the sofa. He had a cigarette at his lips, half¨Cclosed eyes watching her with a mocking smile.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, quite the entrance,¡± Lucas said.


    Suppressing her emotions, Aveline walked over and sat next to him. ¡°Lucas, why won¡¯t you see me?¡±


    There were others in the room, and they were all surprised by how Lucas addressed her. Their curious eyes darted between Aveline and Lucas.


    Aaron, who had been chatting with a woman, chuckled. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two getting divorced? Why should he see you?¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline paused.


    Divorce? Was he finally willing to divorce her?


    Her eyes brightened for a moment, but Lucas caught the look. His eyes shed with a cold light as he held the cigarette between his fingers, staring at her coolly. ¡°Yes, divorce, right?¡±


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    Aveline¡¯s palms were sweating with nerves. He truly Intended to divorce her! Yet, his casual demeanor made it hard for her to belleve. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lucas, are you serious?¡± she asked cautiously.


    After all, they had fought over this issue so many times before. His sudden proposal made her wary of trusting him.


    Lucas¡® cold smile remained. ¡®Of course, I¡¯m serious.¡±


    He took a drag of his cigarette, the <b>smoke </b>obscuring his handsome features. ¡°But remember, when you¡¯re no longer my wife, you have no right to be in my presence<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank. She hade to seek Lucas¡® help. If she agreed to the divorce, she might never see him again, let alone ask for his help.


    Lucas watched her with amusement. ¡°Well? Have you made up your mind?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s fingers curled up, and she lowered her gaze. After a long pause, she said, ¡°Lucas, doing this on purpose?¡±


    are you


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. I¡¯ve agreed to the divorce. What more do you want?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank further.


    Suddenly, Lucas grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. ¡°Or.do you expect me to agree to the divorce while also helping you? What do you take me for? Yourpdog?¡±


    His mocking tone felt like a p to Aveline¡¯s face. She felt a surge of indignation and humiliation.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything to provoke you,¡± she said, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. His antagonism felt unwarranted and cruel.


    Lucas was visibly agitated. He grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her closer, kissing her without


    warning


    The others in the room averted their eyes, respecting their privacy. Aaron, however, watched with a bemused expression, entertained by their tumultuous rtionship.


    What should she do? It seemed like she was trapped in a dead end. Lucas would never let Bobby, who had tampered with Leo¡¯s belongings, go unpunished. Aveline was here to plead for Bobby.


    Aaron, however, sensed something unusual.


    Aveline suddenly pushed Lucas away, her lips trembling slightly as she suppressed her emotions. Lucas<b>, </b>if I don¡¯t divorce you, can I, <b>as </b>your wife, ask you for a favor?¡±


    She humbled herself once more, realizing she had no right to stand proud in front of him. He could easily control her with just <b>a </b><b>finger </b>if he wanted.


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened. He brushed his thumb across her lips, their noses nearly touching <b>in </b>an Intimate pose, like a loving couple.


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    ¡°Then show me the attitude of someone asking for a favor.¡±


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered.


    Lucas released her and leaned backzily, his gaze inscrutable. What choice would she make? What concessions would she offer for someone irrelevant?


    Aveline looked at the table, which was covered with various drinks. She picked up a bottle, poured a drink into a ss, and looked at him. ¡°Do you want to drink?¡±


    Lucas stared deeply at her. ¡°Drink.¡±


    Aveline took a sip and then leaned closer to him. Her <b>lips</b><b>, </b>still slightly red from his kiss and now moist with alcohol, looked even more alluring.


    Lucas did not refuse, allowing her to clumsily feed him the drink. The liquid slid down the corners of their mouths.


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    In the dimly liter, the atmosphere was thick with ambiguity. The scent of alcohol lingered between their lips.


    Suddenly, Lucas stood up and pulled Aveline out of the private room. Outside, Brian stood guard like a sentinel, his eyes fixed on Lucas.


    Lucas cast <b>a </b><b>cold </b>nce at him but said <b>nothing</b>, leading Aveline out of Noble Color Bar.


    Once in the car, things quickly spiraled out of control. Lucas cupped her face, kissing her with urgency and impatience. He pressed a button, and the partition between the front and back seats slid up, blocking the view from the front.


    The backseat immediately felt more confined. Aveline, overwhelmed by his kisses, instinctively pushed him away.


    Surprisingly, Lucas let her push him back.


    He leaned against the seat, his dark eyes <b>fixed </b>of her. ¡°I forgot, you need to show some effort.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath was erratic. How was she supposed to show effort? He had always been the dominant one in their encounters, both past and present, leaving her no room to resist. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Lucas lit another cigarette, and the backseat filled with the faint smell of tobo. Unable to bear the scent, Aveline opened the window, letting the cold wind clear her mind a bit.


    She looked at him and asked, ¡°If I satisfy you, will you help me?¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°You keep insisting on that, worried I¡¯ll take advantage and then back out?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You have a history.¡±


    Lucas muttered a curse under his breath and stared at her. ¡°So what? You¡¯re still here, asking for my


    help.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    He was right.


    She had no other options.


    Frederick disdained her, Yvonne refused to see her, and Barbara was too old and unwell for her to ask for help.


    The only person who could help her now <b>was </b>Lucas.


    But she had a nagging feeling that his unusual behavior today was rted to this matter.


    After a moment of silence, she looked at him and asked, ¡°Do you know why I¡¯m looking for you?¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond, merely half¨Cclosing his eyes as he took a drag of his cigarette. The dim light in the car obscured their expressions, but his cold demeanor was unmistakable.


    Aveline grasped his hand, her fingers slightly <b>cool </b>¡°Lucas, you can help me, can¡¯t you?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Do you know the value of the things he stole?


    So, he did know! Aveline¡¯s heart tightened. ¡°Did he really steal something?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Ha!¡± Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°The Tudor family wouldn¡¯t falsely use a mere driver.¡±


    He turned her hand over, ying with her <b>fingers </b>in his palm. ¡°How did you find out about this?¡±


    Aveline exined the whole situation to him.


    Lucas narrowed his eyes dangerously and then said nonchntly, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t get involved. You can¡¯t handle it.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Aveline refused, looking at him with determination. ¡°Without Mr. Zane, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to attend university in Cloudre City. I must help him.¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°And how do you n to help?¡±


    Aveline was at a loss for words.


    If Lucas said Bobby had stolen valuable items, it must be the truth.


    She had thought the Tudor family had wronged Bobby, hoping there might be a chance to resolve it.


    But now what?


    She lowered her gaze, hershes trembling as she looked at their intertwined hands. ¡°Lu, you can find a way, can¡¯t you?¡±


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    Aveline didn¡¯t expect Lucas to grab her by the neck and pinned her to the seat as soon as she finished speaking. His eye¡¯s cold and menacing <b>as </b>he stared at her. ¡°What did you just call me?¡±


    Aveline was taken aback, not expecting him to suddenly get angry. ¡°What¡¯s¡­ what¡¯s wrong with you<b>?</b>¡±


    She had always called him that before.


    Lucas¡® expression was dark and he said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t ever call me that again!¡±


    Aveline shivered in fear.


    Lucas released her, pressed a button, and waited for the partition to rise. Once it did, he ordered coldly, ¡°Stop the car!¡±


    The driver immediately pulled over.


    Lucas didn¡¯t even look at Aveline. ¡°Get out!¡±


    Aveline, confused, looked at his harsh face and asked, ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    The chill around Lucas intensified. ¡®Don¡¯t make me throw you out!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart trembled. Knowing he meant it, she quickly opened the car door and got out.


    The door closed and the car sped away.


    The autumn wind blew, and Aveline felt a bone¨Cchilling cold.


    What was wrong with him?


    And why wouldn¡¯t he help her?


    What did Bobby steal?


    If he was certain Bobby stole something, why not send him to the police instead of keeping him at the Tudor family home?


    A series of questions swirled in Aveline¡¯s mind, leaving her anxious and confused.


    But inexplicably, she was most worried about Lucas¡® condition.


    What was wrong with him?


    In the car, Lucas was filled with irritation. Her voice calling him Lu still echoed in his ears, ovepping with memories of Leo calling him the same.


    ¡°Lu,e over, I have something good to show you!¡±


    ¡°<b>Lu</b>, don¡¯t you like this race car? How about I take you to see a race? Don¡¯t worry, Dad and Madam Yvonne won¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°Lu, Lu¡­¡±


    The youthful voice <b>was </b>full of energy, but in the next second, the image of a body consumed by


    +15 BONUS


    mes appeared in his mind.


    Back then, Lucas was just a teenager.


    He stood there, stunned, watching Leo being engulfed by mes. Despite the agony, Leo still managed to give him a smile. ¡°Lu, live well.¡±


    Lucas tugged at his tie in frustration and growled ¡°Stop the car!¡±


    The driver immediately hit the brakes, feeling the coldness spreading inside the vehicle.


    Lucas got out of the car and stood by the roadside, letting the cool breeze blow over him, dispersing his agitation.


    He took out a cigarette, lit it, and smoked one after another.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    At that moment, Brian walked over.


    Seeing him, Lucas¡® face darkened immediately. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to protect Aveline?¡±


    Brian said, ¡°Miss Young said if I helped her find you, she would forgive me, and I wouldn¡¯t need to follow her anymore.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression turned even darker. ¡°Whatever she says goes? Whose man are you, hers or mine?¡±


    Brian quickly replied, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m yours!¡±


    Lucas ordered, ¡°Get back and protect her. If anything happens to her, you¡¯re better off dead!¡±


    Brian hesitated, ¡°Mr. Tudor¡­¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Lucas red at him violently.


    Brian shivered and quickly turned to leave.


    Lucas took a deep drag on his cigarette, his eyes downcast, his fingers trembling slightly, All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He climbed into the driver¡¯s seat and turned the car around.


    Aveline walked along the roadside, hugging herself against the cold. It was already veryte, and she <b>was </b>originally supposed to go to the Tudor residence.


    Therefore, there were hardly any cars around.


    and saw


    She checked the ride¨Chailing app it was peak time, meaning a long wait to get a taxi.

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    At that moment, she heard footsteps behind her, helther too close nor too far, but it inexplicably made


    her uneasy.


    There were shops around, and surveince cameras, but she still felt <b>anxious</b>.


    The previous two encounters had made her vignt. She quickened her pace, and the footsteps behind her also sped up.


    Aveline didn¡¯t dare to look back!


    She saw a convenience store and ran straight towards it!


    Once inside, she turned around and saw that there was indeed a man following her, but he didn¡¯t enter


    the store when she did.


    Aveline¡¯s heart was racing! Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    She didn¡¯t dare to go back outside, so she sat by the window and took out her phone to make a call.


    But who should she call?


    Lucas had been terrifying earlier and clearly didn¡¯t <b>want </b>to see her again. If she called him, would he even pick up?


    But who else could she call besides Lucas?


    For the first time, Aveline felt utterly helpless.


    In such a big city, it seemed she had no one to tum to for help.


    She exhaled slowly, and when she looked up, she saw the man still lingering outside!


    It seemed he was waiting for her to leave!


    Aveline¡¯s palms were mmy with cold sweat!


    She couldn¡¯t worry about anything else and immediately dialed Lucas¡® number.


    ¡°Ring¡­ ring¡­ ring¡­¡±


    The busy tone kept ringing.


    Aveline nced outside from time to time, and seeing the man¡¯s figure made her quickly avert her gaze in fear.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Fortunately, the call was answered.


    Aveline said, ¡°Lucas, where are you? Can youe and get me? Someone is following me!¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Send me your location.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


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    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline felt a sudden sense of relief.


    If he was willing toe, then everything would be alright!


    She sent him her location and anxiously waited.


    But as the minutes ticked by, an hour had passed in no time.


    Lucas still hadn¡¯t shown up!


    What was going on?


    They weren¡¯t that <b>far </b>apart!


    ¡°Miss, we¡¯re closing soon.¡±


    At that moment, the convenience store owner approached her and said.


    This convenience store wasn¡¯t open for 24 hours.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make a call and then leave.¡±


    She dialed Lucas¡® number again.


    It was still the busy tone, and then his voice came through, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank, ¡°Lucas, weren¡¯t youing to get me<b>?</b>¡±


    There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then a familiar voice spoke up. ¡°Lucas, I knew you cared about me¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught in her throat!


    It was


    phia¡¯s voice!


    Lucas said, ¡°I¡¯m busy. I¡¯ve sent someone to <b>pick </b>you up.¡±


    With that, he hung up the phone!


    Aveline stared at her phone in a daze, her heart once again filled with a sharp, spreading pain,


    He actually went to see Sophia<b>! </b>


    Wasn¡¯t he starting to despise Sophia?


    Why did he go to her again?


    Even though she had clearly told him someone was following her.


    But he still chose to go to Sophia.


    Aveline let out <b>a </b>self¨Cdeprecatingugh and left the convenience store.


    The shutter behind her slowly closed. The man in the distance nced over, she couldn¡¯t see his face clearly but could feel his malicious gaze.


    At this moment, it was hard <i>to </i>describe what she was feeling.


    Anger, sadness, resentment¡­


    But she had to run!


    She couldn¡¯t stay here!


    The man was already walking toward her, his eyes fixed on her as if she were his prey!


    Just as Aveline was about to call the police, she realized her phone was out of battery!


    Her face instantly turned pale!


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    Damn it!!


    She had to run!


    Aveline couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate any longer and took off running!


    There was another convenience store open not far ahead; she could rush in and call the police there!


    Just then, two girls rounded the corner ahead.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes lit up, and she immediately ran over to link arms with them, smiling brightly. ¡°Where have you been? I¡¯ve been waiting for you so long.¡±


    The two girls looked at her in surprise. ¡°<b>You</b>¡­¡±


    Aveline quickly winked at them and whispered, ¡°Someone is following me. Can you help me, please?¡±


    The girls¡® expressions turned tense.


    One girl said, ¡°Why were you dawdling? We had to do our makeup before leaving!¡±


    The other girl added, ¡°Let¡¯s go to that food street; there are lots of delicious food there.¡±


    Aveline nodded eagerly. ¡°Sure, sounds great.¡±


    They chatted like friends as they walked.


    At the corner, Aveline nced back and saw that the man hadn¡¯t followed.


    She breathed a huge sigh of relief.


    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± she said to the girls.


    One of them replied, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Let¡¯s keep moving; what if he follows again?¡±


    The other girl nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not safe for you to be alone. Why didn¡¯t you call the police?¡±


    Aveline smiled bitterly. ¡°My phone died.¡±


    The two girls linked arms with her again, leading her down a street.


    But as they walked, Aveline felt something was off.


    Why was it getting more and more deserted?


    She asked directly. ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    One girl replied, ¡°This way leads to the food street. It¡¯s more crowded there, so you¡¯ll be safer.¡±


    Herpanion nodded. ¡°Yeah,e on,¡±


    Cold sweat broke out on Aveline¡¯s palms.


    Suddenly, she clutched her stomach and said, ¡°I¡­ I have a terrible stomachache.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    The two girls exchanged a nce, then dragged her deeper into the alley.


    ¡°There¡¯s a restroom over there.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face turned pale!


    They had figured out her thoughts!


    These two were in cahoots with that man!


    But realizing this was toote, as the man had somehow appeared at the other end of the alley, his eyes cold and menacing.


    Aveline stood still, not moving.


    The two girls held onto her arms, preventing her escape.


    Aveline¡¯s voice was dry and hoarse with tension as she bitterly asked, ¡°Who are you people? Why are you kidnapping me?¡±


    One of the girls responded, ¡°Kidnapping? What kidnapping?¡±


    Aveline paused, if not kidnapping, then <b>was </b>it human trafficking?


    She had seen such things on the news but never imagined it would happen to her!


    It seemed she wouldn¡¯t escape tonight.


    But when Lucas realized she was missing, would he regret noting to get her?


    Ha¡­


    What was she thinking?


    How could he possibly regret it?


    She had clearly told him someone was following her, yet he still chose to go to Sophia,


    It showed that Sophia was more important to him.


    She meant nothing to him!


    Even with this stark realization, tears still fell inrge drops.


    A sharp pain spread across her heart, making it almost impossible to breathe!


    The two girls, seeing her suddenly cry, noticed that, unlike other girls who cried out of fear when trafficked, Aveline¡¯s tears were of deep sorrow, as if she had gone through something heart- wrenching.

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    Chapter 354


    The two girls looked at the man, and with a wave of his hand, they began leading Aveline down a narrow path.


    At the end of the path was a parked van. Once Aveline was inside, she would have no chance of


    escape. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn¡¯t struggle along the way, her heart filled with <b>unbearable </b>sorrow, tears streaming down like broken pearls.


    It wasn¡¯t until she saw the van that her eyshes fluttered.


    Suddenly, she tightened her grip and dug her nails into the arms of the two girls.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The two girls screamed in pain and instinctively let go of Aveline.


    Deep scratches appeared where Aveline had wed them.


    Seizing the moment, Aveline turned and ran!


    She had to run!


    She couldn¡¯t resign herself to this fate!


    ¡°Damn it, get her!¡±


    Behind her, the man cursed.


    With his prey slipping away, his anger surged more than anyone¡¯s.


    Fear and the will to survive gave Aveline immense strength, and for a moment, they couldn¡¯t catch up


    to her!


    She gritted her teeth, feeling the pain in her chest from the exertion.


    It was from theck of air in her lungs after the intense activity.


    Just then, a figure suddenly emerged ahead!


    Aveline¡¯s face turned even paler!


    Did they have more aplices?


    But soon, she saw who it was.


    It was Brian.


    Brian quickly rushed past her and knocked down the men chasing her with a few swift moves. Then


    he turned to Aveline.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, are you alright?¡±


    His face was full of worry and guilt.


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    He had arrived toote!


    If he had found Aveline earlier, none of this would have happened!


    Seeing the men taken down, Aveline, with trembling lips, said, ¡°Call the police, they¡¯re human traffickers.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Brian¡¯s expression turned even darker as he took out his phone and called the police.


    Aveline suddenly felt a wave of relief, her strength leaving her <b>as </b>she sank to the ground.


    She stared nkly ahead, tears streaming down her face again.


    But soon, she wiped them away.


    The police arrived quickly, and Aveline went with them to give a statement. When she came out, she saw Brian standing nearby.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, I¡¯ve informed Mr. Tudor, He¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face was expressionless as she said, ¡°I want to go home.¡±


    Brian frowned, ¡°Perhaps you should wait a bit¡­¡±


    Aveline ignored him and walked to the roadside to hail a cab.


    Soon, a taxi pulled up, and she gave the driver her neighborhood¡¯s name as she got in.


    Brian w


    watched from the roadside, taking out his phone to call Lucas again.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, Mrs. Tudor has gone home.¡±


    Lucas hung up without a word.


    He gripped the steering wheel tightly, the veins on the back of his hand standing out, his face a mix of coldness and anxiety.


    He never imagined Aveline would go through such an ordeal!


    How desperate must she have been?


    Lucas pressed his lips into a tight line, his heart feeling as if it were being squeezed, making it hard to


    breathe.


    The car finally stopped in front of Selena¡¯s building.


    He strode upstairs and knocked on the door.


    But there was no response from inside.


    Unwilling to give up, Lucas continued knocking, qu

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    At that moment, the door suddenly opened.


    Aveline stood there with a face mask on, her eyes devoid of any warmth as she looked at them.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The locksmith <b>hesitated </b>and instinctively looked at Lucas.


    Lucas <b>stared </b>at her, his voice <b>hoarse</b><b>, </b>¡°Aveline, I didn¡¯t know you were in danger. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you need something?¡± Aveline coldly interrupted him.


    Lucas pressed his lips into a tight line, the feeling in his chest growing more intense.


    He said, ¡°Let me in, we need to talk.


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m tired and want to <b>sleep</b>.¡±


    But Lucas grabbed the door, not allowing her to close it.


    Aveline looked at him and suddenly <b>asked</b>, ¡°Lucas, I hadn¡¯t been saved today, if I had been taken, would you regret it?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°That wouldn¡¯t happen. I would find you.


    Aveline persisted, ¡°Would you regret it?¡±


    She was fixated on this answer.


    But she knew it was meaningless.


    Upon learning that he had left her in danger to see Sophia, her heart had already died.


    Completely dead.


    Lucas, trying to be patient, said, ¡°Aveline, I <b>said </b>that wouldn¡¯t happen. I wouldn¡¯t let you be taken.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I guess you wouldn¡¯t regret it. Without me, you still have Miss Winter, or even Miss Reba, or any other woman. So, <b>can </b>you please stop looking for <b>me</b>? I¡¯m really tired and want to rest.


    She reached out and pried his <b>fingers </b>off the door.


    But Lucas forcefully walked in!


    The door closed behind him, and he stared at her with his dark, narrow eyes. ¡°Why won¡¯t you listen to my exnation? I went to see Sophia because she knows¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡±


    Aveline stepped back, maintaining her distance from him.


    Lucas¡® throat felt like it was being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.


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    Her demeanor hadn¡¯t changed; she was always distant with him. But he noticed a subtle difference.


    Her gaze now held nothing but coldness.


    Before, there would still be some fluctuations, some emotion.


    Now, there was nothing.


    Lucas was deeply unsettled.


    He grabbed her wrist, pulling her close, and demanded in a low voice, ¡°Say it again!¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°Even if I say it ten times, it¡¯s the same. I don¡¯t care who you¡¯re with or who your went to see. I don¡¯t¡­¡±


    Before she could finish, Lucas cupped the back of her head and kissed her!


    Annoyed by the mask on her face, he tore it off and threw it aside, pressing her against the foyer cab and kissing her fiercely! N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline struggled violently!


    She kept hitting him,nding several ps on his face!


    Lucas seized both her wrists and pinned them behind her back, forcing her closer to him.


    She couldn¡¯t struggle, only endure his kiss.


    Lucas tasted saltiness and paused, lifting his eyes to see Aveline¡¯s tears falling.


    Her eyes were filled with sorrow, andrge tears fell like shattered pearls, piercing his heart.


    Lucas held her tightly. ¡°Aveline, it¡¯s my fault. Ridase don¡¯t cry.¡±


    His voice was hoarse, admitting his mistake.


    But Aveline didn¡¯t want to hear it, didn¡¯t want to ept it.


    ¡°If you really feel guilty, then divorce me,¡± she said, her voice muffled and choked with sobs.


    Comments

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    Chapter 356


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    Lucas tightened his hold on her abruptly, as if he wanted to merge her into his very bones.


    *Impossible.¡±


    His voice grew more hoarse as he clung to her, ¡°Aveline, I won¡¯t divorce you.


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly. ¡°Then let Bobby go.¡±


    <i>This </i>tim


    time, Lucas didn¡¯t move or speak.


    After nearly a minute of silence, he released her and cupped her face, saying, ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ll make it up to you. I¡¯ll give you anything you want, but I can¡¯t do those two things.¡±


    Aveline let out a coldugh. ¡°You¡¯re so hypocritical. You say you¡¯ll give me anything, yet you refuse the conditions I set.¡±


    Lucas pressed his lips together, not reacting to her usations and mockery.


    He gazed at her tear¨Cstreaked face, gently wiping away her tears, and said softly, ¡°Aveline, you can ask <b>for </b>anything else.¡±


    Aveline pushed his hand away. ¡°I¡¯m <b>not </b>interested in anything else.¡±


    Looking at her now indifferent face, her lips swollen from his kiss, adding an air of intimacy, her


    expression remained icy.


    It was as if she hadn¡¯t been moved at <b>all</b>.


    He just looked at her for a long time without saying anything.


    Aveline pushed him away. ¡°Leave, I need to rest.¡±


    She was truly exhausted and sleepy.


    Ignoring Lucas, she went straight into her room andy on the bed.


    But Lucas didn¡¯t leave.


    He went to the bathroom to take a shower. Without any clothes, he emerged naked andy on the bed, pulling her into his arms.


    Feeling his skin against hers, Aveline¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°Get out!¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯m staying with you.¡±


    After what she¡¯d been through, she must be scared.


    He didn¡¯t intend to do anything, and at that moment, he didn¡¯t feel like it either; he just wanted to be there for her.


    Aveline looked into his <b>eyes </b>and found itughable!


    Just a few hours ago, he was cold and ruthless, telling her to get out of the car.


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    And now?


    He seemed like apletely different person, like a chameleon changing on a whim!


    But she had no interest in ying along!


    Aveline got out of bed and went to lie down on the sofa in the living room.


    She didn¡¯t want to be in the same space as him!


    Lucas realized this, a cold glint shing in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.


    He didn¡¯t go out immediately.


    Instead, he waited until he heard her breathing be steady before getting up and walking over to her. He picked her up gently.


    As heid her back on the bed, he noticed tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.


    She was mumbling something.


    Lucas leaned in to listen closely, and his face instantly darkened.


    ¡°Divorce, please<b>, </b>Lucas. I don¡¯t like you. I haven¡¯t liked you for a long time. Just let me go, will you?¡±


    No.


    He wouldn¡¯t agree to a divorce.


    He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of another man being near her. Even the idea of her being with someone else, kissing, hugging, marrying¨Cit drove him mad!


    She had to stay by his side.


    Even if she no longer loved him, he wouldn¡¯t let go!


    He had never failed to get what he wanted, whether it was his favorite toy or a person.


    Lucas held her tightly, feeling her soft body against his, and a faint smile appeared in his eyes.


    The next day.


    When Aveline woke up, she found herself facing the well¨Cdefined muscles of a man¡¯s chest. She blinked.


    It was then she realized she was back in bed.


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 Divorced 357

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    Chapter 357


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    Aveline¡¯s expression grew cold as she tried to slip out of his embrace, but the next second, Lucas tightened his grip on her waist and pulled her back.


    Her back was pressed against Lucas¡® warm chest, his hot breath brushing her ear.


    ¡°Why are you getting up so early?¡±


    In the morning, his voice was huskier, and everything about him seemed more awake.


    Aveline felt his arousal, and her body tensed, fearing he might lose control in the morning.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± she said tly.


    Lucas held her tightly, his heat pressing against her as if he wanted to melt her.


    ¡°So am I, his voice was even more husky.


    Aveline blinked, a thought crossing her mind.


    Was his refusal to divorce her because he was still interested in her body?


    Would their rtionship end when he lost that interest?


    For some reason, she felt a deep sadness.


    She said, ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    His kisses lingered on her shoulder, his hands ying with her tender skin.


    Feeling her tremble, he tightened his grip. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to?¡±


    His kisses trailed to her earlobe. ¡°Your body speaks the truth, even if your words don¡¯t.¡±


    With his words, her body trembled even more.


    Women have needs too.


    Especially when Lucas knew her sensitive spots and teased them intentionally, Aveline found herself.


    unable to resist.


    Sensing her change in emotion, Lucas said in a raspy voice, ¡°How about a little appetizer before


    breakfast?¡±


    Aveline bit her lip, trying to stifle her voice.


    But he seemed determined to make her vocal, his movements bing more intense. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Unable to hold back, Aveline let out a soft moan, her voice tender and a bit raspy, making it especially


    alluring.


    ¡°Does it feel good?¡±


    Lucas <b>kissed </b>her cheek, staring at her.


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    Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes misty with desire.


    He was very pleased with the way she trembled in his hands.


    Feeling overwhelmed, Aveline suddenly turned and kissed his lips.


    Lucas responded immediately, taking control.


    Their breaths intertwined, and a fire seemed ready to ignite.


    But quickly, Aveline pushed him away, swiftly getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom.


    Lucas lied there in a daze, his hand still poised as if touching her body.


    She just left?


    She got her satisfaction and then ignored him?


    Lucas¡® face darkened. He got out of bed and opened the bathroom door.


    Aveline was brushing her teeth and, caught off guard, saw him in the mirror, wearing nothing but his ck bullet briefs that clearly outlined his arousal.


    A rare indifferent expression crossed her face as she looked <b>away</b>.


    Lucas stared at her intently, walked over, turned her around, and lifted her onto the sink.


    Kisses rained down her neck and corbone, hot and teasing.


    Aveline frowned, pushing him away. ¡°Lucas, is this why you won¡¯t divorce me?¡±


    Lucas¡® breath hovered over her chest as he hoarsely replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you wanted a husband?¡±


    He lifted his head, his eyes displeased. ¡°Be fair, give me a chance, hmm?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face turned bright red, her eyes gaining a hint of emotion, no longer cold and indifferent.


    Lucas was very satisfied, his hand sliding down to her leg.


    Comments

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    Chapter 358


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Do you know what I was thinkingst night when that man was chasing me and those two girls had tricked me?¡±


    Lucas froze, his lips pressing into a tight line.


    Aveline let out a bitterugh. ¡°I was thinking, I clearly told you I was in danger, so why didn¡¯t youe? We¡¯ve been married for so long, and you still have memories of Lu, so why didn¡¯t youe? If it were Lu, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed away. He wouldn¡¯t have been so rough and told me to get out of


    the car.


    As she spoke,rge tears began to fall, and the fear from the previous night surged up.


    Her eyes werepletely soaked with tears.


    ¡°Lucas, tell me, why? Why, when I told you I was in danger, didn¡¯t youe?¡±


    Lucas¡® breath tightened as he held her, his voice hoarse, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aveline.¡±


    It was all he could say.


    When he received her call, he immediately set out to find her, but then he thought, if she was willing to lower herself for Bobby¡¯s sake, was her plea for help a deliberate ploy?


    A ploy to make him return?


    <b>So</b>, when Sophia¡¯s call came, he went to her instead.


    Now, he deeply regretted his decision fromst night!


    Fortunately, she was unharmed!


    Everything could still be fixed!


    Aveline pushed him away. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to hold me, let go.¡±


    Her voice was full of grievance and sorrow.


    How could Lucas bear to let her go?


    ¦§


    He held her tightly, soothing her emotions. The intimate atmosphere had long vanished, and he had no interest in continuing what they were doing.


    They stayed like that for an unknown length of time until Aveline¡¯s emotions finally calmed down.


    Her face rested on his shoulder, her eyes vacant as she said, ¡°This incident is like a thorn, embedded in my heart. No matter what you do, it won¡¯te out¡±


    Lucas¡® body tensed, but his deep, maic voice carried a touch of arrogance<b>, </b>¡°If I say it can be removed, then it can be. Aveline, I won¡¯t let this thom stay in you.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes and pushed him away. ¡°I¡¯m really hungry.¡±


    Lucas released her, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll have breakfast brought up.¡±


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    Aveline didn¡¯t respond.


    She continued to wash up, her eyes downcast and filled with indifference.


    Once they had both finished freshening up, breakfast had already been delivered, along with Lucas¡±


    clothes.


    Lucas changed and came out to find Aveline already eating. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He walked over and sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Why can¡¯t you release Bobby?¡±


    Lucas¡® expression grew colder. ¡°That¡¯s not something you should concern yourself with.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Then at least let me see him.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Send Zane away and stay out of Bobby¡¯s business. I¡¯ll give the Looney family a sum of money to appease them.¡±


    Aveline gripped her fork tightly. ¡°How much are you nning to pay for Bobby¡¯s life?¡±


    She looked at him with tant sarcasm in her eyes.


    Lucas¡® face darkened. ¡°Aveline, this matter has nothing to do with you. If you care that he looked after you for three years, I¡¯llpensate him in cash.¡±


    Aveline let out a mockingugh. ¡°Do you think money can solve everything?¡±


    Lucas stared at her deeply. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the case?¡±


    Zane


    stayed in Cloudre City to pursue the matter only because he thought the offer wasn¡¯t enough. Once he was pleased with thepensation, why would he stay?


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    D

 Divorced 359

    Chapter 359


    Aveline stared at him intently, ¡°Mr. Zane isn¡¯t like that.¡±


    Lucas chuckled lightly. ¡°Want to bet?¡±


    Aveline tightened her grip on the fork and nodded, ¡°Alright, what¡¯s the bet?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°If he epts mypensation and willingly leaves Cloudre City, you can¡¯t bring up divorce again.¡±


    Aveline gritted her teeth and nodded. ¡°Fine. But if he doesn¡¯t, we divorce, and you release Bobby.¡±


    Lucas replied calmly, ¡°Aveline, that¡¯s two conditions.


    Aveline hesitated and then said, ¡°Release Bobby.¡±


    Lucas stared at her deeply. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline believed that Zane would never abandon his son for money. He had always said Bobby was his only child..


    After breakfast, Lucas left immediately.


    Aveline contacted a realtor to start looking for an apartment.


    The realtor <b>was </b>efficient and quickly found a few options, which Aveline went t


    to see.


    She settled on a small two¨Cbedroom apartment and rented it for a quarter.


    By the time everything was arranged<b>, </b>it was already afternoon.


    Aveline called Zane. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Mr. Zane, I¡¯ve sorted out the apartment. I¡¯lle to get you.¡±


    Zane replied, ¡°Okay, good.¡±


    When Aveline saw Zane, she noticed the dark circles under his eyes, indicating he hadn¡¯t slept well.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Mr. Zane, have you eaten?¡±


    Zane sighed. ¡°I ate a little, but without any news of Bobby, I can¡¯t enjoy even the best food.¡±


    Aveline reassured him, ¡°Mr. Zane, Bobby will be alright.¡±


    Zane said nothing, just sighed again.


    Given the state Bobby was in, how could he be alright?


    When they arrived at the apartment, Aveline opened the door and said, ¡°Mr. Zane, today I¡¯ll cook for you. I¡¯m a great cook!¡±


    Zane looked at her. ¡°Really? Then I must try your cooking.¡±


    Aveline had already bought groceries and began preparing the meal.


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    An hourter, the meal was ready, and it was just in time for dinner.


    Zane washed his hands and sat down. As he took his first bite with the fork, his eyes lit up. ¡°Not bad! Your cooking is really good<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Zane remarked, ¡°With your skills, if you opened a restaurant, it would surely do well. I¡¯m speaking from


    experience!¡±


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°I believe you. When I retire, I¡¯ll open a small restaurant.¡±


    Zane nodded in agreement.


    For a brief moment, they both forgot about Bobby¡¯s situation.


    After dinner, Aveline cleaned up the dishes and said, ¡°Mr. Zane, I¡¯ll leave the keys with you. If you need anything, call me. I live nearby and cane quickly.


    *Alright.¡± Zane nodded, feeling deeply touched.


    Aveline finished tidying up and left.


    Not long after, Zane¡¯s phone rang. It was his wife, Lily Famm, calling. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Lily¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Zane, have you found Bobby?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. I can¡¯t even get near that house, but I talked to Aveline. She said she might have a way,¡± Zane replied.


    Lily¡¯s voice was hesitant. ¡°Zane, this afternoon, we suddenly received six hundred thousand dors in our bank ount. Do you know where that money came from?¡±


    Zane stood up abruptly, ¡°What did you say? Six hundred thousand dors?¡±


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    Chapter 360


    Just <b>as </b>he finished speaking, the doorbell rang.


    Given his previous experiences of being turned away, Zane didn¡¯t immediately open the door. Instead, he looked through the peephole.


    Outside stood two men in suits.


    On the phone, his wife, Lily, was still speaking hesitantly, clearly frightened.


    The doorbell rang again, making Zane jump. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t do anything: I have something to deal with here.¡±


    He hung up and then opened the door.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    One of the men in suits extended his hand with a smile. ¡°Hello, Mr. Looney. I¡¯m Desmond, the executive assistant of the CEO of DK Group. This iswyer Charles Dean. We have something we need to discuss with you. Is this a convenient time?¡±


    Zane looked at them warily. They weren¡¯t thendlords here to evict him, so what did they want?


    Zane stepped aside. ¡°Come in.¡±


    Desmond nodded slightly and entered the house with Charles.


    Seated on the sofa, Charles ced two documents on the coffee table.


    Zane asked, ¡°What are these?¡±


    Desmond smiled and said, ¡°Mr. Looney, I believe you¡¯ve noticed the six hundred thousand dors that appeared in your ount?¡±


    Zane¡¯s eyebrows immediately furrowed. ¡°How do <b>you </b>know about that?¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°The funds were sent by us. Additionally, here is a check for 1.5 million. If you leave Cloudre City and sign these two agreements, the money is yours.¡±


    He took out a card and ced it beside the documents..


    Zane¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He picked up the documents and began reading them, realizing they were two guarantee letters.


    One document was a promise not to frequent the Tudor family¡¯s properties, and the other was an agreement to renounce his parental rights to Bobby. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Zane¡¯s face grew darker. ¡°What do you mean? Are you trying to buy my son¡¯s life with two million


    dors?¡±


    Despite Zane showing hostility, Desmond kept smiling. ¡°Mr. Looney, please stay calm. Everything is negotiable. The items Bobby stole are worth over forty million, which is enough to keep him in prison for life. I think you should take a look.¡±


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    He produced another document listing the prices of various valuable items.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± Zane said firmly, not even ncing at the document. ¡°Bobby may only be a driver, but he would never steal!¡±


    Desmond¡¯s smile faded slightly. He took out a tablet and yed a surveince video.


    ¡°Mr. Zane, this is the entire process of Bobby stealing.¡±


    Zane¡¯s expression nearly crumbled, but he picked up the tablet and watched intently.


    In the video, Bobby sneaked into a luxurious house and came out a whileter with his arms full of


    items


    Desmond then produced another document. These are the sale records and photos of the items he sold.¡±


    Zane¡¯s face fell instantly, and his hands began to tremble. ¡°How¡­ how is this possible?¡±


    Desmond said, ¡°Mr. Zane, the Tudors haven¡¯t turned him over to the police because his mistake is severe, and they won¡¯t let him off easily. To avoid any furtherplications, I advise you to sign these two agreements and leave Cloudre City. This way, you can protect yourself and your wife.¡±


    By this point, his words carried an unmistakable tone of threat.


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    Chapter 361


    When Aveline returned home, she immediately received a call from Selena.


    ¡°My beautiful Ave, I¡¯m almost back. Is there anything you want to eat? The food here is quite good.¡±


    Selena¡¯s cheerful voice came through.


    Aveline had been worried about Selena¡¯s injury, but hearing her lively voice put her at ease.


    ¡°Just bring whatever you think is good. I¡¯m fine with anything,¡± Aveline replied with a smile.


    Selena said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pick out your favorites.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline agreed, sitting on the sofa with a water <b>cup</b>, and putting the call on speaker. ¡°Is your injury fully healed?¡±


    ¡°Mm¨Chmm,¡± Selena responded. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve had my fun and need to get back to you. Otherwise, what if someone else takes my ce?¡±


    Avelineughed. ¡°No way, you¡¯re my one and only.¡±


    ¡°Really? Can I tell Lucas that? Will he kill me if I do?¡± Selena teased.


    Aveline replied, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    Selena continued, ¡°Wow, listen to you. It sounds like you¡¯ve got him wrapped around your finger. Tell me what happened while I was gone.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned more subdued. ¡°Nothing much, really. We¡¯re getting divorced soon.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Selena¡¯s voice shot up, ¡°He agreed to the divorce?¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I made a bet with him. If I win, we divorce,¡± Aveline exined.


    Selena eximed, ¡°Sweetie, aren¡¯t you afraid of losing?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Aveline¡¯s tone was confident. She firmly believed in Zane¡¯s integrity. Even if you put a mountain of gold in front of him, he wouldn¡¯t waver!


    Selena added, ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that simple. There¡¯s no way that scumbag would agree to such a bet easily. Are you sure he doesn¡¯t have something up his sleeve?¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline frowned.


    What if Lucas had kidnapped Lily to threaten Zane?


    It <b>was </b>the kind of thing he would do to get his way!


    ¡°Ave?¡±


    Selena called out when Aveline didn¡¯t respond for a while.


    Aveline said, ¡°You¡¯ve reminded me. I¡¯ll call him now.¡±


    ¡°Ave, the bet is already in ce. What good will calling him do now?¡± Selena sighed helplessly.


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    Aveline felt a pang of worry. Lucas could easily manipte her by creating this game. She feared that this attempt at divorce might also fail.


    Pressing her lips together, Aveline <b>said</b>, ¡°I still need to ask him.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°Alright, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline said, then hung up and immediately dialed Lucas¡® number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lucas¡® tone was surprisingly pleasant, as he hadn¡¯t expected her to call him.


    Aveline got straight to the point, ¡°Lucas, regarding our bet, I don¡¯t want anyone else involved.¡±


    At her words, the pleasant tone in Lucas¡® voice vanished instantly.


    He let out a slight chuckle. ¡°Aveline, if you¡¯re going to y this game with me, you need to follow the rules. The game has already started, and now you want to add new conditions? Isn¡¯t that a bit inappropriate?¡±


    He avoided directly answering her question, which only fueled her suspicion that he had indeed involved Lily. The only <i>thinne </i>


    that could force Zane toply were Bobby and his wife.


    Aveline¡¯s tone turned colder. ¡°Lucas, the bet is between the three of us and has nothing to do with anyone else. If you¡¯re using Madam Lily to threaten Zane into leaving Cloudre City, then the terms of the bet are null and void!¡±


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    Upon hearing this, Lucas expression turned icy.


    She thought he would use others to coerce Zane intopliance<b>? </b>


    In her mind, was he really that kind of person?


    Lucas¡® tone became even colder. ¡°Aveline, you always say I don¡¯t trust you. What about you?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Aveline was stunned, but Lucas didn¡¯t give her an answer and hung up the phone.


    Aveline stared at the disconnected call, blinking unconsciously.


    What did he mean by that?


    Was he saying she didn¡¯t trust him?


    Aveline pressed her lips together, refusing to believe she was wrong.


    When had he ever done anything to earn her trust?


    She smirked sarcastically and decided not to dwell on it any longer.


    As the sky gradually darkened, the lights in the CEO¡¯s office were bright as day, but Lucas¡® expression


    was extremely grim. All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His phone rang, and although he initially didn¡¯t want to answer, a thought crossed his mind, making his eyes flicker.


    However, when he saw the caller ID was Frederick, his expression darkened again.


    ¡°Hello, Dad.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s tone was cold. ¡°Lucas, what do you mean by this? Why haven¡¯t you dealt with that thief yet? Having someone whip him every day isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Since you entrusted him to me, let me handle it my way.


    Frederick sneered. ¡°I think you¡¯re just hesitating because of Aveline, not wanting to harm that thief.


    right?¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°If you don¡¯t trust my handling, you can take him back.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s voice became even icier. ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m your father. Is this how you talk to me?¡±


    Lucas replied indifferently, ¡°<b>So </b>what?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You¡­!<b>¡± </b>


    Frederick was furious. ¡®Lucas, do you still want to join the Tudor Group?¡±


    Lucas scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m your only son. If I don¡¯t join, who will you give it to?¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Frederick sneered. ¡°Once your stepmom gets pregnant, there will be no ce for you in the Tudor family, Lucas. You¡¯d better not defy me again, or I¡¯ll throw you out of the family!¡±


    +IS BONUS


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    Lucas tossed his phone aside, a look of mockery spreading <b>across </b>his handsome, stern face.


    This was his father.


    Always using his position to suppress him.


    Did he ever act like a father?


    Lucas closed his eyes briefly, his expression quickly returning to cold indifference.


    Aaron walked in, seeing Lucas¡® icy demeanor, and asked, ¡°Want to grab a drink?¡±


    Lucas nced at him. ¡°Got a lot of free time, huh?¡±


    Aaron sat across from him. ¡°My underlings handle all my matters. Do you expect me to investigate personally?¡±


    Lucas gave him a cool look and stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s <b>go</b>.¡±


    Aaron followed suit, asking, ¡°What exactly did Sophia tell you?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was cold. ¡°She imed to have information about Leo.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Aaron¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°She actually has something?¡±


    Lucas¡® aura grew even colder. ¡°She said if I marry her, she¡¯ll tell me.¡±


    Aaron sneered. ¡°First, she tried to leverage gratitude to marry you, and when that failed, she targeted what you care about most. But I¡¯m curious, how did she get information about Leo? Who gave it to her?¡±


    The two men stepped into the elevator.


    Lucas looked at him. ¡°I¡¯m curious too. Why don¡¯t you ask her?¡±


    Aaron shook his head. ¡°No way. She¡¯s nothing but trouble.


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    Thinking about how Sophia immediately brought up the car ident from two years ago when she saw Lucas, using it as leverage, made him feel disgusted


    Was this how a savior should act?


    Moreover, the exact details of that <b>car </b>ident were still uncertain.


    The two men headed straight to the Noble Color <b>bar </b>


    On the first floor, people were reveling in the night. Lucas sat by the window, observing the lively


    scene below. His fingers <b>held </b>a ss of wine, and he drank one after another.


    Aaron watched his cold demeanor and couldn¡¯t help but click his tongue. ¡°Why are you drinking alone? What¡¯s got you so upset?¡±


    Lucas nced at him and suddenly asked, ¡°Why does Aveline insist on divorcing me?¡±


    His gaze fell on the ss, his tone growing colder. ¡°What¡¯s so bad about being married to me?¡±


    He had elevated her status, given her the things she had once desperately pursued, and they perfectlypatible in bed.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why she wanted a divorce.


    Aaron saw his love¨Cstricken state, hesitated for a moment, and <b>asked</b>, ¡°Since you regained your memory, <b>have </b>you ever thought about what happened during the time you lost it?¡±


    At those words, Lucas¡® face darkened immediately, ¡°Why would I want to?¡±


    For him, it was a significant humiliation!


    As a distinguished member of the Tudor family, when had he ever been that helpless?


    He couldn¡¯t even speak properly!


    Aaron said, ¡°But it seems Aveline really liked you during that time.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression grew even darker.


    Aaron asked, ¡°Are you in love with her?¡±


    Lucas frowned. ¡°I just think divorce is too troublesome. If we¡¯re already married, why bother with a N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    divorce?¡±


    Marriage and love didn¡¯t necessarily have to be intertwined.


    Aaron shook his head slightly. ¡°don¡¯t quite understand you. The you who lost your memory seemed to have fallen in love with Aveline, but now that you¡¯ve regained your memory, you refuse to reflect on those times. You still loved her. How can you just ignore it?¡±


    Lucas¡® face became even colder, ¡°So what if I love her, and so what if I don¡¯t?¡±


    Things had reached this point; what meaning did love orck of love hold anymore?


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    Aaron pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°If you had acknowledged those things and your feelings for Aveline from the start, you wouldn¡¯t be in this situation now.¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°You sound like you know a lot.¡±


    Aaron widened his eyes slightly. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t you know my reputation? I¡¯m the most renowned yboy in Cloudre City! Of course I understand love!¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, have you found love?¡±


    Aaron proudly lifted his chin. ¡°Absolutely! When the time is right, I¡¯ll introduce her to you. My judgment has always been spot¨Con, trust me!¡±


    Lucas picked up his ss and clinked it with Aaron¡¯s. ¡°Then I wish you sess.¡±


    Aaron clinked sses with him. ¡°Sess is guaranteed!¡±


    Thinking about his conversations with Snow, that gentle and adorable girl triggered his protective instincts. Even just her words could tug at his heartstrings.


    What else could that be but love?


    After taking a shower and preparing for bed, Aveline heard a knock at the door.


    She frowned, stayed silent, and walked over to peek through the peephole, seeing Lucas.


    The hallway light was dim, and he wore a ck shirt. His tall figure nearly blocked out all the light.


    With the light behind him, she couldn¡¯t make out his expression.


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    +16 BONUS


    Recalling their unpleasant phone conversation earlier, Aveline was reluctant to open the door.


    However, it was alreadyte at night, and his demeanor suggested that he would keep knocking until


    she answered.


    With a sigh, she opened the door.


    ¡°What do you want now¡­?¡± she <b>began</b>, but her words were cut off as <b>his </b>tall body leaned in, his hot


    hands cupping her face, and he kissed her fervently.


    His weight was overwhelming, the intensity of his presence making her involuntarily retreat. Finally, her legs hit the sofa, and her knees buckled, causing her to fall onto it.


    Lucas never released her the entire time.


    His kisses were scorching, his breath entangling with hers as if he wanted to consume herpletely.


    Gradually, Aveline began to falter.


    Her eyes turned red at the corners, and her body softened. She felt her nightgown being pushed up her waist, which jolted her back to awareness.


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡± she murmured his name.


    to


    He reeked of alcohol, his breath hot and searing against her skin. Her body trembled involuntarily in


    response.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Lucas responded, guiding her small hand to his belt.


    The cold metal buckle made her fingertips cuil


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡­ I don¡¯t want to do this,¡± she resisted, not wanting to engage in such an act, especially considering their current situation.


    Lucas pressed closer, his scorching breath burning her skin, his voice deep and maic. ¡°Let me see if your body really wants it or not.¡±


    Before she could react, his hand moved.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Aveline gasped.


    He chuckled softly near her ear. ¡°But Ave, your body says it wants <b>this</b>.¡±


    Aveline Instinctively bit her lip, feeling ashamed by her body¡¯s response. She pushed against him, trying to prevent him from going further.


    Lucas paused and kissed her cheek. ¡°Why not listen to your body? Holding back like this isn¡¯t good for


    you<b>.</b>¡± All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline felt even more ashamed!


    Despite their earlier unpleasant exchange, how could he say such things so nonchntly?


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    ¡°Lucas<b>, </b>I¡¯m not in the mood. I don¡¯t want to,¡± Aveline said firmly.


    Even though her body was betraying her, she was resolute in her refusal. He knew exactly how to manipte her body, and she was powerless against him.


    Lucas¡® breathing was heavy, and he finally asked, ¡°Then help me out. If you do, I won¡¯t push for more.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips trembled slightly.


    This man was infuriating!


    ¡°Go take a shower!¡± Aveline pushed him away, not wanting to assist him in any way.


    Lucas¡® weight pressed down on her, one of his knees already between her legs. He sighed softly. Aveline, you¡¯re being a bit heartless. I¡¯m in this state, and you won¡¯t help me?¡±


    Such words would nevere from a sober Lucas.


    Aveline didn¡¯t want to answer him and continued pushing him, trying to get up.


    But Lucas was too heavy, his tall framepletely enveloping her, making her feel like a trapped prey, her eyes reddening with frustration.


    ¡°Lucas, get up!¡±


    Her voice, softened by their earlier struggle, was now weak and trembling.


    Lucas, however, held her tightly. ¡°If you don¡¯t help me, I won¡¯t get up.¡±


    He acted like a rogue, rubbing his nose against her cheek in a manner that was far too intimate.


    Aveline froze. This kind of gesture was something only Lu would do.


    Since regaining his memory, Lucas had always been domineering and overbearing. When would he ever behave like this?


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    Aveline struggled more fiercely, not wanting to stay in this position or be so close to him.


    He wasn¡¯t Lu!


    The moment he regained his memories, Lu was gone!


    Her eyes grew hot, and her voice trembled. ¡°Lucas, get up.


    Lucas sensed something was off in her tone. He raised his head to <b>look </b>at her, his fingers brushing her tears away gently.


    ¡°Ave, you¡¯re crying.¡±


    His voice was deep and gentle, making Aveline momentarily feel <b>as </b>if they were back six months ago.


    Just that one sentence shattered the hard walls she had built around her heart, and her emotions


    surged forth, tears streaming uncontrobly.


    Lucas visibly panicked, bending down to kiss away each tear with extreme tenderness.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Aveline shoved him away and dashed to the bedroom!


    She locked the door, her heartbeat thundering in her ears!


    Leaning against the door, she panted heavily, <b>tears </b>still falling. She quickly went to the bathroom to ssh her face with cold water, trying to calm herself down.


    She had to stay calm.


    He <b>wasn¡¯t </b>Lu.


    He had killed her Lu.


    The sound of knocking came, and Lucas¡® pleasant voice followed, ¡°Ave, open the door.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond, her emotions now steady.


    ¡°Ave.¡±


    Lucas called her name repeatedly, his deep, maic voice tender and lingering.


    Aveline exhaled a shaky breath and said, ¡°Lucas, the bet isn¡¯t over yet. Whatever you do now is


    useless.¡±


    The knocking stopped, and he didn¡¯t call her name again.


    Outside, she heard the sound of lighter flicking.


    Separated by a door, neither could see the other¡¯s expression.


    After a moment of silence, Aveline said, ¡°Lucas, go. I heed to rest.¡±


    There was still no response from Lucas.


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline ignored it, got into bed, and drifted off to sleep, exhausted.


    It seemed that Lucas had stirred something in her today, causing Aveline to dream.


    She dreamt of the moment she found Lu.


    He was wearing light¨Ccolored loungewear, looking bewildered and <b>lost</b>, somewhat thin but still stood tall by the roadside, not knowing which way to go,


    She had originally walked past him.


    But seeing his handsome, confused face, her <b>heart </b>felt as if it had been struck. She turned back to him and smiled, asking. ¡°Do you need help?¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    He looked at her with a dazed expression. Those eyes, which should have been sharp and intimidating, were instead pure and innocent, like those of a newborn baby.


    Aveline¡¯s heart was struck once again.


    The police station was nearby, and she intended to take him there, but when they reached the entrance, he refused to go inside.


    Later, she asked him why he didn¡¯t want to enter the police station. He looked confused and shook his head, saying he didn¡¯t know.


    Perhaps she was the only one who had spoken to him kindly and offered him help, so he followed her, even going home with her.


    It was then that she realized he couldn¡¯t speak and had lost his memory, only remembering how to write his name.


    The beautiful memories yed out like a movie in her dream, from strangers to familiarity, every little detail merging into her very being.


    Aveline suddenly opened her eyes, her face wet with tears.


    Shey there in a daze for a long time, then nced at the clock. It was two in the morning.


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    Feeling thirsty, Aveline got up to get some water.


    When she opened the door, she noticed the living room light was still on, and Lucas <b>was </b>stretched out on the sofa. His arm was draped over his eyes<b>, </b>covering half his <b>face</b>.


    Aveline paused. He hadn¡¯t left?


    The sofa was <b>a </b>small three¨Cseater, and his height made it impossible for him to liefortably. He looked like he might roll off if he wasn¡¯t careful.


    She poured a ss of water, drinking as she watched him.


    Apparently hearing her, Lucas lowered his arm and looked at her with half¨Cclosed eyes.


    Setting the ss down, Aveline suddenly asked, ¡°Lucas, you¡¯ve been avoiding our past, but tonight you showed a side of yourself from before. Are you trying to make me give up on the bet and the idea of divorce?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas sat up, his shirt now creased. Adjusting to the light, he stared straight at her.


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank a little more.


    Lucas¡® lips curled into a faint smile, ¡°You fall for it, don¡¯t you?¡±


    So that was it!


    He would do anything to avoid the divorce!


    Anger red in Aveline¡¯s eyes.


    Lucas lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply. His cheeks hollowed slightly, exuding a masculine allure.


    Blowing out smoke rings, his voice was low and maic. ¡°If you can¡¯t let go, then stop thinking about divorce. You liked Lu, right? I can try to be like him again. What do you think?¡±


    He leaned back, surrounded by an air of cool elegance, his eyes watching her yfully, as if confident she would agree.


    Feeling infuriated, Aveline marched over to p him, but he caught her wrist and pulled her onto the


    sofa.


    He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, then gripped her waist, narrowing his eyes dangerously,¡± Aveline, what¡¯s wrong with my suggestion? Why are you so angry?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips trembled with rage. How could he say such things without a hint of shame?


    Try to be Lu again?


    He wasn¡¯t Lu anymore!


    No matter what he did, he would never be Lu!


    Aveline struggled. ¡°I think it¡¯s a terrible idea!¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas let out a light scoff. ¡°Is that so? It seems you prefer me as I am now, don¡¯t you?¡±


    With that, he began to kiss her, his movements tender and lingering, gradually tormenting her nerves.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled involuntarily.


    ¡°You¡¯re so sensitive.¡± Lucas¡® lowugh echoed in her ear. ¡°After we get divorced, who else besides me could satisfy you?¡±


    Aveline red at him in shame and anger. This detestable man!


    Lucas, enjoying her reaction, kissed her more deeply,


    Their lips and tongues intertwined, stealing her breath away.


    Aveline didn¡¯t hesitate to bite his lip, the taste of blood quickly spreading in their mouths.


    Lucas narrowed his eyes. ¡°Seems you like it rough. Coincidentally, so do I.¡±


    With those words, he kissed her again, tearing her nightgown with a swift motion.


    ¡°Mm


    Aveline tried to speak, but he didn¡¯t give her the chance.


    His hot hands roamed her body, familiar with her sensitive spots, teasing her nerves one by one. Her body, sensitive and fragile, couldn¡¯t withstand his teasing, soon trembling under his touch. Lucas grasped her struggling hands, cing them directly on his belt buckle.


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    Lucas¡® breathing grew heavier. ¡°Shall we finish what we started?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body had already turned weak, yet she red at him, still resisting.


    If she was reluctant, it wouldn¡¯t be enjoyable for either of them. This kind of thing required mutual consent for ultimate satisfaction.


    Feeling displeased, Lucas <b>caressed </b>her face. ¡°Aveline, don¡¯t force me, okay?<i>¡± </i>


    Aveline felt a cold shiver envelop her. She lightly bit her lip and turned her head away, her resistance


    still evident.


    Seeing the blush on her cheek, Lucas felt a surge of desire. He leaned in and kissed her, releasing her hands and unbuckling his belt.


    The sound of the belt buckle made Aveline¡¯s breath hitch. He was going to use force!


    Fear tightened every muscle in her body.


    But soon, she heard his low breaths in her ear, and he asionally kissed her earlobe and cheek.


    His eyes resembled a predator eyeing its prey.


    Realizing what he was doing, Aveline blushed even more.


    Women would get aroused too, especially after some forey. Her body was already weak, and


    those sounds and feeling his breath near her ear made her instinctively squeeze her legs


    hearing together.


    Lucas chuckled at her reaction. ¡°Want it? Just day the word, and it¡¯s yours.¡±


    His deep, raspy voice was coaxing.


    Aveline shut her eyes tightly, trying to endure the difort.


    Lucas kissed her cheek again, then moved to the corner of her lips, teasingly brushing them.


    Unable to take it anymore, Aveline asked, ¡°Since you can handle it yourself, can you let me go now<i>?</i>¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°If I let you go, I can¡¯t handle it.¡±


    As he spoke, his hot breath caressed her ear, sending electric tingles through the sensitive flesh and down her neck, making her shiver again.


    Lucas kept his eyes on her. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want it?¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Ayeline remained unmoved.


    Lucas¡® gaze grew darker. After what felt like an eternity, he suddenly kissed her fiercely. The heat of it made Aveline shudder uncontrobly.


    The kiss began wild, like a predator savoring its prey, but gradually softened. He finished with a gentle


    akon her chin and smirked. ¡°Aveline, you have some strong willpower.


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    Aveline kept her eyes closed, her eyelids trembling.


    Ignoring her silence, Lucas got up and went to the bathroom in the bedroom to take a shower.


    Aveliney limp on the sofa, motionless for a long time.


    The sound of running water continued. She forced herself to get up and, ncing down, saw the marks on her body.


    Her face burned with heat, but more than anything, she felt a deep sense of shame.


    He was deliberately tormenting her, using a method that left her feeling humiliated and unable to express herself.


    She had underestimated Lucas¡® shamelessness<b>! </b>


    Aveline returned to the bedroom, discarded the torn nightgown into the trash, and changed into different clothes.


    By the time Lucas came out of the shower, she was already in bed, seemingly asleep.


    Lucas gave her a long look, then unceremoniously lifted the nket and slid in beside her, pulling her into his arms. As he felt her warmth, he chuckled softly. ¡°Going to sleep without fully satisfying yourself? Isn¡¯t that ufortable?


    Aveline, who had almost drifted off, was jolted awake by his actions.


    Feeling irritated, she kicked at him. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to sleep, then get out!¡±


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    Chapter 368


    Lucas grabbed her leg and casually gave it a squeeze, his breathing growing heavier.


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed up but soon rxed as he made no further moves.


    She <b>was </b>really tired.


    It was impossible to chase him away now, and he wouldn¡¯t leave easily. Causing too muchmotion would just cause problems for the neighbors.


    Forget¨Cit.


    Let¡¯s just sleep.


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    For several days, Zane didn¡¯t contact Aveline.


    Lucas also became busy. When she wanted to ask him about Bobby, he hung up as soon as he heard


    her mention it..


    Clearly, he didn¡¯t want to continue the conversation.


    At this moment, Maria called.


    Aveline answered, ¡°Hello, Miss Maria.¡±


    Maria¡¯s cheerful voice came through, ¡°Miss Young, are you free today? Let¡¯s have a meal together.¡±


    Aveline thought for a moment and agreed, ¡°Sure.


    Maria smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll send you the location, juste directly.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Maria chose a steak restaurant.


    When Aveline arrived, she saw Maria already there, standing at the entrance with a rxed demeanor. Upon seeing her, Maria smiled.


    ¡°You got here quickly,¡± Maria said.


    Aveline replied, ¡°I was nearby, and this steakhouse is really good.¡±


    Maria blinked. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡±


    The two entered the restaurant.


    They went straight to a private room upstairs. The waiter brought a tablet, and Maria handed it to Aveline. ¡°You probablye here often, so you order!!


    Aveline asked, ¡°Is there anything you don¡¯t <b>eat</b>?¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything.¡±


    Aveline nodded and started ordering.


    Once she finished, she handed the tablet to the waiter, and the private room door closed.


    Maria <b>stared </b>at her and suddenly asked, ¡°<b>Didn¡¯t </b>sleep well? You don¡¯t look too good.


    Aveline smiled and shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine, just <b>had </b>some nightmares.


    Maria nodded knowingly, then asked, ¡°Have you thought about what we talked about earlier? I guess you¡¯re not in a hurry to leave Cloudre City. If so, why note to my ce for a while? Whenever you want to leave, just let me know. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t withhold your sry.


    She extended the invitation again, looking at her sincerely.


    Aveline hesitated, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Maria smiled. ¡°No problem. Call me anytime you decide. The biggest and brightest office in my studio is reserved for you!¡±


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°With you saying that, it seems I have no choice but to join.¡±


    Maria raised an eyebrow, ¡°Well, I really hope you join my team.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Once I handle my affairs, and if I don¡¯t want to leave, I¡¯ll contact you.¡±


    She still needed a job and wanted to achieve a certain level of sess.


    That¡¯s what makes life meaningful, right?


    The food arrived quickly and they started eating, chatting about various topics, creating a rxed atmosphere.


    However, midway through the meal, Aveline¡¯s phone rang. She saw it was Zane calling.


    She stood up and said, ¡°Excuse me, I need to take this call.¡±


    Maria nodded slightly.


    Aveline stepped out of the private room with her phone and answered, ¡°Hello, Mr. Zane.¡±


    Zane¡¯s voice was hesitant. He sighed heavily and said, ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m sorry about Bobby. Since we can¡¯t see him for now, maybe we should just let it <b>go</b>.¡±


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    Aveline¡¯s face darkened upon hearing this. She asked, ¡°Mr. Zane, where are you


    you now?¡±


    Zane replied, ¡°I¡¯m heading back to Arthur Town. I have left many matters unattended for too long, I need to check on the situation <b>back </b>at home.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly and said, ¡°Til take you there.¡±


    Zane tried to dissuade her, ¡°No need, I didn¡¯t bring much with me. Don¡¯t trouble yourself.


    But Aveline insisted, ¡°Mr. Zane, it¡¯s my fault we haven¡¯t found Bobby. If you¡¯re leaving, I must see you


    off.¡±


    In the end, Zane agreed,


    Aveline hung up and returned to the private room. She said to Maria, ¡°Miss Mar¨ªa, I need to leave for


    now.¡±


    Maria stood up, is it urgent? Let me give you a ride.¡±


    ¡°No need, I can get a taxi. I¡¯ll manage.¡± Aveline smiled politely, declining her offer.


    Maria nodded. ¡°Alright then, take care on the way.¡±


    ¡°Thanks¡±


    Aveline left the restaurant and took a taxi to her recently rented apartment.


    When she got out of the elevator, she saw Zane had already opened the door, clearly waiting for her.


    Mr. Zane.¡±


    Aveline walked over and saw that Zane had packed his things, ready to leave.


    Zane smiled. ¡°Aveline, thanks for taking care of me these past few days. When youe to Arthur Town make you some barbecue.¡±


    I¡¯ll


    Aveline pursed her lips slightly and asked, ¡°Did someonee to see you?¡±


    Zane was taken aback and instinctively waved his hand. ¡°No¡­ no one.¡±


    Seeing his reaction, Aveline understood what was going on. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Lucas must have offered conditions that Zane couldn¡¯t refuse.


    She couldn¡¯t fathom what Lucas had offered to make Zane give up on his own son.


    Aveline felt very conflicted and didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Noticing her silence, Zane said, ¡°Aveline, I probably won¡¯t return to Cloudre City. If you ever crave my barbecue, juste visit me. I¡¯ll always be there.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Mr. Zane, what if Bobbyes home and finds out his parents abandoned him? What then?¡±


    Zane¡¯s body trembled<b>, </b>his eyes turning red. ¡°It¡¯s his own fault!


    His emotions suddenly red up. ¡°He stole from his employers and sold their belongings to pay off his gambling debts. Do you know how much he owed? Forty million dors! I¡¯ve never seen that much money in my life. How could he do that? How could he?¡±


    Zane sat on the couch, covering his face with his hands.


    Aveline was stunned. Bobby had been gambling?


    But in her memory, Bobby was honest, loyal, and without any bad habits. How could he have gotten involved in gambling?


    ¡°Mr. Zane, is this true?¡± Aveline couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Could there be some misunderstanding?¡±


    Zane sighed heavily and said, ¡°That Desmond sent me surveince videos of Bobby gambling. I saw it all. To repay his debts, he stole from his employers. He sold those things for forty million dors. I heard those items were very important to them, likely the belongings of someone deceased, so.


    Zane choked up. ¡°They didn¡¯t send Bobby to jail because they thought that would be too light of a punishment.¡±


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    Aveline still felt something was off.


    She paused for a moment, then looked at Zane and asked, ¡°What if one day you find out that Bobby


    was innocent? Will you regret your decision today?¡±


    Zane remained silent.


    The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.


    Aveline exhaled softly and said, ¡°Mr. Zane, let me take you to the station.¡±


    Without a word, Zane stood up, grabbed his things, and walked out.


    His attitude was clear. He would no longer care about Bobby.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t quite understand her feelings.


    Was it really unforgivable if one¡¯s child made a mistake?


    She didn¡¯t understand.


    At that moment, even her belief in family bonds wavered.


    After seeing Zane off, her phone rang. She took it out and saw that it was Lucas calling.


    Aveline pursed her lips and answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Lucas¡® deep, maic voice came through with a hint of joy, ¡°Aveline, let¡¯s have dinner tonight at the Tudor House.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    His tone was confident as if he knew she wouldn¡¯t refuse.


    Of course, she wouldn¡¯t refuse.


    She had lost, and because of that, she had to keep her promise.


    She wouldn¡¯t mention divorce again and would continue being his wife.


    Standing outside the station, Aveline looked up at the sky, noticing it had turned gloomy, much like her mood at that moment.


    ¡°Okay,¡± <b>she </b>replied softly before hanging up.


    Instead of taking a taxi, she walked aimlessly down the street.


    Her eyes lowered slightly, her thoughts in turmoil.


    It seemed like everything wasing to an end.


    But was Bobby¡¯s situation really as it seemed?


    Why didn¡¯t Lucas let her see Bobby?


    What puzzled her the most was why the photo of Bobby, beaten and bloodied, appeared on Zane¡¯s


    13:


    +15 BONUS


    phone.


    If the Tudor family didn¡¯t intend to let Bobby go, there was no need to inform Zane of this.


    What was the point of all this?


    However, since Zane decided not to pursue the matter further, she<b>, </b><b>as </b>an outsider, couldn¡¯t say anything about his decision.


    Aveline sighed and got into the car, leaving the ce.


    In the evening, Aveline arrived at the gates of the Tudor House.


    The servants, already informed of her visit, opened the door promptly.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Hearing this title felt unfamiliar to Aveline.


    Even though she and Lucas had never divorced, the title didn¡¯t seem to genuinely belong to her. She still felt like the old Aveline.


    But¡­


    Starting today, everything would be different.


    She had to adapt to a lifepletely unlike her past.


    She had to ept this identity.


    Even grow ustomed to it.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline responded softly as she walked through the corridor and entered the vi.


    The butler saw her arrival and approached with a smile. ¡°Mrs. Tudor, please wait a moment. Mr. Tudor


    will be back soon.¡±


    *Alright.¡±


    Aveline nodded and sat down on the sofa<b>. </b>


    She had been here twice before and knew the opulence of this ce. Even standing here now, she still felt out of ce.


    She didn¡¯t belong here.


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly, her demeanor very quiet.


    A servant quietly brought over some snacks and juice before leaving.


    After about half an hour, there was some noise at the door.


    Aveline instinctively turned her head and saw Lucas, dressed in a ck suit, walking in.


    As he walked in, he loosened his tie, strode over to her, and, holding the back of her neck, kissed her deeply.

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    Aveline¡¯s body stiffened. She tried to dodge, but his hand mped around her like a vice, preventing


    any escape.


    Lucas¡® kiss grew deeper and more intense, as if he wanted to devour her whole.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t take it anymore and pinched his waist<b>, </b>only to feel solid muscle beneath her fingers.


    Lucas released her and chuckled softly. ¡°Can¡¯t handle it already?¡±


    His thumb brushed across her lips, his eyes dark and unfathomable.


    Aveline¡¯s breathing quickened. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. I want to eat.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Lucasughed quietly and said, ¡°Wait for me a moment.¡±


    He went upstairs and returned about ten minutester, now dressed in light¨Ccolored loungewear, looking more rxed and less aloof.


    They sat in the dining room.


    The table was filled with all of Aveline¡¯s favorite dishes<b>. </b>


    He had anticipated her arrival and had everything she liked prepared in advance.


    Aveline¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change when she saw the food.


    Lucas said, ¡°Wee back, my dear Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered, but she remained silent


    Lucas stared at her overly calm face and suddenly pinched her chin, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Aveline, you know you have to honor the bet, right?¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°I know, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡±


    Lucas¡® grip on her chin tightened slightly. ¡°But what¡¯s with this indifferent attitude? Are you dissatisfied? Or do you still want a divorce?¡±


    Aveline pursed her lips and pulled his fingers away. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Let¡¯s clear things up first.¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°I¡¯m afraid if I do, you won¡¯t feel like eating.¡±


    Lucas¡® previously joyful mood turned cold.


    ¡°Aveline, you agreed to the bet, and you set the conditions. Now that you¡¯ve lost, why are you giving me this attitude? Do you really think you¡¯re irreceable to me?¡±


    Lucas red at her, his eyes cold as ice. He hadn¡¯t brought her back just to give him the cold shoulder!


    How did she used <b>to </b>treat him?


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    She smiled at him every day, her eyes full of tenderness, as if he was her entire world!


    But now?


    All he saw in her eyes was indifference.


    It seemed like she had stopped loving him a long time ago! Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Ha! How could she fall out of love so easily?


    Aveline clutched her fork and said, ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re asking for too much. You only told me not to bring up divorce, so I haven¡¯t. You wanted me to be Mrs. Tudor, and I¡¯m doing my best. But you didn¡¯ty down any other rules. I¡¯m keeping my end of the deal- can you stick to yours?¡±


    The atmosphere in the dining room grew unbearably tense.


    Lucas suddenly let out a coldugh. ¡°Are you deliberately trying to annoy


    Aveline remained silent.


    me?¡±


    When she decided toe back, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if being cold toward him would make him grow tired of her faster. If that happened, he might be the one to bring up divorce, even if she didn¡¯t. It seemed she had already achieved half of her goal.


    Without warning, Lucas yanked her chair around, making it screech against the floor. He gripped the chair with one hand, leaning on the table with the other, and loomed over her. ¡°So, you¡¯ve changed tactics, huh? You think this will make me ask for a divorce? Keep dreaming, Aveline.¡±


    A cold smirk yed on his lips. ¡°Being my wife isn¡¯t some part¨Ctime gig you can quit whenever you feel like it.¡±


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    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Lucas touched her face lightly, then turned and walked away.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline instinctively stood up. ¡°Lucas, what do you mean? Exin yourself!¡±


    But Lucas had already gone upstairs, leaving her without any exnation.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t understand his intentions, and her heart sank. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    What did he want? She had already stopped mentioning divorce. What more did he want from her?


    She gripped her utensil tightly, her fingers trembling slightly from the effort.


    After a long while, she calmed down and sat back down to eat. She had to eat well; no one would take care of her, so she had to take care of herself.


    After finishing a bowl of cereal, she stood up to leave.


    The butler blocked her path. ¡°Mrs. Tudor, Mr. Tudor has instructed that from today, you will be living here.¡±


    Aveline pursed her lips slightly.


    As his wife, she indeed should live by his side.


    ¡°I need to go back and pack my things,¡± she said.


    The butler nodded slightly and did not stop her.


    Aveline returned to Selena¡¯s house, packed her belongings, and cleaned the house. She even bought a new sofa, throwing out the old one.


    By the time she finished everything, it waspletely dark outside.


    She returned to the Tudor residence.


    The butler sent servants to help move her things, which only consisted of a few boxes, up to the bedroom.


    The bedroom had a cold color scheme, with dark gray sheets and duvet covers, exuding a strong sense of restraint.


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly and went into the bathroom to take a shower.


    Lying on the bed, she still felt somewhat surreal.


    She had actually moved in just like that. Thinking about Lucas¡® previous words made Aveline inexplicably agitated.


    She soon understood what he meant.


    <b>The </b>next day<b>, </b>she was woken up by <b>the </b>ringing of her phone<b>. </b>She answered, ¡°Hello<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Selena¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Ave, you¡¯re still sleeping? Haven¡¯t you seen the news? That scumbag Lucas hooked up with a celebrity!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Selena was furious. ¡°Check today¡¯s top trending topic!¡±


    Without hanging up, Aveline opened the app, and the top trending topic was about Lucas and the celebrity.


    The headline was eye¨Ccatching. She clicked on it and saw a pixted video posted by the informant. Opening the video, she saw a shaky camera capturing Lucas and a woman wearing a hat and mask entering a hotel together.


    After spending the night, they left the hotel together, behaving intimately.


    A sharp pain stabbed at Aveline¡¯s heart.


    She gripped her phone tightly.


    ¡°Ave, can you believe this guy? He¡¯s a total jerk. What a loser, not doing anything worthwhile all day. It¡¯s bad enough he¡¯s messing around, but why can¡¯t he just leave you alone? He won¡¯t give you a divorce ¨C is he trying to make you sick of him on purpose?¡± Selena¡¯s voice was dripping with disgust.


    Aveline closed her eyes. She might have understood what Lucas meant by his wordsst night.


    He could let her return to his side as Mrs. Tudor.


    But she didn¡¯t have the ability to make him the Lu she once knew.


    He was Lucas Tudor.


    As the CEO of DK Group, he could have anything he wanted.


    Making her feel what it meant to be heartbroken was just as easy.


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    Aveline said, ¡°Selena, I don¡¯t love him anymore.¡±


    Selena, who was about to continue ranting about Lucas, suddenly


    fell silent.


    ¡°Ave¡­


    Aveline smiled indifferently. ¡°Since I don¡¯t love him anymore,


    whatever he does outside and whoever he¡¯s with has nothing to do with me.¡±


    Selena¡¯s voice became cautious. ¡°Ave, do you really not love him anymore?¡±


    Back then, the first time she saw Lucas, she couldn¡¯t miss the look of deep love in Aveline¡¯s eyes. Whenever Aveline looked at Lucas, her eyes lit up with happiness. Butter, after Lucas got his memory back, that sparkle in Aveline¡¯s eyes vanished for good.


    Aveline responded, ¡°I¡¯m going to get up and wash now.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Selena said, her voice now dry.


    After hanging up the phone, Aveliney on the bed, staring quietly at the ceiling for a while.


    Suddenly, she took out her phone and called Russell.


    ¡°Hello, Aveline.¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The call was quickly answered, and Russell¡¯s voice came through, tinged with a cheerful tone.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Russ, do you know any reliable private investigators?


    Russell, aware of the situation between Lucas and the celebrity,


    TIS BONUS


    raised an eyebrow at her question, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll have someone contact you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Aveline said.


    Russell chuckled. ¡°No need to thank me. I¡¯m d you could reach out to me.¡±


    Aveline smiled silently. ¡°When will you be back?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Not sure yet. There¡¯s a lot going on here, but I¡¯m almost fully recovered. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    After a brief chat, Aveline hung up the phone. She got up, washed, and changed her clothes before going downstairs.


    The butler happened toe out of the kitchen and said, ¡°Mrs Tudor, breakfast is ready.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline responded softly and went into the dining room to


    eat.


    At that moment, there were some noises outside.


    A servant¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Mr. Tudor, you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Lucas responded coldly. His tall and handsome figure soon appeared in the dining room.


    Seeing Aveline holding a bowl and eating cereal, his eyes darkened.


    He casually pulled out a chair and sat down, his eyes fixed on her without blinking.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Aveline tried to ignore him, but his gaze was too


    intense, sending a chill down her spine.


    Lucas¡® voice was cold and heavy. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to say to me?¡±


    Aveline shook her head in confusion, ¡°No, nothing.¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh, reaching up to loosen his tie, revealing a lipstick stain on the cor of his shirt.


    Aveline noticed it, her eyes pausing briefly, her fingers tightening around the spoon.


    A sharp pain spread through her heart, like countless needles pricking her. It wasn¡¯t excruciating, but it was torturous.


    Aveline looked away and continued eating her cereal The side dishes were quite good today.


    Seeing her calm face, Lucas¡¯s expression grew uglier. He suddenly stood up and headed upstairs.


    He stripped off his clothes and threw them all into the trash can.


    Taking out his phone, he called Aaron. ¡°What kind of lousy idea did you give me?¡±


    Aaron, still half¨Casleep, was suddenly jolted awake by the shouting. What¡¯s going on? Even after all that, Aveline still didn¡¯t react?¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk¡­ I gotta say, Lucas, maybe Aveline really doesn¡¯t love you anymore,¡± Aaron replied, sounding as if he pitied him greatly.


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    Chapter 374


    Lucas¡® tone was icy. ¡°Who else would she love besides me?¡±


    Aaron paused, silently praising Lucas¡® baseless confidence.


    He didn¡¯t want to hurt his friend¡¯s ego any more, worried it mighte back to bite him. So, he said, ¡°You¡¯re right, she¡¯s only ever loved you. But watch out, she might stop loving you. Whether she loves you or not is her call, not yours.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened. He didn¡¯t want to listen to Aaron¡¯s convoluted reasoning and hung up the phone.


    Ha!


    Aveline didn¡¯t love him? Impossible. Those memories constantly reminded him that she loved him!


    After breakfast, Aveline left the house.


    By the time Lucas came downstairs, having changed into a fresh set of clothes, the dining room was empty. He looked at the butler and asked coldly, ¡°Where is she?¡±


    The butler replied, ¡°Mrs. Tudor left after finishing breakfast.¡±


    Lucas¡® handsome face grew even colder.


    Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the screen and saw it was Yvonne calling.


    His eyes turned colder, but he still answered the call. ¡°Hello, Mom.¡±


    Yvonne¡¯s gentle voice came through, ¡°Lucas, your grandmother¡¯s birthday ising up. Do you have any ns for the celebration?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Whatever we¡¯ve done in previous years, we¡¯ll do the


    same this year.


    Yvonne agreed, ¡°That works. Don¡¯t forget to bring Aveline back with you. Your grandmother loves her the most,¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Lucas responded curtly and then hung up.


    Barbara¡¯s birthday celebration was in two weeks.


    Lucas held his phone, pondering for a long time, before finally setting it down and leaving.


    Aveline arrived at Maria¡¯s studio and knocked on the door. Maria was talking to someone but turned around when she heard the -knock. Upon seeing Aveline, she smiled in surprise. ¡°Aveline!¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind. I want a spacious and bright office.¡±


    Maria was delighted. ¡°I¡¯ve saved a spot for you. Come on, let me show you!¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Aveline nodded and followed Maria inside. As they walked, Maria exined the sry and benefits of working there. As an


    architectural designer, most of the earnings came from projectmissions; whether one could make money depended entirely on


    their own skills.


    After understanding the details, Aveline said, ¡°Boss, please take care of me from now on.¡±


    Maria immediately pulled out a contract. ¡°I thought you would need more time to consider. Didn¡¯t expect it to be so quick.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Something came up, so I¡¯m not leaving for now.¡±


    Maria said, ¡°If you need any help, just let me know.¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Boss, you¡¯ve invested <b>a </b>lot to keep me. I¡¯ll definitely work hard and help you achieve financial freedom as soon as possible!¡±


    Maria nodded. ¡°Alright, my happiness in thetter half of my life depends on you!¡±


    They both shared a smile.


    Aveline started working right away. The studio was already


    equipped with everything she needed, <b>so </b>she simply turned on theputer and began.


    In her previouspany, she had built up a significantwork, especially afterpleting the Brighton Enterprises project.


    Many people sought her for design work, but she hadn¡¯t been taking any jobstely. Now she reached out to them, and manypanies expressed their willingness to coborate, but she needed to produce initial drafts first.


    Aveline became busy.


    Maria, sitting in her own office, watched Aveline working diligently. She sneakily took a photo and sent it to Lucas.


    ¡°Boss, your wife looks so charming when she¡¯s focused. I¡¯m starting to fall for her myself.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Photo received. You can retract the rest of the message.¡±


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    Maria replied, ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Then she set down her phone and rested her chin on her hand, watching Aveline work.


    ¡°A beautiful woman indeed,¡± Maria thought, shaking her head in admiration. After a while, she picked up her phone to order takeout.


    Aveline had been trying to decide what to have for lunch, but right as her break started, the food delivery showed up.


    Maria came out of her office, smiling. ¡°Lunch is on me. It¡¯s a tradition here for the boss to treat new employees for three days.¡±


    Aveline sighed lightly. ¡°If your studio grows into a publicly listedpany, you¡¯ll spend a lot on treating people!¡±


    Maria shrugged. ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, it¡¯s our tradition!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the boss is really nice!¡±


    ¡°This tradition should be kept forever!¡±


    Three new people had recently started at the studio. One was another architect like Aveline, one was in charge of keeping projects on track, and the third was a fresh college grad interning in


    architecture, still figuring out her specialty.


    Maria had kept her on, giving her three months to decide which direction she wanted to go.


    Maria appeared to have no idea about the industry, running the studio as if it were her hobby,ing up with these offbeat ideas.


    Aveline simply nodded. ¡°Thank you, boss.¡±


    Maria swung her hips yfully. ¡°No need to rush your lunch. Take it easy afterwards. I¡¯m off.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± everyone responded.


    Aveline opened her takeout box and started eating.


    Another architectural designer, Charlotte Rogers, walked over with her own takeout box. ¡°How are you settling in?¡± she asked.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Pretty well.¡±


    Charlotte said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the studio is new, but we haven¡¯t had any projects. I¡¯ve been idling for two days.¡±


    Aveline looked at her and said, ¡°You can reach out for projects yourself. It¡¯smon for new studios.¡±


    Charlotte replied, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll start looking. What about you? Any ns?


    Charlotte paused and asked, ¡°Why did you leave DK?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°Sorry, I have my personal reason.¡±


    Charlotte pouted and said, ¡°So what if you came from DK? It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Muttering under her breath, she returned to his desk.


    Aveline didn¡¯t take her words to heart. After finishing her meal, she got back to work. Designing required inspiration, and sometimes she¡¯d delete sketches she wasn¡¯t satisfied with.


    As she nned to draft some preliminary sketches before leaving, Maria approached. ¡°Time to clock out. Our studio doesn¡¯t encourage overtime. Go home and rest.¡±


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re leaving,¡± the others said as they stood up.


    +15 BOHUS


    Seeing that Aveline wasn¡¯t nning to leave, Maria walked over and blocked herputer. ¡°Work never ends. Take it easy.¡±


    Aveline looked at her. ¡°You don¡¯t seem worried at all.¡±


    Typically, new studios were eager to sign deals and generate


    revenue to sustain development.


    Maria smiled. ¡°Like I said, work can¡¯t be finished in a day. If I made you work 24 hours, would you be able toplete the designs?¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Maria added, ¡°Alright, go home. I have a date.¡±


    Aveline nodded and shut down herputer.


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    Chapter 376


    Maria watched Aveline leave and breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn¡¯t afford to have the boss¡® wife working overtime¨CLucas would kill her!


    +15 <b>BOHUS </b>


    Aveline returned to the Tudor residence and was surprised to find Lucas there. He sat on the sofa, his handsome, sharp features exuding a calm, detached aura.


    Aveline lowered her eyes and went upstairs without showing any emotion.


    Footsteps followed behind her.


    As she opened the bedroom door, Lucas¡® arm encircled her waist. He pulled her close, his hot breath brushing her lips.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened, and she pushed him away. ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    Lucas¡® expression grew colder. ¡°Getting close with my wife. Can¡¯t you tell?¡±


    Aveline said coldly, ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±


    Lucas stepped forward, grabbing her. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re not; I am.¡±


    He sped the back of her neck and kissed her forcefully.


    Aveline kept dodging, refusing to let him kiss her.


    Feeling annoyed, Lucas tightened his grip on her neck, rendering her unable to move, allowing him to kiss her.


    Aveline trembled all over, struggling and hitting him.


    IS BONUS


    Both of them were highly emotional


    Lucas¡® dark eyes shed with a hint of red as he pressed her onto the sofa. ¡°Why are you dodging, huh?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips were swollen from his kisses. She panted and said, ¡± Lucas, I told you I¡¯m not in the mood. You can¡¯t force me!¡±


    Lucas stroked her face, toying with her. ¡°Is it really that you¡¯re not in the mood, or are you just disgusted?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes trembled fiercely.


    Lucas saw through her emotions and chuckled softly. ¡°Why deny it? Are you jealous?¡±


    Aveline stared at him for a moment and suddenly asked, ¡°Lucas, what exactly do you want?¡±


    She had given him everything he wanted. What more could he be dissatisfied with? Why did he need to humiliate her like this?


    Lucas¡® expression turned colder as he stared at her. ¡°I want you to treat me like you used to.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Aveline said almost without hesitation.


    Lucas said, ¡°Really?¡±


    His tone was light as he leaned in to kiss her face. ¡°Then don¡¯t resist. Let¡¯s be a normal couple and not expect anything more from each


    other.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s long eyshes trembled. She understood what he meant.


    He wanted something she couldn¡¯t give.


    So, she shouldn¡¯t expect his fidelity.


    But why?


    +15 BONUS


    <b>He </b>was the one who insisted she came back.


    He was the one who refused to divorce.


    If he liked to y around, why not divorce and enjoy his freedom?


    Did he really enjoy the drama of maintaining appearances at home while fooling around outside?


    It was truly disgusting.


    Aveline didn¡¯t move, her body stiff with tension.


    Lucas felt it but didn¡¯t care.


    His fingers deftly unbuttoned her shirt. He knew her sensitive spots and a slight touch would make her go soft.


    And it did. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Feeling the changes in her body, Aveline bit her lip in anger and struggled again.


    ¡°Get off me! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    But Lucas held her down forcefully. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll make you feel good, okay?¡±


    Aveline resisted. ¡°No, don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Lucas ignored her protests. Watching her sumb to his touch, seeing herpletely surrender to desire, fascinated him.


    Aveline was furious, but her body loved the way he touched her, and she couldn¡¯t hide it from him.


    Her body was weak against his teasing and caresses.

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    +15 BONUS


    Lucas kissed her face, and her lips, his hot breath enveloping her like it wanted to melt her.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled uncontrobly. Suddenly, she bit his. shoulder hard enough to make his muscles tense.


    ¡°Just let it out. We¡¯re married; there¡¯s no need to feel shy.¡±


    Lucas saw through her thoughts, his deep voice whispering in her


    <b>ear</b><b>. </b>


    Aveline waited for the feeling to subside before letting go, her breath ragged as her flushed eyes red coldly at him.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°What? You want to use me and then not take responsibility?¡±


    He lifted her and carried her toward the bed.


    He knew she was weak now and couldn¡¯t resist, easily pinning her beneath him.


    Hovering over her, his eyes seemed like a bottomless abyss, threatening to swallow her whole.


    Aveline resisted, pushing him away. ¡°If you need someone, go find a celebrity, an influencer, or a model. Just don¡¯te to me!¡±


    Lucas paused, looking at her intently. ¡°Are you jealous?¡±


    Aveline snapped, ¡°I am not!¡±


    Jealous of a man like him? Did he mistake her to be a masochist?


    Lucas continued to stare at her, refusing to let her rise, keeping her trapped beneath him. ¡°You are jealous, no need to deny it.¡±


    Aveline calmed down. ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t like you anymore. Why would I


    +15 NONUS N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    be jealous?<b>¡± </b>


    She paused, then suddenly smiled. Do you think my body¡¯s reaction. means I like you? You¡¯re really good in bed. Any woman would want to sleep with you, but that doesn¡¯t mean they like you.¡±


    It was just a physical response.


    Lucas¡® face darkened suddenly. Not giving her a chance to breathe, he forcefully entered her.


    Aveline tensed. She had beenpletely rxed earlier, making her vulnerable and yielding, and he didn¡¯t have to try hard at all.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened slightly, wanting to use him.


    But he gripped her waist, leaned down, and kissed her fiercely and aggressively.


    He didn¡¯t give her a chance to speak! Even if she could, her words woulde out in broken sybles,pletely unintelligible.


    Aveline felt a surge of fear as she gradually lost the ability to cope. Was he mad?


    He was truly mad!


    Throughout the night, every time she was about to pass out from exhaustion, he would wake her <b>up</b>.


    He had no intention of letting her sleep!


    It wasn¡¯t until the first light of dawn appeared that Aveliney trembling in his arms, her eyelids heavy with fatigue.


    Lucas finally released her, his eyes still clouded, his tone colder. Aveline, I don¡¯t want to hear those words again. If I were to hear them again, I¡¯d make things worse for you.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    He let go of her and walked into the bathroom.


    Aveline had no time to think and drifted into a deep sleep.


    When she woke up again, the sun was high in the sky.


    She rolled over, her body aching as if she¡¯d been run over by a truck,pletely drained of energy.


    That bastard!


    She cursed under her breath, realizing she waste and hadn¡¯t informed Maria. She hurriedly grabbed her phone to send a message.


    To her surprise, Maria had texted her.


    ¡°The building is undergoing electrical maintenance. Everyone have to work from home today and make sure toplete your tasks!¡±


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    Chapter 378


    Aveline sighed with relief. Working from home was a blessing in disguise, beingte on her second day would have been a disaster.


    However, she wasn¡¯t to me¨Cthis was all Lucas¡¯s fault!


    The way he actedst night, it was as if he hadn¡¯t slept with a woman in ages!


    But that couldn¡¯t be true. He had just spent the night with a celebrity¡­


    The thought made Aveline feel nauseous. She jumped out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom, where she started to vomit.


    Lucas walked in just as she was stumbling. Hearing her retching, his face darkened, and he quickly went to her, cing a hand on her back. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Aveline shoved him away.


    Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes from the vomiting, ande began to gather, ready to fall. Her expression was one of pure disgust as if he were something filthy.


    Lucas face turned even darker. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m dirty?<i>¡± </i>


    Aveline didn¡¯t reply and continued to retch until there was nothing left to throw <b>up</b>. She felt a bit better after rinsing her mouth and exhaled a shaky breath.


    ¡°Lucas<b>, </b>I want a divorce.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t convince herself. She couldn¡¯t ept sharing a man with other women!


    He was tainted!


    <b>She </b>didn¡¯t want him anymore!


    Lucas stared at her intensely. Her pale face and trembling, fragile body showed just how unwell she was.


    ¡°Because I spent the night with another woman?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Aveline looked at him, nodding. ¡°If we continue like this, neither of <b>us </b>will be happy. We should just divorce.¡±


    Lucas stared at her and suddenly said, ¡°Yet you said you¡¯re not jealous.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together.


    Lucas continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t spend the night with another woman.¡±


    His deep, maic voice was calm and unhurried as he exined, That night, we just happened to be staying at the same hotel. I was in the presidential suite. Without my permission, no one can go up. there<b>, </b>except you, my wife.¡±


    He walked over and held her. ¡°Aveline, I haven¡¯t touched another


    woman.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed, and she quickly turned away. ¡°So what? I don¡¯t love you anymore. Continuing this marriage is pointless.¡±


    Lucas¡® mood darkened instantly as he stared at her back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± he said coldly before leaving the bathroom.


    Aveline feltpletely drained as she sat on the bathroom floor, tears streaming uncontrobly down her face.


    How pathetic she felt. She actually believed him after just a simple exnation!


    +15 BONUS


    If this continued, her resolute decision would definitely waver.


    What should she do?


    What was she supposed to do?


    After a long time, she finallyposed herself and came out of the bathroom. She changed her clothes and went downstairs to eat, finding that Lucas had already left. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Just then, her phone rang. It was Selena calling.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Selena¡¯s voice was anxious. ¡°Ave, my house was robbed!¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°I just got home and found the door open. Everything inside is a mess. I¡¯m checking to see if anything¡¯s missing.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯ming over right now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±

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    Chapter <b>379 </b>


    Aveline hurriedly ate a few bites of her meal before heading to Selena¡¯s ce.


    As she reached the floor, she saw Selena¡¯s apartment door open with two police officers standing at the entrance. Selena was talking to them.


    ¡°Selena,¡± Aveline called out as she walked over.


    Selena looked at her and immediately asked, ¡°Ave, when you were staying here, did anyonee in? Were you hurt?¡±


    The two officers also turned their attention to her.


    Aveline replied, ¡°No one came in while I was staying here.¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Then it must have happened after you moved out.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°It should have beenst night. I was here the day before to pack my things.¡±


    The police checked the surveince around the building but found nothing suspicious.


    In the end, the matter had to be dropped.


    Selena pulled Aveline inside. ¡°This is such bad luck. I guess I¡¯ll have to move.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I rented an apartment before, but I¡¯m not staying there now. You can move in.¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Selena asked curiously, ¡°Why did you rent a ce?¡±


    Aveline exined the situation to her.


    After listening, Selena touched her chin, her face showing a contemtive expression.


    ¡°You mean, someone deliberately sent Mr. Zane photos of his son being abused, but they didn¡¯t put his son in jail.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been puzzled about that. I¡¯ve thought about it a lot but can¡¯t figure out why. Aveline nodded.


    Selena said, ¡°It is strange. If they didn¡¯t intend to release Mr. Zane¡¯s son, why send those photos?¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Well, it¡¯s no use overthinking it. The matter is done, and Mr. Zane made his choice. As an outsider, I shouldn¡¯t say much.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    Selena sighed too.


    Then she asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t answer and instead asked, ¡°Were you hurt? Are you okay now?¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°I¡¯m fine now. Look what I brought for you¨Ca


    protective charm. Keep it in your bag, and you won¡¯t encounter those troubling things anymore.¡±


    She handed Aveline a beautifully packaged charm.


    Aveline epted it. ¡°Thanks, babe.¡±


    Selena waved it off. ¡°No need to thank me. Do you have ns today? If not, let¡¯s go out for a meal. I haven¡¯t eaten since I got back this morning!¡±


    ¡°<b>Sure</b>, let¡¯s go eat,¡± Aveline agreed with a nod.


    The two of them tidied up a bit and then headed out.


    Seeing a mall, Selena pulled Aveline inside.


    Eating could wait¨Cshopping was more important! After being in the


    +15 BONUS


    hospital for so long, she hadn¡¯t had a proper outing and was itching to shop.


    Selena¡¯s mood lifted significantly just being around Aveline.


    They entered a clothing store, and Selena immediately spotted a dress. She picked it up and held it against Aveline.


    ¡°Ave, this would look amazing on you. Try it on.¡±


    Aveline nced at the dress and then nodded, reaching to take it.


    But a hand suddenly reached out and snatched the dress away.


    ¡°Moon, you should try this on. It would look stunning on you.¡±


    Seeing someone take the dress away, Selena¡¯s face darkened. She stepped forward and snapped, ¡°Hey, have some decency! How could you just snatch things from others like that?¡±


    A woman sat on the sofa, bundled up in a hat, mask, and sunsses. The girl who had taken the dress wore a hat as well and initially looked at the woman with a fawning expression.


    Hearing Selena¡¯s words<b>, </b>she red at her fiercely. ¡°This dress is so expensive. Can you even afford it?¡±


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    The girl¡¯s attitude was extremely arrogant.


    Selena¡¯s fiery temper red up. ¡°Whether I can afford it or not is


    none of your business. But seeing how you just snatched something from me like that, you seem tock manners.¡±


    The girl was taken aback, immediately turning with a pitiful look. toward the woman addressed as Moon.


    Moon Chew sat on the sofa, arms crossed, her sunsses fixed on Aveline. She said, ¡°I¡¯ll pay double. I want that dress.¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena sneered. ¡°So, you think having money makes you superior? Ever think about the store clerk? Overpaying messes up the market. Are you buying the dress or your dignity?¡±


    Moon¡¯s face, hidden under her mask, turned cold.


    *The dress is in our hands now. We want it. What are you going to do about it?¡± she said arrogantly.


    Selena¡¯s anger red even more. ¡°Acting tough, huh? If you¡¯re so bold, why are you hiding behind a hat and mask? Afraid of being recognized for something shameful? Oh, she called you Moon. Aren¡¯t you that notorious actress who is also a mistress?¡±


    The girl immediately retorted, ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? Be careful, we can sue you for nder!¡±


    Moon responded, ¡°The real mistress is the one he doesn¡¯t love.¡±


    ¡°How shameless!¡± Selena took out her phone and started recording. She then lunged forward, yanking off Moon¡¯s sunsses and hat. ¡°I¡¯ll expose your disgusting face today. Let¡¯s see if your fans still like you after seeing you brazenly ruin someone¡¯s marriage and snatch clothes!


    + 15 BONUS


    ¡°Ah! What are you doing?¡±


    The girl dropped the dress and rushed over to stop Selena.


    With surprising strength, Selena shoved the girl aside and started recording Moon¡¯s face up close.


    Moon panicked. ¡°Are you crazy?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena sneered. ¡°Weren¡¯t you acting all high and mighty just now? What happened? Scared now? <b>If </b>you¡¯re afraid, then don¡¯t do things. that only despicable people do!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Help!¡±


    Moon frantically covered her face<b>, </b>preventing Selena from


    recording, too afraid to run outside for fear of being recognized by the crowd.


    At that moment, a group of people passed by the store and saw themotion.


    Seeing the man leading the group, Moon immediately rushed over, crying. ¡°Mr. Tudor, help me! This woman is crazy!¡±


    She hid behind Lucas, looking pitiful and delicate.


    Selena aimed her phone at Lucas¡® face. ¡°Ha! I never expected to run into a pair of adulterers today. When I post this video, your fans will tear you apart!¡±


    Selena¡¯s dislike for Lucas had reached its peak, and seeing him now. made her even bolder.


    Aveline, sensing the chill emanating from Lucas, quickly went to Selena¡¯s side. ¡°Enough, stop recording.¡±


    But Selena grabbed her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯ll keep this as evidence for you. You can file for divorce. There are plenty of men


    +15 BONUS


    out there better than him!¡±


    The coldness in the air grew more intense, a powerful presence sweeping through the room.


    Aveline felt a shiver down her spine!


    ¡°Selena, please, stop recording.¡± Her expression was serious as she noticed Lucas¡® face darken.


    He was angry.


    And he wasn¡¯t the type to let such an insult slide easily.


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    Chapter 381


    ¡°Stop her,¡± Lucas ordered coldly, looking at Selena and signaling his bodyguards.


    Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, forcefully


    restraining Selena and taking her phone.


    Seeing this, Selena began to struggle. ¡°What are you doing? Lucas, you bastard! Let me go!¡±


    The bodyguards respectfully handed the phone to Lucas.


    Lucas took it and deleted all the videos and photos Selena had taken. He then tossed the phone back to the bodyguards.


    Aveline approached Selena and looked at the bodyguards. ¡°Let her go!¡±


    The bodyguards knew Aveline¡¯s identity, but the order came from Lucas, leaving them uncertain. They looked to Lucas for guidance.


    Aveline turned to Lucas, her voice icy. ¡°Did you bring me back just to be a powerless trophy?¡±


    The atmosphere in the clothing store grew tense.


    Lucas¡® icy gaze fell on her before he waved his hand.


    The bodyguards immediately released Selena.


    As soon as she was free, Selena lunged at Lucas. ¡°You bastard! How dare you-¡±


    ¡°Selena!¡± Aveline shouted, pulling her back, and raising her voice.


    Selena, startled by Aveline¡¯s outburst, calmed down and realized who she was dealing with. Her confidence wavered.


    Lucas was known for holding grudges.


    She had insulted him harshly, surely he was contemting his


    revenge.


    ¡°Apologize to mypany¡¯s spokesperson, Lucas demanded coldly, looking at Selena.


    ¡°Why should I apologize? If anyone should apologize, it¡¯s you two scumbags! Selena retorted, unable to hold back.


    Lucas¡® face darkened. ¡°It seems you not only need to apologize to her but also to me. nder, defamation, vition of image rights, and personal assault¨Cthese charges couldnd you in detention for 15 days.¡±


    ¡°You son of a-¡°Selena fumed, almost exploding with anger.


    She wished she could tear Lucas¡® face apart!


    This scumbag did something wrong and now had the audacity to act righteous!


    Aveline quickly intervened, ¡°Selena, calm down. Do you really want to be detained?¡±


    Selena¡¯s hands trembled with anger, but she forced herself to hold back<i>. </i>


    Aveline turned her gaze to Lucas, then nced at Moon hiding behind him.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to apologize,¡± Aveline stated firmly. ¡°She provoked us first. I know you have the power to control this situation, but if it goes public on the inte, it won¡¯t be good for either you or Miss Chew¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened as he looked at her calm demeanor. ¡°So, you¡¯re not nning to have her apologize?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°She defended me Shed


    should she apologize?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but feel the irony. Selena, her friend, had always defended her. Lucas, her husband, constantly made things difficult


    for her.


    Lucas stared at her intensely. ¡°Fine, call the police.¡±


    ¡°Lucas!¡± Aveline stepped forward, her eyes showing turmoil.


    Lucas looked at her coolly. ¡°What?¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t let Selena be detained. She bit her lip and said, ¡°I¡¯ll apologize to Miss Chew on her behalf. Will that work?¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°With your current status¨Cdo you think your apology on her behalf is sufficient?¡±


    He clearly wasn¡¯t going to ept it!


    Aveline¡¯s fingers curled into fists as she looked at Lucas¡® cold, arrogant face. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

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    Chapter 382


    Selena grabbed Aveline¡¯s hand. ¡°No apology! I¡¯m not apologizing 1 scum like her. If they want to detain me, so be it!¡±


    Aveline looked at her, feeling a pang of sadness. If the Tudor famil got involved, it wouldn¡¯t just be a simple 15¨Cday detention.


    Selena hadpletely offended Lucas. How would she survive i Cloudre City in the future?


    Aveline held her hand gently and said, ¡°Selena, I don¡¯t want you to b detained.¡±


    Selena frowned. ¡°But¡­¡±


    Aveline turned to Lucas, her tone softening. ¡°Lucas, it really was Miss Chew who provoked us first. You can check the surveince footage. Selena was just defending me. If you send her to the police, are you saying you don¡¯t want anyone protecting me in the future? You might as well send me in too.¡±


    The cold expression on Lucas face faltered slightly as he looked at her softened demeanor, but he still felt ufortable.


    He stared at her deeply, about to say something when Moon spoke. up from behind him. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I really don¡¯t know how I offended them. I came here to buy clothes, but thisdy snatched the dress from me, insulted me, and even tried to hit me. Look at my arm¡­¡±


    She raised her arm, showing a few scratch marks, clearly made by fingernails.


    Selena¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re lying! When did I ever hit you?¡±


    Moon immediately cowered behind Lucas, looking pitiful and scared.


    ¡°Keep pretending. Come out here and face me. When did I scratch you? With which fingers? You¡¯re shameless, twisting the truth!¡±


    Selena red at Moon, ready for a fight.


    Compared to the two, Selena seemed like the vicious antagonist, while Moon appeared to be the bullied, innocent girl.


    Aveline stepped in. ¡°Miss Moon, you can¡¯t just make things up. There are plenty of witnesses here who saw what really happened. Don¡¯t you feel embarrassed making such a false usation against my friend?¡±


    Moon suddenly started crying. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have said anything. These are just minor injuries, not worth mentioning. Let¡¯s just forget about this.¡±


    She looked scared and intimidated, seemingly too frightened to pursue the matter further.


    ¡°Two¨Cfaced bitch¡­¡± Selena muttered.


    Selena didn¡¯t hold back and cursed loudly. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline frowned and looked at Lucas.


    His expression darkened as he suddenly walked over to the sof: and sat down with his legs crossed, exuding an intimidating


    presence.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s not just about insults, but intentional harm. If you don¡¯t apologize properly, this won¡¯t end well.¡±


    ¡°Lucas¡­¡± Aveline looked at him in disbelief. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me


    Lucas sneered. ¡°You two against her, and she¡¯s the one injured. Wh do you think I should believe?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught in her throat!


    She clenched her clothes tightly, struggling


    She never imagined


    +15 BONUS


    her side at all!


    While Aveline could tolerate it, Selena couldn¡¯t.


    Selena¡¯s temper red, and she pointed at Lucas, shouting, ¡°You¡¯re an ungrateful jerk! Ave saved your life, and this is how you repay her? If you don¡¯t appreciate her, why are you holding onto her? Just divorce her already! Meeting you has been the worst luck of her life!¡±


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    Chapter 383


    Selena¡¯s face was flushed with anger.


    Aveline¡¯s figure seemed unsteady. She looked at Lucas¡® handsome face, a face she knew so well, but now felt so foreign.


    What was the point?


    She suddenly smiled and walked straight up to Moon, raising her hand and pping her across the face.


    The sharp sound of the p echoed through the store, bringing a stunned silence. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline turned to Lucas. ¡°Now, this is me hitting her. First, she


    started trouble, then she lied and twisted the truth. A p is the least she deserves. Did you really think just because she had sex with you that I wouldn¡¯t dare touch her?¡±


    She stared coldly at Moon, her hand trembling slightly. ¡°Stop your schemes and stirring up trouble, or I won¡¯t hesitate to p you again!


    With that, she ignored Moon¡¯s shocked and embarrassed face and turned to Lucas. ¡°We will not apologize, Lucas. I want a divorce.¡±


    She finished speaking, grabbed Selena¡¯s hand, and walked towards the exit.


    The bodyguards blocked the door, but Aveline stared them down coldly.


    Somehow, she had absorbed Lucas¡® intimidating presence. Despite her small stature, the bodyguards couldn¡¯t meet her gaze.


    Aveline led Selena out.


    The atmosphere in the store was suffocating.


    +15 BONUS


    Moon started crying, holding her face. ¡°Mr. Tudor<b>¡­</b>¡±


    ¡°Get out,¡± Lucas said coldly, not even sparing her a nce, then walked out.


    The bodyguards followed him out. The executives who hade along for the inspection stood at a distance, unsure of what had happened but not daring to approach.


    Moon covered her face, her expression grim.


    She didn¡¯t dare to retaliate.


    Being a celebrity meant nothing. If the people with power and money decided they were unhappy with her, they could take away all her resources, leaving her with nothing.


    But she was furious!


    What right did that woman have to hit her?


    She vowed to get revenge!


    Selena looked at her in surprise. ¡°Ave, you really stood up for yourself.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face was pale as she looked at her. ¡°Lucas will definitely hold a grudge against you. You need to leave Cloudre City. Gol anywhere, just don¡¯t let him find you.¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving. I want to stay with you.¡±


    Aveline felt a warmth in her heart but insisted, ¡°I¡¯m alone; he can¡¯t use anything against me. But if you stay, he¡¯ll know how to get to me.


    Selena nodded reluctantly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    Aveline smiled faintly but then noticed Lucas approaching. She


    quickly positioned herself in front of Selena, her gaze icy. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened as he looked at her, but his lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Aveline, you embarrassed me greatly today. What do you think I should do?¡±


    With a wave of his hand, several bodyguards stepped forward and restrained Selena..


    Aveline was shocked. ¡°Let her go, Lucas! If you have an issue, take it out on me!¡±


    Lucas nced at the bodyguards, and they forcibly took Selena -away.


    ¡°Let go, mmm!¡± Selena tried to shout and struggle, but she was no match for the bodyguards. They covered her mouth, and she could only re at Lucas with wide, angry eyes.


    Aveline felt the blood drain from her face.


    She rushed towards him, raising her hand to p him, but he caught her wrist. His eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ve been too lenient with you.¡±


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    Chapter 384


    Aveline red at him furiously. ¡°Where did you take Selena? Lucas, our issues are between us. Can you not drag others into it?¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°What right does she have meddling in our affairs?¡±


    Aveline was trembling with rage.


    Lucas, however, didn¡¯t want to argue in public. He dragged her out of the mall and forcefully shoved her into the car.


    Aveline struggled. ¡°Lucas, let Selena go!¡±


    e to


    Lucas held her shoulders firmly and said coldly, ¡°If you want release her, you¡¯d better behave and satisfy me. Then I¡¯ll let her go.¡±


    Aveline looked at him, feeling as if he was a stranger.


    Once inside the car, away from prying eyes, Lucas¡® expression remained icy and grim..


    Aveline tried to calm herself. ¡°Lucas, today was my fault. I shouldn¡¯t. have pped Miss Chew or spoken to her like that. Can you please let Selena go?¡±


    Her quick submission didn¡¯t bring Lucas any satisfaction.


    He stared at her intensely. ¡°Is divorce the only thing on your mind?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered, but she said nothing.


    Anything she said would only anger him.


    Lucas, frustrated by her silence, tugged at his tie, trying to release. his pent¨Cup emotions.


    The atmosphere in the car grew stifling. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Aveline was both angry and sad, but with Selena in Lucas¡® grasp, she


    couldn¡¯t express her feelings.


    She felt like crying.


    How could she have fallen in love with such a cruel man?


    But the most important thing now was to save Selena.


    ¡°Lucas, please let Selena go. I won¡¯t interfere with your affairs anymore. Even if I see you with another girl, I¡¯ll avoid you. Is that okay?¡±


    Her voice was soft, almost pleading


    Lucas¡® expression darkened further. ¡°How generous of you.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you want?¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°You have no idea what I want.¡±


    Aveline opened her mouth to respond but found no words.


    Even if she asked, she couldn¡¯t give him the answer he wanted.


    The car fell silent again.


    Aveline asked softly, ¡°What do I need to do for you to let Selena go?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Anything?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled, and she whispered, ¡°Anything.¡±


    Lucas chuckled softly, then suddenly grasped her chin, his thumb brushing over her lips. His eyes grew darker. ¡°Then use this to please me.¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline looked at him in disbelief.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°What? Didn¡¯t you say anything?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled, filled with shock. She never expected him to make such a demand.


    Even when they were at their closest, she had never imagined this, and he had never asked.


    She couldn¡¯t ept it.


    Instinctively, Aveline turned her face away.


    Lucas stared at her, his gaze cold and deep, without saying a word.


    Aveline bit her lip slightly, hesitating for a long time before asking, ¡°If I do this, you¡¯ll let Selena go?¡±


    She didn¡¯t trust him; she needed confirmation.


    Lucas seemed to see through her thoughts and said coldly, ¡°Aveline, you have no choice but to trust me right now. She¡¯s in my hands, and whether I release her or not is up to me.¡±


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    Chapter 384


    Aveline red at him furiously. ¡°Where did you take Selena? Lucas, our issues are between us. Can you not drag others into it?¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°What right does she have meddling in our affairs?¡±


    Aveline was trembling with rage.


    Lucas, however, didn¡¯t want to argue in public. He dragged her out of the mall and forcefully shoved her into the car.


    Aveline struggled. ¡°Lucas, let Selena go!¡±


    e to


    Lucas held her shoulders firmly and said coldly, ¡°If you want release her, you¡¯d better behave and satisfy me. Then I¡¯ll let her go.¡±


    Aveline looked at him, feeling as if he was a stranger.


    Once inside the car, away from prying eyes, Lucas¡® expression remained icy and grim..


    Aveline tried to calm herself. ¡°Lucas, today was my fault. I shouldn¡¯t. have pped Miss Chew or spoken to her like that. Can you please let Selena go?¡±


    Her quick submission didn¡¯t bring Lucas any satisfaction.


    He stared at her intensely. ¡°Is divorce the only thing on your mind?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered, but she said nothing.


    Anything she said would only anger him.


    Lucas, frustrated by her silence, tugged at his tie, trying to release. his pent¨Cup emotions.


    The atmosphere in the car grew stifling.


    Aveline was both angry and sad, but with Selena in Lucas¡® grasp, she


    couldn¡¯t express her feelings.


    She felt like crying.


    How could she have fallen in love with such a cruel man?


    But the most important thing now was to save Selena.


    ¡°Lucas, please let Selena go. I won¡¯t interfere with your affairs anymore. Even if I see you with another girl, I¡¯ll avoid you. Is that okay?¡±


    Her voice was soft, almost pleading


    Lucas¡® expression darkened further. ¡°How generous of you.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you want?¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°You have no idea what I want.¡±


    Aveline opened her mouth to respond but found no words.


    Even if she asked, she couldn¡¯t give him the answer he wanted.


    The car fell silent again.


    Aveline asked softly, ¡°What do I need to do for you to let Selena go?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Anything?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled, and she whispered, ¡°Anything.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Lucas chuckled softly, then suddenly grasped her chin, his thumb brushing over her lips. His eyes grew darker. ¡°Then use this to please me.¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline looked at him in disbelief.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°What? Didn¡¯t you say anything?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled, filled with shock. She never expected him to make such a demand.


    Even when they were at their closest, she had never imagined this, and he had never asked.


    She couldn¡¯t ept it.


    Instinctively, Aveline turned her face away.


    Lucas stared at her, his gaze cold and deep, without saying a word.


    Aveline bit her lip slightly, hesitating for a long time before asking, ¡°If I do this, you¡¯ll let Selena go?¡±


    She didn¡¯t trust him; she needed confirmation.


    Lucas seemed to see through her thoughts and said coldly, ¡°Aveline, you have no choice but to trust me right now. She¡¯s in my hands, and whether I release her or not is up to me.¡±


    Comments

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    Selena looked at her, then suddenly shook her head. ¡°Ave, what¡¯s the point of exining all this?¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Stop provoking him. You won¡¯t win.¡±


    Selena fell silent.


    Though unwilling to admit it, she knew it was true,


    Cloudre City was Lucas¡® domain. He could make her disappear without a trace if he wished.


    Aveline continued, ¡°Selena, I will find a way to deal with my situation with him, but I don¡¯t want you involved. I don¡¯t want you to be my weakness.¡±


    Selena hugged her tightly. ¡°But Ave, if I¡¯m not there with you, you¡¯ll be all alone. That jerk will take advantage of you.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes grew warm, and she sniffled. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Once I divorce him, even if he begs, I won¡¯t even look at him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Selena pped her hands.


    The two of them strolled around the garden, reminiscing about amusing past events.


    Time passed quickly.


    When Aveline looked up, she saw Lucas standing on the balcony of the second floor, watching her.


    Even from this distance, she could sense his impatience.


    She lowered her eyes slightly and said to Selena, ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for a driver to take you back. You need to leave Cloudre City as soon as possible.¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    +15 BONUS


    Selena nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline called for a driver and watched as Selena got into the car and left.


    She stood there until the car disappeared from sight, then went back inside the vi.


    Aveline went upstairs and directly entered the bedroom. She looked at Lucas and said, ¡°I need a study.¡±


    Lucas responded coldly, ¡°You¡¯re thedy of the house. You can use any room you want as your study.¡±


    After a pause, he added, ¡°The room next to my study has good lighting.¡±


    Aveline turned and left, heading to the room at the end of the third- floor hallway, far from Lucas¡® study.


    She told the housekeeper what she needed, and they quickly arranged for it.


    As they were moving things, Lucas stepped out of the bedroom and saw that everything was being taken to the third floor.


    lis expression darkened. ¡°Why is everything being moved to the hird floor?¡±


    he housekeeper replied, ¡°Madam chose a room on the third floor or her study.¡±


    cas¡® face darkenedpletely.


    e went straight up to the third floor and saw all the items being oved into the room at the end of the hallway. His expre


    en grimmer.


    1 she really want to be that far


    ¦°


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Aveline asked as she came up to check on the progress and saw Lucas standing at the top of the stairs.


    Lucas¡® cool gaze settled on her. ¡°Your study is here?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, the lighting is better here, and it¡¯s more suitable for my drawing.¡±


    ¡°Especially since it¡¯s far from you,¡± she thought with satisfaction.


    Lucas gave her a long, intense look before turning and heading back downstairs.


    Aveline ignored his mood and went into her new study, directing the workers on where to ce the furniture.


    Once everything was set up, she brought herputer into the room and looked out at the view<i>. </i>


    Ideas quickly began to form in her mind.


    The next day.


    After arriving at work, Aveline submitted her initial drafts to the


    client and waited for feedback.


    Maria came over, cing a cup of coffee in front of her. ¡°How¡¯s it going? Are you settling in okay?¡±


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    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°I¡¯m adapting fine.¡±


    Maria nodded. ¡°That¡¯s great. To expand our business, I¡¯m attending a business cocktail party tonight, filled with influential figures. Why don¡¯t youe with me?¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°Me?¡±


    Maria nodded. ¡°Yes, you worked on the Brighton Enterprises project. Many people in the industry know you. You¡¯re kind of a big deal for our studio. Bringing you along will attract potential partners.¡±


    After a moment of thought, Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright.


    Maria smiled. ¡®Great, I¡¯ll pick you up this evening.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Since the studio was just starting out, participating in such events would be beneficial. Aveline didn¡¯t want to miss this opportunity.


    In the evening, Aveline gathered her things, and Maria¡¯s car was already waiting downstairs. When she got in, Maria handed her a bag.


    ¡°Change into this.¡±


    Aveline looked at it and said, ¡°There¡¯s no need. For a business cocktail party, dressing elegantly but simply is enough.¡±


    Maria gave her an approving look. ¡°It seems like bringing you along was the right choice.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°These events are formal and focused. There won¡¯t be much entertainment; everyone has the same objective.¡±


    Maria nodded. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do it your way.¡±


    Hall was


    trug with due great se


    woman incluring Bonversation, many people were


    writing me angrege


    Bugchine had barn mervjua intially but watching Maria navigate the vinam to affyrtless she gradually began to rx.


    at that moment Aseline felt a gaze on her that made her ufortable. She turned to see a group of young men sitting on a nearly sofa, one of whorts was staring at her intently


    Aveline frowned slightly and looked away With so many people around she doubted anyone would try anything.


    Maria led her over to the edge of the sofa area.


    Smacke


    light sound came from beside them. Both Maria and Aveline turned to see the man who had been staring at Aveline earlier now smiling broadly


    ¡°Are you looking for projects for your studio? I happen to have an interesting one,¡± he said


    Maria smiled. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Maria Cooper, the owner of XY Studio. Here¡¯s my card. Could you tell me more about your project?¡±


    The man¡¯s name was Jackson Rogers, the son of a bank president. Ignoring Maria, he looked directly at Aveline. I want to discuss it


    with her.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Sensing trouble, Maria said, ¡°She¡¯s new and doesn¡¯t know much yet. If you have any requirements, you can talk to me.¡±


    Jackson sneered. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid? She handled the Brighton Enterprises project. Who doesn¡¯t know that? With such talent, can she not handle my small project?¡±


    People nearby started to take notice, their eyes curious.


    Maria sensed Jackson¡¯s bad intentions and knew she couldn¡¯t let Aveline handle him. She dropped her smile and said, ¡°Sorry, we need to take care of something. Excuse us.<b>¡± </b>


    She tried to lead Aveline away, but Jackson¡¯s voice stopped them.


    ¡°Did I say you could leave?¡±


    Immediately, the men with Jackson stepped forward and blocked their path.


    COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus


    D


    Comments Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 388


    Maria turned to Jackson. ¡°What do you mean by this?¡±


    Jackson smirked. ¡°I want her to sit and talk with me. If she doesn¡¯t, you might as well shut down your studio.¡±


    His attitude was arrogant,pletely dismissing Maria and Aveline. It was clear his target was Aveline.


    Maria¡¯s expression darkened.


    Aveline stepped forward and asked, ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t believe we know each other.¡±


    Jackson replied, ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. I know you. Come, sit here.¡±


    He patted his thigh.


    Laughter erupted around them. Jackson¡¯s friends and bodyguards watched Aveline with malicious intent, while the other guests at the party stayed away, clearly aware of Jackson¡¯s identity and preferring not to get involved.


    Aveline¡¯s face also darkened.


    This man seemed to have a powerful background. She lowered her eyes slightly, then took out her phone and dialed a number.


    Jackson scoffed, ¡°What? Calling for help? I want to see who you¡¯re calling. In Cloudre City, who dares to interfere with what I want to do!¡±


    ¡°Lucas,¡± Aveline¡¯s calm voice rang out. ¡°I¡¯m in trouble. Where are you?


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but everyone around hear


    Jackson¡¯s face stiffened. ¡°WE


    One of the men beside him said, ¡°Boss, she said Lucas¡­¡±


    Jackson pped the man¡¯s head Nonsense! Who does she think she is? How could she know Lucas Tudor?¡±


    The others stayed silent, puzzled by Aveline¡¯s im.


    Jackson walked over and snatched Aveline¡¯s phone. ¡°Stop All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    pretending. Either you obey, or you and your studio can get out of Cloudre City!¡±


    He hung up the phone,pletely dismissing the idea that Aveline might actually know Lucas, the CEO of DK Group and thest heir of the city¡¯s most powerful family.


    Even if she had worked at DK Group, she had resigned. How could Lucas possibly care about a former employee? Ridiculous!


    Aveline¡¯s face turned cold. ¡°Give me back my phone


    Instead of returning it, Jackson smashed her phone on the ground. You little b***h, who do you think you are? Daring to mess with someone I fancy? If you don¡¯tply today, I¡¯ll have you out of Cloudre City by tonight.¡±


    Aveline picked up on the key detail in his words. It was someone he liked who had a grudge against her and had him target her. But who could it be? Aveline was certain she didn¡¯t know Jackson


    Jackson grabbed Aveline¡¯s arm, trying to throw her onto the sofa Just then, his phone rang. He answered it irritably. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°You little punk! You dare mess with Lucas¡® woman? And you think you can get rid of Miss Young¡¯s studio? I¡¯ll have you sent abroad if you don¡¯t get back here immediately!¡± It was Jackson¡¯s father, William Rogers, on the phone.


    Hearing the scolding, Jackson was puzzled but sensed the gravity of


    bord Was Young Mh. Tudor w waling for you subsce

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    Jackson¡¯s face contorted into a forded smile as he turned to Desmond. ¡°Mr. ke, are you freetely? I¡¯d like to treat you to a meal.¡±


    Desmond responded curtly, ¡°I¡¯m not avable,¡± dismissing Jackson without a second thought.


    Even William had to respect Lucas, so who did Jackson think he was?


    Jackson¡¯s face turned ashen.


    Aveline looked at Maria. ¡°I¡¯ll head out now. You should go home. _early too.¡±


    Maria nodded. ¡°Take care.¡±


    Aveline followed Desmond out of the event. Outside, the night cloaked the surroundings, and a luxurious car waited by the curb. The window rolled down, revealing half of a man¡¯s profile. Hel seemed in a good mood, ncing down slightly.


    Aveline approached the car and got in, saying, ¡°Thank you for your help.¡±


    Lucas turned his eyes toward her, his lips parting slightly. ¡°How do you n to thank me?¡±


    Aveline paused, lowering her gaze. Lucas toyed with a lighter, seemingly wanting a cigarette but not lighting <b>it</b>.


    After a moment of silence, Aveline reached into his pocket, took out a cigarette, and ced it between her lips. She took the lighter from. his hand and lit the cigarette, taking a light puff. Smoke curled around her, adding a sultry allure to her demeanor.


    She handed the cigarette to him. ¡°Want a smoke?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened as he stared at her, snatching the cigarette and tossing it out the window before pulling her close for a fierce kiss. The taste of tobo lingered on her lips.


    His kiss was intense as if trying to merge her into his very being.


    ¡°Make me feel good right here,¡± he whispered in her ear, his voice husky. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled.


    He wanted to do it here when the car was parked right in front of the hotel?


    She gripped his shirt, her breathing uneven. ¡°Can we¡­ change location?¡±


    She didn¡¯t refuse. She had anticipated that asking for his help woulde with conditions, even though, as his wife, leveraging her title to exert some influence was her right.


    Yet, Lucas still demanded terms.


    Their rtionship didn¡¯t feel like a marriage but rather a


    transactional affair. Each favor was meticulously calcted, with no room for deception.


    A hint of irony flickered in Aveline¡¯s eyes.


    Lucas noticed it immediately and frowned.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    Aveline spoke softly, ¡°I¡¯m thinking that as your wife, it¡¯s absurd that I have to pay a price to do anything.


    The atmosphere in the car grew icy. Lucas¡® expression darkened further, and his grip on her chin tightened.


    Aveline met his gaze. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re not a suitable husband and I


    can¡¯t be a proper wife.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± Lucas snarled, pressing his lips against hers again, more fiercely this time, as if trying to devour her..


    Aveline endured it.


    However, he didn¡¯t proceed further, just kissed her with a savage intensity. After a long moment, he released her<b>, </b>his face clouded as he closed his eyes.


    ¡°Aveline, how do you define a suitable husband?¡± he asked in a low voice.


    All his life, the only model he had to follow was Frederick. He believed he had learned well, so why did Aveline see him as inadequate?


    Frederick¡¯s interactions with Yvonne were exactly like this.


    Commenti

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    Aveline froze, instinctively turning to look at him. The dim light inside the car cast shadows over his face, making it difficult to read his expression. She opened her mouth but felt lost.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± she said softly.


    As an orphan, she had never seen how parents interacted and therefore didn¡¯t know what a good husband or father looked like. But Lucas came from aplete family. How could he not know?


    Aveline wanted to ask, but given their current rtionship, it seemed unnecessary. Even if she knew, what difference would it make<b>? </b>


    Lucas spoke in a low voice, ¡°Since neither of us knows, let¡¯s just get by. Whyplicate things with so many demands?¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline remained silent. The atmosphere in the car was stifling.


    Just then, her phone rang. She looked at the screen and saw it was Selena calling.


    ¡°Hello, Selena,¡± she answered, thinking Selena had finished packing and was ready to leave.


    Instead, Selena¡¯s voice was frantic. ¡°Ave, Lucas¡® people are trying to take me away! I-¡± Her words were cut off by amotion, followed by a scream, and then the line went dead.


    ¡°Hello? Hello?!¡± Aveline¡¯s face turned pale with worry, but the call had ended.


    She turned sharply to Lucas, ¡°Did you send someone to take Selena? Lucas, what are you trying to do? I¡¯ve been following your


    instructions. What more do you want?¡±


    Her voice was nearly a shout, her eyes reddening with anger and desperation.


    Lucas frowned. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Aveline clutched her phone tightly, ¡°Please le


    Selena go. She poses


    no threat to you. I promise I won¡¯t bring up divorce again. I¡¯ll do as you say. Just let her go, okay?¡±


    Her tone was pleading, her eyes filled with earnest desperation.


    Lucas stared at her, his expression darkening. ¡°I didn¡¯t have her taken.¡±


    Aveline, thinking he was lying, felt tears rolling down her cheeks. Lucas, please don¡¯t make me hate you. Can¡¯t you just let her go?¡±


    Selena told her directly, so how could it be wrong?


    Lucas stared at her intently, the coldness around him intensified. He took out


    Selena <i>is</i>, phone and dialed Desmond¡¯s number. ¡°Find out where


    After he finished speaking, he hung up immediately.


    He looked at Aveline, his eyes full of mockery. ¡°Even without Selena, you can¡¯t divorce me. Taking her away would only make you resist me more. Why would I do that?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart trembled. ¡°But Selena said it was your people¡­¡±


    Lucas replied coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t jump to conclusions before the matter is fully investigated.¡±


    Aveline looked at him. His stern face showed no other emotion. Could it really not be him? Then why did Selena say it was?


    Aveline felt very confused at this moment. The only thing she could do now was wait for news.


    The car drove straight back to the Tudor residence.


    She paced back and forth in the living room.


    Desmond¡¯s call came in, and Lucas answered, ¡°Speak.¡±


    Desmond said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, our people took Miss Quin. Where they went is still unclear, and I can¡¯t reach them anymore.¡±


    Lucas expression darkened. ¡°Find them as soon as possible.¡±


    He then messaged Maria, asking her to track those people down. When it came towork tracking. Maria was an expert


    Aveline looked at him anxiously. ¡°Have you found Selena?¡±


    Lucas pressed his lips together. His eyes fixed on her as he began to speak¡­..

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    ¡°Aveline, my people took Selena, but I don¡¯t know where she is now I¡¯m sending someone to find her.¡±


    He exined that his men had indeed taken Selena and that ther was a traitor among <b>his </b>subordinates. They still needed to find ou who had ordered Selena¡¯s abduction, but for now<i>, </i>he needed to


    rify things with her.


    ¡°I only found out about this when you told me,¡± Lucas said in a deep voice..


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered, and her fingers curled slightly. She asked softly, ¡°How could your people take Selena without you knowing?¡±


    She felt he was lying to her.


    He knew that Selena was her weakness.


    As long as he had Selena, he could make her do anything he wanted.


    Lucas¡® expression darkened as he walked directly in front of her. So, you don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond, which was as good as admitting it.


    Lucas grew increasingly agitated, his expression bing even more grim.


    ¡°Aveline, this has nothing to do with me,¡± he said coldly.


    Aveline said, ¡°Then find her quickly, and make sure she¡¯s safe.¡±


    Her voice trembled slightly. She couldn¡¯t even imagine what she would do if something happened to Selena.


    Lucas didn¡¯t say anything, but his face was very grim.


    Aveline sat on the sofa, waiting quietly.


    Selena had been captured, blindfolded, and gagged, then thrown into a car. She couldn¡¯t speak, but she could hear the men talking.


    One of the bodyguards said, ¡°Mr. Tudor ordered us to keep her locked up and await his instructions.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and use this on her. It¡¯ll make things easier for us.¡±


    Selena heard this and began to struggle, her body twisting in resistance.


    But soon, she smelled a pungent odor beneath her nose. It was toote when she tried to hold her breath.


    Her face turned pale!


    What had these people done to her? What exactly was that damned Lucas nning?


    Selena panicked, and soon her body began to react.


    She felt hot.


    A wave of heat surged from deep within her body, spreading like a relentless tide. Her body became weak and limp.


    She liked to party in bars and clubs, so she knew exactly what this


    was. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    These bastards had drugged her!


    ¡°She¡¯s reacting!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there. I can¡¯t wait to have a go!¡±


    ¡°Wait, I want to go first!¡±


    115 BOUUS


    The bodyguardsughed lewdly, discussing who would go first.


    Selena, in her hazy state, was filled with overwhelming anger towards Lucas!


    If she could get out, she would definitely kill Lucas!


    Bang!


    Just then, the car came to a sudden halt and was violently struck from behind, causing everyone inside to lurch forward with the impact.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Have we been exposed?¡±


    ¡°Run!¡±


    Selena heard the panicked voices of the bodyguards, though it was unclear. She only heard the car doors open and the sound of


    footsteps running away in disarray.


    Soon, screams rang out.


    The car door was left ajar, allowing the cold wind to rush in, helping her regain a bit of rity.


    Her body felt awful, and her breathing was heavy.


    ¡°Tsk tek, what a sorry sight.¡±


    At that moment, a familiar, irritating voice sounded.


    Selena trembled all over¨Cit was Aaron¡¯s voice!


    She wriggled and made muffled noises.


    Could he save her<i>? </i>


    But he was Lucas¡® friend. Lucas had sent people to capture her; how

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    Selena¡¯s struggles gradually weakened as despair began to creep into her heart. The next moment, she felt a tight grip on her arm, and she was pulled into an embrace that carried a hint of coldness.


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep you tied up for now. Even if we untie you, nothing good woulde out of your mouth,¡± came azy male voice from above. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Aaron held her and ced her into another car. He carefully untied the ropes around her wrists while dialing Lucas¡® number.


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve found her. Yes, I also caught those men. I¡¯ll have someone send them over to you for questioning.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± came Lucas¡® cold and indifferent voice over the phone.


    Selena, though still groggy, paused for a moment upon hearing this. Lucas wasn¡¯t the one who ordered her abduction?


    Then why did those bodyguards say it was on Lucas¡® orders?


    Rip¡­


    Just then, the tape over her mouth was suddenly torn off, the pain jolting her awake.


    She sucked in a sharp breath, her face pale from the pain.


    Aaron looked at her and chuckled lightly. ¡°Does it hurt that much?¡±


    Selena


    Still blindfolded, snapped, ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it yourself and


    <b>see </b>how much it hurts?¡±


    Aaron smirked. ¡°Forget it. Maybe I should tape your mouth back up.¡± Selena quickly dodged.


    With her hands now free, she hurriedl


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    She saw Aaron sitting across from her in the spacious luxury car, its interior fully equipped with everything one could need. The seats were sofortable she almost wanted to roll around on them.


    She squinted her eyes, let out a deep breath, and asked, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it Lucas who had me abducted?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°Why would Lucas want to kidnap you, just to get scolded?¡±


    Selena pouted and said, ¡°He¡¯s done simr things before, like kidnapping me to threaten Ave.¡±


    Aaron was surprised, ¡°He¡¯s done that before?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±


    Aaron leaned backzily. ¡°I really didn¡¯t. If I had known, I would have stopped him.¡±


    He would definitely have prevented it. He knew Lucas didn¡¯t want to divorce Aveline, and such a method was the worst possible approach.


    Sigh¡­


    Selena rubbed her wrists, pursed her lips slightly, and then looked at him, ¡°Can I borrow your phone?¡±


    Aaron asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°To call Ave. I told her earlier that it was Lucas who had me kidnapped. She¡¯s probably really worried right now.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Aaron narrowed his eyes.


    He smirked sarcastically and said, ¡°You¡¯ve already fallen into the trap. If I hadn¡¯t found you, what do you think would have happened next?¡±


    23


    Selena looked at him in confusion. What are you talking about?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand even if I told you


    Selena was speechless.


    This man was still as infuriating as ever!


    She remained silent for a moment, then her brows furrowed as the effects of the drug started to kick in again<b>. </b>


    A blush spread across her cheeks, and her eyes became hazy as she looked at him and said, ¡®Aaron, take me to the hospital.¡±


    Aaron observed her for a while in silence, then dialed a number and asked, ¡°How do you counteract the effects of a drug?¡±


    The person on the other end said, ¡°Get her to the hospital before the effects fully set in. If they do, you¡¯ll need to either put her in cold water or, well, go with it.¡±


    Aaron frowned. ¡°If the effects have already kicked in, is it toote to take her to the hospital?¡±


    He cursed under his breath and hung up.


    By this point, Selena¡¯s consciousness was already slipping away.


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    The car sped along the highway as the sky gradually darkened. Selena¡¯s hands and feet were once again bound, and she was thrown onto the back seat. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aaron¡¯s expression was far from pleasant; he was in a terrible mood. How did he end up in such a mess? What if this woman died on his watch? He certainly didn¡¯t want to go to jail!


    They arrived at the nearest vi, and Aaron carried Selena inside. The butler, upon seeing this scene, was utterly shocked.


    ¡°Mr. Aaron, w¨Cwe can¡¯t do anything illegal! If Mrs. Fletchers finds out about this, she¡¯ll faint!¡± The butler followed Aaron, trembling and pleading earnestly.


    It didn¡¯t look good at all. The girl was tied up, her cheeks flushed, eyes hazy, and mumbling incoherently, clearly against her will.


    The butler had watched Aaron grow up. As a child, Aaron had been adorable, but he had be quite reckless as he grew older. Still, he had never done anything immoral like this, and it couldn¡¯t start now!


    Aaron nced at the butler strangely. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m interested in her?¡±


    The butler was taken aback. ¡°What?¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°Go buy a set of women¡¯s clothes.¡±


    The woman on his shoulder began to squirm again, and a vein throbbed on Aaron¡¯s forehead. He quickly went upstairs, entered the guest bedroom, and threw Selena into the bathtub. He turned on the shower, letting the cold water cascade over her.


    Selena shivered, bing slightly more


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    Seeing her open her eyes, Aaron tossed her the showerhead and said, ¡°Wash yourself off. When you¡¯re done,e out. I¡¯m not going to help you in that way.¡±


    With that, he turned and left the bathroom.


    Selena was speechless.


    She wanted to curse him.


    Couldn¡¯t he just take her to the hospital?


    A doctor would be more helpful than him!


    She was utterly exasperated!


    Aaron stepped out and immediately called Lucas, sending him their location.


    He stoo


    on the balcony, the faint sound of running watering from behind him. Feeling agitated, he tugged at his cor.


    ¡°Aaron!¡± A nearly hysterical voice shouted from the bathroom, sounding as if it wanted to kill him.


    Aaron¡¯s eyebrows twitched as he turned back and asked, ¡°What do you want now?¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes were zing, ¡°Damn it, untie me!¡±


    Aaron fell silent.


    Ahem! That was his mistake.


    He stepped forward and bent down to untie the ropes, bringing their faces close together. Her hot, rapid breaths fell on his shoulder.


    With a quick nce, he could see her chest. He had noticed it earlier. When the shower had drenched her, her light¨Ccole


    her full chest, clearly revealing the color of her bra


    Aaron¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he pulled the ropes free and


    torted them aside.


    Smack!


    Selena pped him across the face,


    Aaron looked at her in disbelief. ¡°You pped me?¡±


    Selena covered her chest. ¡°You think I¡¯m blind?¡±


    He had stared so tantly that pping him was the least she could


    do!


    Aaron gritted his teeth, stood up, and looked down at her, sneering, Do you need to cover up? I¡¯m not interested in what I saw!¡±


    With that, he turned and walked out.


    Selena cursed a few times, but the heat and unbearable sensation overwhelmed her again. Her mind was a chaotic mess as she hurriedly grabbed the showerhead and aimed it at her face, trying to cool down.


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    Chapter <b>395 </b>


    In the car, Lucas nced at Aveline, noticing her still sour mood. What now? Even though I wasn¡¯t the one who had Selena taken, you¡¯re still upset with me?¡±


    Aveline looked up at him. ¡°Don¡¯t you think Selena has a point?¡±


    Lucas¡® thin lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°In your eyes, everything she says is always right, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Aveline fell silent; it was true. Selena had always looked out for her from the start.


    Lucas pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and half¨Cclosed his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about divorce. I¡¯ll have Brian protect you in secret, and I¡¯ll assign a few bodyguards to you as well.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°That¡¯s quite a bit of trouble. It must cost a lot of money.¡±


    Lucas nced at her. ¡°I have money.


    Aveline chuckled lightly. The smell of smoke suddenly irritated her, and she reached out, grabbed his cigarette, and tossed it out the window.


    His fingers were left empty.


    Lucas looked at her in surprise.


    This was the first time she had taken his cigarette away.


    His gaze turned deep and dark, filled with a burning intensity.


    Aveline suddenly regretted taking his cigarette.


    She said, ¡°They¡¯ve already gone far. We should catch up.¡±


    Lucas stared at her for a long moment before


    starting the car to follow.


    Not far from there, another vi stood with high walls, exuding a cold and solemn atmosphere.


    Guards stood at the entrance and greeted Lucas respectfully, ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Aaron had already arrived and was leaning against his car, ying with his phone. Seeing them arrivete, he raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°Not enough time to get much done, was it?¡±


    Lucas gave him a cold look. ¡°No wonder you don¡¯t have a wife.¡±


    Aaron muttered a curse under his breath.


    Selena, feeling cold, had stayed in the car until she saw Aveline. She then opened the door and got out, looking Aveline up and down. That jerk didn¡¯t bully you, did he?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Selena sighed in relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    The vi gates were already open, and Lucas led the way inside, with Desmond waiting for them.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, we¡¯ve looked into those men. A few days ago, each of their bank ounts received a substantial overseas transfer, with each amount being no less than four hundred thousand dors.¡±


    He handed Lucas the information.


    This meant someone had bought them off.


    Three men, totaling 1,5 million dors<b>. </b>Whoever was targeting him was certainly investing heavily.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Have you found out who paid them?¡±


    Desmond replied, ¡°We¡¯re still investigating. The overseas ounts


    are virtual and disappear after transactions, making it difficult.¡±


    Selena scoffed. ¡°And you call yourself an executive assistant?¡±


    Desmond fell silent and thought, ¡°Miss Quin, I haven¡¯t wronged you, have 12¡±


    Seeing Desmond¡¯s inner frustration, Selena lifted her chin and <b>said</b>, I can¡¯t stand him. You¡¯re his assistant, so you get caught in the crossfire. Unless you resign now, I¡¯ll apologize immediately.¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Desmond was speechless and thought, ¡°How did Mrs. Tudor end up with a friend like this?¡±


    The captives were being held in the basement.


    Aveline and Selena followed behind, and as they reached the lowest level, they heard weak moans growing louder.


    Selena eagerly hurried forward to see. When the door opened, the scene inside was gruesome.


    Three men were hanging on the walls, covered in blood.

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    Chapter 396


    ¡°Holy crap..¡± Selena eximed as she saw the scene, her face


    turning a bit pale.


    Aaron stood nearby and scoffed. ¡°Afraid?¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Behind them, Lucas covered Aveline¡¯s eyes with his hand, pressing his chest against her back and speaking in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t look.¡±


    Aveline, however, pushed his hand away, calmly nced at the three men, and then looked at Selena. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m okay. I can still walk¡­¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    She helped her up. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here first. They won¡¯t let these men get away with it.¡±


    Selena nodded, her voice trembling, ¡°Okay¡­ okay.¡±


    Aveline supported Selena as they left, while Lucas watched them go.


    Aaron remarked, ¡°Didn¡¯t expect her to have such guts.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°If she didn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    After all, no timid person would pick up a man from the roadside and


    take him home.


    Aaron understood what he meant and chuckled softly. ¡°Considering she saved your life, haven¡¯t <i>you </i>thought about making things work between you two?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯m thinking about it.


    But it seemed he was going about it the wrong way. Aveline didn¡¯t like their current dynamic and wanted a divorce.


    However, she was the one he had chosen; how could he let her go?


    Aaron said, ¡°Take your time to figure it out. What do we do with these guys?¡±


    Lucas answered, ¡°Send them to the police.¡±


    Aaron scoffed, ¡°That¡¯s too lenient. Leave them to me.¡±


    Lucas nced at him. ¡°You seem quite angry.¡±


    Aaron asked, ¡°You¡¯re not angry?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Not really.¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    Lucas turned and left, leaving the men to Aaron.


    Aaron picked up a barbed whip, weighing it in his hand, then suddenlyshed it at one of the men.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The man screamed as another bloody welt appeared on his body.


    Aaron¡¯s chest had been filled with pent¨Cup anger, and now he finally had an outlet. His face remained indifferent but thinking of Selena curled up pitifully in the car, heshed out again.


    Selena had saved his life, and these men dared to harm her? They were asking for death!


    The heavy iron door muffled the screams.


    Emerging from the basement, Selena took a deep breath of fresh air. ¡°I¡¯m alive again.¡±


    Aveline smiled wryly. ¡°You wanted to tear them apart, and yet¡­¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°Imagination is one thing, reality is another. I didn¡¯t


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    expect to be such a coward.¡±


    She hugged Aveline. ¡°Ave, I was really scared.¡±


    Aveline felt a pang of guilt. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Selena. I got you involved.¡±


    Even though they didn¡¯t know who was behind it, Aveline was certain the attack was aimed at her.


    Selena said, ¡°Nonsense. If someone wants to target us, they¡¯ll do it regardless. It¡¯s not your fault; it¡¯s theirs.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°Looks like you won¡¯t be able to get a divorce anytime soon. How else can we find out who¡¯s behind this?¡±


    Aveline remained silent, knowing it was true.


    Lucas walked over, his eyes fixed on Aveline. ¡°Ready to go home?¡±


    The sky had darkened, and the surroundings were gloomy, making it hard for her to read his expression.


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    Support


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    Chapter 397


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She then turned to Selena. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    Two voices spoke at the same time. One was Selena¡¯s, who shot a look of disdain at Lucas. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m staying under the same roof as him. I¡¯d be tempted to stab him in his sleep, and I don¡¯t want <i>to </i>go <i>to </i>jail.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Lucas¡® face hardened. ¡°Just throw her in the basement and let her sleep with those guys for a night.¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You bastard¡­¡± Selena nearly exploded.


    Aveline quickly intervened, ¡°Let¡¯s take you home first.¡±


    At that moment, Aaron¡¯s <i>voice </i>chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ll take her.¡±


    Selena looked at him suspiciously, ¡°Is there any hidden motive behind your kind offer?¡±


    Aaronughed in exasperation. ¡°I saved your life, didn¡¯t I? What do you think?¡±


    Selena muttered something under her breath, but no one caught it.


    Aveline thought for a moment and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take her. I¡¯ll feel better knowing she got home safely.¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°I brought her back safely. What more reassurance do you need?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together.


    Lucas added, ¡°You can trust Aaron to handle this.¡±


    Selena agreed, ¡°After such a long day, you must be exhausted. Get some rest, and I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline nodded. She watched as Selena got into Aaron¡¯s car, then reluctantly turned <i>to </i>get into Lucas¡® car.


    She couldn¡¯t help but worry, her eyes following Aaron¡¯s car as it drove away.


    Lucas noticed and his expression grew colder. ¡°Aaron won¡¯t do anything to Selena. He had better taste than that.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brows knitted together upon hearing this. She retorted bluntly, ¡°Selena wouldn¡¯t bring home garbage either.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Lucas let out a light snort and started the car.


    The atmosphere between them remained tense throughout the drive.


    The sky hadpletely darkened, and the surroundings were pitch ck, barely visible.


    When they arrived at the Tudor residence, as soon as Aveline got out of the car, her phone rang.


    She looked at the screen and saw it was Aaron calling. Aaron never called her, <i>so </i>it had to be Selena.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Aveline answered.


    Selena¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Ave, I¡¯m home. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    Aveline finally rxed. ¡°Alright, take a good rest after a long day. Let me know if you feel unwell.¡±


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    ¡°Mm¨Chmm, don¡¯t worry,¡± Selena replied before hanging up and handing the phone back to Aaron.


    Aaron nced around her small apartment, a sh of disdain in his eyes. With an unusual hint of kindness, he suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay at my ce? It¡¯s much safer.¡±


    Selena responded, ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    Aaron gritted his teeth. ¡°Ungrateful!¡±


    With that, he turned and left.


    Selena closed the door without hesitation. She was utterly exhausted and went straight to bed after a quick shower. Her WhatsApp kept buzzing, but she didn¡¯t respond right away.


    Back at the Tudor residence.


    Aveline had just finished her shower and walked out to see Lucas sitting on the sofa, wearing a silver¨Cgray bathrobe. He looked elegant and aloof, focused on his tablet.


    She nced at him briefly before climbing into bed.


    Not long after, Lucas lifted the covers and climbed in beside her. With one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms.


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed up.

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    Lucas¡® hot breath fell on Aveline¡¯s shoulder, his <b>lips </b>trailing kisses across her soft skin. Her earlobes, tender and sensitive, trembled under his onught.


    ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t want to¡­¡± Aveline¡¯s voice was hoarse.


    Even though her body responded to him, her heart resisted. To her, intimacy was only beautiful when their hearts were in sync. But between her and Lucas, there was a chasm that made touching him feel like touching a porcupine¨Cpainful.


    Lucas¡® breath was hot, his eyes focused intently on her. ¡°Aveline, are you nning to tease me and then leave me wanting?¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes, hershes trembling. ¡°Give me some time.¡±


    Lucas scoffed, flipping her over so shey beneath him. ¡°How much time do you need, hmm? Don¡¯t forget, we¡¯re married. As my wife, it¡¯s your duty to satisfy me!¡±


    Those words felt painfully familiar. Aveline¡¯s face paled,


    remembering she had once said the same to him. Now, it was her


    turn to hear them.


    Lucas, frustrated, kissed her fiercely. The intensity made Aveline wince, and as she tried to resist, Lucas took advantage, deepening the kiss. His kiss was so passionate and intense that Aveline found it hard to breathe.


    Her body melted in his hands, bing pliant and warm.


    ¡°Do you still not want this?¡± Lucas¡® voice was husky.


    Aveline felt embarrassed. Her body was too sensitive, trembling


    with a deep¨Cseated desire that she couldn¡¯t voice. Lucas watched her, savoring her difort.


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    He was waiting for her to ask for more.


    Aveline bit her swollen lip, her eyes dazed and misty as she looked at him. Her body burned with need, but her heart felt cold. Perhaps he was only interested in her body. When he grew tired, their


    rtionship would end.


    Despite these thoughts, Aveline still resisted.


    Because the man in front of her was someone she had once loved deeply.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± she said.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Lucasughed coldly, rolling off the bed and heading straight to the bathroom.


    Aveline¡¯s breathing was a bit rapid. She closed her eyes, curling up and hugging herself. She felt miserable, ufortable¡­ but she just didn¡¯t want to.


    The sound of running water continued for a long time. When Lucas came out, he didn¡¯t get back into bed. Instead, he left the bedroom entirely.


    A momentter, she heard the engine of his car starting up.


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered, and she closed her eyes again.


    He was gone.


    Maybe that was for the best.


    The next day.


    Aveline arrived at the studio.


    Maria gave her a big hug. ¡°Ave, you¡¯re our studio¡¯s hero!¡±


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    Aveline was confused. ¡°What happened?¡±


    One of her colleagues, Vivian Walker, sneered. ¡°What do you think happened? Those people found out about your connection to the president of DK Group, and they¡¯re all sending projects our way.¡±


    She looked at Aveline with a mix of jealousy and bitterness. ¡°Since you¡¯re so familiar with the president of DK Group, why didn¡¯t you introduce projects earlier? Our studio could have thrived much sooner.¡±


    Maria nced at Vivian but said nothing.


    Aveline then realized that after she left the party with Desmond the night before, people had started specting about her rtionship with Lucas. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


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    Chapter <b>399 </b>


    Hoping to forge a beneficial connection, thesepanies were


    eager to bring their projects to the studio. They were betting that Aveline had a genuine rtionship with Lucas, which could earn them favor and be highly advantageous for their own businesses.


    Aveline remainedposed, saying, ¡°If we have projects, then let¡¯s work on them.¡±


    Maria smiled. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re our studio¡¯s lucky charm. I¡¯ll make sure to invite you to all such events from now <i>on</i>.¡±


    Aveline smiled back. ¡°But we might not always run into Desmond.¡±


    Maria¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°No worries, your presence alone is enough.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t say more and returned to her workstation, diving into her tasks. The initial drafts she had submitted had already been approved, and the clients were arranging to visit the studio to discuss contracts. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline became extremely busy and hadn¡¯t seen Lucas for an entire week. Their argument that night had further strained their already fragile rtionship.


    Selena finally managed to arrange a lunch with Aveline after several attempts. They headed straight to a barbecue restaurant.


    As soon as they entered, the rich aroma filled the air. Selena took a deep breath and said, ¡°I¡¯ve been craving meat for days. Finally, I can have some.¡±


    Aveline smiled helplessly. ¡°Then go ahead and eat.¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s no fun eating alone. It¡¯s only enjoyable with my beautiful Ave.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


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    They entered a private room.


    Selena grabbed the menu and started ordering dishes. After handing it back to the waiter, she turned to Aveline and asked, ¡°By the way, did you find out who was behind those men?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t seen Lucas in days.¡±


    Selena raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? What¡¯s going on? Are you two living separately?¡±


    Aveline sipped her juice. ¡°You could say that.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Does this mean a divorce is next?¡± Selena¡¯s excitement grew. ¡°Is that jerk finally letting you go?¡±


    Aveline chuckled softly. ¡°If only it were that simple.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what he¡¯s thinking. If he loves you, he sure doesn¡¯t show it. If he doesn¡¯t love you, why won¡¯t he let go? What exactly does he want?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I wish I knew.¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s not talk about him. I¡¯m going to the restroom.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline nodded and took out her phone to watch some videos.


    Five minutester, Selena returned with a cold smirk on her face. ¡® Guess who I just saw.¡±


    Aveline looked puzzled. ¡°Lucas?¡±


    Selena nodded, ¡°Bingo. I¡¯ve never seen such a scumbag. He won¡¯t divorce you, yet he¡¯s out dining with another woman. It¡¯s infuriating!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression froze. ¡°He¡¯s here?¡±


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    Land, ¡°Just a couple of roots down. I couldn¡¯t be m


    it¡¯s a different woman, not that Sophia.¡±


    a mouth twitched. Was she supposed to be grateful for that


    ¡°I can¡¯t let this slider Selena put down her cup and stormed out of


    Aveline was startled and quickly got up to follow her. If Selena confronted Lucas, it would definitely provoke him!


    Now that things had finally calmed down<b>, </b>she didn¡¯t want any more trouble


    ¡°Selena, waitr


    Aveline tried to stop her.


    But Selena had already opened the door to the other private room, standing there with her arms crossed. ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Mr. Tudor. Why didn¡¯t you invite your wife to dinner? Is it because she doesn¡¯t like

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    In the private room, Lucas and Judy were seated across from each other.


    As Selena barged in, Lucas¡® expression grew colder.


    Judy asked in confusion, ¡°Miss, who are you?¡±


    Selena sneered. ¡°I¡¯m here to catch a cheater.¡±


    Judy¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Miss, please don¡¯t speak nonsense. I¡¯m just a friend of Lucas.¡±


    ¡°You even addressed him so intimately, do you know he¡¯s married?¡± Selena didn¡¯t care if they were friends or not. She didn¡¯t like Lucas, and by extension, disliked anyone around him.


    Judy tried to say something more, but Lucas cut her off, ¡°Throw her


    out.¡±


    A bodyguard appeared seemingly out of nowhere, grabbing Selena and escorting her out.


    Aveline stepped forward, saying, ¡°Selena, let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Throughout the whole ordeal, she didn¡¯t spare a nce at Lucas or Judy.


    Selena, seeing Aveline¡¯s calm demeanor, felt frustrated but didn¡¯t dare say more. She knew she had been too rash, and Aveline always had <i>to </i>clean up her mess.


    She was just angry that Lucas wouldn¡¯t let Aveline go but also didn¡¯t treat her well.


    Turning on her heel, she said, ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go eat.¡±


    Aveline sighed in relief, fearing Selena would act impulsively again.


    Tudor


    Just as they were about to leave, Judy stood up and walked over, her face wearing a gentle smile.


    Aveline looked at her coolly. ¡°Hello All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She remembered the previous incident at the Skyler residence involving Judy. She hadn¡¯t expected Lucas to be dining with Judy now. But she didn¡¯t care about them having dinner together.


    Judy said, ¡°Lucas and I are just friends. I¡¯m here in Cloudre City to discuss a coboration between the Skyler family and the DK Group. Mrs. Tudor, please don¡¯t misunderstand our rtionship.¡±


    Her tone was soft and eager to exin, as if afraid of causing a misunderstanding.


    However, the more she exined, the more it seemed to invite misunderstanding.


    If it were any other woman in this situation, even if she had no doubts initially, Judy¡¯s few words would have nted seeds of suspicion. But Aveline wasn¡¯t like other women. She didn¡¯t care who Lucas spent time with.


    She smiled and nodded. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t misunderstand. Enjoy your meal; I won¡¯t disturb you.¡±


    Judy was taken aback by her reaction.


    At that moment, the door to the private room opened, and a waiter came in carrying a brazier with hot coals.


    Judy¡¯s eyes shed, and she suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Aveline¡¯s hand. ¡°In that case, Mrs. Tudor, why not stay and join us for dinner?¡±


    Her nails dug into Aveline¡¯s hand, causing her pain. Instinctively,


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    Aveline pulled her hand away. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Judy¡¯s arm struck the brazier, knocking it over. The scorching coals spilled, instantly burning her skin red. She cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, you¡­ you misunderstood my rtionship with Lucas. I really didn¡¯t¡­ Why did you do this to me?¡±


    Her arm was badly burned, the sight horrifying. Tears fell from her eyes as she looked at Aveline in disbelief.


    Aveline was also shocked. ¡°You¡­¡±


    Seeing this, Lucas rushed forward to help Judy up. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    When he saw the burns on Judy¡¯s arm, his expression darkened. He lifted his gaze and gave Aveline a cold, piercing look.


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    Chapter 401


    Aveline¡¯s expression stiffened. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena exploded, ¡°What¡¯s her problem? She just walked up and grabbed Ave¡¯s hand! Who does she think she is? Ave doesn¡¯t even know her!¡±


    Judy¡¯s tears fell as she cried out, ¡°Lucas<b>, </b>it hurts so much¡­<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas¡¯s face darkened. He called for the bodyguard, ¡°Take Miss Thompson. to the hospital.¡±


    The bodyguard stepped forward, scooping Judy up and quickly heading outside.


    Judy didn¡¯t resist, but a hint of coldness appeared in her lowered eyes.


    Lucas looked at Aveline. ¡°You¡¯reing with me to the hospital.¡±


    Selena, like a protective mother, shielded Aveline, ¡°What for? This has nothing to do with Ave!¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes grew colder as he stared at Selena, his gaze filled with a hint of


    menace.


    Selena felt a chill down her spine like someone had their hands around her


    neck.


    Aveline pulled Selena behind her <b>and </b>said, ¡°You should go back first.¡±


    Selena hesitated. ¡°But¡­¡±


    Aveline gave her a gentle smile. ¡°This has nothing to do with me, so I¡¯ll be


    fine.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°Alright, call me if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aveline nodded.


    Selena reluctantly left, her eyes full of worry.


    Aveline looked at Lucas, then rolled up her sleeve, revealing a mark on her


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    fair skin made by fingernails<b>. </b>


    ¡°This is what she did just now,¡± Aveline calmly told Lucas, her eyes serene. ¡°I don¡¯t know why she did it, but I don¡¯t know her. There¡¯s no way I would hurt


    her.¡±


    Lucas¡¯s gazended on her arm. Her skin was so fair that even a slight


    pressure left marks, something he knew very well because she couldn¡¯t even bear his slightest touch in the past.


    Lucas¡® eyes grew even colder. He then said, ¡°But she got hurt because of you. Come to the hospital with me.¡±


    Aveline felt a chill in her heart, her fingers curling slightly. ¡°Alright,¡± she


    nodded.


    Lucas walked out first.


    Aveline followed, heading straight to the hospital.


    Judy¡¯s arm was being treated by the doctor. The burn wasn¡¯t severe, but due to her fair skin, it looked quite rming.


    After the treatment, Lucas said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask the doctor about the precautions.¡±


    He walked back into the room.


    Seeing this, Judy smiled and looked at Aveline, saying, ¡°Mrs. Tudor, Lucas is so considerate and gentle. As his wife, you must be very happy.¡±


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly, not responding.


    Inside, she felt nothing but mockery.


    This kind of patience and gentleness was never directed at her.


    Meanwhile, in the consultation room,


    The doctor looked at the distinguished, aloof man and asked, ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    Lucas, with a cold expression, asked, ¡°If the injury isn¡¯t properly cared for<b>, </b>what will happen to her wound?¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°It will fester, be inmed, and cause pain for a


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    long time.¡±


    Lucas nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±


    He then stood up and left the room.


    The doctor was somewhat puzzled but quickly got busy again.


    Upon leaving the hospital, Lucas said to Judy, ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for someone to take care of you. During this time, just focus on recuperating.¡±


    Judy¡¯s smile grew wider. ¡°I understand. Thank you.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°You¡¯re wee. It¡¯s what I should do<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    His demeanor was warm and gentle, a stark contrast to how he treated


    Aveline.

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    Chapter 402


    Judy got into the car and left.


    Lucas turned to Aveline, his expression growing cold. ¡°Don¡¯t you have. anything to say?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°Say what? Apologize to her?¡±


    A cold smile appeared on her face.


    Lucas found her expression extremely irritating, his sharp brows furrowing as the temperature around him seemed to drop several degrees.


    ¡°Aveline, she¡¯s a partner of the DK Group. You¡¯re my wife. If you hurt her, it¡¯s . as if I hurt her. How do you think we should resolve this?¡± Lucas said gravely.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hurt her. She grabbed me, and I just shook her off,¡± Aveline replied, frowning. ¡°Lucas, if you insist on believing I did it <b>on </b>purpose, I have nothing to say. But apologizing to her is out of the question.¡±


    Her attitude was cold, and her gaze at Lucas grew colder. After speaking, she turned and walked away.


    He stared at her back, his eyes growing darker.


    They hadn¡¯t seen each other for a week, and not only did she not greet him, but now she wouldn¡¯t even look at him.


    Heh¡­


    Was she hoping he wouldn¡¯te back to find her?


    A dark cloud seemed to hang over Lucas as his mood worsened.


    Aveline returned to the barbecue restaurant.


    Selena, who had initially left, rushed back after receiving her message and sighed in relief when she saw Aveline was safe.


    ¡°Ave, you have no idea how worried I¡¯ve been. I was afraid that jerk would side with that mistress and do something to hurt you,¡± Selena said, looking


    1/3


    +15 BONUS Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    at her.


    Aveline replied, ¡°That didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good. Let¡¯s forget about those unpleasant things


    and eat!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aveline nodded.


    The two then went their separate ways home.


    However, just as Aveline sat in the car, her phone rang. She checked and saw it was a call from a business partner, who wanted to discuss some details and needed to meet now.


    Aveline frowned slightly. ¡°Can we meet tomorrow? It¡¯s already veryte, and I don¡¯t want to disturb your rest.¡±


    The other party insisted, ¡°Let¡¯s meet tonight. I have time now, and I¡¯ll be on a business trip tomorrow.¡±


    Since the client was already under contract, Aveline couldn¡¯t refuse too harshly. She checked the time and then asked, ¡°Alright, I¡¯lle to you. Where are you?¡±


    The other party replied, ¡°At No. 9 Mansion.¡±


    It was a high¨Cend entertainment venue.


    Aveline agreed and told the driver to head to No. 9 Mansion.


    When they arrived, a server led her to a private room on the sixth floor.


    The private rooms at No. 9 Mansion weren¡¯t essible to just anyone. The floors below the fifth required a minimum spend to ess, while the sixth and seventh floors were reserved for VIPS. The seventh and eighth floors were mainly for shareholders and their friends, not open to the public.


    Aveline knocked on the private room door.


    The person who opened it was Xander Wilbur, the project manager from Horizon Realty, their current business partner.


    2/3


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    ¡°Mr. Wilbur, I hope I¡¯m notte?¡± Aveline smiled politely at Xander.


    Xander shook his head. ¡°No, you¡¯re just on time. Come in.¡±


    There were several other people inside the room, and the table was filled with various drinks, clearly indicating a party.


    Aveline nced around briefly before withdrawing her gaze and sitting in a


    corner.


    Xander sat beside her and said, ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed your draft. The ideas are


    good, but itcks some practicality. I have a few suggestions. See if these work for you¡­¡±


    Aveline took out her phone, started recording, and then quickly began taking notes with a pen and paper.

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    Chapter 403 Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Xander quickly finished expressing his views and then asked, ¡°Miss Young, what do you think?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll integrate these ideas into the design ns and send. them to you for review.¡±


    Xander nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline stood up. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll take my leave. I don¡¯t want to disturb you further.¡±


    However, Xander grabbed her arm and said, ¡°Miss Young, don¡¯t rush off. Since you¡¯re here, have a drink before you go.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, Miss Young, you¡¯re so beautiful, and your work must be excellent too, right?¡±


    ¡°Come on, have a drink. In the future, when we buynd, we¡¯ll have Miss Young do the designs!¡±


    Others joined in, urging her.


    Aveline¡¯s smile faded slightly, but she still said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I need to go back and revise the ns.¡±


    Xander, however, didn¡¯t let go, pulling her to sit among the group. ¡°Miss. Young, don¡¯t be in such a hurry. Have a couple of drinks before you leave.¡±


    Aveline was forced to sit among the crowd, and someone immediately reached out to hold her waist.


    Aveline abruptly stood up. ¡°Mr. Wilbur, I really don¡¯t have time tonight. You wouldn¡¯t force me, would you?¡±


    Xander¡¯s expression stiffened.


    ¡°Heh, a mere designer dares to disrespect our Mr. Xander? Are you looking down on us<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Exactly, Xander, what kind of designer did you find? She doesn¡¯t understand the rules at all.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°You¡¯re drinking this wine, whether you like it or not!¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Before Xander could say anything, the others were already displeased.


    Someone directly grabbed Aveline and forced her back onto the sofa, picking up a ss of wine and trying to make her drink!


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    Aveline struggled, and wine spilled all over her, soaking her clothes and making her look very disheveled..


    The others looked at her with more malicious intent.


    ¡°Look at that, she can drink! Why pretend?¡±


    ¡°Drink all these sses of wine, or this cooperation is over!¡±


    Xander sat beside her, looking at Aveline with displeasure. He was very annoyed that she didn¡¯t show him any respect.


    Aveline was held down by two men, wine spilling all over her face and body. She choked and coughed violently, struggling with all her might.


    ¡°Let go¡­


    She bit down hard on one man¡¯s arm, causing him to yelp in pain and release her suddenly.


    Seeing this, Aveline quickly tried to get up and run out!


    But someone else was faster, grabbing her and pulling her back again!.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going!¡±


    ¡°Coming here at night to discuss business, aren¡¯t you just selling yourself? Stop pretending!¡±


    ¡°Serve us well, and we¡¯ll give you as many contracts as you want!¡±


    The men¡¯s words grew increasingly vulgar and disrespectful.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes reddened as she struggled fiercely, looking towards Xander,


    2/3


    +15 BONUS


    Mr. Wilbur!¡±


    Xander frowned but remained silent.


    Despair appeared on Aveline¡¯s face.


    Meanwhile.


    Aaron and Lucas stepped out of the elevator.


    Aaron, with a rxed expression, said, ¡°What¡¯s up with you today? Why did you agree toe to this birthday party? You never used to bother with these kinds of gatherings.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression was icy, a cold aura surrounding him.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I join the fun for once?¡±


    Aaron nced at him. ¡°Sure, why not? But¡­ shouldn¡¯t you be spending time with your wife?¡±


    Lucas shot b


    a frosty look, ¡°Jealous?¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Aaron chuckled, ¡°You married folks will never understand the joys of being single.¡±


    As he spoke, he pushed open the private room door. Just as they were about to enter, they heard noisesing from the room next door.


    Comments

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    Chapter 404


    Faintly, it seemed like someone was crying for help..


    ¡°Hmm? Did you hear something?¡± Aaron asked Lucas, looking¨Cpuzzled.


    Lucas¡® expression remained indifferent. ¡°No.¡±


    Aaron shrugged. ¡°Maybe I heard wrong. Let¡¯s go.¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond, lowering his gaze as he and Aaron entered the private


    room.


    Aveline kept shouting for help, but no one came to her rescue. Despair appeared on her face as she was forced to drink more.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    At that moment, someone burst into the room and, seeing the scene, shouted, ¡°I¡¯ve called the police<b>!</b>¡±


    The men turned pale upon hearing this.


    ¡°Damn it, where did this meddling brate from?¡±


    ¡°Get lost, or we¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    The intruder was a young man wearing the uniform of No. 9 Mansion. His face, though handsome, showed some nervousness, but he didn¡¯t leave.


    ¡°I¡­ I called the police. If you don¡¯t let her go, the police will be here soon!¡±


    No matter how arrogant these men were, they didn¡¯t dare challenge the police. Their expressions soured, but they released Aveline.


    The young man quickly stepped forward, supporting her and leading her out. of the private room.


    Once outside, Aveline¡¯s steps were unsteady. She had been forced to drink a lot, and her clothes were soaked, making her look very disheveled.


    ¡°Are you alright? Should I take you to the hospital?¡± the young man asked worriedly.


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    +15 BONUS


    Aveline pinched her thigh hard and looked at him gratefully. ¡°Thank you. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The young man smiled shyly. ¡°I¡¯m Sidney Troy.¡±


    Aveline took out her phone. ¡°Can I have your number? If it weren¡¯t for you, might not have gotten out of there.¡±


    Sidney shook his head. ¡°No need, no need. It was the right thing to do. I¡¯m just d you¡¯re okay.¡±


    Aveline wanted to say more but suddenly felt nauseous. She quickly


    covered her mouth and hurried to the restroom.


    Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t far. She made it to the restroom and began to vomit.


    Xander followed her worriedly. ¡°Miss, are you alright?¡±


    Meanwhile.


    A door to a private room opened.


    Lucas stepped out, holding a cigarette. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a familiar figure running into the restroom. He frowned, and when he looked more closely, the person had already disappeared into the restroom.


    In a ce like this, people getting drunk was amon urrence, and Lucas didn¡¯t think much of it.


    He stood at the end of the hallway, smoking. His strikingly handsome face was shrouded in smoke, and a cold aura surrounded him.


    These gatherings were dull.


    Aveline¡¯s indifferent face appeared in his mind, making Lucas even more. irritable.


    Their rtionship seemed to be heading in an uncontroble direction.


    ¡°Miss, I should still take you <i>to </i>the hospital.¡±


    A voice came from the other side.


    ¡°No¡­ no need.¡±


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    +15 BONUS


    A familiar female voice responded.


    Lucas turned sharply and saw Aveline being half¨Cheld by a man as they emerged from the restroom.


    Her cheeks were flushed, her clothes were damp, and her eyes were unfocused.


    Lucas¡® expression darkened.


    Aveline¡¯s steps were unsteady, and she held her phone. ¡°You¡­ give me your number, I¡­¡±


    She stumbled slightly.


    Sidney quickly caught her, preventing her from falling.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ thank you.¡±


    Aveline was already dazed. Looking at Sidney¡¯s handsome face, she felt a bit shy. In her haze, she seemed to see Lu¡¯s face from when they first met.


    She stared at him dreamily.


    Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm tightly and pulled her aside.

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    Chapter 405


    An icy chill enveloped Aveline, leaving her sluggish yet alert.


    ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡±


    She struggled, but the grip on her arm was like an iron mp, causing her pain.


    ¡°It hurts!¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Aveline cried out in pain, struggling even more fiercely.


    ¡°Who are you? Let her go!¡±


    Sidney, seeing this, immediately stepped forward to push Lucas away.


    Lucas¡® handsome, sharp face was ice¨Ccold. He looked at Aveline, who was clearly drunk, her eyes unfocused, her clothes half¨Cwet, looking both pure and alluring.


    She dared toe here and drink?


    And made herself look so disheveled?


    And there she was, cuddling up to some guy ¨C it¡¯s so inappropriate!


    She had some nerve!


    Lucas gripped Aveline tightly, his deep, maic voice devoid of warmth as he asked, ¡°Aveline, take a good look at who I am!¡±


    He pinched her face, forcing her to look up at him.


    Sidney became even more worried upon seeing this and looked at Lucas. with increased vignce. ¡°Sir, she doesn¡¯t know you at all. Don¡¯t treat her like this, or I¡¯ll call the police!¡±


    Aveline echoed, ¡°Right, I don¡¯t know you at all, you scoundrel! Let me go!¡±


    She pushed Lucas away with all her might and turned to Sidney. ¡°Make him go away!¡±


    At that moment, Lucas¡® face turnedpletely dark.


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    She didn¡¯t recognize him!


    And she was acting coquettishly with another man!


    Perfect!


    Lucas forcefully stepped forward and picked her up, giving Sidney a sharp look. ¡°Scram/


    Sidney, frightened by Lucas¡® imposing presence, turned pale. This man was clearly someone of high status.


    But no matter how high his status, he couldn¡¯t hurt a girl!


    Sidney stepped forward to block him ¡°Sir, she said she doesn¡¯t know you, so you can¡¯t take her.¡±


    Lucas looked at him coldly. ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±


    Sidney said, ¡°I may be nothing, but I won¡¯t let you just take her away!¡±


    Aveline also struggled restlessly. ¡°Let go of me, let go! I don¡¯t know you, let go of me!¡±


    Seeing this, Sidney, who had already felt a twinge of hesitation, resolved to stand firm. He blocked Lucas¡® path and took out his phone, preparing to call the police.


    Lucas looked at the struggling Aveline in his arms with a cold gaze, unsure of what to say or do.


    What could he say or do with a drunk person?


    ¡°Go ahead and call the police.¡±


    Lucas looked coldly at Sidney.


    Sidney saw that Lucas had no intention of letting Aveline go and proceeded to call the police.


    ¡°Sir, you should let her go. It¡¯ll be awkward when the police arrive,¡± Sidney said, seeing Aveline¡¯s resistant expression.


    Lucas, however, looked at him coolly, his gaze making Sidney feel as if his


    +15 BONUS


    throat was being gripped, sending chills down his spine.


    The police arrived quickly. After understanding the situation, they turned to Lucas, ¡°Who are you to her?¡±


    Sidney interjected, ¡°She said she doesn¡¯t know this gentleman.¡±


    Lucas coldly responded, ¡°Her husband.¡±


    Sidney was taken aback.


    The two policemen were also surprised and asked, ¡°Can you prove it?¡±


    Lucas pulled a marriage certificate from his pocket and handed it to the police.


    Seeing this, Sidney¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    He really was her husband!


    He felt incredibly awkward for keeping Lucas from Aveline.

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    Chapter 406


    The police checked the documents and, confirming they were genuine, said to Lucas, ¡°Take your wife home. She shouldn¡¯t drink so much; it¡¯s not good. for her health.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lucas responded indifferently.


    The two policemen left.


    Sidney stood to the side, a faint look of embarrassment on his handsome. face. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t know you were her husband. In that case, please take her home.<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas shot him a cold nce before carrying Aveline into the elevator.


    Aveline continued to struggle.


    ¡°Let go, let go of me¡­<b>¡± </b>


    Holding her, Lucas looked at her flushed face, his mood particrly foul. He gave her a sharp p on the bottom. Aveline, <b>you </b>better behave!¡±


    In her drunken state, Aveline didn¡¯t even feel the p.


    The elevator doors slowly closed as Aveline, half¨Csquinting, looked utterly intoxicated.


    Lucas¡® face was grim. If he hadn¡¯te here, would she not have gone home tonight? Had she found herself another young man?


    A cold wind blew as they exited No. 9 Mansion, causing Aveline to shiver and instinctively snuggle closer to him.


    Lucas¡® cold eyes watched her, and he sneered silently.


    She only knew to seek his warmth when she was cold, forgetting how she had pushed him away moments ago, iming she didn¡¯t know him.


    Once in the car, he didn¡¯t ce her on the seat but kept her on hisp, letting her lean against his chest.


    The driver started the car and headed towards Tudor Mansion.


    +16 BONUS


    Aveline had indeed drunk a lot, her breath heavy with the scent of alcohol. Her fingers clutched Lucas¡® shirt, creating several wrinkles in his otherwise crisp attire.


    ¡°Let me go¡­


    She kept murmuring the phrase.


    Lucas¡® face grew even darker. Did she hate him that much?


    Even in her drunken state, she refused to be held by him?


    The more she resisted, the tighter he held her, as if trying to merge her into his very bones.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ Lu, they made me drink¡­¡±


    Aveline, ufortable in his embrace, whimpered and started crying. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Lucas¡® body stiffened, his expression darkening further. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    But after that single sentence, Aveline fell asleep, her cheeks flushed and her body feverish.


    Lucas¡® brow furrowed tightly.


    Made her drink?


    Who dared?


    He took out his phone and dialed Desmond¡¯s number, giving a tersemand, ¡°Investigate where Aveline went tonight.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    At Tudor Mansion.


    Lucas carried the unconscious Aveline back to the bedroom. She waspletely out of it. He ced her on the bed and stood beside it, looking down at her.


    She was wearing a shirt and trousers, both stained and dried with patches of water, looking very disheveled.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    He took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and picked her up again, carrying her into the bathroom.


    As he bathed her, Aveline regained some rity, the steam making her skin. flush. Shey naked against his chest, his hands on her thighs.


    ¡°What are you doing?<b>¡± </b>


    Startled, she instinctively mped her legs together, identally trapping his hand!


    Her body turned pink, and she tensed uppletely.


    Lucas looked at her coldly. ¡°Do you want to do it?¡±


    Aveline was so embarrassed she wished she could disappear into the ground. She didn¡¯t want it!


    But her actions were suggestive.


    With Aveline¡¯s soft body in his arms, Lucas¡® resistance was already low. Her shy expression made his breathing deepen.

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    Chapter 407


    Aveline was only clear¨Cheaded for a moment before slipping back into a daze.


    She half¨Cclosed her eyes, leaning softly against Lucas, her slightly feverish fingers touching his face as she murmured, ¡°Lu.¡±


    Lucas¡® Adam¡¯s apple bobbed, his fingers twitching lightly.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled uncontrobly, then she wrapped her arms around him.


    Her soft lips brushed against his cheek,nding on his neck, her heavy breaths fanning his skin, stirring his senses.


    ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re the one provoking me.


    Lucas spoke deeply, then lifted her, pressing her against the wall.


    Her heated body shivered against the cold wall.


    But soon, a powerful tremor overtook her. She instinctively clung to him, her whole body like a leaf in the wind, swaying helplessly.¡±


    Lucas¡® hands gripped her waist, his breathing heavy. The image of her draped over another man shed in his mind, making his actions even more intense.


    ¡°Lu¡­ Lu¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s fragmented voice emerged, unable to endure!


    The shower was still on, the sound of water continuing, the steam swirling around, shrouding the bathroom in a hazy, ambiguous atmosphere.


    When Aveline woke up the next morning, she felt sore all over.


    She opened her eyes and saw the man¡¯s sexy Adam¡¯s apple.


    Her breath caught at her throat, and she lifted her head to see Lucas¡¯s eyes closed, his long arm wrapped around her.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    She was also holding him tightly, in a position of utter dependence.


    Aveline blinked in confusion.


    at was


    going on?


    How did she end up sleeping with Lucas?


    What happenedst night?


    Filled with questions, she tried to recall the events of the previous night. She remembered being forced to drink, then someone rescuing her. She was sure that person wasn¡¯t Lucas. After that<b>¡­ </b>


    She seemed to have vomited, and then she remembered nothing. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline slowly extracted her limbs from his hold.


    But the next second, the man moved, pressing her down, his breath falling heavily on her neck.


    ¡°Lucas, you¡­¡±


    Before Aveline could cry out, the man began his advance.


    He didn¡¯t give her a chance to react, his hands gripping hers, entwining her in


    intimacy.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t bear it, her eyes soon filled with tears, the corners reddening, driving him even wilder.


    Lucas awoke quickly, his body temperature rising, burning her.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡±


    Aveline tried to push him away, wanting him to stop.


    Lucas only looked at her coldly, his touch growing even hotter.


    An hourter.


    Lucas got up and went into the bathroom.


    Aveliney there, her body aching, biting her lip.


    <ol start="23">


    <li>23. </li>


    </ol>


    +15 BONUS


    This wretched man!


    Although her memory ofst night was hazy, she knew he had tormented. her almost the entire night!


    Once he got a taste, he didn¡¯t know how to stop!


    Aveline rested for a while. When he came out, she got up, throwing on a robe before heading into the bathroom.


    Lucas, his expression cold, had a towel wrapped around his waist, his exposed muscles defined, marked with kiss and scratch marks.


    Just seeing those marks made it clear how intense the previous night had been.


    When Aveline came out, Lucas was sitting on the sofa, smoking. His eyes looked at her, and he asked, ¡°Who was that man?¡±

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    Chapter 408


    ¡°Which man?¡± Aveline asked, momentarily confused.


    Lucas¡® gaze remained cold, the room¡¯s temperature seemingly dropping. The bed was a mess, still bearing the remnants of their intimacy, yet the chill pervaded Aveline¡¯s body.


    ¡°I was drunkst night, I don¡¯t know what happened,¡± Aveline said.


    Lucas sneered. ¡°You know you can¡¯t handle alcohol, and yet you dared to drink alone?¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The reproach in his voice was clear as if she had done something wrong.


    Feeling wronged, Aveline retorted, ¡°Lucas, did you investigate the situation? Do you know why I was drinking? On what grounds are you ming me?¡±


    At that moment, her defensive spikes rose.


    The tension in the bedroom became palpable.


    Then, a phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Lucas¡® phone.


    He walked over and answered, ¡°Speak.¡±


    Desmond, sensing the tension, spoke cautiously, ¡°Mr. Tudor, I found out what happened. The project manager from Horizon Realty, Xander Wilbur, asked Mrs. Tudor to revise the blueprints and then wouldn¡¯t let her leave. Others joined in, forcing her to drink and even said some¡­ things.¡±


    His voice grew more cautious, hesitating to continue.


    Lucas¡® tone became even icier, ¡°Go on, why did you stop?¡±


    Desmond hesitated, then continued, ¡°They insulted her. I¡¯ve gathered information on all of them. What do you want to do?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was colder than ever. ¡°Do I need to teach you what to do?¡±


    Desmond was silent for a moment, uncertain. ¡°Are you not going to pursue


    Desmond was silent for a m


    it, or are you nning to get revenge for Mrs. Tudor? I can¡¯t be sure.¡±


    Given theplexity of their rtionship, it was hard to gauge Lucas¡®


    +15 BONUS


    intentions.


    Lucas¡® gaze bore into Aveline as he coldly instructed Desmond, ¡°Cease all cooperation with them and release everything you¡¯ve found.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Desmond replied, quickly ending the call.


    The meaning was clear: Lucas intended to destroy those responsible. The information Desmond had gathered would ensure none of them remained unscathed.


    After the call ended, the atmosphere in the bedroom grew even colder.


    Aveline avoided looking at Lucas, turning to leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    Lucas¡® voice rang out from behind.


    Aveline, feeling a surge of frustration, turned to look at him. ¡°Lucas, when will you be done?¡±


    Lucas stood up and walked towards her, his lips pressed into a straight line.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let those people off the hook.


    He gazed at her, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    He had misunderstood her.


    Aveline¡¯s expression froze, but inside, she felt nothing. She neither needed. his apology nor him.


    She turned and walked away.


    Seeing this, Lucas¡¯s brows furrowed.


    What did she mean by that?


    He had apologized, so why didn¡¯t she show any response?


    As Aveline went downstairs to eat, Maria¡¯s <b>call </b>came through. ¡°What¡¯s going on? A lot of people came to the studio looking for you. They seemed pretty miserable.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline paused, recalling Lucas¡® words.


    He had ordered those people to be dealt with, and now they were seeking her forgiveness.


    Aveline responded coldly, ¡°Just send them away.¡±


    Maria chuckled lightly. ¡°Got it, your call.¡±


    After hanging up, Lucas also came over, sitting down beside her to start eating.


    Aveline got up to leave, not even sparing him an extra nce.

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    Chapter 409


    Lucas remained silent, his expression dark.


    The butler approached Aveline to greet her. She smiled warmly in return and then left. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The butler nced at Lucas and saw his face looking particrly grim, the atmosphere around him heavy, making the dining room feel a few degrees colder.


    The butler, initially intending to greet him, wisely kept silent upon seeing his expression.


    When Aveline arrived at the studio, she saw that indeed, a dozen people were blocking the entrance, their faces filled with worry and gloom.


    Leading them was Xander.


    Upon seeing Aveline, Xander immediately rushed over, his face full of remorse. ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯m truly sorry. I drank too muchst night and behaved terribly. I apologize. Please, can you forgive me and forget about what happened?¡±


    The others followed, their eyes pleading as they looked at Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°Last night, you didn¡¯t seem so apologetic, Mr. Wilbur.¡±


    Xander pped himself. ¡°I was really out of my mind. It was my fault. I. promise it won¡¯t happen again. Miss Young, from now on, all ourpany¡¯s projects will be designed by you. How about that?¡±


    A hint of mockery appeared in Aveline¡¯s clear eyes.


    If it weren¡¯t for the staff at the mansionst night, who knew what would have happened to her? And now he wanted to brush it off so lightly?


    She looked over to Maria, who hade out, and said, ¡°Boss, call the security from downstairs.<b>¡± </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Maria nodded, pushing through the crowd. ¡°You all shouldn¡¯t block our studio¡¯s entrance; it¡¯s bad for business.¡±


    She walked over, grabbed Aveline¡¯s arm, and led her back to the office.


    Once the door closed, the noise outside was muffled.


    Maria asked, ¡°What exactly happenedst night?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline exined, ¡°Xander wanted changes to the blueprints. I went to meet him, but he wouldn¡¯t let me leave and insisted I stay and drink.¡±


    Maria frowned. ¡°How shameless can this guy be?¡±


    At that moment, a mockingugh rang out. ¡°He just wanted to drink with you, what¡¯s the big deal? The studio is just starting, and we need projects. If drinking can get us a few deals, why not do it?¡±


    Vivian sat at her workstation, giving Aveline a derisive nce.


    Aveline looked at her. ¡°You can go drink with them if you like.¡±


    Vivian sneered. ¡°Ha¡­ If only I had a face of a slut, I¡¯d be the senior designer of this studio already.¡±


    Maria frowned. ¡°Vivian, focus on your work. Everyone here seeds on their own merit. If you want to be a senior designer, show us some outstanding designs.¡±


    Vivian mumbled something under her breath and turned away.


    Maria looked at Aveline, asking, ¡°Are you okay today? If you¡¯re feeling unwell, you can go home and rest.¡±


    Aveline smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Maria nodded.


    Outside, the group of people continued to idle around, showing no sign of leaving.


    ¡°Mr. Wilbur, what do we do now? She still won¡¯t forgive us, and we¡¯re going to lose our jobs.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Yeah,st night you said she was just some pretty face, a nobody designer. So howe she¡¯s got the DK Group backing her?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Mr. Wilbur, you¡¯ve really gotten us into trouble.¡±

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    +15 RONUS


    Xander¡¯s face turned sour. ¡°What are you all arguing about? We need to find a


    solution now.


    Everyone fell silent, though their gazes held a bit more resentment toward him.


    At that moment, a figure appeared in the distance.


    ¡°Mr, Wilbur?¡±


    Sophia walked over, her face wearing a gentle smile.


    Xander¡¯s expression brightened upon seeing her. ¡°Miss Winter, what brings you here?


    Sophia smiled back. ¡°I came to visit a friend. What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Xander sighed and exined the situation briefly. ¡°I was just joking with Miss Young, but she took it seriously and now DK Group is cklisting us. We have families to support. If we¡¯re cklisted and lose our jobs, how will we survive?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes shed, and she said, ¡°If you trust me, I can speak to Lucas at DK Group on your behalf.¡±


    Xander¡¯s face lit up with hope. ¡°You know Mr. Tudor?¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°Yes, Lucas and I are friends.¡±


    Calling Lucas by his first name, she conveyed a natural intimacy.


    Xander looked at Sophia with gratitude. ¡°Miss Winter, if you can resolve this, I would do anything for you!¡±


    Sophia gave a gentle smile. ¡°No need to say that. It¡¯s just a small favor. Let me make a call first. Please wait.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡±


    Sophia took out her phone and walked to the side, dialing Lucas¡® number.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    The call was quickly answered, and Lucas¡¯s cool, maic voice came through.


    Sophia¡¯s voice was soft and warm. ¡°Lucas, I found a gift from Leo while packing. When do you have time toe and pick it up?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas¡® tone grew even colder. ¡°Sophia, are you serious?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°Yes, I know how much you care about Leo. I wouldn¡¯t joke. about this.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°When are you avable?¡±


    Sophia replied, ¡°I¡¯m avable now. Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Lucas said, ¡°I¡¯ll send Desmond to pick it up.¡±


    Sophia insisted, ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s a gift from Lep. I won¡¯t hand it over to anyone else.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Sophia smiled slightly and gave him her address.


    ¡°Wait there.¡±


    He hung up immediately after.


    Sophia turned to Xander and the others, smiling gently. ¡°Lucas will be here soon. Your problem will definitely be solved.¡±


    Xander and the group looked at Sophia with gratitude.


    ¡°Miss Winter, thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°Miss Winter, you¡¯re so beautiful and kind, much better than that Aveline<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Miss Winter, here¡¯s my business card. If you ever need anything, just call me, and I¡¯ll be there immediately!¡±


    Sophia¡¯s smile grew wider at their words


    She nced toward the office door, a hint of mockery shing in her eyes.


    No one left.


    Lucas arrived half an hourter.


    Seeing the studio¡¯s name, his expression grew even colder.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the item?¡±


    He looked at Sophia, his expression calm yet distant, a sharp chill surrounding him.


    Sophia said, ¡°I promised to give it to you, and I will. But Lucas, these people have


    +15 BONUS


    families to support. If they lose their jobs, what will happen to their families? Can you please not go after them?¡±

 411

    Chapter 411


    Xander and his group looked anxiously at Lucas.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, we won¡¯t dare do it <b>again</b>.¡± Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, please give us another chance.¡±


    The group cowered like mice before a cat, all lowering their heads in submission.


    Sophia smiled gently, keeping her gaze fixed on Lucas.


    Lucas¡® expression was stern, his presence exuding a cold and dignified aura. He nced at the group and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Xander and his group exchanged nces.


    Desmond spoke up quietly, ¡°Mr. Tudor, these are the people who troubled Mrs. Tudorst night.¡±


    His voice was low, heard only by Sophia standing beside him.


    A flicker of coldness appeared in Sophia¡¯s eyes.


    Mrs. Tudor¡­


    So, they hadn¡¯t divorced yet?


    How infuriating.


    Lucas, standing tall, his cold eyes swept over the group. ¡°When you were troubling others, did you think about your families<b>? </b>


    Xander and his group¡¯s faces froze.


    They all turned to look at Sophia.


    Sophia¡¯s smile faltered slightly. She had tried to leverage Lucas¡® concern for Leo, but


    he remained unmoved?


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to care most about Leo?


    ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s not a big deal. Miss Young wasn¡¯t really harmed. After all, nothing is more important than Leo¡¯s belongings, right?¡± Sophia said softly.


    Just then, Aveline arrived at the door and overheard the conversation.


    ???


    +15 BONUS


    She had been puzzled by the growing crowd at the because of this<b>? </b>


    ce, only to find out it was


    She opened the door, crossing her arms as she looked at Lucas.


    He had misunderstood her that morning, and now, would he let these people off just because of a few words from Sophia?


    If that were true, being his wife would be nothing but embarrassment.


    Lucas¡® eyes brightened when he saw her, but catching the mockery in her gaze, a faint displeasure flickered in his heart.


    But Lucas knew he had misunderstood her, and he was in the wrong.


    He looked at Sophia. ¡°How many more of his things do you have?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sophia was stunned, not understanding his question.


    Lucas¡® tone became more mocking. ¡°One item for one favor. How many more favors can you ask of me?¡±


    Sophia quickly shook her head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡±


    Lucas¡® tone shifted, ¡°Who told you that I care about him so much that I¡¯d want to take back everything that belonged to him?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face turned pale, her hand clutching her bag tightly.


    Lucas looked at Desmond. ¡°Remember everyone here. I don¡¯t want to see them in Cloudre City again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Desmond immediately nodded.


    Hearing this, Xander and the others panicked.


    One of them, eyes red with desperation, rushed over, grabbing Aveline by the hair and pressing a knife to her throat!


    ¡°Lucas, I didn¡¯t do anything to


    let me live peacefully, I¡¯ll her! Why are you going to such extremes? If you


    her today!¡±


    won¡¯t


    The sudden turn of events shocked everyone. By the time they realized what was happening, the man had already dragged Aveline to the window. The window was open, letting in a cold breeze.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline stood rigidly, not daring to move!


    Lucas¡® face was ashen, his gaze fixed on the man. ¡°Let her <b>go</b>!¡±


    The man¡¯s hand holding the knife trembled, identally cutting Aveline¡¯s neck. Blood began to seep out.


    Sophia suddenly spoke up, ¡°Don¡¯t move! She¡¯s Lucas¡® wife. If you hurt her, Lucas will never let you go!¡±

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    Chapter 412


    +15 BONUS


    The man originally thought Aveline and Lucas had an unclear rtionship. Now, hearing Sophia¡¯s words, he gripped Aveline even tighter.


    ¡°Lucas, if <b>you </b>push me to the edge, I¡¯ll make sure you lose your <b>wife</b>! I have nothing to lose, so taking someone down with me isn¡¯t a loss!¡±


    His eyes were bloodshot, clearly desperate.


    Aveline nced at Sophia.


    Was this woman doing it on purpose?


    Revealing her rtionship with Lucas to provoke the man into harming her!


    The wound on her neck stung with a sharp <b>pain</b>.


    Aveline frowned and said, ¡°I won¡¯t pursue what happenedst night, and Lucas won¡¯t cklist you. You don¡¯t have to do this.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± the man shouted hysterically, the knife making more shallow cuts on Aveline¡¯s neck.


    Lucas¡® face was extremely grim. ¡°Let her go. I will agree to whatever you want.¡±


    The man looked at Lucas. ¡°Are you serious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lucas replied, ¡°With so many witnesses here, I won¡¯t deceive you.¡±


    The man, agitated, started to say, ¡°I want¡­¡±


    <b>Seeing </b>this, Sophia¡¯s hand clenched tightly. If this situation was resolved, what would happen to her n?


    She needed to take a risk for herself!


    Gritting her teeth, she suddenly rushed towards the man.¡± Hurt her, and Lucas will destroy you. Let her go now, and he might leave you in one piece!¡±


    Sophia¡¯s sudden action took everyone by surprise. By the time they realized, she was already in front of the man, tugging at his arm, trying to free Aveline!


    ¡°You¡¯re going to kill me, you¡¯re going to kill me!¡± the man ranted hysterically, suddenly shoving Sophia away and swinging the knife towards Aveline!


    ¡°No!¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Sophia was thrown against the wall, and seeing the scene, she immediately rushed forward and pushed Aveline away. The knife plunged into her back instead!


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    She screamed, her face turning pale with pain as blood flowed out. The man, shocked and terrified, released Aveline and stumbled back.


    Lucas and Desmond rushed over!


    Lucas held Aveline, inspecting her injury. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She looked at Sophia with aplex expression.


    Sophiay on the ground, her face contorted with pain as blood poured from her back. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Desmond had already called for an ambnce, and the scene was chaotic.


    The man was quickly restrained, and the police arrived shortly after.


    Both Aveline and Sophia were taken to the hospital.


    Lucas stayed by Aveline¡¯s side, relieved to see that her neck wound was shallow <b>and </b>had stopped bleeding after treatment.


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Frederick¡¯s voice suddenly cut through the tension.


    Lucas turned to see Frederick and Yvonne approaching, their faces full of worry.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Lucas asked, frowning.


    Frederick scoffed. ¡°With such a major incident involving Sophia, why wouldn¡¯t we be here? You let her down two years ago, and now you¡¯re letting her down again for this woman<b>. </b>Lucas, you¡¯re a heartless bastard, not a shred of your brother¡¯s decency in


    you!¡±


    Frederick¡¯s harsh rebuke was relentless, ignoring the setting and not caring about Lucas¡¯s dignity.


    Yvonne tried to calm things down. ¡°Let¡¯s not criticize Lucas now. We need to check on Sophia¡¯s condition first.¡±


    Frederick withdrew his re from Lucas, turning his attention to the operating room,


    whose doors had yet to open, indicating that Sophia was still inside.


    Lucas stood by, a heavy air of tension surrounding him, his face devoid of expression. No one could tell what he was thinking.

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    Chapter 413


    Aveline nced at Lucas.


    His expression remained cold as if he hadn¡¯t heard Frederick¡¯s words.


    Lucas was the only heir of the Tudor family, yet he received such treatment?


    The lights in the emergency room soon went out, and the doctor came out. Yvonne stepped forward and asked, ¡°How is the patient inside?¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°She was brought in promptly. The knife has been removed, and no internal organs were damaged.¡±


    Yvonne sighed in relief, then turned to Frederick. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sophia is fine.¡±


    Frederick nodded, then nced at Lucas and said, ¡°Come here<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lucas¡® expression remained indifferent, and he didn¡¯t move.


    He turned to Aveline and asked softly, ¡°Are you tired?¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The atmosphere was tense.


    Aveline sensed the underlying chill. She looked at Frederick¡¯s dark expression, then at Lucas¡¯s nonchnt demeanor, feeling uneasy.


    Was she supposed to be tired?


    Lucas then looked at Frederick and said, ¡°She¡¯s been through a lot. I¡¯ll take her home


    to rest first.¡±


    With that, he took Aveline¡¯s things and started walking out.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Frederick¡¯s angry voice echoed behind him.


    tear


    Yvonne quickly tried to soothe things. ¡°Lucas, Sophia just came out of emergency. Could you stay a bit longer to see her? After all, she got hurt saving Aveline.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression was ice¨Ccold. ¡°You¡¯re all here to care for her; that¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°Lucas, it seems you really don¡¯t want to join the Tudorpany. The tasks I¡¯ve given you show no <b>progress</b>, and now Sophia is hurt, and you don¡¯t even care to see her. How did I end up with such an ungrateful son?¡± Frederick¡¯s anger was palpable, disregarding the setting entirely.


    Especially with the possibility that Leo might still be alive, his attitude towards Lucas


    13


    +15 BONUS


    had grown increasingly harsh.


    After all, Lucas had never been Frederick¡¯s ideal heir.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lucas said ndly, ¡°Like father like son.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s face turned livid with anger, and his finger trembled as he pointed at Lucas.


    Yvonne quickly tried to calm Frederick, ¡®Frederick, don¡¯t get angry. You and Lucas should talk things out calmly. This is a hospital; we shouldn¡¯t make a scene and. be aughingstock.


    Frederick snorted and said, ¡°Lucas, you¡¯ve wronged Sophia too much. You need to divorce this woman and marry Sophia. Our family won¡¯t tolerate such ingratitude and cruelty!¡±


    The atmosphere suddenly froze, and passersby could clearly sense the tension.


    Lucas¡® expression remained indifferent as he took Aveline¡¯s hand. ¡°You seem to like her a lot. Since you want to be a righteous person, why don¡¯t you marry her yourself?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Frederick¡¯s temper red anew, his eyes zing with fury as he jabbed a finger at Lucas.


    Yvonne¡¯s face darkened with displeasure


    Just then, Sophia¡¯s hospital bed was wheeled out.


    Yvonne immediately ordered her to be taken to a VIP room, and she and Frederick went to wait for Sophia to wake up.


    Outside the hospital, Aveline¡¯s emotions were a jumble.


    She nced at Lucas and opened her mouth, wanting to say something.


    Lucas noticed her gaze and smiled faintly. ¡°What is it? Feeling sorry for me?¡±


    His expression was still calm, showing no other emotion, but his eyes were like the night, filled with an imprable fog.

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    Chapter 414


    Aveline¡¯s expression froze, and she quietly looked at him, saying calmly, ¡°Would you cry if I said no?¡±


    ¡°Heh¡­¡±


    Lucasughed, the fog in his eyes clearing a bit.


    Afterughing for a moment, he suddenly leaned in, gripping her nape and kissing. her forcefully.


    His breath was cool yet burning, dominantly iming her air.


    Aveline was caught off guard, struggling slightly.


    But he didn¡¯t force her, letting her go just as quickly.


    His nose touched hers, their breaths heavy and entwined.


    ¡°Aveline, I won¡¯t divorce you,¡± he said softly.


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid your father will take back all your rights?¡±


    Lucas chuckled, this time with a touch of mockery. ¡°If he could, he wouldn¡¯t just talk,


    about it.¡±


    Aveline understood, but a chill settled in her heart.


    It seemed Lucas¡¯s power extended beyond DK Group, and he didn¡¯t even regard the Tudor family¡¯spany highly.


    So, her hopes of divorcing him seemed even more distant.


    Seeing her deep in thought, Lucas moved back slightly, gripping her chin and looking deeply into her eyes. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I was thinking about what Sophia was thinking.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Why care about her?¡±


    Aveline lightly bit her lip <b>and </b>asked, ¡°Lucas, why has your attitude towards Sophia suddenly changed?¡±


    Lucas stared at her, about to respond, when his phone rang.


    +15 BONUS


    He checked the caller ID; it was Yvonne.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lucas answered, his tone cold.


    Yvonne¡¯s gentle voice came through, ¡°Lucas,e back and see Sophia. She wants to see you.¡± Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Lucas¡® tone grew even icier. ¡°She wants to see me, and I¡¯m just supposed to oblige? Who does she think she is?¡±


    Yvonne was taken aback, not expecting such hostility from him. She sighed. ¡°Lucas, Sophia said she wants to give you Leo¡¯s belongings. She insists she isn¡¯t lying this time.¡±


    Lucas was silent for a moment. When he spoke again, his tone was even icier. ¡°Fine, but if she¡¯s lying, I¡¯ll make her pay.¡±


    Aveline stood beside him, hearing every word of the conversation clearly. Seeing the coldness in his expression, she felt a chill in her heart.


    When he decided to be ruthless<b>, </b>no one could match him. Even Sophia, who had once saved him and lost a leg, was not spared his wrath.


    Aveline found it increasingly hard to understand him.


    Lucas swiped his fingers across the phone screen to end the call, then turned to her. ¡°What if I told you that Sophia losing her leg two all a staged act by


    ars ago <i>w </i>her?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°A y?¡±


    Lucas smirked faintly, a touch of mockery in his handsome features. ¡°Hard to believe, right? Even I couldn¡¯t believe someone would go to such lengths to achieve their goals.¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°What was her goal?¡±


    Lucas shrugged. ¡°Who knows?¡±


    He opened the car door and stepped out, ¡°Want toe watch the show?¡±


    Aveline shook her head, ¡°No<i>, </i>your family members are like wild beasts. It¡¯s terrifying.


    Lucas let out another amusedugh, then said, ¡°Fine, you go home first.e find


    I¡¯ll you after I¡¯m done here.¡±


    <b>2/3 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Without giving her a chance to respond, he shut the car door and walked towards the hospital.


    The car started up.


    Aveline kept her eyes <b>on </b>his tall, slender back, her emotions swirling in aplicated


    mix.

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    Chapter 415


    In the hospital.room, Lucas walked in to see Sophia lying on the bed, her face pale.


    Frederick and Yvonne were sitting beside her, talking.


    Yvonne saw Lucas and said, ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re here.¡±


    Sophia looked at Lucas with hopeful eyes, searching his face for any sign of concern.


    But there was none.


    Lucas¡® expression was cold and detached.


    He pulled a chair over and sat down, crossing his long legs. ¡°Where is it?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face was ashen. ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t you care about me at all?¡±


    Lucas repeated, ¡°Where is it?¡± His tone grew even colder.


    Sophia could hear the impatience in his voice, knowing that if she didn¡¯t give him what he wanted, he would definitely turn hostile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already had someone bring it over,¡± she said weakly.


    Frederick¡¯s face was stern. ¡°Sophia is already in this condition, and you can¡¯t even show a bit of concern?¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°Don¡¯t you all find this embarrassing?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face turned even paler.


    Frederick felt a surge of anger, wanting to throttle him.


    But realizing he only had this one son, he held back.


    Yvonne spoke softly, ¡°Lucas, no matter what, Sophia has saved you twice. If you don¡¯t show some gratitude, it just doesn¡¯t sit well.¡±


    Sophia quickly interjected, ¡°Madam Yvonne, please don¡¯t say that. I did it willingly. I don¡¯t want to force Lucas. If Lucas has feelings for Aveline, I won¡¯te between them.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°You heard her<b>, </b>right? She has no intentions of interfering. Yet you, as elders, keep pushing me to divorce. Isn¡¯t that disgraceful?¡±


    The atmosphere in the hospital room grew even more tense.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Frederick stood up and walked out, afraid that if he stayed any longer, his rebellious son would drive him to his grave!


    Yvonne sighed in exasperation. ¡°Lucas, your attitude is tog harsh. What will you do in the Tudor family if your brother returns?¡±


    Lucas looked at her. ¡°Madam Yvonne, you think he won¡¯te back, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Yvonne¡¯s expression faltered. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? Of course, I hope he cane back. It would bring your father some peace.¡±


    She then gave Sophia a few more words of advice before leaving.


    Now only Lucas and Sophia remained in the room.


    Sophia¡¯s fingers clutched the bed sheet tightly, turning white from the pressure. <b>¡°</b><b>Is </b>¡ú Miss Young okay?¡±


    Lucas replied indifferently, ¡°You took the knife for her, so of course, she¡¯s fine.¡±


    Sophia fell silent, a look of unfamiliarity in her eyes as if she didn¡¯t recognize the man. in front of her.


    He had always been cold, but he used to be gentle with her, especially after she saved him. He had been kind and warm.


    But now¡­


    How did ite to this? Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Lucas had no intention of chatting with Sophia. The only reason he stayed was because of the item she mentioned.


    Unwilling to give up, Sophia asked, ¡°Lucas, what did I do wrong? Why are you so distant? It wasn¡¯t like this before.¡±


    Lucas looked up, his gaze icy. ¡°You really don¡¯t know why?¡±


    Sophia stiffened, her lips twitching. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    What did he mean?


    Could he have found out something?


    Impossible!


    Everyone involved in that matter back then was gone. There was no way he could


    have discovered anything!


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Sophia tried to calm herself, forcing herself to stayposed, though her eyes still held a trace of sadness.


    ¡°If Leo is really alive, he wouldn¡¯t want you to treat me like this.¡±


    As she spoke, she began to cry, her voice choked with emotion.

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    Chapter 416


    Lucas looked at her with a cold gaze. ¡°Sure, let hime find me.¡±


    Sophia suddenly stopped crying.


    Lucas waspletely unresponsive now as if nothing mattered to him anymore!


    Sophia¡¯s heart was filled with intense bitterness. She had sacrificed one of her legs, only to end up like this?


    How could she possibly be content?


    At that moment, the door to the hospital room was knocked on.


    ¡°Miss Winter.¡±


    It was the butler from Sophia¡¯s family, carrying a box in his hands as he walked in.


    Sophia said, ¡°This is the birthday gift Leo gave me. I¡¯ve treasured it and never opened it.¡±


    The butler handed the box to Lucas.


    Lucas took it, opened it, and nced inside. It was a music box.


    Very delicate and beautiful, something clearly meant for a girl.


    He stood up and left.


    Sophia watched his departing figure, her face turning dark. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number.


    ¡°What should I do? Lucas now doesn¡¯t want to see me or him at this rate?<b>¡± </b>


    k to me. How can I marry


    The person on the other end said, ¡°Just push it forward. Your goal isn¡¯t really to marry him anyway.¡±


    Sophia bit her lip. ¡°But I can¡¯t find an opportunity.¡±


    The other person chuckled and said, ¡°Take your time, there will always be a chance.¡±


    Maria gave Aveline some time off.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline went straight home. The butler <b>saw </b>the bandage on her neck and asked with concern, ¡°Madam, what happened to you?¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a small injury.¡±


    The butler said, ¡°You must be careful not to infect the wound.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Aveline went upstairs.


    Just as she entered her bedroom, her phone rang. She looked at the screen; it was an unfamiliar number<b>. </b>


    She hesitated for a moment before answering<b>, </b>¡°Hello, who is this?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Hello, you¡¯re about to die. Are you looking forward to it?¡±


    The voice was Darren!


    Aveline¡¯s hand tightened around the phone, but she didn¡¯t hang up. Instead, she


    I you?¡±


    asked directly, ¡°Why do you want to kill me? What did I ever do. P. Instead, she


    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± Darrenughed sinisterly. ¡°You wretch, you forgot, didn¡¯t you? I have suffered for ten years, and you forgot it all!¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°So, what exactly did I do to offend you?¡±


    Darren replied, ¡°When you die, I¡¯ll tell you. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t be long.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    This guy wa


    guy was crazy, wasn¡¯t he?


    She hung up the phone. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Earlier, she had been quite scared, but now she only felt helpless.


    She changed her clothes and was about to rest when Selena called her.


    ¡°Hey, Ave, do you have time tonight?¡± Selena¡¯s voice sounded lifeless.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Yes, what¡¯s up?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Come out for dinner,fort my wounded soul.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Your soul is so strong, who could possibly hurt you?<i>¡± </i>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Selena replied, ¡°Who else¡­ that bastard Aaron!¡±


    Aveline paused. ¡°Is he giving you trouble again?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Can we talk about it tonight? Let¡¯s meet at Club Nine. I heard they got <b>a </b>new batch of decent college guys.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    So, Selena needed college guys tofort her wounded soul.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline agreed.


    By the time they met, it was already dark outside.


    They went straight to a private room in Club Nine.


    As they stepped out of the elevator, someone passed by them. Aveline didn¡¯t pay much attention, but the person quickly came back, looking at her with surprise.¡± Miss, you¡¯re here. Are you feeling better?¡±


    Aveline looked at him in confusion, thinking the person seemed familiar.


    Selena leaned in and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you nning to be a yer?¡±

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    Chapter 417


    Aveline was speechless.


    She ignored Selena and instead looked at the young man, asking, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Sidney was momentarily stunned, then scratched his head. ¡°You don¡¯t remember me, that¡¯s alright. I¡¯m a waiter here. If you need anything, just call me.¡±


    He didn¡¯t mention having saved Aveline.


    Aveline looked at the young man, feeling he was very familiar.


    Sidney had already turned and left.


    Selena clicked her tongue twice. ¡°He looks like a heartbroken affair you¡¯ve favored


    and then forgotten, Ave. You really don¡¯t remember him?¡±


    Aveline looked at her helplessly. ¡°Watch your words. I don¡¯t know him at all.¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Otherwise, that handsome guy wouldn¡¯t have looked at you with such a pitiful and aggrieved expression.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    How did she even see Sidney¡¯s expression as pitiful and aggrieved?


    ¡°Come on,e on. I¡¯ve already made an appointment. Let¡¯s go see those coll¨¦ge guys. Maybe that handsome guy is one of them.¡± Selena pulled her towards the private room.


    Aveline followed her into the room.


    Sitting on the sofa, she asked, ¡°So, can you tell me what happened?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°I found a new job. I studied interior design in college, so I got a job at an interior design studio. Guess what? On my first day, the first client I got was th


    bastard Aaron!¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°He¡¯s giving you money, what¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°You don¡¯t know how difficult that man is. I turned him down on the spot. But then my boss said if I could secure Aaron¡¯s project, I¡¯d be made permanent.¡±


    She paused and then said, ¡°That¡¯s real money on the table. Who can say no to money? I hesitated for a long time, then agreed.¡±


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline fell silent.


    Seeing Selena¡¯s pained expression, it was clear Aaron had made a lot of unreasonable demands.


    Aveline suggested, ¡°Maybe you should consider switching studios. Since you¡¯re good at design, why not start your own studio? I¡¯ll invest and be the major shareholder.¡±


    Selena pped her thigh. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of that? Unfortunately, I¡¯ve already signed the contract. If I breach it, I¡¯ll have to pay a penalty.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Selena waved her


    hand. ¡°Forget about that bastard. Let¡¯s check out the college guys.¡± Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    She used the phone in the private room, said a few words, and then announced,¡± They¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


    Aveline quietly ate some fruit.


    In less than ten minutes, the door to the private room opened, and a group guys walked in.


    They stood in a row in front of them, each with different personalities and


    appearances.


    of college


    ¡°Hey, look at that handsome guy!¡± Selena leaned towards Aveline, pointing at Sidney standing in the middle.


    Aveline instinctively looked over and met Sidney smiling at them.


    The young man had a gentle appearance, with features that weren¡¯t too sharp, giving him a soft, approachable look.


    Selena whispered in her ear, ¡°So, do you feel your heart fluttering?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Her mouth twitched speechlessly.


    However, in the dim light of the private room, memories began to surface. She recalled being forced to drink by Xander and his friends, and it seemed it was Sidney who hade in and saved her.

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    Chapter 418


    ¡°I remember now, you saved me!¡± Aveline said, looking at Sidney with a face full of Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    surprise.


    Sidney shyly lowered his head and smiled. ¡°It was nothing, really. I¡¯m just d you¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be okay if it weren¡¯t for you.¡± Aveline stood up and walked over to Sidney. What¡¯s your phone number? When do you have a day off? Let me treat you to a meal!¡±


    Sidney was a bit taken aback by her directness and shook his head slightly. ¡°No need, I¡¯m just d you¡¯re alright.¡±


    Selena came over, smiling. ¡°It¡¯s just a meal, don¡¯t be shy, handsome. You saved our Ave, which makes you a big hero to both of us. Here, take my card. If you ever need anything, just contact me.¡±


    She handed her business card to Sidney.


    Sidney reluctantly epted it, looking a bit overwhelmed.


    Selena turned to the other guys. ¡°You all can leave now. He can stay.¡±


    The other guys, except for Sidney, gradually left the room.


    Only the three of them remained in the private room.


    Selena invited Sidney to sit down. ¡°Come on, handsome, sit down. Don¡¯t be so nervous, we¡¯re not bad people.¡±


    Aveline and Sidney were speechless.


    Those who caused harm would always deny their own wrongdoing


    Aveline asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name? I¡¯m Aveline Young.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯m </b>Sidney Troy,¡± he replied with a slight smile.


    Aveline extended her hand. ¡°I haven¡¯t formally thanked you. What you did before. really meant a lot to me.¡±


    Sidney shook her hand briefly. ¡°It was really nothing. You don¡¯t need to thank me. I¡¯m sure anyone else would have done the same.¡±


    Selena interjected, ¡°Not true. If it were someone else, they might have just stood <b>by </b>


    +15 BONUS


    and watched, or even cheered on. People who step in and help like you are very rare. Let me toast to you!¡±


    Selena picked up her ss and handed it to Sidney, clinking sses with him. Before Sidney could say anything, she downed her drink in one go.


    Seeing this, Sidney didn¡¯t dare to hesitate and also finished his drink..


    Aveline picked up her ss as well. ¡°I toast to you too. If you ever need anything, you


    can count on me.¡±


    Sidney nodded slightly. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He joined them and drank a ss.


    Selena, always the life of the party, quickly dispelled the awkward atmosphere. Soon enough, they were ying drinking games.


    Sidney looked innocent, but he knew his way around these night scenes. His clear eyes made him appear pure and untainted, making people feel he was genuinely


    innocent.


    A blush appeared on Aveline¡¯s cheeks.


    It had been a long time since she had let loose like this.


    The recent events had weighed heavily on her mind, making her feel crushed.


    ¡°I¡­ I need to use the restroom,¡± she said, standing up with a faint smile before. leaving the room.


    Sidney instinctively stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    Selena held him back. ¡°She¡¯s going to thedies¡® room. How are you going to


    apany her? Young man, let me tell you, your intentions are too obvious. You might scare our Ave. And you know she¡¯s married, right?¡±


    Sidney.nodded. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Selena looked at him in surprise. ¡°You¡¯ve got some guts, young man.¡±


    Sidney smiled shyly. Despite all the drinks, his face remainedposed.


    Selena patted his shoulder. ¡°Honestly, you¡¯re


    up to me, I¡¯d want you two to be together


    way b


    than her husband. If it were

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    Chapter 419


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    As Aveline came out of the restroom and passed by the elevator, Aaron happened to see her emerging from it.


    He was on the phone and, upon noticing her, raised his eyebrows slightly before saying, ¡°Guess who I just saw at Club <b>Nine</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    On the other end of the line was Lucas, his voice cold. ¡°Your dad?¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Aaron cursed, then said, ¡°Not my dad! Your precious little sweetheart!¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew even colder. ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t see wrong?¡±


    Aaron scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not blind. She walked right past me. She looks like she¡¯s had quite a bit to drink. Tsk, she sure knows how to entertain herself at night.¡±


    Lucas hung up immediately.


    Aaron looked at his phone. ¡°What¡¯s his problem?¡± Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Despite his irritation, he was curious about who Aveline was drinking with, so he headed towards the room where she had disappeared.


    At the door, the music inside wasn¡¯t too loud, and through the frosted window, he could see that there weren¡¯t many people inside.


    Aaron slightly pushed the door open and peeked in.


    He saw Aveline sitting next to a guy, clinking sses and drinking.


    Tsk, tsk!


    It seemed her nights out were always full of excitement!


    He took out his phone and snapped a photo of them, sending it to Lucas without hesitation.


    Just as he was about to leave, he looked up and saw Selena with her arm around the guy¡¯s shoulder, her face flushed from drinking, looking at the guy with squinted, adoring eyes.


    A surge of irritation rose within Aaron.


    He walked right in.


    ¡°Is it just you guys? Isn¡¯t it a bit dull?<b>¡± </b>


    ¦³


    +15 BONUS


    Hands in his pockets, he strolled in casually, with a mocking smile on his face.


    Aveline and Selena looked over at him.


    Selena immediately said, ¡°Whether we¡¯re having fun or not is none of your business.


    Get out.¡±


    Aaron raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why such a big temper? Can¡¯t I just join in for some fun?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°No, it¡¯s after work hours. I don¡¯t want to see you even for a second.¡±


    Aaron, however, had no intention of leaving. He sat down on the sofa, his gaze falling on Sidney with a hint of coldness. ¡°And who is this?¡±


    Selena snapped, ¡°What does that have to do with you?¡±


    Aveline squinted her eyes. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, do you have any business here?¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°I told you, I¡¯m just here for some fen.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°As you can see, your presence is killing the fun.¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    Lucas had a sharp tongue, but he hadn¡¯t expected Aveline to be just as sharp. They really were a pair.


    Selena said, ¡°Did you hear that? You¡¯re not wee here. Please leave, and don¡¯t let the door hit you on the way out!¡±


    Aaron narrowed his eyes. Being repeatedly asked to leave was a first for him. From a young age, he had always been treated with utmost respect. When had he ever been subjected to such treatment?


    ¡°Selena, I have some ideas about the vi¡¯s design.¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss it at work tomorrow.¡±


    Aaron insisted, ¡°If we wait until you go back to work, I¡¯ll forget.¡±


    Selena retorted, ¡°That works just fine.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°If I forget something important, it puts me in a bad mood. If there¡¯s no progress on the vi, my mood will get worse. In that case, the designer will be the one to suffer.¡±


    Selena was speechless.

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    Chapter 420


    Selena wore a fawning smile, but it was clearly fake.


    Aaron, unimpressed, lounged on the sofa and watched her unsteady hand gripping the wine ss. ¡°If you spill that on me, you¡¯ll have to lick it clean,¡± he said coolly.


    Selena was speechless.


    Damn it! How did this jerk guess what she was thinking?


    She immediately steadied her hand. ¡°No way, I¡¯m sincerely offering you a toast. I would never do something so disgraceful.


    Aaron chuckled but didn¡¯t push the issue further. He picked up his ss and clinked it with hers.


    As Selena raised her ss to drink, she felt a sudden dizziness, probably from having drunk too much earlier. Her hand wavered, and the wine spilled all over Aaron¡¯s pants.


    Selena fell silent.


    She stared in shock. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose!¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face darkened as he mmed the ss onto the table. ¡°Selena, you never cease to amaze me!¡±


    She cursed herself silently while cleaning up the mess.


    Selena pulled out a napkin to wipe him down. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, it was an ident. I¡¯ll clean it up.


    Aaron stood up. ¡°Come over here and clean it!¡±


    With a scowl, he headed straight to the restroom.


    Selena hurried after him, feeling regretful Why did she have to get dizzy at that moment?


    Aveline blinked, watching them leave the private room one after the other, looking puzzled. ¡°Why did they leave?¡°¡±


    Sidney looked at her and asked, ¡°Miss Young, are you okay?¡±


    Aveline nodded, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Sidney said, ¡°There are rooms upstairs where you can rest. Shall I take you there?¡± Aveline shook her head. ¡°No need, I¡¯ll wait for Selena toe back.¡±


    Sidney didn¡¯t press the matter. He sat quietly next to her, as well¨Cbehaved as ever.


    Aveline¡¯s gaze slowly drifted to his face, noticing that his features bore some resemnce to Lucas.


    No, it was the gentle Lu she saw in him.


    Lucas was too cold.


    She didn¡¯t like that.


    She asked, ¡°Have you graduated from college?¡±


    Sidney paused and nodded. ¡°Just graduated.¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°Why did you work at the club after graduation? What was your major?¡±


    Sidney replied, ¡°Architectural design. This profession takes time to make money. My family had some issues, and I needed money.¡±


    Aveline patted his shoulder. ¡°How much do you need? Tell me, I can lend it to you.¡±


    Sidney shook his head. ¡°No need, I can manage on my own.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°As a designer, you need to keep your inspiration. <b>If </b>you keep working in a ce like this, you¡¯ll easily get exhausted. I¡¯m also an architectural designer. If you need a job, you can let me know.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aveline felt a bit dizzy and leaned back, half¨Cclosing her eyes, waiting for Selena to return.


    Sidney picked up a piece of fruit and brought it to her lips. ¡°Miss Young, want some grapes?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes were dazed as she looked at him, not speaking. The two of them. appeared quite intimate when Lucas stood outside the private room and saw <b>this </b>


    scene.


    She was gazing at the young man tenderly, as if she had countless emotions to


    213


    +15 BONUS


    express.


    A cold, icy aura enveloped Lucas, almost turning into a tangible chill!


    Aveline opened her mouth, intending to refuse, but Sidney suddenly ced the grape in her mouth<b>. </b>


    With a clean¨Cshaven, handsome face, he smiled and said, ¡°These grapes are really


    sweet.¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>421 </b>


    Aveline was stunned, looking at Sidney in confusion.


    She wanted to speak, but with the grape in her mouth, she had to eat it first.


    At that moment, a tall figure walked in.


    Aveline squinted, recognizing


    cas.


    She instinctively sat up straight, quickly chewing and swallowing the grape. Why was he here?


    Oh, right. If Aaron was here, it wasn¡¯t


    urprising Lucas Would find his way here too.


    Lucas exuded a cold aura, his narrow <b>eves </b>fixed intensely on Aveline¡¯s face as he sat down on the sofa.


    ¡°Is it sweet?<b>¡± </b>he asked.


    Aveline, slightly dazed from the alcohol, nodded instinctively. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened, though the corners of his thin lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°Good. Pick one for me too.¡±


    He looked at Sidney.


    Sidney, feeling the pressure, immediately ced the whole te of grapes in front of him. ¡°These grapes here are not bad.¡±


    Sidney sensed the tension. Lucas¡® gaze held a hint of menace, but he didn¡¯t act on it<b>, </b>leaving Sidney puzzled.


    Aveline finally swallowed the grape and asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Lucas picked up a grape, looking at it indifferently. ¡°Can¡¯t I be here?¡±


    Aveline was at a loss for words.


    He seemed sarcastic. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    She licked her lips, still tasting the grape juice, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go check on Selena. Why isn¡¯t she back yet?¡±


    As she spoke, she stood up to leave the room.


    But she had to pass by Lucas.


    Suddenly, Lucas grabbed her arm, pulling her to sit on hisp.


    He brought a grape to her lips. ¡°Try this one. Is it sweet?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed, but she didn¡¯t struggle, thinking it would be more awkward to do so in front of


    others.


    She said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat anymore.¡±


    Lucas¡® narrow eyes looked at her coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t want to eat grapes? Then what do you want to eat, hmm?¡±


    Aveline could hear the chill in his tone.


    Sidney spoke up, ¡°Sir, it¡¯s better not to force Miss Young. Marriage requires understanding and


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Ha!


    Sidney was lecturing him now?


    <b>Lucas </b>tightened his grip around Aveline¡¯s waist, his gaze cold as he looked at Sidney. ¡°You seem to know a lot. Why? Have you been married<b>?</b>¡±


    Sidney was at a loss for words.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Did Mr. Fletcher tell you I was here?¡±


    Lucas, still holding the grape, looked at her face. ¡°What? Should I not be here? Did I interrupt something?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°He saved mest night.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°So? Are you going to repay him with your body?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face was still a bit flushed. Hearing his words, she frowned immediately, ¡°Lucas, what nonsense are you talking about? We¡¯re just having a normal conversation!¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°A normal conversation where he feeds you grapes? If I hade a littleter, would you two have moved to a different ce?¡±


    Anger red in Aveline¡¯s eyes, and she struggled. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, then why did youe? Just live with your delusions!¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t let her get up and shoved the grape into her mouth. ¡°Eat it and tell me if it tastes sweeter from me or from him!¡±


    P


    Comments

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    <b>Chapter </b>422


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Aveline hadn¡¯t noticed when Lucas shoved another grape into her mouth!


    If Sidney feeding her a grape caught her off guard, Lucas¡® action left her feeling deeply humiliated.


    Lucas was deliberately making things difficult for h¨¦r!


    She spat the grape out immediately.


    ¡°Lucas, are you insane?¡±


    She struggled to get off hisp, not wanting to have such intimate contact with him at all.


    Lucas, however, wouldn¡¯t let her go. His eyes darkened with cold fury as he nced at the spat¨Cout grape. ¡°Aveline, are you looking to die?¡±


    She ate grapes from another man, but not from him.


    Damn it, she was really testing his limits!


    Sidney stood up abruptly and walked over, trying to pull Aveline out of Lucas¡® arms. ¡°Sir<b>, </b>can¡¯t you see she isn¡¯tfortable with what you¡¯re doing? You can¡¯t force her!¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes were filled with murderous intent as he nced at Sidney¡¯s hand on Aveline¡¯s arm. ¡°If you don¡¯t want your hand, just say so.¡±


    That look made Sidney feel the phantom pain of his hand being severed.


    The intense killing intent spread through the room!


    Aveline looked at Sidney. ¡°You should leave.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s face was full of concern. ¡°But Miss Young¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes had regained some rity. ¡°Go, he won¡¯t harm me.¡±


    Her tone softened involuntarily when speaking to Sidney.


    Lucas¡® grip on her waist tightened, almost suffocating her!


    Sidney, worried, left the room reluctantly, ncing back repeatedly.


    Lucas pressed Aveline onto the sofa, tearing at her clothes aggressively. ¡°Aveline, are you trying to make me look like a fool? unting your affair in front of me!


    -Aveline was so frightened by his rough behavior that she forgot to struggle. ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t do this¡­¡±


    Lucas grabbed her chin. ¡°Don¡¯t do this? Am I not satisfying you enough in bed, <b>so </b>you¡¯re out here seeking thrills?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I didn¡¯t<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s face turned even paler as she pushed against his chest with both hands. ¡°I just came here to have fun with Selena. I ran into him and realized he was the one who saved me. I just wanted to thank him and invited him to dinner, so we stayed to chat!¡±


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    She exined desperately. Lucas was furious, his expression terrifying, his face cold, and his eyes filled with a murderous glint.


    It was as if he believed she had betrayed him, and he truly might kill her!


    Lucas stared at her, his chest heaving. The scene he had witnessed deeply agitated him. Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Sidney¡¯s gaze at Aveline was anything but innocent!


    It was the gaze of a man toward a woman!


    As a man, Lucas knew it all too well!


    Fury roiled within Lucas¡® chest as he kissed her fiercely


    Aveline whimpered, her breath stolen away. His kiss was rough as if he wanted to consume herpletely!


    She couldn¡¯t withstand it!


    She struggled and resisted, but it only made him act more intensely.


    Aveline was truly at her limit¡­


    His unpredictable nature made her genuinely afraid!


    Just when she thought he would continue right there, he stopped, his heavy breathing hot against her ear,


    his weight pressing down on her, letting her feel his excitement and heat.


    ¡°I really want to take you right here.¡± Lucas growled through gritted teeth.


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled, and the next second, he pulled her up.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>423 </b>


    The suit jacket was draped over her shoulders, enveloping her in a strong, fresh scent.


    ¡°Aveline, this is the first andst time. If I catch you in a situation like this again, neither of us will have any peace.¡±


    Lucas stood up, looking down at her, his eyes cold and devoid of any warmth.


    Aveline, covered by his presence, remained silent.


    Lucas turned and walked away without caring about her response. When he spoke, she had toply, or he wouldn¡¯t make things easy for her! As for Sidney, his presence wouldn¡¯t be weed in Cloudre City anymore!


    Aveline followed him out of the private room in silence. As they entered the elevator, she suddenly remembered Selena and quickly reached to press the door open button.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lucas asked coldly.


    ¡°I need to find Selena,¡± Aveline replied.


    ¡°Aaron will take her home,¡± Lucas stated.


    Aveline didn¡¯t trust Aaron and stubbornly insisted on going out to find her friend. Just then, her phone rang. She looked at it and saw that it was a call from Selena.


    ¡°Hello, Selena?¡±


    ¡°Hey, you head home first. I have a bit of a situation here and can¡¯t leave with you,¡± Selena¡¯s voice sounded strained as if she was trying hard to endure something.


    Aveline immediately grew worried. ¡°Selena, what¡¯s wrong? Did something happen? Let mee to you.¡±


    ¡°No, no need. I can handle it myself,¡± Selena hurriedly refused. ¡°Just go home, and I¡¯ll contact you once I sort things out. That¡¯s all.¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone.


    Aveline stared at her phone, puzzled.


    What was going on?


    What had happened?


    But judging by Selena¡¯s tone, she didn¡¯t want Aveline toe find her.


    Lucas said coolly, ¡°Can we close the doors now?¡±


    Aveline silently withdrew her hand, and the elevator doors slowly closed.


    Her reflection appeared on the elevator surface¨Ca petite figure wrapped in his suit jacket, making her look even smaller and more delicate.


    She lowered her eyes, her face now a pale shade, with long, curled eyshes and slightly pursed lips. Her lips, slightly swollen from his kiss, looked both pitiable and alluring.


    This was the look she had shown to other men.


    1/2


    The thought made Lucas¡¯s expression even colder.


    The temperature in the elevato


    seemed to drop. Aveline nced at him and, seeing his unpleasant


    +15 BONUS


    expression, said nothing.


    There was nothing to say.


    She wasn¡¯t in a good mood either.


    Being misunderstood for no reason left her particrly frustrated.


    Especially considering Lucas¡® petty and sinister nature, Sidney might suffer because of this.


    Once again, she had inadvertently dragged an innocent person into trouble.


    As they exited the elevator, Aveline saw Sidney standing not far away.


    He seemed to be waiting for her, his face full of concern. His eyes lit up when he saw her.


    ¡°Miss Young,¡± Sidney said as he walked towards her.


    Aveline sensed the coldness around Lucas intensified.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I need to go home now,¡± Aveline said to Sidney.


    <b>¡°</b>Are you really okay?¡± Sidney asked with concern.


    Lucas sneered. ¡°What? Do you think I¡¯d abuse her?¡±


    Sidney looked at him, his gaze growing more cautious. ¡°Given how you acted earlier, it certainly seemed possible.¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± Lucas scoffed. ¡°You think you can meddle in other people¡¯s marital affairs? I think you¡¯re wasted as a waiter. Should I hire you as my butler instead, hmm?¡±


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    <b>Chapter 424 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline hurriedly said to Sidney, ¡°You should go back to work. You really don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±


    Seeing her difort, Sidney nodded. ¡°Alright, if you need anything, you can contact me.¡±


    Aveline thought, ¡°Not talking to me right now is exactly what I need!¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Under Lucas¡® cold stare, Sidney turned and left.


    Aveline looked at Lucas. ¡°Aren¡¯t we going home?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s icy gaze fell on her, sending an involuntary shiver through her.


    He turned and walked away, and she quickly followed.


    The night breeze blew away any remaining traces of her intoxication.


    Aaron entered the restroom with a grim expression, looking down at the stain on his pants before turning to face Selena, who had followed him in.


    Selena wore an apologetic expression and bent down. I¡¯ll clean it up for you.¡±


    The spilled drink had spread arge stain across Aaron¡¯s thigh, especially noticeable against his white pants.


    However, her attempts to clean it only made the stain worse.


    Aaron¡¯s face grew increasingly dark.


    Along with it came an odd sensation.


    She was crouched right in front of him.


    Even through the fabric, he could feel the softness of her small hands.


    She was intently focused on the spot on his thigh.


    Aaron¡¯s breathing grew heavier, his anger gradually transforming into something else.


    Selena looked up at him, her expression troubled as she said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, this won¡¯te clean. How about I buy you a new pair of pants<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Ugh¡­


    Spending money on this jerk was painful!


    The restroom lighting wasn¡¯t very bright, and she was close to him, her beautiful face with long eyshes that fluttered like butterfly wings, her pale face, and eyes with a hint of moisture, making her look pitiful.


    Aaron cursed under his breath. How could he be thinking of something else at a time like this?


    ¡°Stand up,¡± he said hoarsely.


    Selena stood up, clutching the napkin in her small hand, looking at him with apprehension.


    Aaron¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as his rxed demeanor vanished.


    1/2


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    ¡°You really didn¡¯t do <b>it </b><b>on </b>purpose?¡± Aaron¡¯s gaze was dark as he stared at her.


    Selena raised her hand. ¡°I swear, I absolutely didn¡¯t do it on purpose. If I did, then¡­ then may you won¡¯t find a wife forever.¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    He couldn¡¯t help butugh in exasperation.


    He pointed at her. ¡°Selena, I¡¯m only letting this slide because you saved my life before. Otherwise, I would have dealt with that mouth of yours a long time ago!¡±


    Selena immediately covered her mouth. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll stop talking, okay?¡±


    Her voice was muffled, and her bright, beautiful face looked even more innocent and pitiful.


    Aaron suddenly found his anger dissipating.


    But the fact remained that his pants were ruined!


    With a stern face, he said, ¡°You¡¯re paying for the pants!¡±


    Selena nodded quickly/ ¡°Fine, fine.¡±


    Recing a pair of pants was something she could ept.


    Her gaze fell on his pants again, but her eyes were drawn to something else first. She widened her eyes in shock.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face darkened.


    Selena pointed at him, ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re such a pervert!¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face was stormy as he said, ¡°I¡¯m a normal man, understand?¡±


    Selena backed away several steps, hugging herself. ¡°You, you¡­ it doesn¡¯t matter what you say, you¡¯re still a pervert!¡±


    With that, she tried to run!


    Instinctively, Aaron reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into his arms.


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    ¡°Why are you running?¡± Aaron looked at her with a dark expression.


    ¡°Why are you grabbing me?¡± Selena looked at him in horror. ¡°Let go of me, you pervert! I¡¯m telling you, I won¡¯t do anything with you, so just give up!¡±


    Aaronughed in exasperation. ¡°What are you thinking? Do you really think I¡¯m interested in you?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena suddenly stopped struggling.


    What was wrong with her?


    He wasn¡¯t interested in her?


    She turned to look at him. ¡°If you¡¯re not interested, why do you have an erection?¡±


    A flicker of surprise crossed Aaron¡¯s eyes; he hadn¡¯t expected her to say that.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°What about me?¡± Selena raised her hand and pointed at his chest, speaking slowly and clearly. ¡°Aaron, admit it. You¡¯ve liked me for a long time, haven¡¯t you? Why else would you keep showing up in front of me? Once or twice could be a coincidence, but this has happened way too many times. Haven¡¯t you even thought about it yourself?¡±


    She felt her argument was spot on, her eyes sparkling with confidence as she raised her chin and chuckled. ¡°Look at you. Who would believe you don¡¯t like me?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ woman¡­¡±


    Aaron looked at her confident smile and was rendered speechless.


    Like her?


    Only if he was blind!


    Aaron sneered. ¡°Do you know why I keep finding you? If you didn¡¯t keep telling Aveline to divorce Lucas, I wouldn¡¯t even look at you twice!¡±


    Selena squinted her eyes. ¡°So, you¡¯ve been sticking around me to create opportunities for Lucas?¡±


    Aaron looked at her with disdain. ¡°So, stop ttering yourself. I have someone I like, and it¡¯s definitely not


    you!¡±


    Selena silently cursed him.


    Two scumbags indeed!


    They were teaming up against her and Aveline!


    No wonder Aaron kept pestering her with ridiculous reasons!


    Thinking back now, it all seemed absurd!


    It was absurd beyond belief!


    What infuriated her even more was Aaron¡¯s rejection!


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Was she not pretty<b>? </b>


    Did she not have a good figure?


    Even after all that, he still kept up his stubborn act!


    Selena suddenly made up her mind. She took two steps toward con, I


    neck, and kissed him!


    Aaron was stunned. He couldn¡¯t believe what was happening!


    her arms around his


    He instinctively tried to push her away, but when his hand touched her slender waist<b>, </b>he paused!


    Seizing the moment, Selena deepened the kiss, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous light.


    It was as if she was saying, ¡°See, you can¡¯t say you don¡¯t like me now.¡±


    A sudden surge of anger red up in Aaron, fueled by her smugness!


    He abruptly wrapped his arm around her waist, grabbed the back of her head, and deepened the kiss!


    Selena tried to pull away, satisfied by his initial shock and astonishment, but just as she was about to break free, he took control, aggressively iming her breath. She stumbled back several steps until he pinned her against the wall!


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    What was happening?


    How did ite to this?


    This jerk, didn¡¯t he keep insisting he didn¡¯t like her?


    Then what was he doing now?


    What was he doing?


    Selena had intended only to scare him, but now, it was she who was terrified. Her legs turned weak, but his grip on her waist was firm. With their bodies pressed together, she could clearly feel his erection.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>426 </b>


    Selena felt the air in her lungs depleting rapidly; she was about <b>to </b>run out of oxygen!


    Aaron released her, giving her a yful bite, and sneered. ¡°Mocking me? You can¡¯t even breathe properly.


    What an amateur.¡±


    Selena was speechless.


    Her breath was erratic, her eyes slightly reddened from the intense kiss. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡® You think your kissing skills are great? Kissing you feels like being chewed on by a dog!¡±


    The intimate atmosphere seemed to freeze.


    Aaron narrowed his eyes, watching her uneven breathing, and suddenly kissed her again.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to make you surrender today!¡±


    Daring to question his skills? She must be tired of living!


    Selena refused to back down. They went back and forth, their breaths intertwined, more like a fight than a kiss.


    They emerged from the restroom just as the elevator arrived and stepped in.


    Selena pushed him away. ¡°Wait a minute, I need to make a call.¡±


    She suddenly remembered that Aveline was still in the private room.


    Aaron just stared at her, and Selena red back defiantly as if she was ready to devour him.


    Once her call ended, the passionate kisses resumed.


    11


    Both of them were determined to outdo each other. When they finally made it to the room, their pent¨Cup tension exploded, creating sparks like dry tinder catching fire.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ it hurts!¡±


    After a while, Selena suddenly cried out in pain and pped Aaron across the face.


    ¡°Can you be gentler? Your technique is terrible! Is this your first time with a woman?¡±


    Aaron, feeling his ego bruised, grabbed her roughly and kneaded her flesh.


    Selena trembled uncontrobly.


    ¡°You beast¡­¡±


    Aaron leaned down to kiss and bite her. ¡°Well, now you¡¯re in bed with this beast.¡±


    Selena, still ufortable, said, ¡°If you¡¯re this terrible, get off me. I¡¯m done ying with you!¡±


    She tried to get out of bed, her face pale from the pain.


    But with things already in motion, there was no turning back.


    Aaron pulled her back, kissing her as he said, ¡°Just wait, I¡¯ll have you begging for more soon!¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    1/2


    Selena struggled, but his movements became more patient and precise, providing her with intensefort until everything became unbearable.


    A night of madness ensued.


    +15 BONUS


    The next morning, Aveline received a call from Selena just after finishing her morning routine.


    ¡°Hello?¡± she said, cing her phone on the vanity and putting it on speaker so she could continue her skincare routine.


    Selena¡¯s voice came through, ¡°I slept with Aaron.¡±


    ¡°tter!¡± The bottle in Aveline¡¯s hand dropped onto the table, her face full of shock. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°One moment of carelessness, a lifetime of regret.¡±


    Aveline picked up the phone. ¡°What happened exactly?


    Selena replied, ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡±


    Aveline, growing anxious, asked, ¡°Did he force you?¡±


    Selena answered, ¡°No.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s tone became hesitant, ¡°Then¡­ did you force him?¡±


    Selena vaguely replied, ¡°Well¡­ kind of.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Great. Just great.


    What kind of development was this? Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ????


    Aveline thought for a moment and asked, ¡°What are you going to do next?¡±


    Selena replied nonchntly, ¡°What can I do? Just chalk it up to an ident. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll be with him.¡±


    Aveline frowned, then asked, ¡°But Selena, you were taken advantage of.¡±


    Selena¡¯s tone immediately turned resentful. ¡°Damn right, I was! That jerk was a virgin! It hurt like hell!¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


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    Aveline was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°But I think this situation might not be so easily resolved.¡±


    Selena was puzzled. ¡°What, is he going to cling to me and demand I take responsibility<i>? </i>That¡¯s ridiculous. We¡¯re all adults; it¡¯s normal to have some fun and then move on, right?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline replied, ¡°Just be careful. You did take his virginity, after all.¡±


    Selena groaned, ¡°Gross.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯lle by to see youter.¡±


    ¡°Sure, just bring some good food. I¡¯m counting on that meal to keep me going.¡±


    Aveline smiled wryly. ¡°Alright, wait for it.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Fate had a strange way of bringing together the most unlikely people.


    She continued with her skincare routine and, upon leaving the bedroom, saw Lucas emerging from the study


    Last night, after they returned, they had slept in separate rooms. Lucas had stayed in the study, and now


    he looked even more tired and irritable.


    Aveline nced at him briefly before heading downstairs.


    Lucas stared at her intently and said, ¡°Clear your schedule for three days from now. It¡¯s Grandma¡¯s birthday banquet, and you¡¯reing with me.¡±


    Aveline paused and asked, ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lucas didn¡¯t understand her.


    Aveline looked at him with a smile/ ¡°Being Mrs. Tudor is quite stifling. If you want my cooperation, let¡¯s


    put a price on it. I¡¯ll apany you, but you have to pay.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Lucas chuckled as if he¡¯d heard a funny joke and walked toward her. ¡°You¡¯re asking for money


    now?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s clear eyes met his calmly. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m not worth it? Fine, let¡¯s get a divorce. You can find someone else to apany you.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened instantly, ¡°Aveline, are you trying to create trouble?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯m calmly discussing this. You¡¯re the one in a bad mood. Is that my fault?¡±


    She had a knack for getting under his skin.


    At moments like this, Lucas really felt like strangling her!


    He stared at her with his piercing eyes, one standing at the top of the stairs and the other on the steps below. Despite hismanding position, Aveline showed no fear.


    There was nothing to be afraid of. He wouldn¡¯t kill her.


    ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re ruthless,¡± Lucas said coldly, then turned and walked away. Just before entering the


    1/2


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    bedroom, he added, ¡°Two hundred thousand dors.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take the day off.¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Making money was easy; all it took was marrying someone she didn¡¯t love.


    She lowered her gaze slightly, her eyes cold, and headed to the dining room for breakfast.


    Halfway through her meal, Lucas emerged, now dressed in fresh clothes, but still enveloped in a cold


    aura.


    Just then, his phone rang. He nced at the screen and put it on speaker.


    ¡°Hello?<b>¡± </b>


    Judy¡¯s pained voice came through. ¡°Lucas, why is my arm getting worse? It hurts so much. Can youe and see me?¡±


    Lucas cast a heavy look at Aveline, then asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Judy¡¯s voice sounded tearful. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It hurts so much. It looks really bad¡­¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯lle and take a look.¡±


    Judy¡¯s tone brightened slightly, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


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    <b>Chapter 428 </b>


    The call ended.


    +15 BONUS


    The faint aroma of food filled the <i>dinin </i>


    room.


    room


    Aveline¡¯s face remained calm, her movements as she picked up food steady andposed.


    There was no sadness, no anger, no heartbreak.


    Her calmness was terrifying.


    Lucas¡® expression grew darker, his hand trembling slightly as he gripped the phone.


    Every action of hers told him: she didn¡¯t love him anymore!


    Abruptly, Lucas stood up and left the dining room.


    It wasn¡¯t until the sound of the car engine faded that Aveline stopped eating. She stared at her te for a few moments, then resumed eating as if nothing had happened.


    It was meaningless.


    He kept her tied down, never letting her have peace, yet he was gentle to every woman but her. Any woman could receive his tenderness.


    So, what was the point of her showing any emotion?


    He couldn¡¯t possibly love her.


    If he did, he wouldn¡¯t do so many things that broke her heart.


    After finishing her breakfast, Aveline went straight to work.


    After a busy day, she bought groceries and went to Selena¡¯s ce.


    When she opened the door, she saw Selena lounging on the sofa, watching a variety show andughing heartily. The tank top she wore revealed the marks on her body, indicating how intense things had been.


    Aveline was silent for a moment before asking, ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to work today?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°I took the day off.¡±


    Aveline carried the groceries into the kitchen, put on an apron, and started cooking. ¡°What do you want to eat?<b>¡± </b>Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Selena came over and hugged her. ¡°Something spicy. I need some excitement.¡±


    Aveline nced at her. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve had plenty of excitement already.¡±


    Selena pouted. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to go that way. Just¡­ couldn¡¯t stop.¡±


    Aveline hesitated and asked, ¡°So when you called mest night?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Well¡­ we were kissing by then.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Great.


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Just perfect.


    ¡°Alright, go wait in the living room. I¡¯ll call you when it¡¯s ready,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°Got it, love you!¡± Selena made a big heart shape with her hands and went back to watching her show.


    At the bar.


    The space was dim and enclosed, filled with the scent of alcohol.


    Lucas and Aaron sat across from each other.


    Aaron took a sip from his ss, narrowed his eyes, and said, ¡°Lucas, do you think a woman would seek responsibility from a man after they sleep together?¡±


    Lucas gave him a cold nce. ¡°Who did you sleep with?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Geez!¡± Aaron shot him a look, ¡°I never said it was me. Don¡¯t jump to conclusions.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°But your expression says otherwise.¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    His mouth twitched uncontrobly before he continued, ¡°So, do you think she¡¯ll want the man to take responsibility?¡±


    Lucas was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not a woman.¡±


    Aaron shook his head, ¡°She probably will. Women have these strange notions about such things. Sigh¡­¡±


    He sighed deeply, seemingly troubled by the issue.


    Lucas drained his ss and said, ¡°What do women really want?¡±


    Aaron shrugged. ¡°Beats me.¡±


    In the small private room, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.


    Aaron was still lost in thoughts about the previous night¡¯s intensity. Selena¡¯s personality was fiery, and she was just as fierce in bed.


    Even when her face turned pale with pain, she refused to back down, her stubbornness evident.


    Tsk¡­


    If she came to him seeking responsibility, should he give her money or a house?


    Since it was her first time, he felt he should show some sincerity.


    But the idea of marrying her? That was out of the question.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>429 </b>


    He already had someone he liked.


    But now that he had slept with Selena, would Snow be upset if she found out? Would she be hurt? Angry?


    Aaron¡¯s mood soured.


    What was he thinking, getting involved with Selena?


    Lucas noticed Aaron¡¯s increasingly troubled expression and raised an eyebrow, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Aaron, feeling frustrated, replied, ¡°I have someone I like, and now I can¡¯t exin this mess.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°I thought you liked Selena.¡®


    Aaron looked at him in shock. ¡°What? Me, like Selena? Are you blind? How could I possibly like her?¡±


    Lucas replied in a serious tone, ¡°If you don¡¯t like her, why do you keep hanging around her?¡±


    Aaron, agitated, said, ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who asked me to keep an eye on her because she kept trying to convince Aveline to divorce you? Don¡¯t deny it, Lucas!¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°So, did you manage to keep her upied?¡±


    Aaron fell silent instantly.


    No matter what he did, Selena always ended up in front of Aveline, trying to push for their divorce.


    Selena really hated Lucas.


    Aaron clicked his tongue. ¡°You know, you¡¯re really not very likable.¡±


    Lucas gave him a cold look. ¡°Do you have a death wish?¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°The more you act like this, the less Aveline likes you. Women prefer gentle and considerate men. With that cold expression, who would like you?¡±


    Gentle and considerate? Like before?


    Lucas lowered his gaze slightly, took another sip of his drink, and remained silent for a long time.


    Aaron also drank, feeling mncholic.


    He was worried that Selena would hold him ountable. What if it ruined things with Snow?


    Selena sneezed several times in a row.


    Aveline handed her a cup of hot water. ¡°Are you catching a cold?¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°No, probably some jerk badmouthing me behind my back.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Go wash your hands. Dinner¡¯s almost ready.¡±


    ¡°Got it<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Selena took a sip of hot water, then got up to wash her hands.


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    When she returned, the dishes were already set on the table.


    Aveline, sitting nearby, noticed the marks all over Selena and couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Do you want to put on some clothes?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena replied, ¡°Nope.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Alright then.


    Selena took a bite of food, her eyes lighting up immediately. ¡°Mmm, I feel alive again!¡±


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°My cooking has such magical powers?¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Selena nodded earnestly. ¡°I¡¯m serious. I¡¯ve eaten at so many restaurants, but your cooking is the best. When you and Lucas get divorced, you should consider moving to a small city and <i>opening </i>a little restaurant. It would be a huge hit!¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    Selenaughed and dug into her meal with gusto.


    Just then, Aveline¡¯s phone rang. She looked at the screen, her eyes lighting up, ¡°Hello, Russ!¡±


    Russell¡¯s cheerful voice came through, ¡°Long time no see. Are you free to meet up? I just got back today.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m out right now. Did you get to Cloudre City?¡±


    Russell said, ¡°Yes. Where are you? I¡¯lle to you.¡±


    Aveline nced at Selena, who nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m at Selena¡¯s ce. I¡¯ll send you the location. You¡¯re just in time,¡± Aveline said.


    Russell asked curiously, ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°I just finished cooking.¡±


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    Russellughed. ¡°Perfect timing then. I¡¯ll be there soon Wait for me!¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aveline replied, hanging up the phone.


    When she looked up, she saw Selena giving her a knowing smile.


    Aveline felt a shiver run down her spine and asked in confusion, ¡°What are you smiling about?¡±


    Selena clicked her tongue. ¡°My dear, it looks like you¡¯ve really opened up. First<b>, </b>there was the innocent college guy from Club Nine, and now the bar prince Russell. Who¡¯s next? You¡¯re bing quite the yer.


    Aveline was speechless for a moment before she said, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. Sidney saved me, and Russell has helped me many times. Should I just discard them after they¡¯ve helped me?¡±


    Selena clicked her tongue.


    Aveline fell silent.


    She didn¡¯t want to continue this conversation. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    But Selena wasn¡¯t ready to let it go. ¡°Honestly, Sidney is great, and Russell is even better. You should go for Russell. After all, he¡¯s from the Skyler family. He can stand up to Lucas.¡±


    Aveline looked exasperated, ¡°Why would I make Russ go against Lucas? What do I have to offer?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°You¡¯ve got a great figure and a perky butt.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Unbelievable.


    Seeing Aveline¡¯s nk expression, Selena quickly added with a mischievous grin, ¡°I just think you¡¯d be happier with any man other than Lucas.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Why do I need to be with any man? I can be happy on my own.¡±


    ¡°Darling, you¡¯ve got it!¡± Selena immediately gave her a thumbs up.


    Who needs men anyway?


    Living independently was perfectly fine!


    About forty minutester, there was a knock on the door.


    Aveline got up to open it while Selena hurriedly put on some clothes.


    She could be casual in front of Aveline but wouldn¡¯t dare be so carefree in front of Russell. She still had


    some dignity.


    ¡°Russ, long time no see,¡± Aveline greeted.


    Aveline opened the door and saw a man with dyed red hair, his eyes crinkling into a smile.


    Russell spread his arms. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. Aren¡¯t you going to give me a hug?¡±


    His captivating eyes held a touch of emotion, and when he looked at someone that way, it created the


    1/2


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    illusion of deep affection.


    Aveline stepped forward and hugged him, intending to release him quickly, but Russell suddenly hugged her tightly.


    ¡°Aveline, you¡¯ve lost weight,¡± he said.


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed up.


    Russell immediately let go of her and said, ¡°If Lucas treats you so badly, divorce him. I¡¯ll take care of you, alright?<b>¡± </b>


    It caught her off guard.


    Aveline didn¡¯t know how to respond for a moment.


    Just then, Selena came running out, saying, ¡°Russ, long time no see!¡±


    She also spread her arms, smiling at Russell.


    Russell gave her a quick hug.


    ¡°Long time no see.¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Since you¡¯re already taking care of Aveline, you won¡¯t mind taking care of me too, right?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got both of you covered!¡±


    Selena eximed, ¡°Russ, you¡¯re the best!¡±


    She added, ¡°Come in quickly. When Aveline found out you wereing, she made two extra dishes.¡±


    Russell said, ¡°I¡¯ve been abroad for a while, and what I missed most was her cooking. How is it that her food is so delicious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Selena agreed, ¡°Right? I was just telling her that she should open a small restaurant. It would definitely be a hit.¡±


    Russell looked at Aveline, ¡°When are you opening it? I¡¯ll invest and be the major shareholder.¡±


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    Chapter 431


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Alright, when I finally decide to do it, I¡¯ll let you all know. <i>You </i>can invest, and I¡¯ll be the chef.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°No problem!¡±


    They all moved into the dining room.


    Russell¡¯s eyes lit up as he looked at the beautifully prepared dishes. ¡°I have <i>to </imemorate <i>my </i>first meal back in the country.¡±


    He took out his phone and snapped a picture.


    Aveline and Selena¡¯s hands were captured in the photo, resting on the table¡¯s edge.


    After posting the picture to his social media, Russell said, ¡°I¡¯m really hungry. Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    They all sat down again.


    The atmosphere grew even more lively.


    As night fell¡­


    In the bar<b>. </b>


    Aaron was bored, scrolling through his <i>phone</i>, still pondering how to approach Snow.


    Then he saw Russell¡¯s post on social media.


    He clicked on the picture, seeing six delicious dishes and a soup, clearly prepared by someone who was highly skilled at <i>cooking</i>. 1


    At the table¡¯s edge, two pairs of hands were visible.


    He squinted, zooming in on the image, and then said, ¡°Selena?¡±


    Lucas looked up at him. ¡°It¡¯s only been a short time apart, and you already miss her? Feeling lovesick?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°No, Russell posted something. Selena is having dinner with him, and there¡¯s someone else with them. Judging by the hands¡­¡±


    He nced at Lucas and handed him the phone. ¡°I won¡¯t specte. It¡¯s your wife. See if you recognize her


    hand.¡±


    Lucas¡® brow furrowed as he <i>took </i>the phone and looked at the picture. He immediately recognized Avetine¡¯s hand.


    He was deeply familiar with her body, knowing every detail.


    Russell was back.


    And his first meal back was with Aveline!


    Heh!


    Lucas gripped the phone tightly, his expression <i>sour</i>.


    +15 BONUS


    Aaron snatched the phone back and said, ¡°Looks like Russell handled things abroad well. This time, he won¡¯t be leaving easily.¡±


    The better he performed, the more respect he would gain from his father. Even as an illegitimate son, he could very well inherit the Skyler family in the future.


    Lucas picked up his ss and started drinking.


    Aaron asked, ¡°So, what are you going to do next?¡±


    Lucas replied coldly, ¡°What do you mean, what am I going to do? Aveline is my wife. Who does he think he is?¡±


    Aaron continued, ¡°But what if he doesn¡¯t mind being the third party?¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkenedpletely. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure he wishes he were dead!¡±


    Aaron shivered involuntarily. Lucas looked terrifying at that moment!


    He suddenly suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go check it out? Three people having dinner doesn¡¯t sound like much fun.¡±


    Lucas gave him a frosty nce and said, ¡°You just want to see Selena, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Aaron immediately denied it, ¡°Are you kidding? Why would I want to see her? With her attitude, I¡¯d rather look at a beggar on the street than her.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°But you haven¡¯t slept with a beggar.¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    A good friend sure knew how to hit where it hurt most, Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Aaron pointed at him, wanting to say something, but eventually gave up.


    No matter what he said, it would just lead to more mutual damage.


    It was pointless.


    Selena pulled a beer from the fridge with a smile. ¡°We have to celebrate Russ¡¯s return properly.¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    He looked at Aveline with a yful smirk.


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 Divorced 432

    Chapter 432


    +15 BONUS


    The group couldn¡¯t help but remember the first time Aveline visited Russell¡¯s bar and got drunk. She clung to Russell and wouldn¡¯t let go!


    Aveline, however, seemed unfazed and said, ¡°It¡¯s just beer, one bottle won¡¯t hurt.¡±


    Selena chimed in, ¡°If Aveline says one bottle is fine, then one bottle


    Russell smiled, took the beer, and popped the tab.


    Just as he was about to drink, there was a knock on the door.


    Selena was puzzled. ¡°Who could it be at this hour?¡±


    Aveline looked equally confused.


    ¡°is!¡±


    Russell, unfazed, took a sip of his beer, acting as if he didn¡¯t care who it was


    Selena opened the door and saw two people standing there. She immediately tried to close it.


    Aaron quickly blocked it, smirking. ¡°Why are you closing the door? Feelin


    guilty


    about something?¡±


    Selena snapped back, ¡°Are you crazy? Can¡¯t you see I don¡¯t want you here? Besides, this is my house. If I want to close the door, I will. What¡¯s it to you?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face darkened with annoyance.


    This woman¡­ she¡¯s infuriating!


    Justst night they were so passionate in bed, and now she was acting like she didn¡¯t even know him. She seemed ready to explode at the slightest provocation!


    Aaron gritted his teeth and pushed the door open. ¡°Well, I¡¯m here now, so what?¡± 1


    His tall frame forced Selena to step back several paces, watching helplessly as they walked in.


    Selena pointed at them. ¡°Get out! Did I invite you in? This is trespassing, you know. Get out, now!¡±


    Aaron suddenly moved closer.


    Selena stepped back in fright. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Aaron sneered. ¡°You¡¯re afraid of me, yet you still dare to provoke me?¡±


    Selena spat back. ¡°You jerk¡­¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    They were about to start fighting!


    Aveline, exasperated, said, ¡°Selena,e over and eat


    Seeing Lucas, she realized that Selena wouldn¡¯t be able to get rid of them. They might as well continue their meal and let them watch if they wanted to.


    Selena shot Aaron a re, then walked back and sat down. ¡°Come on, le


    our mood!¡±


    Russell chuckled softly.


    eat. Don¡¯t let some trash ruin


    The atmosphere instantly became tense and awkward.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas walked over without hesitation, opened a cab, and took out some utensils. He sat down next to Aveline.


    As he got closer, Aveline could smell the alcohol on him.


    She frowned slightly and nced at him.


    Lucas immediately met her gaze. ¡°What?¡±


    Aveline said nothing, turned her gaze away, and continued eating.


    Aaron also took a seat, grinning at Russell. ¡°Russ, you didn¡¯t go straight home after returning? I heard the Skyler family prepared a wee ceremony for you.¡±


    Russell¡¯s face, handsome and refined, carried a faint smile. ¡°This wee ceremony is more important. I know my priorities.¡±


    Aaron clicked his tongue. ¡°What a waste of effort by the Skyler family. They put on quite a show. Anyone would have thought your older brother wasing home. Who would have guessed it was all for an illegitimate son.¡±


    The atmosphere grew even more tense.


    After saying this, Aaron suddenly asked, ¡°You don¡¯t mind me saying this, do you? After all, one¡¯s birth is something that can¡¯t be changed.¡±


    The mockery in his eyes was unmistakable, clearly trying to provoke.


    P


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 Divorced 433

    Support


    Chapter 433


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed.


    Aaron¡¯s words were dripping with disdain! He was practically calling Russell out as an illegitimate child, saying he didn¡¯t belong to the Skyler family.


    He was being too harsh!


    Russell¡¯s delicate and handsome face maintained its smile as he responded, ¡°It¡¯s true <i>you </i>can¡¯t choose your birth, but you can choose your path in life. Who says an illegitimate child can¡¯t pursue what they want? Whether it¡¯s power or love, it¡¯s all worth pursuing.¡±


    As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Aveline, brimming with a warm smile and a hint of deeper emotions beneath the surface.


    The others might not notice, but Lucas clearly saw the possessiveness and ambition in Russell¡¯s gaze towards Aveline.


    He wanted to take Aveline away!


    ¡°Well said!¡± Selena chimed in, giving Russell a thumbs up. ¡°Way to go, Russ. Status doesn¡¯t matter. Some people have legitimate status but do despicable things. What¡¯s the point in that?¡±


    Aaron red at her, biting his tongue.


    This woman! Justst night, they had been intimate, and now she was acting so cold!


    He had underestimated her!


    Selena didn¡¯t care about his re and even red back before turning to smile sweetly at Russell, making Aaron¡¯s face darken even more!


    Selena looked at Aveline. ¡°Darling, wasn¡¯t Russ right?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°At least Russ has a status now. I¡¯m just an orphan with no parents.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression grew even darker.


    Aaron hadn¡¯t meant to hurt Aveline, and he regretted his words, so he kept quiet.


    Russell, however, said, ¡°From <i>now </i>on, I¡¯ll be your family, Aveline. I¡¯ll always be on your side.¡°.


    Aveline looked up and met his gentle and determined gaze, smiling back at him, ¡°Then I¡¯ll toast to you!¡±


    Being chosen so firmly made her heart warm.


    She picked up her beer to drink, but a hand suddenly reached out and snatched it away!


    Aveline turned to see who it was, her eyes flickering with surprise. She didn¡¯t say anything, just grabbed another bottle.


    It was only beer. If he wanted it, he could have it. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline opened another can and tried to toast with Russell again.


    But once more, the beer was snatched away before they could clink sses.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline turned to Lucas. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas now had two beers in front of him, his eyes cold. ¡°Feeling such a bond? Why don¡¯t you get married to him right here and now?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you finalize our divorce first?¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°Dream on. If you marry him, you¡¯ll bemitting bigamy, and you¡¯ll end up in jail.¡±


    Aveline stared at him in disbelief.


    Was this man crazy?


    Russell, holding his beer casually, said, ¡°Aveline, I know a greatwyer who specializes in divorce cases. Want me to introduce you?¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes lit up at this. ¡°That sounds perfect! You should definitely introduce him to Aveline. She¡¯s been so worried about this¡­¡±


    Before Selena could finish her sentence, Aaron suddenly covered her mouth, picked her up, and carried her towards the bedroom.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    What the hell was he doing, covering her mouth?


    She struggled and kicked, but she was no match for Aaron. He carried her as if she were a baby chick.


    Once the bedroom door was closed, he threw her onto the bed.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Selena sat up, ring at him.


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 Divorced 434

    Chapter 434 Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me? What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    Aaron stood with his hands on his hips, looking down at Selena from the edge of the bed.


    When he had thrown her onto the bed, her jacket had slipped off her shoulders, revealing the thin straps of her slip dress. Her pale skin was marked with small, reddish blooms.


    Aaron¡¯s eyes darkened as he saw the marks he had left on her the previous night. His throat felt dry, and an inexplicable heat spread through his body.


    For a moment, he felt parched.


    Selena knelt on the bed, straightening up, her petite frame exuding a surprising intensity. ¡°I¡¯m trying to get Aveline and Lucas to divorce! Since marrying him, Aveline has beenpletely ruined! Are you blind? Can¡¯t you see it?¡±


    Aaron sneered. ¡°Why do you care? Haven¡¯t you heard the saying, ¡®Couples fight but make upter¡®? Just because they¡¯re having problems now doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯llst. What will you do then?¡±


    Pointing at her, he continued, ¡°Use your brain for once and stop meddling in things that don¡¯t concern you, okay?¡±


    ¡°Who are you calling brainless?¡± Selena snapped, raising her hand to hit him.


    But Aaron easily caught her slender wrist. Her delicate, pale skin looked like it might break if he squeezed too hard.


    ¡°What? You want to hit me?¡± Aaron raised an eyebrow at her.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Selena struggled, and her dress slipped further, exposing her other shoulder. The sight of her bare shoulders and corbone, adorned with the marks from the previous night, revealed the extent of their passion.


    Aaron had intended to throw more barbs at her, but seeing the evidence of their night together, he suddenly felt guilty and averted his eyes, coughing lightly.


    ¡°I suggest you behave. If you piss off Lucas, I won¡¯t stop him from dealing with you.¡±


    He released her wrist and stepped back.


    I


    Selena noticed his reaction, nced down at her own body, and sneered. ¡°Feeling guilty because you realize how much of a beast you are?¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    His face darkened in response.


    Selena adjusted her clothes and got off the bed, still not backing down. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever I want. Who are you to boss me around? Have you no manners?<b>¡± </b>


    With that, she pushed him aside and headed for the door.


    Aaron¡¯s temper red!


    +15 BONUS


    He grabbed her wrist and forced her back onto the bed, this time pinning her down so she couldn¡¯t get up.


    ¡°Who am I? I¡¯m the guy who slept with you. Is that a good enough reason?¡± Aaron nearly growled through gritted teeth.


    He was furious.


    But even he didn¡¯t know why he was so angry.


    Maybe it was because after what happenedst night, she still treated him like an enemy.


    Or maybe it was because she seemedpletely unaffected by the whole thing, as if it was just a random event, without expecting him to take any responsibility.


    It felt wrong to him!


    But this was exactly what he had wanted.


    The conflict in his mind left him frustrated. Looking at her face only made him angrier, fueling his desire


    to <b>act</b>.


    Selena red at him. ¡°Aaron, what are you doing? Get off me!¡±


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 Divorced 435

    <b>Chapter </b>435


    Selena struggled but couldn¡¯t break free.


    Panic started to set in.


    What was this jerk thinking?


    Did he want to go for another round?


    No way!


    He wasn¡¯t good in bed, so she didn¡¯t want to suffer through that again!


    She resisted fiercely.


    Her body was soft, and as she writhed beneath him, Aaron¡¯s gaze grew darker.


    ¡°Keep squirming, and I¡¯ll take you right now,¡± he said in a hoarse voice.


    Selena froze, feeling his arousal, her face flushing with anger. ¡°You¡­ you better get off me right now!¡±


    Instead of getting up, Aaron held her tighter. ¡°You¡¯d better stay still. I¡¯ll be done in a minute.¡±


    He leaned down, his breath warm against her delicate skin, sending shivers through her.


    Selena stopped moving entirely, terrified of what he might do next.


    This man was insufferable!


    Lucas stared coldly at Russell, but a wicked smile yed on his lips. ¡°Sure, go ahead and introduce him to her. I¡¯d like to see how good thiswyer is.¡±


    Russell kept his gaze on Aveline.


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly, her longsh Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    now.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°<i>ghtly</i>, her longshes trembling. ¡°Thanks, Russ, but it¡¯s not necessary right


    ¨¤ divorce l


    ¡°It is necessary. Why not?¡± Lucas interjected. ¡°I happen to know some too. Let¡¯s <i>see </i>who¡¯s better. The loser gets lost. What do you say?¡±


    Aveline frowned at him. ¡°Lucao


    can you being crazy?¡±


    Lucas narrowed his eyes dangers o


    Aveline was speechless.


    She thought he was seriously unwell!


    ¡°Am I crazy? I¡¯m perfectly calm.¡±


    Russell¡¯s smile faded slightly. He could see that Aveline was currently unable to divorce and didn¡¯t want to drag him into it, or she wouldn¡¯t have refused his help.


    ¡°If you ever need help, feel free to reach out,¡± Russell said gently, <i>lookin </i>


    at her.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Aveline nodded, the atmosphere between them harmonious.


    Lucas watched coldly, finding the scene increasingly irritating. They were practically flirting right <b>in </b>front


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    of him.


    Did they think he was invisible?


    He took arge swig of beer before saying, ¡°Are you done eating?¡±


    Aveline looked at him, puzzled.


    ¡°We still need to pick out a gift for Grandma,¡± Lucas reminded her.


    Aveline hadpletely forgotten about that!


    In two days, it would be Barbara¡¯s birthday celebration. As her granddaughter¨Cinw, she had to prepare a gift.


    She nced at the time and asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it toote to go shopping now?<i>¡± </i>


    Lucas replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have a way.¡±


    Aveline nodded and turned to Russell. ¡°Russ, I have to go. Don¡¯t worry about cleaning up; I¡¯ll call a maid to handle it.¡±


    Russell said, ¡°But you didn¡¯t eat much.¡±


    Aveline reassured him, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m not hungry.¡±


    Just as Russell was about to say more, Lucas suddenly grabbed Aveline¡¯s wrist, pulled her close, and kissed her. Then he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Aveline was momentarily stunned.


    Russell¡¯s eyes darkened with a hint of sadness.


    He didn¡¯t have the right to do those things to her, at least not yet.


    But then, a faint smile appeared on Russell¡¯s lips.


    Lucas had to resort to these tactics to assert his status now. What would happen if there was no marriage certificate in the future?


    What would he be then?


    He would be nothing.


    The true winner was the man whom Aveline loved.


    Russell stood up. ¡°I should get going too.¡±


    He paused and asked, ¡°What about Selena?¡±


    At that moment, a strange noise came from the bedroom, and everyone heard it.


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 Divorced 436

    Chapter 436


    Aveline immediately remembered that Aaron had taken Selena to the bedroom.


    She moved to go over to the bedroom, but Lucas blocked her.


    ¡°Move aside!¡± Aveline demanded, her face stern.


    Lucas grabbed her hand and whispered, ¡°If you go in now, won¡¯t it just make things awkward for them?¡±


    Aveline paused, considering his words.


    Lucas continued, ¡°Some things are mutual. If she didn¡¯t want it, no one could force her.¡±


    Aveline frowned, ncing towards the bedroom. Ultimately, she decided not to intrude.


    Thinking about the marks on Selena and her nonchnt attitude, perhaps¡­


    Maybe she just wanted to have some fun. Once she was done, she wouldn¡¯t stick around.


    Aveline turned away, and they all left, closing the door behind them.


    The hallway was narrow, forcing them to walk single file.


    Lucas led the way, Aveline followed in the middle, and Russell brought up the rear.


    Russell said to Aveline, ¡°I brought back something interesting with me. I¡¯ll show you when you have time.¡±


    Aveline nced back at him. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Russell smiled. ¡°It¡¯s not just the interesting things abroad; the scenery is incredible too. The aurora on Ind B is stunningly rare and breathtaking. We should go see it together sometime.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes lit up with longing. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the ck sand beaches there are quite remarkable too.¡±


    Russell nodded. ¡°They are.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯d love <i>to </i>see them.¡±


    The next moment, she bumped into Lucas¡® back as he suddenly stopped, causing a sharp pain in her nose and bringing tears to her eyes.


    ¡°Why did you stop so suddenly?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with irritation.


    She held her nose, tears welling up in her eyes¨Cnot from pain, but from the sudden sting.


    Without turning around, Lucas said, ¡°I figured it¡¯s unsafe to walk downstairs while chatting, so I decided


    to stop. It¡¯s better to wait until you finish your conversation.¡±


    His words seemed considerate, but the coldness in his tone was unmistakable.


    Aveline blinked at his back, choosing to stay silent.


    Russell chuckled softly. ¡°Mr. Tudor, aren¡¯t you on your way to pick out a gift for Madam Barbara?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°No rush. You two go ahead and chat.¡±


    Aveline hesitated, then said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. The mall will close soon.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas turned to look at her, his gaze lingering before he continued walking down the stairs.


    This time, Aveline didn¡¯t speak further.


    After saying goodbye to Russell, she got into the car. When she turned to Lucas, she saw his expression was dark with displeasure.


    The car hadn¡¯t started yet, and he was staring at her intently.


    ¡°Are we not going?¡± Aveline asked.


    Lucas said, ¡°Keep talking. You have so much to chat about with him; <i>you </i>can talk with me <i>too</i>.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She stared at him for a while before asking, ¡°Are you jealous?¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Lucas instinctively wanted to deny it, ¡°I¡­¡±


    But the words caught in his throat. Instead, he said with a serious face, ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t stand seeing you two so close. Aveline, you are my wife!¡±


    Aveline responded lightly, ¡°But why should your jealousy matter to me?¡±


    Lucas narrowed his eyes. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter? Aveline, say that again!¡±


    He admitted his feelings, but she said it didn¡¯t concern her!


    She was his wife! How could it not matter?


    Aveline curled her lips slightly. ¡°Lucas, you know, when Russ offered to introduce awyer, I was really tempted.<i>¡± </i>


    Her clear eyes met his. ¡°I really don¡¯t love you anymore.¡±


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 Divorced 437

    Chapter 437


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Lucas stared at her fair, pure face, then suddenly leaned in, cupping the back of her head as he kissed her.


    His kiss was skillful, teasing her bit by bit, waiting for her to give in and respond.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± he murmured, his breath heavy and warm as he traced the shape of her lips, his


    voice huskier than usual.


    Outside, the night deepened, the streetlights casting long shadows that barely reached the inside of the car, which remained dim and intimate. Their breaths mingled, and the temperature inside the car steadily


    rose.


    The car was parked under a tree, its shadows flickering. The dappled light cast a faint shadow over their


    faces.


    Aveline wanted to resist, but it was toote. Her body was too ustomed to Lucas¡® touch.


    So familiar that it took him no time at all to make her melt.


    Lucas chuckled lowly. ¡°But your body says you like me.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes filled with unshed tears, her breath unsteady as she said, ¡°My reaction is perfectly normal. Being teased by a man like you, of course, I¡¯d respond this way. If it were someone else, I¡¯d still¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t get to finish her sentence before Lucas¡® lips captured hers again.


    He couldn¡¯t tolerate what she had said.


    Would she respond just as enticingly if another man touched her?


    He couldn¡¯t even imagine such a scenario. The thought alone drove him mad!


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    Aveline pushed him, not wanting such intimacy.


    It would be better for both of them to keep some distance.


    But the <i>more </i>she struggled, the wilder Lucas¡¯s kisses became.


    Finally, he grabbed her waist and lifted her onto hisp, his hand pressing her waist to keep her close to him.


    They could feel each other¡¯s warmth instantly.


    Aveline¡¯s face flushed, breathing erratically.


    Lucas grabbed her hand and ced it on his belt buckle.


    ¡°Do you want this?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline, almost unable to support herself, leaned softly against his chest. ¡°Luoas, when ites to sex, we¡¯re quitepatible, but emotions are another matter<b>.</b>¡±


    Lucas gripped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. ¡°Why would I like someone who ruins the mood like.


    this?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes quivered, the defenses around her heart beginning to crumble.


    Lucas kissed her again, this time biting her lip with malicious intent, punishing her.


    Aveline winced in pain, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Seeing this, Lucas released her and said, ¡°Who said we werepatible?¡±


    Aveline paused. ¡°We¡¯re not?¡±


    Lucas scoffed. ¡°With your weak efforts, have I ever been satisfied?¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. We¡¯ll divorce, and you can find a woman who satisfies you.¡±


    ¡°You damn-¡±


    Lucas cursed under his breath, pinching her sharply.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Aveline gasped in pain, arching her back and ring at him with tear¨Cfilled eyes. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened as he stared at her. ¡°Do you believe I won¡¯t take you right here?¡±


    He didn¡¯t mean it literally, but Aveline didn¡¯t want to push him further. He looked like an enraged lion, capable of anything.


    She took a deep breath and said, ¡°Weren¡¯t we going to pick out a gift for Grandma?¡±


    Seeing her in pain, Lucas released her, then said, ¡°How can I go in my current state?¡±


    His gaze dropped suggestively.


    Aveline returned to the passenger seat, nced at him, and said, ¡°Then take care of it yourself, and we¡¯ll go after.¡±


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 Divorced 438

    Chapter <b>438 </b>


    Lucas¡® eyes bore into her flushed face. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll handle it myself.¡±


    With that, he unbuckled his belt.


    The sound echoed in the car, making Aveline¡¯s breath hitch, and she suddenly felt like there wasn¡¯t enough air.


    Her mouth went dry.


    The next moment, Lucas pulled her hand over.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aveline gasped, instinctively pulling away.


    Lucas¡® eyes remained fixed on her. ¡°I¡¯m taking matters into my own hands.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Aveline started to protest, her cheeks burning fiercely. Her fingers curled slightly, bringing waves of heat.


    Lucas¡® Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he continued to stare at her, his breathing growing heavier.


    Aveline turned her face away, deciding to let him be.


    Fine, she wasn¡¯t going to help.


    ¡°You really are heartless,¡± Lucas¡¯s husky voice teased her senses.


    Aveline bit her lip gently, trying to keep any sound from escaping.


    She wasn¡¯t sure how long it had been. Even without actively participating, her fingers felt weak and achy. The atmosphere in the car grew even more charged and intimate.


    It seemed endless.


    ¡°Are you done yet?¡± Aveline finally snapped.


    Lucas leaned in and kissed her. ¡°That short amount of time isn¡¯t enough, is it?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline was speechless.


    She almost bit her lips till it bled.


    After what felt like an eternity, Lucas pulled out a wet wipe and carefully cleaned her fingers.


    Aveline exhaled slightly. ¡°Where are we buying the gift?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was hoarse with satisfaction. ¡°At this hour, where can we go?¡±


    Aveline shot him a look. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault.¡±


    Lucas looked up, his eyes still shimmering with desire, the mes of his earlier passion seemingly reigniting.


    Aveline quickly averted her gaze, deciding not to provoke him further. She knew all too well how strong he could be.


    After Lucas finished cleaning her fingers, he took care of himself and then lit a cigarette. The glow from the lighter flickered at the tip, and a thin veil of smoke began to fill the car. His eyes were half¨Cclosed, and


    his expression became indistinct.


    Aveline rolled down the window, letting the smoke drift out. The cold wind blew in, clearing away the sultry atmosphere and the lingering scent. She exhaled a breath she didn¡¯t realize she was holding.


    As she nced out, she noticed a car parked at a distance. It was familiar¨CRussell¡¯s car.


    Her eyes widened. How long had they been parked there? As long as they had?


    Why hadn¡¯t he left?


    What was he doing?


    Lucas leaned in, his voice low and husky, ¡°We nearly put on a live show for him.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together and silently rolled up the window.


    Lucas chuckled. ¡°Why close it? Not bothered by the smoke anymore?¡±


    Aveline red at him. ¡°You know I hate it, and you still smoke?¡±


    Lucas chuckled softly. ¡°Ever heard the saying, ¡®a smoke afterward is pure bliss¡®?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    The car started and drove away.


    Russell gripped his steering wheel tightly. Forty minutes. He had waited for forty minutes before they finally left.


    What had they been doing in that car?


    They were married, so he wasn¡¯t surprised by their intimacy.


    But didn¡¯t she say she didn¡¯t love Lucas anymore?


    Then why¡­


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 Divorced 439

    Chapter 439


    Russell lowered his gaze, emotions swirling in his eyes like an inky abyss. After a long moment, <i>he </i>finally started his car and drove away.


    Upstairs.


    Aaron held Selena for what felt like forever.


    ¡°Can you get off me already?¡± Selena gasped, struggling to breathe under his weight.


    Aaron gritted his teeth. ¡°Want to say that again?¡±


    Feeling the heat radiating from his body, Selena didn¡¯t dare provoke him further. After all, he had her pinned down. If she got the chance to get up, she¡¯d definitely knock out his teeth!


    ¡°They¡¯ve all left, so you should go too,¡± Selena said.


    She had heard the sounds of them leaving clearly. It was awkward, but it didn¡¯t really matter.


    Aaron lifted his head and looked at her flushed face. Her beautiful features were bare, as pure as porcin. Her eyes were lively and shimmering, tinged with a faint redness, a clear sign of her emotions.


    Aaron leaned in slightly.


    ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re not thinking of kissing me, are you?¡± Selena asked, her face expressionless.


    Aaron froze.


    Yeah, what was he doing?


    Seeing her <i>like </i>this made him want to kiss her?


    Selena remained indifferent. ¡°What? Got addicted to sleeping with me? Sorry, I don¡¯t do repeats. Besides, your performance wasn¡¯t that great.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face turnedpletely dark. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena blinked. ¡°What¡¯s your problem? I was trying to be polite, but you keep pushing. If I spell it out, you¡¯ll just get hurt. Can¡¯t you see that?¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± Aaron scoffed. ¡°Who¡¯s the amateur here? Who was the one begging to stop, saying it was too much?¡±


    Selena¡¯s face darkened. ¡°With your lousy skills, I can¡¯t even refuse?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s smile vanishedpletely.


    She kept repeating it ¨C lousy skills, bad technique.


    She was belittling him to the core.


    The one thing a man can¡¯t stand is being told he¡¯s bad in bed!


    Gritting his teeth, Aaron growled. ¡°I¡¯ll show you just how good I am.¡±


    With that, he lost all restraint and kissed her hard.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


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    Selena¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she immediately tried to push him away.


    But Aaron easily pinned her wrists above her head with one hand, pressing her soft chest against him, using his weight to hold her down maliciously.


    Damn it!


    She was going to kill this bastard!


    Selena tried to kick him, but Aaron deftly caught her leg and wrapped it around his waist.


    In just a few moves, she waspletely overpowered, utterly at his mercy.


    Aaron had never felt this way before¨Cher mouth, usually so sharp and irritating, felt so intoxicating when he kissed her.


    He wanted to devour her whole!


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Selena felt like she was suffocating and struggled with all her might.


    Sensing her distress, Aaron pulled back slightly, watching her gasp for air. He scoffed, ¡°Amateur.¡±


    ¡°You son of a-¡± Selena started to curse, but Aaron silenced her with another kiss.


    All her curses were swallowed back.


    Just like the night before, they shed like two fighters, neither willing to give in.


    Even when Selena waspletely exhausted and out of breath, she still couldn¡¯t keep her, mouth shut.


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 Divorced 440

    Chapter 440


    Lucas drove straight back to the Tudor Estate.


    Aveline was speechless. He had lied about buying gifts.


    She got out of the car, expressionless, and headed inside.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lucas grabbed her arm.


    ¡°It¡¯ste. Time to rest,¡± Aveline said. ¡®


    ¡°We can restter,¡± Lucas replied, guiding her toward another part of the estate.


    The Tudor Estate was vast, with many areas Aveline had never explored. As they reached a doorway, Lucas opened the door to reveal a room filled with an array of collectibles.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± Aveline asked, surprised.


    ¡°Pick something to give to Grandma,¡± Lucas said.


    Aveline walked in, seeing ss cabs showcasing various items under direct lighting. The room was filled with antiques, paintings, crystals, gemstones, and jewelry.


    Each item had a price tag beneath it. Some were purchased, while others were acquired at auctions. All were incredibly expensive.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but gawk at the long strings of zeros on the price tags.


    This was insane!


    Standing at the door, Lucas said, ¡°Just pick one and transfer the money to my ount.¡±


    Aveline looked at him in astonishment. ¡°You¡¯re selling them to me?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°What did you think?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched. She had naively thought he was letting her choose a gift to give for free. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t say that out loud.


    There was <i>no </i>way she could afford any of these.


    Lucas walked in with his hands in his pockets, ncing around before his gaze settled on a crystal hairpin. ¡°This one¡¯s good. Grandma likes hairpins.¡±


    Aveline nced at the price tag of the hairpin- seven million dors.


    Well, she just happened to have seven million dors.


    So, was he rmending items based on how much money she had?


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°Lucas, you really live up to your reputation as a businessman.¡±


    Lucas¡® handsome face remained calm as he smiled at her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pay if you help out a bit.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t immediately grasp what he meant. ¡°Help out with what?¡±


    Lucas leaned in slightly, looking into her clear eyes. <b>¡°</b>If you make me feel good, I won¡¯t charge you a dime, even if you clear out the entire ce.¡±


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    Aveline¡¯s expression turned icy.


    She turned on her heel and started to leave.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re not considering such a bargain?¡±


    Aveline said coldly, ¡°I believe that anything I give to Grandma, she¡¯ll like.¡±


    Lucas smirked but said nothing more, nor did he deny her im.


    He still didn¡¯t understand why Barbara liked Aveline so much.


    Aveline didn¡¯t buy anything; instead, she went to the church and got a prayer charm.


    For the elderly, nothing was more important than staying safe.


    On the day of the birthday banquet, Lucas had a styling teame to the mansion to doll up Aveline.


    She was attending the party as his wife, marking her debut in the elite circles of Cloud City.


    Aveline was actually reluctant. Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    After the divorce, she would be recognized wherever she went, which sounded troublesome.


    But Lucas insisted, and as she looked at her increasingly refined reflection in the mirror, her eyes remained cold and distant.


    Two hourster, Lucas returned home and saw hering down the stairs step by step. His eyes darkened instantly.


    Aveline noticed but chose to ignore it.


    He had been very warm to her these past few days.


    But she no longer needed it.


    ÈÕ


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 Divorced 441

    <b>Chapter </b>441


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    She was lost <b>in </b>thought, wondering when she could finalize the divorce as quickly as possible.


    Lucas approached her and extended his hand.


    Aveline was wearing an elegant ck gown that entuated her noble features. Her delicate facial


    features were beautifully highlighted, with a hint of innocence in her mesmerizing eyes. Her slender waist curved gracefully into her hips.


    Aveline ced her hand in his.


    Lucas gripped it tightly, his eyes swirling with intense emotion as he said in a deep voice, ¡°Ave, you look stunning.¡±


    Aveline smiled softly. ¡°Thank you. Did you just realize that?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas was at a loss for words.


    He felt somewhat helpless but wasn¡¯t angry. The tenderness in his eyes only grew stronger.


    Taking Aaron¡¯s advice, he had been treating her warmly. Though Aveline still resisted him, their interactions over the past couple days had been rtively pleasant.


    If things continued this way, perhaps their life together wouldn¡¯t be unbearable after all.


    The two left the Tudor mansion and got into the car.


    Barbara¡¯s birthday celebration was being held at the Tudor family¡¯s main home. The guest list included) only the upper echelons of Cloudre City¡¯s elite ¨C even A¨Clist celebrities were mere afterthoughts.


    It was an incredibly formal affair. As they exited the car, they saw a red carpet extending from the entrance all the way into the mansion¡¯s courtyard.


    Every inch of the grounds had been meticulously decorated. Red banners disying birthday wishes for Barbara adorned the space.


    ¡°Lucas has arrived<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Look, who¡¯s that woman with him?¡±


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s his wife<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Whispers and murmurs arose from the crowd.


    Lucas¡® handsome yet stern face remained expressionless as he led Aveline directly into the mansion<b>, </b>his piercing gaze devoid of warmth.


    Frederick was chatting with some friends when he spotted Lucas entering with Aveline. He nearly lost his


    ¡°Excuse <b>me </b>for a moment,¡± he said with a slight nod to hispanions before heading towards <b>Lucas</b>.


    Frederick approached them and spoke in a low, angry voice, ¡°Lucas, didn¡¯t <b>I </b>tell you not to bring her? She has no status. How dare she show up at an event like <b>this</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Lucas </b>remained impassive <b>as </b>he responded, ¡°Her <b>status </b>is <b>that </b>of my legal wife.¡±


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    Frederick struggled to contain his temper as he asked, ¡°Have you introduced her to anyone yet?¡±


    ¡°I almost forgot until you mentioned it,¡± Lucas replied coolly.


    He turned to the butler, speaking loudly enough for guests in the foyer to hear clearly, ¡°Fetch a coat for my wife. It may get chilly tonight.¡±


    The butler was momentarily stunned.


    Frederick¡¯s expression instantly darkened.


    ¡°Are you deliberately trying to defy me?¡± he asked in a low voice.


    Lucas remained nonchnt. ¡°Father, you must be joking. Grandma adores her. I had no reason not to bring her.¡±


    In such a public setting, Frederick couldn¡¯t make a scene.


    He red at Lucas in clear displeasure. When his gazended on Aveline, it was filled with obvious disdain.


    An orphan ¨C he truly looked down on her. In his eyes, she wasn¡¯t even fit to polish his shoes, yet now she had be Lucas¡® wife and they couldn¡¯t get rid of her.


    How frustrating!


    Yvonne approached them. ¡°Frederick, all the guests have arrived. Let¡¯s deal with other matterster.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Frederick agreed curtly before leaving with Yvonne.


    Lucas lowered his eyes, his expression gloomy.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have brought me,¡± Aveline said quietly.


    She hadn¡¯t wanted toe either. Who would willingly subject themselves to such treatment?


    Frederick¡¯s look of disgust<b>, </b>as if she were something filthy, had angered her as well.


    P


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 Divorced 442

    <b>Chapter </b><b>442 </b>


    Lucas turned to look at her and noticed her cold expression. Her eyes were now filled with frost.


    If he told her to leave now, she would undoubtedly walk away without hesitation. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Lucas¡® face darkened as he said quietly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to care about what others think.¡±


    Aveline looked at him and smiled, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Lucas, all of this that I¡¯m enduring ¨C it¡¯s because of you. You owe mepensation.¡±


    Lucas was taken aback. ¡°Have you be obsessed with money?¡±


    Aveline shrugged. ¡°If I can¡¯t have love, can¡¯t I at least have money?¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas¡® expression grew even more unpleasant, his entire demeanor chilling several degrees.


    Aveline looked away and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Grandma?¡±


    Lucas also averted his gaze, his aura softening as he tried to calm himself.


    No longer wanting love? Was that something one could simply decide?


    Lucas led her upstairs.


    They arrived at an open door on the second floor. Inside, several people surrounded Barbara. Aaron was by her side, telling jokes to keep her entertained.


    ¡°Grandma,¡± Lucas said as he entered.


    A smile appeared on Aveline¡¯s face. ¡°Grandma.¡±


    Barbara¡¯s cloudy eyes immediately brightened upon seeing Aveline. She beckoned her over. ¡°My dear granddaughter¨Cinw, you¡¯re finally here! I¡¯ve been missing you terribly!¡±


    Aveline approached and took Barbara¡¯s hand, her smile sweet. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too, Grandma.¡±


    Barbara looked at her with sudden concern. ¡°Darling, have you lost weight? Is my grandson not feeding you properly? How awful of him! If he¡¯s mistreating you, you don¡¯t have to stay with him!¡±


    Avelineughed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you, Grandma. You can decide for me when the timees.¡±


    Barbara nodded. ¡°Good, I¡¯ll make the decisions for you.¡±


    Lucas said resignedly. ¡°Grandma, if she leaves me, you won¡¯t have a granddaughter¨Cinw anymore.¡±


    Barbara was momentarily stunned by Lucas¡® words. <b>Then </b>she gripped Aveline¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I must have a granddaughter¨Cinw. No divorce. You two need to live well together<b>!</b>¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Barbara turned to Lucas. ¡°You better treat her well, or skin you alive!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Grandma,¡± Lucas replied.


    Watching this scene unfold, Aaron took <b>out </b>his phone and snapped a photo, He then showed it to Barbara like possession. ¡°Madam Barbara, what do you think of this photo<b>? </b>Would you like it as <b>your </b>phone wallpaper?<b>¡± </b>


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    Barbara looked down at it. ¡°Yes, this is lovely. My grandson and granddaughter¨Cinw are both in it. Let¡¯s make it my wallpaper!¡±


    Aaron grinned as he set it up for her.


    Aveline handed Barbara a charm and said, ¡°Happy Birthday, Grandma. Wishing you all the happiness in the world and many more wonderful years ahead.¡±


    Barbara clutched the charm preciously. ¡°Good, good. I¡¯m happy, and you should be happy too.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes softened with emotion.


    Greeting guests would take some time, and the banquet was set up in the courtyard. When it was time, someone came to wheel Barbara out.


    As the only grandson, Lucas apanied Barbara, with Aveline naturally following behind him.


    Frederick and Yvonne also nked Barbara¡¯s side, presenting a unified family image to the guests.


    When the guests saw Aveline, most were surprised by her presence.


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 Divorced 443

    Chapter <b>443 </b>


    ¡°So that¡¯s Lucas¡® wife. She¡¯s quite pretty!¡±


    ¡°She used her looks to cling onto Lucas. Rumor has it she saved him when he had amnesia, then married him. After Lucas regained his memories, she refused to divorce him.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, once shetched onto that money tree, how could she let go so easily?¡±


    ¡°Just watch, the Tudor family has been ensnared by this woman!¡±


    Whispers and murmurs arose from the crowd.


    The onlookers¡® gazes were either curious or contemptuous, with no hint of kindness.


    Aveline took it all in, lowering her eyes slightly with a polite smile on her face.


    After the lengthy congrattory speeches ended, the banquet began.


    Barbara kept holding Aveline¡¯s hand, showing no interest in going to eat.


    Yvonne said, ¡°Aveline, why don¡¯t you stay with Madam Barbara for a while? We need to go entertain the guests.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aveline nodded.


    She was eager to leave such an ufortable situation anyway.


    She wheeled Barbara away from the courtyard and straight to the garden, where it was quiet and nearly


    empty.


    Don¡¯t like it,¡± Barbara suddenly said.


    Confused, Aveline moved in front of her and bent down. ¡°Grandma, what did you say?¡±


    Barbara pouted. ¡°I don¡¯t like those people. I want to send them all away!¡±


    Her childish words were apanied by a clearly unhappy expression.


    Aveline smiled. ¡°But they¡¯ve alle to wish you a happy birthday.¡±


    Barbara huffed. ¡°Hmph, I don¡¯t care!¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. Then she asked, ¡°Grandma, are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?¡±


    Barbara shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want food. I want a flower crown.¡±


    Aveline was surprised that she still remembered the flower crown she had made for her before.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll make one for you.¡± Aveline looked around. The garden was in full bloom, with flowerspeting in beauty.


    ¡°Oh yes, yes!¡± Barbara pped her hands excitedly from her wheelchair.


    Aveline walked into the flower beds, carefully selecting blooms.


    Suddenly, a terrified cry from Barbara rang out. ¡°Ah!¡±


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    Aveline rushed to look and saw Barbara¡¯s wheelchair rapidly moving downhill!


    At the bottom were stone steps. If the wheelchair tipped over, Barbara would certainly be injured!


    Aveline¡¯s face went pale with fright. She dropped the flowers and ran after the wheelchair.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Barbara cried out in terror as the wheelchair picked up speed.


    Just as it seemed about to tip over, someone suddenly dashed out and positioned themselves in front of the wheelchair, stopping its descent!


    Seeing this, Aveline let out a huge sigh of relief.


    Barbara, however, was so frightened that she burst into loud sobs, her face covered in tears and mucus.


    Aveline hurried over tofort her. ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s alright now. Everything¡¯s fine.¡±


    But Barbara was inconsble, continuing to wail.


    Aveline felt flustered, unsure how to calm her.


    She instinctively looked up at the person who had stopped the wheelchair, but only caught a glimpse of their profile and back as they turned away.


    It was a servant from the Tudor mansion, dressed in staff uniform.


    They were tall and well¨Cbuilt but wore a face mask.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Just then, people attracted by Barbara¡¯s cries came over. Seeing her in such a state, they immediately called for others toe and check on her.


    Aveline was pushed aside as Barbara was taken into a room. Worried, she followed them inside.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Frederick¡¯s face was grim as he demanded answers from everyone present.


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 Divorced 444

    <b>Chapter 444 </b>


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    The first person who had arrived pointed at Aveline, saying, ¡°When I got here, I saw her standing next to Madam Barbara, who was crying continuously.¡±


    All eyes turned to Aveline.


    ¡°She¡¯s the one who took Madam Barbara away. Did she mistreat her?¡±


    ¡°Madam Barbara seems to like her a lot. I doubt it.¡±


    ¡°What do you know? Women like her can deceive men and olddies alike. Who knows what she did to


    Madam Barbara behind our backs.¡±


    Frederick looked at Aveline with a dark expression. ¡°What exactly happened?¡±


    Aveline took a deep breath and recounted the events, concluding with, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can check the security footage.¡± Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Frederick nced at the butler, who immediately went to review the recordings.


    Five minutester, the butler returned with aplicated expression. ¡°Sir, the young madam took Madam Babara to a blind spot in the cameras. We couldn¡¯t capture what happened.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s face darkened further. ¡°Aveline, what did you do to Madam Barbara? How can you be so malicious? You know she has dementia, yet you dare to harm her?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything!¡±


    She quickly looked to Barbara, hoping she would vouch for her. But Barbara was clearly traumatized, whimpering pitifully despite no longer sobbing loudly.


    Panicked, Aveline forced herself to calm down and said, ¡°There was someone else ¨C a servant here. He stopped the wheelchair. He can testify for me!¡±


    Frederick scoffed coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for your excuses. Someone, lock her up until we get to the bottom of this!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The butler summoned servants who covered Aveline¡¯s mouth and forcibly dragged her out through another door.


    ¡°Mmph!¡± Aveline struggled, trying to say something, but Frederick ignored herpletely.


    Lucas, as the Tudor family¡¯s only heir, was busy entertaining guests and knew nothing of what was transpiring.


    Aveline was locked in a dark, damp room ¨C likely an abandoned storage area. The air was thick with the smell of rot and mold, dust and cobwebs everywhere.


    Aveline pressed her lips together and found a rtively clean spot to sit down. She took out her phone and called Lucas.


    At this point, he was her only hope.


    However, though the call connected, it wasn¡¯t answered and eventually disconnected automatically.


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    Aveline¡¯s expression darkened.


    Who had pushed Barbara¡¯s wheelchair? Why were they trying to frame her?


    The storage room was cold and damp. As night fell and temperatures dropped, it became even colder.


    Her formal gown provided little warmth.


    Lucas entered from outside and asked a servant, ¡°Where¡¯s Aveline?¡±


    The servant lowered their head and replied, ¡°The young madam left earlier.¡±


    Lucas paused. She left? Without saying a word to him?


    Recalling her aversion and resistance to this ce, Lucas lowered his eyes slightly. Perhaps it was for the best ¨C she wasn¡¯tfortable here anyway.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Grandma?¡± Lucas asked next.


    The servant answered, ¡°Madam Barbara took her medicine and is resting now.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Lucas acknowledged.


    Just then, another servant approached and said, ¡°Mr. Lucas, Mr. Frederick requests your presence in the study.¡±


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 Divorced 445

    Chapter <b>445 </b>


    Luca¡¯s responded coolly, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Though he acknowledged verbally, he didn¡¯t head upstairs. Instead, he took out his phone to call Aveline.


    While he knew she¡¯d be morefortable away from here, she should have at least informed him. Leaving without a word ¨C did she not consider him at all?


    When he dialed, he heard a message, saying the phone was switched off.


    Turned off? Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Lucas frowned.


    Seeing that he hadn¡¯t moved, the servant said, ¡°Mr. Lucas, Mr. Frederick wants to discuss Mr. Leo¡¯s matter with you. You should go quickly.¡±


    Lucas¡® dark eyes grew cold, his intense pressure weighing on the servant, who lowered their head even further.


    He put away his phone.


    Recalling Aveline¡¯s extremely cold attitude towards him, a hint of mockery shed in his eyes.


    Perhaps she had deliberately turned off her phone to avoid him!


    Feeling increasingly irritated, he walked towards the study with an icy expression.


    Without knocking, he entered, only to see Frederick sitting in his chair with a maid kneeling before him The desk obscured the details, but it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine what was happening.


    Frederick¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Entering without knocking? Don¡¯t you have any manners?¡±


    Lucas stood at the doorway, looking at him coldly. ¡°You know best whether I have manners or not, don¡¯t


    you?¡±


    Frederick looked ufortable, embarrassed at being caught by his son. He dismissed the maid andposed himself before speaking sternly, ¡°What progress have you made on investigating Leo¡¯s situation as I asked<b>?</b>¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°No news.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s gaze turned sinister. ¡°Is there really no news, or have you not put any effort into investigating? Lucas, are you hoping he won¡¯t return? After all he¡¯s done for you, you don¡¯t want him back?¡±


    Lucas remained at the doorway, not stepping inside. He felt disgusted.


    His expression was ice¨Ccold as he said, ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s always believed he¡¯s alive. He was so badly burned back then, yet you think he survived? Has living in luxury all these years made you brainless?<b>¡± </b>


    He paused, then added with a mocking smile, ¡°Dad, you should take better care of your health. Excessive indulgence is harmful and leads to baldness.¡±


    ¡°You-!¡±


    Frederick¡¯s face contorted with anger. He grabbed a vase from the desk and hurled it at Lucas.


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    Lucas defth


    dodged the vase and replied coldly, ¡°Either investigate it yourself or stop mentioning this to me. After all, I¡¯m the only one in the Tudor family you can rely on now.¡±


    With that, he turned and left.


    ¡°Unfilial son!¡± Frederick¡¯s face turned ashen with rage. He wished he could have another son, but Yvonne


    hadn¡¯t gotten pregnant in all their years of marriage. His mistresses hadn¡¯t conceived either, despite him getting checked and finding no issues!


    It seemed he was fated to have only Lucas as his disobedient son.


    Just then, Yvonne entered.


    Frederick asked, ¡°How is Aveline?¡±


    Yvonne replied, ¡°She¡¯s behaving. Frederick, if Lucas finds out about this, he might cause trouble.¡±


    Frederick scoffed, ¡°He won¡¯t be kind <i>to </i>me, whether he knows or not. That rebellious son may not get along with me, but Madam Barbara is his limit. If he finds out Aveline hurt her, he won¡¯t let her off either!¡± Yvonne looked troubled. ¡°Frederick, what exactly are you nning to do?¡±


    P


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 Divorced 446

    <b>Chapter </b><b>446 </b>


    Frederick said in a deep voice, ¡°I didn¡¯t discipline him well before, which is why he¡¯s be like this now. I can¡¯t let him continue like this. He¡¯s right; he¡¯s the only heir of the Tudor family now, and nothing can happen to him. I need to find him a wife who matches our status, someone who can give birth to an excellent heir.¡±


    A hint of disgust shed in his eyes. ¡°Aveline¡¯s status is not suitable to be the Tudor family¡¯s daughter¨Cin-w.¡±


    Yvonne replied, ¡°But I think Lucas really likes Aveline.¡±


    Frederick said, ¡°Women with low¨Cstatus value unfounded feelings the most. As long as Aveline discovers Lucas¡¯s infidelity, she will definitely demand a divorce. He does like her a lot now, but if a woman bes too troublesome and loses her original charm, will he still like her?<b>¡± </b>


    Frederick knew this well because that was how things ended between him and Lucas¡® mother.


    Yvonne listened, her eyes briefly revealing a cold glint, but she kept her expression neutral and said, ¡°Shall we do it tonight?¡±


    Frederick responded, ¡°Today is Madam Barbara¡¯s birthday banquet; we can¡¯t let such a thing ruin it. We¡¯ll find another opportunity afterward. You should also start looking for suitable candidates.¡±


    Yvonne nodded. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±


    Frederick continued, ¡°Let¡¯s go and check on the guests.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The two left the study together.


    In the damp, decaying storage room, the temperature was very low.


    Aveline felt extremely cold, trembling as she hugged herself.


    Her phone was dead, and she couldn¡¯t contact anyone.


    No one was passing by outside.


    Was she going to be trapped here forever?


    No, she couldn¡¯t <b>just </b>sit and wait for death. She had to find a way out.


    Aveline gritted her teeth<b>, </b>standing up and looking around the room, her face pale.


    The storage room had only one door and two windows one was sealed with wooden boards, and the other was blocked by a cab.


    She walked over, tried to push the cab, and found it movable.


    Determined, she pushed the cab aside. Dust filled the air, and she waved her hand to clear it. She then went to the window, opened it, and looked outside.


    Outside was a forest, The edge of the forest was a wall. She lifted her skirt and climbed out. The night was as cool as water, and the dim light through the trees cast mottled shadows on her.


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    Once outside, Aveline exhaled a deep breath.


    She couldn¡¯t stay here another moment<b>; </b>she had to leave.


    Cautiously, she walked forward, searching for a way out.


    After a few minutes, she suddenly heard a faint sounding from around a nearby corner.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Aveline asked warily.


    ¡°Help me¡­¡± The plea for help grew louder, and it was unmistakably a man¡¯s voice.


    Avelin? walked over and turned the corner, spotting a door. The sound wasing from behind it. She hesitated, ready to turn and leave. Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Help me¡­¡± The voice called out again.


    Aveline paused, feeling that the voice sounded oddly familiar.


    She turned back and looked at the door again, noticing it wasn¡¯t locked.


    Tentatively, she reached out and opened the door.


    A staircase leading down appeared before her.


    It was a basement. The voice wasing from there.


    ¡°Help me¡­¡± The voice echoed once more.


    Aveline was sure now; she recognized this voice, and the person¡¯s identity shed in her mind.


    She just needed to see them to confirm who it was!


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    P


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 Divorced 447

    <b>Chapter 447 </b>


    Aveline walked directly down.


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    The basement was even colder than above, and as she descended, the lights flickered on one by one. She stopped in front of a door with iron bars and frowned, ¡°Who¡¯s in there?¡±


    ¡°Is¡­ is that you, Aveline?¡± The man¡¯s voice came out weak and frail.


    Aveline could even smell a faint scent of blood.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew tense, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s Bobby.¡±


    Aveline widened her eyes. ¡°Bobby? Is it really you?¡±


    She grabbed the bars and peered inside desperately, but it was pitch dark; she couldn¡¯t see anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s me¡­ Aveline, please save me. I¡¯m being tortured to death. I don¡¯t want to die. Please help me, okay?¡±


    Bobby¡¯s voice was filled with pleading as if clinging to a lifeline.


    ¡°¡­¡± Aveline wanted to say she would get him out, but then she remembered Bobby¡¯s own father had given up on him. As an outsider, did she have the right to intervene?


    Aveline asked, ¡°Did you really steal from the Tudor family?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t!¡± Bobby was extremely agitated. ¡°I was set up! I did have gambling debts, but I never nned to steal anything!¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What really happened?¡±


    Bobby¡¯s breathing was heavy, as if speaking took a great deal of effort.


    He slowly said, ¡°I¡¯m just a driver; I don¡¯t have the authority to enter the vi. But that day, Mary asked me to deliver something to a room. When I went in, I saw things scattered everywhere, a real mess.


    ¡°I just picked them up and put them on the table. Then left. A few dayster, the Tudors suddenly arrested me, using me of stealing and selling the items, which were said to be thete Mr. Leo¡¯s belongings. I never did such a thing. I tried to exin, but they wouldn¡¯t believe me!¡±


    Bobby¡¯s voice was filled with desperation. ¡°Aveline, please save me. I really don¡¯t want to stay here. They¡¯re going to beat me to death!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression was very serious. ¡°Bobby, is everything you said true?¡±


    Bobby gritted his teeth and said, ¡°If I¡¯m lying, I¡¯ll die a horrible death!¡±


    Aveline thought back. Bobby was never the type to steal. She had spent a lot of time with him during their three years of high school. He was honest, gentle, and always willing to help. But¡­


    ¡°How did you get into gambling?¡± Aveline asked.


    Bobby¡¯s voice was hoarse as he replied, ¡°I never intended to gamble. But¡­ my colleague, another driver for the Tudors, often gambled. He convinced me to go with him once. When it was his turn, he suddenly had a stomachache and asked me to take his ce for a couple of rounds. I won¡­ and then¡­¡±


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    As he spoke, his voice became even raspier.


    Gambling was something that, once touched, could easily be addictive and hard to quit.


    The snowball effect was all too real.


    Initially, he won a lot, and the easy money excited him,


    He became hooked.


    But then, one day, he started losing. Refusing to ept his losses, he k


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 Divorced 448

    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    <b>Chapter </b><b>448 </b>


    Aveline pondered for a moment and said, ¡°I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this. If you¡¯re innocent<b>, </b>I¡¯ll get you out.¡± Bobby broke down in tears. ¡°Aveline, thank you!¡±


    Aveline felt a pang of difort. If Bobby knew that Zane had given up on him for money, how would he react? At the same time, a chill ran through her. If someone had orchestrated all this, what was their motive? Why target a mere driver?


    Aveline returned upstairs, feeling somewhat warmer. She nced towards the vi¡¯s garden and headed in that direction. She couldn¡¯t leave just yet. She needed to find Lucas and get some answers.


    The garden was still lively, and Aveline¡¯s sudden appearance stunned everyone. Their gazes quickly turned to shock and disdain. She looked disheveled, her dress dirty, her hair messy, and her face and arms covered in dust, as if she had crawled out of a dirt pit.


    A servant saw her and hurriedly stepped forward to stop her, ¡°Who let you out? Go back inside!¡±


    Aveline pushed the servant aside, ¡°I am thedy of the Tudor family. How dare you stop me?¡±


    The servant, surprised, stared at her in astonishment. Aveline ignored the stares and walked forward. She spotted Lucas.


    ¡°Lucas, what happened to your wife? She looks like she just escaped from a disaster,¡± Aaron, standing beside Lucas, remarked as he saw Aveline approaching with determination.


    Upon hearing this, Lucas looked up and saw Aveline. His brows furrowed as he walked towards her.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Aveline, suppressing her anger, asked, ¡°Have you investigated Bobby¡¯s situation thoroughly?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s brows knit together. ¡°That matter was resolved. Have you forgotten?¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    She hadn¡¯t forgotten!


    Back then, she had even bet with him, iming that if she won, he would release Bobby!


    But reality had pped her hard.


    Zane chose money over his own son.


    She lostpletely.


    At that time, she had no idea about the inside story. If she had known, she would never have let Zane leave!


    Aveline said, ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten, but Lucas, he was framed. Bobby didn¡¯t steal your brother¡¯s things!¡±


    Lucas¡¯s eyes grew colder. ¡°Where¡¯s the evidence?¡±


    Aveline was at a loss for words. ¡°You¡­¡±


    She remembered the evidence he had shown. Videos of Bobby stealing and selling the items had been recorded. He had evidence, and she had none! Yet, she inexplicably believed Bobby¡¯s words!


    Lucas grabbed her wrist and led her back into the vi, ¡°First, tell me what¡¯s going on. Weren¡¯t you


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    supposed to leave?¡±


    Aveline suddenly remembered her current predicament.


    She asked, ¡°How is Grandma?¡±


    Lucas nced at her and said, ¡°Grandma is resting.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, about to say something, when she saw the butler approaching with several servants.


    ¡°Madam Aveline, please return. Mr. Frederick didn¡¯t permit you toe out,¡± the butler said with a smile.


    Lucas¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Return? Where to?¡±


    The butler lowered his eyes. ¡°Mr. Lucas, here¡¯s the situation¡­<b>¡± </b>


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    Comments


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 Divorced 449

    <b>Chapter </b><b>449 </b>


    The butler exined what had happened in the garden earlier, especially the scene where Barbara was frightened to tears, describing it vividly.


    He nced at Aveline with a frown, his tone bing colder. ¡°Madam Barbara is very fond of Madam Aveline. I don¡¯t understand why she would want to harm her.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it. It wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    The butler replied, ¡°But the servants saw you pushing the wheelchair, which scared Madam Barbara.¡±


    Aveline looked at Lucas and said calmly, ¡°Grandma wanted a flower crown, so I went to pick flowers. When I heard themotion, she had already been pushed away by someone else.¡±


    ¡°Did you check the surveince?¡± Lucas asked the butler in a low voice, his eyes cold.


    The butler nodded. ¡°We did, but that area is a blind spot. Nothing was captured.¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew even colder. ¡°If nothing was captured, how can you be certain she pushed Grandma? If that¡¯s the case, can I specte that you instigated someone to frame her?¡±


    The butler became terrified. ¡°Mr. Lucas, I didn¡¯t!<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas sneered. ¡°Do you have evidence proving you didn¡¯t instruct anyone?¡±


    Cold sweat broke out on the butler¡¯s back. He looked at Aveline with a face full of apology, ¡°Madam Aveline, it¡¯s my fault. However, since the matter hasn¡¯t been rified, you can¡¯te out yet.¡±


    Lucas said coldly, ¡°If the matter isn¡¯t rified, why was she locked up?¡±


    The butler was at a loss for words. He was merely following Frederick¡¯s orders, as a servant. Why was he being put in such a difficult position?


    Cold sweat appeared on the butler¡¯s face. ¡°Mr. Lucas if you do this, I won¡¯t be able to exin it to Mr,


    Frederick.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°That¡¯s your problem, not mine.¡±


    The butler was speechless.


    Lucas turned to hold Aveline¡¯s hand, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go and get you changed.¡±


    Realizing that Aveline had been locked up by Frederick without his consent made Lucas¡® eyes sh with a chilling coldness.


    The butler watched them leave and had no choice but to find Frederick and exin the situation.


    ¡°That ungrateful son!¡± Frederick cursed angrily.


    Yvonne said, ¡°I¡¯ll go and check on them.¡±


    Frederick added, ¡°Make sure to lock Aveline up. She can¡¯t be allowed to disgrace the Tudor family anymore!¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Yvonne replied as she left the room.


    She ran into Lucas and Aveline <b>on </b>the stairs.


    1/2


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    Yvonne asked, ¡°Aveline, are you alright?¡±


    Lucas retorted, ¡°Madam Yvonne, do you even care?¡±


    Yvonne sighed. ¡°Lucas, your father is in charge of the Tudor family. I¡¯m just a stepmother to you. What can I say?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She put on the demeanor of a helpless senior very convincingly. Lucas¡® expression remained cold.


    Yvonne continued, ¡°Take Aveline back to your room. I¡¯ll get her some clothes to change into.¡±


    With that, she turned and headed to the bedroom.


    In Lucas¡® room, Aveline took a quick shower, feeling refreshed.


    When she came out of the bathroom, she saw Lucas standing <b>on </b>the balcony, looking out over the garden where the guests were mingling, the scene perfectly harmonious.


    Hearing her, Lucas turned to her and asked, ¡°What happened in the garden with Grandma?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°Someone pushed Grandma¡¯s wheelchair, trying to frame me. A masked servant appeared in time and stopped the wheelchair.¡±


    D


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 Divorced 450

    <b>Chapter 450 </b>


    <b>Lucas </b>asked in a deep voice, ¡°Have you found this person<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, the butler said there were no servants wearing masks today.¡±


    Due to the birthday banquet, many temporary workers had been hired, and the requirements were strict. Allowing a servant to wear a mask was out of the question.


    Lucas¡® expression grew colder. He took out his phone and made a call.


    ¡°Hello, boss?¡± came Maria¡¯szy voice.


    ¡°Check the surveince at the Tudor family estate,¡± Lucas said, providing a specific time frame. Without waiting for Maria¡¯s response, he hung up.


    Maria sighed. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Do you have a way to check the surveince there?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see,¡± Lucas replied calmly.


    Aveline nodded. Either the surveince would reveal something, or Barbara would need to rify things herself. But since she was asleep, Aveline couldn¡¯t disturb her.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    ¡°Lucas, Aveline, it¡¯s me,¡± Yvonne¡¯s gentle voice called out.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Lucas said coldly. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Yvonne opened the door, holding a set of clothes. ¡°These just arrived. I haven¡¯t worn them yet. See if they fit,¡± she said to Aveline.


    Aveline took the clothes. ¡°Thank you, Madam Yvonne.¡±


    Yvonne smiled. ¡°No need to be so formal. If you need anything, just let me know.¡±


    Aveline took the clothes into the dressing room to change.


    ¡°The zipper is in an unusual spot. Let me help you,¡± Yvonne said, pushing the door open and walking in.


    Lucas watched indifferently, then turned his attention to his phone.


    In the dressing room, Aveline put on the dress.


    It was an elegant, simple dress, its length falling just below her knees, revealing her slender ankles. The fitted waist highlighted her perfect figure. The zipper was indeed in an unusual spot.


    Yvonne helped her with the zipper.


    ¡°You look really beautiful in this dress,¡± she said.


    Aveline looked at herself in the mirror. The pale yellow dress made her look like a fresh daisy in bloom.


    Yvonne sighed. ¡°I know you would never harm Grandma, and without surveince in that area, locking you up was truly unfair.¡±


    Aveline lowered her eyes, not responding.


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    Yvonne continued, ¡°How did you get out?¡±


    ¡°The window wasn¡¯t locked, so I just came out,¡± Aveline replied.


    Yvonne chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re quite resourceful. But you didn¡¯t see anything unusual, did you? That area has a basement where Lucas punishes those who disobey.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression changed. ¡°That basement belongs to Lucas?¡±


    Yvonne nodded. ¡°Yes, anyone in the Tudor family who makes a mistake is sent there. Even if they don¡¯t die, theye out with severe injuries. Lucas has been like this since he was a child, having lost his mother and not being close to me. His personality turned out this way.¡±


    She paused before adding, ¡°Recently, a driver from the family made a foolish mistake. He stole Leo¡¯s belongings and sold them. When Lucas found out, he had the man beaten severely. It was a horrifying scene, one I couldn¡¯t bear to watch.¡±


    Aveline instinctively tightened her grip on the dress. Images of Bobby, beaten and bloodied, shed through her mind. Was it Lucas who had ordered the beating?


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 Divorced 451

    <b>Chapter </b><b>451 </b>


    A chill spread from the depths of her heart as she struggled to control her emotions. Yvonne fixed the zipper and suddenly asked, ¡°Aveline, did you see


    that basement?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I came over immediately after I got out. I was afraid something might have happened to Grandma.¡±


    Yvonne replied, ¡°It¡¯s good you didn¡¯t see it. If you had, you might have been scared.¡±


    With that, she turned and left the dressing room.


    Yvonne left the bedroom directly. When Aveline walked out, her face was somewhat pale.


    Lucas, sensing something was wrong, walked up and held her hand, finding it


    cold.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Aveline pulled her hand away and lowered her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s handle Grandma¡¯s situation first. I don¡¯t want to be falsely used.¡±


    Lucas nodded but still sensed her resistance and reluctance. She hadn¡¯t been like this before. What had changed?


    Aveline turned to leave, but Lucas grabbed her and asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    She paused and said, ¡°I want to see Grandma.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Until things are cleared up, they won¡¯t allow you to go there.¡±


    Aveline halted, but the next second, she still tried to leave. Lucas grabbed her arm and asked in a low voice, ¡°Are you avoiding me?¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t hide anymore. With nerves on edge, she looked up at him and asked, ¡°Did you handle Bobby¡¯s matter?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Lucas instantly understood that Yvonne must have <b>said </b>something to Aveline. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t <b>have </b><b>suddenly </b><b>asked </b><b>such </b><b>a </b><b>question</b>.


    His handsome face


    matter is already wed


    no emotion as he coldly replied, ¡°Aveline, this


    ¡°No!¡±


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    Aveline pulled her arm away again, struggling to control her emotions. ¡°Bobby said he was framed. He said he never took those things to sell!¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Aveline continued, ¡°Lucas, you have no idea how much Bobby took care of me during those years at the Looney family. Although Zane has given up on him, I still want to fight for him. What if he was framed and wronged?¡±


    Lucas watched her agitated expression, his expression growing darker. ¡°So, how do you n to investigate?¡±


    Aveline opened her mouth but was at a loss.


    Yes, how should she proceed?


    Could she rely solely on her momentary emotions?


    She gradually calmed down.


    Lucas doused her with another dose of reality. ¡°If everything is as you say, carefully nned and executed, the other party wouldn¡¯t leave you any chance to uncover it.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face grew even paler.


    Lucas looked at her wavering figure, his tone still cold. ¡°Aveline, you¡¯ve been deceived. He convinced you with a few words simply because you stayed at his house and feel indebted to them.¡±


    Aveline shook her head instinctively. ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡±


    Lucas frowned. ¡°He¡¯s been through so much torment, stuck between life and death. When he saw you, of course he¡¯d use every possible trick to deceive you. Aveline, wake up, and don¡¯t let him manipte you!¡±


    Aveline remained silent, her eyes downcast. In her mind, Bobby¡¯s words and her past memories of him kept reying.


    She instinctively believed that Bobby wasn¡¯t someone who would do such


    2/3 Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    despicable things.


    However, she had seen the evidence herself.


    So¡­ was Bobby really deceiving her?


    Comments


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 Divorced 452

    Chapter 452


    At that moment, Lucas¡® phone vibrated. He took it out and saw a surveince


    video.


    Maria had found the footage from the time of the incident.


    Lucas yed the video and discovered it was just as Aveline had described: someone had pushed Barbara¡¯s wheelchair.


    However, due to the angle of the camera, it was impossible to see who pushed the wheelchair.


    The wheelchair rolled downhill until a masked attendant stopped it. The attendant kept his head down, revealing only that he was a tall man, but his face was unclear.


    Lucas frowned.


    He quicklyposed a message and sent it out.


    Looking up at Aveline, he asked, ¡°Are you tired?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°I want to leave.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°It¡¯s not over yet. You can¡¯t leave.¡±


    Aveline looked at him, frowning. ¡°What do you mean? Don¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    Seeing her agitation, Lucas replied, ¡°I believe you, but we can¡¯t leave until this is resolved.¡±


    Aveline still felt uneasy.


    But then she thought, even though he didn¡¯t trust her, he still refused to mention divorce.


    Aveline just felt exhausted.


    As time passed, the guests gradually left, and therge Tudor family estate quickly became quiet.


    Frederick saw off thest guest, and as the door closed, his expression darkened immediately.


    1/3


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    ¡°Go, bring Lucas and Aveline down here!¡±


    He sat on the living room sofa, his face stern.


    Yvonne sat beside him. ¡°Frederick, don¡¯t get angry. Take care of your health.¡±


    Frederick didn¡¯t respond, but his expression grew even more grim.


    Soon, footsteps echoed from the stairs as Lucas and Aveline descended, one after the other.


    Lucas had already taken off his suit jacket, his shirt cor slightly open, showing his growing impatience. ¡°Disturbing our rest sote at night¨Cisn¡¯t that a bit much?¡±


    Frederick pped the table and said coldly, ¡°Who let her out? Lucas, she harmed the grandmother who loves you the most! And you just let her off so easily?¡±


    Lucas sat on the sofa, holding Aveline¡¯s hand. ¡°You say she harmed her? Did you see it?¡±


    Frederick responded, ¡°Someone saw it!¡±


    At that moment, the butler approached, followed by two servants¨Cthe same two who had first seen Barbara¡¯s wheelchair about to tip over. Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°They saw it. Do <i>you </i>still want to deny it?¡±


    Lucas looked at the two servants and asked, ¡°Did you see her push the wheelchair with your own eyes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lucas, I saw it with my own eyes!<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I saw it too!¡±


    The two servants spoke in unison.


    Lucas narrowed his eyes and suddenly let out a sneeringugh. ¡°The <i>Tudor </i>


    family really raised a bunch of useless people. If you saw it, why didn¡¯t you


    step in to stop it? What were you doing?¡±


    The two servants were stunned, both feeling the powerful, chilling aura emanating from Lucas, their faces paling


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Frederick interjected, ¡°They were indeed at fault, but the biggest culprit is her!¡±


    He pointed at Aveline, his tone grim. ¡°You will divorce her tomorrow. A woman with such a venomous heart is unworthy of being a Tudor¡¯s wife!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched, and she suddenly thought, if it really was her doing, would that mean Lucas would have no choice but to divorce her?


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 Divorced 453

    Chapter <b>453 </b>


    Lucas tightened his grip, causing Aveline to wince in pain. She looked at him, her eyes questioning what he was doing.


    His narrowed eyes grew colder, and he said calmly, ¡°I suggest you abandon those thoughts. If you really hurt Grandma just to get a smooth divorce, not only will I not divorce you, but I will also change my social status to a ¡®widower¡®.


    Aveline was speechless.


    How did he know what she was thinking?


    Could this man read minds?


    Lucas seemed to read her expression again and said nonchntly, ¡°Your desire for a divorce is written all over your face. Do you think I¡¯m blind and can¡¯t see it?¡±


    Aveline remained silent.


    Their voices were low, and Lucas was very close to Aveline. To outsiders, it looked like they were flirting.


    Frederick watched this scene, his blood pressure rising. He mmed the table heavily. ¡°Lucas, are you even listening to me?¡±


    Lucas looked at him. ¡°I am. I won¡¯t divorce her.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s expression turned particrly ugly. ¡°Even if this woman is after your money and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, you still want to stay. with her?¡±


    Lucas suddenly chuckled and looked at Aveline. ¡°Are you after my money?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, saying nothing.


    Lucas turned to Frederick. ¡°I actually wish she was after my money. That way, she wouldn¡¯t be thinking about divorce.¡±


    What?!


    Aveline wanted to divorce Lucas?


    1/3


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    <b>17 </b>


    A look of shock crossed Frederick¡¯s face!


    This was beyond his imagination!


    He had thought that a girl from an ordinary background like Aveline would try every means to hold on to Lucas once she married into a wealthy family and would never consider divorce!


    Unexpectedly, the one wanting a divorce was her!


    And the one refusing to divorce was Lucas!


    Frederick felt both angry and amused, his expression still dark and grim.


    ¡°If she wants a divorce, why don¡¯t you agree? Aren¡¯t you wasting her life?¡±


    Lucas continued to y with Aveline¡¯s hand, his handsome face showing a faint expression. ¡°Her life is iplete without me.¡±


    Aveline was speechless. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He was so shameless!


    Frederick also thought Lucas was shameless, but he couldn¡¯t directly say it. He snorted coldly and looked at Aveline. ¡°Do you really want a divorce?¡±


    Without hesitation, Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, so can you help me?¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, the grip on her hand tightened even more, and a chilling gaze fell directly on her. Aveline tried her best to ignore it.


    If Frederick helped her, she might actually get the divorce she wanted.


    Lucas sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t agree to the divorce, Even if the president of the


    country appears before us and demands our divorce, I won¡¯t let you go, Aveline!


    ¡°I


    Aveline frowned, showing her reluctance.


    At this moment, Yvonne spoke <i>up</i>. ¡°Lucas, maybe Aveline truly loves someone else? You can¡¯t stand in the way of her happiness.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained cold. ¡°She loves me. She¡¯s head over heels for me.


    2/3


    Aveline and Yvonne were speechless.


    +15 BONUS


    Frederick couldn¡¯t hold back. ¡°How did end up with such a shameless son!¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Must be gic.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s chest heaved with anger, wondering how he could have given birth to such a scoundrel. It was infuriating!


    Lucas said icily, ¡°Stay out of my and Aveline¡¯s business. If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll


    regret it. Now, let¡¯s discuss Grandma¡¯s situation.¡±


    ÈÕ


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 Divorced 454

    Chapter <b>454 </b>


    Lucas took out a remote control and pressed a button. A screen slowly


    descended from the wall behind the TV. He connected his phone and started the projection.


    Everyone could clearly see what happened in the garden.


    Someone pushed Barbara¡¯s wheelchair, and then Aveline hurried over, all captured clearly on video.


    The footage was short but clearly showed the facts.


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°This incident has nothing to do with Aveline. As for who pushed the wheelchair to frame her, I¡¯ll find out. If youe forward now, I might let it go. But if I uncover the truth, you¡¯ll end up in the basement.¡±


    His deep, maic voice echoed through the living room, sending a chill through everyone present.


    Lucas looked at Frederick. ¡°See? This is evidence.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s face darkened further, humiliated by his son in front of everyone, He looked at Lucas with even more disdain.


    Lucas scoffed and then looked at the two servants behind the butler. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you saw Aveline push the wheelchair on purpose? Say it again.¡±


    The two servants were stunned when they saw the video. Now, being called out by Lucas, they turned pale and fell to their knees with a thud.


    ¡°Mr. Lucas, I was wrong! I heard Madam Barbara¡¯s cries and thought Madam Aveline had harmed her. I was wrong, and I won¡¯t do it again!¡±


    ¡°I was mistaken, Mr. Lucas. It was a misunderstanding. Please forgive me this once!¡±


    They pleaded desperately, not wanting to be sent to the basement. Having delivered food there, they had seen horrific scenes that haunted their dreams for days.


    Lucas looked at them coldly. ¡°Should you be apologizing to me?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The two servants understood immediately and turned to Aveline, repeatedly


    1/2


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    apologizing and confessing their mistakes.


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained indifferent. She wasn¡¯t used to seeing people kneeling before her. However, it was these two who falsely used her of


    harming Barbara, leading to her confinement.


    They underestimated her because of her ordinary background, assuming she would eventually be driven out of the Tudor family.


    Aveline remained silent.


    The two servants didn¡¯t dare to stand up.


    The atmosphere in the living room grew tense.


    What started as Frederick¡¯s lead hadpletely shifted to Lucas¡¯s control.


    His expression was cold and indifferent, yet he continued to y with Aveline¡¯s hand as if it were a cherished object, thoroughly enjoying himself.


    Aveline tried to pull her hand away several times but eventually gave up.


    ¡°Is that person¡­ could it be Leo?¡±


    Yvonne¡¯s hesitant voice suddenly broke the silence.


    Frederick immediately turned to the screen, where the footage was paused at the moment when a servant stopped the wheelchair. The image wasn¡¯t very clear, but it showed a tall man wearing a mask.


    ¡°Erge the image!¡± Frederick eximed excitedly.


    The butler stepped forward and used the remote to zoom in on the


    surveince video.


    However, the more they zoomed in, the blurrier the image became, making it even harder to see clearly.


    Frederick, on the other hand, grew more excited.


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 Divorced 455

    Chapter <b>455 </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    ¡°It¡¯s him! It¡¯s definitely Leo! I would never mistake him!¡± Frederick eximed excitedly, gripping Yvonne¡¯s hand. ¡°Leo is really alive!¡±


    Yvonne gently patted his chest and said softly, ¡°Frederick, calm down. The image is too blurry. We need to confirm it properly. If it really is Leo, that would be wonderful.¡±


    Frederick couldn¡¯t contain his excitement, his eyes shining brightly. ¡°It¡¯s Leo.


    I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    He turned to the butler and said, ¡°Bring me the records of all the part¨Ctime staff hired today!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The butler nodded, equally excited.


    If Leo was still alive, it would be incredible news for the entire Tudor family. Everyone loved Leo¨Cexcept Lucas. Despite Leo¡¯s affection for his younger brother, Lucas had always disliked Leo, opposing everything he did, seemingly just to spite him.


    The atmosphere in the living room shifted from tense to lively in an instant.


    Lucas watched coldly, a mocking smile ying on his lips.


    Aveline, sensing his unease, whispered, ¡°Your brother might be alive. Aren¡¯t you happy?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I watched him die in front of me, burned alive bit by bit.¡±


    Aveline fell silent. Witnessing a loved one¡¯s death and then being told they might be alive was unimaginable. Besides, it was just a blurry side profile with a mask, making it impossible to identify the features. How could they be so sure it was Leo?


    Aveline found it hard to believe.


    Suddenly, Lucas grabbed her hand and started walking upstairs. Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Where are you going? Stay and help investigate. We need to find your brother!¡± Frederick called after them.


    Frederick saw him about to leave and called out, ¡°Lucas!¡±


    1/3


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯m tired. We¡¯ll talk tomorrow.¡±


    Without paying attention to Frederick¡¯s increasingly sour expression, he pulled Aveline upstairs.


    Frederick clenched his fists. ¡°We must find Leo. When we do, I won¡¯t.


    acknowledge this ungrateful son anymore!¡±


    If he had the choice, he would have kicked Lucas out of the Tudor family long


    ago.¡±


    Yvonne said, ¡°Don¡¯t say things in anger. No matter what, he¡¯s still your son.¡±


    Frederick snorted and shifted his focus back to the search.


    However, the entire night yielded nothing. The masked man seemed to have appeared and disappeared out of thin air.


    Back in the bedroom, Lucas pinned Aveline to the bed and kissed her intensely, causing her some pain.


    ¡°Mm¡­ what are you doing?¡± Aveline hadn¡¯t expected him to suddenly go wild and struggled hard.


    Lucas grabbed her wrists and pressed them above her head, his eyes dangerously narrowed. ¡°Aveline, do you think I have no temper? Trying to get him to help you divorce me¨Cyou¡¯ve got some nerve!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath was ragged, and she red at him with tear¨Cfilled eyes. Lucas, I don¡¯t like you anymore. I don¡¯t love you anymore. Isn¡¯t divorce better? Keeping someone who doesn¡¯t love you around¨Cdoesn¡¯t that hurt?¡±


    <b>IF </b>


    Lucas felt a pang in his heart, but his expression grew even colder. ¡°I don¡¯t care. As long as you¡¯re by my side, it¡¯s enough!¡±


    With that, he kissed her again, not giving her a chance to resist. He didn¡¯t even allow her a moment of emotion, taking her forcefully.


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 Divorced 456

    Chapter <b>456 </b>


    It hurt!


    The sensation of having sex without any forey brought nothing but pain to Aveline. Her face turned pale instantly as she struggled even harder. She didn¡¯t want this!


    However, Lucas¡® eyes grew increasingly red. He gripped her wrists and waist, ruthlessly tormenting her.


    Aveline trembled in agony, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re a bastard!¡±


    Lucas bent down to kiss away her tears, but his actions were far from gentle. He seemed like a different person altogether.


    After a long time¡­


    Aveline¡¯s eyes were swollen from crying. Only then did Lucas stop, his eyes darkened as he looked at the marks on her body, especially the fingerprints on her waist. He lit a cigarette.


    Aveline trembled as she gasped for breath. It took her a while to calm down before she got up and headed towards the bathroom. But as she tried to stand, her legs couldn¡¯t stop shaking.


    Lucas watched coldly. When she entered the bathroom, he suddenly noticed the bloodstains on the sheets. His expression darkened as he got up and walked to the bathroom.


    Opening the door, he saw Aveline standing under the shower, her face extremely pale and pained.


    ¡°Aveline!¡± Lucas rushed over and held her, her body going limp. She fainted instantly!


    Lucas¡® expression tightened, a sharp pain stabbing his heart. He quickly dressed both of them and carried her out of the Tudor family estate.


    At the hospital¡­


    The doctor examined Aveline, asionally ncing at Lucas with a frown. Lucas stared intently at Aveline. When the doctor looked over again, Lucas Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    asked coldly, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    After the examination, the doctor frowned and asked, ¡°What is your rtionship?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    The doctor¡¯s expression grew darker. Just then, Aveline slowly woke up. The doctor saw this and asked, ¡°Do you need me to call the police?¡±


    As he spoke, he cast a wary nce at Lucas.


    Lucas couldn¡¯t help butugh in anger. ¡°We¡¯re married!¡±


    The doctor frowned and said, ¡°Even between a married couple, you can¡¯t be too rough. She has severe tears and needs proper care. She can¡¯t go through such strenuous activity again!¡±


    The doctor¡¯s tone was very serious.


    Lucas pressed his lips together, saying nothing.


    The doctor prescribed some medication.


    Aveline remained silent the entire time, staring nkly at the ceiling. She didn¡¯t react until she felt herself being lifted. The touch of his hands filled her with fear, making her face even paler as she instinctively struggled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Lucas said in a low voice. ¡°Or you¡¯ll fall.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes, still red and swollen, focused a little. She said hoarsely, ¡°Lucas.¡±


    Lucas interrupted her, ¡°Don¡¯t say things I don¡¯t want to hear.¡±


    Aveline bit her lip in pain and sadness. The physical pain and the emotional agony made her feel like she was about to die. Why was it so unbearable? Why wouldn¡¯t he just let her go?


    Lucas brought her back to the Tudor residence,id her on the bed, and reached to take off her pants.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aveline screamed, her eyes filled with terror.


    Lucas was startled, not expecting such a strong reaction. ¡°You need the medication.¡±


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Aveline shook her head in defiance. ¡°I don¡¯t need you. I can do it myself. Just give me the medicine!¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened, and he looked down at her intently.


    Aveline bit her lip stubbornly, refusing to let him touch her.


    They were at a standstill, neither backing down. Lucas finally said, ¡°You can¡¯t see the wound, but I can. Aveline, be good. If you resist, you¡¯ll only hurt yourself more:¡±


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 Divorced 457

    Chapter <b>457 </b>


    Aveline bit her lip hard, her swollen eyes filled with anger as she clutched the bedsheet tightly.


    Lucas felt a painful tightness in his chest.


    He took off his jacket and leaned over.


    Despite Aveline¡¯s resistance, Lucas continued as he pleased, disregarding her feelings entirely. This made Aveline feel a deep sense of sorrow. What kind of man had she fallen in love with?


    As the ointment was applied to her torn skin, Aveline¡¯s body flinched from the pain, and she gasped sharply.


    Lucas¡® lips pressed into a tight line as he quickly finished applying the ointment. He then said, ¡°If you feel ufortable, let me know.¡±


    Aveline turned her face away, refusing to look at him.


    Lucas went into the bathroom to wash his hands. When he came out, he saw Aveline struggling to get out of bed, intending to leave the room.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lucas asked in a low voice.


    With her back to him, Aveline replied hoarsely, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep in the guest room. I don¡¯t want to get hurt again.¡±


    Lucas strode over, picked her up, and ced her back on the bed. Seeing her struggle, he firmly held down her arms and said in a deep voice, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m such a beast that I¡¯d disregard your injuries?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline gave a coldugh. ¡°You just realize that?¡±


    Lucas felt a surge of anger. The coldugh and mockery in her eyes felt like a burning fire in his chest.


    He said icily, ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be safe in the guest room? Stay here and sleep, or you¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Aveline red at him, her chest heaving with fury.


    Lucas let her go and said coldly, ¡°Sleep.¡±


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    He lifted the nket and got into bed, forcefully pulling her into his arms, not allowing her to leave.


    His clean, fresh scent enveloped her, invading every part of her senses. If she had a knife, she would have stabbed him without hesitation!


    The man¡¯s breath behind her suddenly grew heavier, and his arms tightened around her. Aveline immediately closed her eyes.


    Lucas¡® husky voice came. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s whole body trembled.


    Lucas continued, ¡°No matter the reason, it¡¯s my fault that you got hurt. I promise it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    At that moment, Aveline¡¯s eyes suddenly welled up with tears. She bit her knuckles to keep her emotions from spilling over. What was the use of apologizing after she¡¯d already been hurt?


    Lucas tightened his embrace, his breath hot on her shoulder, intense and lingering.


    The night gradually quieted down.


    Aveline didn¡¯t know when she fell asleep, but she woke up to an unusual sensation. She realized that Lucas was applying medication.


    ¡°Can you just apply the medicine?¡± she asked, unable to bear it any longer.


    Lucas¡® fingers didn¡¯t stop. His voice was deep and husky, ¡°I need to check if there are any internal injuries.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes reddened with the stimtion, and she bit her lip. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    After a long while, the application of the medication was finished. Lucas stood up, then suddenly leaned in to kiss her lips, urgently. His hand rested on her waist.


    ¡°Mm!¡± Aveline resisted, pushing him away.


    Lucas held her tightly, showering her face and ears with small kisses. He grabbed her hand and said in a deep voice, ¡°Can you feel it?¡±


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 Divorced 458

    Chapter <b>458 </b>


    Aveline struggled even more fiercely. ¡°Lucas, get off me!¡±


    But Lucas didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t apply much force to her hand, just held her tighter, his breath growing heavier.


    Aveline¡¯s face flushed deeply as his heavy breathing near her ear stimted her nerves. She turned her head and bit his shoulder.


    Lucas grunted, his breath bing even more erratic.


    After a long while¡­


    He carried her to the bathroom, looking at the marks on her nightgown, his eyes darkened, though his handsome face remained indifferent.


    ¡°I¡¯m not crippled. I can wash myself,¡± Aveline said coldly.


    Lucas stared at her for a moment before turning to leave.


    The moment the door closed, Aveline ripped off the nightgown and threw it straight into the trash. She finished washing up and put on a bathrobe, relieved to find Lucas was not in the bedroom when she returned.


    After changing clothes, she went downstairs. The butler said, ¡°Ma¡¯am, breakfast is ready.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline replied, heading directly to the dining room.


    When Lucas came in, he saw she had already finished eating and was grabbing her bag to leave.


    Lucas frowned. ¡°You¡¯re not fully recovered. You don¡¯t need to go to work.¡±


    Aveline responded coolly, ¡°I haven¡¯t broken any bones or fallen into a fever. Why shouldn¡¯t I go to work? Should I stay home all day staring at your face, which hate?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s face darkened instantly.


    She certainly knew how to infuriate him!


    Feeling the sudden drop in temperature around her, Aveline ignored him and walked away.


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    The nearby butler wished he could suddenly go deaf. What had he just heard? Was the rtionship between the two of them really this bad?


    Lucas closed his eyes, suppressing his anger, then dialed a number. In a cold voice, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t give her too much work. She¡¯s not feeling well.¡±


    When Aveline arrived at the studio, Maria was already there. She ced a cup of te¨¢ on Aveline¡¯s desk and asked with a smile, ¡°You don¡¯t look too well. Are you feeling unwell?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline gave a faint smile. ¡°Just didn¡¯t sleep well.¡±


    Maria said, ¡°Then don¡¯t overwork yourself today. Some of the drawings can be done by others.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She knew her own condition and didn¡¯t think it would affect her work, so she stayed busy as usual.


    At noon, she went to a fast¨Cfood restaurant downstairs for lunch. Her phone/ rang, and she saw it was Selena calling.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Selena cheerfully said, ¡°Guess who I ran into?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline was puzzled. ¡°Who? Your first love?¡±


    Selenaughed. ¡°I wish it was my first love. This handsome guy looks really good, but unfortunately, he¡¯s not interested in me at all!¡±


    Aveline was still confused. ¡°What?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Sidney! The handsome guy who saved you at the Grand Feast


    Club. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten him, you heartbreaker!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Where did you see him?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°I¡¯m out for lunch, and he¡¯s working as a waiter in the restaurant. Do you want toe over?¡±


    Aveline frowned. Why would he be working as a waiter? The pay at the Grand


    2/3


    Feast Club should be quite high.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline said, ¡°Send me the location.¡± Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Selena hung up, clearly amused at the thought of Aveline focusing her attention on another man.


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 Divorced 459

    Chapter <b>459 </b>


    Selena muttered to herself, ¡°What¡¯s so great about that jerk Lucas anyway? He doesn¡¯t even like Aveline and won¡¯t agree to a divorce.¡±


    Every time she thought about him, she had to spit in disgust. ¡°Ugh, what bad luck!¡±


    Fifteen minutester.


    Aveline appeared at the entrance of the restaurant. Selena immediately rushed over, pulling her to a seat and pointing to a guy delivering food not far away.¡± Look, there he is.¡±


    Aveline looked over and saw Sidney in a waiter¡¯s uniform, delivering meals.


    Selena raised her hand. ¡°Waiter!¡±


    Sidney responded instinctively, ¡°Yes, how can I help you?¡±


    He turned and saw Aveline smiling at him. Sidney was startled but then smiled back as he approached. ¡°Miss Young, when did you get here?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I just arrived. Why are you working here as a waiter?¡±


    Sidney¡¯s eyes flickered as he said, ¡°I was let go, so I came here.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What happened? Why were you dismissed?¡±


    Selena scoffed, ¡°It must be that bastard Lucas¡¯s doing! It¡¯s not the first time he¡¯s pulled something like this!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s frown deepened, her expression growing serious.


    ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?


    Lucas targeted Sidney? Why? Was it just because she was close to Sidney? But Sidney saved her! Was she supposed to be ungrateful to her savior?


    Sidney said, ¡°It has nothing to do with anyone else. It¡¯s my own issue. I must not have been good enough, so the boss didn¡¯t want to keep me.¡±


    Selena mmed the table. ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re not good enough? I¡¯m sure Lucas is behind this!¡±


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline was silent for a moment, then looked at Sidney and asked, ¡°Do you want to continue in architectural design?¡±


    Sidney¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I do, but¡­ it takes time to make money in that field, and I need money now.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. If you want,e to my ce. Our studio just opened not long ago, and we need fresh talent.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Sidney asked, surprised.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°But I can¡¯t guarantee you¡¯ll be hired. You¡¯ll need to show your real skills.¡±


    She then gave him the address of the studio.


    Sidney took note. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely consider it!¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, go back to work,¡± Aveline said with a smile.


    Sidney turned and left, while Selena rested her chin on her hand, watching him go. ¡°Oh, my dear, you¡¯ve been smiling so much since you saw him.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline gave her a resigned look. ¡°What did you order? Can we finish it all?¡±


    Selena grinned. ¡°I knew you wereing, so I ordered a lot of your favorite dishes. Dig in!¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t hesitate and picked up her utensils to start eating.


    She expected Sidney to take some time to think it over, but to her surprise, he showed up at the studio in the afternoon.


    Seeing her, he gave a slight smile.


    Maria came out and asked, ¡°Are you Sidney Troy?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Sidney handed over his resume.


    Maria nced through it and said, ¡°You participated in many major architectural projects during college. Why did you stopter?¡±


    Sidney replied, ¡°It was due to personal reasons.¡±


    Maria raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s chat more in details.¡±


    Watching this, Aveline knew Sidney was as good as hired!


    D


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 Divorced 460

    Chapter 460


    Sidney would start his job tomorrow.


    Before he left, Aveline walked him to the elevator.


    Smiling, she said, ¡°Congrattions!¡±


    Sidney gave a shy smile. ¡°I should be thanking you. If it weren¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t have made up my mind to pursue my passion.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°I just gave you a choice. The oue is all your own decision, so there¡¯s no need to thank me.


    Sidney took out his phone. ¡°Can I add you on WhatsApp? We¡¯ll be colleagues from now on, and it¡¯ll be easier to contact you.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Aveline nodded in agreement and took out her phone, letting him scan her QR code.


    After they added each other, the elevator arrived. Sidney stepped inside and waved goodbye to her.


    Aveline returned to the office, where Maria was leaning against her desk, looking at her with amusement. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline looked at her, puzzled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Maria pointed her chin towards the door, indicating Sidney. ¡°You and him¡­?¡±


    Aveline smiled helplessly. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. He¡¯s just my friend.¡±


    Maria let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief and then said, ¡°He does have talent. Since he¡¯s your friend, you should help guide him.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°No problem.¡±


    That was her intention anyway.


    After work in the evening.


    Aveline stayedte, working until 9:30 PM. By the time she left, the sky had


    +15 BONUS


    turnedpletely dark.


    She went to the roadside to hail a cab.


    ¡°Miss Young!¡±


    At that moment, a familiar voice called out.


    Aveline turned and saw Sidney standing not far away, smiling as he walked towards her.


    ¡°This is for you.¡±


    He handed her a delicate box, his smile bright.


    Aveline was curious. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Sidney, a bit embarrassed, rubbed his nose and said, ¡°You helped me a lot, and I didn¡¯t know how to repay you. I know girls like sweets, so I bought you a small cake. I hope you don¡¯t mind. When I start making money, I¡¯ll definitely treat you to a bigger and better cake!¡±


    Aveline looked at him and smiled helplessly. ¡°I¡¯ve told you, you don¡¯t need to thank me. You earned this through your own abilities.¡±


    Sidney stubbornly held out the box. ¡°Miss Young, it¡¯s just a small cake. You don¡¯t actually dislike it, do you?¡±


    Seeing his insistence, Aveline couldn¡¯t refuse anymore. She took the box. ¡± Alright, I¡¯ll ept it. But don¡¯t buy me any more cakes in the future.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Sidney nodded, smiling brightly as he gazed at her.


    Just then, a taxi arrived.


    Aveline quickly hailed it. ¡°I¡¯m leaving now. You should head back too. Be safe!¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    Sidney watched her leave, only looking away after the car disappeared around the corner.


    Unbeknownst to them, someone had taken a picture of the scene.


    273


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline returned to the Tudor residence. As soon as she entered the living room, she sensed a different atmosphere.


    A cold, oppressive air lingered, spreading a faint chill.


    On the balcony, a tall man was smoking. Dressed in casual clothes, he still exuded a cool and indifferent aura.


    Aveline nced at him briefly before heading upstairs.


    Momentster, she heard footsteps quickly following her.


    As Aveline entered her bedroom, Lucas suddenly pinned her against the door.


    The sharp scent of tobo mixed with his fresh, clean smell overwhelmed her


    senses.


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 Divorced 461

    <b>Chapter </b><b>461 </b>


    Aveline was startled, and the small cake in her hand fell onto the soft carpet.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked, her body tensing up. His proximity immediately caused her pain, revealing just how intense her body¡¯s reaction to him was.


    The bedroom was pitch ck. They couldn¡¯t see each other clearly, but Aveline could feel Lucas¡® gloomy gaze fixed on her, his hot breath hitting her face, his overpowering presence enveloping her.


    Aveline hated this feeling. Beingpletely controlled by him with no escape made her feel suffocated.


    ¡°Lucas, what are you doing in the middle of the night?¡± she asked again when he remained silent.


    Suddenly, Lucas kissed her. The hot breath mixed with the taste of tobo flooded Aveline¡¯s senses.


    Aveline let out a muffled groan and struggled.


    However, Lucas seemed to anticipate her resistance.


    He grabbed her wrists, twisted them behind her back, and pressed her into his chest.


    His kiss was scorching. Their breaths entangled in a chaotic mess¡­


    Lucas, like an insatiable beast, imprinted his scent on her, making her entire body filled with his presence, like a beast marking its territory.


    Aveline felt even more ufortable. Lucas bit her lip as if in punishment and whispered, ¡°Why are you trying to hide? Do you think you can?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breathing was erratic, her chest heaving violently. Each rise and fall caused friction against his hard chest, and she could feel his muscles tense.


    She tried to steady her breath and said, ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m very tired. I want to rest.¡±


    Lucas let out a light, mocking scoff.


    With a loud ¡°snap,¡± he turned on the bedroom light.


    Lucas nced at the small cake on the carpet and stepped <b>on </b>it. ¡°Eating something this sweet sote at night, aren¡¯t you worried about your health<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline widened her eyes at the sight!


    The cake was already ruined beyond recognition, and Aveline found his behavior utterly unreasonable.


    ¡°Move aside. I need to wash up and rest!¡± Her tone grew colder.


    Lucas¡® eyes narrowed. ¡°What? Feeling heartbroken<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    He stared <b>at </b><b>her </b>intently, <b>his </b>eyes filled with a cold <b>emotion</b><b>. </b>


    Aveline <b>struggled</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯ve </b><b>already </b><b>destroyed </b>the cake. What <b>else can </b>I <b>say</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Lucas </b><b>spoke </b><b>slowly</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b><b>Someone </b><b>else </b><b>gave </b><b>it </b><b>to </b><b>you</b><b>. </b><b>Don¡¯t </b><b>you </b><b>feel </b><b>bad </b><b>that </b>I <b>ruined </b><b>it</b>?¡±


    <b>Aveline¡¯s </b><b>eyes </b><b>widened </b><b>at </b><b>his </b><b>words</b><b>. </b><b>He </b><b>had </b><b>seen </b><b>it</b><b>! </b>


    <b>She </b><b>frowned</b>. ¡°<b>Were </b><b>you </b><b>spying </b><b>on </b><b>me</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    *IS BONES


    Lucas sneered and grabbed her chin. ¡°You came home sote. As your husband, I should have picked you <b>up</b>. But what did I see? My <i>wife </i>being courted by another man, epting his gift. What does that mean? Have you epted him? What¡¯s next? nning to get a room together?¡±


    Each word he spoke was like a knife stabbing into her heart. The stifling pain made her feel it was ridiculous


    ¡°Lucas, with your imagination, it¡¯s a pity you don¡¯t write novels.¡±


    Her eyes were filled with tant sarcasm, making Lugas expression even darker. ¡°Not nning to get a room? I can rmend a Tudor hotel. The service is quite good.¡±


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 Divorced 462

    <b>Chapter </b><b>462 </b>


    ¡°Lucas, are you out of your mind?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She had done nothing, and yet he was suggesting arranging a room for her with another man. Was he out of his mind?


    Lucas stared at her intensely for a long time before saying, ¡°Aveline, you can¡¯t ept another man, nor can you love another man. If I find out, you might not die, but that man will wish he was dead.¡±


    His tone was serious, a grave warning. The possessiveness in his eyes was utterly undisguised.


    Aveline pressed her lips together, her gazeplicated as she looked at him. If he had shown this behavior before, she would have been overjoyed. But after everything that had happened, hearing these words from him only left her feeling indifferent.


    She lowered her eyes slightly. ¡°Can I go wash up now? I¡¯ve been busy all day, and I¡¯m really tired.¡±


    Lucas looked at her for another moment before finally letting her go.


    Aveline walked towards the bathroom.


    Lucas called a servant to clean up the ruined cake.


    When Aveline came out, she saw him sitting on the sofa, a tube of ointment ced on the table in front of


    him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you apply the ointment,¡± he said in a deep voice when he saw her looking over.


    Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°I can apply the ointment myself.¡± She walked over to take the


    ointment.


    Lucas, however, moved faster. His eyes locked onto hers. ¡°Lie down on the bed.¡±


    Aveline frowned but then gave up struggling.


    She knew that if she resisted, he would only torment her more while applying the ointment, making it more painful for her. It was better toply now, get the ointment applied, and go to sleep sooner.


    She was truly exhausted¡­


    Lucas looked at her long, white legs. Under the light, they were almost blindingly pale. He walked over and spread her knees apart slightly.


    A chill hit her, and Aveline¡¯s body instinctively shivered. She stared at the intricately designed ceiling, waiting to sleep after the ointment was applied.


    But <b>in </b>the next second, she widened her eyes!


    Aveline abruptly tried to sit up to avoid Lucas, but he grabbed her waist, holding her in ce.


    She looked at him in disbelief as waves of intense sensation washed over her. From her angle, she could <b>only </b>see the top of his dark, rough hair. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Her breath trembled. ¡°Lucas, you¡­¡±


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Soon, her strength faded, and shey back down on the bed, biting her lip to stay silent.


    She had no idea how much time had passed¡­


    The blinding sensation finally subsided, and her breathing was erratic, her legs trembling.


    Only then did Lucas start applying the ointment. The cool feeling spread over her skin, dissipating the lingering, unsettling warmth. Aveline turned her face away, not wanting to look at him.


    Lucas, however, continued to gaze at her. Seeing her flushed cheeks, uneven breathing, and heaving chest, he spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Did it feel good?¡±


    Aveline bit her lip, not replying.


    Lucas didn¡¯t seem to need her answer. Her body¡¯s reaction was all the answer he needed. He lowered his eyes, his handsome face serious as he said, ¡°No other man will make you feel this way.¡±


    Aveline remained silent.


    Lucas wiped his fingers clean, looking at her still¨Ctrembling legs, and leaned down to kiss them.


    ¡°Aveline, I won¡¯t let any other man get close to you.¡±


    Aveline turned awaypletely, ignoring him.


    Her emotions were in turmoil, and her mind was a chaotic mess! This was the first time he had done something like this to her, <i>and </i>she had never expected it to feel this way.


    P


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 Divorced 463

    Chapter 463


    Aveline¡¯s mind was truly in turmoil.


    Soon, the sound of running water from the bathroom came, and she finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Gradually, she rxed, hugging herself.


    Just as she was about to fall asleep, the bed beside her dipped, and Lucas, his body slightly cool and damp from the shower,y down next to her, hugging her tightly.


    Aveline didn¡¯t move or struggle.


    Lucas kissed her shoulder. ¡°Good night, my wife.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled, but she still didn¡¯t respond.


    The next day.


    When Aveline arrived at work, she saw that Sidney was already there. He was wearing a clean white shirt, looking bright and handsome, exuding the energy of a young man.


    Zoe was chatting with him, and Sidney was smiling as he answered her.


    Seeing Aveline, Sidney immediately stood up and walked over. ¡°Good morning, Miss Young!¡±


    Aveline gave a faint smile. ¡°We¡¯re colleagues now, you can call me Aveline.¡±


    Sidney, a bit embarrassed, rubbed his nose. ¡°Aveline.¡±


    ¡°Yes, good morning.¡± Aveline nodded slightly.


    Zoe, sitting at her desk, remarked indifferently, ¡°If I didn¡¯t know you were already married, I¡¯d think you two were a couple.¡±


    Sidney frowned at her words and said, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Aveline and I are friends.¡±


    Zoe scoffed, clearly not believing him.


    Aveline ignored her and asked, ¡°Are you familiar with the work yet?¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve contacted a few project managers we¡¯ve worked with before to see if they have any projects. I want to try and secure some.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Keep up the good work!¡±


    ¡°I¨Cwill!¡± Sidney¡¯s eyes shone brightly.


    When Maria arrived, she looked listless, yawning as she entered the office. Before going in, she nced at Sidney. ¡°Sidney,e here for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied.


    Sidney followed Maria into the office.


    Maria said, ¡°There¡¯s a business dinner this afternoon. Come with me. It¡¯s a good opportunity for <b>you </b><b>to </b>meet more project managers,¡±


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Alright, boss.¡±


    Maria smiled. ¡°Work hard. You have a bright future ahead.¡±


    Sidney gave a shy smile.


    Maria looked at him, finding him pleasing to the eye. If only his affections weren¡¯t directed at Aveline¡­ Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    In the afternoon, Sidney was no longer in the studio.


    Aveline continued working on her designs. When she finally looked up, the sky had already darkened. The office was once again empty, with only her remaining.


    She stretched, turned off herputer, and got up to leave.


    While waiting for the elevator, the hallway lights suddenly went out, startling her.


    She looked cautiously into the darkness, her palms breaking out in cold sweat.


    At that moment, the elevator arrived, and she quickly stepped inside.


    She pressed the close button, but for some reason, the elevator doors wouldn¡¯t close.


    Too scared to step back out, she stood in the corner and took out her phone to call someone.


    Her heart was pounding as she kept her eyes fixed on the entrance.


    Then, her phone rang, startling her again. She immediately answered it.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Have you finished work?¡±


    The man¡¯s deep voice came through, providing her with a sense of security in the eerie and strangely terrifying atmosphere.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m in the elevator, but the doors won¡¯t close,¡± Aveline said, swallowing hard, her voice hoarse.


    ¡°I¡¯ming up right now<i>.</i>¡±


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 Divorced 464

    Chapter <b>464 </b>


    Lucas didn¡¯t hang up after speaking. She could hear the sound of him getting out of the car, followed by the hurried footsteps.


    Aveline gripped her phone tightly, her hand repeatedly pressing the close button. This time, the elevator doors finally closed.


    Her heart, which had been in her throat, suddenly eased.


    ¡°The elevator doors closed,¡± Aveline said, realizing her legs had gone weak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get out until you reach the first floor,¡± Lucas instructed.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline replied, keeping the call connected.


    Fortunately, the elevator soon reached the first floor. By then, the building was empty.


    When the elevator doors opened, she saw Lucas standing at the entrance and rushed out to him.


    Lucas immediately embraced her, his voice soothing. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll find out what happened.¡±


    Wrapped in his cool scent, Aveline finally rxed, but a wave of lingering fear washed over her. Her nose tingled, and tears threatened to fall, but she held them back.


    Lucas held her as they left the building. Once inside the car, the warmth surrounded her, and her cold body began to thaw.


    Holding her hand, Lucas asked, ¡°Did you see anyone?¡±


    Aveline shook her head.


    ¡°No.¡± Then she asked, ¡°What do mean?¡±


    <b>you </b>


    Lucas¡® eyes met hers. ¡°The elevator doors wouldn¡¯t close. Either there was a malfunction, or someone was outside pressing the open button<b>, </b>preventing the doors from closing.¡±


    His gaze darkened. ¡°Clearly, in your case, it was thetter<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Who would do that? And why?¡±


    Thinking of Darren, she quickly asked, ¡°Have you found Darren yet?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°No, he¡¯s hidden well. He hasn¡¯t surfaced at all recently.¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°His absence is the biggest threat. He always said I ruined him, but I don¡¯t even remember who he is.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it if you can¡¯t remember


    He pulled her close, soothing her panic.


    Aveline closed her eyes, suddenly feeling too tired to struggle. She just stayed in his embrace. Despite everything, she couldn¡¯t resist his presence and still felt a sense of dependence on him. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A trace of bitterness shed in Aveline¡¯s eyes.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    As they were nearing home, Lucas received a call from the Tudor family mansion.


    His brow furrowed, but he answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Yvonne¡¯s gentle voice came through. ¡°Lucas, are you and Aveline asleep yet? If not, could youe over? Your grandmother¡¯s condition doesn¡¯t seem right.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression immediately became serious. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there!¡±


    He hung up and instructed the driver to turn back to the family mansion.


    Aveline asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Lucas replied.


    Until they saw Barbara, everything was uncertain.


    Aveline sensed his tense mood and bit her lip, feeling a growing sense of unease.


    The car soon arrived at the Tudor family mansion.


    They entered the living room to find Barbara sitting in her wheelchair, with Frederick <i>and </i>Yvonne on the sofa, the atmosphere heavy.


    Aveline noticed that Barbara¡¯s eyes were much clearer, no longer cloudy.


    ¡°Grandma,¡± Lucas called as he approached her.


    ¡°Lucas,¡± Barbara looked at him and smiled, then held his hand. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring Sophia along?¡±


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 Divorced 465

    Chapter <b>465 </b>


    Barbara¡¯s words left everyone in the living room stunned.


    Lucas¡¯s expression grew tense as he knelt in front of Barbara, asking, ¡°Grandma, do you remember things


    now?<b>¡± </b>


    Barbara reached out and touched his head. ¡°Of course I remember. I¡¯m not senile. Weren¡¯t you nning to marry Sophia? Why didn¡¯t you bring her along today?¡±


    Lucas sensed something was wrong. Pointing to Aveline, he asked, ¡°Do you remember her?¡±


    Barbara looked in Aveline¡¯s direction and shook her head. ¡°No, who is she? Is she a new servant in the


    house?¡±


    Aveline felt as if she had been pped hard. Previously, when Barbara was confused, she often mistook Sophia for a servant and treated her exceptionally well. Now, it was the opposite.


    Lucas stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the hospital.¡±


    Barbara frowned, her old face full of confusion. ¡°Why go to the hospital? I feel fine.¡±


    Lucas insisted, ¡°Just a check¨Cup. Please listen to me.¡±


    Barbara was reluctant, but no one could stop Lucas once he made up his mind.


    Barbara was taken to the hospital.


    At the hospital, while Barbara was being examined, the Tudors¡® expressions were all heavy in the hallway. Lucas looked at Yvonne. ¡°Madam Yvonne, how did you notice something was wrong with Grandma?¡±


    Yvonne replied, ¡°I visit her ever


    evening for a chat. Today, she started talking about the past<b>, </b>even mentioning your mother. I realized something was off and asked her a few more questions. She remembered everything from before.¡±


    Pausing, she continued, ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re aware of your grandmother¡¯s condition. Ever since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer¡¯s, she hasn¡¯t remembered the past.¡±


    Yes. The grandmother who shouldn¡¯t remember the past suddenly did, even mentioning his n to marry Sophia, which was two years ago.


    A bold theory began to take shape in Lucas¡¯s mind.


    Just then, his phone rang. Seeing it was Maria calling, he answered, his tone cold.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Maria was about to speak when she heard Lucas¡® cold tone and couldn¡¯t help but tease, ¡°Boss, what¡¯s the matter? You assign me a task in the middle of the night, and now I¡¯m reporting back, and you treat me like this? So cold<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lucas¡® tone remained icy. ¡°Get to the point.¡±


    Maria sighed on the other <b>end</b>, ¡°The cameras on that floor were broken, so we can¡¯t see if anyone was <b>at </b>the elevator doors.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°That¡¯s all you found out?¡± Lucas asked coldly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like they broke today! They¡¯ve been out for a week, and I just found out,¡± Mar¨ªa retorted, annoyed.


    She silently cursed Logan for his absurd temper.


    ¡°Keep investigating,¡± Lucas ordered, then hung up.


    He turned and saw Aveline standing not far away, her figure slender and lonely.


    He walked over to her, speaking softly, ¡°Grandma will be fine.¡±


    Aveline looked at him and asked, ¡°Why did Grandma forget me?¡±


    In this world, besides Selena, only Barbara had ever shown her warmth and kindness. The feeling of being cared for was something she remembered deeply.


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 Divorced 466

    <b>Chapter </b><b>466 </b>


    Lucas¡® face showed a hint ofplexity as he calmly said, ¡°It¡¯s hard to say for now; we¡¯ll wait for the doctor¡¯s results.¡±


    Aveline nodded, acknowledging that there was nothing more they could do at the moment.


    Frederick nced harshly at Aveline before turning to Lucas and saying, ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s condition seems to have improved. You know her wishes¨Cshe just wants to see you and Sophia get married. You brought Sophia to her in the first ce, and now with her request, you can¡¯t refuse.¡±


    Yvonne interjected, ¡°Frederick, but Lucas and Aveline have a good rtionship. Isn¡¯t this a bit unfair to them?¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Frederick sneered. ¡°A good rtionship? Hasn¡¯t Aveline been wanting a divorce all this time? This is the perfect opportunity to finalize it<b>, </b>so neither of them has to waste more time.¡±


    Yvonne immediately looked at Aveline with concern, worried she might be hurt by these words.


    Aveline, however, acted as if she hadn¡¯t heard, standing in the corner with her eyes downcast, her lips pressed into a straight line.


    Lucas ignored Frederick¡¯sments. He was too preupied with his frantic search for Leo to care about his and Aveline¡¯s situation. It seemed like he really needed to find something else for Frederick to


    focus on.


    About two hourster, Barbara¡¯s test results came out.


    The doctor looked at the report and said, ¡°Madam Barbara¡¯s brain has been stimted, which helped her/ remember some things from the past. But this doesn¡¯t mean her dementia is cured. It¡¯s like a ticking time bomb ¨C we don¡¯t know when her condition might get worse again<b>.</b>¡±


    Lucas asked in a deep voice, ¡°She seems to only remember things from two years ago. She doesn¡¯t seem to recall anything from the past two years.¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°That¡¯s understandable. These past two years have been the peak of her illness, with her consciousness mostly muddled. Naturally, she wouldn¡¯t remember much.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Lucas frowned, his demeanor growing colder.


    The doctor continued, ¡°What we need to do now is keep M¨¢dam Barbara happy and avoid any agitation. She¡¯s too old to handle any more shocks.¡±


    After giving some additional instructions, the doctor left.


    Barbara was wheeled out<b>, </b>sleeping on the hospital bed.


    Lucas said, ¡°Let¡¯s keep her under observation in the hospital for a few days to make sure there¡¯s nothing wrong before taking her home.¡±


    Frederick had no objections to this arrangement.


    Barbara was taken to the VIP ward. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Standing by the bedside, Aveline gazed at the sleeping olddy, feeling a mix <i>of </i>emotions.


    What if Barbara really insisted <i>on </i>Lucas marrying Sophia?


    1/2


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    Every time she thought of this possibility, a pang of pain filled her heart.


    Lucas took her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go home for now. You¡¯ve been through a lot today. We¡¯lle back to see Grandma tomorrow.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Leaving the hospital together, they sat in the car. As she looked out at the deep night, she asked, ¡°Did you find out who was pressing the elevator button?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°The surveince on that floor was broken. Don¡¯t work overtime anymore; stick to regr hours. I¡¯ll have Brian continue to protect you.¡±


    Unable to find out who was behind the incident, Aveline remained uneasy but felt more exhausted than anything else.


    Back at the Tudor residence, she took a shower and had justid down when Lucas came over and lifted her dress.


    Her body tensed, realizing what he wanted to do, but she quickly rxed.


    Tonight, both of them were too weighed down by their thoughts, so nothing more happened.


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 Divorced 467

    Chapter 467


    The next day.


    The two of them went to the hospital.


    Barbara had already had her breakfast, with Yvonne sitting by her side, chatting.


    ¡°Grandma.¡±


    Lucas walked in, calling softly.


    Seeing him, Barbara¡¯s wrinkled face immediately lit up with a smile.


    ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re here.¡± Barbara grasped his hand and, looking at his handsome face, suddenly said, ¡°Lucas, you seem different. You look more mature.¡±


    Lucas¡® lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Isn¡¯t it good to be more mature?¡±


    Barbara nodded. ¡°Good, of course, but I still miss the younger you, carefree, always following Leo around with a pout. Only Leo spoiled you. If it had been anyone else, they would¡¯ve given you a good beating.¡±


    Lucas¡® smile froze momentarily.


    Barbara then noticed Aveline and asked, ¡°Why is she here again?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Grandma, she¡¯s my wife, Aveline.¡±


    Aveline looked at Barbara, ¡°Grandma.¡±


    Barbara¡¯s brow furrowed immediately, releasing Lucas¡® hand. ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to marry Sophia? 1 thought that girl was very reliable. Why did you marry someone else?¡±


    Her attitude clearly showed displeasure, and her gaze towards Aveline grew colder.


    Aveline felt as if her throat was being choked, extremely ufortable.


    Lucas exined, ¡°Grandma, you¡¯ve lost two years of memories. The reason you think I¡¯ve matured is because the Lucas in your memory is from two years ago. I¡¯m now 27.¡±


    Barbara was stunned. ¡°27?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Lucas nodded. ¡°The idea of marrying Sophia was a mistake, an ident. Now<i>, </i>Aveline is my wife, and I will only recognize her as my wife for the rest of my life.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught at his words.


    Barbara still couldn¡¯t ept this reality. ¡°How can that be? I remember you were adamant about marrying Sophia. I even prepared the betrothal gifts, and now you¡¯re telling me two years have passed?¡±


    Her expression was dazed, a look of disbelief.


    Lucas sighed helplessly. <b>¡°</b>Grandma, take your time to process this. A lot has happened in between, and I¡¯ll exin everything to you slowly, alright?¡±


    Yvonne interjected, ¡°Alright, let me rest now.¡±


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    She stood up and gently ushered Lucas and Aveline out of the room. Closing the door behind them, her face was full of disapproval.


    ¡°Lucas, even if you have to tell her, do it gradually. Your grandmother has just regained her memories and is very unstable. If you tell her everything directly, what if she gets another shock and it leads to otherplications?¡±


    Lucas replied calmly, ¡°She has to know eventually, so why not just get it over with all at once?¡±


    A single shock would be better than multiple small ones.


    Yvonne shook her head in disagreement, but there was nothing more she could say now that it was done. ¡°Let¡¯s keep observing for now. Your grandmother¡¯s condition is still unstable,¡± Yvonne said.


    Lucas responded, ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for a caregiver to look after her. I have work to do, so I¡¯ll head out.¡±


    Yvonne turned to Aveline. ¡°You should get back to your work as well. If there¡¯s any change, I¡¯ll let you know immediately.¡±


    Aveline nodded, casting a lingering look towards the room before reluctantly leaving.


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 Divorced 468

    Chapter <b>468 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Leaving the hospital, Lucas looked at Aveline. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. She just <b>lost </b>her memory from the past two years.¡±


    Aveline nced at him and asked, ¡°What if Grandma insists you marry Sophia?¡±


    Lucas stared at her deeply. ¡°Aveline, you better get rid of that idea. I won¡¯t divorce you.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°Actually, getting a divorce isn¡¯t a bad thing. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Lucas red at her irritably. ¡°Didn¡¯t you understand what I said? If you mention divorce again, I won¡¯t hesitate to lock you up!¡±


    His eyes darkened with a fierce glint, and a cold chill surrounded him.


    Aveline paused and stopped talking because she knew he meant it. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    She turned and walked away, her face growing colder.


    Lucas watched her retreating figure, his lips pressed into a straight line.


    He opened the car door and got in, his expression darkening even more.


    Just then, his phone rang. He took it out and saw it was a call from Maria.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    Maria was startled by his cold tone and swallowed hard. ¡°Boss, I found something, but the person is very cunning, covering themselvespletely. All I can tell is it¡¯s a man.¡±


    Lucas squinted his eyes. ¡°Send me what you found.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Maria, sensing his mood was off, didn¡¯t dare to be yful and obediently sent all the information over.


    Lucas then asked, ¡°Is Sidney still behaving?¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°Yes, yes, he¡¯s behaving. With me watching him, you don¡¯t have to worry, Boss.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Keep watching him.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Lucas opened his email and looked at the information Maria had found, including two blurry photos. In -the dimly lit hallway, a vague figure stood at the elevator, his hand clearly pressing the open button. At


    that moment, Aveline was inside the elevator<b>; </b>fortunately, she hadn¡¯t stepped out. If she had, the.


    consequences would have been unimaginable.


    Lucas¡® face grew darker as he sent a message to Brian instructing him to continue protecting Aveline.


    Barbara¡¯s condition became increasingly stable. After learning that two years had passed, she <b>didn¡¯t </b>react <b>in </b><b>a </b>way that would harm her health.


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Two dayster, she suddenly asked Yvonne to contact Aveline.


    Aveline was at work when she received the call and felt puzzled but still went to the hospital. Despite Barbara¡¯s current coldness, she had genuinely cared for Aveline before.


    ¡°Grandma.¡±


    Entering the room, Aveline saw the people inside, frowned slightly, but still greeted them.


    Barbara responded indifferently and then said, ¡°This is Sophia, Lucas¡® fianc¨¦e. Aveline, I don¡¯t know how you and Lucas met, but there has to be an order to things. A granddaughter¨Cinw not approved by me doesn¡¯t count as part of the Tudor family. You¡¯ve only been married to Lucas for a short time; find time to get a divorce. You¡¯re a good girl and shouldn¡¯t interfere in someone else¡¯s rtionship.¡±


    Sophia sat by the bed, holding Barbara¡¯s hand with a gentle smile on her face.


    Hearing these words, Aveline¡¯s hands clenched slightly before she responded, ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re overthinking. I¡¯ve always wanted a divorce; it¡¯s Lucas who won¡¯t agree. You should talk to him.¡±


    Barbara¡¯s brows furrowed at this. ¡°What do you mean? Do you think I¡¯m a fool? Why wouldn¡¯t Lucas agree to a divorce? Did you say something to him?¡±


    Her gaze at Aveline now held a trace of disgust.


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 Divorced 469

    Chapter 469 C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline looked at Barbara in astonishment.


    She never expected that the once kind and even doting olddy would now look at her with such cold eyes and malicious suspicion.


    A wave of heartache washed over her. She realized that being hurt by someone close could be just as painful as Lucas¡¯s betrayal.


    She pressed her lips together, then took out her phone and dialed Lucas¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    The call was quickly answered, and the man¡¯s cool, maic voice came through.


    Aveline said, ¡°Grandma has something to discuss with us. Come to the hospital.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You¡¯ll know when you get here.¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone.


    Discussing the divorce should be done in front of both of them. What use was it to just talk to her? She wanted the divorce, but Lucas wouldn¡¯t agree, and Barbara didn¡¯t believe her. What had she done wrong to be treated like this?


    Aveline sat down on the sofa, her eyes downcast, no longer looking at Barbara. Her personality was such that once someone hurt her, it was difficult for them to get close to her again.


    Barbara didn¡¯t like Aveline¡¯s demeanor and continued chatting with Sophia, enjoying her gentle nature. Sophia, with her graceful and elegant manner, was the kind of girl Barbara believed should be the daughter -inw of the Tudor family.


    Sophia nced at Aveline, a hint of triumph shing in her eyes. She was about to give up, but now, fate had given her another chance!


    Barbara¡¯s mind cleared up, and she even forgot about everything that happened in thest two years! It seemed like a miracle had happened.


    Lucas might not listen to Frederick, but he certainly heeds Barbara¡¯s words. Now, with Barbara around, he would definitely divorce Aveline and marry her!


    Sophia¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation.


    About 40 minutester, Lucas pushed open the door to the hospital room. Seeing Sophia there, his brows immediately furrowed. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Barbara shot him a displeased look. ¡°Is that any way to speak to your fianc¨¦e? She¡¯s here to keep mepany and cheer me up, doing what you should be doing. You should be grateful <i>to </i>her!¡±


    Lucas¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Grandma, I don¡¯t have <b>a </b>fianc¨¦e. I only have a wife.¡±


    Barbara replied, ¡°I¡¯ve already discussed this with her, Lucas. I don¡¯t care why you¡¯re with Aveline; you <b>two </b>must divorce. You brought Sophia to me <b>in </b>the first ce, and she has always been devoted to you. You can¡¯t let her down.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline looked at Lucas, her expression extremely calm, as if being forced into a divorce was something she had always expected.


    Lucas loosened his tie and then said, ¡°Two years ago, I had a car ident.¡±


    Barbara nodded. ¡°I know. Sophia saved you and even lost a leg because of it. That¡¯s why you should marry her.¡±


    After learning about this, she believed Lucas owed Sophia and had to make it up to her. Whatever Sophia wanted, she would ensure she got it..


    Lucas sneered and continued, ¡°I became a vegetable and was bedridden for a year. One day, I suddenly woke up, but I was on the street. I didn¡¯t know why I was there, but I knew someone didn¡¯t want me to wake up. In fact, they hoped I¡¯d have another ident.¡±


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 Divorced 470

    Chapter 470


    Barbara said, ¡°How could someone want to harm you? That¡¯s just your spection.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Lucas let out a lowugh and continued, ¡°Grandma, how could I, someone who just woke up and lost his memory, end up on the street by myself? Where were the caregivers from the ce I was staying at? Where did everyone go?¡±


    Barbara fell silent.


    Lucas continued, ¡°At that time, it was Aveline who saved me and took me home. If it weren¡¯t for her, you wouldn¡¯t be seeing me today.¡±


    Barbara nced at Aveline and suddenly said, ¡°We can¡¯t be certain it wasn¡¯t intentional. What if she knew who you were all along?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Aveline felt she should say something. She looked calmly at Barbara and said, ¡°Grandma, I don¡¯t know. why you are so hostile towards me, but you weren¡¯t like this before. You liked me a lot and even told him that if he ever bullied me, you would help me teach him a lesson. I still remember those words.¡±


    She exhaled slowly and continued, ¡°Of course, if you¡¯ve forgotten, it doesn¡¯t matter. I didn¡¯t know his identity. It was only when he regained his memory and showed up at my workce that I learned who he


    was.¡±


    Barbara remained silent, her aged face showing aplicated expression.


    Lucas looked at Barbara and asked softly, ¡°Grandma, Aveline hasn¡¯t done anything wrong. She¡¯s my savior. I can¡¯t betray her.¡±


    The atmosphere in the room grew tense.


    At this moment, Sophia spoke up, ¡°Grandma, please don¡¯t say anymore. I¡¯m fine with it. Although I was Lucas¡¯s fianc¨¦e two years ago, he has fallen in love with someone else now. I am willing to step aside. My leg is fine too. I¡¯ve gotten used to the prosthetic. Look, I can walk just fine.¡±


    She stood up and walked around in front of Barbara, showing her agility.


    Seeing this, Barbara¡¯s eyes reddened, and she turned to Lucas, ¡°Sophia is also your savior! She sacrificed her leg to save you! She could have chosen not to save you! Lucas, when did you be so heartless?¡±


    Barbara pointed at Aveline. ¡°She saved you, and you canpensate her materially. What can¡¯t the Tudor family provide? But what about Sophia? Can you give her back a perfect leg?¡±


    Barbara¡¯s emotions surged, and she clutched her chest, her breathing bingbored.


    ¡°Grandma!¡±


    Sophia immediately moved forward, gently rubbing Barbara¡¯s chest to soothe her. ¡°Please, don¡¯t get worked up. Let this matter go. Don¡¯t hurt yourself over me; it¡¯s not worth it!¡±


    Barbara clung tightly to Sophia¡¯s hand. ¡°Sophia, the Tudor family owes you. If I die now, it will be to atone for what we¡¯ve done to you.¡±


    ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t say such things!¡± Sophia cried out immediately upon hearing this.


    1/2


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas called the doctor, who rushed in and began examining Barbara and providing emergency care.


    Barbara held Lucas¡¯s hand tightly, not letting go. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re a man. You need to keep your word! You promised Sophia you¡¯d marry her. After all she¡¯s been through, you still owe her so much. If you don¡¯t marry her, I¡¯ll never be able to forgive myself! If that happens, how could I live with the guilt?¡±


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 Divorced 471

    Chapter 471


    Barbara threatened with her life, causing Lucas¡® expression to darken immediately.


    Sophia stepped forward, crying, ¡°Grandma, please don¡¯t say that. Nothing is more important than your health. Let¡¯s get you checked first, okay?¡±


    Barbara looked at her with relief. ¡°Sophia, you¡¯re truly a good girl. The Tudor family owes you so much. If I don¡¯t do something about it, I won¡¯t rest in peace even in death.¡±


    Sophia cried uncontrobly.


    The situation became tense. Lucas remained silent, and Barbara¡¯s condition worsened, her eyes fixed on him, waiting for his decision.


    Aveline walked over and said to Lucas, ¡°Let¡¯s get the divorce first. Grandma¡¯s health is more important.¡±


    Barbara looked at Lucas eagerly.


    Lucas turned sharply towards Aveline, a bitter smile on his lips. ¡°Are you satisfied with the oue now?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°But Grandma¡¯s health is more important.¡±


    Lucas nodded. ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll divorce.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Barbara suddenly rxed and fainted on the bed.


    Doctors and nurses took Barbara away.


    Sophia wiped her tears and said to Lucas, ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t take Grandma¡¯s words to heart. You love Aveline, and I won¡¯te between you two.¡±


    But Lucas didn¡¯t look at her; he followed the doctors out of the room. <nf9c8d>


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    No <b>one </b><b>could </b>be certain of Barbara¡¯s condition <b>until </b><b>the </b><b>test </b><b>results </b><b>came </b><b>back</b>.


    <b>Aveline </b><b>followed</b><b>, </b>watching <b>Lucas</b>¡® cold <b>back</b>. She <b>felt </b><b>neither </b><b>relieved </b><b>nor </b><b>particrly </b><b>sad</b>, <b>just </b><b>calm</b><b>. </b><b>This </b><b>was </b><b>how </b><b>things </b><b>were </b><b>supposed </b><b>to </b><b>end </b><b>between </b><b>them</b>.


    +15 BONUS


    For a brief moment, memories of the good times they had shared surfaced in her mind.


    But they could never go back.


    They would never go back.


    Barbara¡¯s test results came back quickly. The emotional upheaval had caused her blood pressure to spike, leading to her fainting. She needed to rest and avoid any further stress.


    Lucas instructed the caregiver to take good care of Barbara. When he turned around, he saw Sophia still standing at the door. He wanted to warn her not toe again, but Barbara liked her so much now.


    Never mind. He would deal with Sophia after he found out the truth about what happened two years ago.


    Lucas left the hospital directly.


    Aveline followed him and asked, ¡°When are we going to get the divorce?¡±


    Lucas looked at her. ¡°You can¡¯t wait, can you? Are you finally getting what you want? Ready to set off fireworks in celebration?¡±


    His eyes were full of mockery.


    Aveline frowned slightly. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. I just think that when Grandma wakes up, she¡¯ll want to see our divorce certificate. If we don¡¯t do it soon, what if she gets upset again?¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes grew dark as he stared at her for a while. Suddenly, he grabbed her hand and pulled her close, asking in a deep voice, ¡°Aveline, no matter what I do, is your heart never going to warm to me?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched. She lowered her eyes and didn¡¯t answer.


    Lucas let out a coldugh and released her. ¡°We¡¯ll do it tomorrow.¡±


    With that, he got in the car and drove away.


    Aveline stood there for a long time, feeling numb. The divorce had brought so many surprises already. At this point, until they had the divorce papers in hand,


    23


    anything could still happen.


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 Divorced 472

    Chapter 472


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline returned to the studio.


    Seeing her unusual expression, Sidney asked, ¡°Aveline, are you feeling unwell?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, maybe I just didn¡¯t get enough rest.¡±


    Sidney looked worried. ¡°Do you have any tasks left? Give them to me, and I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°No, thank you.¡±


    Sidney wanted to say more, but Maria walked over. ¡°Sidney,e with me for a moment.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Lately, Maria had been taking Sidney out frequently. He had proven his capability and social skills, securing many resources through these


    engagements. He had even startedpleting design drafts independently.


    Aveline watched them leave, feeling a slight sense of doubt.


    Wasn¡¯t there a bit too much socializingtely? It wasn¡¯t like this before.


    Suddenly, Vivianmented, ¡°Tsk, tsk. She used to take you out all the time and valued you so much. Now it seems Sidney¡¯s skills are even more


    outstanding than yours.¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°So, what are you proud of?¡±


    Vivian was taken aback, not expecting Aveline to retort.


    Aveline looked at her calmly. ¡°You¡¯ve been working here for so long. Have youpleted a single design?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Vivian¡¯s expression turned ugly. ¡°That¡¯s because you stole all the orders!¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°I earned those orders with my ability. Youck the skills, and you me me for taking them?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Vivian was stunned, even more angry and shocked. Aveline had never responded to her snide remarks before. What changed today?


    Seeing Vivian at a loss for words, Aveline said calmly, ¡°Instead of wasting time mocking others, you should improve your own skills. With the time you spend on sarcasm, you could have already contacted several clients.¡±


    Vivian¡¯s expression turned even uglier with anger, while others in the office pretended to be busy, asionally ncing over to watch the drama.


    Vivian stormed out of the office, mming the door loudly behind her.


    Aveline maintained a calm expression.


    Previously, she didn¡¯t want to engage in an argument. She thought that a few words would be enough to dismiss it, but since she hadn¡¯t responded, Vivian had be increasingly aggressive!


    She really needed to be taught a lesson!


    Aveline no longer dared to stayte at work. Even if she had unfinished tasks, she would take them home. <nffe89>


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    Upon entering the Tudor residence, the living room was quiet. Lucas hadn¡¯t returned.


    The butler approached and asked, ¡°Madam, what would you like for dinner?¡± Aveline thought for a moment and replied, ¡°Something spicy, anything will do.¡±


    The butler nodded. ¡°Alright, please wait a moment.¡±


    With that, he went to the kitchen to give instructions.


    Aveline went upstairs, directly into the study to continue her unfinished work.


    However, she found it difficult to focus. Her mind kept drifting to Lucas¡® handsome and stern face, and those overly cold and dark eyes.


    He was truly disappointed.


    Their marriage might really be at its end.


    273


    +15 BONUS


    The next day.


    At thewyer¡¯s office.


    Aveline arrived early, but Lucas didn¡¯t show up until nine in the morning.


    He was dressed in a perfectly pressed suit without a single wrinkle, exuding an aura of cool elegance and nobility. His handsome face was expressionless.


    ¡°You¡¯re early.¡±


    Seeing her, he made a sarcastic remark.


    Aveline didn¡¯t react and turned to walk inside.


    The staff member saw her and immediately said, ¡°Please follow me upstairs. Our general counsel will handle your divorce.¡±


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 Divorced 473

    Chapter 473


    Aveline was a bit puzzled. ¡°Can¡¯t it be handled in the main office?¡±


    The staff member replied, ¡°Ma¡¯am, the office is quite busy today. You can go upstairs.¡±


    Aveline looked at the office and saw it was packed. She wondered if most marriages were falling apart these days. Pushing the thought aside, she followed the staff member upstairs.


    In the general counsel¡¯s office, they still had to fill out some forms, and then came the issue of property division.


    Lucas handed her an agreement. ¡°This is yourpensation.¡±


    Aveline took it and nced through it, her eyes widening slightly at one name. The house in Maple Garden was being given to her. She had sold that house, hadn¡¯t she? When did he buy it back? Or was it another house? It was the firstrge house he had given her, holding special sentimental value, and she had really liked it.


    Continuing to read, she saw a divorce settlement of ten million dors.


    Great, she had instantly be a multimillionaire.


    Lucas gazed at her deeply. ¡°Any questions?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Then they both signed.


    Soon, the director handed them their divorce certificates. Lucas didn¡¯t take his.


    Aveline picked hers up and carefully examined it. Divorce certificates here were formal single¨Cpage documents.


    A faint trace of mockery flickered in her eyes as she stood to leave.


    Lucas¡® cool voice came from behind her. ¡°Leaving so soon? Don¡¯t I get a goodbye hug?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need. You should take one of these. Otherwise, if Madam Barbara asks and you can¡¯t provide it, she¡¯ll think you¡¯re lying, and it wouldn¡¯t be good if she fell ill again.¡±


    1/3


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    With the divorce certificate in hand, even her way of addressing Barbara had changed.


    A faint trace of mockery flickered in Lucas¡¯s eyes as Aveline left.


    Lucas took out a cigarette and lit it, trying to quell the endless irritation in his chest. But smoking didn¡¯t help; it only made him more agitated.


    The general counsel looked at him respectfully. ¡°Mr. Tudor, everything was done ording to your instructions. Your wife won¡¯t be able to tell that the divorce certificate is fake.¡± <nf18f7>


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    ¡°Hm,¡± Lucas responded coldly.


    The general counsel rubbed his hands together and asked, ¡°About my daughter¡¯s matter¡­¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Thepany will send her a job offer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Tudor!¡±


    Outside thewyer¡¯s office, the sunlight warmed Aveline¡¯s body. She looked at the divorce certificate in her hand and feltpletely rxed.


    It was over.


    She and Lucas had been entangled for so long, and now it was finally over.


    From now on, they would go their separate ways, never to interfere with each other¡¯s lives again.


    Aveline took a picture of the divorce certificate and sent it to Selena.


    Selena called right away. ¡°Oh my gosh! Sweetie, are you officially divorced? Wee back to the singles club, darling!¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to dinner tonight.¡±


    Selena hesitated. ¡°Um, tonight might not work.¡±


    Aveline was puzzled. ¡°Why?¡±


    Selena stammered, ¡°I¡¯ve just been really busy with worktely. I have to check


    23


    +15 BONUS


    out a site tonight and design the follow¨Cup renovations.¡±


    Aveline paused. ¡°Is it Aaron¡¯s house?¡±


    Selena, feeling a bit guilty, said, ¡°Aveline, darling, I¡¯m not avoiding you on purpose. That man threatened me! I¡¯m just a humble worker, wah wah wah!¡±


    Thinking about Selena and Aaron¡¯splicated rtionship, Aveline said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, we can eat another time. But be careful and don¡¯t get too involved with him.¡±


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 Divorced 474

    Chapter 474


    Selenaughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that jerk can¡¯t outy me. When I get bored, I¡¯ll just kick him to the curb.¡±


    Aveline had a nagging feeling of concern. Thest thing she wanted was for Selena to push Aaron too far, as he could be even worse than Lucas.


    She voiced her concern, ¡°Just be careful, okay?¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°Alright, alright, I know.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I won¡¯t keep you from your work. You go ahead, and I¡¯ll hang up now.<i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Love you.¡±


    Aveline returned to the studio, her entire demeanor changed.


    Sidney was the first to notice, smiling as he asked, ¡°What¡¯s got you so happy?¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°Is it that obvious?¡±


    Sidney nodded, ¡°Very obvious. You usually don¡¯t smile at work, but today you¡¯re beaming.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Aveline touched her face and then said, ¡°Well, I¡¯ve signed some big contracts. We¡¯re about to make a fortune, so of course, I¡¯m happy.¡±


    Sidney said, ¡°Congrattions.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly and turned to open herputer.


    She nced around the office and noticed that Maria was absent today, but she didn¡¯t think much of it and started working.


    At the hospital.


    Lucas tossed the divorce certificate onto Barbara¡¯sp and pulled a chair over to sit by the bed. ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡±


    Barbara picked up the divorce certificate and squinted at it, a smile spreading


    176


    +15 BONUS


    across her face. ¡°Good, this is how things should be. Everything is back on track.¡±


    Lucas, however, said coolly, ¡°You used to be very kind to Aveline.¡±


    Barbara¡¯s hand holding the divorce certificate paused slightly.


    Lucas continued, ¡°There was a time when you got lost, and it was Aveline who found you and took you to the hospital. From that moment, you epted her, calling her your granddaughter¨Cinw every time you saw her. She¡¯s an orphan, and she treated you like her own grandmother.¡±


    Seeing Barbara¡¯s stiff expression, Lucas lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°But you said many hurtful things to her. Being stabbed in the back by someone she considered family must have been very painful for her.¡±


    Barbara ced the divorce certificate aside and sighed, ¡°So, I¡¯m the one who wronged her? Did she ask you to say these things?¡±


    Lucas, surprised by her question, looked at her in disbelief. ¡°Grandma, she agreed to the divorce without hesitation. She took whatever I gave her and didn¡¯t demand anything more. Why do you think she is a scheming, maniptive woman?¡±


    Barbara stayed quiet, her face tense. She¡¯d seen too many schemes in her younger days, and it was hard for her to trust a girl from a humble background bing Lucas¡® wife. But now she was starting to think she might have been <nfa1b2>


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    wrong.


    Lucas said in a deep voice, ¡°I¡¯ve divorced, but as for marrying Sophia, don¡¯t push me. Let¡¯s each take a step back and give each other some space. Even if you push me too hard, I¡¯ll always have a grandmother, but you might lose your only grandson.¡±


    Who couldn¡¯t issue threats?


    Barbara relied on Lucas¡¯s respect for her.


    But what if he stopped respecting her? What then?


    Barbara looked at him in shock. ¡°Lucas, how did you be like this?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say I¡¯ve matured<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


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 Divorced 475

    Chapter 475


    Everyone paid a price to mature.


    Barbara looked at him as if he were a stranger and finally sighed, ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t force you to marry Sophia right away, but her status as your fianc¨¦e can¡¯t change. I only recognize her as my granddaughter¨Cinw.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°Which grandson are we talking about here?¡±


    Barbara frowned. ¡°You¡¯re my only grandson right now!¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°So, if the family gains another grandson, she wouldn¡¯t have to marry me, right?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Barbara was truly enraged, causing the rm on her medical device to go off as her face grew increasingly pale.


    Lucas stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll be very busy from now on, so I won¡¯te around to upset you anymore. Honestly, you were better off when you were still confused.¡±


    Without looking back at Barbara¡¯s expression, he left.


    Doctors and nurses rushed in to check on Barbara and stabilize her blood


    pressure.


    When Sophia entered, she saw Barbara looking unwell and gasping for breath.


    ¡°Grandma, what¡¯s wrong?¡± she hurried forward, gently rubbing Barbara¡¯s chest and asking with concern.


    Seeing her, Barbara grabbed her hand and pointed to the divoree certificate on the bedside table.


    ¡°Sophia, Lucas has divorced. From now on, get along well with him and marry him as soon as possible. He will treat you well.¡±


    This way, the Tudor family wouldn¡¯t owe her anything.


    ¡°Lucas is divorced?¡± Sophia was stunned. She couldn¡¯t believe it and picked up the divorce certificate to check it.


    Joy filled her eyes!


    1/3


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Oh my god! He really got divorced!


    Was her wish finallying true?


    Barbara¡¯s condition soon stabilized. Sophia couldn¡¯t show too much excitement and stayed with her, chatting.


    But her thoughts had already drifted to Lucas.


    Barbara noticed her distraction and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s almost noon. Lucas will need to have lunch. Why don¡¯t you take it to him? It will help build your rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re so good to me!¡± Sophia said, a shy smile appearing on her face as she lowered her head.


    Barbara replied, ¡°You saved Lucas, which makes you a benefactor to the entire Tudor family. If I don¡¯t treat you well, who else should I be good to?¡±


    Sophia felt a bitter amusement.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say that before,¡± she thought. ¡°You used to treat that awful Aveline like she was precious.¡±


    She knew the old woman had simply forgotten.


    If she ever remembered everything, who knew if she¡¯d regret what she said today?


    ¡°I need to make sure she never remembers any of that,¡± Sophia decided.


    Sophia carried a lunchbox to DK Group. When she tried to go up, the receptionist stopped her.


    ¡°Excuse me, miss. Do you have an appointment?<b>¡± </b>


    Sophia said, ¡°I¡¯m a friend of Lucas. I have something to discuss with him.


    Given our rtionship, an appointment isn¡¯t necessary.¡±


    Her words were ambiguous, emphasizing the rtionship.


    The receptionist hesitated <i>for </i>a moment before saying, ¡°Sorry, I need to make a call to confirm.¡±


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    Sophia agreed, ¡°Alright.¡±


    The receptionist dialed the secretary¡¯s office.


    Soon, the receptionist looked at her and said, ¡°Miss, you may go up.¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Sophia smiled slightly and took the exclusive elevator to the president¡¯s office.


    Desmond had juste out of the meeting room and, upon seeing her, was initially surprised but then asked, ¡°Miss Sophia, what brings you here?¡±


    Sophia replied, ¡°I¡¯m here to bring Lucas lunch. Is he busy?¡±


    Desmond¡¯s expression became somewhat subtle as he said, ¡°Mr. Tudor is in his office.¡±


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 Divorced 476

    Chapter <b>476 </b>


    Sophia walked toward the office carrying the lunchbox.


    Desmond quickly said, ¡°Miss Sophia, there are guests inside. Maybe you should wait a bit?¡±


    Sophia looked at him and saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. A gleam shed in her own eyes as she said, ¡°It¡¯s already lunchtime. What kind of guest would be here at this hour?¡±


    With that, she headed straight to the office.


    Desmond watched her back but did not stop her.


    Sophia pushed open the office door and immediately saw a woman standing close to Lucas, leaning over to speak to him intimately. <nfcd18>


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    Seeing this scene, anger surged in Sophia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Lucas, who is she?¡±


    Lucas paused and nced at Sophia. ¡°Did you knock?¡±


    Sophia tightened her grip on the lunchbox and took a few steps forward.¡± Lucas, don¡¯t forget what Grandma said.¡±


    Lucas turned to the woman. ¡°Have a seat.¡±


    Judy nced at Sophia, clearly sensing the hostility directed at her.


    She raised an eyebrow slightly. She knew about Sophia. Lucas had once almost divorced Aveline for her sake. So, this is the woman? Not impressive at all! In Judy¡¯s eyes, Sophia wasn¡¯t as good as Aveline, though she didn¡¯t think much of Aveline either.


    Lucas¡® expression remained indifferent. ¡°Grandma said many things. Which one are you referring to?¡±


    Sophia was furious but didn¡¯t dare to show her temper in front of Lucas. She realized she had been impulsive by barging in and needed to salvage her image now.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lucas. I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I was just worried about Grandma¡¯s health. I¡¯m here to bring you lunch. It¡¯s all your favorite dishes.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    She walked over and ced the lunchbox on his desk.


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas suddenly looked at Judy. ¡°Hungry?¡±


    Judy smiled slightly. ¡°A little.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Then let¡¯s eat together.¡±


    Judy was momentarily stunned. ¡°That might not be appropriate, considering thisdy¡¯s kind gesture.¡±


    Lucas directly picked up the utensils and handed them to Judy. ¡°Isn¡¯t food meant to be eaten? What¡¯s inappropriate about it?¡±


    Judy took the utensils. ¡°Then I humbly ept.¡±


    Sophia stood to the side, feeling like a mere servant,pletely ignored by Lucas. She had thought that with Lucas divorcing Aveline, she would finally have a chance. But she hadn¡¯t expected someone like Judy to appear out of


    nowhere!


    Who was she? Why was she so close to Lucas?


    Sophia was full of questions but had no standing to ask. After all, Lucas hadn¡¯t given her any official status.


    ¡°My hand hurts a little,¡± Judy suddenly said.


    ¡°Still hurting after all this time?¡± Lucas naturally took her wrist and examined it carefully.


    This scene deeply stung Sophia. She forced a smile and said, ¡°Lucas, I have something to do, so I¡¯ll leave now.¡±


    With that, she quickly left, fearing that if she stayed any longer, she would lose control and tear Judy¡¯s face apart.


    That wretch! Seducing her man¨CSophia vowed to make Judy pay dearly.


    That evening.


    Aveline clocked out of work. As she exited the building, she saw a familiar <b>car </b>from a distance and walked over.


    The car window rolled down, revealing Lucas¡® handsome, stern face. His eyes


    2/3


    +15 BONUS


    fixed on h¨¦r.


    Aveline said, ¡°We¡¯re divorced now. I won¡¯t be going back to the Tudor residence


    tonight.¡±


    ÈÕ


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 Divorced 477

    Chapter 477


    As the streetlights began to glow, they illuminated half of Lucas¡® face, his eyes shrouded in the darkness inside the car, making it impossible to discern his expression.


    He asked coldly, ¡°So, do you have a ce to stay tonight?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I can stay with Selena or at a hotel. Cloudre City is so big, and I have plenty of money. There¡¯s no way I won¡¯t find a ce to stay.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡±


    Something in her words amused Lucas. He chuckled softly and then said, ¡± Maple Garden is already in your name. You can go back there tonight.¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°You acted that quickly?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I can even be generous enough to give you a ride.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    From behind, Lucas called out, ¡°We¡¯re divorced now. Are you afraid I¡¯ll devour you?¡±


    Without turning back, Aveline replied, ¡°We¡¯re not rted anymore. It¡¯s better to keep a distance to avoid misunderstandings. I don¡¯t want to be med for


    anything.¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t say anything else, his eyes watching her slender back until she


    got into her car.


    His car window slowly rolled up, and his face turned cold. He took out his phone and dialed Aaron¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Aaron answered a bit slowly, his voice sounding hoarse.


    Lucas sneered. ¡°It¡¯s not even nighttime yet, and you¡¯re already starting your nightlife? Isn¡¯t it a bit early?¡±


    Aaron cursed softly and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have a wife, you don¡¯t have nightlife. I won¡¯t argue with you.¡±


    1/3


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Lucas said quietly, ¡°Do you think if I asked Aveline to talk to Selena, would Selena listen?¡±


    Aaron gritted his teeth. ¡°Lucas, do you remember how I helped you back then? And now you¡¯re turning against me?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°What can I do? I¡¯m divorced and wifeless.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re ruthless!¡±


    Aaron finally gave in and asked, ¡°What do you need?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Drinks.¡±


    Aaron sighed.


    He seemed to be mentally preparing himself and after a long pause, said, ¡± Alright, wait for me!¡±


    Then he hung up.


    11


    Lucas put his phone back in his pocket and looked out the window, his eyes dark and unreadable.


    :..


    Aveline went to Maple Garden.


    She felt a deep affection for this ce. It was her first big home, and despite all the ups and downs, it was hers once again. Standing in the foyer, surrounded by the designs she adored, a smile spread across her face.


    How wonderful.


    She was now the owner of arge house!


    She kicked off her shoes and happily walked around the room as if trying to imprint her essence into it.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. She took it out and saw that it was Russell calling.


    ¡°Hello, Russ,¡± Aveline answered.


    Russell¡¯s cheerful voice came through, ¡°You¡¯re back at Maple Garden?¡±


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°How do you know?<b>¡± </b>N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    +15 BONUS


    Russell replied, ¡°I¡¯m staying nearby tonight. When I passed by your ce and saw the lights on, I figured it must be you.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be living here from now on.¡±


    Russell paused and asked, ¡°What do you mean? Did you get divorced?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Aveline admitted directly. It was something that made her happy, and she was eager to share her joy with someone.


    ¡°Congrattions!¡± Russell said warmly.


    ¡°Thank you, Russ.¡±


    Russell continued, ¡°Such a happy asion deserves a proper celebration. How about we grab some seafood?¡±


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 Divorced 478

    GENIT


    Chapter 478


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline was a bit surprised by Russell¡¯s suggestion and then said, ¡°No need, Russ. I¡¯ve already had dinner.¡±


    Russell responded, ¡°We could still have ate¨Cnight snack. Aveline, I¡¯m


    genuinely happy for you.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until everyone has time, then we can all go out for a meal together.¡±


    This subtly indicated that she didn¡¯t want to dine with him alone.


    Russell fell silent for a moment. After a while, he said, ¡°Aveline, you don¡¯t


    always have to be so quick to reject kindness. It¡¯s good to leave yourself some room to maneuver.¡±


    Aveline felt a bittersweet pang she couldn¡¯t quite ce. She smiled softly. ¡°I understand, Russ.¡±


    Russell continued, ¡°If you want to go out, feel free to visit my bar. You can drink, as much as you like there.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll bring Selena along and drink up all your stock!¡± <nff641>


    S?a?ch Th? Find?ovel.?et website on G??gl? to ess chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    </nff641>


    Russellughed. ¡°I¡¯d wee it.¡±


    After a bit more small talk, they ended the call.


    Aveline sat on the couch, staring at the intricate ceiling, suddenly feeling the urge for a drink. Unfortunately, Selena was too busy at the moment.


    She walked over to the fridge and was stunned when she opened it. It was packed with fresh ingredients, all her favorites. She tightened her grip on the fridge door for a moment.


    After a while, she took out some ingredients and headed to the kitchen to cook. It had been a long time since she had cooked for herself, and she missed eating her own food.


    She worked quickly, and in less than an hour, she had prepared two dishes and a soup.


    After removing her apron and sitting down to eat, the doorbell suddenly rang.


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline paused. Who woulde at this hour? Only a few people knew her address.


    Curious, she got up and looked through the peephole, then froze.


    She opened the door and asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Lucas stood there, a cigarette between his fingers, his handsome and stern face looking calm and distant. His eyes nced at her as he asked, ¡°What? Now that we¡¯re divorced, I can¡¯te to see you?¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t move to let him in. ¡°It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t.¡±


    Lucas took a drag from his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing slightly as he


    frowned. Then he extinguished the cigarette and tossed it into the trash. ¡°Did . you cook?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°You¡¯re lying. I can smell the food.¡±


    Aveline gave him a sarcastic smile. ¡°You¡¯ve got a keen nose.¡±


    Lucas started to move forward, intending toe in.


    Aveline blocked him again. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient.¡±


    Lucas looked down at her. ¡°Got a man hidden inside? Is that why it¡¯s inconvenient?¡±


    Aveline refused to let him in. ¡°Think whatever you want. It¡¯s just not convenient!


    11


    Lucas scoffed softly. ¡°Now I¡¯m really curious to see what kind of man you¡¯re hiding.¡±


    As he spoke, a dangerous aura emanated from him, sending a chill through Aveline. Before she could respond, Lucas suddenly grabbed her waist, pulled her into his arms, and strode into the house.


    ¡°Lucas<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline was furious. How could he be so shameless? She had thought that divorcing him would mean they had no more entanglements, but she had underestimated his audacity.


    ?Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    2/3


    Divorce or not, it meant nothing to him!


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here,¡± Lucas replied calmly, holding her tightly and showing no intention of letting go.


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 Divorced 479

    Chapter 479


    Aveline was so furious she wanted to kick him!


    ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    Lucas nced down at her, speaking as he walked further inside, ¡°No, if I let you go, you might hit me.¡±


    Aveline red at him.


    It wasn¡¯t a possibility; it was a certainty!


    This man really deserved a beating!


    After taking a tour of the house and not finding any suspicious individuals, Lucas¡® icy demeanor softened a bit. Still holding Aveline, he headed to the kitchen and raised an eyebrow at the sight of the food on the table.


    He pinched her waist lightly and said in a low voice, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t cook?¡±


    Aveline retorted, ¡°I didn¡¯t want you toe in. I didn¡¯t want you to eat. Couldn¡¯t you tell?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I could tell. I just didn¡¯t care.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She was seething with anger! This man was unbelievably shameless! <nf3c76>


    S?a?*?h the Find_N?vel.?et website on G??gl? to ess chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    </nf3c76>


    Seeing her puffed¨Cup expression actually lifted Lucas¡® mood. He finally let her go, then pulled out a chair and sat down, grabbing the utensils to start eating.


    The te and utensils were Aveline¡¯s, and she had already taken a bite from the food. Watching him eat without any reservations, Aveline crossed her arms and asked, ¡°Lucas, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Lucas looked up at her while eating, pretending not to understand.


    Aveline said, ¡°We¡¯re divorced, Isn¡¯t it pointless for you to keep bothering me? Can¡¯t you maintain some distance? You¡¯re ruining my chances with other men.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°You want other men?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    He sneered, ¡°For every romantic interest you have, I¡¯ll ruin it.¡±


    Aveline was too frustrated to speak! She clutched the edge of the table tightly.


    Lucas paused, noticing her expression. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t flip the table over just because I ate your meal, would you? Are you really that petty, Aveline? Think about how long it¡¯s been since I¡¯ve had your cooking.¡±


    Aveline retorted, ¡°Does that have anything to do with me?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Aveline scoffed, ¡°Do you not understand why you haven¡¯t been able to eat my cooking? Lucas, let¡¯s part ways amicably. Don¡¯t make it feel like we¡¯re bitter exes. It¡¯s ufortable.¡±


    Lucas, unaffected by her words, said, ¡°If you¡¯re ufortable, it means you still care about me. You¡¯re always thinking about me. Why not consider getting back together?¡±


    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Aveline snapped, standing up to leave.


    Lucas didn¡¯t chase after her and continued eating. He had been craving this meal for a long time. Coming over tonight was clearly not a mistake.


    Just then, his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID¨Cit was Aaron.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lucas answered and then put the call on speaker.


    Aaron asked, ¡°I¡¯m here. Where are you?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯lle over after I finish eating.¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aaron sounded incredulous, ¡°You went to see Aveline? Lucas, aren¡¯t you two already divorced?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with seeing an ex¨Cwife?¡±


    Aaron sighed. ¡°You¡¯re something else. No one can match your shamelessness.¡±


    Lucas unceremoniously hung up the phone and continued eating.


    Aveline went straight to the media room to watch a movie. When the two¨Chour film ended, she came out to find that Lucas was gone.


    In the dining room, she saw that the table waspletely empty.


    Her face darkened immediately!


    COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus


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 Divorced 480

    Chapter <b>480 </b>


    This man was a glutton! How could he eat so much? That was two dishes and a soup¨Cenough food for two days, gone in one sitting!


    Aveline grew even angrier.


    Tomorrow, she would definitely change the password for the building¡¯s


    elevator and rece the lock on the door! She had plenty of money now, so she could afford it!


    Fuming, Aveline stormed into the kitchen, expecting a mess. To her surprise, she found the pots of food still kept warm. Her anger turned to surprise. She let out a sarcasticugh<i>, </i>grabbed the warmed food, and began eating. She was really hungry.


    The next day.


    Aveline watched the locksmith change the lock and then updated the elevator¡¯s password before heading to work.


    Maria arrived early today but looked exhausted.


    Aveline asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Pulled an all¨Cnighter?¡±


    Maria yawned. ¡°You bet. These past couple of days have been so busy, my hormones are all out of whack. I¡¯m starting to feel less fabulous.¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°Then go home and get some rest.¡±


    Maria shook her head, ¡°No need, I can rest here.¡±


    Aveline was speechless, finding Maria¡¯s behavior unbelievable.


    She pulled out her chair and sat down, noticing a ss of milk in front of her. She looked up to see Sidney giving her a shy smile.


    ¡°got milk with my breakfast, but I¡¯mctose intolerant. If you don¡¯t mind, you can have it.¡±


    Aveline paused, then said, ¡°Sure, thanks.


    Sidney¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡±


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Just as he turned to leave, Maria walked over, grabbed the milk, and started drinking it. ¡°Perfect timing. I skipped breakfast and my stomach is hurting. I¡¯ll take this.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t mind her drinking the milk. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Seeing this, Sidney couldn¡¯t help but nce at Maria, who was now drinking the milk. To his surprise, Maria was also looking at him and even gave him a slight smile.


    Sidney felt something was off but couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on it, so he suppressed his doubts.


    Today, Aveline needed to visit the construction site. After finishing her tasks, she got up to leave the studio.


    Sidney approached her. ¡°Aveline, are you heading to the site? Can Ie with you?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Sure.¡± <nfaef5>


    s?a??h th? F?ndN?vel.??t website on G??gl? to ess chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    </nfaef5>


    Sidney said, ¡°Wait a moment, I need to grab some documents.¡±


    Aveline waited by the elevator, but soon Sidney returned with an apologetic


    look, ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t go with you. The boss just told me I need to go to a meeting


    11


    Aveline was surprised. ¡°So many meetingstely?¡±


    Sidney shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Alright, you go ahead.¡±


    Sidney said, ¡°Take care.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Will do.¡±


    The elevator arrived, and she stepped in.


    From the subway station, she walked towards the construction site, where the operations were in full swing. Tower cranes stood tall, moving materials.


    The foreman, expecting her, was waiting at the entrance and handed her a hard helmet before leading her towards a nearby building.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    The building was starting to take shape. Aveline, holding the blueprints, discussed some details and precautions with the foreman, who noted everything down carefully.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look around on my own. You can go back to your work,¡± Aveline said after giving instructions.


    The foreman nodded. ¡°Sure; let me know if you need anything.¡±


    Aveline acknowledged and walked ahead. As she passed by some rubble, she suddenly felt a malicious gaze on her, sending a shiver down her spine.


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 Divorced 481

    <b>Chapter </b><b>481 </b>


    Aveline immediately turned her head to look around. Apart from the partially constructed buildings, she saw nothing else. However, the sensation of being watched was very real.


    The sun zed down, its heat making her feel a chill despite the warmth.


    It was alreadyte autumn. She tightened her beige trench coat around herself and walked briskly. This area felt unsafe, so she decided toplete her inspection and leave as quickly as possible.


    Several luxury cars pulled up at the construction site entrance. The foreman¡¯s face was full of ttery as he handed over a safety helmet. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, it¡¯s dangerous here. Why did youe personally?¡±


    Lucas, tall and poised in a ck coat, exuded a chilly, noble air with every movement. His sharp features and handsome face radiated authority.


    Desmond took the safety helmet and handed it to Lucas. As Lucas put it on, he replied, ¡°Am I not allowed toe?¡±


    The foreman was momentarily speechless. Lucas, despite his young age, had an unexpectedly peculiar temper.


    Before the foreman could say more, Lucas had already started walking inside.


    Desmond smiled faintly and said, ¡°This site is DK Group¡¯s next major project. Mr. Tudor values it highly, so he came to inspect it personally. Just follow along and wait for instructions.¡±


    The foreman nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Arge group followed Lucas. The plot was vast, more than enough to develop into amercial street. However, Lucas had nned it as a technology park. The buildings¡® design reflected sharp, modern lines, signaling innovation and


    progress.


    Avelinepleted her inspection and began retracing her steps. There <b>were </b>no immediate changes needed; everything was being built ording to her blueprints.


    +15 BONUS


    Unexpectedly, as she turned a corner, she ran into Lucas. He stood surrounded by people, the center of attention.


    Tall, handsome, and imposing in his ck coat, Lucas wore his safety helmet. without looking out of ce. His striking features and deep¨Cset eyes made him stand out even more.


    Aveline was puzzled. How did she end up running into him here?


    Lucas also saw her. He handed the blueprints to Desmond and walked directly towards her. Aveline moved to pass by him but was stopped when he grabbed her arm.


    ¡°Not even a hello when you see me?¡±


    Aveline paused and said, ¡°You looked busy.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°It¡¯s not that you thought I was busy; you just didn¡¯t want to say hello.¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°You noticed that and still brought it up. Don¡¯t you feel


    awkward?¡±


    Lucas answered, ¡°No.¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Do you need something?¡±


    She had experienced his shamelessness before.


    Lucas said, ¡°Nothing much. Just saw my ex¨Cwife and thought I¡¯d say hi. Unlike someone who acts like I don¡¯t exist even though we know each other.¡±


    Ignoring his sarcasm, Aveline said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°Where to? I¡¯m heading back too.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°It¡¯s not on your way.¡±


    Lucas still held her wrist. ¡°I¡¯m driving. There¡¯s no such thing as ¡®not on the way.


    Aveline sighed in exasperation. ¡°Lucas, this is pointless.¡±


    Lucas remained unfazed. ¡°I find <b>it </b>very interesting. You run, I chase. You won¡¯t get away.¡±


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 Divorced 482

    <b>Chapter </b><b>481 </b>


    Aveline immediately turned her head to look around. Apart from the partially constructed buildings, she saw nothing else. However, the sensation of being watched was very real.


    The sun zed down, its heat making her feel a chill despite the warmth.


    It was alreadyte autumn. She tightened her beige trench coat around herself and walked briskly. This area felt unsafe, so she decided toplete her inspection and leave as quickly as possible.


    Several luxury cars pulled up at the construction site entrance. The foreman¡¯s face was full of ttery as he handed over a safety helmet.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, it¡¯s dangerous here. Why did youe personally?¡±


    Lucas, tall and poised in a ck coat, exuded a chilly, noble air with every movement. His sharp features and handsome face radiated authority.


    Desmond took the safety helmet and handed it to Lucas. As Lucas put it on, he replied, ¡°Am I not allowed toe?¡±


    The foreman was momentarily speechless. Lucas, despite his young age, had an unexpectedly peculiar temper.


    Before the foreman could say more, Lucas had already started walking inside.


    Desmond smiled faintly and said, ¡°This site is DK Group¡¯s next major project. Mr. Tudor values it highly, so he came to inspect it personally. Just follow along and wait for instructions.¡±


    The foreman nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Arge group followed Lucas. The plot was vast, more than enough to develop into amercial street. However, Lucas had nned it as a technology park. The buildings¡® design reflected sharp, modern lines, signaling innovation and


    progress.


    Avelinepleted her inspection and began retracing her steps. There <b>were </b>no immediate changes needed; everything was being built ording to her blueprints.


    +15 BONUS


    Unexpectedly, as she turned a corner, she ran into Lucas. He stood surrounded by people, the center of attention.


    Tall, handsome, and imposing in his ck coat, Lucas wore his safety helmet. without looking out of ce. His striking features and deep¨Cset eyes made him stand out even more.


    Aveline was puzzled. How did she end up running into him here?


    Lucas also saw her. He handed the blueprints to Desmond and walked directly towards her. Aveline moved to pass by him but was stopped when he grabbed her arm. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Not even a hello when you see me?¡±


    Aveline paused and said, ¡°You looked busy.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°It¡¯s not that you thought I was busy; you just didn¡¯t want to say hello.¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°You noticed that and still brought it up. Don¡¯t you feel


    awkward?¡±


    Lucas answered, ¡°No.¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Do you need something?¡±


    She had experienced his shamelessness before.


    Lucas said, ¡°Nothing much. Just saw my ex¨Cwife and thought I¡¯d say hi. Unlike someone who acts like I don¡¯t exist even though we know each other.¡±


    Ignoring his sarcasm, Aveline said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°Where to? I¡¯m heading back too.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°It¡¯s not on your way.¡±


    Lucas still held her wrist. ¡°I¡¯m driving. There¡¯s no such thing as ¡®not on the way.


    Aveline sighed in exasperation. ¡°Lucas, this is pointless.¡±


    Lucas remained unfazed. ¡°I find <b>it </b>very interesting. You run, I chase. You won¡¯t get away.¡±


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 Divorced 483

    Chapter 483


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°And the conclusion?¡±


    Lucas stepped closer and blew the smoke directly in her face. ¡°The conclusion is, the colder you are, the more I like you.


    Aveline was momentarily speechless. She couldn¡¯t quite grasp what he was thinking anymore.


    She lowered her eyes slightly, waiting for the smoke to disperse in the wind, then asked, ¡°Lucas, is it because you liked me during that year we were


    together, or did you start liking meter?¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°Does it make a difference?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Maybe not, but I just want to know.¡±


    Lucas took a drag from his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing in a way that exuded a mature sensuality. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Aveline said calmly, ¡°But the person I liked was the you from that year, not the you now. The you now is really detestable.¡±


    Her expression was serene, her eyes devoid of any emotion. After saying this, she turned and walked away.


    Lucas¡® hand trembled slightly as he held his cigarette, feeling as if a knife had pierced his chest, bleeding and painfully raw.


    Detestable¡­


    She detested him now?


    Why?


    Suddenly, Lucas stubbed out his cigarette and hurried after her, grabbing her wrist. He gazed deeply into her eyes. ¡°Why do you hate me?¡±


    Aveline was surprised he even asked. Wasn¡¯t this self¨Cinflicted humiliation? She tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong, causing her some pain.


    ¡°I hate you because I just do, no reason!¡± Aveline snapped, her expression turning colder.


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas replied, ¡°That¡¯s not true. Liking someone has reasons, so hating someone should have reasons too. For example, I hate today¡¯s weather because it¡¯s cold. Aveline, you say you hate me. What¡¯s the reason?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together. ¡°That¡¯s a long story.¡±


    Lucas stared at her. ¡°You can take your time. I have all the time in the world.¡±


    Aveline felt a surge of frustration, an overwhelming sense of helplessness washing over her.


    It felt as if she were trapped in an invisible, no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn¡¯t break free. A feeling of helplessness enveloped her.


    Aveline asked, ¡°And what happens once you know the reason?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯ll try to change so that you can like me again.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll be together, living a happy and joyful life.¡±


    Aveline suddenlyughed.


    Lucas frowned. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I just find it ironic. You gave up on me so many times before, and now you say you want us to be happy together. Isn¡¯t that funny?¡±


    Lucas pressed his lips together, feeling a sharp, needle¨Clike pain in his throat. Tightening his grip on her wrist, he said, ¡°I was an idiot before, Aveline. But I don¡¯t believe our rtionship is beyond repair.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°That¡¯s your opinion, not mine.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°But you used to love me. I can¡¯t believe you feel nothing for me now.¡±


    Aveline looked away. ¡°That was in the past.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She paused and said, ¡°Besides, we¡¯re divorced now, Lucas. Let me go. Let¡¯s both move on and start new lives. Isn¡¯t that better?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°What kind of new life? You want to find a younger man, marry him, have kids, sleep with him? Sorry, I can¡¯t ept that. Just thinking about it


    213


    makes me want to kill you both.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched.


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 Divorced 484

    Chapter 484


    ¡°So, even though we¡¯re divorced, you won¡¯t consider my feelings at all, will you? ¡®Aveline¡¯s voice was so soft it seemed like it might be carried away by the wind.


    Lucas loosened his grip on her wrist slightly. ¡°Aveline, you can reconsider. We can remarry.¡±


    Aveline jerked her wrist free with force. ¡°No way. I will never remarry you!¡±


    Her eyes were icy cold as she turned and walked away quickly.


    Lucas stared at his empty hand, his gaze darkening. He watched her leave, then pulled out a cigarette and took a deep drag.


    Divorce? Never in this lifetime. Even in death, she would still be his!


    Aveline didn¡¯t return to the studio.


    In the afternoon, she met up with Selena for grilled fish. The spicy dish warmed her from the inside out.


    Selena asked, ¡°Now that you¡¯re divorced, what¡¯s your n?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Finish the projects I¡¯m working on, then quit and leave Cloudre City.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Where to? Take me with you!¡°.


    Aveline said, ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet. I just know I don¡¯t want to stay here.¡±


    Selena agreed, ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. You¡¯re well off now; you can live any life you want. Why stay here and suffer?¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°Are you sure you can leave?¡±


    Selena said, ¡°Of course. Once I¡¯m bored, I¡¯ll move on.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you know when I¡¯m ready. We¡¯ll go together. First stop, the Arctic to see the Northern Lights.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Selena cheered excitedly.


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    II


    They enjoyed their grilled fish and then went to see a movie. Spending time with a friend was the best way to lift her spirits.


    However, while they were in the theater, Aveline¡¯s phone vibrated. She pulled it out to see a photo in the dim light cast by the screen.


    The image showed Bobby, severely beaten and barely conscious, lying on the floor. His eyes were fixed on the door, filled with a desperate longing for life.


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught in her throat, and she tightened her grip on her phone.


    Selena nced over, frowning. ¡°Who is that? He looks like he¡¯s about to die.¡±


    Aveline put away her phone and replied, ¡°Someone I used to know.¡±


    Indeed, he did look like he was near death. But who sent her the photo? And why? What was their motive?


    Seeing the picture, her first instinct was to save Bobby. But doing so would go against Lucas¡¯s wishes. Was this person trying to provoke a conflict between her and Lucas? That seemed unnecessary since their rtionship was already strained.


    She watched the movie in a distracted state.


    Selena noticed her unease and asked, ¡°Does it have to do with that person?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Selena, I need to head home.¡±


    Selena insisted, ¡°I¡¯ll take you back. I don¡¯t feel safe letting you go alone like this.


    With that, she firmly took Aveline by the arm and led her out of the mall.


    Back at Maple Garden, Selena admired the house once more. ¡°Big houses really are the best.¡±


    Aveline walked to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a sip before dialing Lucas¡® number on her phone.


    Selena stayed quiet, watching her closely.


    ¡°Hello?¡± The call connected, but it wasn¡¯t Lucas¡® voice. It was Judy¡¯s.


    Aveline immediately recognized it. She tightened her grip on the phone and


    2/3


    calmly asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Lucas? I need to


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 Divorced 485

    Chapter 485


    Judy¡¯s voice was gentle and apologetic. ¡°Sorry, he¡¯s in the shower. I¡¯ll let him know you called when he¡¯s done.¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°Where exactly is he showering?¡±


    Judy was taken aback. Despite the suggestive context, Aveline kept probing.


    Still, she replied, ¡°At a hotel,¡±


    Aveline pressed on, ¡°What¡¯s he doing at a hotel?¡±


    Judy was speechless.


    She nced at the phone, doubting whether it was really Aveline on the other end. Any other woman would have hung up by now, right?


    Judy held herposure and said, ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯ll let Lucas exin when he gets <i>out</i>.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You can use his phone, but you can¡¯t tell me what you¡¯re doing


    at a hotel?<b>¡± </b>


    Judy fell silent.


    Selena stood nearby, covering her mouth to stifle herughter, tears almost escaping from her eyes.


    Aveline shot her a nce and then told Judy, ¡°You don¡¯t need to hang up. Just give him the phone when he¡¯s out. Meanwhile, we can chat.¡±


    Judy was speechless once again, thinking, ¡°Are you crazy? Who wants to chat with you?¡±


    Judy¡¯s tone turned cold. ¡°That¡¯s not convenient.¡±


    With that, she hung up. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline scoffed.


    Selena burst intoughter. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see this side of you. My dear Aveline, have youe back stronger than ever?¡±


    Aveline looked at Selena¡¯s red face fromughing so hard and said calmly, ¡°I


    1/3


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    figured since I had time, we might as well chat.¡±


    Selenaughed until her stomach hurt. After a moment, she managed to catch her breath and asked, ¡°Who answered the phone? Was it Sophia?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Who was it then? Does Lucas just let anyone use his phone?¡±


    Aveline looked at her intently for a moment and said, ¡°I¡¯ll remember that. I¡¯ll ask him about itter.¡±


    Selena was speechless.


    Seeing Aveline¡¯s face remain unchanged, Selena found herself momentarily unsure of what Aveline was thinking.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Aveline looked at her, puzzled.


    Selena rubbed her chin thoughtfully. ¡°It seems like your attitude towards Lucas has changed.¡±


    Aveline blinked, confused. ¡°How so?¡±


    Selena exined, ¡°You used to be very cold and annoyed with him, but now you seem indifferent.¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly. ¡°Resisting him is futile. My emotions mean nothing to him. What can I do?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®resisting him is futile¡®?¡± Selena picked up on the key


    point.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Exactly what it sounds like.¡±


    Selena¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°So, even though you¡¯re divorced, he has no intention of leaving you alone?¡±


    Aveline stayed silent, sipping her water.


    Selena shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s terrifying. Being targeted by someone like him must be incredibly unlucky.¡±


    2/3


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    What else could she do? She had said and done everything she could. Lucas¡® stance was firm, and she couldn¡¯t change it.


    So be it.


    She decided to ignore his presence as much as possible and focus on living her own life.


    w


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 Divorced 486

    Chapter 485


    Judy¡¯s voice was gentle and apologetic. ¡°Sorry, he¡¯s in the shower. I¡¯ll let him know you called when he¡¯s done.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°Where exactly is he showering?¡±


    Judy was taken aback. Despite the suggestive context, Aveline kept probing.


    Still, she replied, ¡°At a hotel,¡±


    Aveline pressed on, ¡°What¡¯s he doing at a hotel?¡±


    Judy was speechless.


    She nced at the phone, doubting whether it was really Aveline on the other end. Any other woman would have hung up by now, right?


    Judy held herposure and said, ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯ll let Lucas exin when he gets <i>out</i>.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You can use his phone, but you can¡¯t tell me what you¡¯re doing


    at a hotel?<b>¡± </b>


    Judy fell silent.


    Selena stood nearby, covering her mouth to stifle herughter, tears almost escaping from her eyes.


    Aveline shot her a nce and then told Judy, ¡°You don¡¯t need to hang up. Just give him the phone when he¡¯s out. Meanwhile, we can chat.¡±


    Judy was speechless once again, thinking, ¡°Are you crazy? Who wants to chat with you?¡±


    Judy¡¯s tone turned cold. ¡°That¡¯s not convenient.¡±


    With that, she hung up.


    Aveline scoffed.


    Selena burst intoughter. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see this side of you. My dear Aveline, have youe back stronger than ever?¡±


    Aveline looked at Selena¡¯s red face fromughing so hard and said calmly, ¡°I


    1/3


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    figured since I had time, we might as well chat.¡±


    Selenaughed until her stomach hurt. After a moment, she managed to catch her breath and asked, ¡°Who answered the phone? Was it Sophia?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Who was it then? Does Lucas just let anyone use his phone?¡±


    Aveline looked at her intently for a moment and said, ¡°I¡¯ll remember that. I¡¯ll ask him about itter.¡±


    Selena was speechless.


    Seeing Aveline¡¯s face remain unchanged, Selena found herself momentarily unsure of what Aveline was thinking.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Aveline looked at her, puzzled.


    Selena rubbed her chin thoughtfully. ¡°It seems like your attitude towards Lucas has changed.¡±


    Aveline blinked, confused. ¡°How so?¡±


    Selena exined, ¡°You used to be very cold and annoyed with him, but now you seem indifferent.¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly. ¡°Resisting him is futile. My emotions mean nothing to him. What can I do?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®resisting him is futile¡®?¡± Selena picked up on the key


    point.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Exactly what it sounds like.¡±


    Selena¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°So, even though you¡¯re divorced, he has no intention of leaving you alone?¡±


    Aveline stayed silent, sipping her water.


    Selena shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s terrifying. Being targeted by someone like him must be incredibly unlucky.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    What else could she do? She had said and done everything she could. Lucas¡® stance was firm, and she couldn¡¯t change it.


    So be it.


    She decided to ignore his presence as much as possible and focus on living her own life.


    w


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 Divorced 487

    Chapter 487


    What exactly was their rtionship?


    Judy clenched her fingers, then said, ¡°Lucas, you still care about Miss Young, don¡¯t you? The reason I said that was to provoke her a little. What if she still has feelings for you? Hearing something like that would surely make her jealous and upset. I¡¯m sorry, I overstepped. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    In the dim light, Lucas¡¯s handsome face appeared cold and stern, his chiseled features sharp and unyielding. His eyes were devoid of warmth as he looked at Judy.


    ¡°Your actions were out of line,¡± he said coolly, giving her no leniency.


    Judy¡¯s face showed a sh of embarrassment, and she quickly said, ¡°I promise, it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t spare her another nce. He turned to Desmond and said, ¡°Get me a new phone.¡±


    He handed his phone to Desmond, instructing him to transfer the data and switch the SIM card.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Desmond took the phone and left.


    In the private room, the suited men saw Lucas return and immediately stood to toast him.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, this project wouldn¡¯t have seeded without you. Here¡¯s to you!¡±


    Lucas took the central seat, exuding an effortless aura of cold, noble elegance. He raised his ss and drank with them, but his mind lingered on Judy¡¯s words.


    ¡°If she still cares about you, hearing something like that would surely make her jealous and upset¡­¡±


    Recalling Aveline¡¯s cold demeanor, a deep sense of irony flickered in Lucas¡®


    eyes.


    She was heartless. How could she feel jealousy or sadness? She¡¯d be happiest


    1/3


    if he never appeared in her life again.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Selena emerged from the media room and saw Aveline standing on the balcony, lost in thought. Her slender figure was wrapped in a thin knit sweater, and her long hair flowed down her back, catching the breeze and adding to her sense of mncholy.


    ¡°Aveline, sweetheart,¡± Selena called, walking over to hug her.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Finished the movie? Was it good?¡±


    Selena grumbled, ¡°Without you by my side, even the best movie feels like garbage.¡±


    Aveline smiled wryly and said, ¡°It¡¯ste. Why don¡¯t you stay here tonight?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Selena agreed happily!


    But just then, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and cursed under her breath.


    ¡°Hello?¡± she answered.


    Aaron¡¯s casual voice came through, ¡°I reviewed the blueprints. Isn¡¯t there a design w in one area?¡±


    Selena¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Who¡¯s


    with you, you¡¯ve nitpicked ever <i>he </i>designer here, you or me? Since signing


    House with all these demands?¡±


    detail. Do you want this to look like the White


    Aaron chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m paying you to design my house. I¡¯m your client. Is this how you treat your clients? If you don¡¯t want to design it, fine, just pay the breach of contract fee and you¡¯ll never hear from me again.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Selena closed her eyes, trying to keep her cool. ¡°I¡¯m off work now. We can discuss this tomorrow.<i>¡± </i>


    Aaron insisted, ¡°No, I¡¯ll forget by tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± she thought, ¡°if only he would forget.¡±


    Selena suggested, ¡°Then record it on your phone and send it to me tomorrow.¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°My phone doesn¡¯t have that feature.¡±


    2/3


    Selena fumed. ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    Aaron chuckled. ¡°Come over now, and I¡¯ll tell you in person.¡±


    P


    <b>ÏÉ </b>


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 Divorced 488

    Chapter <b>488 </b>


    Selena gritted her teeth. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll be there soon!¡±


    She hung up and put on a dramatic, mock¨Cangry performance using her phone. Aveline watched, thoroughly amused.


    When Selena finished her act, she let out a heavy sigh and said, ¡°Aveline, I can¡¯t stay with you tonight. Will you be lonely by yourself? How about I find you a hot guy? How about Sidney?¡±


    Aveline gently pushed her head. ¡°You can just go peacefully.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena pouted and cried.


    Aaron¡¯s ce was only a twenty¨Cminute walk from Maple Garden.


    When Selena arrived, she rang the doorbell, ring at Aaron with a stern expression.


    Aaron raised an eyebrow. ¡°Cosying at this hour?¡±


    Selena asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, what exactly about the blueprints do you find problematic?¡±


    Aaron smirked and invited her in. There were slippers ready at the door. Selena noticed them and slightly curled her lip.


    She sat down on the sofa without hesitation. Noticing the fried chicken and drinks on the coffee table, she didn¡¯t hold back. If she had to workte, she might as well enjoy it!


    Aaron watched her savoring the fried chicken and remarked, ¡°You made yourself quitefortable.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I enjoy some good food?¡±


    She wasn¡¯t wearing makeup, yet her delicate face andrge, star¨Clike eyes were strikingly beautiful.


    <i>Aaron</i>, sitting on a single chair, watched her chipmunk¨Clike cheeks puff up as she ate, but he remained silent.


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Selena didn¡¯t overindulge, stopping after a drumstick. After all, eating too much at night could lead to weight gain.


    She wiped her mouth and hands, then asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s the issue?¡±


    Aaron responded, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t mentioned a problem, would you havee?¡±


    Selena paused, then looked at him with a nk expression. ¡°So, you called me over in the middle of the night just to watch me eat? How devious! You¡¯re trying to turn a beautiful woman into a chubby one!¡±


    Aaron was speechless.


    His mouth twitched slightly. Seeing her angry expression, he asked, ¡°Selena, what goes on in that head of yours all day?¡±


    Selena retorted, ¡°What I think about is none of your business.¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s fix the blueprints.¡±


    He gave up trying to talk sense into her and headed towards the study. Selena watched his back, pouted, and followed him.


    The study was spacious, with aputer already on, disying the blueprints Selena had given him. He pointed to a spot and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this supposed to be the balcony? Why is there a corner here?¡±


    Selena leaned in to take a look and began exining.


    They were very close now, and Aaron could see her bright, fluttering eyes and her long eyshes, like the wings of a butterfly. For some reason, he felt a tickling sensation within, as if a feather were brushing against his heart.


    After a long exnation, Selena looked up at him. ¡°Did you understand?¡±


    Aaron replied, ¡°No, exin it again.¡±


    Selena frowned. ¡°I just exined it in detail. What were you thinking about?¡±


    Aaron stared deeply at her. ¡°Guess.¡±


    Selena rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Ridiculous!¡±


    She turned to leave. Aaron asked, ¡°You¡¯re not going to exin it again?¡±


    2/3


    Selena responded, ¡°Your focus clearly isn¡¯t on the design. Exining it is pointless. If you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll just change it.¡±


    Aaron followed her. ¡°Alright then, tell me, where is my focus?¡±


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 Divorced 489

    Chapter 489


    Selena¡¯s eyes flicked over Aaron¡¯s lower body her expression revealing a hint of something unreadable.


    Without another word, she opened the door and walked out of the study.


    Aaron paused, surprised by her boldness but not expecting her to be so audacious. A subtle excitement began to stir within him as he watched her retreating figure, his eyes growing darker.


    Selena reached the sofa, grabbed her bag, and prepared to leave, but Aaron blocked her path.


    She looked at him coolly and asked, ¡°What do you want now?¡±


    Aaron stared at her for a long moment before asking, ¡°Do you want to have some fun?¡±


    In the quiet of the night, alone with him, the meaning behind his words was unmistakable.


    Selena was taken aback by his directness. After their previous encounters, she thought he would have lost interest, but it seemed his curiosity had only grown.


    She stepped closer, her fingers tracing down his chest, following the contours of his muscles. Her innocent face contrasted with the yful glint in her eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, have you be addicted?¡±


    Her fingers rested over his heart, feeling its steady beat beneath her touch.


    ¡°You said you had a woman you liked. If she found out about this, would she still want you?¡±


    Despite her small staturepared to Aaron¡¯s tall frame, she fearlessly provoked him.


    Aaron grabbed her hand, pulling her close. His usually rxed expression was now tinged with amusement. ¡°You¡¯re right. I am addicted. How about letting me get my fill this time?¡±


    ¡°Why would I sleep with you?¡± Selena pulled her hand away, her tone growing <b>colder</b>. <b>¡± </b>Your heart is with someone else, but you want to sleep with me? Mr. Fletcher<b>, don¡¯t </b><b>you </b>find that disgusting?¡±


    A wave <b>of </b><b>irritation </b><b>surged </b><b>within </b>her.


    <b>Aaron¡¯s </b><b>yful </b><b>demeanor </b><b>faded </b><b>slightly</b><b>. </b>¡°<b>It¡¯s </b><b>just </b><b>a </b><b>game </b><b>for </b><b>adults</b><b>, </b><b>a </b><b>way </b><b>to </b><b>enjoy </b><b>the </b><b>moment</b><b>. </b><b>You </b><b>said </b><b>you </b><b>didn¡¯t </b><b>need </b><b>me </b><b>to </b><b>be </b><b>responsible</b>, <b>so </b><b>why </b><b>do </b><b>you </b><b>care </b><b>about </b><b>that</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Selena </b><b>felt </b><b>even </b><b>more </b><b>repulsed</b><b>. </b>


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    She looked at him with disdain and said, ¡°If I had known you were like this, I would¡¯ve preferred to sleep with a beggar on the street


    With that, she headed for the door.


    Aaron¡¯s cold voice followed her. ¡°Selena, did I say you could leave?¡±


    Selena wasn¡¯t intimidated in the slightest. ¡°Either fire me and find another designer or drop this nonsense.¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She hadn¡¯t taken their previous encounters to heart, but Aaron¡¯s behavior disgusted her. If he was going to be shameless, she saw no reason to spare his feelings. If he got insulted, it was his own fault.


    The door mmed shut with a resounding bang.


    Aaron kicked the coffee table, frustration surging through him.


    What was happening? Why was he so agitated over not getting what he wanted?


    As he thought about Selena¡¯s words, his face grew even tenser.


    ¡°Heart set on another woman?¡± he muttered to himself.


    He pulled out his phone, looking through his old chats with Snow. He used to message/ her every day, even if she only responded asionally. Buttely, he hadn¡¯t contacted her at all.


    Frowning deeply, Aaron wondered if he still had feelings for Snow.


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 Divorced 490

    Chapter <b>490 </b>


    He stared at his phone, thinking about sending a message to Snow, but his fingers hovered in midair, unable to type a single word.


    Frustrated, he tossed the phone aside, grabbed a bottle of liquor from the cab, and poured himself a drink.


    The sharp taste burned down his throat, momentarily washing away his irritation. Aaron downed the entire ss in one go.


    As soon as Selena left the building, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    She frowned, trying to understand what had gotten into Aaron.


    Just two nights together, and he seemed emotionally attached?


    The thought made her shiver with disgust.


    Determined to mess with him further, she pulled out her phone and logged into her


    alternate ount.


    Snow texted, ¡°Aaron, have you been busytely? Check out my graduation gown. How does it look?¡±


    She sent a picture she found online, showing only from the neck down.


    Normally, he would reply instantly, but this time, even after she got home, there was no


    response.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is he dead?¡± she wondered


    Thinking it was a real possibility, she took a shower and went to bed peacefully.


    That weekend, Aveline and Selena nned to watch a movie together.


    While at the mall, Aveline received a call from Lucas.


    ¡°Hello?¡± she answered.


    Lucas¡® deep voice came through, ¡°I found out who sent the photo. Where are you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s nerves tensed.


    She asked bluntly, ¡°Who sent it?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>tell you in person.¡±


    17/3


    Aveline insisted, ¡°My phone works fine. I can hear you just fine.¡±


    +15 <b>BC </b>Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas countered, ¡°What if your phone is being tapped? Then our conversation would b overheard.¡±


    Aveline found the idea absurd but considered the possibility. She said, ¡°I¡¯m at the mall


    Lucas replied, ¡°Come to the Tudor mansion.¡±


    Then, without waiting for her response, he hung up.


    Aveline sighed, feeling a bit exasperated.


    ¡°Come on, Aveline, the movie is starting!¡± Selena grabbed her hand and pulled her upstairs.


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. Since he didn¡¯t specify a time, she figured it wouldn¡¯t hurt to finish the movie first. She put her phone on silent and entered the cinema with Selena


    Two hourster, as they exited, Selena was busy typing out aint about how bad the movie was.


    Aveline checked her phone and saw over a dozen missed calls and messages on WhatsApp.


    She chuckled and said to Selena, ¡°I have something to take care of. I need to go.¡±


    Selena hugged her tightly, abandoning her post about the movie. ¡°Where are you going? You promised to hang out with me!¡±


    Aveline patted her head. ¡°It¡¯s about my personal safety. I have to go.¡±


    Hearing the seriousness in her voice, Selena let go immediately. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t keep you from what¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°Good girl.¡± Aveline smiled and took the elevator down.


    Outside the mall, as she was about to hail a cab, she heard a car horn.


    Looking over, she saw Lucas¡® car.


    ¡°How did he know where I am?¡± she wondered.


    Walking over, she saw the car window roll down to reveal Lucas¡® stern face, looking icy cold. ¡°Aveline, are you doing this on purpose?


    Aveline looked innocent. ¡°What do you mean, on purpose?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice was edged with frustration. ¡°Did you check your <b>phone</b>? How many times did I call you? Why didn¡¯t you answer<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>23 </b>


    Aveline took out her phone and showed him. ¡°It was on silent.¡±


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 Divorced 491

    <b>Chapter </b><b>491 </b>


    Lucas¡® expression hardened, his eyes turning icy as he stared at her.


    He had been waiting for her to return, but thirty minutes had passed without a trace of her.


    He texted her but got no response. He called, but she didn¡¯t pick up.


    A chill ran down his spine.


    He had someone locate her, only to discover she was at the movies with someone else.


    Was she really so engrossed in a film that she couldn¡¯t even reply to him?


    ¡°Get in the car,¡± Lucas said icily.


    Aveline slipped her phone into her coat pocket, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re a bit scary right now. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll kill me if I get in.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡± Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°At least you¡¯re self¨Caware.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m standing under the surveince camera. No matter how powerful you are, you won¡¯t do anything to me.¡±


    Her fearless expression inexplicably made Lucas uneasy.


    He pushed open the car door and got out, his tall figure instantly overshadowing her. An invisible pressure enveloped her.


    ¡°You are right,¡± he said in a deep voice.


    He walked up to her and suddenly grabbed the back of her neck, bending down to kiss her.


    It was a very brief kiss.


    Aveline didn¡¯t even feel the warmth of his lips before he pulled away. She immediately raised her hand to wipe her lips with the back of her hand, frowning at him. ¡°Lucas, are you crazy? We¡¯re already divorced!¡±


    Lucas watched her disdainful reaction, his eyes dark and cold. ¡°Is there aw saying we can¡¯t kiss after getting a divorce?¡±


    Aveline was speechless by his reasoning.


    She wiped her lips for a full minute before stopping. Her lips were rubbed red and swollen, looking even more alluring. Lucas noticed this and suddenly said, ¡°I kissed you once, and you wiped so hard <b>for </b><b>so </b>long. What if I kissed you for a minute?¡±


    Aveline immediately took a cautious step back. ¡°Lucas please behave yourself!¡±


    <b>Lucas </b>sneered, turning around. ¡°<b>Get </b>in the car, or I <b>don¡¯t </b>mind kissing you under <b>the </b>camera <b>for </b><b>a </b><b>while</b>.¡±


    He got back <b>into </b>the driver¡¯s seat. Aveline red <b>at him </b>with <b>resentment</b><b>, </b><b>not </b><b>daring </b><b>to </b><b>defy </b><b>him</b><b>, </b><b>knowing </b>he would <b>really </b><b>do </b>it. She got into the passenger <b>seat. </b>


    <b>Aveline </b><b>pulled </b>over <b>the </b><b>seatbelt </b>and <b>fastened it</b>. Then she <b>asked</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b><b>Who </b><b>sent </b><b>me those </b><b>photos</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Lucas </b><b>started </b><b>the </b><b>car </b><b>and </b><b>drove </b><b>off </b><b>in </b><b>one </b><b>direction </b><b>without </b><b>answering</b>.


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    Aveline looked at him in confusion. ¡°Lucas, why aren¡¯t you speaking?¡±


    Lucas responded coldly, ¡°I said earlier, we¡¯ll talk at the Tudor residence.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    What was wrong with him? They were in the car together right then ¨C why couldn¡¯t he just spit it out? Was he waiting for some perfect cinematic moment or something?


    Aveline turned to look out the window. Now that she was in the car, jumping out wasn¡¯t an option.


    The Tudor residence soon came into view. Aveline got out and walked straight inside, leaving Lucas with only a glimpse of her slender, graceful silhouette.


    Lucas watched her disappear, then pulled out a cigarette. He lit it and leaned against the car, taking a long drag.


    When Aveline reached the vi¡¯s entrance and realized he hadn¡¯t followed, she turned back to see him lounging casually against the car, a cigarette between his fingers. His handsome face looked deep and brooding, his demeanor cold and aloof.


    He was smoking at a time like this? Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline was speechless.


    After a while, he finally finished his cigarette and began walking towards her with long strides.


    D


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 Divorced 492

    <b>Chapter </b><b>492 </b>


    Aveline averted her gaze. His eyes were too intense, and she realized she couldn¡¯t resist them.


    Keeping her distance was a better idea.


    She walked into the vi and looked at Lucas. ¡°Can you tell me now?¡±


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Lucas responded coolly, ¡°It was an overseas virtual number. I had someone trace it<b>, </b>and it turns <b>out </b>it was one of the Tudor family¡¯s bodyguards.¡®


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Who instructed this bodyguard to send me those photos? What¡¯s the purpose?¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°What was your first thought when you saw the photos<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline pressed her lips together. ¡°Compassion. I wanted to rescue him.¡±


    Lucas¡® tone grew colder. ¡°But you know I won¡¯t release him. This goes against what you want. The person who sent you the photos wants to see us turn against each other.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°That¡¯s what I suspected too.¡±


    Lucas looked at her in surprise. ¡°You figured that out?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m not stupid. Also, I suspect that my previous imprisonment in that warehouse was intentional. How could it be such a coincidence that I climbed out the window and just happened to pass by the entrance to the basement?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Smart,¡± Lucas praised.


    While confirming her suspicions, Aveline felt a heavy weight in her heart. This meant someone was watching them, waiting for the right moment to drive a wedge between them, ideally turning them into enemies.


    Who could it be<b>? </b>


    Lucas took a bottle of wine from the cab, poured some into a ss, and took a sip. His Adam¡¯s apple moved sensually as his eyes grew even colder. ¡°Aveline, maybe we should put on a show.¡±


    Aveline looked at him in confusion. ¡°What?¡±


    Lucas set down his ss and strode directly towards her. He reached out, pulling her into <b>an </b>embrace. As she began to struggle, he whispered, <b>¡°</b>Just y along. What if my ce is bugged?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s hand pressed against his side, but she lessened her <b>force </b>upon hearing this, letting his <b>cool </b><b>and </b>pleasant scent envelop her.


    She whispered, ¡°What <b>do </b><b>you </b><b>mean</b>?¡±


    <b>Lucas¡¯s </b>eyes darkened <b>as </b>he <b>stared </b><b>at </b>her <b>flushed ear</b>. <b>He </b><b>leaned </b><b>in</b><b>, </b><b>his </b><b>voice </b><b>low </b><b>and </b><b>intense</b>. <b>¡°</b><b>That </b><b>person </b><b>wants </b><b>to </b><b>see </b><b>us </b><b>at </b>odds, <b>caught </b><b>in </b><b>some </b><b>twisted </b><b>love</b><b>¨C</b><b>hate </b><b>drama</b>. <b>So </b><b>why </b><b>don¡¯t </b><b>we </b><b>flip </b><b>the </b><b>script</b><b>? </b><b>Let¡¯s </b><b>act </b><b>like </b><b>we¡¯re </b><b>madly in </b><b>love</b>. <b>Imagine how </b><b>desperate </b><b>that¡¯ll </b><b>make </b><b>them</b>.


    <b>Aveline </b><b>felt </b><b>something </b><b>was </b><b>off </b><b>but </b><b>couldn¡¯t </b><b>pinpoint </b><b>She </b><b>asked</b>, ¡°<b>But </b><b>how </b><b>can </b><b>you </b><b>be </b><b>so </b><b>sure </b><b>that </b><b>the </b><b>other </b><b>party </b><b>wants </b><b>us </b><b>to </b><b>hate </b><b>each </b><b>other</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Lucas </b><b>replied</b><b>, </b>¡°<b>Based </b><b>on </b><b>the </b><b>current </b><b>situation</b><b>, </b><b>that¡¯s </b><b>what </b><b>it </b>seems <b>like</b>. Let¡¯s <b>take </b><b>a </b><b>gamble </b><b>and </b><b>see </b>if <b>my </b>


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    guess is right.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    His breath lightly touched her ear as he hoarsely asked, ¡°Aveline, do you dare to take the gamble?¡±


    Aveline felt as if a feather had brushed against her ear, causing her body to shiver slightly. She pushed him away immediately.


    ¡°I need to think about it,¡± she said, turning to leave.


    ¡°Think carefully. We don¡¯t have much time left. Don¡¯t keep me waiting too long,¡± Lucas said.


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond and left the Tudor residence. It was already dusk, the sunset sinking, and a breeze carried the chill ofte autumn, with winter approaching soon. She pulled her coat tighter, her mind in turmoil.


    Why were things getting moreplicated? She had divorced Lucas; did she really want to get involved again? Would she be able to ultimately walk away unscathed?


    Lost in thought, she turned a corner when the roar of a motorcycle sped past her. Someone grabbed her arm, pulling her back just as the motorcycle narrowly missed her. She was so frightened her face turned a shade paler.


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 Divorced 493

    Chapter <b>493 </b>


    Aveline was startled and turned to look, but she only saw the shadow of the speeding motorcycle gradually disappearing from view.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, turning back to the person who had grabbed her.


    When she saw his face she was slightly taken aback.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± the young man replied.


    He was tall and lean, wearing a mask that revealed only his eyes. His bangs naturally fell over his forehead, partially obscuring his stern expression.


    Aveline was momentarily dazed. This man looked like Lucas!


    The man turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Aveline quickly blocked his path, hesitantly asking, ¡°Have we met somewhere before?¡±


    The man, still wearing the mask, spoke in a muffled voice that re, no emotion. He shook his head.¡±


    No, I don¡¯t know you.¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°Did you work part¨Ctime as a waiter at the Tudor residence?¡±


    A memory shed in her mind ¨C the waiter who¡¯d rushed out just in time to stop Barbara from tumbling off the cliff at her birthday party.


    Suddenly, the image of that waiter began to blur with the man standing before her. She¡¯d been too shaken that day to get a good look at the waiter¡¯s face, but now a hazy recollection stirred.


    The man before her resembled that waiter!


    The man shook his head. ¡°No.¡±


    A sh of disappointment crossed Aveline¡¯s eyes. She smiled apologetically, ¡°Sorry, I mistook you for someone else.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The man said nothing and walked away.


    Aveline watched his departing figure, still feeling a sense of familiarity. But since he denied it, she couldn¡¯t continue to press him.


    Deciding not to walk anymore, she took out her phone to call a ride. She hadn¡¯t expected someone to be speeding in this area; it was really unsafe.


    When the car arrived, Aveline got in, her mind preupied with what Lucas had said.


    He wanted her to put on a show with him?


    But what if the other party didn¡¯t make any moves? What <b>if </b>their guess was wrong from the start<b>? </b>Aveline¡¯s mind was in turmoil.


    Moreover, she had already <b>divorced </b>Lucas and <b>didn¡¯t </b>want <i>to </i>have too many entanglements with him.


    If she agreed to act with him, it would inevitably lead to moreplications.


    That was not what she wanted <b>to </b><b>see</b>.


    1/2


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    At Maple Garden.


    As Aveline entered the neighborhood, someone appeared in front of her. Sophia stopped her, barely concealing her disgust, and asked, ¡°Do you know there¡¯s a new woman around Lucas<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned colder. ¡°I¡¯ve divorced him. Whether he has one woman or ten around him has nothing to do with me.¡±


    She walked past Sophia, not wanting to engage.


    Sophia stepped forward, her voice sharp. ¡°Aveline, how can you be so cold? After everything Lucas has done for you, you¡¯re still unmoved? Did you ever really love him at all?¡±


    Aveline rolled her eyes, thinking Sophia was being absurd. She cut straight to the chase, ¡°What exactly are you after here? You want me to help you get rid of that woman? You must be dreaming.¡±


    She gestured towards the night sky and added sarcastically, ¡°It¡¯s dark out now. Why don¡¯t you wait <b>till </b>morning to dream? That¡¯s what we call daydreaming.¡±


    With a mocking nce, she walked towards the apartment building.


    Sophia¡¯s hands balled into fists, rage boiling inside her How could Aveline be so indifferent to this news? That woman, Judy, was always hovering around Lucas, using work with DK Group as an excuse to constantly throw herself at him!


    Sophia was convinced she was the one who should be Lucas¡® wife. No other woman was worthy!


    As she watched Aveline walk away, Sophia¡¯s eyes narrowed, her gaze turning increasingly venomous.


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 Divorced 494

    Chapter <b>494 </b>


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Aveline thought about Lucas¡® proposal for three days but couldn¡¯te to a conclusion. That afternoon, she received a call from Barbara.


    Aveline was quite surprised and immediately asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Barbara¡¯s aged voice came through, ¡°What? After the divorce, you don¡¯te to see me anymore? I admit I said some harsh things before and forgot some details. Lucas has told me everything; I wronged you.¡±


    Aveline was taken aback. This proud old woman was actually apologizing to her? She almost wanted to check if pigs were flying outside.


    However, considering she was a sick elderly woman, Aveline decided not to hold a grudge. ¡°I¡¯ve been busy with work. I¡¯ll make time to visit you.¡±


    Barbara replied, ¡°Come over this afternoon. I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up. There are many things I don¡¯t understand, and I want you to exin them to me.¡±


    Aveline instinctively frowned. ¡°But¡­¡±


    Barbara interrupted, ¡°Do I have to invite you personally?¡±


    Aveline felt a hint of pressure. The current Barbara was very different from her when she was ill. Aveline had no choice but to agree. ¡°Alright.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline sat at her desk, lost in thought. It felt like things weren¡¯t as simple as they seemed. After all these days, why was Barbara reaching out now?


    She got up and went to the office to ask for leave from Maria.


    Maria was surprised and asked, ¡°Is something wrong? There¡¯s a dinner tonight, and I wanted you toe,


    with me.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, I need to visit the hosp


    Maria¡¯s expression immediately turned serious. ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m going to visit a friend.


    Maria rxed again. ¡°Oh, as long as it¡¯s not


    you. Then go ahead. I¡¯ll take Sid to the dinner.¡±


    When she mentioned Sidney, a yful smile appeared on her face.


    Aveline hesitated for a moment and asked, ¡°Boss, about Sidney¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Maria raised an eyebrow, looking at her in confusion.


    Aveline said, ¡°His situation is unique. If possible, let him focus <b>on </b>designing and earning <i>his </i>performance. He doesn¡¯t need to attend dinners.¡±


    She tried to be as tactful as possible, but Maria seemed oblivious<i>, </i>smiling as she said, ¡°Yes, he¡¯s met a lot <b><i>of </i></b>clients recently. It shows that taking him to various social events has its benefits.¡±


    Aveline fell silent.


    Leaving the office, Aveline nced at Sidney, feeling he looked more haggard than usual.


    Sidney stood up to get some water and noticed her looking at him. He paused for a moment before smiling, ¡°Aveline, what¡¯s up?¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°How have you beentely?¡±


    Sidney grinned. ¡°I¡¯vended a few contracts and have been busy sketching. Finally starting to get my mojo back.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    Just as she was about to say more, her phone rang. The driver sent by Barbara had arrived.


    Aveline said, ¡°I have to go. Take care of yourself.¡®


    Sidney nodded earnestly. ¡°I will.¡±


    Watching Aveline leave, Sidney reluctantly turned his gaze away.


    At the hospital, Aveline saw a bodyguard standing by the door of the hospital room.


    Did a hospital under the Tudor Group really need bodyguards?


    Puzzled, she didn¡¯t dwell on it and pushed open the door to enter the room.


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 Divorced 495

    Chapter 495


    The sunlight streamed in at an angle, casting a soft glow on the hospital room¡¯s white walls. Barbara sat on the hospital bed while Sophia sat beside her, feeding her fruit.


    Aveline stood at a respectful distance and greeted, ¡°Madam Barbara.¡±


    Barbara didn¡¯t even nce at her. Instead, she said to Sophia, ¡°It¡¯s a good time now, how about you take me for a walk?¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    She and the nurse helped Barbara from the bed into a wheelchair, and then pushed her out of the room. As they passed Aveline, Sophia nced at her with a cold smirk.


    Aveline frowned slightly and turned to follow, but a bodyguard at the door stopped her.


    ¡°Madam Barbara instructed you to wait here.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank with a sense of foreboding. She stepped back a couple of paces, and as the door closed, she pulled out her phone to contact someone, only to find there was no signal. The room was equipped with a signal jammer!


    Her expression darkened immediately. What was Barbara up to? Why was she being kept here? Aveline couldn¡¯t understand.


    With the bodyguard preventing her from leaving, she had no choice but to stay and wait. She sat on the sofa, watching the minutes tick by <b>as </b>the sun set, and Barbara did not return.


    Rising to her feet, Aveline moved to the window and looked out at the bustling city below. The floor was too high for her to jump.


    Returning to the door, she tried to leave again, but the bodyguard still blocked her way.


    She asked, ¡°Where did Madam Barbara go?¡±


    The bodyguard replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Aveline persisted, ¡°Can you at least take me to find her?¡±


    The bodyguard remained silent and did not budge his stance firm.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew even more grim. These bodyguards weren¡¯t Lucas¡® men, so she didn¡¯t dare to act rashly, Feeling helpless, she returned to the sofa to continue waiting. When she got tired, shey down on the hospital bed to sleep. The environment was decent, thought she was starting to feel hungry.


    Selena arrived at Maple Garden, and entered the apartment after inputting the code, but <b>didn¡¯t </b>


    see Aveline. There were no shoes at the door either<b>. </b>


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    ¦§


    ¡°Huh? Not back yet?¡± Selena was puzzled and took out her phone to call Aveline. The call couldn¡¯t get through.


    What was going on?


    Selena¡¯s brows furrowed as she recalled Aveline¡¯s previous troubles, her face turning pale.


    She immediately left to check Aveline¡¯s workce.


    However, everyone there had already left for the day!


    Aveline was missing<b>! </b>


    Selena was growing frantic when a car slowly pulled up beside her.


    Russell¡¯s strikingly handsome face appeared, and he asked, ¡°Selena, what are you doing here?


    Seeing him was like seeing a savior. She immediately said, ¡°Ave is missing!¡±


    Russell¡¯s brows knitted together. ¡°Get in the car and tell me everything.¡±


    Selena hurriedly exined the situation.


    Russell tried calling Aveline, but couldn¡¯t reach her either. He quickly contacted his people to start tracking Aveline¡¯s whereabouts.


    Selena, pale with worry, clutched her seatbelt tightly. ¡°Russ, Ave will be okay, right?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Russell reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she will be fine<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    About half an hourter, Russell¡¯s phone pinged. He nced at it and said, ¡°We¡¯ve found her.¡±


    P


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 Divorced 496

    Chapter 496


    As night fell, Aveline groggily opened her eyes. She was still in the hospital room, and Barbara had not returned. She got up and turned on the lights.


    Just as she gathered her thoughts, the door to the room opened. Thinking it was Barbara, she turned her head, only to see two bodyguards walk in. ¡°Miss Young, Madam Babara is waiting for you outside.¡±


    This time, Aveline didn¡¯t believe a word.


    She sank into the sofa and said, ¡°It¡¯s prettyte. Madam Barbara still isn¡¯t back? It¡¯s already getting chilly out there. At her age, catching a cold could be serious<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Seeing that she wasn¡¯t leaving, the bodyguards exchanged nces. They then approached her, took out a spray bottle from their pocket, and sprayed it in her face.


    Aveline was startled and instinctively tried to avoid it, but it was toote. The strong, unpleasant smell filled her nostrils, and she immediately felt dizzy. ¡°You¡­ you<b>¡­</b>¡±


    She couldn¡¯t finish her sentence before passing out.


    The hospital bed was pushed into the elevator and taken out through the back door of the hospital, unnoticed by anyone.


    When Russell arrived with his men, Aveline was already gone from the room.


    Selena, full of anxiety, asked, ¡°Wasn¡¯t Ave here? Where is she?¡±


    Russell inspected the surroundings, then closed his eyes and said, ¡°There¡¯s a scent of tranquilizer. She¡¯s been moved.¡±


    Selena¡¯s face turned even paler. ¡°Could someone know we¡¯re looking for her?¡±


    Russell said, ¡°This room was previously upied by Barbara. Aveline came here on her own, so Barbara must have summoned her.¡±


    ¡°What does Barbara want with her now? Can¡¯t the Tudors just leave her be? Aveline¡¯s already divorced Lucas. Why are they still dragging her into their mess?¡± Selena fumed at the mention of the Tudor name, her eyes shing with contempt for Lucas.


    She turned to leave. ¡°I have to find Lucas. This is his family¡¯s doing. If he can¡¯t find Aveline, I¡¯ll fight him to the end!¡±


    Russell didn¡¯t stop her. Instead, he instructed his men, ¡°Check the hospital¡¯s surveince and continue searching for Aveline.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


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    Selena rushed to the DK Group building but was stopped at the reception. She mmed her palm on the counter and snapped, ¡®I need to see Lucas. If I don¡¯t get to him today, I¡¯ll make sure every single one of you has hell to pay!¡±


    The receptionist responded, ¡°Miss, if you continue to cause trouble, I¡¯ll have to call the police.¡±


    Selena gritted her teeth in frustration.


    At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and Lucas and Aaron stepped out.


    Selena instinctively turned and, seeing Lucas, immediately rushed over.


    Aaron, seeing her, thought she was there to see him. A smile appeared on his face as he stepped forward. ¡°You¡¯re that eager¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, Selena pushed him aside and charged towards Lucas, ring at him angrily. ¡°Where have you taken Ave this time? You¡¯re divorced! Can you let her have some peace for a few days?¡±


    Lucas narrowed his eyes dangerously. ¡°Aveline is missing?¡±


    Selena sneered. ¡°Stop pretending. Your grandmother called her to the hospital, but after she went, she disappeared. I just came from the hospital, and she¡¯s gone!¡±


    Lucas¡® face darkened immediately. He pulled out his phone and made a call. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


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 Divorced 497

    Chapter 497


    The hospital surveince footage quickly reached Lucas¡® phone. He sat in the car, scrutinizing it carefully. From the moment Aveline entered the room to when Barbara and Sophia left together, he didn¡¯t miss a single detail.


    However, there was a missing segment in the footage.


    Lucas pressed a button on his Bluetooth earpiece, his voice icy. ¡°Maria, where¡¯s the rest of the footage?¡±


    Maria responded hastily, ¡°I¡¯m looking, I¡¯m looking! Don¡¯t rush me.¡±


    She was sweating profusely, nervous and worried. If she had known that Aveline would get into trouble after leaving in the afternoon, she wouldn¡¯t have let her go.


    ¡°Hurry up,¡± Lucas¡® voice came through the earpiece, extremely cold.


    Maria felt a chill run up her spine. She swallowed hard and quickly tapped on the keyboard, hacking into one surveince system after another around the hospital, searching for Aveline¡¯s figure.


    ¡°I found it!¡± Two minutester, she eximed and immediately sent the video to Lucas¡® phone. The footage, captured by a camera diagonally across from the hospital¡¯s back door, showed Aveline being carried into a car by two men.


    The car then sped away.


    Maria added, ¡°That car had fake tes. They removed the tes on a road without surveince. I can¡¯t track it now.¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond and instead dialed the nurse who was with Barbara.


    Selena, sitting beside him, watched as Lucas issued onemand after another in an orderly manner, his expression very serious.


    Only then did she start to believe that Aveline¡¯s trouble this time had nothing to do with him. But it still wasn¡¯tpletely unrted! It was the Tudor family that did this! By extension, it was his doing!


    Thinking this way, Selena red at Lucas angrily


    Aaron stepped in front of her, blocking her view, Selena red at him, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aaronzily replied, ¡°Even if you re your eyes out, Aveline won¡¯t magically appear in front of you. I suggest you save your energy and not provoke Lucas. Otherwise, he might just throw you out of the car!¡±


    Selena retorted, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare!¡±


    12


    If Lucas ever treated <b>her </b>that way, she would take Aveline and vanish, ensuring he could never find them. She wasn¡¯t bluffing¨Cif pushed, she¡¯d do whatever it took!


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    The call connected, and the nurse¡¯s respectful voice came through, ¡°Mr. Lucas, are your looking for Madam Babara? She just went to sleep.¡±


    Lucas¡® tone was icy, ¡°It seems grandma is sleeping welltely. I have some matters to discuss with her. Wake her up.


    The nurse hesitated, ¡°Mr. Lucas, Madam Babara just fell asleep. Isn¡¯t it unwise to disturb her?¡± Lucas¡® voice grew colder. ¡°Do I need your permission to do anything?¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The nurse became flustered, quickly responding, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean that. I¡¯m just worried about Madam Babara¡¯s health.¡±


    Lucas snapped, ¡°I¡¯m her grandson, and I¡¯m not worried. What are you, a servant, worrying about?¡±


    The nurse fell silent in fear, quickly saying, ¡°I¡¯ll wake her up right away.¡±


    Lucas hung up and instructed the driver to return to the Tudor family estate.


    Selena frowned and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tracking where Aveline went? Why are you going to the estate?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Selena bristled with anger and was about to retort, but Aaron intervened, stopping her.


    Selena red at her arm where Aaron had grabbed it and coldly said, ¡°Let go!¡±


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 Divorced 498

    Chapter <b>498 </b>


    Aaron narrowed his eyes<b>, </b>sensing that something was off in Selena¡¯s attitude toward him.


    Instead of letting go, he looked at her and asked, ¡°Why are you acting like this towards me?¡±


    Selena retorted, ¡°Are we that close?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Heh!¡± Aaronughed in exasperation.


    They weren¡¯t close? After all they had been through together? They had even slept together, and she said they weren¡¯t close?


    His grip on her arm tightened momentarily, but seeing her cold expression, he let go with a coldugh, saying nothing more. If she wanted to pretend they weren¡¯t close, so be it. Let her be.


    Selena moved her arm and then turned to Lucas. ¡°Hey, say something!¡±


    One moment he was focused on finding Aveline, and the next he was heading to the Tudor family estate?


    Lucas gave her a cold nce. ¡°Either wait patiently or get out!¡±


    With Aveline missing, no one could protect her!


    ¡°You!¡± Selena¡¯s face flushed with anger. How could he be so arrogant when Aveline¡¯s disappearance was the Tudor family¡¯s fault?


    She took out her phone and sent a message to Russell.


    ¡°Russ, have you found Ave yet?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°I have a rough location. I¡¯ll check it out first. If it¡¯s her, I¡¯ll let


    you


    know.¡±


    Selena texted back, ¡°Okay, looking forward to the good news!¡±


    She shot Lucas a disdainful look, fervently hoping that Russell would find Aveline first.


    This way, Aveline would surely be grateful to Russell, and it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if something developed between them. It would be the perfect opportunity to finally get rid of Lucas, that scumbag!


    The car quickly arrived at the Tudor family estate. Lucas got out of the car, his tall figure striding swiftly towards the vi. The servants saw him and were about to greet him, but sensing the cold aura around him, they dared not approach.


    Yvonne saw him and was surprised. ¡°Lucas, why are you back so suddenly?¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    1/2


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    Lucas¡® expression was cold. ¡°To see grandma. Why didn¡¯t anyone tell me she was discharged?


    Yvonne exined, ¡°Your grandma suddenly wanted some home¨Ccooked food, so she came back. After eating, she decided to stay the night and will return to the hospital tomorrow.¡±


    Lucas sneered, ¡°Oh, really? Then I¡¯ll have to ask her what kind of home¨Ccooked meal is so good. I shoulde back and try it sometime.¡±


    Sensing something was wrong, Yvonne frowned and asked, ¡°Lucas, has something happened?


    Lucas had already reached Barbara¡¯s room. He knocked on the door patiently. ¡°Yvonne, today¡¯s matter has nothing to do with you. You¡¯d better not get involved, or I¡¯ll suspect you as an aplice.¡±


    Yvonne was taken aback and then said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but your grandma just had surgery. Her body can¡¯t handle any stress. Don¡¯t upset her.¡±


    She hurriedly left after saying that.


    There was no sound from the room for a long time. Lucas¡® patience wore thin, and he opened the door and walked in.


    Barbara was sitting up in bed, clearly not resting.


    ¡°Lucas, you have quite the nerve!¡± Barbara said, her face looking displeased as she saw him barging in.


    Lucas stood at the foot of the bed, looking down at the elderly woman with a cold expression. ¡°Grandma, where is Aveline?¡±


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 Divorced 499

    Chapter 499


    Barbara replied coldly, ¡°Haven¡¯t you already divorced her? Where she is and what she¡¯s doing should have nothing to do with you.¡±


    Lucas leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the foot of the bed, eyes filled with icy coldness as he looked at her.


    ¡°Grandma, you used the same tactics to force me into a divorce, and I obliged. But if you try it again, my patience will run out. After all, when Leo died in front of me, I didn¡¯t shed a single tear. How long do you think I¡¯d care about your life?¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Barbara¡¯s face grew increasingly grim, her hand trembling as she pointed at him.¡± Lucas, you unfilial grandson!¡±


    Lucas smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve always been. Did you forget?¡±


    His presence exuded a chilling aura, his eyes showing a mix of ruthlessness and madness, a determination that would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.


    Barbara suddenly recalled that Lucas had always been this way as a child¨Ca little wolf cub. Anyone who got close to him ended up hurt. He wasn¡¯t a likable child. It was Leo who always stayed by his side, never minding the injuries he received.


    Somewhere along the way, Lucas changed, gradually bing kinder. He had been kind for so long that everyone forgot he was actually a madman who didn¡¯t value his own life.


    Lucas asked again, ¡°Grandma, where is Aveline?


    Barbara, looking defeated, said, ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>give you a phone number. Ask him where Aveline has


    been taken. I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Lucas pressed a button on his Bluetooth earpiece. ¡°Did you get that?¡±


    Maria¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Tracking it now.¡±


    Lucas¡® frosty gaze remained fixed on the elderly woman in the bed. ¡°I¡¯ve always respected you, but that respect can fade.¡±


    With that, he turned and left. Barbara¡¯s face paled as she stared nkly at his retreating figure, unable to react for a long time.


    Lucas¡­


    His personality was exactly like his mother¡¯s. After that incident, his mother stubbornly took her own life. But Lucas? He wouldn¡¯t do that. He would only harm others.


    Selena was growing impatient. Just as she was about to get out of the car, Lucas returned.


    He was cloaked in a chilling aura, his handsome face even more frosty. He ordered the driver to head straight to the abandoned dock in the southern part of the city.


    Hearing this location, Selena immediately sent a message to Russell, praying he could find Aveline first.


    The sound of waves prated the container, reaching Aveline¡¯s ears. She slowly regained consciousness and realized her hands and feet were bound, and there was tape over her


    mouth.


    The surroundings were pitch ck, with only the faint sound of waves crashing against the shore.


    Was she by the sea?


    Aveline¡¯s head was still spinning, and she struggled to catch her breath. She kicked the container with all her might, creating a loud banging noise, but there was no other response. Her face grew pale.


    What was Barbara nning? Did she intend for her to drown at sea? N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    As if to confirm her fears, water began to slowly seep through the container¡¯s gaps. It was just a trickle, but Aveline noticed it. Her eyes widened in terror, and she kicked the container even harder.


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 Divorced 500

    Chapter 500


    Bang!


    Bang bang!


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    Her desperate kicks echoed inside the container, but this part of the abandoned dock, deep within the deserted beach, was empty and isted. The beach was strewn with trash, and several containers stood amid the rising tide, slowly being swallowed by the seawater.


    In the distance, car headlights illuminated the road. Inside the car, Sophia held binocrs, watching the container in the darkness. A malicious smile appeared on her face.


    Aveline would drown in two hours!


    That wretched woman should have died long ago!


    She had always clung to Lucas, distracting him and preventing their divorce from going through! If it hadn¡¯t been for her interference, Sophia and Lucas would have been married by now, and she would have be part of the Tudor family.


    Satisfied with the rising tide, Sophia smirked, set down the binocrs, and told the driver, Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡±


    The water beneath her was rising steadily.


    Terror filled Aveline¡¯s eyes.


    She struggled frantically, trying to free herself from the ropes binding her hands and feet, but her skin was chafed and bleeding, and the ropes held fast.


    Water pooled beneath her, and she panted heavily, surrounded by suffocating darkness. She strained her eyes, trying to see anything, but there was nothing but ckness,


    Was she really going to drown? Desperation and reluctance filled her eyes.


    Why?


    She had divorced Lucas and left that life behind. Why wouldn¡¯t they let her go? What hurt the most was that Barbara, who once cared for her, was now targeting her.


    She couldn¡¯t understand. Barbara had just forgotten about recent events. Why had she changed so drastically? If Barbara¡¯s true nature was this cold, why had she shown such warmth when she was ill?


    Aveline¡¯s heart ached with the pain of being betrayed by someone she had considered close.


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    The seawater continued to rise, spreading relentlessly. Aveline found herself lying in the icy. water, unable to break free. She closed her eyes in despair, her mind shing through recent evente


    It seemed like her tragedies began the moment she met Lucas. If only she had never encountered him. Would her life have been smooth and trouble¨Cfree?


    If only she had never met him.


    The water covered her ears, the cold piercing her bones.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Suddenly, there was a loud noise outside the container. Aveline¡¯s body jolted, and she kicked the container with all her strength, trying to respond.


    ¡°Over here!¡±


    Through the fog of her mind, she heard voices outside. Tears of relief welled up and fell from her eyes.


    In no time, there was a flurry of activity, and light suddenly flooded her vision. Aveline instinctively closed her eyes against the brightness.


    She heard the sound of footsteps sshing through the water, and then she was lifted up.


    ¡°Aveline<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>


    The deep, slightly hoarse voice reached her ears,


    Aveline¡¯s body trembled. She opened her eyes to see Lucas¡® face clearly illuminated by the shlight.


    She stared <b>at </b>him, dazed and disoriented.


    Lucas frowned deeply. ¡°Aveline, do you know who I <b>am</b>?¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­¡±


    Aveline tried to speak, but the tape over her mouth muffled her words<i>. </i>


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 Divorced 501

    Chapter 501


    Lucas reached out and ripped the tape off her mouth.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Aveline cried out in pain, gasping for breath before saying, ¡°Lucas, I¡¯ve thought it over. I agree with what you asked.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked, ¡°Why did you suddenly agree?¡±


    Aveline pursed her lips, about to say something when a voice called out from afar. ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°Can you stop chatting there?¡±


    ¡°The tide is rising!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression froze. ¡°Let¡¯s leave here first.¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas was already striding towards the shore, carrying her. He had just ced her in the car when Selena rushed over, throwing her arms around her and crying out, ¡°Ave, you scared me to death! I thought I¡¯d never see you again!¡±


    Aveline stumbled back slightly, coughing twice. ¡°Cough¡­ don¡¯t do that, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s cold voice broke in, ¡°If you keep hugging her like this, you might actually never see her again.¡±


    After speaking, he frowned, wondering why he had spoken to her. This woman never understood when people were being kind¡­


    Selena, however, ignored Aaron and quickly let go of Aveline, sniffling. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, let me untie you first. The Tudor family is full of awful people, I thought you¡¯d be free after divorcing Lucas, but now Madam Barbara is causing trouble. What do they want? Will they only be satisfied when you¡¯re dead?¡±


    As she finished speaking, a chill swept through the air.


    Selena shivered, nced at Lucas, and defiantly raised her chin. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Suddenly, Lucas grabbed her by the cor and moved her aside before getting in the car and mming the door.


    Selena¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Hey! What are you doing? Open the door! I have more to say to Ave! You jerk, open the door!¡±


    She banged on the door with all her might, but the people inside remained unmoved.


    The engine started, and if Aaron hadn¡¯t pulled her away quickly, the car wheels would have. run over her feet!


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Lucas, if you¡¯ve got guts, don¡¯t run away!¡± Selena rolled up her sleeves, ready for a showdown


    with


    Ucas.


    Aaron coolly remarked, ¡°He¡¯s not running; he¡¯s sitting right there.¡±


    Selena suddenly turned and red at Aaron. ¡°Why did you pull me? Do you really think he¡¯d run over my feet?¡±


    Aaron frowned. ¡°Selena, I know you¡¯re worried about Aveline, but can you stop attacking everyone? I didn¡¯t provoke you!¡±


    In fact, he had been on edge all night, fearing Lucas might take his anger out on Selena!


    Selena sneered. ¡°You¡¯re his friend. You¡¯re both the same!¡±


    With that, she turned and walked ahead.


    Aaron¡¯s expression darkenedpletely.


    What an ungrateful woman!


    On the other side.


    Russell sat in his car, observing the scene. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly.


    After receiving Selena¡¯s message, he rushed over but was still a step toote.


    Lucas had already rescued Aveline.


    If¡­


    If he had arrived first, would the oue have been different?


    Russell¡¯s face was hidden in the shadows as he pulled out his phone and made a call.


    P


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 Divorced 502

    Chapter 502


    swollen and painful from


    In the car, Aveline gently rubbed her wrists, which had be being bound for so long. Her face was pale, and her clothes were soaked through.


    Lucas took out a towel and began wiping her face and neck. Aveline felt a bit ufortable and tried to take the towel, saying, ¡°I can do it myself.¡±


    But Lucas replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you already decide? You should start getting used to this now.¡±


    Aveline paused, lowering her gaze.


    ¡°Will this really work?¡± she asked quietly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise that,¡± Lucas said, ¡°but there are people who don¡¯t want to see us happy. So, let¡¯s be even more affectionate.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, not saying anything more.


    Luca¡¯s gently dried her hair as the car headed directly back to the Tudor mansion.


    Feeling cold and mmy, Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower first. We can discuss everything else after.¡±


    ¡°Alright, go ahead,¡± Lucas replied, then instructed the kitchen to prepare some ginger tea.


    Although Aveline hadn¡¯t been in the seawater, she had spent hours in the shipping container! The coastal winds were frigid, making it easy for her to catch a cold.


    When Aveline came out, she saw the ginger tea on the table. Lucas had removed his outer coat and said firmly, ¡°Drink this first.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t refuse. She picked up the cup and drank it all. A warm,forting feeling spread through her body.


    Her furrowed brow rxed a bit as she sat down on the sofa.


    Lucas said, ¡°If we¡¯re going to put on an act, we need to go all out. Either you move in here, or I¡¯ll go to Maple Garden. We should visit the Tudor family home once a week. And we¡¯ll need to remarry.¡±


    Though their divorce had been fake, they still needed to go through the process. Otherwise, if <b>they </b>simply started living together again, Aveline might be suspicious.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Let¡¯s hold off on the remarriage for now. If anyone asks, we can exin. We can remarry after the wedding ceremony.¡±


    This would also create the illusion that they were nning to hold a wedding ceremony, potentially forcing those behind the scenes to make desperate moves.


    0 +15 BONUS


    The sooner they could catch the mastermind, the safer Aveline would be. Lucas studied her for a long moment before he said, ¡°Aveline<b>, </b><b>are </b>you leaving yourself an escape route?¡±


    Aveline met his gaze calmly. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I? After all, we¡¯re just acting. Once this is over, your and I will go our separate ways.¡±


    A sh of coldness passed through Lucas¡® eyes, but he lowered his gaze to conceal his emotions.


    He nodded. ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll do it your way.¡±


    Aveline then asked, ¡°How do you n to handle today¡¯s incident?¡±


    It had been orchestrated by Barbara, with Sophia as the main instigator. Aveline had nearly lost her life. If Lucas hadn¡¯t arrived, she might have already been drifting out to sea in that


    container.


    A hint of coldness appeared in Aveline¡¯s eyes.


    Lucas asked, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°How powerful is the Winter family in Cloudre City?¡± Aveline inquired.


    Lucas replied nonchntly, ¡°They¡¯re unremarkable. Sophia is an illegitimate daughter.¡±


    Over the years, Sophia had enjoyed a somewhat better life in the family, relying on the fact that she had once saved Lucas¡® life.


    Aveline gave a softugh. ¡°Can you give me some information on the Winter family?¡±


    Lucas leaned back, studying her. ¡°What are you nning?¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline¡¯s tone was cool as she replied, ¡°Whatever she values, I¡¯ll destroy it. All her efforts will be for nothing. Wouldn¡¯t that be painful?¡±


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 Divorced 503

    Chapter 503 N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Lucas suddenly stood up, hismanding presence enveloping Aveline as he ced his hands on either side of her, trapping her in his arms. His sudden closeness made Aveline tense up immediately, her clear eyes revealing a hint of wariness as she looked at him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Lucas chuckled softly, his piercing gaze fixed on her as he said in a low voice, ¡°Aveline, when did you be so wicked?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips curved into a cold smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to be like this, but you all forced me to.¡±


    She could have lived a simple, carefree life. It was his forceful entry into her world, his refusal to let go, and the pressure and jealousy from others that had turned her into what she was now. She hadn¡¯t wanted this either.


    Aveline lowered her eyes, a trace of sadness appearing in them.


    Seeing this, Lucas felt an inexplicable difort. Noticing her damp hair, he suddenly stood up and left, returning momentster with a hairdryer.


    ¡°Let me dry your hair.¡±


    Aveline frowned and refused, ¡°No need, I can do it myself.


    ¡°You can do everything yourself,¡± Lucas replied, ¡°but I want to dry it for you.¡±


    Aveline paused, then didn¡¯t stop him.


    She vaguely sensed that Lucas had changed somewhat, but not significantly. She didn¡¯t dwell on it. Whether he changed or not held no meaning for her anymore.


    The warm air from the dryer flowed through her hair as Lucas¡® fingers gentlybed through it. His movements were slow and gentle. Aveline leaned back into the sofa, her eyes half- closed infort.


    Drowsiness overcame her, and her eyelids grew heavier. By the time her hair was dry, Aveline had fallen asleep on the sofa.


    Lucas set the hairdryer aside and gazed at her sleeping face, a sigh passing through his heart. Winning her back would be no easy task.


    He picked her up and ced her on the bed. She stirred slightly, her eyshes fluttering as if she might wake at any moment.


    His hand gently stroked her head, soothing her emotions. Soon, she calmed down and fell back into a deep sleep.


    Lucas leaned down and kissed her forehead.


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    Just then, her phone began to vibrate. He frowned, quickly grabbed the phone, and swiftly left the bedroom.


    Closing the bedroom door behind him, he answered the call.


    ¡°Ave, how are you? Did you go to the hospital? Are you hurt?¡± As soon <b>as </b>the call connected, Selena fired off a barrage of questions.


    Lucas replied coldly, ¡°She¡¯s asleep.¡±


    ¡°Why are you answering her phone? Where¡¯s Ave? What have you done to her?¡± Selena. exploded upon hearing Lucas¡® voice.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, please get this straight. You and Ave are divorced. You have no rtionship anymore. Can¡¯t you stop harassing her? What you¡¯re doing is really tasteless!¡± Selena didn¡¯t. mince words, speaking quite harshly.


    Lucas¡® expression remained cold, his tonepletely devoid of warmth. I¡¯m able to ess her phone. Where do you think she is?¡±


    Selena felt the tant provocation in his words.


    How infuriating! Absolutely infuriating!


    ¡°If you¡¯ve got the guts, tell me where you are. I¡¯lle over right now and teach you a lesson!¡± Selena snarled through gritted teeth.


    But Lucas had no patience for this game. He said coldly, ¡°She¡¯s very tired and is resting now. Don¡¯t call again.¡±


    With that, he hung up the phone.


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 Divorced 504

    Chapter 504


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Damn it! He hung up on me again!¡® Selena stared angrily at the disconnected call. She wanted to call back, but remembering Lucas¡® words about Aveline being tired, she held back. Once Aveline had enough rest, Selena swore she¡¯din to Aveline about Lucas and let Aveline know how Lucas had bullied her!


    Nearby, Aaron couldn¡¯t help butugh at Selena¡¯s angry expression.


    Hearing him, Selena nced his way without a word, then turned and walked away.


    A taxi happened to be passing by. She got in, told the driver her destination, and looked away, not sparing Aaron even a nce.


    Aaron gritted his teeth. This woman was getting bolder. Did she really think he wouldn¡¯t do anything to her?


    He took out his phone and made a call.


    Just as Selena¡¯s taxi entered the city, she received a call from her studio boss, who berated her harshly.


    ¡°Selena, if you mess up Mr. Fletcher¡¯s deal, you¡¯re fired!¡± the boss finally roared before hanging up.


    Selena wanted to say something, but the call had already ended. She was so angry she nearly smashed her phone.


    How infuriating!


    Did everyone think they could just hang up on her?


    Did they think she had no temper?


    Back home, standing on the sidewalk, Selena took several deep breaths to calm herself. She was just an ordinary worker, no match for those wealthy young men.


    She¡¯d admit defeat, okay?


    Selena tried calling Aaron, but he hung up immediately. She tried again, and he hung up again. Selena realized she had been blocked!


    She would endure it!


    Selena messaged Aaron on WhatsApp, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I apologize for my earlier outburst. I didn¡¯t mean to say those unpleasant things. Attached is mytest revised design draft. Please let me know if any adjustments are needed, and we can discuss further.¡±


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    The message was sent sessfully.


    Selena felt oddly relieved. At least he hadn¡¯t blocked herpletely, or she wouldn¡¯t have known how to reach him.


    However, though the message went through, he didn¡¯t reply immediately.


    After her nap, Aveline felt much better.


    Upon waking, she responded to a round of messages. When she saw Selena¡¯s missed calls, she hesitated, wondering whether to tell her about the act she was putting on with Lucas.


    Just then, Lucas walked in.


    ncing at her, he said, ¡°I advise you not to say anything. The fewer people who know about this, the less risk we face.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, then answered Selena¡¯s call.


    ¡°Ave?¡± Selena¡¯s tentative voice came through as if fearing someone else might answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Aveline responded. ¡°I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Selena sighed in relief. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay. I was so worried you might be hurt. But how did you end up locked in there? Was it Madam Barbara who had this done to you?¡±


    ¡°More or less, Aveline replied.


    Selena spat, ¡°The Tudor family really is rotten to the core. Ave, let¡¯s leave Cloudre City. We can go anywhere, and I¡¯ll be with you. Let¡¯s get away from all this trouble. You have plenty of money ¨C we could find a ce where no one knows us. You could open a small restaurant. You¡¯d surely be happier than you are now!¡±


    Aveline suddenly lost the courage to continue. Her fingers tightened on the phone.


    ¡°Ave?¡± Noticing Aveline¡¯sck of response, Selena¡¯s tone grew anxious. ¡°Has something else happened?¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly<i>, </i>then said, ¡°Selena, I can¡¯t leave right now.¡±


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 Divorced 505

    <b><i>Chapter </i></b><b><i>505 </i></b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Why </i></b><b><i>not</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b><b><i>Selena </i></b><b><i>asked</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>replied</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><b><i>reconciled</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>What</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Selena </i></b><b><i>raised </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>voice </i></b><b><i>suddenly </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>if she </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>jumped </i></b><b><i>up </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>other </i></b><b><i>end</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>A </i></b><b><i>jumble </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>noises </i></b><b><i>came </i></b><b><i>through</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Ave</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>joking</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>isn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>funny </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>all</i></b><b><i>,</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b><b><i>Selena </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><ipletely </i></b><b><i>flustered</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>harshest </i></b><b><i>critic </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>Lucas</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>constantly </i></b><b><i>urging </i></b><b><i>them </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>divorce</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Now </i></b><b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>telling her </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>reconciled</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>Their </i></b><b><i>reconciliation </i></b><b><i>made </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>feel </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>fool</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


    <b><i>Selena¡¯s </i></b><b><i>voice </i></b><b><i>grew </i></b><b><i>more </i></b><b><i>urgent</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Ave</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>forgotten </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>hurt </i></b><b><i>you¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>suffered</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>Hasn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>hurt </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>deeply </i></b><b><i>enough</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>How </i></b><b><i>can </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>reconcile </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>him</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>felt </i></b><b><i>terribly </i></b><b><i>sad</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>wanted </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>blurt </i></b><b><i>out </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>truth</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>right </i></b><b><i>¨C </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>fewer </i></b><b><i>people </i></b><b><i>who </i></b><b><i>knew </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>truth</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>less </i></b><b><i>risk </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>faced</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>If </i></b><b><i>someone </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>learn </i></b><b><i>something </i></b><b><i>from </i></b><b><i>Selena</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>wouldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>efforts </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>vain</i></b><b><i>? </i></b>


    <b><i>She </i></b><b><i>just </i></b><b><i>wanted </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>return </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>normal </i></b><b><i>life</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Running </i></b><b><i>away </i></b><b><i>couldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>solve </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>problem</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>closed </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>eyes </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>moment </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>incident </i></b><b><i>made </i></b><b><i>me </i></b><b><i>realize </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>still </i></b><b><i>can¡¯t </i></b><b><i>let </i></b><b><i>him </i></b><b><i>go</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>want </i></b><b><i>to try </i></b><b><i>reconnecting </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>him</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Selena </i></b><b><i>gritted </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>teeth</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>You¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>really </i></b><b><i>forgotten </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>pain </i></b><b><i>once </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>wound </i></b><b><i>has </i></b><b><i>healed</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>She </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>too </i></b><b><i>angry </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>say </i></b><b><i>anything </i></b><b><i>else</i></b><b><i>! </i></b>


    <b><i>When </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>came </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>others</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>chatter </i></b><b><i>endlessly </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>machine </i></b><b><i>gun</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>faced </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>Aveline</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>couldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>find </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>words</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>What </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>do</i></b><b><i>? </i></b>


    <b><i>Selena </i></b><b><i>sighed </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>sank </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>chair</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>After </i></b><b><i>calming </i></b><b><i>down</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Ave</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>since </i></b><b><i>you¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>made your </i></b><b><i>decision</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>hope </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>don¡¯t </i></b><b><i>regret </i></b><b><i>it</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I¡¯ll </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>really </i></b><b><i>busy </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>while</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>so </i></b><b><i>don¡¯t </i></b><b><i>try </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>contact </i></b><b><i>me</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Even </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>do</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>won¡¯t </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><b><i>time </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>With </i></b><b><i>that</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>hung </i></b><b><i>up </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>phone</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Selena</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b><b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>called </i></b><b><i>out </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>name </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>surprise</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>But </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>call </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>already </i></b><b><i>ended</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>stared </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>dark </i></b><b><i>screen </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>phone</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>feeling </i></b><b><i>very </i></b><b><i>upset</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Selena </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>angry</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>If </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><b><i>someone </i></b><b><i>else</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>would </i></b><b><i>probably </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>even </i></b><b><i>angrier</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>1/2 </i></b>


    <b><i>+15 </i></b><b><i>BONUS </i></b>


    <b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>said </i></b><b><i>calmly</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Once </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>resolved</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I¡¯ll </i></b><b><i>treat </i></b><b><i>her to </i></b><b><i>dinner </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>apologize</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>pressed </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>lips </i></b><b><i>together</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>staying </i></b><b><i>silent</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Seeing her </i></b><b><i>demeanor</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>didn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>press </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>further </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>turned </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>leave</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>As </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>turned</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>faint </i></b><b><i>smile </i></b><b><i>curved his </i></b><b><i>lips</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>remained </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>room</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>refusing </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>eat </i></b><b><i>or </i></b><b><i>drink</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>hoped </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>giving </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>some </i></b><b><i>time</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>calm </i></b><b><i>down </i></b><b><i>would </i></b><b><i>help</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>after </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>day </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>passed </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>no </i></b><b><i>change</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>patience </i></b><b><i>wore </i></b><b><i>thin</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>He </i></b><b><i>decided </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>go </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bedroom</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>still </i></b><b><i>lying </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bed</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>eyes </i></b><b><i>vacant</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>stood </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bed </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>said </i></b><b><i>softly</i></b><b><i>,</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b><b><i>Aveline</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>get </i></b><b><i>up </i></b><b><i>and eat</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Her </i></b><b><i>voice </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>hoarse </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>replied</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>hungry</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>insisted</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Even </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>hungry</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>need </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>eat</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Why </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>acting </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>way</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>Are </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>having </i></b><b><i>second </i></b><b><i>thoughts</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>He </i></b><b><i>leaned </i></b><b><i>down</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>gently </i></b><b><i>turning </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>face </i></b><b><i>him</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>eyes </i></b><b><i>dark </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>intense</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>If </i></b><b><i>you¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>changed </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>mind</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>can </i></b><b><i>leave </i></b><b><i>now</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>won¡¯t </i></b><b><i>stop </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline¡¯s </i></b><b><i>eyshes </i></b><b><i>fluttered </i></b><b><i>slightly</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>After </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>brief </i></b><b><i>silence</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Okay</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I¡¯ll </i></b><b><i>go </i></b><b><i>eat</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Feeling </i></b><b><i>relieved</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>helped </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>up </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>watched </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>went </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bathroom</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>In </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>dining </i></b><b><i>room</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Lucas </i></b><b><i>handed </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>document</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>information </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>Winter </i></b><b><i>family</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>Aveline </i></b><b><i>didn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>look at </i></b><b><i>it</i></b><b><i>; </i></b><b><i>instead</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>took </i></b><b><i>small </i></b><b><i>bites </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>food</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>weak </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>needed </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>regain </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>strength</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>At </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>moment</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>phone </i></b><b><i>rang</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Seeing </i></b><b><i>Russell¡¯s </i></b><b><i>name </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>screen</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>hesitated </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>answered </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>call</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Hello</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Russ</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b>


    <b><i>As </i></b><b><i>soon </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>spoke</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>cold </i></b><b><i>gaze </i></b><b><i>fell </i></b><b><i>upon </i></b><b><i>her</i></b><b><i>. </i></b>


    <b><i>Comments </i></b>


    <b><i>Support </i></b>


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    Chapter 506


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>506 </b>


    Lucas¡® cold gaze fell on her as if trying to see through her phone to Russell.


    His stare carried a sense of pressure that made Aveline ufortable. She shot him an annoyed look. Was she not allowed to take a call?


    Lucas kept quiet.


    He gripped his fork as if he were gripping Aveline¡¯s neck.


    Russell¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Aveline, what¡¯s wrong with Selena? I just contacted her, and she seemed very upset.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught in her throat. She then said, ¡°I made her angry. I¡¯ll make it up to her.¡±


    Russell acknowledged this, then asked, ¡°And you? How are you?¡±


    Aveline paused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Russell said, ¡°Are you hurt? Actually, I rushed over there yesterday too, but I was a step toote.¡±


    He finished with a self¨Cdeprecatingugh.


    Aveline hadn¡¯t realized he had gone too. Gratitude flickered in her eyes. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m fine, not hurt.¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Good, that¡¯s good.¡±


    A brief silence fell.


    As Aveline was considering ending the call, Russell suddenly asked, ¡°Aveline, you and Lucas¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s long eyshes fluttered. She said, ¡°Russ, thank you for all your help. I¡¯ll handle my own affairs.¡±


    The implication was clear ¨C she hoped he wouldn¡¯t interfere further.


    Russell understood.


    Thinking of Selena¡¯s attitude, his expression grew colder.


    Aveline had reconciled with Lucas.


    All because he had been one step toote yesterday.


    ¡°Alright, I respect your choice,¡± Russell said quietly, then hung up.


    Aveline looked at her phone, thinking about Selena.


    She must be very disappointed <b>in </b>her, right?


    They had already divorced, but now everything seemed to be back to square one.


    <b>Suddenly</b>, a hand appeared and took her phone away. <b>Lucas </b>said in a <b>deep</b><b>, </b><b>cold </b><b>voice</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b><b>Can¡¯t </b><b>bear </b><b>to </b>part <b>with </b><b>him</b><b>? </b>Should we invite him <b>over </b><b>for </b>dinner<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline frowned<b>, </b>looking <b>at </b>Lucas. ¡°Can you stop being unreasonable<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>Lucas </bughed <b>coldly</b>. ¡°I¡¯m being <b>unreasonable</b><b>? </b><b>You¡¯re </b>pining <b>over </b><b>another </b><b>man</b>, <b>and </b>I <b>can¡¯t </b><b>even </b><b>ask </b>


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    Chapter 506


    about it? Aveline, have you fallen for Russell?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s expression turned cold, feeling Lucas was beingpletely irrational. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    She stood up to leave.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Lucas said sharply. ¡°Finish your meal before you go!¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She knew she shouldn¡¯t neglect her health, so she sat back down to continue eating but didn¡¯t spare him a single nce throughout the meal.


    Lucas¡® expression grew increasingly cold, the chill around him intensifying. Had she really fallen for Russell?


    When did this happen?


    He had people watching her constantly ¨C she shouldn¡¯t have had any opportunity to get close to Russell!


    ¨C


    Lucas felt incredibly frustrated, wishing he could just get rid of Russell right then and there.


    After finishing her meal, Aveline took the Winter family files and went straight to work.


    Arriving at the studio, she saw Maria walking out of the office yawning, looking as if she had been there all night.


    ¡°Boss, didn¡¯t sleep well?¡± Aveline greeted her.


    Maria nodded. ¡°Yeah, I pulled another all¨Cnighter. My skin looks so dull now. I¡¯m heading to the beauty salon this afternoon. Want toe with me?¡±


    Aveline shook her head, ¡°I can¡¯t. I need to focus on work.¡±


    But Maria came over and leaned on her. ¡°Work never ends, but beauty fades. Come with me, please?¡±


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    Chapter <b>507 </b>


    Who could resist a beautiful woman¡¯s charm?


    Certainly not Aveline.


    Faced with Maria¡¯s persuasive beauty, Aveline gave in. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go. But I really need to get back to work now. You might not worry about money as the boss, but I still need to earn a living!¡±


    Maria smiled. ¡°Great! You go ahead and work then. I won¡¯t disturb you anymore.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Alright!¡±


    As Maria turned to leave, she nced back at Aveline onest time. Seeing her in good spirits, she felt relieved.


    Maria praised herself for doing well and thought about asking Lucas for a bonus!


    Aveline pored over the Winter family files. In Cloudre City, a city full of wealthy families, the Winter family wasn¡¯t considered upper ss, but rather hovered in the middle tier.


    Their main business was real estate. The Winter family had two sons and two daughters, with Sophia being one of them.


    Due to her rtionship with Lucas in recent years, Sophia¡¯s status in the Winter family had risen dramatically, making life difficult for the family¡¯s legitimate daughter, Sasha Winter.


    Sophia threw her weight around in the Winter family, often bullying Sasha. She acted as if she were the true heiress.


    Previously, when Sophia¡¯s rtionship with Lucas soured, she was neglected at home. She then started working at the familypany, hoping to make a name for herself.


    Now<i>, </i>she managed a subsidiarypany and had recently won a bid for a plot ofnd, nning to develop it into a residential area.


    A glint appeared in Aveline¡¯s eyes as an idea formed in her mind.


    She took out her phone and dialed Sasha¡¯s number. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hello, who is this?¡± A cool female voice answered quickly.


    Aveline got straight to the point, ¡°Hello, Miss Winter. This is Aveline, Lucas Tudor¡¯s wife. I have a business proposition I¡¯d like to discuss with you. Are you interested?¡±


    In Cloudre City¡¯s elite circles, everyone knew about Aveline and the entanglement between Lucas, Aveline, and Sophia.


    Sasha was particrly familiar with the situation. Sophia had been using Lucas¡® influence to suppress her to the point where she could barely breathe!


    Sasha was surprised by Aveline¡¯s sudden contact, but quickly asked, ¡°What kind of proposition<b>?</b>¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°It¡¯s not convenient to discuss over the phone. How about we meet in person <b>to </b>talk details?¡±


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    ¡°Alright, just let me know the time and ce,¡± Sasha replied.


    She was straightforward, and most importantly, their goals aligned.


    Aveline hung up, her expression growing colder.


    She put away the files and sent a message to Lucas, ¡°Let¡¯s not announce our reconciliation yet.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Why? Are you having second thoughts?<b>¡± </b>


    Before she could reply, Lucas called her. She frowned but answered.


    ¡°Aveline, what do you mean?¡± Lucas¡® voice had a cold edge.


    Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯ll exin when I get back tonight.¡±


    Lucas paused and thought, ¡°Get back tonight? Where? To the Tudor mansion?¡±


    He leaned back, asking casually, ¡°Where are you heading back to?¡±


    Aveline wanted <i>to </i>roll her eyes. ¡°Your ce.¡±


    A pleased smile immediately appeared on Lucas¡® lips. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±


    Aaron, sitting across from him, noticed his quick change of expression and couldn¡¯t help but click his tongue.


    ¡°Lucas, Aveline¡¯s got you wrapped around her finger.¡±


    Lucas scoffed, ¡°She¡¯s got me wrapped around her finger? Are you joking?¡±


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    Aaron looked at him. ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure. You just haven¡¯t realized it yet. By the time you do, you probably won¡¯t be able to leave her. You¡¯ll be afraid to defy her wishes.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Lucas looked disdainful.


    Aaron changed the subject, ¡°What do you think about this recent incident?¡±


    Lucas said calmly, ¡°She wants to handle it herself.¡±


    Aaron was surprised, ¡°Can she manage it?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if she can or not. If she really can¡¯t, I¡¯ll be there to back her up,¡± Lucas replied.


    Aaron nodded. ¡°Alright. You two are bing more and more alike.¡±


    Lucas nced at him. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Aaron took out an envelope and pushed it across to Lucas. ¡°Some recent findings. Take a look.¡±


    Lucas opened the envelope to find several photos of Yvonne with a man. The man wore a hat and mask, obscuring his face. The photos were somewhat blurry but clearly recent. Yvonne had been meeting this man frequently.


    Who was he?


    Lucas looked at Aaron. ¡°Have you identified this man?¡±


    Aaron said, ¡°He¡¯s excellent at evading surveince. Every time I send someone to follow him, he manages


    to slip away.¡±


    Lucas¡® face showed deep thought.


    Aaron asked, ¡°Do you recognize him?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t, but he seems familiar. Look into a man named Darren Jones. See if it¡¯s the same person,¡± Lucas


    said.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Aaron nodded and left.


    That afternoon, just before 3 PM, Maria dragged Aveline to the beauty salon.


    At the spa, the staff respectfully led them to a private room. Unexpectedly, they ran into Sophia at the


    entrance.


    Sophia looked surprised to see Aveline unharmed.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay?¡± she asked.


    Aveline gave her a cold look. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Are you disappointed?¡±


    The facade of civility between the two women hadpletely crumbled.


    Sophia had tried to kill her!


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    Chapter 508


    Aveline didn¡¯t even want to look at her anymore and went straight into the private room with Maria.


    Sophia stood nearby, her face darkening as she saw Aveline seemingly unaffected.


    She was indeed angry!


    That bitch had such incredible luck!


    Who could have saved her?


    She wouldn¡¯t let Aveline off so easily!


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    In the private room, Maria asked, ¡°You know her?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Yes, my husband¡¯s fianc¨¦e.¡±


    Maria was shocked. ¡°What?¡±


    Was the rtionship thatplicated?


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°His former fianc¨¦e.¡±


    Mariaughed. ¡°You scared me! I thought it was something serious. She¡¯s not as pretty as you. Mr. Tudor made the right choice in leaving her.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes, her expression indifferent.


    She <i>no </i>longer cared who Lucas liked or loved!


    Her focus now was on revenge!


    Since she hadn¡¯t died, others would have <i>to </i>suffer!


    Seeing Aveline¡¯s demeanor, Maria couldn¡¯t help but think that the boss had a long road ahead to win back his wife.


    Aveline seemed to have absolutely no feelings for Lucas now!


    By the time they left the spa, night had fallen.


    Maria insisted on having dinner with Aveline, so it was already 8 PM when Aveline returned to the Tudor mansion.


    Lucas sat on the sofa in <i>dar </i>atmosphere.


    casual clothes, exuding a co


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    Aveline changed her shoes and walked in. The man¡¯s cold gaze immediately fell on her.


    She said nothing and went to drink a ss of water.


    Footsteps approached from behind her.


    Just as Aveline set down her ss, she felt a grip on her shoulder as Lucas turned her around.


    His tall figure loomed over her, his eyes studying her intently. He asked in a low voice, ¡°What did you mean by what you said earlier?¡±


    Aveline pushed his hand away, moving to a safe distance. She didn¡¯t think their current rtionship warranted such intimacy.


    She said coolly, ¡°Going public now doesn¡¯t suit my ns.¡±


    Lucas was displeased by her avoidance, but hearing her words, he raised an eyebrow. ¡°What ns?<b>¡± </b>¡°That¡¯s confidential,¡± Aveline replied.


    Lucas retorted, ¡°Why should I agree to your terms if you won¡¯t give me a reason?¡±


    Standing on the stairs, Aveline turned to look at him, her tone calm. ¡°You don¡¯t have to agree. But then I don¡¯t have to agree to yours either.¡±


    Her attitude was cold as she headed upstairs.


    Lucas was speechless.


    His expression turnedpletely frigid.


    This woman had some nerve!


    She dared to threaten him!


    He quickly stepped forward, stopping her before she entered the room. ¡°Aveline, you don¡¯t seem to grasp the situation. The mastermind behind your recent ordeal is targeting you specifically. I could easily choose to stay out of it.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart grew cold. ¡°So, what are you saying? Because you helped, I should be grateful and follow your everymand?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas¡® face darkened. ¡°Woman, can¡¯t you tell right from wrong?¡±


    Aveline shook off his hand. ¡°Lucas, the mastermind is targeting me, but before I met you, my life was peaceful!¡±


    Anger red in her eyes, disrupting her calm demeanor like a stone thrown into a stillke.


    She took several deep breaths, struggling to control her emotions. ¡°Lucas, this is a coboration between


    <ol>


    <li>us. I don¡¯t owe you anything. If you can¡¯t ept my conditions, then let¡¯s end this cooperation!¡± </li>


    </ol>


    After all, she didn¡¯t want to be entangled with him any further!


    With those words, she turned to leave!


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    Lucas suddenly grabbed her, pulling her tightly against him.


    ¡°Aveline, I could just strangle you!¡± he said in a low voice, but despite his words, he didn¡¯t act on them. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to hurt her.


    Just as before, he couldn¡¯t do it then, and he couldn¡¯t do it now.


    Aveline struggled. ¡°Let me go.¡±


    But Lucas replied shamelessly, ¡°We¡¯re supposed to be acting. Daily intimacy is essential. You need to get used to it early!¡±


    Aveline frowned, thinking he must be crazy.


    Unable to break free, she gave up struggling. Her emotions also calmed down.


    After a long moment, she asked coldly, ¡°Are you done hugging me?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°No, I don¡¯t just want to hug you. I want to kiss you, to do more interesting things with you.¡±


    Aveline looked even more¨Cexpressionless.


    Finally, Lucas began to release her, but not before stealing a kiss on her forehead. Seeing the cold light in her eyes, a faint smile appeared on his lips. ¡°Go take a shower.¡±


    With that, he turned and went straight into his study.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>510 </b>


    Returning to the bedroom, Aveline closed the door and sighed in relief, feeling that Lucas was bing increasingly strange.


    However, she didn¡¯t dwell on his behavior. She didn¡¯t care. Her focus was on nning her next steps.


    After taking a shower, shey on the bed with her phone, noting down all the things she needed to do. A whileter, she turned off the lights and went to sleep.


    But in the middle of the night, the bedroom door opened, and Lucas walked into the darkness.


    Seeing this, Aveline frowned slightly and said, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°This is my bedroom. If I don¡¯te here, where else would I go?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Aveline immediately got up. ¡°If you¡¯re in this room, I¡¯ll go to another.¡±


    However, he grabbed her wrist. ¡°Aveline, do you know what it means to put on an act? I can¡¯t be sure if there are people nted here by that person or if there are hidden cameras. If you just walk out, what if someone sees through us?¡±


    In the darkness, Aveline looked at his handsome face, unable to discern the expression in his eyes. Her tone remained cold. ¡°This is your house, your territory. If you can¡¯t even guarantee that, I really doubt your capabilities.¡±


    She pulled her hand free and turned to leave.


    She clearly wasn¡¯t falling for his trick.


    Lucas stared at her intently and said, ¡°It¡¯s best if we stay in the same room. We don¡¯t have to share the same bed. I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    He walked over to the sofa andy down.


    Aveline nced back at him. In the darkness, she could only make out a vague outline of his figure. Without dwelling on <b>it</b><b>, </b>she returned to bed.


    With afortable bed right there, who would choose to sleep elsewhere?


    In the darkness, their breaths gradually synchronized, with no words exchanged. Yet, there was an inexplicable tension lingering in the air.


    After a long while, listening to her steady breathing, Lucas opened his eyes. He got up from the sofa and, moving quietly,y down beside her, maintaining a delicate distance between them.


    Aveline had no idea how much time had passed, but in her sleep, she turned over and seemed to embrace arge stuffed toy. She had always liked hugging stuffed toys while sleeping, but after marrying Lucas, she had reced the toy with him. Over time, she had forgotten about the toy entirely.


    Now, having something to hug again, she wrapped her arms and legs around it.


    Lucas felt her soft body clinging tightly to him, pressing against him. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and


    down. This was the result he wanted.


    But¡­ it made it even harder for him to sleep.


    Chapter 510


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    He wrapped his arms around her waist<b>, </b>closed his eyes<i>, </i>and tried to ignore his body¡¯s reaction. Just being able to hold her while sleeping was more than enough.


    That night, Aveline slept very well.


    The next morning, when she opened her eyes, she could still feel the firmness of the ¡°stuffed toy¡± she had hugged. She stared at her arms in confusion.


    Huh?


    Was she dreaming?


    Then why did it feel so real?


    She sat up, looked at herself in bewilderment, then nced at the spot beside her. Her gaze shifted to the sofa, where Lucas was no longer present.


    It was 6:30 in the morning. He was up this early?


    After washing up, Aveline left the bedroom. Breakfast was already prepared in the kitchen. As she went downstairs, Lucas returned from outside.


    Chapter 511


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    He wore a gray tracksuit, arge patch of sweat soaking his chest, and his short, coarse hair was damp. His sharp eyes remained as piercing as ever.


    Aveline nced at him briefly before turning away and heading to the dining room to eat.


    Lucas gave her a long look.


    He had barely slept the night before. Despite feeling her warm, soft body in his arms, he couldn¡¯t do anything to her. If he tried, she would definitely freak out. Lately, her mood changed faster than the weather!


    Bringing her back was just the first step; he needed to proceed gradually. He believed she would eventually return to him on her own ord.


    Lucas turned his gaze away and went upstairs to take a shower.


    When Aveline was almost finished eating, Lucas emerged, dressed in a sleek silver¨Cgray suit. His aura was cool and elegant as he walked over, adjusting his cufflinks.


    Aveline looked at him and asked, ¡°Do you have a more modest car?¡±


    Lucas pulled out a chair and sat down, asking, ¡°How modest?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°A car under ten thousand dors.¡±


    Lucas snorted lightly, ¡°You call that a car?¡±


    Aveline was speechless as she thought, ¡°Fine. I know you¡¯re rich!¡±


    She realized she needed to buy a car for herself. She had gotten her driver¡¯s license long ago but hadn¡¯t bought a car due tock of money. Later, when she had the funds, she became too busy to think about it.


    Now things were different. She was busy every day and really needed a car for convenience.


    Lucas said, ¡°You can pick any car from my garage.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°Not now. Maybeter.¡±


    She remembered her decision to keep things private for now.


    After speaking, Aveline got up and left, maintaining a cold andposed demeanor. She treated him like a colleague¨Cno, even less than that. At least with colleagues, she would sometimes smile. With him, she didn¡¯t even want to say an extra word.


    Lucas¡® face darkened.


    Aveline first went to the car dealership, bought a car on the spot<b>, </b>and drove it off before heading to work. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    At noon, she arrived at the restaurant, gave her name, and the waiter escorted her to the second floor. Pushing open the private room door, she saw a girl with light makeup but exceptionally beautiful features. Her clothes were all custom¨Cmade, exuding a noble aura and disying impable manners and grace.


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    ¡°Hello, Miss Winter.¡±


    Aveline walked over and shook hands with Sasha.


    Sasha looked at her and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Aveline corrected her, ¡°Just call me Aveline. Lucas and I are divorced.¡±


    Sasha got straight to the point. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m curious. Why did you divorce Lucas? Considering you saved his life, he wouldn¡¯t agree to a divorce no matter what.¡±


    As they sat down, they dove right into the main topic.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Sophia even lost a leg saving him, and he still left her without a second thought. Men are simply unreliable.¡±


    Sasha was taken aback but smiled even more. ¡°You¡¯re right. Trusting a man is like expecting pigs to fly.¡±


    Aveline smiled warmly.


    She felt a sense of kindred spirit with Sasha. Even though they met because of amon enemy, there was a natural familiarity between them, devoid of the usual awkwardness and formality of meeting a


    stranger.


    Without wasting time, Aveline took out some documents and shared her n with Sasha.


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    Sophia was eager to prove herself. After securing this piece ofnd, she poured all her efforts and funds into the project.


    Once the construction wasplete and the nearby subway station was operational, the project would yield immense profits for her. This would also solidify her position within the Winter family.


    As Sasha listened to Aveline¡¯s n, her eyes lit up. ¡°You really are something, Mrs. Tudor.¡±


    Aveline smiled faintly. ¡°I don¡¯t start trouble, but if someone crosses me, I make sure they regret it.¡±


    Sasha nodded. ¡°With you being so open to me, I won¡¯t disappoint you. Leave these parts to me,¡± she said, pointing to specific items in the documents.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    In the private room next door, Aaron walked in and looked at Lucas. ¡°Guess who I saw?¡±


    Lucas, flipping through some documents, replied coldly, ¡°Who?¡±


    Aaron grinned. ¡°Come on, take a guess.¡±


    ¡°Shut up if you¡¯re not going to say,¡± Lucas retorted.


    Aaron clicked his tongue. ¡°You¡¯re no fun. I saw Aveline. She¡¯s right next door.¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas immediately put down his documents.


    Aaron teased, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? nning to go see her? But she¡¯s gotpany. She probably doesn¡¯t want to see you right now.¡±


    Lucas¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Company? Who is she meeting?¡±


    Aaron shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just saw her go up.¡±


    Lucas stood up to leave.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t go. You¡¯re being too impulsive. Why rush over just because you heard she¡¯s meeting someone? Didn¡¯t you say she couldn¡¯t control you? <b>If </b>you rush over there, isn¡¯t that exactly what she¡¯s doing?¡± Aaron said, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.


    Lucas ignored Aaronpletely, pulling the door open and seeing Aveline just as she was leaving the room next door. She paused in surprise at the sight of him, then quickly averted her gaze and walked past him as if he were a stranger.


    Lucas was speechless.


    He nced at the private room she hade from, wondering who she was dining with. Just a few steps would reveal the answer, but if Aveline found out, she might get angry. Lucas suppressed his emotions, turned, and headed towards the restroom.


    Aveline was washing her hands and touching up her makeup at the mirror when Lucas stood beside her. His hands were under the faucet, and the water automatically flowed down, washing over them. Aveline nced at his hands and couldn¡¯t resist looking at them again. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


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    His hands were indeed beautiful, with long fingers and distinct joints. He casually washed them and then grabbed a paper towel to dry them. Aveline looked away and started <i>to </i>leave.


    ¡°Done looking?¡± His clear, pleasant voice, tinged with a faint smile, stopped her in her tracks.


    Aveline paused, pressed her lips together, and said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Lucas drew out the sound, stepping in front of her and holding his hand up to her eyes, his gaze yful. ¡°Do you like these hands?¡±


    Aveline shifted her gaze from his hand to his face. ¡°Yes, I like them. Would <i>you </i>cut them off for me?¡± Lucas raised his eyebrows, genuinely surprised by her words. He hadn¡¯t expected her to say something like that.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>513 </b>


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    He casually rotated his wrist as he said in his deep, maic voice, ¡°But if you do that, it loses its finesse and purpose. These hands are capable of so much.¡±


    Watching him continuously showing off his hands, Aveline gradually calmed down.


    Right. She felt that Lucas was just unting his hands in front of her.


    She looked at him with aplex expression, unsure of what he was trying to achieve.


    Lucas looked at her calmly and asked, ¡°Do you want to see what they can really do?¡±


    Aveline immediately became wary and pushed him away, saying, ¡°Sorry, we¡¯re not that familiar.¡±


    With that, she left the restroom.


    Lucas¡® lips curved into a faint smile. She really got into character quickly.


    Back in the private room.


    Aaron nced at him and clicked his tongue. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re really losing your cool. You rush over the moment she makes a move. What happened to your aloof persona? Weren¡¯t you indifferent to her before?¡±


    Lucas sat opposite him, ignoring his words, and said, ¡°It¡¯s pretty much confirmed that Yvonne met with Darren. Their rtionship is not simple.¡±


    Aaron added, ¡°There¡¯s one more thing. Darren was the one who kidnapped you and Leo years ago.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression darkened immediately.


    Years ago, Frederick¡¯s two young sons were kidnapped. The kidnappers were ruthless, using various methods to incite the brothers to kill each other.


    However, Leo, determined to protect Lucas, never followed the kidnappers¡® instructions and was severely beaten as a result.


    On the seventh day of their captivity, police sirens suddenly sounded outside. In a panic, the kidnappers set the ce on fire. At the critical moment, Leo pushed Lucas to safety and stayed behind in the ze. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The kidnappers were caught, but at the time, Lucas was consumed by grief over Leo¡¯s death and didn¡¯t- follow


    up on the case.


    By the time he started looking into the matter, all information about the kidnapper had beenpletely erased, leaving no trace whatsoever. He never expected that Darren was the one! Darren had slipped under his radar countless times before!


    Lucas¡® cold aura grew even more intense. ¡°Find him at any cost!¡±


    Aaron¡¯s expression also turned serious. ¡°I¡¯ve had people searching for him since I learned his identity, but he¡¯s really sly. We have no idea where he¡¯s hiding now.


    Lucas sneered. ¡°Since he has a close rtionship with Yvonne, we¡¯ll start with her. Lwant to see what they¡¯re up to!¡±


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    Chapter 513


    In the evening.


    After work, Aveline walked to her car in the underground parking lot. The sound of her footsteps echoed in the empty space. She took out her car keys to unlock the door and got in.


    Just as she was about to lock the door, a shadowy figure suddenly dashed out, yanked her car <i>door </i>open, and jumped in!


    Startled, Aveline quickly got out and pulled a knife from her bag. After the previous incidents, she started carrying some self¨Cdefense weapons in her bag.


    She backed away, keeping a wary eye on the person who emerged from her car. The individual <i>wore </i>a hat and mask, obscuring his features.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Aveline asked, trying to stay calm.


    The person raised his head slightly, revealing a pair of sinister eyes under the brim of his hat. ¡°Someone who wants your life.¡±


    With that, he lunged at Aveline!


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    Chapter 514


    ¡°Ah!¡± Aveline screamed and turned to run.


    Even though she had a knife, she didn¡¯t dare to confront the man directly. What if he took the knife and used it against her?


    She ran as fast as she could, shouting for help. Her cries echoed through the empty underground parking lot. The sound of footsteps behind her felt like they were pounding on her heart. Terror gripped her, making her feel like her heart was about to burst out of her chest. She clutched the knife tightly, trembling all over.


    Suddenly, a figure rushed out from the side, tackling the man chasing her.


    Both of them fell to the ground. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Aveline, run!¡± a frantic voice called out behind her.


    She turned and saw Sidney wrestling with the man. Sidney¡¯s face quickly bore signs of the struggle. The assant pulled out a knife and aimed it at Sidney¡¯s chest.


    ¡°No!¡± Aveline cried out, rushing over to help. Sidney blocked the attack with his arm, blood flowing from the wound. The intense pain drained the color from his face.


    Aveline swung her bag at the attacker, the chains hitting his face and neck, leaving bloody marks. Sidney pushed the man away with all his strength.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee back, Aveline!¡± Sidney said, shielding her and ring at the attacker.


    Aveline took out her phone to call the police. The man red at her onest time before fleeing.


    The police arrived quickly. They found the parking lot¡¯s security cameras had been tampered with, and the security guard was unconscious. It was clear the attack had been premeditated.


    Sidney¡¯s arm was still bleeding, so Aveline rushed him to the hospital. Fortunately, the wound wasn¡¯t deep, and after some bandaging, he was fine.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Aveline said as they left the hospital, looking at him with deep gratitude. Without him, who knows what might have happened tonight? She, a lone woman, surely wouldn¡¯t have outrun that man.


    Sidney shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. As long as you¡¯re okay, this little injury doesn¡¯t matter¡±


    Aveline was still shaken, her face pale.


    Sidney asked, ¡°Aveline, who was that guy? He looked like he wanted to kill you.¡±


    He had seen the man¡¯s fierce, almost vengeful eyes.


    Aveline shook her head. <b>¡°</b>I don¡¯t know him.¡±


    But she was sure it wasn¡¯t Darren. She had seen Darren twice and remembered his eyes somewhat.


    Then who was this man? Could it be someone sent by Sophia to harm her? Was she desperate enough to resort to this?


    Sidney said, ¡°Where do you live? I¡¯ll take you home. It¡¯s not safe for you to go alone.¡±


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    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine. The ce I live has good security. You should go home and rest since you¡¯re injured.¡±


    Sidney insisted, ¡°No, I can¡¯t let you go alone. What if something happens again and no one¡¯s around to help?¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t turn him down. After all, Sidney had just saved her life. Acting distant and cold would be ungrateful.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± she agreed, and they got into the car together.


    Aveline gave him the address of Maple Garden.


    Sidney was surprised. ¡°You live here? This neighborhood does have good security.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, I feel safer living here.¡±


    Noticing how pale she still was, Sidney asked, ¡°After going through something this serious, aren¡¯t you going to tell your husband?¡±


    Aveline paused and then said, ¡°He¡¯s very busy. I¡¯ll tell him when he gets home tonight.¡±


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    Chapter <b>515 </b>


    Sidney frowned and said, ¡°What could be more important than his wife¡¯s life?¡±


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    Aveline didn¡¯t want to dwell on this topic, so she changed the subject. ¡°Be careful not to wet your wound. When you get home, try to eat light foods to avoid infection.¡±


    Sidney gave her a long look, understanding she was trying to change the subject. He didn¡¯t press further.


    The car soon arrived at the entrance of Maple Garden.


    After getting out, Sidney followed Aveline inside.


    Aveline said, ¡°This is far enough. You should go home and rest.¡±


    Sidney insisted, ¡°No, I¡¯ll feel better once I see you to your door.¡±


    His concern was evident, making it hard for Aveline to refuse.


    She nodded and led the way.


    As they stepped out of the elevator, Aveline said, ¡°Thank you for walking me back. Would you like toe in for a cup of tea?¡±


    Since he had apanied her all the way to her door, it was only polite to offer.


    Sidney shook his head. ¡°No, thanks. Now that you¡¯re home safely, I¡¯ll head back.¡±


    Aveline stood by the elevator. ¡°Thank you so much for today. I¡¯ll treat you to dinner sometime.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Just as the elevator doors were about to close, Sidney suddenly copsed!


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She rushed forward to catch him, anxiously asking, ¡°Sidney, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Sidney¡¯s brow furrowed tightly. ¡°I¡¯m dizzy¡­¡±


    Aveline helped him out of the elevator and into her apartment, settling him on the sofa. ¡°Are you feeling very dizzy? Is there anywhere else you¡¯re in pain?¡±


    Had the attacker injured him somewhere else? She regretted not insisting on a full medical checkup


    earlier.


    Sidney didn¡¯t speak, his face visibly growing paler, as if he didn¡¯t have the strength to talk.


    Aveline panicked, pulling out her phone to call emergency services.


    Seeing her, Sidney struggled to say, ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just need to rest.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression was serious. ¡°Are you sure? Don¡¯t scare me like that.¡±


    Sidney managed a weak smile. ¡°Really, it¡¯s just sudden dizziness, probably because of low blood sugar.¡±


    Aveline<b>, </b>seeing his insistence, decided against calling an ambnce and opted to observe him for a while instead.


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    She went into the kitchen and made some honey water, bringing it to his lips. ¡°Drink a little; it might make you feel better.¡±


    Sidney took the cup. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Aveline got up and entered the kitchen to start cooking. Hearing the sounds of her preparations, Sidney turned to look and saw her busy with an apron on. A fleeting shadow crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it, returning to his weak appearance.


    Aveline prepared four dishes and a soup. When she returned to the living room, Sidney¡¯s condition seemed much improved; his face wasn¡¯t as pale.


    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Aveline asked with concern.


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Yes, much better.¡±


    Aveline sighed in relief. ¡°I¡¯ve made dinner. Come and eat.¡±


    Sidney looked at her in surprise. ¡°You can cook?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I usually cook for myself. I don¡¯t trust the hygiene of restaurant food.¡±


    Sidney agreed, ¡°That¡¯s true. A lot of them don¡¯t meet hygiene standards.¡±


    He followed her to the dining room. Seeing the delicious¨Clooking dishes, his eyes lit up.


    Aveline served him some pasta and ced it in front of him. ¡°Try it and see if it suits your taste.¡±


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    Chapter 516


    Sidneymented, ¡°It looks really good,¡±


    He took a bite, and his eyes lit up. ¡°Delicious<b>!</b>¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°Everyone who¡¯s tried my cooking says that.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t trying to boast<b>, </b>but the truth was, everyone who tasted her food had praised it.


    Sidney said, ¡°With your cooking skills, you could open a restaurant. It would be a hit.¡±


    42580103


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Sure, maybe when I retire, I¡¯ll open a small restaurant. I¡¯ll open it whenever I feel like it and close it whenever I don¡¯t. Just for fun.¡±


    Sidneyughed.


    They ate quietly, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant.


    However, with his injured right hand, Sidney had some trouble eating and had to take his time.


    Aveline served him a bowl of soup and ced it by his side. ¡°Try this.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Sidney agreed. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    But he didn¡¯t hold the bowl securely, and it spilled all over his clothes and pants!


    Aveline was startled. ¡°Did you get burned?¡±


    Sidney said, ¡°No, I¡¯m fine, but I might need to use your bathroom.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Go ahead, make sure you¡¯re not hurt.¡±


    Sidney went into the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water could be heard.


    Aveline cleaned up the mess in the dining room, and just then, there was a knock at the door.


    She paused. Who could it be at this hour?


    She walked over and peered through the peephole, immediately recognizing Lucas by his tall frame and stern expression.


    Aveline opened the door and asked curiously, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Lucas looked her up and down and said, ¡°You didn¡¯te back, so I had toe find you. What if you changed your mind?¡±


    Aveline rolled her eyes and replied, ¡°I just wanted toe home.¡±


    Lucas smelled the aroma of the food. ¡°Just finished cooking?¡±


    He pushed past her and walked in as if he owned the ce, making himself right at home.


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t invite you in.¡±


    Lucas shrugged off his coat, tossed it onto the sofa, and headed straight for the dining room. When he saw the two sets of dishes on the table, his expression darkened immediately. ¡°Who¡¯s here?¡±


    Chapter 516


    Aveline replied coolly, ¡°None of your business.¡±


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    She had no intention of telling him about Sidney being there and wanted to get rid of him as quickly as possible. ¡°I¡¯m not going back tonight. You should leave


    Lucas turned to look at her, his cor slightly open, exuding a casual air. But his handsome face was still cloaked in an icy chill, his eyes dark and cold, radiating a palpable frostiness. ¡°Aveline, who¡¯s here<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline frowned. ¡°A friend. Why?¡±


    Lucas countered, ¡°Your only friend is Selena, and she wouldn¡¯t be here right now.¡±


    His tone was confident. Aveline¡¯s face turned cold upon hearing this. ¡°Lucas, we are just business partners. This is my personal matter.¡±


    Lucas approached her, struggling to contain the emotions roiling within him.


    Personal matter?


    In his presence, she had <i>no </i>personal matters.


    They weren¡¯t even divorced!


    For a moment, he almost wanted to tell her everything.


    ¡°Aveline, I didn¡¯t get burned. You don¡¯t have to worry about me,¡± Sidney¡¯s gentle voice interrupted, breaking the tense atmosphere between them.


    Lucas¡® eyes narrowed as he turned to face Sidney, his expression growing even darker.


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    Chapter <b>517 </b>


    The tense atmosphere dissolved, giving way to a bone¨Cchilling cold.


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    Both Lucas and Aveline turned to see Sidney emerging from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. His short hair was damp, and though his frame was slender, it was covered with a thinyer of muscle, giving him a youthful yet powerful appearance.


    Lucas suddenly grabbed Aveline by her wrist and yanked her forward roughly. His icy voice cut through the air, ¡°Aveline, what are you doing, hmm? Hiding a man in your home?¡±


    Lucas radiated danger, his piercing eyes fixed on Aveline as if he wanted to bore a hole through her. Rage surged within him, spreading throughout his chest.


    She had brought a man home!


    If he hadn¡¯te over tonight, would they have ended up in bed together?


    And she had even cooked a whole meal for him!


    Ha!


    Lucas realized he had been far too lenient with her.


    Aveline winced in pain, her face paling as she struggled to free her wrist. But Lucas¡® grip was too strong, and the pressure only hurt her more.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? He saved me today, I¡ª¡±


    Lucas cut her off coldly, ¡°Why did he save you? What happened? Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were in trouble?¡±


    His overwhelming presence and the dangerous aur¨¤ he exuded made Aveline tremble. Deep down, she still feared him. Because he was a madman! If pushed too far, he was capable of anything!


    Sidney stepped forward, his tone serious. ¡°Mr. Tudor, let her go. Can¡¯t you see you¡¯re hurting her?¡±


    Lucas kicked Sidney without hesitation, sending him stumbling back several steps, his face turning pale.


    ¡°Sidney!¡±


    De forcefully yanked her hand free from Lucas and rushed to support


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. <i>She </i>Sidney. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Sidney, pale and sweating from pain, shook his head weakly. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m fine.¡±


    pain


    But it was clear he was in significant pain, with sweat beading on his forehead.


    Sidney said apologetically, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to cause any misunderstanding. I noticed you have a Sidney said apologetically, ¡°I¡® dryer in the bathroom<b>, </b>so I washed my clothes and put them in to dry. They should be ready soon.¡±


    Aveline reassured him, ¡°No need to exin. I understand.¡±


    ¡°Come here, Aveline!¡± Lucas¡¯s furious voice echoed<b>, </b>making the room feel even colder.


    Aveline shuddered, then looked at Lucas<b>, </b>calming herself before speaking. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think.


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    Someone tried to hurt me after work today, and he saved me. He even got injured in the process. I just wanted to thank him by inviting him over for dinner.¡±


    As she spoke, a feeling of injustice welled up inside her, her eyes turning red. He had used her without hearing her out! She was so exhausted!


    Lucas¡® expression remained grim. ¡°Get over here. Don¡¯t make me repeat myself a third time!¡±


    Seeing her standing so close to Sidney annoyed him even more.


    Aveline didn¡¯t move. Instead, she helped Sidney up. ¡°How are you feeling? Are you okay?¡±


    Sidney shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    He looked at Aveline with a focused gaze, a look that only a man would understand.


    Lucas noticed this, his expression darkening further. He said coldly, ¡°Very well, ignoring me, huh?¡±


    His gaze turned even more sinister. ¡°If you don¡¯t want him dead, get over here!¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Aveline trembled and was forced to let go of Sidney.


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    Sidney grabbed her arm, his eyes wary as he faced Lucas. ¡°Mr. Tudor, there¡¯s nothing going on between Aveline and me. Don¡¯t hurt her!¡±


    He stood protectively, but his face was pale, and he asionally coughed, clutching his stomach where Lucas had kicked him.


    10


    Aveline¡¯s concern grew as she looked at Sidney.


    She couldn¡¯t let him stay here any longer.


    She turned and went to the bathroom to retrieve his half¨Cdried clothes.


    ¡°Sidney, put on your clothes and leave now!¡± she urged, standing between Sidney and Lucas, facing Sidney, and frantically signaling for him to leave.


    If he stayed, it would only get worse for everyone.


    Lucas¡® anger would spell trouble for them both.


    Sidney saw the urgency in her eyes, hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He quickly dressed and said, ¡°I¡¯ll send you a message in an hour. If you don¡¯t reply, I¡¯ll call the police.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Just go!¡±


    Lucas¡® face was growing darker by the second. If this dragged on, things could turn deadly.


    Sidney left, and as the door closed behind him, Aveline let out a deep breath.


    <b>In </b>the next instant, Lucas hoisted her over his shoulder, making her head spin. She instinctively struggled.


    ¡°Lucas, what are you doing? Let me go!¡±


    Lucas pped her on the butt, his voice icy. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ve been too lenient with you. You seem to have forgotten who I am!¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    With that, he carried her into the bedroom and tossed her onto the bed, hisrge frame pressing down on


    her.


    Aveline bounced slightly <b>on </b>the soft mattress, and before she could <b>react</b><b>, </b>he was on top of her, his fresh scent overwhelming her. He grabbed her by the neck and kissed her forcefully. It wasn¡¯t a kiss¨Cit was more like biting.


    Her lips hurt from the pressure. She winced and struggled harder, pushing against him.


    ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t want this!<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas easily pinned her wrists with one hand, his weight pressing her down. His narrow, dark eyes were filled with a menacing storm.


    ¡°Is it because of him that you don¡¯t want me to touch you anymore? Do you want him to touch you, hmm?


    Lucas¡® deep voice wasced with chilling coldness.


    ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous<b>! </b>I told you<b>, </b>there¡¯s nothing <b>between </b>us!¡± Aveline¡¯s chest heaved with anger, her


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    eyes zing with fury as she struggled <i>to </i>catch her breath.


    Lucas looked at her with mockery. ¡°Why is he here after saving you? Why didn¡¯t he go home? Does he not have a home, <b>so </b>you need to provide one for him?<b>¡± </b>


    His voice was dangerously low, his expression dark and filled with overwhelming rage. With a rough movement, he tore her clothes.


    ¡°Aveline, you are mine. I don¡¯t care where your heart is; you will always be mine!¡±


    His eyes were bloodshot, filled with violent anger, possessing her without any tenderness.


    ¡°It hurts!¡± Aveline¡¯s face turned pale from the pain, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead, her body trembling uncontrobly. She had never imagined that something so intimate could be so painful.


    ¡°The pain will teach you a lesson. Stay away from him. If I ever find you together again, I¡¯ll kill him and then slowly torture you!¡±


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    Chapter 519


    <b>Chapter </b><b>519 </b>


    Lucas¡® gaze was dark and menacing, his presence radiating an icy chill. His movements were forceful and rough, devoid of any gentleness.


    Aveline felt like she was dying on the bed¨Ctruly dying.


    At first, she tried to endure the pain, but soon it became unbearable, and she began to cry out in agony.


    ¡°Lucas, let me go, it hurts¡­ it hurts so much¡­¡±


    Her struggles were weak because she had no strength left. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Lucas, however, kissed away her tears without an ounce ofpassion.


    Aveliney sprawled on the bed, blood spots staining the sheets. Her entire body trembled with pain, her fingers clutching the sheets tightly.


    ¡°It hurts¡­ it hurts¡­¡± she whimpered faintly.


    Lucas looked at her, seeing her battered like a ragdoll, her pale skin marked everywhere by him. He scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom.


    The moment he touched her, Aveline shivered uncontrobly, a deep¨Crooted fear shaking her to her core.


    Sensing her change, Lucas¡® expression darkened further. His jaw tightened, and his lips pressed into a


    hard line.


    Just then, her phone rang. Aveline¡¯s heart jumped¨Chad Sidney really messaged her?


    Seeing her reaction, Lucas sneered. ¡°He wants you to tell him you¡¯re safe.¡±


    He got up, fetched her phone, and handed it to her. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Aveline instinctively clutched the phone, her eyes red and swollen from crying, as she looked at Lucas¡®


    cold face.


    Lucas¡® voice was icy. ¡°What are you staring at? He¡¯s so worried about you. If you don¡¯t reassure him, he¡¯ll call the police. Do you want the police toe and find us like this?¡±


    Aveline shook with anger. She had no choice but to message Sidney.


    Her fingers trembled as she typed. Lucas reached over and deleted what she had written, then pressed the voice message button. ¡°Typing is too slow. This is much better.¡±


    Aveline opened her mouth to speak, ¡°I¡­ ah¡­¡± But before she could finish, Lucas roughly squeezed her, causing her to gasp in pain, her voice changing tone.


    Lucas released the button<b>, </b>and the message was sent.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She tried to retract the message, but Lucas ordered, ¡°Keep going!¡±


    ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re insane!¡± Aveline trembled, trying to push him away, but she was too weak from his torment.


    Lucas coldly said, ¡°You¡¯re not done talking. Continue.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t move, ring at him in anger.


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    Seeing her defiance, Lucas suddenly tossed her phone onto the nearby cab, grabbed her chin, and kissed her fiercely, as if he wanted to devour her whole.


    ¡°Mmph!¡± Aveline resisted, but Lucas dominated her forcefully.


    The water in the bathtub rippled as Lucas held her firmly, making any escape impossible. It felt like an endless battle, leaving Aveline utterly exhausted.


    She vaguely heard her phone ringing again, but her consciousness was slipping away.


    As she drifted into a heavy sleep, she felt a cool sensation in certain areas, simr to the feeling of applying medicine. At least it alleviated the burning pain.


    Finally, she managed to sleep more peacefully.


    The next day, she opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry, and her eyes were swollen and sore.


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    Chapter <b>520 </b>


    She tried to get up, but the pain coursing through her body forced her back onto the bed. Her face turned ghostly pale.


    Bastard!


    Thinking about what Lucas had done made Aveline¡¯s eyes well up with tears, but she fought them back, knowing that crying wouldn¡¯t help.


    She had brought this upon herself. She should never have agreed to his demands! Pretending to y along had led her to this. She would be better off dead, ending it all!


    Aveline pulled the nket over herself, trying to calm down. After some time, she finally stabilized her emotions and got up, dragging her sore legs to wash up.


    When she emerged, she saw Lucas sitting on the sofa in the living room, exuding a cold aura. Without ncing at him, she walked straight past.


    Lucas withdrew his gaze and spoke into the phone. ¡°Extract the footage from Aveline¡¯s car¡¯s dashcam.¡±


    She mentioned being attackedst night. Since the underground parking lot had no surveince, he had no idea what really happened.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Desmond replied.


    Lucas added, ¡°Also, investigate Sidney¡¯s background.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Desmond answered.


    Lucas ended the call, pinched the bridge of his nose, then grabbed his coat and left.


    Aveline arrived at her studio, not in the best shape. To hide her exhaustion, she applied makeup, making


    her look much better.


    Sidney was already there, sitting at his workstation, awkwardly using the mouse with his left hand.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you resting?¡±


    His right hand was injured; he could take time off.


    When Sidney saw her, he remembered the voice message he receivedst night, and his expression turned awkward.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have much else to do, so I came in,¡± he said.


    Aveline, also recalling the events of the previous night, pressed her lips together and returned to her workstation. The atmosphere between them was slightly tense.


    When Maria arrived and saw Sidney¡¯s injury, she immediately asked, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Sidney replied, ¡°I got hurt by ident:¡±


    Maria said, ¡°You should go home and rest. Don¡¯te to work until you¡¯re fully recovered.¡±


    Sidney shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I can do some light tasks.¡±


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    Maria insisted, ¡°You need your hand to draw. I don¡¯t want you to end up regretting not taking good care of your health. Go home and rest.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    With Maria¡¯s firm stance, Sidney couldn¡¯t stay. He cast a long look at Aveline before turning to leave.


    Maria then approached Aveline to discuss the client¡¯s requirements. Noticing her tired expression, she asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep well.¡±


    Maria gave her a knowing smile. ¡°Married life sure is different but staying upte isn¡¯t good for you.¡±


    Aveline forced a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    In the following days, Aveline didn¡¯t go to Lucas¡® residence, nor did he appear before her. The incident that night felt like a nightmare, though the lingering pain reminded her it was all too real.


    A weekter, Aveline received a message from Sasha.


    Sophia had taken the bait!


    Thend development project required purchasing arge amount of building materials. If there were issues with these materials or if there were maniptions in the contracts, given Sophia¡¯s hasty and ambitious nature, she wouldn¡¯t notice until it was toote.


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    By the time Sophia realized that everything she had bought was defective, it would be toote to hold anyone ountable as those involved would have already disappeared.


    The people Sasha had arranged to contact Sophia were all from shellpanies, specializing in scams. Aveline¡¯s eyes brightened as she asked, ¡°How much did she invest?¡±


    Sasha couldn¡¯t hide her amusement. ¡°She put in all the avable funds of herpany.¡±


    Aveline was surprised that Sophia had gambled so recklessly. All her investment had now gone down the drain.


    Sasha continued, ¡°This failure is a significant blow to her. Not only did she fail to deliver results, but herpany now needs family support to stay afloat. My father is very disappointed in her and has ordered her to secure Lucas. Aveline, the next step is up to you.¡±


    Aveline took a deep breath and said, ¡°Got it.¡±


    After hanging up, a look of determination appeared in her eyes. She could ignore many things, but she had to settle this score. If Sophia wanted her dead, she would make her life unbearable.


    She looked at Lucas¡® number on her phone and dialed it without hesitation. After three rings, the call went unanswered and eventually disconnected.


    Aveline frowned. What was going on? Why wasn¡¯t he answering? What was he doing?


    Thinking it over, she called Desmond.


    ¡°Mrs Tudor,¡± Desmond¡¯s respectful voice came through.


    ¡°Where is Lucas?¡± Aveline asked.


    Desmond hesitated before replying, ¡°Mr. Tudor is not at thepany. I don¡¯t know where he is. Would you like me to contact him for you?¡±


    Aveline was even more puzzled. Desmond didn¡¯t know either?


    ¡°Yes, please ask him for me,¡± Aveline said and hung up the phone.


    It was a critical moment, so what was Lucas up to?


    At Tudor family¡¯s main mansion.


    In the study.


    Frederick¡¯s expression grew darker as he reviewed the investigation report.


    ¡°Bang!¡± He mmed the documents onto the desk, ring at Lucas. ¡°What is the meaning of this? Why are you stopping my men from searching for Leo? Do you not want him toe back?¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained cold and indifferent. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you wasting resources on a dead man.¡± ¡°Kneel!¡± Frederick shouted furiously, pointing at him. ¡°Leo is your brother. He treated you so well, and you


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    Chapter 521


    don¡¯t want him back! Today, I will teach you a lesson, you ungrateful brat!¡±


    He opened a cab, pulled out a long whip, and mmed it onto the floor, his eyes devoid of any warmth as he looked at Lucas.


    Lucas stared back coolly, a faint sneer ying on his lips. ¡°He died in front of me. I can still remember what his body looked like. Do you want me to draw it for you?¡±


    ¡°Kneel!¡± Frederick roared,shing out with the whip. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Lucas knelt, the whip striking his body with fierce pain. Frederick¡¯s blows grew harsher and more relentless.


    ¡°Why wasn¡¯t it you who died back then?¡± he snarled, his face twisted with rage. All these years, he had agonized over this.


    He desperately wished it had been Leo who survived.


    He had never liked Lucas, never had. <i>And </i>now, Lucas was preventing him from finding Leo.


    He couldn¡¯t help but suspect that Lucas had deliberately caused Leo¡¯s death back then.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>522 </b>


    The whipshed across Lucas¡® body, and he winced slightly. Hearing Frederick¡¯s words, he retorted sarcastically, <b>¡°</b>If you hate me that much, you might as well kill me now.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t want to?¡± Frederick panted, exhausted from the beating, his eyes filled with malice.¡± Once I find Leo, I¡¯ll dly kill you!¡±


    Lucas¡® clothes were torn, and his arms and back were bleeding, presenting a gruesome sight. He looked at Frederick mockingly. ¡°Well, you might never see him, even in death.¡±


    ¡°You ungrateful son!¡± Frederick¡¯s chest heaved with anger, raising the whip to strike again.


    Lucas stood up and said coldly, ¡°Save your strength for next time. I have things to do.¡±


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Frederick shouted, trembling with rage, pointing a shaking finger at him.


    But Lucas never listened to him.


    He had knelt down and taken the beating today for reasons Frederick couldn¡¯t fathom.


    Despite this, Frederick felt no satisfaction, only increased fury. He couldn¡¯t help but think how much better it would have been if Lucas had died in the fire back then. The Tudor family would be a harmonious, peaceful ce, not the chaotic mess it had be because of him.


    Yvonne hurried in and, seeing Frederick¡¯s enraged face, quickly fetched his blood pressure medication. Frederick, don¡¯t get so worked up. You need to take care of your health.¡±


    11


    Frederick took his medication and drank some water, gradually calming down. ¡°Didn¡¯t he divorce Aveline? Find a suitable girl from another family for him to marry immediately and have an heir!<b>¡± </b>


    Yvonne hesitated. ¡°He won¡¯t agree to that.¡±


    Frederick sneered. ¡°He has no choice! If he chooses to stay in the Tudor family, he must contribute.¡±


    Yvonne looked troubled. ¡°You know his temperament. He won¡¯t go along with it.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s eyes were cold. ¡°Then find a way to make him.¡±


    Yvonne thought for a moment and said, ¡°Even though he divorced Aveline, he still seems to care about her. Maybe we could have Aveline get pregnant?¡±


    Frederick scoffed, ¡°Someone like Aveline doesn¡¯t deserve to bear a Tudor child!¡±


    Yvonne sighed softly.


    Frederick continued, ¡°Go find a suitable match. I think the girl from the Thompson family would be a good choice. Spend more time with Mrs. Thompson<b>.</b>¡±


    Yvonne nodded, ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±


    Lucas sat in his car, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. He then noticed his phone on the seat. Picking it up, he saw that Aveline had called him numerous times.


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    A faint, mocking smile yed on his lips. After the incident, she hadn¡¯t reached out to him, and he had been too busy to think about her. Now, she was calling him?


    He thought she might never want to speak to him again.


    He dialed her number back, put the phone on speaker, and tossed it onto the dashboard.


    After three rings, the call connected, and Aveline¡¯s gentle voice came through, ¡°Lucas, where are you?¡±


    Her tone was calm, betraying no emotion. If they were any other couple, the girl would probably be upset and want reassurance from the guy.


    A look of derision crossed Lucas¡® face. They weren¡¯t a couple at all.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked coldly.


    ???


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    Chapter <b>523 </b>


    Aveline paused, wondering if he had forgotten about what happened before. ¡°Let¡¯s meet and talk,¡± she said.


    Lucas, feeling the stinging pain on his body, replied with the same cold tone, ¡°Fine.¡±


    He hung up and sent her a message, instructing her toe to the Tudor residence.


    <b>+25 </b>BONUS C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline saw the message and frowned. The events of that night had left her with a strong aversion to the Tudor residence, but at this point, she had no choice.


    Lucas¡¯s tone seemed cold and impatient, which made her feel even more frustrated. How could he be the onecking patience? It was his idea to pretend.


    Aveline gathered herposure and set off for the Tudor residence.


    The butler greeted her with a smile. ¡°Mrs. Tudor, would you like something to drink?¡±


    ¡°Just water,¡± Aveline replied.


    The butler nodded and instructed someone to bring it.


    Aveline waited patiently.


    About half an hourter, Lucas¡® tall figure appeared in the room. Aveline looked at him and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m here to talk about what happenedst time.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened as he stared at Aveline. A sly smile curved on his lips. ¡°What? Want to go for another round? You wish to get torn apart again?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face instantly turned cold.


    ¡°Lucas, can you not be so vile?¡± she snapped.


    But before she could react, Lucas suddenly grabbed her chin and leaned in to kiss her.


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    A sharp p resounded through the room in the next second


    Lucas felt the sting on his cheek, his tongue pressing against the inside of his mouth. He let out a lowugh.


    ¡°You pped me. If I don¡¯t do something about it, wouldn¡¯t that p be for nothing?¡± he said.


    With a sudden move, he pushed Aveline onto the sofa, his tall frame pressing down on her as he captured her lips in a kiss<b>. </b>


    Aveline hadn¡¯t expected him to act so wildly. Her entire body resisted, struggling fiercely. ¡°Lucas, you bastard<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    Her pent¨Cup emotions burst forth like a flood, and she hit him hard, venting all the anger she¡¯d been suppressing for days.


    Lucas didn¡¯t stop her. He let her hit him until she was exhausted, her blows losing strength. Only then did


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    he coldly smirk. ¡°You know I¡¯m a bastard, so why did youe looking for me? Hmm?¡±


    His hand caressed her face gently. Their proximity created a strange, charged atmosphere.


    Aveline, now tired, breathed unevenly, her eyes slightly reddened as she looked at his handsome face.¡± Lucas, weren¡¯t we supposed to be pretending? What, have you changed your mind?¡±


    Lucas replied coolly, ¡°Yes, I have.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Aveline was shocked by his response.


    She red at him angrily. ¡°How can you change your mind like that?¡±


    Lucas chuckled. ¡°Why can¡¯t I? I¡¯m not the one being threatened or hurt.¡±


    Aveline was at a loss for words, her anger growing but with no outlet.


    She felt utterly miserable.


    She shoved him away and stood up.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not interested anymore, then let¡¯s just forget about it,¡± she said, heading towards the door.


    Lucas remained seated on the sofa, cold sweat dotting his forehead, his gaze fixed on her retreating back.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>524 </b>


    ¡°If you beg me, I might agree to keep up the act,¡± the man¡¯s clear voice rang out behind her.


    Aveline paused, her tone cold. ¡°I¡¯d rather die.¡±


    He wanted her to beg him? In his dreams!


    Lucas chuckled softly. ¡°So full of pride. Think about everything you¡¯ve been through: a man like Darren constantly trying to kill you, Sophia scheming against you at every turn. Who else mighte after you? How much longer can you endure? Dying sounds easy, but do you really have the courage to go through with it?<b>¡± </b>


    His words struck her heart like a hammer, breaking down her resolve


    Her steps slowed, and she clenched her bag tightly.


    She was unwilling to give up.


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have contacted Lucas today.


    Did she really dare to die? How could she, with so many things left undone?


    Aveline closed her eyes, knowing that stepping back meant endless entanglement with him. He could easily walk away, but what about her? In the end, wouldn¡¯t she still be left battered and bruised?


    Fighting alone or relying on him seemed to lead to the same oue.


    Lucas watched her hesitation, his gaze unwavering. ¡°Aveline, this is a one¨Ctime offer. If you walk out that door today, I promise you¡¯ll never see me again.¡±


    He meant every word.


    Aveline bit her lip hard, closing her eyes once more. When she opened them, they were clear and determined.


    She turned to face him. ¡°Lucas, do you think you can control me like this? If before, I considered keeping up the agreement because it had its benefits, now I realize I don¡¯t need it. Standing by your side isn¡¯t any different from being hurt by those people.¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued by her defiance.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± he said, ¡°but at least with me, you know what to expect. With them, who knows how much worse it could get?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes shed with determination. ¡°I¡¯d rather face the unknown than stay in a ce where I¡¯m constantly reminded of how powerless I am.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression softened just a fraction. ¡°Fine. But remember, the door is always open for you toe back, if you change your mind.¡±


    Aveline turned once more and walked out, not looking back.


    Her gaze was icy as she spoke, ¡°You¡¯re just as vile as they are. I will only hate you.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away.


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    Chapter 524


    Lucas watched her leave, not moving from his spot. The pain in his body intensified, causing his brow to furrow. Why did it hurt so much? He closed his eyes, and the next moment, he copsed.


    As Aveline exited the Tudor residence, she felt a weight lifted from her chest. She took out her phone and called Selena.


    ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡± Selena¡¯s voice was somewhat cold when she answered.


    Aveline sniffled and asked, ¡°How about I cook dinner, and <i>you </ie over? I¡¯ll make your favorite chicken wings.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    There was a long silence on the other end of the line.


    Aveline¡¯s grip on her phone tightened. ¡°And I¡¯ll also make some grilled fish?¡±


    Selena¡¯s stiff voice finally responded, ¡°I want crispy pork too.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Aveline smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for <i>you </i>at home


    ¡°Alright,¡± Selena replied.


    After hanging up, Aveline walked away with a lighter step.


    Behind her, a servant hurried out, catching up with her, looking anxious. ¡°Mrs. Tudor, please go back and check on Mr. Tudor!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fainted and has a fever!¡± the servant eximed, panicked.


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly. ¡°Then <i>you </i>should call the ambnce, not ask me to go back. I¡¯m not a doctor.<i>¡± </i>


    With that, she walked past the servant just as a taxi pulled up.


    She got in and left.


    The servant stood there, momentarily unsure, before steeling himself and heading back inside.


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    The butler noticed the servant returning alone and immediately asked, ¡°Where is Mrs. Tudor?¡±


    The servant hesitated but eventually repeated what Aveline had said.


    The butler sighed heavily and nced at the unconscious man on the sofa. Lucas¡® brow was furrowed, and even in his unconscious state, he kept murmuring Aveline¡¯s name.


    ¡°Aveline, don¡¯t go. Aveline¡­¡±


    But Aveline couldn¡¯t hear him.


    Aveline went to the supermarket, bought groceries, and started cooking at home. While preparing the fish, Russell called her.


    She answered, ¡°Russ, I¡¯m cooking. Have you had dinner? Do you want toe over and join us<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Russell smiled. ¡°Sure, I haven¡¯t had your cooking in a while. I¡¯d love to.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Thene over.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Russell replied before hanging up.


    About half an hourter, Russell arrived with Selena.


    Aveline stood at the door, smiling at Selena.


    Selena pouted, then suddenly ran over and hugged her. ¡°You didn¡¯t contact me for so long. I thought you didn¡¯t want me anymore!¡±


    Her voice was choked with emotion.


    Aveline quickly patted her back. ¡°How could that be? I just had some things to figure out.¡±


    Selena hugged her tightly and said, ¡°You¡¯ve lost weight.¡±


    Avelineughed. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean my figure looks even better?¡±


    Selena bit her lip. ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to have a better figure than me. From today on, you have to eat properly!¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try to gain a bit more weight than you.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, that¡¯s better!¡± Selena huffed, then wrinkled her nose. ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh no, my soup!¡±


    She quickly turned and rushed into the kitchen.


    Russell, watching from the side, said, ¡°Looks like what brought wille in handy today.¡±


    Selena looked over and saw him carrying beer.


    Her eyes lit up. ¡°We¡¯re not stopping until we¡¯re drunk tonight!¡±


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    Russell¡¯s charming smile, both soft and wicked, made him look even more captivating. ¡°Sure, you two can drink to your heart¡¯s content. I¡¯ll take care of the aftermath.¡±


    Selena patted his shoulder. ¡°Russ, you¡¯re the best!¡±


    Aveline finished preparing the dishes and brought them to the table. Selena immediately ced a can of beer in front of her.


    ¡°Drinking tonight?¡± Aveline asked, surprised.


    Selena raised her chin. ¡°Will you be drinking with us?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Yes!¡± Aveline nodded, her eyes sparkling.


    Russell quietly ate, his eyes lighting up with each bite.


    It was delicious!


    Aveline looked at him and asked, ¡°Russ, aren¡¯t you going to join us?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯ll have a little, but tonight is your night,¡± he replied, opening a can of beer and taking a small sip


    Aveline didn¡¯t press him further.


    Selena clinked her ss against Aveline¡¯s and took a big gulp, finishing half the can in one go. She closed her eyes and sighed. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s refreshing!¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Slow down, no one¡¯s going to take it from you.¡±


    Selena opened her eyes, which were now red. ¡°Aveline, you have no idea how hard these past few days have been for me. Just thinking about you being with that jerk Lucas makes me want to cry.


    ¡°He¡¯s hurt you so much, and yet, just because he saved you once, you¡¯re back with him? It makes me feel like you¡¯re so caught up in love that you¡¯ve lost <i>your </i>mind. I want to crack open your skull and see what¡¯s inside!¡±


    She clutched the beer bottle, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Aveline.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>526 </b>


    Selena cried, tears and snot streaming down her face. Her eyes, though angry, were filled with concern


    for Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes welled up as she sniffled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you worry.¡±


    Selena grabbed a tissue, blew her nose loudly, and tossed it in the trash. ¡°Alright, I ept your apology. Now, can you tell me what¡¯s going on?¡±


    After a pause, she forced a smile. ¡°No matter what happens, I¡¯m by your side this time. Even if you and Lucas have ten or eight kids, I won¡¯t say a word.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched. The serious mood was broken by herment. Ten or eight kids? Did she think Aveline was some kind of breeding machine?


    Aveline took a sip of beer and briefly exined the situation.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to harm you?¡± Selena¡¯s face grew tense. ¡°Who?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s why when he proposed this n, I hesitated. It seemed like a good idea, but now¡­ I don¡¯t want to know anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Selena argued. ¡°You need to find out. If ying along is the way to catch the mastermind, then do it! And when it¡¯s over, ditch that jerk and we¡¯ll run away together!¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°You were so angry about this before.¡±


    Selena looked serious. ¡°That was different. If I had known the full story, I wouldn¡¯t have said those things, I would have supported you. After all, you only have one life. If you die, that¡¯s it. Everything¡¯s over.¡±


    Aveline was taken aback. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Selena squeezed her hand. ¡°Aveline, you can¡¯t die. You haven¡¯t even opened your little restaurant yet, and I haven¡¯t be your second¨Cinmand!¡±


    Avelineughed, pinching Selena¡¯s cheek. ¡°I won¡¯t die.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Selena nodded. ¡°Good. So go along with Lucas for now. y the game, find the real mastermind, and then kick him to the curb. That would make my day.¡±


    Aveline sighed, knowing the real focus was <b>on </b>thatst part.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Russell interjected.


    At that moment, Russell, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. ¡°You mentioned someone in the Tudor family is targeting you. Do you have any suspects?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline replied calmly, ¡°I believe everyone in the Tudor family is a suspect.¡±


    Frederick despised her, Yvonne¡¯s attitude was quiteplicated, and Barbara had started to distance herself after regaining her memories. Barbara even went so far as to help Sophia by deceiving her into going <b>to </b>the hospital,


    So far, Lucas was the only one who hadn¡¯t <b>directly </b>threatened her <b>life</b>, though he had hurt her in <b>other </b>ways.


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    Aveline let out a bitterugh. What kind of person was she to warrant such hostility from a prominent family like the Tudors? Was she unlucky, or perhaps just lucky in a twisted way?


    Russell frowned. ¡°ording to Lucas¡® n<b>, </b>someone in the family doesn¡¯t want <i>to </i>see you two happy. By pretending to be a loving couple, you¡¯re supposed to force that person to act, revealing their identity.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. That was the original n.¡±


    But now, everything had changed.


    Russell rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°But what if that person doesn¡¯t make a move? Are you supposed to keep up this act forever<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


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    Aveline paused, realizing she hadn¡¯t considered that possibility before. What if the person never made a move and just continued lurking in the shadows, watching them?


    Russell smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s why this n is wed. The stronger your rtionship with Lucas appears, and the more protection you receive, the harder it will be for the person to strike.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together. Had Lucas deceived her again?


    Russell continued, ¡°Instead of trying to provoke the person this way, it¡¯s better to observe and see if they are bothered by your rtionship or targeting you specifically.¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°I agree with Russ.¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°But what if they¡¯re targeting me?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°That¡¯s easy. I¡¯ll assign someone to protect you and ensure you aren¡¯t harmed.¡±


    Selena gave him a thumbs up. ¡°Russ, you¡¯re a true hero!¡±


    Russell¡¯s lips twitched slightly, and then he added, ¡°Since you¡¯ve decided not to cooperate with Lucas, you need to be prepared to expose yourself to the person. That¡¯s why you need protection.¡±


    He pointed to himself. ¡°And I have the means to provide it.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s long eyshes fluttered as she met Russell¡¯s intense gaze, which made her feel uneasy and


    somewhat reluctant.


    In truth, she didn¡¯t want to involve others. If someone had to die, she preferred it be her alone. She didn¡¯t want to drag anyone else into her downfall.


    Feeling a warm hand on hers, she looked up to see Selena holding her hand. ¡°Aveline, I know what you¡¯re thinking, but don¡¯t go there. Your life isn¡¯t just yours; it¡¯s mine too! We¡¯re friends, and you¡¯re like my family. Even if you don¡¯t want to stay alive for yourself, you have to live on for me!¡±


    Selena, always her closest confidant, had understood her thoughts just by looking at her.


    Aveline managed a small smile. ¡°But¡­¡±


    Selena¡¯s tone was firm. ¡°No buts. We¡¯re not at the end yet. You¡¯re safe now, and you¡¯ll continue to be safe


    in the future.¡±


    Russell said, ¡°Aveline, you don¡¯t need to feel guilty. If it makes you feel better, you can pay my bodyguards. They wouldn¡¯t mind earning double.¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline¡¯splicated feelings eased a bit. By paying for the protection, she wouldn¡¯t feel too indebted to Russell.


    ¡°Thank you, Russ!¡± Aveline said gratefully. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Russell smiled. ¡°No need for formalities between us. Now that this is settled, let¡¯s discuss something else.


    Aveline paused before saying, ¡°Sophia wants to kill me, so I teamed up with Sasha to set a trap for her. She¡¯s already fallen into it. Her only way out now is to cling to Lucas as her lifeline. If she marries Lucas,


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    she can secure her position <b>in </b>the Winter family and elevate her status.¡±


    Selena frowned in disgust. ¡°That woman is so vile. Why can¡¯t she just disappear?¡±


    Russell said, ¡°So, your n is to first strip her of her support in the Winter family, then appear with Lucas to shatter her delusions?¡±


    Aveline nodded bitterly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Russell sighed softly. ¡°Even then, she won¡¯t suffer much.¡±


    Selena added, ¡°I understand you want to take away everything she values and make her suffer, but that¡¯s still letting her off too easily.¡±


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    Aveline stayed silent, realizing her initial thinking had been overly simplistic.


    Selena continued, ¡°It¡¯s not enough to just take away everything she values; she needs to experience the despair you felt. After all, true empathy doesn¡¯t exist. Once she¡¯s faced the brink of death, she¡¯ll understand how precious life is.¡±


    Aveline blinked. ¡°You make a good point.¡±


    Selena smiled confidently. ¡°Sometimes my brain works pretty fast.¡±


    Aveline pondered for a moment. ¡°But doing that would be illegal.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°Did Sophia consider thew when she did those things to you?¡±


    Aveline fell into deep silence. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Russell said, ¡°That woman really deserves a lesson.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes lit up as she looked at Russell. ¡°Russ, you¡¯re so handsome! Do you have a girlfriend? Being with you must feel incredibly safe!¡±


    She nced meaningfully at Aveline.


    Aveline took a sip of her beer, pretending not to notice.


    Russell, with his gentle and handsome face, smiled faintly and gazed at Aveline. ¡°I don¡¯t have a girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Selena exaggeratedly swooned.


    Aveline, afraid Selena might say something inappropriate, quickly pulled her away. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s drink.¡±


    Selena turned to Aveline, smiled, and raised her bottle. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m on your side. Whatever choice you make, I¡¯ll support you.¡±


    Aveline felt deeply moved.


    The two of them drank until they were thoroughly intoxicated.


    As promised, Russell took care of the cleanup. Meanwhile, Aveline and Selena sat on the sofa, wrapped in each other¡¯s arms and chatting away<b>, </b>creating a scene that was almostical.


    After tidying the dining table and kitchen, Russell said, ¡°You two should get some rest. I¡¯m heading out.¡±


    Selena, holding onto Aveline with one arm, raised her other hand high. ¡°Goodbye, Russ!¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    Russell nced at Aveline. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were dreamy and unfocused. She looked less aloof and more adorably vulnerable.


    His gaze deepened for a moment before he forced himself to look away and leave.


    The door closed.


    Selena cupped Aveline¡¯s face, her words slurred from the alcohol. ¡°Aveline, have you really not


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    considered Russ? He¡¯s really great¡­¡±


    Aveline pushed her gently. ¡°Stop it. He¡¯s too good for me. I¡¯m just an ordinary person.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being ordinary? Can¡¯t ordinary people find love?¡± Selena protested, clearly unhappy with the notion.


    Aveline half¨Cclosed her eyes, memories of recent events shing through her mind like a fast¨Cforward reel.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she said softly after a long pause.


    When there was no response, she turned to see that Selena had already fallen asleep.


    Aveline smiled, helping Selena to her feet and guiding her to the bedroom. She struggled to get Selena onto the bed, wiped her face, and tucked her in before stepping out of the room.


    She opened the fridge and took out a bottle of ice water, gulping down arge mouthful to quell the heat and agitation inside her. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but she felt particrly restless.


    Holding the bottle, she walked to the balcony and gazed at the beautifully lit night scene of the neighborhood. The self¨Cmockery in her eyes grew stronger.


    Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen and saw that it was Lucas calling.


    Aveline hesitated for a moment before rejecting the call.


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    Chapter <b>529 </b>


    Aveline put her phone aside and took another sip of water before returning to the bedroom to shower and sleep.


    At the hospital, the lights were still on in Lucas¡® room.


    Lucas stared at the ended call on his phone, his handsome face tightening with a grim expression. A heavy, oppressive silence slowly filled the room.


    Suddenly, the door opened. N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Lucas instinctively looked over, but when he saw it was Aaron entering, he frowned and looked away.


    ¡°Well, you seem disappointed to see me,¡± Aaron remarked as he walked in and sat down in a chair. He still smelled faintly of alcohol, clearly having juste from a bar.


    Lucas closed his eyes briefly, his face still rather pale. The whip wounds on his body had been treated, but he had lost consciousness earlier due to infection and high fever from the injuries.


    Aaron said, ¡°You¡¯re already divorced Aveline, so why are you still hoping she¡¯lle see you? From what I can tell, she¡¯d rather stay far away from you.¡±


    Lucas replied in a cold, hoarse voice, ¡°If you have nothing useful to say, you might as well keep your mouth shut.¡±


    Aaronughed. ¡°Did I hit a nerve? Is that why you¡¯reshing out?¡±


    Lucas gave him an icy stare. Even with his paleplexion, he still exuded an intimidating aura.


    But Aaron wasn¡¯t afraid.


    He said casually, ¡°Let me tell you something interesting ¨C Sophia¡¯s recently acquirednd is having some issues.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested,¡± Lucas stated.


    But Aaron went on to exin the whole situation anyway. ¡°It¡¯s obvious someone set a trap for her, and she was foolish enough to fall right into it. That woman is beyond help.¡±


    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Although, Sasha isn¡¯t smart enough toe up with a scheme like this on her own. I suspect someone must be helping her behind the scenes.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression changed. ¡°Someone¡¯s helping Sasha?¡±


    Aaron nodded. ¡°Exactly. How else could Sasha have tolerated Sophia lording over her for so many years?¡±


    Lucas pondered this for a moment. Then, a faint smile curved his thin lips.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly smiling like this?¡± Aaron asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Lucas remarked.


    Aaron looked even more confused. ¡°What are you talking about? What¡¯s interesting?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°I know who¡¯s been advising Sasha.¡±


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    ¡°Who is it?¡± Aaron immediately asked.


    Lucas gave him a nd look. ¡°What¡¯s the point of having a brain if you don¡¯t use it?¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Aaron swore. ¡°What¡¯s your problem? I tell you about this, and you y coy with me?¡±


    Lucas retorted, ¡°Don¡¯t like it? Why don¡¯t you hit me then?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s fist tightened, but he restrained himself. ¡°You know what, I¡¯ll let it go since you¡¯re sick. Actually, you¡¯re a sick man without a wife,¡± he added, leaning back with his arms crossed.


    If there was ever an example of a verbal low blow, that was it.


    Lucas¡® expression instantly darkened. ¡°Get out.¡±


    Aaron let out a coldugh. ¡°I don¡¯t think I will. I¡¯m going to stay right here and watch you wallow in self- pity. Oh, by the way, I heard Russell went to see Aveline. Tsk tsk, a man and woman alone togetherte at night¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Lucas threw off his nket and got out of bed.


    Startled, Aaron quickly moved to block him. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    Lucas¡® face was grim. ¡°I¡¯m going to find her.¡±


    Aaron was exasperated. ¡°You¡¯re divorced now. Why are you still chasing after her? Aren¡¯t you afraid she¡¯ll hate you even more?¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes shed with icy determination. ¡°Even if she hates me, she can only be mine!¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>530 </b>


    Aaron held Lucas back firmly. ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t be crazy. You¡¯re still injured, and besides, you and Aveline are already divorced. Since you¡¯ve decided to let her go, you need to move on!¡±


    Aaron truly couldn¡¯t understand why Lucas was so fixated on Aveline.


    In the beginning, Lucas despised her because she had witnessed his most vulnerable state ¨C when he had lost his memory, couldn¡¯t speak, and even appeared mentally impaired.


    Those were the memories Lucas least wanted to revisit after regaining his senses, which led him to insist on divorcing Aveline in the first ce. But now, he wanted to win her back?


    It was insane!


    The veins on Lucas¡® forehead bulged as he red at Aaron furiously. ¡°Aveline and I are not divorced. She is still my wife!¡±


    Aaron was stunned. ¡°What¡­ did you say?¡±


    The struggle had reopened some of Lucas¡® wounds, and the faint scent of blood lingered in the air. He curled his lips into a cold smile. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t handed her the divorce certificate, she would¡¯ve kept pestering me for it. So, I gave her what she wanted. Whether it¡¯s real or not¨Cthat¡¯s for her to figure out.¡±


    If she had immediately recognized the divorce certificate as fake, they might.truly be divorced by now.


    But she didn¡¯t.


    And whose fault was that?


    It was fated that she could only be his wife!


    Even if he died, her marital status would be ¡°widowed,¡± not ¡°divorced.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve truly lost your mind,¡± Aaron stared at him in disbelief, never imagining Lucas would give Aveline a fake divorce certificate. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that one day she¡¯ll discover this lie and all hell will break loose?¡±


    Aaron helped Lucas sit on the hospital bed, frowning as he asked. He felt Lucas was heading down a path of no return. Given Aveline¡¯s stubborn personality, once she discovered this deception, not only would there be chaos, but Lucas might regret it bitterly¡­


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Lucas closed his eyes, his tone eerily calm. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how she confronts me. She will always be my wife.¡±


    Aaron was speechless for a long moment, unable toprehend Lucas¡® madness.


    After resting briefly, Lucas seemed to regain some strength, though his eyes remained cold as he tried to


    get up again.


    Aaron pushed him back down by the shoulders. ¡°You should stay here and recover. I¡¯ll go check on her for you.¡±


    Lucas pressed his lips together without responding.


    Aaron raised an eyebrow. ¡°What? Don¡¯t you trust me anymore?¡±


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    Lucas said, ¡°Have Brian continue to protect her discreetly.¡±


    Aaron nodded. ¡°No problem.¡±


    He then turned and left.


    Lucas leaned back against the headboard, his body burning with pain.


    He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, feeling the searing agony, yet his face remained expressionless.


    It didn¡¯t matter.


    No matter how much trouble this caused, it didn¡¯t matter to him.


    As long as she was his, that was enough.


    Aaron drove to Maple Garden, where he also owned property.


    Looking up at Aveline¡¯s floor, he saw the lights were already off.


    His expression darkened. What was happening? Were they sleeping together? That was uneptable. If Lucas found out, he¡¯d probably lose it entirely. He was already on the edge as it was! C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aaron quickly got out of the car and headed upstairs.


    Selena was in a drowsy state when she heard knocking at the door. She frowned and groaned, opening her eyes and getting up.


    ¡°What a nuisance!¡± she cursed under her breath.


    She saw Aveline sleeping soundly beside her,pletely undisturbed by the noise.


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    Selena was surprised. Aveline was usually a light sleeper, but the loud knocking hadn¡¯t woken her. Maybe it was the alcohol.


    Not dwelling on it further<b>, </b>Selena yawned as she went to check the peephole. Seeing who was outside, she narrowed her eyes.


    Why was he here?


    Just as she was pondering this, the person outside started knocking again.


    Selena quickly opened the door to find Aaron with his hand raised, about to knock once. more. If she¡¯d been two seconds slower, his palm might havended on her instead.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, pounding on the door in the middle of the night? Are you crazy?¡± Selena snapped irritably.


    Aaron lowered his hand and nced at her. ¡°It¡¯s just you here?¡±


    Selena yawned. ¡°Who else would it be?¡±


    She squinted, as if remembering something. ¡°Oh, and Russell.¡±


    Aaron had started to rx, but his brow furrowed at her words. ¡°You¡¯re saying Russell slept here?¡±


    Selena retorted, ¡°How¡¯s that your business?<b>¡± </b>


    Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the situation had be quite thorny. If something had really happened between Russell and Aveline¡­Lucas might go <b>on </b>a rampage. Things could spiral out of control.


    Selena thought he was being ridiculous and moved to close the door. ¡°It¡¯ste, Mr. Fletcher. Can you please stop disturbing people¡¯s rest?<b>¡± </b>


    She was about to shut the door in his face when Aaron put his hand on the door frame, his expression gravely serious. ¡°Which room are they <b>in</b>?¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Selena frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face grew even colder. ¡°I¡¯m not joking around. Tell me which room they¡¯re in. Or should I go in and find out myself?¡±


    As Aaron moved to enter, Selena quickly blocked his path. ¡°Hey, did I say you coulde in? What are you talking about?¡±


    Aaron eyed the petite woman <b>in </b>front of him, then suddenly scooped her up under his arm and strode into the apartment<b>, </b>checking each room.


    Selena was shocked. ¡°What the hell, Aaron! Do you know you¡¯re trespassing? Let me go!¡±


    Being carried like that was extremely ufortable for her. The disparity in strength between men and women became painfully clear ¨C she was like a helplessmb, unable to resist at all.


    Aaron opened two guest rooms, finding them empty. His gaze fell on the master bedroom, his expression darkening further.


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    Were they sleeping in there?


    Seeing his reaction, Selena realized who he was looking <b>for</b>. Connecting his earlier questions and attitude, she hurriedly <b>said</b>, ¡°Aaron, calm down! It¡¯s just me and Ave here, no one else!¡±


    Aaron paused as he was about to open the master bedroom door. He looked down at Selena. ¡°Are you serious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Selena nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Russell dide earlier, but he left after dinner!¡±


    Aaron let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. Then he tightened his grip slightly and narrowed his eyes. ¡°Are you lying to me?¡±


    Selena squirmed ufortably in his hold. ¡°You¡­ let me go first.¡±


    Aaron carried her towards the exit. ¡°?elena, it seems I¡¯ve been too lenient, making you think you can do whatever you want in front of me.¡±


    He left the apartment with Selena still in his arms.

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    ¡°<b>Aar¨®n</b><b>, </b>what are you doing? Let <b>go </b>of me!¡±


    Selena kicked and struggled.


    She reached out to <b>scratch </b>Aaron¡¯s face but couldn¡¯t reach him!


    Aaron carried her down to the next floor, approached a door, entered a fingerprint code, and walked inside. Without saying a word, he threw Selena onto the sofa!


    ¡°Ah!<b>¡± </b>


    Selena let out a short cry<b>, </b>only to find herself pinned beneath him!


    Her eyes widened slightly. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Aaron gazed down at her. ¡°Selena, it¡¯s not just once or twice¨Cdo you really think my patience is limitless<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Selena suddenly felt a sense of danger.


    She swallowed hard, stopped struggling, and tried to calm both her emotions and his.


    ¡°Aaron, I was just joking with you. Do you really need to react like this?¡±


    Aaron responded coldly, ¡°Do you realize how serious the consequences of this joke could be?¡±


    Selena pouted. ¡°Even if it wasn¡¯t a joke, what does it have to do with you? Ave and that scumbag Lucas/


    are already divorced. She has the right to be with whoever she wants.¡±


    Aaron almost blurted out that the divorce certificate was fake, but he held back.


    Never mind. He could keep it under wraps for now.


    But right now, he had to settle ounts with this woman!


    ¡°As long as Lucas hasn¡¯t given up on her, she¡¯s still his woman. I can¡¯t just stand by and watch her do something that betrays him,¡± Aaron said in a low voice.


    Selena¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Are you insane? Are all of you crazy?¡±


    They were already divorced, and he still couldn¡¯t let her go?


    What was wrong with them? Why couldn¡¯t they just let Aveline be?


    Suddenly, Aaron leaned in, gripping her chin. ¡°You insulted me again. Tell me, how should I deal with you?¡±


    The curse words that were about to fly out of Selena¡¯s mouth got stuck. She pressed her hands against Aaron¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Aaron, can¡¯t we just stop? I¡¯ll apologize. I was wrong before; I shouldn¡¯t have provoked you. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Too <bte</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Seeing Selena back down only made Aaron more ufortable.


    He <b>cut </b>her off abruptly, then suddenly kissed her!


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Selena¡¯s eyes widened in shock; she hadn¡¯t expected things <b>to </b>escte <b>in </b>this direction.


    <b>No</b>¡­ no<b>, </b>that wasn¡¯t right.


    She had anticipated this¨Cwhy else would Aaron pin her down <b>on </b>the sofa? C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    However, she just hadn¡¯t expected it to happen so quickly!


    She had nned to buy herself some time!


    Selena began to struggle, not wanting to let things go any further between them.


    But Aaron¡¯s strength was overwhelming; she had experienced it before, and now, her attempts to resist seemed futile in his eyes.


    Effortlessly, Aaron gripped both her wrists and pinned them above her head, kissing her with no restraint.


    His other hand slipped under her clothes, finding its way to her smooth skin, and caressing her body without hesitation.


    Selena¡¯s body tensed up, and she tried to bite him, but he quickly invaded her mouth, dominating every


    inch.


    His kiss was wild, ravaging every corner of her mouth, almost brutally entwining her tongue with his.


    Selena couldn¡¯t handle such intense kissing.


    In no time, she was breathless and weakened.


    As he finally kissed her, Aaron felt the emptiness inside him from these past days gradually being filled,


    But it wasn¡¯t enough. Just kissing wasn¡¯t enough.


    Amid their ragged breaths, Selena heard the sound of fabric tearing.


    ¡°Damn it, you bastard¡­¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>533 </b>


    Aaron bit her earlobe. ¡°This <b>is </b>the consequence of provoking me.¡±


    Selena immediately bit down on his shoulder, but what followed left her unable to even curse.


    This man was truly a beast!


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline had a good night¡¯s sleep.


    Perhaps it was because Selena was beside her, making her feel at ease.


    She opened her eyes and said, ¡°Selena, time to get up. I¡¯ll make some pasta for you. What kind would you like?<b>¡± </b>


    As Aveline spoke, she got up, but when she looked beside her, Selena was nowhere to be found.


    Where did she go?


    Startled, Aveline quickly put on her shoes and hurried out to look for her..


    But Selena was nowhere in the room.


    She quickly grabbed her phone and called her, only to hear Selena¡¯s phone ringing in the bedroom.


    Aveline¡¯s face darkened immediately!


    What was going on?


    Where did Selena go?


    Why didn¡¯t she take her phone?


    In the modern world, no one would leave their home without their phones.


    And when did Selena leave?


    Why didn¡¯t Aveline have any memory <b>of </b><b>it</b>?


    As Aveline was lost in thought, there was a knock on the door.


    She rushed over to open <b>it</b><b>, </b>only to see Selena standing there, looking utterly exhausted and drained, as if someone had sucked the life out of her.


    ¡°Selena, where did you go?¡± Aveline asked, grabbing her hand.


    Selena forced a weak smile. ¡°I wasn¡¯t feeling well after drinkingst night, so I woke up early and went for


    a walk.¡±


    Was that really it?


    Aveline looked at her suspiciously, noticing her awkward gait and the heavy exhaustion that seemed to weigh her down.


    ¡°Are you okay<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Aveline asked<b>, </b>clearly worried. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Selena waved her hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I <b>didn¡¯t </b>sleep wellst night. Looks like I need <b>to </b><b>quit </b>drinking. I¡¯m <b>going </b>


    1/3


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    to take a nap. Ave, sweetheart, <i>you </i>don¡¯t need to worry about me. Just go to work.¡±


    With that, she returned to the bedroom<b>, </b>copsed onto the bed, and closed her eyes, ready to fall asleep.


    Damn it, Aaron had kept her up all night!


    It was like he was trying to wear her out, not even letting her sleep!


    Aveline tucked her in and was about to leave when she suddenly paused.


    She noticed the hickey on Selena¡¯s neck.


    The mark was fresh and vivid, clearly left therest night.


    So, Selena had lied.


    But since she didn¡¯t want to talk about it, Aveline didn¡¯t press her.


    She quietly left the room, prepared breakfast, and after eating, left the rest in the pot so Selena could have it when she woke up.


    Then she headed out for work.


    As she reached the underground parking garage, Aveline¡¯s phone rang.


    She checked the caller ID¨Cit was Russell.


    ¡°Hello, Russ,¡± Aveline answered, a hint of a smile in her voice.


    ¡°Good morning. Are you free right now? I¡¯d like to introduce you to the two bodyguards I arranged for you, ¡°Russell said.


    Aveline nced at the time and replied, ¡°Not right now. Can we do it at noon? I¡¯m runningte for work.¡± ¡°Sure, no problem,¡± Russell agreed.


    After hanging up, Aveline drove to work.


    Around noon, Aveline called Russell to arrange a meeting ce.


    They decided to meet at the restaurant right below her office.


    Russell arrived quickly, followed by two tall bodyguards.


    Aveline stood up. ¡°Russ.¡±


    Russell waved his hand. ¡°No need to be so formal; you¡¯re making me feel like some kind of mob boss. Let¡¯s sit and talk.¡±


    Aveline smiled. To be honest, when Russell had walked in, he really did have the aura of a big shot.


    Russell turned to the two bodyguards and said, ¡°From now on, you two are responsible for her safety. Go ahead and introduce yourselves.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>533 </b>


    Aaron bit her earlobe. ¡°This is the consequence of provoking me.¡±


    Selena immediately bit down on his shoulder, but what followed left her unable to even curse.


    This man was truly a beast!


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline had a good night¡¯s sleep.


    Perhaps it was because Selena was beside her, making her feel at ease.


    She opened her eyes and said, ¡°Selena, time to get up. I¡¯ll make some pasta for you. What kind would you like<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    As Aveline spoke, she got up, but when she looked beside her, Selena was nowhere to be found.


    Where did she go?


    Startled, Aveline quickly put on her shoes and hurried out to look for her..


    But Selena was nowhere in the room.


    She quickly grabbed her phone and called her, only to hear Selena¡¯s phone ringing in the bedroom.


    Aveline¡¯s face darkened immediately!


    What was going <b>on</b><b>? </b>


    Where did Selena go?


    Why didn¡¯t she take her phone?


    In the modern world, no one would leave their home without their phones.


    And when did Selena leave<b>? </b>


    Why didn¡¯t Aveline have any memory <b>of </b>it?


    As Aveline was lost <b>in </b>thought, there was a knock <b>on </b>the door.


    She rushed over to open it, only to see Selena standing there, looking utterly exhausted and drained, as if someone had sucked the life <b>out </b>of her.


    ¡°Selena, where did you go?¡± Aveline asked, grabbing her hand.


    Selena forced a weak smile. ¡°I wasn¡¯t feeling well after drinkingst night<b>, </b>so I woke up early and went for


    a walk


    Was that really it?


    Aveline looked at her suspiciously, noticing her awkward gait and the heavy exhaustion that seemed to weigh her down.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Aveline asked<b>, </b>clearly worried.


    Selena waved her hand<b>. </b>¡°I¡¯m fine. <b>I </b><b>didn¡¯t </b>sleep wellst night. <b>Looks </b>like I need <b>to </b><b>quit </b>drinking. I¡¯m going


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    to take a nap. Ave, sweetheart, you don¡¯t need to worry about <b>me</b><b>. </b>Just go to work.¡±


    With that, she returned to the bedroom<b>, </b>copsed onto the bed, and closed her eyes, ready to fall asleep.


    Damn <b>it</b>, Aaron had kept her up all night!


    It was like he was trying to wear her out, not even letting her sleep!


    Aveline tucked her in and was about to leave when she suddenly paused.


    She noticed the hickey <b>on </b>Selena¡¯s neck.


    The mark was fresh and vivid, clearly left therest night.


    So, Selena had lied.


    But since she didn¡¯t want to talk about it, Aveline didn¡¯t press her.


    She quietly left the room, prepared breakfast, and after eating, left the rest in the pot so Selena could have it when she woke up.


    Then she headed out for work.


    As she reached the underground parking garage, Aveline¡¯s phone rang.


    She checked the caller ID¨Cit was Russell.


    ¡°Hello, Russ,¡± Aveline answered, a hint of a smile in her voice.


    ¡°Good morning. Are you free right now? I¡¯d like to introduce you to the two bodyguards I arranged for you, ¡°Russell said.


    Aveline nced at the time and replied, ¡°Not right now. Can we do it at noon? I¡¯m runningte for work.


    ¡°Sure, no problem,¡± Russell agreed.


    After hanging up, Aveline drove to work.


    Around noon, Aveline called Russell to arrange a meeting ce.


    They decided to meet at the restaurant right below her office.


    Russell arrived quickly, followed by two tall bodyguards.


    Aveline stood up. ¡°Russ.¡±


    Russell waved his hand. ¡°No need to be so formal; you¡¯re making me feel like some kind of mob boss. Let¡¯s sit and talk.¡±


    Aveline smiled. To be honest, when Russell had walked in, he really did have the aura of a big shot.


    Russell turned to the two bodyguards and said, ¡°From now on, you two are responsible for her safety. Go ahead and introduce yourselves.¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>534 </b>


    ¡°Miss Young, hello. My name is Mason West.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m Jason West.¡±


    As soon as they finished speaking, the atmosphere fell into an awkward silence.


    Aveline asked, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    Mason and Jason exchanged nces before Mason dryly replied, ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. Then she asked, ¡°What are your skills? And what are your sry expectations?¡±


    Mason and Jason exchanged another look and then both turned to Russell.


    Russell sighed and said, ¡°Have a seat first.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Mason and Jason sat down.


    Russell briefly introduced their situation and concluded, ¡°As for the sry, just give them what you think is appropriate.¡±


    Aveline shook her head, saying, ¡°I can¡¯t just decide on a whim. They¡¯re responsible for my safety, and it isn¡¯t exactly safe to be around me. This job can be quite dangerous. Whatever you¡¯re paying them, I¡¯ll double it.¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow, ¡°You¡¯re being so generous? Can I apply to be your bodyguard too?¡±


    Mason and Jason immediately became nervous.


    No way!


    Russell was going to steal their job?


    They couldn¡¯t let that happen!


    If Aveline hired them, they¡¯d be getting triple the pay¨Cit was like winning the lottery!


    Russell couldn¡¯t be serious, right?


    Aveline hadn¡¯t expected him to say that and quickly responded, ¡°Russ, don¡¯t joke around. If you became my bodyguard, I wouldn¡¯t even be able to sleep peacefully.¡±


    Russell smiled at her. ¡°Oh? You¡¯re that worried about me?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly as she turned to Mason and Jason. ¡°You two don¡¯t mind, right?¡±


    ¡°No objections.¡±


    They both responded in unison.


    With triple the sry, how could they have any objections?


    Aveline took out her phone. ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll be counting on you both to protect me.¡±


    Mason and Jason exchanged numbers and saved each other¡¯s contact information.


    1/2


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Just then, the waiter brought all the dishes to the table.


    Aveline said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Russell looked at her serene smile, and a faint hint of disappointment flickered deep within his eyes.


    After the meal, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up tonight and take you somewhere.¡±


    Aveline asked curiously, ¡°Where to?¡±


    Russell smiled mysteriously, ¡°You¡¯ll find out when we get there, but I can give you a little teaser¨Cyou¡¯ve been there before.¡±


    Hmm?


    What ce could that be?


    Seeing the smile on Russell¡¯s face, Aveline couldn¡¯t quite figure it out. But whatever it was, she¡¯d find out tonight.


    Back at the studio.


    As soon as Maria saw her, she said, ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re finally back. Just in time,e with me to the hospital.¡±


    Aveline frowned and asked, ¡°The hospital? Are you not feeling well?¡±


    Maria shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s not me. It¡¯s the father of one of our previous clients¨Che¡¯s been hospitalized. We should go visit him. If the client sees our sincerity, they¡¯ll be more likely to continue working with us.¡±


    Aveline thought for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Maria grabbed various gift boxes from the office, and together they headed to the hospital.


    In the VIP ward.


    Maria and Aveline entered a room where Maria exchanged pleasantries with the people inside while Aveline remained in the background.


    Since it wasn¡¯t appropriate to disturb the patient for too long, they only stayed for a short while before leaving.


    Maria said, ¡°Wait for me here. I¡¯m just going to the restroom.¡±


    P


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    Chapter <b>535 </b>


    ¡°Alright.¡± Aveline nodded and walked over to the elevator, waiting for Maria to return.


    She nced down at her phone, and just then, the elevator doors opened, followed by a surprised voice.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline looked up to see Desmond stepping out of the elevator, a hint of delight <b>on </b>his face. ¡°Are you


    here to see Mr. Tudor?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained indifferent as she shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Desmond was taken aback, rubbing his nose awkwardly. It was clear that Aveline¡¯s attitude was cold, which made him smile uneasily before continuing, ¡°Mr. Tudor was seriously injured. He¡¯s on this floor. Mrs. Tudor, are you really not going to check on him?¡±


    Aveline calmly looked at him and said, ¡°Desmond, Lucas and I are divorced.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Desmond was stunned for a moment before realizing what she meant.


    He smiled apologetically, ¡°Sorry, Miss Young.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression softened slightly at that.


    However, Desmond didn¡¯t leave and continued to stand beside her.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Is there something else?¡±


    Desmond hesitated before saying, ¡°Miss Young, both of you were once husband and wife. Now that Mr Tudor is injured, are you really not going to see him?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Are you trying to guilt¨Ctrip me?¡±


    Hearing that, Desmond quickly waved his hands. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant!¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t be standing here chatting with me.¡±


    Desmond¡¯s enthusiasm deted like a balloon, and he turned to leave.


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly, her delicate and impably made¨Cup face showing a calm expression.


    Whether he was injured or not¨Cwhat did it have to do with her?


    It didn¡¯t.


    There was nothing left between them. Nothing at all.


    The elevator doors opened and closed again. About twenty minutester, Maria finally returned.


    Aveline asked with concern, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°Just feeling a bit unwell, but it¡¯s nothing serious. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Aveline nodded.


    Before stepping into the elevator, Maria nced in a certain direction and let out an almost imperceptible sigh.


    1/2


    She had tried her best!


    +15 BONUS


    After returning from the hospital, they saw a few people gathered, chatting.


    When Vivian spotted Aveline, she immediately wore a disdainful expression. ¡°Oh, isn¡¯t this the former Mrs. Tudor of DK Group?¡±


    Aveline nced at her indifferently. ¡°Is there something you need?¡±


    Vivian smirked. ¡°Oh, nothing at all. I just wanted to see what you look like after being dumped by Lucas Tudor. Tsk tsk, who do you think you are? Lucas Tudor is in apletely different league. Marrying you was just a game to him. With a family background like his, he¡¯s destined to marry someone of equal standing.¡±


    She pulled out her phone and sneered. ¡°Look at these heiresses from wealthy families¨Cso elegant, so dignified, a perfect match for Lucas Tudor!¡±


    Vivian¡¯s words werepletely unapologetic.


    Sidney frowned upon hearing that. ¡°And what does that have to do with you?¡±


    Vivian let out a coldugh. ¡°Nothing at all. Can¡¯t I enjoy watching the drama? But even if it doesn¡¯t concern me, it sure concerns you. Now that Lucas has dumped her, you¡¯ve got your chance. Why don¡¯t you hurry over and start courting her?¡±


    Vivian had a strong hostility towards Aveline, seizing every opportunity to mock and taunt her. If she didn¡¯t get a few sarcastic remarks in, she wouldn¡¯t feel satisfied.


    Aveline gave her a calm look and said, ¡°At least I was with Lucas Tudor, and even in divorce, I walked away with a considerable settlement. What about you?¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>536 </b>


    Vivian¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Aveline let <i>out </i>a light scoff. ¡°You can¡¯t figure it out? I¡¯m mocking you. All you can do is sit in an office and throw out sarcastic remarks. If you were braver, you¡¯d be an inte troll. Is that all you¡¯re capable of?¡±


    Vivian abruptly stood up, her face twisted with anger. ¡°Aveline, do you think I¡¯m afraid of you? You have no one backing you up now!¡±


    ¡°Oh? So what?<b>¡± </b>Aveline¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°Are you nning to kill me?¡±


    Vivian gritted her teeth, feeling incredibly frustrated. This woman used to stay quiet, buttely, whenever Vivian mocked her, Aveline would retaliate!


    And she couldn¡¯t even match her!


    Aveline looked away. ¡°Instead of wasting time being jealous, why don¡¯t you focus on improving your performance? Jealousy won¡¯t make you better; it¡¯ll only make you uglier.¡±


    ¡°You-!¡±


    Vivian tried to rush at her, but two people quickly held her back.


    The atmosphere in the office grew tense as if a fight could break out at any moment.


    Yet Aveline waspletely unaffected, calmly returning to her work.


    Vivian, held down in her chair, shot a venomous nce at Aveline.


    Just wait¨Cone day, she¡¯d destroy her!


    At the hospital.


    Desmond stood in the hospital room, not daring to lift his head to look at the man sitting on the bed.


    Lucas had aptop in front of him, his fingers tapping away on the keyboard. After finishing a document,


    he sent it off.


    He closed theptop and finally looked up at Desmond. ¡°She really said that?¡±


    Cold sweat formed on Desmond¡¯s forehead. ¡°Y¨Cyes.¡±


    Lucas said nothing, reaching up to pinch the bridge of <b>his </b>nose.


    That sounded exactly like something she would say.


    Even though she was just a few steps away, she refused toe and see him.


    An intense irritation bubbled up within Lucas. He pulled out his phone and dialed Aaron¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    A groggy voice answered, clearly just waking up.


    Lucas¡® voice was cold, ¡°How did the thing I asked you to handlest night go?¡±


    1/2


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Aaron yawned and replied, ¡°They weren¡¯t together. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡± N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Lucas asked, ¡°Then why <b>didn¡¯t </b><b>you </b>tell mest night?<b>¡± </b>


    Aaron replied, ¡°Because something unexpected came <b>up </b>that I had to handle.¡±


    Lucas pressed, ¡°And it took you all night to handle it?¡±


    ¡°Uh?¡± Aaron was momentarily stunned, not expecting Lucas to guess so urately. He then said, ¡°If there had been an issue, I would have told you. Besides, you¡¯re only calling me now, so you must have already figured it out.¡±


    Lucas let out a light scoff and hung up the phone.


    Aaron clicked his tongue. What was wrong with him?


    He got up, the bed still in disarray, memories of the previous night shing through his mind.


    In the morning, Selena had kicked him out of bed.


    He hadn¡¯t expected that after a whole night of activity, she still had the energy to kick someone.


    He had really underestimated her and swore he wouldn¡¯t hold back the next time.


    He pulled out his phone and dialed Selena¡¯s number.


    After three rings, the call was abruptly cut off.


    Aaron narrowed his eyes. She dared to hang up on him?


    Ha!


    Selena sat on the sofa, staring at the number on her phone, feeling a headacheing on.


    She couldn¡¯t quite understand how things had escted to this point.


    How had she and Aaron ended up here?


    And what about ¡°Snow¡°?


    Did Aaron really not care anymore?

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    Chapter <b>537 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Selena ruffled her hair in frustration. Just then, her phone rang again. It was her boss calling.


    Taking a deep breath, Selena answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Selena, Mr. Fletcher has an issue with the blueprint and says you¡¯re not answering his calls. Are you trying to ruin our entire studio? Call Mr. Fletcher back immediately¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m quitting,¡± Selena replied calmly.


    There was a pause on the other end. ¡°What did you say? You¡¯re quitting? Are you joking? You <i>know </i>the consequences of resigning, right?¡±


    Selena responded, ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯ll bear all the consequences myself.¡±


    The person on the other end waspletely stunned. Are you crazy? If you finish this project, you¡¯ll earn a substantial ie.¡±


    Selena tugged at the corner of her lips. ¡°But what if it never gets done? Aaron keeps giving me a hard time. I¡¯m tired. I don¡¯t want to y his games anymore.


    ¡°You¡­¡± The person hesitated, unable to find the words.


    Selena said calmly, ¡°That¡¯s it. Goodbye.¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone.


    It was pointless.


    She thought it was time to leave Cloudre City.


    But first, she needed to figure out how to tell Aveline about this.


    Aaron was not someone she could afford to mess with.


    After work.


    As Aveline exited the building, she noticed Russell leaning against a fiery red Ferrari, smoking a cigarette.


    His hair was dyed a light blue, making him look even more devilishly attractive.


    His striking appearance and the shy car drew a lot of attention, with nearly everyone turning to look at


    him.


    Aveline paused, suddenly feeling too nervous to approach him.


    But Russell had already spotted her and started walking toward her. ¡°Off work? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Aveline tugged at the corner of her lips and asked, ¡°Russ, are you always this shy?¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow. ¡°You think this is shy? Just wait; I¡¯ll show you something even more extravagant someday.¡±


    Aveline forced a dryugh. ¡°No, no need for that¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t handle more than this.


    1/2


    Under the gaze of countless onlookers<b>, </b>she got into the car.


    Russell handed her a box as he started the engine. ¡°Eat something first to fill your stomach.¡±


    Aveline hesitated for a moment, then asked, ¡°Where exactly are we going?¡±


    Russell thought for a moment before replying, ¡°It¡¯s quite far.¡±


    Then he gave her a meaningful look. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t sell you off.¡±


    Trusting Russell, Aveline opened the box and found a few delicate cakes inside.


    She didn¡¯t hesitate, grabbing a spoon and starting to eat<b>. </b>C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Seeing this, the smile on Russell¡¯s lips deepened.


    The sports car roared down the road, speeding past everything in its path.


    About 50 minutester, the car came to a stop on a road beside an abandoned dock.


    The area was nearly abandoned, with only a few cars in sight and a beach littered with scattered, discarded shipping containers.


    Seeing this scene, Aveline suddenly remembered her past ordeal.


    Cold, dark, helpless¡­


    When the seawater filled her ears, she thought she was going to die in that pitch¨Cck container.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Russ, why did you bring me here?¡±


    Russell pointed to one of the containers. ¡°Sophia is in there.¡±


    ¡°What?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline was stunned.


    Russell continued, ¡°I keep my promises. I told you I¡¯d make her understand despair. Now, let¡¯s see if anyonees to save her.¡±


    Aveline clutched her bag tightly. This was exactly the oue she had wanted.


    Comments

 Divorced 538

    <b>Chapter </b><b>538 </b>


    The tide started to rise.


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    The distant shipping containers loomed like monsters in the darkness, slowly swallowing anyone trapped inside. Aveline stared calmly at the scene, though the encroaching darkness made it hard for her to clearly see the tide¡¯s advance.


    Her mind drifted to the time when she was trapped inside a container, her hands and feet bound, filled with despair and helplessness.


    She watched as death approached, powerless to stop it.


    ¡°Sophia, is this how you feel now?¡± Aveline thought and lowered her gaze slightly, choosing not <i>to </i>look any longer.


    Just then, a phone appeared in front of her.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline looked at Russell in confusion.


    A faint smile appeared on Russell¡¯s strikingly handsome yet cold face. ¡°I installed a camera on top of that container. You can watch Sophia¡¯s entire descent into despair.¡±


    He gazed into her eyes. ¡°Do you want to see it?¡±


    Aveline was taken aback, not expecting him to have gone to such lengths.


    Russell added, ¡°No need to be shocked. I just believe that if you don¡¯t see the punishment of those who wronged you, it loses its impact.¡±


    His gaze faltered for a moment as if recalling something, but he quickly regained hisposure.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes fell on the phone in his hand. With just one touch, she could see Sophia¡¯s despair and pain.


    Should she watch?


    She asked herself.


    Suddenly, Aveline closed her eyes. She wasn¡¯t Sophia; she couldn¡¯t bring herself to be that ruthless.


    Russell noticed her expression and sighed softly. ¡°Aveline, you can¡¯t be too soft¨Chearted. It will only harm


    you.¡±


    Aveline replied quietly, ¡°But if I do this, how am I any different from Sophia?¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Russell countered, ¡°And what¡¯s wrong with being like her<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°What?¡± Aveline looked at him, puzzled.


    Russell shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re all born to live for ourselves. Sophia understands that well. She uses whatever means necessary to get what she wants, and because of that, she thrives.¡±


    He looked at Aveline. ¡°If you want to live well, being as ruthless as she is can work too.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not right.¡± Aveline shook her head. ¡°My well¨Cbeing can¡¯t be built on someone else¡¯s suffering.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t Sophia.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    She was Av¨¦line.


    She would only be herself.


    Russell gave her a long, deep look before slowly curling his lips into a smile. ¡°Alright then, shall we head


    back?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Aveline nodded.


    There was no need to see what would happen to Sophia. If she was lucky, she might survive; if not, there was nothing Aveline could do.


    As Russell turned the car around, he remarked, ¡°I thought you might ask me to let Sophia go.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°I¡¯m no saint. She did hurt me, and I do believe in an eye for an eye.¡±


    ¡°Good.


    Russell nodded in approval. She could seek revenge, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to retaliate a hundredfold.


    She didn¡¯t have the ruthlessness¨Chow would she handle things in the future?


    Now that Lucas had set his sights on her, how could she possibly escape?


    A faint chill flickered in Russell¡¯s eyes, but he dismissed it. It didn¡¯t matter¨Che would help her.


    As the car drove away, a figure dashed toward one of the shipping containers.


    ¡°Miss Winter?<b>¡± </b>


    224


    Brian knocked on each container, searching for Sophia, a look of growing anxiety on his face.


    ¡°Bang! Bang!¡±


    At that moment, a sound came from one of the containers.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>539 </b>


    Brian¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. He rushed toward the container and shouted, ¡°Miss Winter, is that you? Miss Winter?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Bang! Bang!¡±


    The sound came from inside the container again, confirming someone was there.


    Overjoyed, Brian began inspecting the lock. Since these were abandoned containers, the locks weren¡¯t particrly strong. He found a rock and, after about a dozen strikes, managed to break the lock.


    He swung the door open to find Sophia lying inside, her hands and feet bound. The rising seawater had already seeped in, reaching her ears.


    Seeing Brian, Sophia burst into tears..


    Brian hurried over to help her up, untying the ropes around her and ripping the tape off her mouth.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Sophia gasped, then sobbed with tears streaming down her face. ¡°It was Aveline! It had to be that bitch Aveline who did this to me! She sent someone to have me tied up here!¡±


    Brian hesitated, saying, ¡°But I¡¯ve been with Miss Young all this time; she didn¡¯t do this.¡±


    Sophia clung to his arm. ¡°Brian, I saved Lucas, but Aveline wants me dead! You have to help me get revenge!¡±


    Something didn¡¯t feel right to Brian, but this wasn¡¯t the ce to discuss it. He helped Sophia to her feet.¡± Miss Winter, let¡¯s get out of here first.¡±


    Sophia snapped back to reality and nodded. ¡°Yes, we need to leave this cursed ce!¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Just moments ago, she had woken up here, terrified out of her mind.


    She had been locked inside a container!


    She had gone through the same ordeal as Aveline!


    Last time, she was the one who had arranged for this to happen to Aveline. So, this time, it had to be Aveline getting back at her!


    That wretched woman¨Cshe deserved to die!


    Once they were back on the road and sitting in the car, Sophia began to calm down. Yet, she remained fixated, insisting, ¡°It had to be Aveline who did this to me! She wants revenge, Brian¨Cyou have to help me!


    Brian hesitated, then asked, ¡°Why would she want revenge on you?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± Sophia started to reply, but then realized something and looked at Brian, her eyes welling up with tears. ¡°Brian, if it weren¡¯t for you, I would¡¯ve died in there. You saved me¡­¡±


    Brian replied, ¡°Miss Winter, I¡¯m just repaying the debt Mr. Tudor owes you. There¡¯s no need for this.¡±


    Yes.


    Brian was a man of principle. Two years ago, Sophia had saved Lucas¡® life by sacrificing her own leg, and


    +15 BONUS


    Brian never forgot that act of kindness.


    That was why he had targeted Aveline so relentlessly afterward.


    Although he no longer targeted Aveline, the debt of gratitude remained in his heart.


    Even if he didn¡¯t understand why Lucas had stopped caring about Sophia, Brian felt it was his duty to step


    <ol>


    <li>in. </li>


    </ol>


    Sophia cried pitifully, ¡°But Brian, I shouldn¡¯t have to go through this. I just love Lucas¨Cwhy should I be targeted like this? Do I have to die for that person to finally be at peace?¡±


    Brian¡¯s brow furrowed slowly.


    Targeted?


    Targeted by whom?


    Sophia continued to sob. ¡°As long as I¡¯m around, I¡¯m the obstacle standing between them. If I had never appeared, Lucas and Aveline might never have divorced. They¡¯d be living happily together right now.¡±


    Her face was full of guilt and self¨Cme. ¡°My presence shook Lucas¡® resolve, and that¡¯s why he divorced Aveline. That¡¯s why Aveline is taking it out on me.¡±


    Sophia clung to Brian¡¯s arm. ¡°Brian, will you protect me? I don¡¯t want to die¨CI really don¡¯t want to die¡­¡±


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    Chapter <b>540 </b>


    Brian became flustered. ¡°Miss Winter, please don¡¯t cry. No one¡¯s going to let you die, so please don¡¯t cry¡­¡°.


    Sophia looked at him through her tear¨Cfilled eyes. ¡°But you came to save me. What if you hadn¡¯t? I really would have died!¡±


    Brian stammered, ¡°Uh¡­ well, I¡­¡±


    Sophia tightened her grip on his arm., ¡°Will you help me? I really don¡¯t want to die¡­¡±


    Brian remained silent for a long moment before asking, ¡°Miss Winter, what do you want to do<b>?</b>¡±


    A faint glint of triumph shed in Sophia¡¯s eyes.before she quickly replied, ¡°Will you protect me?¡±


    Brian frowned. ¡°No, I only take orders from Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face fell as she lowered her head. ¡°But if you don¡¯t protect me, I¡¯ll end up dead. She¡¯s going to kill me because I took Lucas away¡­¡±


    Brian furrowed his brows, sensing something wasn¡¯t right. After another long pause, he said, ¡°Let me¡­ think about it, okay? Besides, Miss Winter, this ce isn¡¯t safe. Let me take you home first.¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The car drove away.


    Meanwhile, on a narrow road under the night sky, Russell¡¯s fingers drummed lightly on the steering wheel as he looked at Aveline with interest. ¡°You saw everything, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline appeared somewhat dazed. ¡°I did¡­¡±


    Russell continued, ¡°He always had someone follow you. He knew you wouldn¡¯t let Sophia off, so he timed it perfectly to rescue her tonight.¡±


    He kept his gaze fixed on Aveline. ¡°Aveline, to him, Sophia is the most important person.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled slightly before she responded, ¡°Well, that has nothing to do with me


    anymore.¡±


    She and Lucas were divorced. Whatever he chose to do was <i>no </i>longer her concern.


    Russell, however, continued to watch her closely. ¡°Are you sure? Now that you know the truth, are you really not hurt? Not even a little?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together before turning to him. ¡°Russ, did you know all along that Brian was following me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Russell nodded. ¡°Mason told me. Those two have been watching over you, reporting anything suspicious directly to me.¡±


    Aveline looked at him quietly. ¡°So, you deliberately let me see this scene?¡±


    Russell responded, ¡°It makes no sense to hide it from you, only for you to discover the truthter¨Cthat would¡¯ve been even harsher.¡±


    Aveline was speechless for a moment.


    1/2


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Everything felt chaotic. Her emotions were tangled, her thoughts scattered.


    Lucas had Brian follow her, worried that she might harm Sophia?


    But she had already taken action against Sophia.


    Russell added, ¡°By the way, there¡¯s something else you should prepare yourself for.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Aveline looked at him.


    Russell seemed hesitant, almost reluctant to share the news, but after a brief pause, he said, ¡°I¡¯ve received word that DK Group has invested in Sophia¡¯spany.¡±


    ¡°What?!<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Lucas invested in Sophia¡¯spany?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Russell confirmed with a nod. ¡°Everything you nned before has failed.¡±


    Sophia was supposed to go bankrupt because of this, which would have severely weakened her position within the Winter family. But now, things had taken a different turn. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Lucas¡® investment had saved herpany, giving her even more leverage.


    Aveline¡¯s face drained of color. She tried her best to control her emotions, but she couldn¡¯t stop herself from trembling.


    She bit down on her lip, her eyes flickering with an overwhelming sense of powerless anger brewing deep


    within her.


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    <b>Chapter </b>541


    How ridiculous.


    All the ns she had carefully crafted, all the strategies she¡¯d designed to punish others, had ended up being futile¨Clike punching into thin air.


    Weak and ineffective.


    Even her anger felt useless because she was up against Lucas.


    She couldn¡¯t possibly fight against him!


    If he wanted, he could block every path she tried to take.


    It had been that way with Bobby before, and now it was the same with Sophia.


    What kind of person had she been entangled with for so long? N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Aveline¡¯s gaze grew distant as she stared nkly into the darkness ahead, which seemed like an endless abyss slowly engulfing her.


    Russell grasped her hand. ¡°Aveline, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m fine,¡± Aveline murmured, her lips trembling slightly.


    She was fine¨Cof course, she was fine. It was just another failure, nothing more. It didn¡¯t matter.


    Silent tears slipped down her cheeks<b>, </b>leaving a cold trail in their wake. She reached up to touch her face, and when she looked down, her fingers were wet with glistening tears.


    Why cry?


    What was there to cry about?


    She should have known better!


    She could never figure out his intentions!


    Why did she even dare to think she could contend with him?


    Ha, howughable!


    Aveline chuckled bitterly to herself, but for some reason, the tears only flowed faster, finally merging into an unbroken stream.


    A flicker of pain crossed Russell¡¯s eyes. He gently wiped her face with a tissue.


    Aveline sniffled. ¡°Russ, I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s just go back.¡±


    Russell responded with a hoarse voice, ¡°Alright.¡±


    It pained him deeply to see her so hurt and upset.


    But <b>if </b>he hadn¡¯t done this, she would never be able to let <b>go </b>of Lucas!


    1/3


    +15 BONUS


    Even though they were divorced, and even though she had endured countless disappointments<b>, </b>there was still a ce in her heart reserved for Lucas.


    That wasn¡¯t the oue Russell wanted to see!


    He felt sorry for making Aveline so sad and hurt but he would make it up to her by treating her twice as well¡­


    At Maple Garden.


    Aveline got out of the car and smiled faintly at Russell. ¡°Russ, I¡¯m heading in. I¡¯m not in the best shape today, but I¡¯ll treat you to a meal another time.¡±


    Russell also stepped out of the car, frowning as he gazed at her. ¡°No need to treat me. Just take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°But I want to,¡± Aveline insisted seriously. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, I might still be clinging to illusions. Now, those illusions are shattered.¡±


    Illusions?


    What illusions?


    Illusions about Lucas<b>? </b>


    Russell lowered his gaze slightly, feeling reassured that his n had worked.


    ¡°Let me walk you up,¡± Russell offered.


    ¡°No need.¡± Aveline shook her head. ¡°I can go up on my own. You should head home early too. Goodbye.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Russell watched her retreating figure for a long time, then pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. The hazy smoke swirled upward, obscuring his face, and making it impossible to read his expression.


    Aveline returned to her apartment, moving mechanically.


    As she looked around the spacious yetvishly decorated space, a bitter smile crept onto her lips.


    She kicked off her shoes, sank onto the sofa, and stared nkly ahead, unresponsive for a long time.


    What now?


    What was she supposed to do now?


    Lucas would protect Sophia, and she no longer had the strength to do anything about it.


    What should she do?


    Just then, her phone rang. She nced <b>at </b><b>the </b>screen and saw it was a call from Sasha.


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    She forced a smile and answered, ¡°Hello, Miss Winter. We failed.¡±


    There was a long silence on the other end before Sasha finally asked, ¡°Aveline, does Lucas really love <i>you</i><i>?</i><b>¡± </b>


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    Chapter 542


    Aveline paused for a moment, her grip on the phone tightening slightly as she responded in a dry voice, ¡°I don¡¯t think I ever said he loved me.¡±


    Sasha seemed to sigh on the other end. ¡°Aveline, we¡¯ve lost.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly before saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Winter, for dragging you into this. If you¡¯ve suffered any losses because of me, please don¡¯t hesitate to let me know.¡±


    Sasha let out a bitterugh. ¡°No, there¡¯s no loss. I chose to work with you willingly, so I¡¯ll bear whatever consequencese.¡±


    Aveline fell silent for a moment. Neither of them had expected things to turn out this way.


    She could never have imagined that Lucas would step in to help Sophia.


    Why?


    That question had been nagging at her all along.


    Why would he help Sophia?


    Right now, Aveline felt an overwhelming urge to confront Lucas, to ask him what he really meant by all of this.


    Sasha¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts. ¡°Aveline, I need to take care of things on my end. Let¡¯s stay in touch if there are any further developments.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline remained in a daze.


    For some reason, Sasha¡¯s words kept echoing in her mind.


    Did Lucas really love you?


    Had he ever truly loved her?


    She began to think back over the past year, recalling every little detail. One thing she was sure of- before Lucas regained his memory, he had loved her.


    Everything changed after he got his memory back.


    So now, she couldn¡¯t be certain if he loved her at all.


    He probably didn¡¯t.


    If he really loved her, how could he do things that hurt her so deeply?


    Aveline let out a bitterugh, suddenly standing up and walking to the fridge. She opened it, took out a bottle of cold water, twisted off the cap, and drank it inrge gulps.


    At that moment, she felt a wave of rity.


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    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    What had she been thinking?


    After everything that had happened, how could she still be wondering if Lucas loved her?


    How utterly ridiculous!


    A faint chill appeared in Aveline¡¯s eyes as she held the water bottle and returned to the sofa, sitting down again.


    Now that things hade to this, she realized she had no power to change anything. All she could do was take it one step at a time.


    The next day.


    Aveline opened the door and stepped out of her room, heading to the elevator. She pressed the button for the lower floor and quietly waited.


    After descending one floor, the elevator doors opened. Aveline nced up instinctively, and her expression immediately froze.


    She took a step back, her demeanor turning icy cold in an instant.


    ¡°Miss Young, what a coincidence,¡± Desmond greeted awkwardly, ncing nervously at the man N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    beside him.


    Lucas, dressed in a ck suit, exuded a faint chill. His face was still somewhat pale, but his expression revealed nothing else.


    His eyes swept over Aveline¡¯s face. After stepping into the elevator, he turned his back to her, standing silently.


    The elevator¡¯s cramped space felt oppressive, the cold tension seeping into every corner.


    When they reached the first floor, the elevator doors opened. Aveline nced at the two men in front of her, then reached out to push Desmond aside and walked out without a word.


    ¡°Goodbye, Miss Young!¡± Desmond stumbled slightly before awkwardly calling out.


    Aveline ignored him, maintaining her cold demeanor.


    Throughout the entire encounter, she didn¡¯t spare Lucas even a single nce, treating him as if he were invisible.


    Lucas frowned, his expression growing even colder..

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>543 </b>


    Lucas turned his cold gaze to Desmond. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?<b>¡± </b>


    Desmond looked bewildered. ¡°I¨CI know.¡±


    don¡¯t


    X


    <i>hospit </i>


    Thest time he had seen Aveline at the <i>h </ipletely distant, cold, and unapproachable.


    What had happened during this time?


    Lucas¡® voice was sharp as he ordered, ¡°Find out.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Desmond nodded.


    she hadn¡¯t been like this. But now, she seemed


    Instead of leaving, Lucas headed to the basement level. As if something had crossed his mind, he said, ¡°Have Brian meet me.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    At DK Group.


    As soon as Lucas entered the CEO¡¯s office, there was a knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Brian pushed the door open and stepped inside, looking slightly uneasy. ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Seated in his chair, Lucas asked coldly, ¡°You¡¯ve been keeping an eye on Aveline. Did you notice anything unusual about her?¡±


    Brian¡¯s eyes flickered for a moment. He hadn¡¯t followed Avelinest night, but he could still report what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Russell went to pick up Miss Young, and they went to the seaside, the same ce where she was went to the seaside, the same ce where she was takenst time,¡± Brian exined.


    Upon hearing this, Lucas narrowed his long, dark eyes. ¡°Why did they go there?¡±


    ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not sure,¡± Brian stammered. ¡°I kept my distance, focusing on Russell. I was worried he might harm Miss Young.¡±


    Lucas tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, his expression remaining cold and indifferent. After a long pause, he finally said, ¡°Alright, I understand. You can go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Brian let <b>out </b><b>a </b>sigh of relief, turning to leave.


    But Lucas¡® eyes followed him <b>out</b><b>, </b>his expression turning <b>icy </b>as soon as Brian¡¯s back <b>was </b>turned.


    When Aveline arrived <b>at </b><b>the </b>studio and clocked in, she <b>had </b><b>just </b><b>settled </b><b>at </b>her desk <b>and </b><b>opened </b><b>her </b><bputer </b>when Sidney walked over.


    He handed her a carton of milk. ¡°You don¡¯t look well. Did you not get enough restst night?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline nced at the milk, pausing for a moment before replying, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Your arm hasn¡¯t fully healed yet¨Cyou should drink it.¡±


    Sidney pressed his lips together. ¡°Aveline, about what happenedst time, I really didn¡¯t mean it.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Aveline nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t take it to heart, so you shouldn¡¯t dwell on it either.¡±


    Sidney looked down, his voice low. ¡°I¡¯m afraid your divorce was because of me. If that¡¯s true, I¡¯d never forgive myself.¡±


    Aveline smiled slightly. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. It had nothing to do with you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Sidney visibly rxed.


    He seemed nervous, hesitating for a moment before asking, ¡°A friend gave me two movie tickets. Are you free tonight?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°Sidney, it¡¯s work hours now. Let¡¯s focus on our tasks.¡±


    It was a polite refusal.


    The faint light in Sidney¡¯s eyes dimmed instantly.


    Aveline turned her attention back to her work, getting busy.


    Sidney returned to his desk, looking somewhat dejected. Nearby, Vivian sneered. ¡°Hah, what¡¯s so special about her? She¡¯s just a divorced woman. What do you even see in her?¡±


    Sidney pressed his lips together, giving her a sharp nce. ¡°Maybe you should take a moment to


    reflect<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Vivian didn¡¯t quite understand what he meant.


    Sidney continued, ¡°I¡¯d rather go after her than spare you a second nce. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s something you should reflect on?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Vivian¡¯s face turned livid, and she red at Sidney before storming off to the break room.


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 Divorced 544

    Chapter 544


    Vivian took out her phone and dialed a number, her gaze locked on Aveline across the room, a hint of venom in her eyes.


    ¡°Hello, Miss Winter? Can you help me? I want <i>to </i>get rid of that bitch, Aveline!¡±


    Maria noticed that something was off with Aveline.


    She seemed distant, uninterested in anything, yet she continued to mechanicallyplete her tasks.


    Maria shared this with Lucas.


    At that moment, Lucas was reviewing the information Desmond had gathered, his brows furrowed in thought.


    Russell had taken Sophia and locked her in a shipping container, supposedly as revenge on Aveline. But what did that have to do with Aveline¡¯s change in behavior?


    Lucas spoke in a low voice, ¡°Keep an eye on Brian¨Csomething¡¯s off about him.¡±


    Desmond was startled. ¡°Really? But hasn¡¯t he been protecting Miss Young all this time?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice turned cold. ¡°I said watch him. Stop questioning me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t difficult for Desmond to investigate Brian, but what he found left him unsettled.


    By evening, Desmond brought the gathered information to Lucas.


    Nervously, he watched Lucas as he reviewed the details, his palms sweating.


    Lucas flipped through the pages and then let out a coldugh. ¡°Ungrateful bastard.¡±


    Desmond broke into a cold sweat, stammering, ¡°Mr. Tudor, he¡­ he only helped Sophia because he never forgot what she did for you.¡®


    Lucas¡® voice was icy. ¡°Take him to the basement.¡±


    Desmond squeezed his eyes shut. This was bad!


    Brian was in deep trouble this time!


    -Following Lucas¡¯s orders, Brian immediately went to the Tudor residence.


    Desmond was waiting for him at the entrance, his expressionplicated.


    Brian didn¡¯t notice anything unusual and asked, puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Desmond hesitated, wanting to say something, but in the end, he only managed a few words: ¡°You¡¯ve really messed up.¡±


    With that, Desmond turned and started walking toward the basement. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Brian still couldn¡¯t figure out what was happening, but as he watched Desmond¡¯s retreating figure, a sense of dread began to settle in his heart.


    Following Desmond into the basement, Brian was immediately seized and bound by two bodyguards.


    ¡°Desmond, what¡¯s going on?¡± Brian asked in shock, quickly turning to Desmond. However, he didn¡¯t struggle¨Che knew that once inside, resistance was futile.


    Desmond looked at him with a mixture of emotions. ¡°Brian, you¡¯ve never understood your ce.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Brian started to speak, but then realization dawned on him. ¡°Mr. Tudor knows.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Desmond confirmed with a nod. ¡°We¡¯re all Mr. Tudor¡¯s people. Our actions are guided solely by his orders. We carry out what hemands, and we don¡¯t act on things he hasn¡¯t instructed. How could you not grasp something so simple?¡±


    Brian gritted his teeth, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. ¡°I understand, but I couldn¡¯t get past it. Two years ago, if it hadn¡¯t been for Miss Winter, Mr. Tudor wouldn¡¯t be here today!¡±


    ¡°Foolish.¡±


    A familiar voice cut through the tension.


    Lucas entered the room, his gaze icy as he looked at Brian. With a single wave of his hand, he signaled Desmond.


    With a sigh, Desmond approached Brian, holding a tablet. He ced it in front of Brian, instructing him to take a closer look.


    Disyed on the screen were photos and transcripts of conversations, all of which were exchanges between Sophia and the culprit from that incident years ago.


    The more Brian read, the wider his eyes grew in disbelief.


    ¡°This¡­ how is this possible?¡± Brian muttered, unable to fathom what he was seeing.

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    Chapter 545


    ¡°Surprised, aren¡¯t you?¡± Desmond remarked, noticing Brian¡¯s shocked expression, his own smile tinged with bitterness.


    ¡°Of course, we all thought Sophia saved Mr. Tudor, believing her to be a great hero. Butter, we uncovered the truth¨Cshe would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.¡±


    Desmond put the tablet away. ¡°Brian, everything you¡¯ve held onto for so long was based on a lie.¡±


    ¡°How could this be?¡± Brian muttered to himself, disbelief evident in his voice. ¡°How could this happen?¡±


    Lucas regarded him with cold indifference. ¡°You¡¯ve been with me for so long, yet you¡¯ve learned nothing.¡±


    Brian¡¯s entire body trembled as he looked at Lucas with pleading eyes. Mr. Tudor, I realize my mistake now. I truly do. Please, just give me one


    more chance¡­¡±


    His voice broke, and he began <i>to </i>tremble uncontrobly.


    Because deep down, he knew that Lucas wouldn¡¯t grant him another


    chance.


    Lucas cast a final, indifferent nce at Brian before turning to Desmond. ¡°Cut his tendons and dump him in the Delta.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Desmond hesitated, feeling a twinge of pity, but it was an order from Lucas.


    Without another word, Lucas turned and walked away.


    Brian watched him leave, his face ashen with despair, his eyes filled with regret.


    1/3


    <b>*</b>25 BONUS


    As Aveline exited the building, she spotted Russell leaning casually against his Porsche. She immediately raised her hand to cover her face and attempted to walk in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    Russell¡¯s voice called out, tinged with amusement. ¡°What are you doing?


    Enduring the stares from people around her, Aveline lowered her hand and asked, ¡°Russ, I should be asking you that¨Cwhat are you doing here?¡±


    Russell raised an eyebrow, a wicked smile ying on his handsome, delicate features. ¡°I thought I wasn¡¯t shy enough yesterday.¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°It was more than enough. Really, it was.¡±


    She wanted to beg him to stop all these high¨Cprofile stunts!


    She really couldn¡¯t handle any more attention! Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Russell chuckled. ¡°Come on, get in the car.¡±


    Aveline hesitated, then tried to politely decline. ¡°Russ, Selena already made dinner ns with me.¡±


    Russell didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°Perfect, I¡¯ll drive you there.¡±


    Aveline was left speechless.


    There was no way to refuse him.


    Sitting in the car, Aveline felt uneasy the entire time.


    Russell nced at her and then pulled out a small packet of cookies.¡± You seem pretty tense. Want to have a bite to take the edge off?¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t hesitate and took the packet. ¡°Thanks.¡±


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    Chapter 48


    425 BONUS


    As she ate, her focus shifted, and she began to rx a little.


    Russell noticed this and said, ¡°You seem to be recovering well. I was genuinely worried about you yesterday.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious,¡± Aveline replied.


    Russell¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°If that¡¯s how you see it, then that¡¯s great.¡±


    Aveline continued munching on the cookies.


    Russell then asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention before that a friend of yours was being held at the Tudor estate?¡±


    Aveline looked puzzled. ¡°What?¡±


    Had she said that?


    Russell continued, ¡°I might be able to help you get them out.¡±


    Aveline quickly stopped trying to remember if she had mentioned it and instead looked at him with bright, hopeful eyes. ¡°Really?¡±


    Russell smiled. ¡°I can give it a shot, but don¡¯t get your hopes up too high. After all, we¡¯re talking about the Tudor family¡¯s main estate.¡±


    Aveline hesitated. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that cause you a lot of trouble?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t,¡± Russell reassured her.


    Still, Aveline felt uneasy. ¡°The Tudor family has tight control over the situation. If we try to get him out recklessly, the Tudors might call the police, and he won¡¯t be able to escape then.¡±

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    Chapter 546


    Russell pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Tell me everything you know.<i>¡± </i>


    Aveline nodded and carefully recounted the situation as it had unfolded.


    After a while, Russell suddenly chuckled softly.


    Aveline looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    Russell responded, ¡°Aveline, I have a bold theory.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Aveline urged, her eyes filled with curiosity.


    Russell pulled the car over to the side of the road, resting his hand on the steering wheel. A yful, almost mischievous smile spread across his striking features. ¡°What if,¡± he began, ¡°someone impersonated Bobby andmitted those acts, framing him in the process?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened slowly as the possibility sank in. She clenched the small cookie in her hand, her mind racing.


    She had never considered such a scenario before!


    Thinking back, in all the videos and photos Lucas had shown her, ¡°Bobby


    had always been wearing a hat and mask. The figure¡¯s build had certainly resembled Bobby¡¯s, but what if it wasn¡¯t him?


    What if it was someone who just looked remarkably simr?


    She recalled the dark basement, where Bobby had been crawling on the floor, desperately trying to exin himself. He had repeatedly insisted that he hadn¡¯t stolen anything, that he had been framed¡­


    A chill spread through Aveline, making her shiver as goosebumps


    theory. We just need to get the security roster from the Tudor estate during that period.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s throat tightened, her voice turning dry. ¡°Is that something we can get our hands on?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s simple,¡± Russell confirmed with a nod.


    Aveline looked at him, her clear eyes sparkling with hope. ¡°Russ, I need you to look into this.¡±


    Russell smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve asked, so I¡¯ll make sure it gets done.¡±


    Aveline felt a blend of anxiety and uncertainty. If this theory proved to be true, what part had Lucas yed in it all? And did he know?


    She didn¡¯t dare to specte further. From the beginning, she had never fully understood what Lucas was thinking, and now, even less so.


    ¡°Here we are.¡±


    Russell¡¯s voice broke through Aveline¡¯s thoughts.


    She snapped back to reality and realized they had arrived at the underground parking lot of Maple Garden. Letting out a slow breath, she said, ¡°Thank you for handling this. If it turns out to be true, Russ, I¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Russell interrupted her. ¡°You¡¯re not in the best state right now<i>. </i>Let me walk you up, and then I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t find the words to refuse.


    They entered the elevator, with Aveline walking slightly ahead of Russell. The elevator ascended smoothly, but her mind was still upied with thoughts of Bobby.


    The elevator reached the first floor, and as the doors opened, Aveline instinctively looked up, only to see Lucas stepping inside. His tall, imposing figure filled the space.


    2/3


    The moment Lucas saw the two of them together, his expression visibly darkened.


    The elevator doors slowly closed behind him.


    Suddenly, Russell pulled out another packet of cookies and handed it to Aveline. ¡°You seem to enjoy these. Have some more.¡±


    Aveline paused for a moment before epting them. ¡°They are pretty good.¡±


    Russell¡¯s smile grew more mischievous. I¡¯ve got a sweet tooth myself, so I always keep some in the car. If there¡¯s anything you like, just let me know<i>, </i>and I¡¯ll make sure to have it with me.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Sure.*


    The two of them continued chatting, their conversation casual, but there was an underlying tension in the air as if their rtionship had be subtly moreplex.

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    Chapter 547


    The atmosphere in the elevator was tense, an odd mix of coldness and faint rxation. The oppressive mood seemed to dissipate only when it encountered the light conversation between Russell and Aveline,


    creating a strange and suffocating feeling.


    The elevator continued its smooth ascent. Not long after, the doors opened, and Lucas strode out, his expression unusually stern.


    Russell raised an eyebrow in mild surprise as he watched Lucas¡® retreating figure. He hadn¡¯t done anything, which waspletely out of character for him. Could it be that he had really given up on Aveline?


    As the elevator doors closed, Russell¡¯s gaze shifted to Aveline, who was staring at the closed doors, lost in thought.


    No, she wasn¡¯t staring at the doors¨Cshe had been watching Lucas.


    Now that the doors were shut, her view was simply blocked.


    A cold glint flickered in Russell¡¯s eyes as he asked, ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly. ¡°I¡¯m just wondering what role he¡¯s ying in all of this.¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Russell replied, ¡°Whatever his role, it <i>no </i>longer concerns us.


    Aveline wavered for a moment, then nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    She and Lucas were divorced.


    So, it didn¡¯t matter anymore.


    The elevator doors opened again, and Aveline stepped out. When she reached her front door, she turned back and waved at Russell.¡± Goodbye, Russ.¡±


    Humall nuded all overt


    pulled out be phase and


    Aveline replied. ¡°Stink can ye over to my ce? I don¡¯t feel hke going out to eat


    700 matte


    iger


    Lucas had too much of an influence on w


    More Shan she had expected


    What should she do?


    How could she get rid of this tes


    She couldny find a good saku


    after thinking about it for a


    time By the time Selena arvet kuripe wit wore a troublet


    Nudicung het moet


    you want to talk to me about?¡±


    Selena hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Ave, I¡¯m nning to leave Cloudre City.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Aveline was taken aback. ¡°Leave? Where to?¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet, but if I stay in Cloudre City, things might get out of my control¡­¡±


    Seeing the look on her face, Aveline quickly caught on. ¡°Is this about Aaron?¡±


    Selena nodded, her expression weary. ¡°That guy¡¯s got his sights on me, and I think I¡¯ve gotten myself in too deep¡­¡±


    Aveline sighed, feeling exasperated. She had warned Selena not to mess with Aaron lightly.


    Anyone who could be friends with Lucas was unlikely to be a good person.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew serious as a thought urred to her. ¡°Did he do something to you?¡±


    Selena immediately looked a bit guilty, shaking her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Aveline kept her gaze fixed on her, not blinking.


    Feeling even more guilty under her scrutiny, Selena finally gave in and admitted, ¡°We slept together¡­ more than once. And he doesn¡¯t seem interested in ending this messy situation.¡±

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    Chapter 548


    Aveline was speechless.


    Although she had already noticed something off between them, hearing it directly from Selena left her at a loss for words.


    It wasn¡¯t entirely surprising that things had escted to this point. Aaron¡¯s attention on Selena had always been unusually intense, and Selena hadn¡¯t been cautious enough.


    But¡­ wasn¡¯t it a bitte to be thinking about leaving now?


    Aveline voiced her concerns.


    Selena leaned in closer and whispered, ¡°Ave, I¡¯ve got it all figured out. I¡¯m not going to leave by ne or train. I¡¯ll take a bus, one that goes through the countryside on back roads. Once I¡¯m safely out of Cloudre City, he won¡¯t be able to find me even if he tries.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°But that¡¯s not safe.¡±


    Selena replied, ¡°What¡¯s safe anymore? Staying in Cloudre City is the real danger. Besides, I just decided to leave on a whim¨Che won¡¯t know when I¡¯m actually going.¡±


    Aveline still wasn¡¯t convinced and asked, ¡°What about your job?¡±


    Selena answered, ¡°I quit. I¡¯ve already started sending out resumes today, making it look like I¡¯m just nning to switch jobs.¡±


    Seeing that Selena had thought everything through, Aveline wasn¡¯t sure what more


    to say.


    Selena looked at her with concern. ¡°Ave, I know I promised to stay here with you, but I¡¯m going to have to break that promise. Will you be mad at me?¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ve wanted you to leave for a while now¨Cit¡¯s you who insisted on staying.¡±


    Selena hugged her tightly. ¡°But I¡¯m going to miss you.¡±


    Aveline reassured her, ¡°We¡¯ve got our phones. We can call and video chat anytime. And who knows? Maybe it won¡¯t be long before Ie to visit you.¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll find a small, picturesque town, and when you visit, we


    1/2


    can men a little went together you as the owner and me as the manager¡¯s Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Avelineughed at the idea, but despite the lighthearted moment, she couldn¡¯t shake


    * nagging sense of unease in her heart


    She quickly pushed the feeling aside. Now wasn¡¯t the time to overthink.


    After they finished eating, Selena talked for a long time, her words filled with


    reluctance to leave Aveline behind.


    Aveline sighed. ¡°You were abroad for several monthsst time, so just think of this as the same thing.¡±


    Selena leaned against her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°But why do I feel like I¡¯m on the run?¡± Selena groaned.


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s still early. You should try to get some sleep.¡±


    Selena nned to leave just after midnight, so now she needed to get some rest.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take a nap first,¡± Selena said as she got up and headed to the guest room.


    Aveline didn¡¯t sleep. Instead, she started cooking, preparing food that Selena could


    take with her on the road.


    Given the <i>route </i>Selena had chosen for her escape, finding decent food along the way would be tough. And if Aaron caught on to her ns, she couldn¡¯t risk exposing herself.


    As Aveline stood in the kitchen, she couldn¡¯t help but think how absurd this world


    had be.


    Lucas was <i>one </i>thing, and now Aaron too.


    Was there <i>no </i>good oue when you crossed paths with men like them?


    No.


    Selena would be able to leave sessfully.


    Selena slept until shortly after midnight. When she emerged from the room, yawning, she saw Aveline busy packing items into bags.


    Confused, Selena asked, ¡°Ave, what are you doing?¡±


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    Aveling packed the small cookies into the bag, making sure everything was secure se she said. Since we¡¯re short of time, I made some food that will stay fresh and still taste good. You can eat it on the road.


    Selena blinked, then quickly ran over and hugged her tightly. ¡°Ave, you¡¯re too good to me! Why don¡¯t we just run away together?¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Alright, enough of that. Go wash your face¨CI¡¯ll drive you to the


    outskirts.¡±


    Selena needed to be at the bus stop in the early morning, so she had to head out tonight.


    But Selena shook her head. ¡°No need. I¡¯ve already arranged for someone to pick me up, You should stay home and rest. I¡¯ll be fine.<b>¡± </b>


    However, Aveline insisted, ¡°No, I won¡¯t feel at ease unless I personally take you.¡±


    Seeing how determined Aveline looked, Selena knew Aveline had made up her mind. She hugged Aveline tightly and said, ¡°I¡¯m really going to miss you!¡±


    Aveline guided Selena to the bathroom and watched as she freshened up, while she went over the packed items onest time: food, drinks, and a few basic disposable


    toiletries.


    Yes, it looked like she had packed everything.


    After finishing up, they sat together for a while before finally heading out at two in the morning.


    Thete¨Cnight streets of Cloudre City were quiet, with hardly any cars or pedestrians in sight. As Aveline drove toward the outskirts, Selena kept talking about her hopes for the future.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Lucas quickly received word that Aveline had left the house.


    He rubbed his temples, ncing at the clock. It waste¨Cwhat was she doing out at


    this hour?


    And she had left with Selena.


    1/3 N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    A thoughtful expression crossed Lucas¡® face, and he promptly dialed Aaron¡¯s


    <b>nuriser </b>


    489 BONUS


    As the call connected, the re of heavy metal music filled the background.


    Lucas narrowed his eyes and asked, ¡°How have things been going with Selenately?


    Aaron chuckled in response. ¡°Oh, things have been great.¡±


    Lucas¡® voice remained calm. ¡°Is that so? Because just now, Aveline drove Selena out toward the outskirts.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s tone instantly shifted, the music fading as his voice grew tense, almost


    angry.


    ¡°Is she trying to run away?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s tone remained cold. ¡°I don¡¯t know.<i>¡± </i>


    Aaron <i>replied</i>, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll deal with this. Talkter.¡±


    He abruptly ended the call.


    Lucas stood up and moved to the balcony, staring out into the pitch¨Cck night, his face hardening with an icy expression.


    The night deepened.


    Aveline drove for nearly an hour before reaching the ce Selena had arranged¨Ca


    small farmhouse.


    The family of three was still awake, with the lights on inside.


    Selena got out of the car and knocked on the door. A young girl soon appeared, her eyes lighting up when she saw Selena. ¡°You¡¯re here!¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here. Thanks for helping me out.¡±


    The girl waved it off. ¡°Oh, no problem. It¡¯s no trouble at all. Come on in.¡®


    Selena turned to Aveline. ¡°I¡¯m here. You should head back.¡±


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    Chapter 549


    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, but call me when you get to your next stop.¡±


    Selena grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll probably call you ten times before I even get there.¡±


    Aveline smiled at that.


    She watched as Selena and the girl went inside, then got back into her car and drove away.


    But as she headed back, the uneasy feeling in her chest grew stronger. Gripping the steering wheel tightly, she abruptly turned the car around and drove back to the farmhouse.


    Meanwhile, Aaron quickly learned of Selena¡¯s location. He gathered his men and set off to confront her.

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    P78 HEARTS


    Selena couldn¡¯t sleep at all. Lying in bed, she felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The thought of finally leaving Cloudre City and getting away from that insufferable Aaron¨Cfilled her with anticipation. She found herself practically counting down the minutes.


    ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang!¡±


    Suddenly, loud knocks came from the front door, startling Selena. She quickly got up and looked toward the door. The young girl with her woke up, confused. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    A sinking feeling of dread washed over Selena. Could they have found her already? So soon?


    She got out of bed and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go check. You two stay here.¡±


    The girl looked uneasy. ¡°Selena, are you sure everything¡¯s okay?¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    She quickly dressed and stepped outside.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± she asked cautiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Selena. Hurry,e out!¡±


    It was Aveline¡¯s voice at the door.


    Selena was taken aback and quickly opened the door. ¡°Ave, what are you doing here?


    11


    Hadn¡¯t she already gone home? By now, she should have been back at Maple Garden. Aveline grabbed her wrist, looking frantic. ¡°I saw Aaron¡¯s car. He found you. We have to leave now!¡±


    Selena froze in shock. ¡°He found me? How did he find me?¡±


    She had been as discreet as possible, taking every precaution to hide her whereabouts. How could Aaron have tracked her down so quickly?


    Aveline urged, ¡°There¡¯s no time to figure that out. We need to go now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right! Wait a sec, I need to grab my things ¡°Salon


    +75 BONUS


    exchanged a few words with the girl, then grabbed her backpack and hurried back out to Aveline¡¯s car.


    Aveline started the engine and sped off,


    Still shaken, Selena nced back over her shoulder. Her eyes widened in horror.¡± Ave, we might not be able to outrun them.¡±


    Aveline also noticed the headlights in the rearview mirror, and her face instantly hardened.


    How did this happen?


    Where had the n gone wrong?


    How had Aaron managed to catch up so quickly?


    The car behind them roared closer, and Aveline mmed her foot on the gas, speeding forward!


    Seeing her determined expression, Selena grew worried. ¡°Ave, he¡¯s already found me. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to escape. Maybe we should just give up.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Aveline¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°We can¡¯t just give up now. You¡¯re so close to getting away!¡±


    Selena sensed something was off. ¡°Ave, what¡¯s going on with you?¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Aveline kept her eyes on the road ahead. ¡°I¡¯m going to get you out of here, no matter what!¡±


    She nced back at the car trailing them. Although they had gained some distance, they still needed to lose thempletely.


    Aveline thought of Mason and Jason. She quickly dialed Mason¡¯s number.


    ¡°Miss Young,¡± Mason answered almost immediately.


    ¡°Mason, is there any way you can get Selena out of here right now and out of Cloudre City?¡± Aveline asked urgently.


    Mason hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s going to be difficult. Aaron¡¯s men have already circled around to cut you off.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Mason exined, ¡°Miss Young, Aaron brought a lot of people with him. He¡¯s been


    2/3


    watching from the shadows, and some of his men have already blocked the road


    ahead.¡±


    As Mason finished speaking, several bright headlights appeared in front of them. Aveline instinctively hit the brakes.


    Selena saw the cars ahead and let out a bitterugh. ¡°Anyone who didn¡¯t know better would think I¡¯m Aaron¡¯s runaway bride.¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>551 </b>


    And yet, she had no rtionship with him.


    The car came to a stop, and the light in Aveline¡¯s eyes gradually dimmed.


    ¡°Selena, do you like him?¡± Aveline asked softly.


    Selena replied, ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    Aaron had targeted her so many times that she had lost count. It was just a few casual encounters¨Chow could she possibly like him?


    Aveline responded with a nod, then quickly opened the car door and got out.


    ¡°Ave, where are you going?¡± Selena, seeing this, also stepped out of the car.


    At this moment, they found themselves surrounded by several vehicles, with the bright headlights illuminating the small area around them.


    Aaron mmed his car door shut. Seeing Selena stepping <b>out </b>of Aveline¡¯s car, he immediately burst intoughter.


    He strode over, his presence radiating a dangerous aura.


    Aveline swiftly pulled Selena behind her, her gaze calm as she looked at Aaron. ¡°What are you doing, Mr.


    Fletcher?<b>¡± </b>


    Aaron was dressed in a white shirt<b>, </b>the cor open, and his body still carried the scent of alcohol¨Cclearly, he had juste from a bar or a drinking party.


    His demeanor waszy and unrestrained, with a careless smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for her.¡±


    Aaron raised his hand, pointing at Selena, who was hiding behind Aveline.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you¡¯re not exactly close with Selena. What¡¯s the need for all this <bmotion </b>in the middle of the night?<b>¡± </b>N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°Not close?¡± Aaron tilted his head, looking at Selena. ¡°Tell her, are we close or not?¡±


    Selena knew she <b>couldn¡¯t </b>avoid this anymore.


    She stepped out from behind Aveline and calmly said to Aaron, ¡°Aaron, can¡¯t you just let things go?¡±


    ¡°What<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aaron thought he had misheard. At this point<b>, </b>she still dared <b>to </b>speak to him like that?


    Selena continued, ¡°We just slept together a few times. Why are you still chasing <b>after </b>me? <b>Is </b>it <b>because </b>I didn¡¯t pay you?<b>¡± </b>


    The smile on Aaron¡¯s face immediately took on a more dangerous edge. ¡°Selena, what did <b>you </b><b>just </b>say?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena raised an eyebrow. ¡°<b>It </b>seems like <b>not </b><b>only </b>can you not take a joke, but your hearing isn¡¯t <b>great </b>either. I suggest you make an appointment <b>with </b><b>a </b>specialist at the <b>hospital</b><b>.</b>¡±


    1/2


    Chapter 551


    ¡°Excellent<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>+25 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Aaron finally understood¨CSelena really wasn¡¯t afraid of anything. She even dared to provoke him!


    Selena took out her phone. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, it wasn¡¯t that many times. How much do you think would be appropriate? Once I pay, stop bothering me. After all, it¡¯s quite degrading.¡±


    Aveline nced at Selena, sensing that she was deliberately provoking Aaron.


    Aaron and Lucas were alike in many ways. What good coulde from provoking him?


    Aaron let out a sarcasticugh. ¡°You¡¯re right, I can¡¯t take <b>it</b><b>, </b>so I¡¯m going to keep ying with you.¡±


    He walked over, grabbed her wrist, and started pulling her toward the car.


    Selena hadn¡¯t expected her taunts to fail. She began struggling violently. ¡°Aaron, what¡¯s the point of this? I don¡¯t even like you, so why are you so obsessed with me?¡±


    With a sudden force, Aaron yanked her close to him.


    In the darkness, his eyes were filled with disdain and coldness. ¡°I don¡¯t care whether you like me or not. I¡¯m a man, you¡¯re a woman, and I desire you. That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Selena was utterly appalled by his shamelessness!


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher!¡± Aveline walked over, stepping between them. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should respect Selena¡¯s wishes<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aaron looked at her with amusement. ¡°Why should I respect her? Is she someone special or powerful?¡±


    Today¡¯s Bonus Offer

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>552 </b>


    ¡°You!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression darkened.


    Aaron¡¯s attitude made it clear he saw Selena as nothing more than a ything.


    If that was the case, there was no way she would let Aaron take Selena away tonight.


    ¡°Fine, let her go. You have no right to take her, and even less right to interfere with her freedom,¡± Aveline said coldly.


    Aaron raised an eyebrow. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯m being civil because of Lucas. Do you think too highly of yourself?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s gaze remained icy. ¡°You don¡¯t need to consider him at all. I have nothing to lose. If you insist on taking her, you¡¯ll have to go through me first.¡±


    There was a fierce determination in her eyes. She was resolute in protecting Selena. Selena was her only family now.


    Moved by Aveline¡¯s resolve, Selena suddenly bit down hard on Aaron¡¯s hand, causing him to release her in pain.


    Selena quickly ran to Aveline¡¯s side. ¡°Ave, I won¡¯t go with him!¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Selena was overwhelmed with emotion, nearly ready to pledge her life to Aveline.


    Aaron watched the two of them, feeling a sense of frustration. Despite his words, he knew he couldn¡¯t do much to Aveline¨Cafter all, she was still Lucas¡® wife.


    His gaze, now tinged with coldness, fell on Selena¡¯s face, and a wicked smile curved his lips. ¡°You better pray she can always be there for you.¡±


    With that, he walked past them, got into his car, and drove off.


    The other cars followed, allowing Selena to finally rx her tense body.


    She let out a bitter smile. ¡°Great, now I¡¯ve caught the eye of a scumbag.¡±


    Aveline held her hand, and the two got back into the <b>car</b><b>. </b>


    After a long silence, Aveline spoke. ¡°You should stay at my ce.¡±


    Selena was quiet for a moment, then shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯ll find a way out. I can¡¯t just wait for him toe after me.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°But he¡¯s already set his sights on you.¡±


    Selena said, ¡°I¡¯ll figure out how to throw him off. When the timees, I¡¯ll ask Russ for help. He¡¯ll help out for your sake, and you can take the credit.¡±


    Aveline hesitated for a moment. This n of Selena¡¯s was certainly bold.


    But after thinking it over, <b>it </b>seemed like their only option.


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    Aveline drove back, and by the time they returned <b>to </b>Maple Garden<b>, </b>dawn had already broken.


    Selena insisted on going home.


    +25 BONUS


    On the way, she said, ¡°Aaron probably thinks I¡¯ve gone to your ce, so I won¡¯t go there. I¡¯m going home to rest, and then I¡¯ll consider leaving Cloudre City.¡±


    Aveline felt it was a bit risky.


    But Selena responded, ¡°The safest ce is often the most dangerous one. If something happens, I¡¯ll just have to ept it.¡±


    Unable to argue with her, Aveline dropped her off at a street corner and watched as Selena¡¯s figure disappeared before returning to Maple Garden.


    After a night of running around, she found herself unable to sleep.


    Her mind was filled with worry for Selena, along with a nagging suspicion.


    How did Aaron find out so quickly about Selena¡¯s n to escape? Aveline thought for a moment before dialing Mason¡¯s number.


    ¡°Miss Young,¡± Mason answered, his voice sounding a bit weary.


    Aveline asked, ¡°Have you noticed anyone else following me?¡±


    Mason was taken aback and quickly replied, ¡°No, Miss Young, only Jason and I are around you.¡±

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    ¡°Is that so? Was I mistaken?¡± Aveline thought before replying, ¡°Alright, I understand. Get some rest; I won¡¯t be going out today.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Miss Young.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    After a quick wash, Aveliney down on her bed. Her mind was still a mess, but her body was exhausted, and she quickly fell asleep.


    When she woke up, it was already afternoon.


    She picked up her phone and saw numerous messages from Selena, all detailing her escape n.


    Aveline replied briefly, then got up to wash her face before heading to the kitchen to cook.


    Just then, the doorbell suddenly rang.


    Aveline paused, her expression turning cold. Who woulde at this hour?


    She walked to the door and looked through the peephole. Upon seeing who it was, her face became even more indifferent.


    She ignored it and continued cooking.


    After waiting for a while, Lucas realized Aveline wasn¡¯t going to answer the door.


    Undeterred, he kept knocking, showing remarkable patience.


    It was only after about half an hour that the door finally opened.


    Aveline stood there, her expression cold, holding a kitchen knife in her hand. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Lucas nced at the knife in her hand before looking back at her face, clearly unimpressed by supposed threat.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I visit without a reason?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s response was blunt.


    With that, she moved to close the door.


    But Lucas suddenly blocked it with his hand and stepped forward, trying to enter.


    Seeing this, Aveline immediately raised the kitchen knife toward him. ¡°Stay out!¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡±


    Lucas chuckled softly, ignoring the knife as he continued to walk forward.


    ¡°Go ahead, Aveline. I bet you don¡¯t have the guts to cut me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s heart sank, but she immediately raised the kitchen knife and swung it toward his shoulder!


    Chapter 553


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    Lucas didn¡¯t flinch, simply watching her calmly.


    The knife halted just before it reached his shoulder, her hand trembling slightly.


    ¡°You maniac!¡± she eximed.


    He really didn¡¯t dodge! Was he not afraid of getting hurt?


    Lucas gently took hold of her hand, removing the knife and cing it on the nearby counter. His deep voice was steady as he said, ¡°Aveline, I just came to tell you to stay away from Russell. He¡¯s <i>not </i>as simple as he appears to be.¡±


    Aveline pulled her hand back, finding his concern amusing. ¡°Mr. Tudor, we¡¯re divorced. Who I choose to be close to or distance myself from is none of your business, right?¡±


    A frown creased Lucas¡® brow¨Che didn¡¯t like her treating him with such detachment.


    ¡°Russell might be an illegitimate son, but he¡¯s fought his way to the top with ruthless cunning. Do you really think he¡¯s someone to underestimate?¡± Lucas asked, his tone grave.


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°Whether he¡¯s simple or not doesn¡¯t matter to me. What matters is


    that he treats me well!¡±


    She grabbed the doorknob. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I don¡¯t think our rtionship is close enough for this kind of conversation. Please don¡¯te looking for me again, or I¡¯ll call the police and report you for harassment.


    With that, she forcefully pushed the door shut.


    ¡°Harassment?¡± Lucas used a bit of strength <i>to </i>stop her from closing the door, a low chuckle escaping him as if he¡¯d just heard a joke.


    A <i>sense </i>of unease crept into Aveline¡¯s mind as she eyed him warily.


    Lucas stepped inside, closing the door behind him with one hand.


    ¡°Aveline, you¡¯ve already used me of harassment. If I don¡¯t take action after that, wouldn¡¯t that be a bit


    unfair to me?<b>¡± </b>


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    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline eyed him warily, his dark, piercing gaze fixed on her as if she were already his prey.


    Memories of past traumas resurfaced, and she bit her lip, suddenly raising the kitchen knife to her own


    throat.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I don¡¯t dare to hurt you, but that doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t harm myself. Lucas, if you take one more step, I¡¯ll cut myself. Let¡¯s see if you can keep talking like this while facing a corpse!¡±


    Lucas stopped in his tracks, the yful expression vanishing from his face as he red at her, his gaze dark and intense. ¡°Put the knife down!¡±


    Instead of lowering the knife, Aveline pressed it closer to her neck, stubbornly saying, ¡°Get out! You¡¯re not wee here!¡±


    Lucas remained still, his gaze locked on her with a menacing intensity.


    Seeing his hesitation, Aveline gritted her teeth and pressed the de even closer. Her delicate skin barely brushed the knife¡¯s edge, which had been sharpened¨Cjust a slight touch and it immediately left a thin line of blood on her slender, pale neck.


    Lucas¡® eyes narrowed in shock.


    In an instant, he lunged forward, snatching the knife from her grasp before she could react. The knife ttered to the floor.


    Staring at the cut on her neck, his expression grew even darker. ¡°Aveline, you¡¯ve really grown bold, daring to attempt suicide in front of me!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face paled as she struggled against him. ¡°Let go of me! Let me go!¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    She fought desperately, trying to reach the knife again.


    Seeing the resolve in her eyes, Lucas was both horrified and enraged.


    He held back his anger<b>, </b>saying, ¡°If you stay still<b>, </b>I won¡¯t touch you!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s whole body trembled slightly, the cut on her neck stinging. Who knew what kind <i>of </i>bacteria might have gotten into the wound? <b>If </b>it entered her bloodstream, the consequences could be dire.


    Gripping her wrist tightly, Lucas turned and dragged her out the door.


    ¡°What are you doing?<b>¡± </b>Aveline asked, her voice filled with suspicion.


    Lucas replied in a low voice, ¡°We¡¯re going to the hospital<b>!</b>¡±


    Aveline struggled for a moment, but <b>Lucas </b>abruptly turned his head to re at her, his expression dark and menacing.


    <b>¡°</b>If you keep moving and speed up your cirction, any harmful viruses could spread through your body and <b>cause </b>serious damage. If that happens, you¡¯ll only have yourself to me<b>!</b>¡±


    Hearing <b>this</b>, Aveline immediately stopped struggling. Deep <b>down</b>, she was <b>afraid </b><b>of </b>dying<b>, </b><b>too</b><b>. </b><b>She </b><b>just </b><b>didn¡¯t </b>want to be under Lucas¡® control <b>any </b>longer.


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    As she quieted down, a bitter irony struck Lucas. She was willing to go as far as attempting suicide just to get away from him¨Chow desperate she had be!


    The drive to the hospital was silent. Neither of them spoke, one too angry and the other overly reluctant, creating a tense atmosphere.


    At the hospital, they gave her a tetanus shot <b>first</b><b>, </b>followed by a blood test. By the time the results came back, two hours had passed.


    Fortunately, there was no sign of infection.


    The wound on Aveline¡¯s neck was disinfected and didn¡¯t even need bandaging¨Ca simple adhesive bandage was enough.


    Lucas walked ahead, his tall, imposing figure radiating an icy coldness.


    Once outside, he pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.


    Aveline walked past him, not wanting to acknowledge him at all.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    Lucas called her name in a deep voice as he watched her retreating figure.


    Aveline didn¡¯t pause; she had no intention of stopping.


    Lucas took a long drag on his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing slightly as he inhaled. Then, exhaling a


    cloud of smoke, he looked at her through the hazy mist and spoke again¡­


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    ¡°Do you know why Aaron found you both so quickly?¡± Lucas asked.


    Upon hearing this, Aveline stopped in her tracks.


    She slowly turned around, her face filled with disbelief. ¡°It was you?¡±


    Lucas smirked. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    He approached Aveline with a cigarette between his fingers. Seeing her face pale from shock, he gently caressed it. His tone was low and soft, like a lover¡¯s whisper, but his words were incredibly cruel.


    ¡°Did you really think I¡¯d let anyone who could keep youpany slip away? Face it, Aveline. Selena¡¯s trapped, and so are you. There¡¯s no escape for either of you.¡±


    Aveline was furious. She raised her hand to p him, but Lucas caught her wrist effortlessly. He looked into her angry eyes.


    ¡°Aveline, things between us won¡¯t end so easily. Have you heard the phrase ¡®till death do us part<b>¡°</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline was trembling with rage, her whole body shaking.


    It was him! Why would he do this? How could he?


    Selena was so close to leaving! She could have escaped a fate simr to Aveline¡¯s!


    They were so close, just a little bit more!


    She saw Selena as her chance to escape, her hope for freedom. But Lucas had personally clipped the wings that might have carried her away.


    How could he be so cruel?


    At this moment, she couldn¡¯t control her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°Lucas, why are you doing this to me? Why?¡±


    Her tears fell, seeming to sear Lucas¡® heart, burning a hole through <b>it</b><b>, </b>searing and painful.


    He wiped the tears from her face, his gaze intense, his tone still soft. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to let you go. I want you by my side always, Aveline. I¡¯ve never been a good person. Your expectations of me were too high, and the result was bound to disappoint you.¡±


    Aveline shoved him away and ran off desperately.


    It felt like the universe had yed a cruel joke on her!


    She thought that by divorcing Lucas, their rtionship would end, and they would have no more ties or interactions. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    But Lucas had no intention of letting her go. Even without love, even if being together meant mutual torment, he still wouldn¡¯t let go.


    Everything before her blurred as tears streamed down her face. She felt powerless against Lucas, unable to change the events unfolding in her life.


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    He refused to let go, and he wouldn¡¯t let her find peace,


    Why? How had ite to this?


    Her heart felt like it was thrown into a volcano, repeatedly scorched, burning with pain. Then suddenly it was plunged into a cier, eaten away by extreme cold. The intense pain tore at her soul, leaving her in


    agony.


    A cold wind blew as rain began to fall, quickly soaking her. Cars sped by on the road as pedestrians grew scarce. She stood at the roadside, wishing she could die right there in the downpour.


    She had tried to fight against the injustice of fate, but her strength was so small.


    The icy rain enveloped her, and her vision went ck as she fainted.


    Lucas had been following behind her. Seeing her copse, he rushed forward and caught her. With a grim expression, he carried her to his car, turned on the heat, and wrapped her in a nket.


    She was still shivering.


    Her lips were deathly pale. Even unconscious, she mumbled, ¡°Why¡­ why won¡¯t you let me go¡­ I don¡¯t love you anymore, Lucas. I don¡¯t love you!¡±

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    A cold, shadowed look darkened Lucas¡® eyes as he watched her pale face and heard her murmurs.


    He scoffed.


    Love?


    What did it matter?


    As long as she remained by his side, love was irrelevant.


    At Maple Garden, Lucas carried Aveline upstairs, used her finger to unlock the door, and strode inside. He went straight to the bathroom and began running hot water in the tub.


    Once it was ready, he gently ced her in the bath, and the tension in her furrowed brow eased slightly.


    She was already running a fever.


    First, he needed to warm her up and then give her medicine.


    Lucas carefully bathed her, then wrapped her in a towel and carried her out. As he dressed her in clean pajamas, he couldn¡¯t help but notice her delicate curves and smooth, ivory skin. His gaze darkened, and he found himself swallowing hard more than once.


    When it was time to take the medicine, Aveline¡¯s body instinctively resisted, her lips refusing to part. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Lucas lost patience.


    He ced the pill in his own mouth, grasped her chin, and kissed her forcefully.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡±


    Aveline whimpered in her dazed state, but Lucas pressed on, prying her lips apart and pushing the pill into


    her mouth.


    He quickly followed it up by taking a sip of water and continued to feed it to her.


    The bitterness spread through her mouth, and Aveline tried to spit out the pill. But before she could, another mouthful of water came in, causing her to swallow instinctively.


    The medicine went down smoothly.


    Repeating this process several times, he made sure she took all the pills.


    Lucas, unable to resist any longer, pressed his lips to hers, this time in a real kiss. His tongue explored every corner of her mouth, leaving nothing untouched.


    Aveline started to struggle as breathing became difficult, resisting him weakly.


    Reluctantly, Lucas ended the almost out¨Cof¨Ccontrol kiss, his gaze burning as he looked at her


    unconscious form.


    ¡°Aveline, since you¡¯re sick, I¡¯ll let you off this time.¡±


    After speaking, Lucas got up and went to the bathroom.


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    When he returned, Aveline had curled up into a tight ball, her body trembling uncontrobly.


    ¡°Cold¡­ so cold¡­¡± she murmured.


    Lucas lifted the nket and got into bed, pulling her into his arms.


    His body radiated warmth, and Aveline instinctively pressed closer to him, her shivering gradually subsiding.


    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    Throughout the night, Lucas checked her temperature several times. When he finally saw her fever break, he massaged his temples, exhaustion etched into his features.


    Atst, Aveline slept peacefully.


    The next morning.


    The sunlight streamed in as Aveline opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the man¡¯s defined Adam¡¯s apple. She was clinging to him like an octopus.


    She froze, her expression turning sour in an instant.


    Roughly, she pulled herself away and threw off the covers, getting out of bed.


    Lucas woke up from her abrupt movements. Noticing her displeased expression, he said coldly, ¡°I took care of you all night, and now that you¡¯re better, you¡¯re giving me attitude?¡±


    Aveline replied icily, ¡°You should be grateful there isn¡¯t a knife within reach, or you¡¯d be dealing with a lot more than just attitude.¡±


    ¡°Heh!¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh, not taking her words seriously.


    Aveline went straight to wash up, and when she emerged, Lucas was still lying in bed. His face looked weary, and his expression was fatigued.


    ¡°Get out,¡± Aveline said coldly.


    Lucas lifted his eyelids and nced at her. ¡°Say that again.¡±


    ¡°Get out,¡± she repeated, unyielding.


    Lucas threw off the covers and got out of bed, striding directly toward her.

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    Aveline stood still, not moving an inch.


    Lucas let out a coldugh, pulling her back onto the bed, his heavy body pinning her down<b>, </b>his hot breath washing over her.


    But Aveline remained unresponsive.


    Just as his breath was only inches from her cheek, Lucas suddenly stopped, staring into her overly cold eyes. An inexplicable sense of defeat washed over him.


    The air between them grew thick and tense.


    Noticing his hesitation, Aveline shoved him aside and got out of bed. ¡°Lucas, maybe all you¡¯re interested in is my body. But what if my body won¡¯t react to you anymore? What if nothing you do can stir me anymore?¡±


    She walked to the door, ncing back at him. ¡°How defeated would you feel if that happened?¡±


    With a mocking smile, she left the bedroom.


    Lucas leaned against the headboard, his face dark and stormy, his mood plummeting.


    What did she mean? Her body wouldn¡¯t react to him? N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Ridiculous!


    He knew exactly how sensitive she was¨Che had a thousand ways to make her respond!


    But as he thought back to the recent scene, the more he reflected on it, the more his expression darkened. Her eyes were filled with nothing but indifference, her bodypletely unresponsive.


    In the past, she would have struggled fiercely, blushing with a mix of shame and anger¡­


    When Lucas finally left the bedroom, Aveline had already finished breakfast and was sitting on the couch in the living room.


    ¡°Lucas, we need to talk,¡± Aveline said calmly.


    Lucas let out another coldugh. ¡°Talk about what?¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°How long do you n to keep ying <b>this </b>game?¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her words.


    Aveline continued, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking. My constant running and hiding only seem to intrigue you more, and it even puts those around me in danger. So, how about this? Name your terms. I¡¯ll do my best to meet them, and we¡¯ll coexist peacefully until it¡¯s no longer possible.¡±


    Lucas walked over, leaning down, one hand resting on the couch, the other gripping her chin. As he stared into her cold, indifferent eyes, a hint of amusement flickered in his gaze.


    ¡°So, are you giving in to me now?¡±


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    <li><b>1</b><b>. </b></li>


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    Aveline remained silent, simply looking at him calmly.


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    Lucas smiled¨Ca smile she knew all too well, that familiar, wicked grin. ¡°What if my condition is for you to <b>stay </b>by my side for the rest of your life?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s delicate brows furrowed. ¡°Did you hear what I just said? After everything you¡¯ve done to me, I¡¯m filled with fear at the thought of being with you. I might not be able to satisfy you anymore.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he replied indifferently. ¡°As long as you¡¯re still a woman, you¡¯re of use to me. I¡¯ll keep you around.¡±


    Aveline thought she had reached a ce of calm, but his words reignited a spark of anger in her eyes.


    Noticing the shift in her emotions, Lucas smirked with satisfaction. His thumb brushed across her lips.¡± That¡¯s better. Instead of being a lifeless shell, you might as well be a person with real emotions. If you¡¯re angry, let it out; if you¡¯re sad, cry. The end result is the same, so why suppress yourself?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled violently. ¡°So, no matter what, you¡¯re not nning to let me go, are you?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Lucas leaned down, nting a kiss on the corner of her mouth. ¡°Once I¡¯m dead, I won¡¯t be able to keep you trapped anymore. Aveline, maybe you should consider killing me.


    A hint of madness gleamed in his eyes.


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    <b> </b>S ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡±


    A trace of fear appeared in Aveline¡¯s eyes,pletely unprepared for how far Lucas would go in his madness<b>. </b>


    Lucas noticed the shift in her emotions, and a fleetingplexity crossed his deep gaze. He leaned in closer, kissing her lips with a tender intimacy, as if they were lovers lost in the moment.


    But the more gentle he was, the more Aveline¡¯s fear grew, trembling from deep within her soul.


    Suddenly, she pushed him away.


    Lucas didn¡¯t get angry; instead, he stared at her lips, as if still savoring the moment.


    Aveline steadied herself and asked, ¡°Why did you help Sophia?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas paused at her question, and after a brief thought, he realized she must have misunderstood something rted to what Brian had done.


    So, she was acting this way because she thought he helped Sophia?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t help her,¡± Lucas replied calmly.


    Aveline looked at him with disdain, unable to believe he was ying dumb at this point.


    ¡°Lucas, you can¡¯t even admit to what you¡¯ve done. I really have no respect for you.¡±


    Her sarcasm didn¡¯t faze Lucas in the slightest. He remainedposed, his emotions unshaken by her


    taunts.


    He walked over and sat beside her, his voice steady. ¡°What about her is worth helping?¡±


    Aveline was momentarily at a loss for words.


    After a pause, she said, ¡°She saved your life.¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh, as if he¡¯d heard something ridiculous. ¡°The only person who ever truly saved


    me is you.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes flickered in surprise. What exactly did he mean by that?


    Two years ago, wasn¡¯t it Sophia who saved him? What about her injured leg?


    Lucas continued, ¡°Can you imagine someone going so far as to harm themselves just to achieve their goals?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline nced at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you exactly that kind of person?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Lucas nodded. ¡°When you think about <b>it</b><b>, </b>she and I might be the same at our core.¡±


    Aveline remained silent.


    ¡°But,¡± Lucas continued, ¡°people who are alike in that way are destined to never be together. I still prefer


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    you.¡±


    Aveline responded coldly, ¡°Being liked by you is really unfortunate for me.¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    Lucas smirked. ¡°Aveline, if you had just walked past me without a second nce, your life now would be exactly how you wanted it.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, not replying.


    She regretted it, but what was the point of regret now? What should have happened, and what shouldn¡¯t have happened, had all already taken ce.


    Seeing her still cold expression, Lucas added, ¡°Aveline, stay by my side, and I¡¯ll give you what you want. Don¡¯t try to run, and don¡¯t do anything that would displease me, or I can¡¯t say what I might do.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes. ¡°No time limit?¡±


    Lucas answered, ¡°No time limit.¡±


    A shadow of despair fell over Aveline¡¯s face, like a rabbit trapped in a cage, having given up on escape- even the trembling from fear was gone.


    Lucas gripped her chin, turning her face toward him, and kissed her deeply. This time, he kissed her thoroughly.


    Aveline neither responded nor resisted, her body stiff like a wooden nk.


    This only piqued Lucas¡® interest further. His slender fingers traced over her body, skillfully teasing every sensitive spot until he felt her stiffness gradually give way. He smiled, satisfied with the reaction.

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    ¡°Your body is far more honest than your words, Aveline,¡± Lucas murmured.


    Aveline closed her eyes, remaining silent. It was true¨Cher body couldn¡¯t resist Lucas¡® teasing. He knew her body even better than she knew it herself.


    Taking a steadying breath, Aveline said, ¡°Lucas, I need to go to work.¡±


    But Lucas had no intention of letting her go. Watching as the corners of her eyes gradually reddened, his amusement only deepened.


    ¡°What¡¯s the rush? It¡¯s not like you need to clock in.¡±


    As he spoke, his hand continued its deliberate movements, making Aveline tremble and bite down on her lip.


    However, the moment she heard the sound of his belt buckle, her body tensed, and her face turned pale. ¡°No¡­ please, no¡­¡±


    The painful memory of theirst encounter filled her with fear, and she began to recoil from his touch, desperate to avoid further intimacy.


    Noticing her trembling, Lucas¡® eyes darkened. ¡°Aveline, are you ying games with me?¡±


    Her shaking grew worse, her face bing even paler. ¡°I can¡¯t, Lucas¡­ I don¡¯t want to keep going¡­¡±


    She hugged herself tightly. ¡°It hurts¡­ it really hurts¡­¡±


    In that instant, all of Lucas¡® desires vanished. He released her and watched as she curled up in the corner of the sofa as if that was the only way to ease the pain she felt.


    Lucas¡® expression grew increasingly grim.


    Every time he touched her, she ended up like this. How could they continue like this?


    His tone was stern as he said, ¡°Once you¡¯ve pulled yourself together, we¡¯re going to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go¡­¡± Aveline responded with clear resistance, shame biting at her lip. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t touch me, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Lucas looked down at her with a cold,manding gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t kid yourself.¡±


    With those words, he turned and walked out onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette.


    Aveline closed her eyes in despair. As his presence moved away, her body gradually calmed, and the deep -seated fear that had gripped her soul began to fade.


    After a long while, Lucas returned from the balcony.


    Noticing the slight color returning to her face, he spoke in a firm tone, ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Aveline still resisted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Lucas grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him. His voice was icy as he said, ¡°Aveline, you need to understand something¨Cyou <b>don¡¯t </b>get to refuse me. Either <b>you </bply and make it easier on yourself<b>, </b><b>or </b>


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    I¡¯ll have no problem using more extreme measures to ensure your obedience.¡±


    Aveline bit her lip, anger ring in her eyes.


    ¡°Lucas, am I just some toy to you? Why are you doing this to me?¡±


    He stroked her cheek, his gaze growing even darker. ¡°How could you say that? You¡¯re the woman I care about most.¡±


    Aveline let out a bitterugh. ¡°Hearing the word ¡®care¡® from you cheapens its meaning.¡±


    How could someone who imed to care about her do so much to hurt her? His version of affection was


    twisted.


    Lucas replied calmly, ¡°Think what you want. Now,e with me.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    But Aveline remained still, continuing to resist.


    Lucas¡® patience began to wear thin, but just then, the doorbell rang.


    Both of them turned to look at the door. Lucas¡® expression darkened, remembering how often Russell had shown up here. ¡°This early? Who could it be?¡±


    He walked over and opened the door, and sure enough, Russell was standing there, a smile on his face until he saw Lucas, and that smile quickly faded.


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    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Russell asked, frowning.


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    ¡°Heh!¡± Lucas let out augh, as if he¡¯d just heard something amusing, his eyes cold and sharp. ¡°I could ask you the same thing¨Cwhy are you here?¡±


    Russell¡¯s smile faded further from his refined, handsome face. ¡°I¡¯m Aveline¡¯s friend. It¡¯s perfectly normal for me to visit her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and I¡¯m her husband. So, it¡¯s just as normal for me to be here,¡± Lucas replied calmly.


    Russell¡¯s frown grew more pronounced. ¡°But aren¡¯t you two divorced?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°Being divorced doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t still share a bed.¡±


    Russell¡¯s expression grew darker as he stepped forward, grabbing Lucas by the cor. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re already divorced. Can¡¯t you stop tormenting her and let her go? She¡¯s much happier without you.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lucas remained unfazed by Russell¡¯s aggression. Instead, he turned to Aveline. ¡°Ave, is what he¡¯s saying true?¡±


    Aveline trembled slightly before walking over. She addressed Russell, ¡°Russ, why did youe so early? Is there something you need?¡±


    Russell noticed her pale face and immediately released Lucas¡® cor, his concern evident as he asked, ¡± Aveline, are you feeling unwell?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Russell frowned. ¡°But you don¡¯t look well at all.¡±


    Aveline opened her mouth to say something more, but Lucas wrapped an arm around her shoulders, interrupting.


    ¡°Answer my question,¡± he murmured.


    Her eyshes fluttered as she responded, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m no different from usual.¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t seem pleased with her response but chose not to press the matter.


    Instead, he turned back to Russell. ¡°You¡¯re here, watching us y the happy couple first thing in the morning. Don¡¯t you feel a little out of ce?¡±


    Russell¡¯s frown deepened, sensing something off in Lucas¡® words, but he couldn¡¯t quite decipher his meaning.


    Suppressing his frustration, Russell addressed Lucas, ¡°Aveline is her own person, capable of making her own decisions. You shouldn¡¯t keep her trapped like this. If you do, she¡¯s no better than a lifeless shell.¡±


    Lucas, still holding Aveline close, seemed to ignore Russell¡¯s words.


    Instead, he asked her softly, ¡°How are you finding <b>that </b>car? Do you want to switch to a different one?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m perfectlyfortable with <b>it</b>.¡±


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    Lucas nodded slightly. ¡°Good. If you want anything, just tell me. I can fulfill all your requests.¡±


    Aveline nced at him, noting theplete absence of warmth in his eyes. She gave a cold, tight¨Clipped smile but remained silent.


    Turning to Russell, she said, ¡°Russ, I need to get to work. We can talkter.¡±


    Russell could see the reluctance in her eyes, but why wasn¡¯t she resisting? Had all his efforts been for nothing, only to end up right back where they started?


    That couldn¡¯t be.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait to hear from you,¡± Russell replied, turning to leave.


    Just as the elevator doors were about to close, Russell caught sight of Lucas grabbing Aveline¡¯s chin and kissing her roughly, with her making no attempt to pull away. In that instant, his heart sank to the bottom. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Lucas continued to kiss her forcefully, noticing how she winced in pain. He let out a coldugh. ¡°You two really are close, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°He¡¯s my friend.¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°A friend with an agenda? Do you even know why he¡¯s getting close to you?¡±


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    Lucas nodded slightly. ¡°Good. If you want anything, just tell me. I can fulfill all your requests.¡±


    Aveline nced at him, noting theplete absence of warmth in his eyes. She gave a cold, tight¨Clipped smile but remained silent.


    Turning to Russell, she said, ¡°Russ, I need to get to work. We can talkter.¡±


    Russell could see the reluctance in her eyes, but why wasn¡¯t she resisting? Had all his efforts been for nothing, only to end up right back where they started?


    That couldn¡¯t be.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait to hear from you,¡± Russell replied, turning to leave.


    Just as the elevator doors were about to close, Russell caught sight of Lucas grabbing Aveline¡¯s chin and kissing her roughly, with her making no attempt to pull away. In that instant, his heart sank to the bottom.


    Lucas continued to kiss her forcefully, noticing how she winced in pain. He let out a coldugh. ¡°You two really are close, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°He¡¯s my friend.¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°A <i>friend </i>with an agenda? Do you even know why he¡¯s getting close to you?¡±

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    Aveline looked at him coldly. ¡°It¡¯s still better than your reasons for getting close to me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong.¡±


    Lucas looked at her with amusement. ¡°I approached you simply because I wanted to possess you. But as for him, the consequences might be more than you can handle.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, not saying a word. She knew well enough who treated her well and who didn¡¯t.


    How could she possibly judge Russell¡¯s intentions based on a few words from Lucas?


    Besides, she had nothing to offer; what could Russell possibly want from her?


    She pushed him away. ¡°I have to go to work.¡±


    Lucas, however, shut the door behind them, speaking coldly, ¡°You need to go to the hospital first. You¡¯re sick, and you need treatment.¡±


    Aveline red at him. ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s sick!¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°You know better than anyone how healthy I am, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline fell silent, unwilling to continue the conversation.


    Lucas remained firm, insisting on taking her to the hospital.


    Aveline resisted strongly, but as they reached the ground floor, Lucas¡® phone suddenly rang. He answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    The person on the other end said, ¡°Mr. Lucas, Madam Barbara is unwell. You shoulde and see her.¡±


    Lucas responded indifferently, ¡°If she¡¯s unwell, take her to the hospital. I¡¯m not a doctor.¡±


    But the person on the other end sounded desperate, ¡°This time it¡¯s serious, Mr. Lucas. You¡¯re her only grandson. You can¡¯t just ignore her!¡±


    Lucas furrowed his brows and nced back at Aveline. Suddenly, he said, ¡°Fine.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    After hanging up, he grabbed her hand. ¡°You don¡¯t have to see the doctor, but you need toe with me somewhere.¡±


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    Aveline found this strange. ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there,¡± Lucas replied.


    Though still reluctant, Aveline preferred this over seeing a doctor, so she stopped resisting.


    Soon, the car arrived at the hospital.


    Barbara was once again admitted.


    Aveline was quite puzzled as she followed Lucas into the VIP ward. When they opened the door to one of the rooms, she saw Frederick and Yvonne already inside. Sophia was sitting by the bedside, holding Barbara¡¯s hand, her face stained with tears, looking very sorrowful. Barbara¡¯splexion was poor, and she appeared extremely frail.


    Upon hearing the door, everyone turned to look.


    Frederick¡¯s brows immediately furrowed when he saw Aveline. ¡°Lucas, you could¡¯vee alone. Why did you bring an outsider?¡±


    Lucas replied coolly, ¡°Who¡¯s the outsider?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s expression darkened. He could never remain calm when facing Lucas.


    ¡°I want <i>to </i>remarry her, so she¡¯s not an outsider,¡± Lucas added.


    ¡°What?¡± Sophia eximed in shock. ¡°How can you remarry? Madam Barbara would never agree!¡±


    Lucas let <i>out </i>a <i>cold </iugh. ¡°It¡¯s me who wants to remarry, not her. What does her approval have <i>to </i><i>do </i>with it?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°Cough, cough¡­¡±


    Barbara opened her eyes on the bed, looking at Lucas with a weak expression.¡± Lucas, do you want me to die without peace?¡±


    Lucas softened his expression slightly as he looked at her. ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re at an age where you should be enjoying your twilight years. It¡¯s better for your health if you don¡¯t meddle in the affairs of us young people.¡±


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    Though his tone was respectful, the meaning was clear¨Cher threats didn¡¯t matter to


    him.


    Barbara began coughing violently again. ¡°If you continue like this, how will I face Leo? If he knew what you¡¯ve be, he¡¯d be so disappointed. He adored you the most!¡±


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    Barbara¡¯s words hung in the air, turning the room ice¨Ccold.


    Aveline, merely an outsider in this situation, found the scene before her utterly absurd. This family constantly invoked the memory of a dead man to dictate Lucas¡® actions. Whenever he did something that displeased them, they would use this deceased person to lecture him.


    Howughable¡­


    Perhaps they knew deep down that they had no other way to persuade Lucas, so they resorted to such tactics.


    Aveline watched coldly from the sidelines.


    Lucas remainedposed, his deep, maic voice carrying a chill as he spoke, ¡± Grandma, why don¡¯t you understand yet? It¡¯s not just that he¡¯s dead; even if he were alive and standing right in front of me, he wouldn¡¯t have the right to interfere in my affairs.¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Barbara began coughing violently at his words, her already wrinkled, aged face appearing even more frail.


    Frederick¡¯s expression grew darker. ¡°Lucas, how can you speak to your grandmother like that? Can¡¯t you see how weak she is?¡±


    Lucas looked at him and replied, ¡°If you¡¯re worried that my words will upset her, then you shouldn¡¯t have called me here in the first ce.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Frederick was once again left speechless with anger.


    Yvonne interjected gently, ¡°Alright, now is not the time for arguing. Mom, you shouldn¡¯t worry


    about Lucas¡® affairs anymore. He has his own opinion. What you need to focus on now is recovering your health. Once you¡¯re better, you¡¯ll be able to hold your great¨Cgrandchild in the future.¡±


    Barbara could only look at Lucas, her eyes moist, wanting to say something but unable to stop coughing.


    Sophia gently patted her chest, trying to soothe her.


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    ¡°Lucas, Madam Barbara¡¯s in a fragile state. Maybe tone it down a bit?¡± Sophia¡¯s eyes met Lucas¡¯s, her voiceced with worry.


    Lucas shot her a nce. ¡°And who do you think you are, to tell me what to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Sophia¡¯s face turned pale, shocked by how harsh Lucas¡® words were.


    He had never spoken like this before.


    Lucas then cast a cold nce at the butler and the servants. ¡°This is a Tudor family matter. What is an outsider doing here?¡±


    The butler, hearing Lucas¡® words, instinctively nced at Frederick and Yvonne.


    Lucas scoffed coldly, ¡°Why are you looking at them? Am I not part of this family, unable to give you orders?<b>¡± </b>


    A cold sweat immediately broke out on the butler¡¯s forehead.


    Under immense pressure, he walked over to Sophia¡¯s side and said, ¡°Miss Winter, please excuse yourself. Madam Barbara has something she wishes to discuss with Mr. Lucas.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s expression grew even more unpleasant; Lucas was tantly humiliating her!


    She struggled to keep her emotions in check, stood up, and left. But as she passed by Aveline, she suddenly whispered, ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve been up <i>to</i>? Lucas has already taken care of it for me. Whatever you¡¯re aiming for is bound to fail.¡±


    With a smug smile, she left the room.


    Aveline kept her


    gaze lowered, her expression unchanged.


    As the door closed, Lucas pulled up a chair and sat by the bedside, looking at Barbara¡¯s frail face. He spoke calmly, ¡°Grandma, you really should focus on your recovery. It seems you can¡¯t find peace here in Cloudre City, so why don¡¯t I send you abroad? There¡¯s a beautiful, serene ind where you can do whatever you like.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Barbara¡¯s face immediately darkened. ¡°What¡­ what do <i>you </i>mean? Are you nning to imprison me?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°How could you say that? I¡¯m just trying to be filial.¡±

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    Aveline suddenly found his words amusing, but the tense atmosphere in the room and her awkward position made it clear thatughing now would only make her a target.


    She forced herself to suppress the urge, lowering her gaze.


    Sensing her reaction, Lucas nced at her.


    When he noticed the flicker of amusement in her eyes, his foul mood unexpectedly lifted a bit.


    Interesting¡­


    Dealing with these people might have its perks after all.


    At the very least, it could amuse her. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    And that, he thought, was worth it.


    Barbara began coughing violently, her trembling hand pointing at Lucas as if she wanted to scold him, but she was too weak to even speak. All she could do was re at him with anger.


    Lucas, seemingly oblivious to her fury, gently took her hand. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry. Aveline and I will live well together, and we¡¯ll soon give you a great¨Cgrandchild to hold


    Barbara yanked her hand away and turned her face away from him, clearly enraged. Frederick was equally angered by Lucas¡® words, but he kept his temper in check, speaking in a low voice instead, ¡°We don¡¯t approve of your rtionship with Aveline. I¡¯ve already found you a new match. The Thompson girl is a fine choice.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been spending time with her, and I understand you¡¯ve grown fond of her. Why not make it official? Once your grandmother¡¯s health improves, we can proceed with wedding ns.¡±


    Yvonne chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ve met <i>Judy </i>a few times as well. She¡¯s a proper and courteous young woman. Marrying her would only strengthen your position.¡±


    Lucas¡® handsome face remained impassive.


    After a moment, he looked at them both and asked, ¡°Are you done?¡±


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    Frederick¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Lucas, what kind of attitude is that? Are you so arrogant that you no longer respect anyone?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯ll match your attitude. As I¡¯ve said before, my wife is Aveline, and if any of you are so fond of someone else, go ahead and marry them yourselves. Leave me out of it.¡±


    With that, he stood up, walked over to Aveline, <i>took </i>her hand, and started <i>to </i>lead her


    out.


    Frederick¡¯s face grew even darker, and Yvonne frowned.


    ¡°Lucas, aren¡¯t you afraid you¡¯re putting Aveline in danger by doing this? She could have had a peaceful and happy life, but you keep forcing her to stay by your side. Have you ever asked if she wants that?¡±


    Aveline noticed how Lucas¡® expression instantly darkened, but the change was brief. He quickly masked it and turned to Yvonne with a mocking smile.


    He said, ¡°If I hear that any of you have targeted or bullied her, I won¡¯t hold back. You know what happens when I lose control ¨C not even Leo could stop me then.¡±


    Yvonne¡¯s face darkened as well.


    Lucas then turned and walked away with Aveline.


    ¡°This is outrageous!¡± Frederick sneered coldly and looked at Yvonne, saying, ¡°Since he cares so much about Aveline, find a way to make her work for <i>us</i>. She¡¯s a helpless orphan; it shouldn¡¯t be hard to manipte her.¡±


    Yvonne nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s expression grew even more sinister, ¡°Lucas is getting too arrogant; he¡¯s leaving me no choice but to take action.¡±


    The two of them entered the elevator, one after the other.


    Aveline remained calm, unaffected by the storm that had just unfolded. To her, it had been nothing more than an amusing spectacle.

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    Lucas nced at her and pressed a button for a different floor.


    Seeing this, Aveline hesitated and asked, ¡°Where are we going now?¡±


    In a low, cold voice, Lucas replied, ¡°To get you checked.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression immediately darkened. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with me, I¡¯m not going.¡±


    Lucas looked at her calmly. ¡°We¡¯re already at the hospital. Do <i>you </i>really think <i>you </i>can avoid this?<b>¡± </b>


    Her face grew even more tense.


    The elevator quickly reached the designated floor, and as the doors opened, Lucas firmly <i>took </i>her hand and led her directly to the doctor¡¯s office without giving her a chance to resist.


    This hospital was under the Tudor family¡¯s management, and the doctors of department head rank and above all knew Lucas. Whenever they saw him, they would respectfully address him as Mr. Tudor.


    He pushed open the door to an office where a doctor, wearing sses, was in the middle of a consultation with a patient. The sudden intrusion startled the patient.


    The doctor nced at Lucas, clearly displeased, and said, ¡°Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m in the middle of a consultation? Couldn¡¯t you have informed the nurse outside before barging in?¡±


    Aveline was a bit surprised that someone would dare speak to Lucas like that¨Cit seemed this doctor had a close rtionship with him.


    Lucas pulled out a chair and sat down, speaking indifferently, ¡°Continue with your consultation. I¡¯m not here to disrupt your work.¡±


    The doctor replied, ¡°But just by being here, you¡¯re disrupting my work.¡±


    Lucas let out a light scoff. ¡°Well, in that case, since the patient is leaving, you can help me out instead.¡±


    The doctor fell silent as the patient indeed got up and left.


    The doctor then turned his gaze toward Aveline, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his sses, and asked, ¡°And this is?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°My wife, Aveline,¡± Lucas replied.


    The doctor looked at Aveline in surprise before introducing himself, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Lance Summer.¡± Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline gave a slight nod. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Aveline Young, but I¡¯m not his wife. We¡¯ve already divorced.¡± Lucas nced at her but remained silent.


    Lance smiled and asked, ¡°So, why are you two here?¡±


    Lucas pointed to Aveline and said, ¡°She¡¯s got a psychological issue. Every time I touch her, she ims it hurts.¡±


    Aveline was speechless. She shot Lucas a re, wishing she could p him across the face!


    Did he not realize why she reacted that way?


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    Lance raised an eyebrow at Lucas¡®ment, then remarked, ¡°You¡¯re too rough with her.¡±


    Lucas remained silent, his expression unchanged.


    Lance continued, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, could I have a private conversation with Miss Young?¡±


    ¡°Are you joking?¡± Lucas¡® gaze instantly turned icy. ¡°You want her to discuss something like this alone with a male doctor?¡±


    Lance pushed his sses up and replied, ¡°As you mentioned, I¡¯m a doctor. In my profession, we don¡¯t see gender ¨C just patients who need care.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense,¡± Lucas retorted bluntly. ¡°You¡¯re going to examine her right here.¡±


    Lance fell silent, then looked at Aveline with a hint of sympathy. ¡°You¡¯re a brave woman to have married him and lived with him for so long.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°Thank you for the exaggeration, but I don¡¯t want to be that brave.¡±


    Lucas¡® face grew even darker.


    Lance sighed helplessly and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know all the details, but I suspect she¡¯s developed a psychological stress response to your touch. Her brain is signaling her body to feel pain. The only solution is for you to stop touching her.¡±


    Lucas red at him. ¡°Take that back and say something else.¡±


    Lance removed his sses and rubbed his temples in frustration.

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    Lucas looked at Lance with growing impatience. ¡°What¡¯s the solution? Hurry up and tell me!¡±


    Lance remained silent for a moment before finally replying, ¡°Take it step by step. Keep your distance for now and let her gradually get used to you.¡±


    Lucas frowned. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a faster way?¡±


    Lance responded with a mocking tone, ¡°How did you manage before you had a wife? Now that you have one, you can¡¯t even wait a single day?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I can¡¯t wait a day,¡± Lucas replied without the slightest hint of embarrassment.


    Lance was defeated by Lucas¡® shamelessness. He straightened his face and said, ¡°No, there isn¡¯t a faster


    way.¡±


    After putting his sses back on, he added, ¡°Now get out of here and stop holding up my patients.¡±


    Lucas knew Lance wouldn¡¯t lie to him, so despite his displeased expression, he got up and left.


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew colder as she followed him silently. Once they were outside the hospital, she immediately turned and walked in the opposite direction.


    Lucas didn¡¯t stop her. He watched her slender figure for a moment before pulling out a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it.


    This was turning out to be a tricky situation.


    When Aveline arrived at the office, she saw Maria in the middle of a meeting. Instead of interrupting, she stood outside the door and listened for a while.


    The meeting ended shortly afterward.


    Maria approached her and asked, ¡°What happened? Why are you sote?<b>¡± </b>N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Lucas¡® grandmother wasn¡¯t feeling well, so I went to the hospital to check on her. Fortunately, it¡¯s nothing serious.¡±


    Mar¨ªa nodded in understanding. ¡°It¡¯s good that she¡¯s okay, but¡­ didn¡¯t you and Lucas get divorced?¡±


    Why would she still visit Barbara at the hospital?


    ¡°Are they nning to remarry? Does that mean my task is almostplete?¡± Maria thought.


    Aveline responded, ¡°Madam Barbara treated me well in the past. With her being so ill, I couldn¡¯t find a reason not to visit her.¡±


    Maria smiled warmly and said, ¡°Actually, that¡¯s not a bad idea. The more you interact with Lucas, the better. If you two get remarried, rny studio would be set for life!¡±


    Aveline gave a slight smile and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to get back to work.¡±


    ¡°Alright, go ahead,¡± Maria replied cheerfully.


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    Just as Aveline sat down, her phone rang. Seeing that it was Selena calling, her heart tightened, and she quickly answered.


    ¡°Hello, Selena, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Selena¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Nothing serious, don¡¯t worry. I just wanted to let you know that Aaron¡¯s people are following me. Looks like I won¡¯t be able to leave Cloudre City.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression darkened.


    As expected, Aaron¡¯s methods were just like Lucas¡®.


    Selena continued, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking, since I can¡¯t escape, I might as well enjoy it. After all, he¡¯s a rich heir. Maybe he¡¯ll get bored after a while, and when we part ways, I could walk away with a nice sum of money.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Selena chuckled. ¡°Ave, what do you think? Does that sound like a n?¡±


    Aveline, however, expressed her concern. ¡°I¡¯m just worried he won¡¯t let you go that easily.¡±


    ¡°Even better,¡± Selena replied, sounding optimistic. ¡°If he can¡¯t live without me, then he¡¯ll marry me, and I¡¯ll be Mrs. Fletcher, living the high life!¡±


    Selena¡¯s carefree attitude left Aveline silent once again.


    She and Selena always had different perspectives on things.


    She just couldn¡¯t be as carefree as Selena.


    Perhaps, Selena¡¯s way of thinking was right.


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    Selenaughed and said, ¡°Ave, I¡¯m just an ordinary person without big ambitions. Honestly, the only reason I met Aaron is because of you. If it weren¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t even know who he is, let alone have all these interactions. Life is short, so why not enjoy it while we can?¡±


    Aveline listened to her words, understanding that no matter how much they resisted, they couldn¡¯t stand up to these men. If they wanted to, there were hundreds of ways they could ruin their lives.


    Instead of struggling in vain, maybe it was better to just go along with it and enjoy the ride.


    Selena¡¯s way of thinking made sense.


    Aveline said, ¡°As long as you¡¯ve thought it through, I respect your decision.¡±


    Selenaughed again. ¡°Ave, why don¡¯t we just let loose together? These rich young men will eventually get bored. When that timees, we¡¯ll be wealthy women, free to enjoy life anywhere in the world.¡±


    Aveline smiled wryly and said, ¡°Selena, you know we¡¯re different.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°If you had a personality like mine, would all of this have happened?¡±


    Aveline, an orphan, always longed for more. The amnesiac Lucas had given her warmth and love, and that was why she couldn¡¯t bring herself to divorce him. She couldn¡¯t let


    go of the precious memories and the


    feelings that came with them.


    Aveline said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talkter. I need to get back to work.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Selena replied. ¡°You get busy, and I¡¯ll wait for the good news.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Aveline stared at theputer screen, lost in thought. After a while, she snapped out of it and threw herself into her work.


    Later in the afternoon, Maria approached her and said, ¡°Aveline, there¡¯s an event tonight. Why don¡¯t youe with me?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline asked curiously, ¡°What kind of event?<b>¡± </b>


    Recently, there hadn¡¯t been any major business parties or events in Cloudre City.


    Maria smiled slyly. ¡°It¡¯s a private event.¡±


    Aveline gave a small smile in return. ¡°In that case, I think I¡¯ll pass. You go ahead and have a good time.¡±


    Maria yfully tugged on Aveline¡¯s arm, pouting, ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be like that. Just go with me, please? Even though it¡¯s a private event, I¡¯m an outsider and don¡¯t know any of those big shots. But you¡¯re practically a local in Cloudre City, so you¡¯ll definitely handle it better than I would. Pleasee with


    me!¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°What kind of private event is it?¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Mar¨ªa exined, ¡°I think it¡¯s a birthday party for some heiress of a big corporation. I don¡¯t know her personally; I only managed to get in through some connections. In our line of work, it¡¯s good to have ties with these second¨Cgeneration elites. They spend money like water, and you never know when they might


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    need our services.¡±


    Aveline considered this and found Maria¡¯s reasoning sound. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    Maria beamed with excitement. ¡°I knew you were the best! We¡¯ll head out in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After finishing the final touches on her design and saving her work, Aveline closed herputer. As she turned her head, she caught a glimpse of Vivian giving her a malicious look. Aveline frowned slightly.


    Before she could take a closer look, Vivian had already looked away, as if the brief eye contact had been a figment of her imagination.


    But Aveline didn¡¯t believe in coincidences or illusions. Vivian¡¯s hostility toward her wasn¡¯t new, and it seemed Aveline would need to be more cautious around her.


    Maria stepped out of the office and called, ¡°Ave, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Coming,¡± Aveline responded.


    The two left together, but just as they walked out, Vivian followed them a few steps behind.

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    The birthday party was held at the Ninth Mansion.


    Maria and Aveline stepped into the spacious private room, only to find it buzzing with activity. The air was thick with the chatter of Cloudre City¡¯s young elite ¨C scions of powerful families, each face a reminder of influence and wealth.


    Maria¡¯s eyes darted around, acutely aware that in this sea of privilege, she was an unknown. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Some recognized Aveline but didn¡¯t approach her. They were aware of her identity and also knew about her divorce from Lucas. In their eyes, Aveline was now insignificant.


    Maria led Aveline to a corner, her eyes gleaming as she looked at the crowd. ¡°Ave, do you know what I see when I look at these people? shing dor signs!¡±


    Aveline smiled and said, ¡°Getting them to turn into dor signs in your pocket won¡¯t be so simple.¡±


    Maria nced at her. ¡°Why worry? I¡¯ve got you, don¡¯t I? Just show them some of your designs, and they¡¯ll be blown away. My studio¡¯s phone will be ringing off the hook!¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°You have too much faith in me.¡±


    Bringing Aveline here might have been a mistake on Maria¡¯s part because Aveline also recognized many familiar faces¨Cpeople who had attended Barbara¡¯s birthday banquet. They all knew her identity and were well aware that she no longer had any ties to Lucas. There was no way they¡¯d give her any attention.


    Aveline quietly nibbled on some fruit. If nothing else, the fruit here was truly sweet.


    Maria stayed with her for a while, but she couldn¡¯t sit still. After exchanging a few words, she got up to chat with some of the handsome men around.


    Maria had an excellent appearance and knew just how to say things men liked to hear. Before long, she was engaged in lively conversations with a few guys.


    Aveline took one nce at them before she turned her attention back to the fruit on her te.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    A familiar voice suddenly broke the silence. Aveline looked up to see Sasha standing beside her, smiling warmly.


    Aveline was a bit surprised. ¡°Miss Winter, you¡¯re here too.¡±


    Sasha nodded. ¡°It¡¯s the Johnson family¡¯s heiress¡® birthday. All the young members of families close to them are here. What surprises me is seeing you here.¡±


    Aveline smiled lightly. ¡°I¡¯m here as a plus¨Cone with my boss.¡±


    She pointed with her chin toward Maria.


    Sasha nced over and then sat down beside Aveline. I thought you came with Mr. Tudor. I was wondering if you and he had reconciled, which would mean Sophia¡¯s ns would fall through<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly, but she didn¡¯t respond.


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    Her rtionship with Lucas was¡­plicated.


    They were divorced, yet somehow entangled again. It was exhausting, and she couldn¡¯t seem to break free.


    Sasha took a sip of champagne and said, ¡°My family found out that DK Group is investing in Sophia¡¯spany. Now my parents are all over her again. With how much Barbara likes her, I feel like I¡¯m about to be pushed out of the Winter family.¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline pressed her lips together and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If I hadn¡¯t dragged you into this, maybe she wouldn¡¯t be targeting you.¡±


    Sasha shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. She¡¯s always been targeting me; she just didn¡¯t have enough leverage before. And now¡­ well, there¡¯s no point dwelling on it.¡±


    She let out a bitterugh. ¡°If my parents are really nning to abandon and go abroad.¡±


    <i>ne</i>, then I¡¯ll leave Cloudre City


    Aveline felt a pang of guilt, but seeing Sasha¡¯s calm expression, she didn¡¯t know what to say.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>568 </b>N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Just then, amotion erupted near the entrance.


    Aveline and Sasha both looked over to see Rina emerging, dressed in a stunning gown. A diamond tiara adorned her head, exuding confidence and beauty, her every gesture radiating the grace of a true heiress.


    Beside her was Sophia, while following close behind were Aaron and Lucas.


    Aveline¡¯s expression froze.


    Sasha nced at her and said, ¡°Rina grew up with Aaron and Lucas, given the close ties between their families. They¡¯ve always looked out for her. As she got older, Rina developed feelings for Aaron and has been chasing him for years. I heard that the Fletcher and Johnson families are nning to arrange a marriage between them.¡±


    What?


    Aaron was going to marry Rina?


    Then what about Selena?


    Aveline was holding a grape, and upon hearing Sasha¡¯s words, she squeezed it too hard, crushing it instantly.


    Did Aaron truly have no intention of letting Selena go, nor any ns to call off his engagement?


    If he were to marry Rina, where did that leave Selena?


    Aveline had managed to stay calm until now, but herposure was quickly slipping away.


    If Aaron were single, being with Selena for the thrill of it, just having some fun, she could ept that. After all, neither of them wasmitted to anyone else.


    But if Aaron were engaged¡­


    Aveline resolved to talk to Selena again; she couldn¡¯t just passively let things slide.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor is looking at you.¡±


    Aveline was lost in thought when Sasha¡¯s voice brought her back. She instinctively nced at Lucas and, sure enough, locked eyes with his deep, intense gaze.


    Aveline calmly looked away, her brows knitting slightly.


    Rina, like a star surrounded by admirers, was at the center of the crowd People eagerly presented her


    with their carefully chosen gifts. Rina, with a proud smile<b>, </b>didn¡¯t reach out to ept the gifts but instead pointed to a corner.


    Just ce them over there<b>,</b>¡± she instructed.


    Sophia handed over a gift<b>, </b>saying, ¡°Happy birthday, Rina,¡±


    Unlike with the others, Rina epted her gift directly. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She then turned to Aaron. ¡°And your gift<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


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    Aaron casually pulled out a small box from his pocket and handed it to her.


    Rina took it with a delighted expression, but as she opened it, her smile faltered slightly. Inside was a simple pair of diamond studs¨Cneither limited edition nor custom¨Cmade. Though disappointed, she kept them in her hand and smiled brightly at Aaron. ¡°I love them.¡±


    Aaron, looking rxed and uninterested, simply walked past her and headed toward the sofa.


    Lucas then took out a box and said, ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    Rina epted it as well, saying, ¡°Thank you, Lucas,¡± without opening it.


    She ced it next to Sophia¡¯s gift and then quickly put on the earrings Aaron had given her.


    Those earrings were probably the least expensive thing she was wearing, but that didn¡¯t matter to her. She¡¯d cherish them!


    Aveline¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Aaron as he settled into the sofa, soon engaging in conversation with those around him. This world was one that ordinary people couldn¡¯t easily enter.


    As she was lost in thought, someone suddenly stepped into her line of sight, blocking her view.


    Instinctively, Aveline looked up and met Lucas¡® cold, stern eyes.


    She quickly averted her gaze and resumed eating her fruit.


    Sasha, perceptive as always, had discreetly stepped away when she saw Lucas approaching Aveline. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she watched him make his way toward her.

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    If Lucas reconciled with Aveline, where would that leave Sophia? Sasha¡¯s position in the Winter family would be secure again.


    Lucas sat down right next to Aveline and asked in a low voice, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Aveline responded coolly, ¡°Why are you so interested in everything? Do you live by the ocean or something?¡±


    Lucas chuckled softly. ¡°Funny you say that I actually do have a house by the ocean. When you¡¯ve got some time, I¡¯ll take you there. If you like it, we could spend some time there together.¡±


    Aveline ignored him. Who wanted to go to the ocean with him? Ridiculous.


    Undeterred, Lucas continued, ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered me. Why were you staring at Aaron?¡±


    Aveline nced at him and said, ¡°I think he¡¯s better looking than you.¡±


    Hearing this, Lucas narrowed his eyes dangerously, clearly not expecting such a response. He reached out and grasped her chin, turning her face toward him as he coldly asked, ¡°When did you go blind?¡± Aveline pushed his hand away and turned her attention back to her fruit, uninterested in continuing the conversation.


    Lucas then shifted his gaze to Aaron, who was currently ying a drinking game and losing, downing his drink as a consequence.


    Scoffing, Lucas thought, ¡°How could he be better looking?¡±


    This woman¡¯s eyesight must truly be failing; perhaps he should take her to see a doctor.


    Sophia had been watching Lucas closely. When she saw him go straight to Aveline, her hand clenched into a fist.


    Why was that wretched woman here?


    With her status, she didn¡¯t belong at this event!


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Sophia walked over to Rina and said, ¡°Rina, how did some questionable people manage to get into your birthday party? We can¡¯t have them lowering your status, and with all these expensive gifts around, what if something goes missing?<b>¡± </b>


    Rina frowned at this. ¡°Who slipped in?¡±


    Sophia pointed toward Aveline and Maria.


    Rina looked over, and when she saw Lucas sitting beside Aveline, her expression stiffened. ¡°Why is Lucas sitting next to that woman? Could he be reconciling with her<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Sophia remained silent.


    But Rina continued, ¡°If Lucas hadn¡¯t had that car ident back then, you would be Mrs. Tudor by now. That woman wouldn¡¯t have had any ce in his life. What will you do if Lucas gets back together with her?


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    Sophia pretended to be understanding and said, ¡°Rina, it¡¯s fine. I get it if Lucas changes his mind. I can¡¯tpare to Aveline anyway, especially with my health the way it is.¡±


    Rina scoffed. ¡°She¡¯s nothing more than a cheap slut. Besides, you lost your leg saving Lucas. That woman can¡¯t evenpare to a single strand of your hair. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let her steal Lucas from you.¡±


    With that, Rina waved over a server, gave her some instructions, and pointed toward Aveline.


    The server nodded and headed straight toward Aveline.


    Sophia, pretending to be concerned, said, ¡°But Lucas is over there. If we kick her out directly, he might get angry.¡±


    Rina smirked. ¡°I have a n.¡±


    She called over another server and whispered some instructions to her as well.


    Sophia watched the entire exchange, a slight smile ying on her lips.


    The first server approached Lucas and respectfully said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Johnson is looking for you. She has something she wants to discuss with you.¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t get up. ¡°What does she need? Tell her toe here.¡±


    The server was taken aback, not expecting such a response from Lucas.

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    The server was visibly thrown off by the unexpected response.


    Aveline nced over at Rina, naticing that Sophia was seated beside her. A suspicion began to form in her mind. Without warning, she reached out and took hold of Lucas¡® hand.


    Lucas looked at her in surprise, his eyes lighting up for a brief moment. He quickly sped her hand in return, gripping it a little tighter as if afraid she might pull away.


    Aveline paused for a second, her brows furrowing slightly, but she didn¡¯t pull back. Instead, she continued eating her fruit.


    The two servers exchanged uncertain looks. They knew they couldn¡¯t afford to offend Rina, but Lucas was even more intimidating.


    They retreated reluctantly.


    Rina and Sophia observed the entire interaction. Rina¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°That slut! She¡¯s bold enough to flirt with Lucas in front of everyone. I really underestimated her.¡±


    Sophia lowered her eyes slightly, adding a hint of sorrow to her voice. ¡°Rina, let it go. Lucas is really into her right now. If we go over there and try to kick her out, Lucas will definitely be upset.¡±


    Rina couldn¡¯t stand seeing Sophia looking so pitiful and immediately got to her feet, heading straight toward them. ¡°I don¡¯t believe for a second that Lucas would ignore my feelings for some woman!¡±


    Sophia reached out to stop her. ¡°Rina, don¡¯t be impulsive!¡±


    But Rina was already too riled up to listen.


    She quickly approached Lucas, her face now adorned with a smile. ¡°Lucas, why aren¡¯t you joining us?¡±


    Still holding Aveline¡¯s hand, Lucas replied cheerfully, ¡°I¡¯m spending time with my wife.¡±


    Rina acted as if she had just noticed Aveline, a look of surprise crossing her face. ¡°So, this is your wife? But didn¡¯t you get divorced? Honestly, Lucas, I think it¡¯s good that you divorced her. A simple girl like this doesn¡¯t fit into our world, and she¡¯s an orphan too. Keeping her around will only drag you down.¡±


    Her words, though spoken with an air of innocence and frankness, carried a sting. If anyone else had been present, they might have thought she was simply being candid and perhaps even praised her for her straightforwardness.


    Aveline looked up at Rina, studying her closely. She realized that Rina wasn¡¯t being pretentious. It was a product of her privileged upbringing, which had shaped her character.


    Did Selena even stand a chance?


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you know it¡¯s rude to stare at someone like that?¡± Rina snapped, noticing Aveline¡¯s silent gaze. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline responded coolly, ¡°I only look at you because you¡¯re a person. If you were just a weed by the roadside, I wouldn¡¯t bother noticing you.¡±


    Rina didn¡¯t catch the insult in Aveline¡¯s words, but something about it made her ufortable. <b>Lucas </b>smirked. ¡°Well said, my dear.¡±


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    Aveline immediately felt a wave of difort, goosebumps rising on her arms. She even considered pulling her hand away. What was wrong with him? Why was he talking to her like that?


    Rina¡¯s face clouded for a moment, but she quickly put on a yful smile and turned to Lucas. ¡°Lucas,e on and join us. Games are always more fun with more people.¡±


    But Lucas looked at Aveline instead. ¡°Do you want to y?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to y, and you¡¯re not allowed to go either.¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow at this.


    Rina, overhearing, scoffed. ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you overstepping a bit? Lucas can do whatever he wants. You have no right to interfere. And even if you were still married, you wouldn¡¯t have the authority to control him.¡±

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    ¡°Oh?¡± Aveline raised an eyebrow and gave Rina a half¨Csmile before turning to Lucas. ¡°Do I really have no right to tell you what <i>to </i>do?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You do. Absolutely,¡± Lucas replied with a warm smile, hot sparing even a nce at Rina.


    Rina¡¯s expression grew even darker. ¡°Lucas¡­¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    But Lucas waved her off, calmly saying, ¡°Go have fun. Don¡¯t interrupt me while I¡¯m spending time with my


    wife.¡±


    Rina¡¯s anger surged, her resentment toward Aveline reaching its peak. This detestable woman dared to cling to Lucas¨Chow could she even think she was worthy of being by his side? She vowed to teach Aveline a lesson as soon as she got the chance.


    With a cold huff, Rina stood up and left.


    Finally, some peace.


    Aveline tried to pull her hand away, but Lucas showed no intention of letting go. She looked at him and said, ¡°I can¡¯t eat properly if you keep holding my hand.


    In response, Lucas picked up a grape and held it to her lips, murmuring, ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll feed you.<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline stared at him with a look of disdain, refusing to take the grape.


    Instead, she nced over at Maria, who had joined the group ying dice. They were engaged in a drinking game where the loser had to drink.


    Maria seemed to be handling herself well, <b>so </b>Aveline rxed, leaning back in her seat and pulling out her phone to y with. As for her left hand, if Lucas wanted to hold it, he could go ahead¨Cit wasn¡¯t interfering with anything.


    Her expression remained cool and indifferent, but Lucas didn¡¯t mind. His gaze stayed fixed on her hand as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.


    ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s going <b>on</b>? Come join us,¡± Aaron said, approaching with a teasing grin as he noticed their


    intertwined hands.


    Lucas didn¡¯t hesitate to decline. ¡°No thanks, I¡¯m spending time with my wife.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s eyes narrowed with interest, and he let out a teasing sound. ¡°Calling her your wife¨Cdoes she even agree with that?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas responded calmly, ¡°Whether she agrees or not, she¡¯s still my wife.¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Aaron muttered with a smirk before getting up and walking away.


    <b>Just </b><b>then</b><b>, </b><b>a </bmotion at the entrance caught their attention. After a brief stir, Russell and Jennifer entered the <b>room</b>.


    ¡°Jennifer!¡± <b>Rina </b>immediately went <b>over </b><b>and </b><b>affectionately </b>linked arms with Jennifer, <b>her </b><b>eyes </b>also sparkling as she looked at Russell.


    While everyone <b>in </b>their circle believed she was infatuated <b>with </b><b>Aaron</b><b>, </b><b>her </b><b>true </b><b>feelings </b>were <b>for </b><b>Russell</b>. It


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    wasn¡¯t just the gift he brought that excited her¨Chaving him at her birthday party was more than enough to


    make her ecstatic.


    Jennifer handed Rina a beautifully crafted box. ¡°Happy birthday, Rina.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I love it!¡± Rina epted the gift eagerly, then looked at Russell with anticipation.


    Russell, with his usualzy and mischievous demeanor, raised an eyebrow as he noticed her expectant look. ¡°Jennifer, why didn¡¯t you tell me today was Miss Johnson¡¯s birthday?¡±


    Jennifer looked momentarily startled.


    Rina felt a twinge of disappointment but quickly responded, ¡°It¡¯s not toote now, Russ. I¡¯m really happy you could make it.¡±


    Russell gave her a faint smile. ¡°Your birthday gift will be here soon.¡±


    ¡°Thank <i>you</i>, Russ!¡± Rina¡¯s excitement was palpable.


    She led Jennifer to sit down nearby, her gaze never straying far from Russell. ¡°Russ, join us in the game!¡±


    But Russell declined, ¡°I¡¯ll sit this one out. You all go ahead.¡±


    With that, he turned and started walking directly toward Aveline.

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    Rina kept a close eye on Russell¡¯s movements. When she saw him walk straight over to Aveline and start chatting andughing with her, her expression immediately darkened.


    ¡°Jennifer<b>, </b>since when did Russ get so close to that woman?¡± Rina asked, turning to Jennifer beside her.


    Jennifer nced at Aveline, then shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Who is she?¡±


    Having been abroad for some time, Jennifer didn¡¯t know who Aveline was.


    Rina shot Aveline a venomous re and muttered, ¡°She¡¯s just a maniptive slut who goes around seducing men.¡±


    Hearing this, Jennifer¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll have a talk with my brother about keeping his distance from her.¡±


    Rina nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes, please do. Russ deserves better than some gold digger who¡¯s just using her charms to get close to him.¡±


    Meanwhile, Russell approached, noticing the close interaction between Lucas and Aveline. His eyes darkened slightly, but he maintained a smile as he greeted her. ¡°You¡¯re here too.¡±


    Aveline smiled back. ¡°Yes, I came with my boss.¡±


    She nodded toward Maria¡¯s direction.


    Russell nced over, pausing briefly before saying, ¡°If you get bored, you can take a walk outside. The garden here is quite nice.¡±


    Aveline felt out of ce in this crowd, unable to connect with the lively atmosphere around her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head home when I¡¯m tired,¡± she replied.


    Russell nodded. ¡°Alright. By the way, I haven¡¯t had a chance to discuss that matter with you yet. Is now a good time?¡±


    Aveline blinked, then realized he was likely referring to the situation with Bobby. She quickly pulled her hand free from Lucas¡® grip, stood up, and said, ¡°Sure, let¡¯s talk outside.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Russell nodded, and they both headed to the balcony.


    The balcony was quiet, a stark contrast to the noisy party inside.


    Lucas¡® face had already darkened, his gaze fixed on his now¨Cempty hand. Just moments ago, she had held his hand on purpose, but now she had eagerly let go for another man.


    Ha!


    Did she think she could discard him after using him? She really knew how to y the game!


    Out on the balcony, Russell¡¯s expression grew more serious. ¡°You should prepare yourself¨CBobby may not hold out much longer.¡±


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    Aveline¡¯s heart jumped into her throat. ¡°What¡­ do you mean?¡±


    Russell pulled out his phone, finding a picture, and showed it to her. ¡°I had someone take this. He¡¯s in bad shape.¡±


    When Aveline saw the photo, she immediately covered her mouth, her eyes filled with disbelief.


    In the picture, Bobbyy on the floor, emaciated and covered in wounds, both fresh and old. His eyes stared nkly ahead as if he had already given up on life.


    How could this have happened?


    Russell exined, ¡°He¡¯s refused to admit anything, so Lucas¡® men have been torturing him relentlessly.¡± Aveline¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°After all this time, he still hasn¡¯t confessed? Hasn¡¯t anyone suspected anything?¡±


    Russell spoke softly, ¡°What if he has suspected something¨Cor worse, what if he¡¯s known the truth all along?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Aveline was stunned again.


    Russell found another photo and handed it to her. ¡°Take a look at this. Doesn¡¯t the figure in the background look exactly like Bobby?¡±


    Aveline looked at the photo, and for a split second, she thought she was seeing Bobby, healthy and untouched.

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    ¡°Who is he¡­?¡± Aveline¡¯s voice trembled slightly.


    Russell responded, ¡°Yes, he¡¯s one of the Tudors¡® bodyguards. He bears a striking resemnce to Bobby. With a hat and mask, it¡¯s nearly impossible to tell whether he¡¯s Bobby or someone else.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s voice quivered, ¡°So, is this bodyguard still at the Tudor residence?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Russell nodded, sharing all the information he had uncovered.


    Aveline closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the scales within her tipping toward the possibility that Lucas knew about this all along. If he did know, why hadn¡¯t he said anything? What was he nning?


    Russell put his phone away and looked at her pale face.


    ¡°Aveline, you should be careful with him. No one can truly understand Lucas¡® intentions. If he¡¯s willing to torment Bobby, knowing he¡¯s innocent, what makes you think he won¡¯t do the same to you? What if you end up like Bobby?¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline¡¯s heart sank.


    Yes, she could end up just like Bobby.


    Even though they were divorced, Lucas still hadn¡¯t let her go. This twisted rtionship had drained her. both mentally and physically, and she didn¡¯t know how much longer she could endure it.


    Aveline looked at Russell¡¯s sharp yet gentle features and suddenly asked, ¡°Russ, can you help me get away?¡±


    Russell¡¯s gaze deepened. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±


    Aveline opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a soft scoffing sound interrupted them.


    She froze, her face turning pale as she turned to see Lucas standing not far away. How much of their


    conversation had he overheard? N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Even though there was some distance between them and the noise around them was loud, the feeling of being caught made Aveline¡¯s heart race with guilt.


    Russell immediately stepped in front of her, frowning as he looked at Lucas. ¡°Mr. Tudor, do you have a habit of eavesdropping on others<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, holding a cigarette between his fingers. ¡°This is a public ce. What makes you think you can be here, but I can¡¯t?¡±


    He walked over, standing eye¨Cto¨Ceye with Russell, but with an air even colder and more intimidating. His gaze held a dismissive edge as he said, ¡°What¡¯s this? Trying to seduce my wife and be the other


    man<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Russell responded in a low voice, ¡°You¡¯re divorced.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lucas chuckled lightly. ¡°Divorced or not, I can remarry her anytime I want. You know as well as I do that it¡¯s something I can do effortlessly.¡±


    Russell frowned. ¡°And what does that make Aveline? Do you truly love her?¡±


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    ¡°Love?¡± Lucas echoed as if the word were some kind of joke. ¡°What does that even mean? As long as she stays by my side, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Russell realized there was no reasoning with Lucas. He was right¨Conce Lucas made up his mind, no one could change it.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor,¡± Russell said, ¡°don¡¯t you want her to stay by your side willingly?¡±


    Lucas tilted his head, looking at Aveline who was now standing behind Russell. ¡°Aren¡¯t you willing?¡± Aveline pressed her lips together, remaining silent, but her feelings were clear.


    Lucas, however, seemed unfazed. ¡°If she wants to go somewhere else, she¡¯ll need my permission first.¡± With that, he shoved Russell aside <i>and </i>stepped closer to Aveline, who looked at him with a wary gaze. He let out a low chuckle, then suddenly moved forward, trapping Aveline against the balcony railing.


    Startled, Aveline instinctively grabbed onto his shirt. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


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    Russell¡¯s expression darkened as he witnessed the scene. He immediately stepped forward, intending to pull Aveline back to safety.


    Without turning around, Lucas coldly said, ¡°You¡¯d better stay out of our marital affairs. If my grip slips and she falls, you¡¯ll be going down with her.¡±


    Russell froze, his hand suspended in midair. His gaze bore into Lucas, a whirlwind of emotions passing through him, but in the end, he withdrew his hand.


    Aveline, terrified of falling, clung tightly to Lucas¡® shirt. She nced down and saw the drop from the ninth floor. A fall from this height would surely be fatal.


    ¡°Lucas, are you insane?¡± Aveline forced herself to speak, her voice trembling with fear.


    Lucas watched the fear y out on her face, feeling an unsettling sense of satisfaction as she held onto him like a lifeline.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been insane for a long time. You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± Lucas¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, his voice low and menacing, like a devil whispering in her ear. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    As he leaned in closer, her body tilted further over the edge, causing her to panic and instinctively wrap her arms around his neck.


    Her voice shook even more as she pleaded, ¡°Put me down, Lucas! If you want to lose control, find someone else¨CI don¡¯t want to die!¡±


    Instead of releasing her, Lucas pushed her even closer to the edge. ¡°But what if, when I lose control, you¡¯re the first person Ie looking for?¡±


    ¡°You-!¡± Aveline¡¯s face went even paler. Seeing the dark, unreadable look in his eyes, she bit her lip and softened her tone. ¡°Lucas, whatever you want, we can talk about it. Just put me down, okay?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°Will you do everything I say?¡±


    Anger shed briefly in Aveline¡¯s eyes¨Che was threatening her! But with her life on the line, she had no choice but toply. She closed her eyes and nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do whatever you say.¡±


    For now, she would have to give in. Whether she followed through was a matter forter.


    Lucas stared at her intently. ¡°Aveline, you said it. You can¡¯t go back on your word.¡±


    Aveline remained silent.


    Lucas finally set her down, and the moment her feet touched the ground, Aveline shoved him away and, with a swift motion, pped him across the face.


    Just as she was about to p him, Lucas caught her wrist, a cold smirk curling at his lips. ¡°So, you¡¯re going back on your word?¡±


    With a slight tug, he pulled her back toward him, making <b>it </b>seem like he was about to lift her onto the Yailing again.


    This time, Aveline caught on quickly. She dropped to the ground, clutching the railing with a death grip,


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    refusing to budge no matter how hard Lucas tried to pull her up.


    Gritting her teeth, she dared him, ¡°If you¡¯re so brave, toss me over with the railing!¡±


    Lucas crouched down, gripping her face firmly and forcing her to meet his gaze. His voice was low and menacing, ¡°Aveline, do you think wouldn¡¯t dare?¡±


    His eyes were filled with a dangerous intensity, like a predator about to strike, and a chilling aura surrounded him as if he was teetering on the edge of fury.


    Aveline stayed silent. She knew better than to provoke him further¨CLucas was capable of anything.


    She turned her head away, breaking eye contact.


    Lucas, his tone slow and deliberate, said, ¡°You promised to listen to me. I warned you not to get too close to him. Why didn¡¯t you listen, hmm?¡±


    Russell was nowhere in sight now, and the lively energy of the party inside didn¡¯t reach the balcony, which had be steeped in cold tension.

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    Aveline found itughable.


    And indeed, she let out a sarcasticugh, looking at Lucas with clear eyes full of distrust. ¡°You say he has ulterior motives, then tell me¨Cwhat exactly are his intentions?<b>¡± </b>


    If he was going to use someone, at least present some evidence, right? If Lucas had thrown proof in her face from the beginning, she might have believed him. But all he had done was warn her to stay away from Russell, repeatedly insisting that his intentions were impure.


    Yet, from what she had seen and felt, Russell had only ever helped and protected her. Nothing he did had ever harmed her. In fact, he had even saved her life! How could she believe that someone like him had a hidden agenda?


    Lucas¡® brow furrowed, and the coldness around him intensified.


    Aveline let go of the railing and stood up, exhaling a shaky breath. ¡°Lucas, whether or not he has ulterior motives, have you been honest with me?¡±


    Lucas slowly rose, his gaze dark and unreadable as he looked at her calm expression.


    Aveline pressed on, ¡°Tell me, did Bobby really steal from your brother?¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas shot back, ¡°Who told you that?¡±


    He paused, realizing that Russell must have mentioned this when he pulled Aveline aside earlier. ¡°So, he told you Bobby is innocent?¡±


    Aveline clenched her fists, struggling to keep her emotions in check. Images of Bobby¡¯s wounded, lifeless form shed through her mind. ¡°Isn¡¯t he?¡±


    Lucas let out a lowugh. ¡°You¡¯ve seen so much evidence, yet you still believe he¡¯s innocent? I admire your conviction. But, Aveline, you need to bring me evidence to prove his innocence, to convince me.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly, then turned away. ¡°I¡¯ll find the evidence, but in the meantime, 1 hope you won¡¯t let Bobby die.¡±


    With that, she left the balcony and headed straight for the door of the private room.


    Lucas narrowed his sharp eyes, processing her words. It seemed she knew about Bobby¡¯s current


    condition.


    Had Russell told her?


    Ha!


    It seemed Russell¡¯s reach had already extended into the Tudor estate. The real question was whether he had swayed just the regr staff or someone more important.


    Leaving the private room, Aveline sent a message to Maria, letting her know she was heading home.


    Maria didn¡¯t respond immediately, likely still caught up in the party.


    Aveline pocketed her phone and made her way toward the elevator. But as she passed by another private


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    room, the door suddenly swung open, and a man grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth and dragging her inside.


    ¡°Mmmph!¡±


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    Aveline panicked, struggling and wing at the man, but he forcefully dragged her into the room and mmed the door shut, shoving her away.


    ¡°Damn it, you little wench!¡± the man cursed, shaking his hand where she had scratched him, the marks clearly visible.


    Aveline was thrown against the wall, a sharp pain shooting through her shoulder. But there was no time to focus on it¨Cshe immediately turned to run for the door.


    Another man, however, grabbed her and tossed her onto the sofa.


    It was only then that Aveline realized there were five or six men in the room.


    Her eyes filled with terror, and her face went pale.


    ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡± she stammered.

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    One of the men stepped forward with a lecherous grin. ¡°We¡¯re here to show you a good time.¡±


    The others burst intoughter and began closing in on Aveline.


    A wave of nausea hit her as her face grew even paler. Desperately trying to stay calm, she said, ¡°Who sent you? How much were you paid? I¡¯ll double it if you let me go!¡±


    The men hesitated, exchanging nces. One of them asked, ¡°You really have that much money?¡±


    There¡¯s a chance! Aveline quickly nodded. ¡°I do. Name your price, and I¡¯ll pay it!¡±


    She pulled out her phone. ¡°I can transfer the money to you right now!¡±


    Her fingers moved swiftly over the screen, but before she could dial, one of the men snatched the phone from her hand. He nced at the screen and sneered. ¡°You think we¡¯re that easy to fool?¡±


    With that, he smashed her phone on the ground, then stripped off his shirt, revealing a body covered in tattoos.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want your money¨Cwe want you. Don¡¯t fight it. Please us, and we¡¯ll let you go quickly. Otherwise¡­¡± He pulled out a knife, its de gleaming as he waved it in front of her.


    Aveline shrank back, her mind racing in a frantic panic. What could she do to save herself? Who had sent these men after her?


    ¡°Alright, boys, get her!¡±


    At the tattooed man¡¯smand, the others began stripping off their clothes and lunged at her.


    Aveline screamed, trying to evade them, but the sofa offered little room to escape. In an instant, they had her pinned down, grabbing her arms and legs as they tore at her clothes.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t touch me!¡± Aveline cried out in despair, tears streaming down her face. ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>give you anything you want, just don¡¯t touch me, please!¡±


    The more Aveline cried, the more excited the men became. Their hands were already on her legs.


    ¡°No nol Please help<b>!¡± </b>


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    In the neighboring room, Lucas had just finished his cigarette on the balcony and was heading back inside.


    Aaron intercepted him. ¡°Why are you leaving so early? You haven¡¯t even had any fun yet.¡±


    Lucas replied coolly, ¡°You guys have fun. I have something to take care of.¡±


    Aaron clicked his tongue, ¡°Oh,e on. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s because of Aveline? I¡¯ve got to say, man, you¡¯re something else. When she didn¡¯t want to divorce, you couldn¡¯t be bothered with her, but now that she¡¯s distant, you¡¯re all over her. What kind of game are you ying?¡±


    Lucas¡¯s eyes narrowed, giving Aaron a cold stare. ¡°If you¡¯re that bored, how about I bring up that arranged marriage with your family?¡±


    At that, Aaron immediately shut his mouth and turned away, shouting, ¡°Alright, everyone, let¡¯s keep the party going!¡±


    Lucas left the room and headed for the elevator, but as he passed by the neighboring


    suite, he heard something faint.


    In a ce like this, strange noises were nothing unusual, so he didn¡¯t think much of it and continued to the elevator, intent on catching Aveline before she left the building.


    Meanwhile, Aveline¡¯s cries grew more desperate, but just then, the door to the suite suddenly burst open. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± a voice demanded.

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    Sasha stood frozen in the doorway, her face pale. ¡°Are you all insane? This is a crime!¡± The men were visibly annoyed by her interruption, and one of them started toward her, intending to drag her inside as well.


    ¡°Perfect timing, you little witch! Come join the fun!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Sasha screamed, drawing the attention of people in the hallway.


    Just then, Maria happened toe out of the nearby room. Hearing themotion, she asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Sasha spotted her and immediately rushed over, grabbing her hand. ¡°Hurry, Aveline¡¯s inside, they¡¯re-¡±


    What?


    Maria¡¯s expression changed instantly, and she bolted into the room, where she saw Aveline pinned down by several men.


    ¡°You bastards dare to touch someone of mine?¡± Maria cursed under her breath, swiftly and efficiently taking down the men holding Aveline.


    ¡°Hurry, call Lucas!¡± Maria ordered, turning to Sasha with a stern look. ¡°This needs to be handled quietly!¡±


    ¡°I¨CI understand¡­¡± Sasha stammered, nodding as she shakily pulled out her phone to find Lucas¡® number.


    Maria rushed to Aveline¡¯s side, lifting her up. Seeing the tear stains on her face, Maria¡¯s heart filled with guilt. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have let you go off on your own.¡±


    But Aveline just stared nkly ahead, her body trembling uncontrobly.


    Maria held her close, adjusting her clothes to cover her up properly.


    Lucas arrived shortly after. The men were still sprawled on the floor, groaning from the beating Maria had given them, unable to move.


    Sasha quickly entered the room and shut the door behind her, wanting to ensure the situation didn¡¯t leak out and damage Aveline¡¯s reputation. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°I¡­ I was just passing by when i heard someone yelling for help,¡± Sasha exined, her voice shaking. ¡°I came in to check and found her like this.¡±


    Lucas yanked at his tie, his chiseled face darkening with a fierce, vengeful expression.


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    He stormed over to the men on the floor and began to beat them relentlessly, his blows <inding </i>with brutal force.


    His assault was even more vicious than Maria¡¯s. At first, the men could still scream in pain, but as time went on, their voices faded until they barely had any breath left.


    Maria spoke up, ¡°Mr. Tudor, don¡¯t kill them all. We need to find out who sent them.¡±


    Lucas, his eyes zing red with rage, hesitated for a moment before delivering another punch, though slightly less forcefully.


    ¤È


    His entire demeanor radiated violent fury. With cold, murderous intent in his eyes, he stepped on one man¡¯s groin, eliciting a scream so agonized that the man nearly convulsed from the pain.


    ¡°Who sent you?¡± Lucas demanded coldly.


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ll talk¡­ I¡¯ll talk¡­¡± The man¡¯s face contorted with pain. ¡°It was¡­ it was Miss Winter. She paid us and threatened our families. She said if we ruined Aveline, she¡¯d get us and our families out of the country¡­¡±


    Sasha covered her mouth in shock. ¡°How could it be her?¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t ease up; instead, he pressed down harder with his foot, causing the man to howl in pain before passing out from the agony.


    Turning away from the unconscious men, Lucas, still brimming with rage, approached Aveline. Seeing the tears streaked across her face, his heart felt as if it had been shattered into pieces, leaving him in unbearable pain.


    He gently draped his coat over her shoulders and whispered, ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ll make sure you get your revenge.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled, and suddenly, she let out a bitterugh. As sheughed, more tears began to fall.

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    Sasha was startled by Aveline¡¯s sudden outburst. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Maria held Aveline close, feeling the intense emotions radiating from her. It pained Maria deeply¨C<i>no </i>girl could remain calm after experiencing something so traumatic. ¡°Aveline, it¡¯s over now. You¡¯re safe,¡± Maria murmured softly, trying to offer somefort.


    But Aveline suddenly shoved Lucas away, her eyes still brimming with tears, but now burning with fury. ¡°You¡¯re going to avenge me? Don¡¯t you find thatughable?¡±


    Lucas¡® brow furrowed, his expression darkening. The violent energy that had surrounded him moments ago seemed to dissipate, leaving him unable to respond.


    Aveline trembled as she spoke, her voice filled with bitterness. ¡°Last time, Sophia and Barbara teamed up against me. They tricked me into going to the hospital, drugged me, and locked me in a container by the sea. The water kept rising, and I almost drowned! And what did you do? When Sophia tried to kill me, what did you do? What did you do?¡± She wiped at her face, trying to clear away the tears, but they only kepting, her voice quivering with anger. ¡°You ignored it. Fine, I handled it myself. She wanted to destroy me, so I set out to ruin everything she cared about!


    ¡°She wanted a ce in the Winter family, so I sabotaged her projects, making her family lose faith in her. She wanted to marry you, so I stayed by your side to spite her. We agreed on all of this beforehand!¡±


    By the end, she was nearly screaming, tears streaming down her face. ¡°But what did you do, Lucas? Russell locked her in a container to make her suffer the same way I did, but Brian rescued her. Just when her project was about to copse, you suddenly invested in herpany and saved her! Lucas, tell me, what are you trying to do?¡±


    As Aveline¡¯s tearful usations rang out, the darkness on Lucas¡¯s face vanished, reced by a look of stunned confusion.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t send Brian to rescue her, nor did I invest in herpany,¡± Lucas insisted, his voice tense. ¡°Aveline, could it be that Russell lied to you? I¡¯ve told you before¨Chis intentions aren¡¯t pure. Now he¡¯s feeding you lies, trying to drive a wedge between us.¡® ¡°Hah, hahahaha!¡± Aveline¡¯sughter was bitter and full of sarcasm. ¡°Lucas, do you really think our rtionship needs someone else to sabotage it?¡±


    Her expression was full of self¨Cmockery. ¡°Why? Whether it¡¯s love or hate, why do I have to endure this from you? Everything that¡¯s happened to me is because of you, Lucas.


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    Can¡¯t you just let me go? I¡¯m begging you, please, just let me go!¡±


    As she spoke, Aveline broke free from Maria¡¯s arms and dropped to her knees in front of Lucas, her face twisted in pain. ¡°I¡¯ll kneel, I¡¯ll bow to you¨Cjust let me go!¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Her eyes were filled with a desperate longing for release.


    Lucas¡® eyes widened in shock.


    Instinctively, he grabbed her arms and pulled her up. ¡°Aveline, what are you doing?¡±


    He clenched his jaw, struggling to contain his emotions. ¡°I told you, I didn¡¯t do any of those things. Whatever punishment you want for Sophia, I¡¯ll help you carry it out!¡±


    But Aveline¡¯s entire body trembled with sobs. The trauma of what she had just gone through,bined with everything she had endured before, was pushing her to the brink of a mental breakdown.

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    ¡°I want her dead¨CI want her to suffer a fate worse than death!¡± Aveline clung to Lucas¡® arm, her tear¨Cfilled eyes zing with intense hatred.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lucas agreed almost instantly, without a second thought. He then turned to Sasha. ¡°Go bring her here.¡±


    Sasha hesitated for a moment, then quickly responded, ¡°Okay.¡±


    But as she reached the door, she paused and looked back. ¡°If she sees Aveline like this¡­


    Lucas realized the issue and looked down at Aveline, who was trembling against him, too exhausted to speak. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone take her out. You can watch everything from the surveince room, okay?¡±


    Aveline, having just poured out all her emotions, was too drained to respond. She simply leaned against Lucas, her body still shaking.


    Lucas turned to Sasha. ¡°Keep an eye on Sophia. Don¡¯t let her leave too soon.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Sasha nodded before leaving the room.


    Maria stood up, exchanged a nce with Lucas, and then gently said to Aveline, ¡°Let¡¯s go home and get you changed, alright?¡±


    Aveline nodded weakly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Maria helped Aveline to her feet. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I¡¯ll take her home now.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lucas replied.


    As Maria and Aveline left, Lucas sank into the sofa in the private room, lighting a cigarette. Smoke swirled around him as he reyed Aveline¡¯s words in his mind. Her voice, full of despair, echoed in his thoughts¨Cshe med him for all her suffering.


    Taking out his phone, Lucas dialed Desmond¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Tudor,¡± Desmond answered quickly, a hint of confusion in his voice. ¡°Have there been anyrge transfers from thepany recently?¡± Lucas asked coldly. ¡°I¡¯ll check with the finance department,¡± Desmond replied.


    ¡°Do it quickly,¡± Lucas demanded, his tone icy.


    As he hung up, Lucas took another drag of his cigarette, his mind consumed by the image of Aveline¡¯s tear¨Cstreaked, hopeless face. She had said that all her pain was


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    because of him.


    She had asked him to let her go.


    He had tried¨Che had genuinely attempted to let her go, thinking he could return to the way things were before, just as he had once managed to live without her. But he had failed.


    He realized that he couldn¡¯t be without her. Even if she never smiled at him again, he still wanted her near.


    Letting her go? He knew now that he could never do it, not in this lifetime.


    About five minutester, Desmond called back. ¡°Mr. Tudor, there was indeed a ten million dors transfer. After investigating, I found out that it was arranged by Barbara, who directed the funds to invest in Miss Winter¡¯spany.¡±


    A cold, dangerous gleam shed in Lucas¡¯s eyes. ¡°Fire everyone involved. cklist them across the entire industry.¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Desmond was shocked but quickly responded, ¡°Understood!¡±


    This was a serious matter¨Cone that had crossed Lucas¡® bottom line.


    Desmond couldn¡¯t help but wonder what had caused Barbara¡¯s sudden change in behavior. She had once been so fond of Aveline, but after regaining her rity, she seemed to have taken a liking to Sophia instead.


    It was baffling.


    Back at home, Aveline showered and changed into fresh clothes, feeling much calmer.


    When she emerged from her room, she found Maria sitting on the sofa, scrolling through her phone. Hearing Aveline¡¯s footsteps, Maria looked up and, noticing that she seemed moreposed, stood up and asked, ¡°How are you feeling now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Let¡¯s go,¡± Aveline replied.


    Maria¡¯s expression was a mix of concern and doubt. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re up for this?<b>¡± </b>

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    Aveline replied, ¡°If I don¡¯t see her punished with my own eyes, I won¡¯t be able to rest.¡± Hearing this, Maria decided not to press further.


    The two of them set off again, returning to the Ninth Mansion, but this time they stayed


    in the car.


    Aveline dialed Lucas¡¯s number and said, ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send someone to get you,¡± Lucas¡® deep, maic voice came through the phone.


    Aveline didn¡¯t say anything more and ended the call.


    About five minutester, someone approached the car, tapped on the window, and respectfully asked, ¡°Are you Miss Young?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me,¡± Aveline responded.


    The man said, ¡°Miss Young, please follow me. Mr. Tudor is waiting for you.¡±


    Aveline got out of the car and followed the bodyguard.


    Maria, still in the car, said, ¡°I won¡¯t go in with you.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°You can head back. I¡¯ll handle the rest.


    Maria suggested, ¡°Take tomorrow off. Rest at home, don¡¯t think about anything. It¡¯s all behind you now.¡±


    Aveline gave her a small smile. ¡°Okay, I will.¡±


    She turned and followed the bodyguard into the elevator.


    This time, they headed straight to the guest room section of the Ninth Mansion. As the door swung open, Aveline spotted Lucas on the sofa, with Sophia seated across from him. Sophia¡¯s face was lit with excitement, clearly engrossed in an animated


    conversation with Lucas.


    The sound of the door opening startled Sophia. She turned around and, seeing Aveline enter, immediately frowned.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Earlier, Sophia had been in the private room ying games with Rina and the others when one of Lucas¡® bodyguards approached her, saying that Lucas wanted to see her.


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    Overjoyed, she quickly said goodbye to Rina and followed the bodyguard here.


    Seeing Lucas in the room had made her palms sweat with excitement. Why had he suddenly asked to see her? Was he finally going to propose to her?


    As a whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind, Sophia sat across from Lucas, her heart pounding with excitement as she gazed at his handsome face, eagerly awaiting his words. But since she had entered the room, he hadn¡¯t even nced at her, let alone spoken a word.


    What was going on?


    Sophia felt a pang of unease creeping in, and her earlier excitement began to waver.


    Then Aveline walked in.


    Sophia¡¯s mood plummeted instantly. What was this wretched woman doing here again? She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Aveline was there to steal Lucas¡¯s attention.


    Her eyes narrowed with suspicion as she watched Aveline approach.


    Lucas noticed Aveline and his eyes darkened as he studied her expression, relieved to see that she seemed moreposed. He then addressed the bodyguard at the door. ¡± Bring them all in.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the bodyguard nodded, pulling out his phone to ry the instructions.


    Aveline walked over and sat down beside Lucas,pletely ignoring Sophia. After all, there would be plenty of time to deal with her soon enough.


    Lucas took her hand in his, asking, ¡°How are you?¡±


    Aveline, with a calm expression, tried to pull her hand away. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    But Lucas didn¡¯t let go, tightening his grip until she couldn¡¯t break free.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy, Aveline. I¡¯m not letting you go,¡± he said, his deep eyes locking onto hers with a double meaning.


    Aveline¡¯s longshes fluttered, a wave of bitterness washing over her.


    Unable to bear it any longer, Sophia spoke up. ¡°Lucas, why did you call me here? What¡¯s going on?¡±


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    ¡°What¡¯s the rush? You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Lucas replied coolly, his deep, maic voiceced with indifference.


    Sophia¡¯s sense of dread intensified.


    Suddenly, she stood up, saying, ¡°If you two have things to discuss, I¡¯ll just leave.¡±


    She quickly headed for the door, but before she could reach it, she was met by five or six disheveled men being escorted in by the bodyguards. Each man looked filthier than thest, with some even covered in unsightly warts, making the sight revolting.


    The bodyguards blocked her path. ¡°Miss Winter, the matter isn¡¯t over yet. You can¡¯t leave.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face paled as she eyed the men. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±


    The bodyguards didn¡¯t answer. Instead, they pushed her back into the room and shut the door behind her.


    Sophia stumbled, losing her bnce¨Cher prosthetic leg making it difficult to steady herself¨Cand fell to the ground. Panic spread across her face as she looked up at Lucas, desperately asking, ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s going on? What are you nning to do?¡±


    With everyone now in the room, Lucas gave a signal, and a bodyguard approached Sophia with a small bottle. He grabbed her by the chin and forced the liquid inside down her throat. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Mmph!¡± Sophia struggled, but she was no match for the bodyguard. Half the bottle¡¯s contents went down her throat, while the rest dribbled down her chin.


    Fear overwhelmed her as she gasped, ¡°What did you make me drink? What is this? Lucas, what are you doing?¡±


    Lucas looked down at her with cold, piercing eyes. ¡°Still ying dumb?¡±


    He slowly rose to his feet and stood beside her, his gaze icy as he took in her pitiful state. ¡°You¡¯ve repeatedly plotted against her, yet now you have the nerve to ask what I¡¯m doing?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Sophia froze, realizing that Lucas intended to avenge Aveline.


    Terror gripped her heart as she clutched at Lucas¡¯s pant leg, pleading, ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m sorry. I <i>know </i>I was wrong. I¡¯ll never do it again, I swear. Please, forgive me. I promise, I¡¯ll stay out of your lives from now on!¡±

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    ¡°What¡¯s the rush? You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Lucas replied coolly, his deep, maic voiceced with indifference.


    Sophia¡¯s nonse of dread Intensified.


    Suddenly<i>, </i>she stood up, saying, ¡°If you two have things to discuss, <b>I¡¯ll </b>Just leave.¡±


    She quickly headed for the door, but before she could reach it, she was met by five or six disheveled men being escorted in by the bodyguards. Each man looked filthier than thest, with some even covered in unsightly warts, making the sight revolting.


    The bodyguards blocked her path. ¡°<b>Miss </b>Winter, the matter isn¡¯t over yet. You can¡¯t leave.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face paled as she eyed the men. ¡°What are you nning to do?


    The bodyguards didn¡¯t answer. Instead, they pushed her back into the room and shut the door behind her.


    Sophia stumbled, losing her bnce¨Cher prosthetic leg making it difficult to steady herself¨Cand fell to the ground. Panic spread across her face as she looked up at Lucas, desperately asking, ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s going on? What are you nning to do?¡±


    With everyone now in the room, Lucas gave a signal, and a bodyguard approached Sophia with a small bottle. He grabbed her by the chin and forced the liquid inside down her throat.


    ¡°Mmph!¡± Sophia struggled, but she was no match for the bodyguard. Half the bottle¡¯s contents went down her throat, while the rest dribbled down her chin.


    Fear overwhelmed her as she gasped, ¡°What did you make me drink?


    Chapter 881


    What¡¯s the rush! You¡¯ll find out soon enough Lucas replied cholly his


    Geen magento voce faced with indifference.


    lies ord with anil an


    Sophia¡¯s sense of dread intensifed


    Suddenly, she stood up, saying, ¡°It you two have things to discuss. Just leave


    She quickly headed for the door, but before she could reach it, she was met by five or six disheveled men being escorted in by the bodyguards.. Each man looked filthier than thest with some even covered im unsightly warts, making the sight revolting.


    The bodyguards blocked her path. ¡°Miss Winter, the matter isn¡¯t aver yet. You can¡¯t leave.¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face paled as she eved the men. ¡°What are you giamming to dar


    The bodyguards didn¡¯t answer. Instead, they pushed her back into the room and shut the door behind her.


    Sophia stumbled, losing her bnce her prosthetic leg making it difficult to steady herself¨Cand fell to the ground. Panic spread across her face as she looked up at Lucas, desperately asking, ¡°Lugass what¡¯s going on? What are you nning to do?


    With everyone now in the room, Lucas gave a signal, and a body quand approached Sophia with a small bottle. He grabbed her by the chimant forced the liquid inside down her throat


    ¡°Mmph!¡± Sophia struggled, but she was no match for the bodyguar Half the bottle¡¯s contents went down her throat, while the rest Hikest down her chin


    Fear overwhelmed her as she gasped ¡°What did you make me drink?


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    What is this? Lucas, what are you doing?¡±


    Lucas looked down at her with cold, piercing eyes. ¡°Still ying dumb?¡±


    He slowly rose to his feet and stood beside her, his gaze icy as he took in her pitiful state. ¡°You¡¯ve repeatedly plotted against her, yet now you have the nerve to ask what I¡¯m doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Sophia froze, realizing that Lucas intended to avenge Aveline. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Terror gripped her heart as she clutched at Lucas¡¯s pant leg, pleading, Lucas, I¡¯m sorry. I know I was wrong. I¡¯ll never do it again, I swear. Please, forgive me. I promise, I¡¯ll stay out of your lives from now on!¡±


    She begged desperately, but before she could finish, her body began to feel strange.


    A deep, unbearable itch spread from within Sophia¡¯s body, and she immediately realized it was from whatever she had just been forced to drink.


    ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m sorry, I truly am¡­¡± Sophia¡¯s voice was filled with


    desperation, fear gripping her as she imagined the horror about to unfold.


    But Lucas stepped back, his expression cold.


    Take her inside,¡± he ordered.


    With a wave of the bodyguard¡¯s hand, the disheveled men moved forward, lifting Sophia off the ground.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t touch me! Get your hands off me!¡± Sophia screamed in terror, but no amount of struggling could change what was about to happen.


    Aveline stood up and walked to the doorway, ncing inside. She saw Sophia pinned beneath one of the men, who was covered in sores and filth. Despite Sophia¡¯s frantic attempts to break free, it was futile¨Cher hands and feet were restrained, leaving her no choice but to endure the


    +25 BUS


    <b>horror </b>


    Aveline looked away after a moment and turned to Lucas. ¡°Take photos and videos. I want to make sure she over recovers from this.¡±


    Lucas stared at her, realizing how much she had changed after everything that had happened. And he found himself drawn to this new side of her ruthless and unyielding, the only way to truly protect herself.


    ¡°Whatever you want,¡± Lucas replied in a low voice, signaling the bodyguards to go in and record the scene.


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    ¡°No! Don¡¯t do this to me, Lucas! I hate you, I hate you!¡± Sophia¡¯s screams echoed from the room, filled with utter despair.


    Aveline looked at Lucas, noticing his calm demeanor. His sharp, narrow eyes remained fixed on her, unreadable. She suddenly smiled faintly.¡± She saved your life once, even lost a leg because of <b>it</b>. And now, seeing her like this¨Cdoesn¡¯t it stir anything in you?¡±


    Lucas¡® handsome, sharp features twisted into a mocking smile. ¡°Her downfall is her own doing.¡±


    He gazed intently at Aveline¡¯s unnervingly calm face and added, ¡°I¡¯ve never had any real feelings for her, Aveline. From the beginning, you¡¯re the only one I¡¯ve ever truly cared about.¡±


    Aveline nced away, walking toward the exit. ¡°Then why did you want to marry her two years ago?¡±


    Lucas pulled out a cigarette, lighting it as a cloud of smoke surrounded him. His narrow eyes narrowed further as he replied, ¡°I never intended to marry her two years ago.¡±


    Aveline paused, briefly considering his words. If he never nned to marry Sophia, why did she be his fianc¨¦e? But she wasn¡¯t particrly interested, so she didn¡¯t press further.


    As Lucas followed her out, he observed her indifferent expression and asked, ¡°Is this enough for you?¡±


    Aveline looked at him. ¡°Do you have any better ideas for punishment?¡±


    Lucas met her gaze. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to take everything she desired? This is just the appetizer.¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow.


    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    Lucas continued, ¡°Leave the rest to me. The oue will be something you¡¯ll find satisfying.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Aveline replied, stepping into the elevator and leaving. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Lucas didn¡¯t follow her. Instead, he turned to the bodyguard and ordered, ¡°Make sure the photos and videos are taken and send them directly to the Winter family. Let them know that if they don¡¯t kick Sophia out of the family, those images will be everywhere.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    With that instruction, Lucas pressed the elevator button and left.


    When it came to punishing someone, all it took was a singlemand from him.


    But his priority now was calming Aveline¡¯s nerves.


    She must have been terrified.


    That very night, everyone in the Winter family received the explicit photos and videos of Sophia. After hearing Lucas¡® demands, their faces. were filled with anger and distress.


    ¡°This is outrageous!¡± Riley Winter, the head of the Winter family, fumed, throwing the photos onto the coffee table, his expression dark with rage.


    His wife, Mnie Stone¡¯s face was equally grim. ¡°Dear, Sophia has always been troublesome. We can¡¯t let her drag our family down with her. It¡¯s best if we do as Lucas says.<b>¡± </b>


    Riley grew even angrier. ¡°Who does Lucas think he is? Why should we bend to his demands?¡±


    Sasha, who had been standing by, spoke up. ¡°Dad, you¡¯ve seen what


    2/2


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    Chaser 507


    Lucas is capable of. If we push him too far, destroying our family would be as easy for him as crushing an ant.¡±


    The others in the room shared the same grave expressions. They had once believed that Sophia marrying Lucas would elevate the Winter family¡¯s status in Cloudre City, perhaps even taking it to new heights.


    But instead, Sophia had fallen from grace, sinking into a mire from which she couldn¡¯t escape.


    Mnie continued to urge her husband, ¡°I know you¡¯ve always had a soft spot for Sophia, but let¡¯s do as Lucas says for now. You can quietly support her from the shadows. But right now, we simply can¡¯t afford to cross him.¡±


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    Hearing Mnie¡¯s words, Riley¡¯s expression softened slightly.


    He sighed and said, ¡°Alright, you go ahead and have someone bring. Sophia back.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Mnie replied, a hint of satisfaction shing in her eyes as she stood up and left the room..


    Sasha also rose and followed her mother out of the vi.


    As they stepped into the dark night, Mnie took Sasha¡¯s hand, her face filled with relief. ¡°Sasha, my dear daughter, you¡¯ve finally helped me get rid of this major threat.¡±


    Sasha smiled faintly. ¡°She brought this on herself. How can it be my fault?¡±


    Mnie nodded approvingly and then asked, ¡°But are you sure they won¡¯t trace this back to you?¡±


    Sasha shook her head confidently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. They won¡¯t find anything. I¡¯ve already sent those people out of the country. Once they¡¯re abroad, there¡¯s no way they can be found.¡±


    Mnie nodded again, clearly pleased. ¡°Well done. You should also try to get closer to Aveline. It¡¯s clear Lucas is very fond of her. If we maintain a good rtionship with her, our family stands to gain a lot.¡±


    Sasha nodded. ¡°I understand.¡±


    As Aveline entered the elevator, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Lucas stepping in as well. Her gaze flickered with surprise. Why was he here?


    Lucas entered, pressed the floor button, and asked, ¡°What are you


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    Chapter 583


    thinking about?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be handling the rest of the situation?<b>¡± </b>Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas looked deeply into her eyes and said, ¡°None of that is more important than you.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed, her expression growing colder.


    Lucas continued, ¡°I¡¯ve already set things in motion. By tomorrow, you¡¯ll see the news of Sophia being kicked out of the Winter family.¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly, her emotions a mix of thoughts and feelings.


    As the elevator slowly ascended, the atmosphere grew tense.


    Lucas, with his hands <b>in </b>his pockets, watched Aveline¡¯sposed face and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Aveline, if there¡¯s anything else you¡¯re unhappy with, tell me. Whatever it is, I¡¯ll make it happen.¡±


    Upon hearing his words, Aveline lifted her gaze to meet his, a faint, ironic smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Lucas, you know exactly what I want.


    most.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes grew colder. ¡°Choose something else.¡±


    Aveline fell silent, realizing there was no point in continuing the


    conversation. After all, it was clear he had no intention of letting her go. What was the use of saying anything more?


    Ding!


    The elevator doors slid open, and Aveline stepped out, only to hesitate when she recognized the floor. She frowned slightly.


    Lucas let <i>out </i>a


    than wee.¡±


    low¡¯chuckle. ¡°nning to visit my ce? You¡¯re more


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    As he spoke, he grabbed her hand and started leading her toward his


    door.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Aveline shouted, her voiceced with panic. <b>She </b>yanked her hand away with such force that her entire body trembled..


    Lucas noticed her distress, his strong brows furrowing with concern. Aveline, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just want to go home,¡± Aveline replied, her voice shaking. She turned to press the elevator button, but her fingers trembled so much. she could barely control them.


    Seeing this, Lucas moved closer and gently took her hand. ¡°Aveline, I won¡¯t hurt you. There¡¯s no need to be afraid of me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened slightly as she tried to pull her hand away again, but Lucas held on, pulling her into his embrace.


    His broad arms enveloped herpletely, and the crisp, distinct scent that was uniquely his surrounded her with an overwhelming intensity.

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    Aveline struggled fiercely, but Lucas¡® arms were like iron mps, holding her tightly, leaving her no room to break free.


    ¡°Let go of me, Lucas, let go of me!¡±


    Her voice was hoarse, her eyes reddening, and her entire body trembled in his embrace.


    Lucas only held her tighter. ¡°Never, Aveline. I will never let you go in this lifetime. I¡¯ll hold you like this until you¡¯re willing to ept me again.¡±


    His warm breath brushed against her neck, and tears blurred her vision. His scent was one she knew so well, one she had once depended on deeply¨Cit was etched into her very soul, impossible to forget.


    At this moment, being held by him eased some of the fear in her heart, though she hated herself for feeling this way.


    He had been so cruel, so why did she still feel so attached to him?


    Her emotions gradually settled. She closed her eyes, her voice now raspier, ¡°I¡¯m fine now<i>. </i>Let go of me.¡±


    Lucas slightly loosened his hold, creating some distance between them, but didn¡¯t immediately release her. He studied her expression, and only when he saw that she was truly calm did he slowly let go.


    ¡°I¡¯m notfortable leaving you alone at home. Either youe to my ce to rest, or I¡¯ll stay at yours,¡± Lucas said in a deep voice.


    Aveline looked up at him, anger shing in her eyes. ¡°Lucas, don¡¯t push


    it!¡±


    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°How am I pushing it? I¡¯m not asking to sleep with you. Besides, sleeping with you isn¡¯t unreasonable¨Cwe¡¯re husband and wife.¡±


    +25 <b>BONUS </b>


    Aveline frowned. ¡°We¡¯re divorced.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened. ¡°Once married, always married.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    How could someone be so shameless? He didn¡¯t listen to a word she said, insisting on his own logic!


    Aveline didn¡¯t want to continue arguing. She turned and pressed the elevator button, her voice cold. ¡°Don¡¯te over, and I won¡¯t go to yours. I¡¯ll be fine on my own.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I said, I¡¯m notfortable with that.¡±


    The elevator doors opened, and Aveline stepped inside. Lucas ced his hand on the door, staring at her intently. ¡°Your silence¨Cis that your way of telling me toe over?¡±


    Aveline still didn¡¯t speak, but the resistance in her eyes remained strong. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Lucas knew he couldn¡¯t push her any further, so he sighed and said, ¡°I won¡¯t go into the master bedroom. I¡¯ll stay in the living room or the guest room. Aveline, I¡¯m genuinely worried about you.¡±


    Hearing this, Aveline nced at him, her eyes filled with obvious doubt.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°Have you forgotten what the doctor said to me?¡±


    His mention of it only made things worse¨CAveline¡¯s expression turned even colder. The mere thought that he¡¯d discussed such an intimate issue with a doctor left her reeling. And to top it off, he¡¯de back with a solution? She felt suffocated just considering it.


    The elevator started beeping in warning, the sound grating on her


    nerves.


    ¡°Lucas, I need my personal space,¡± she said, clearly irritated.


    Chapter 504


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    Lucas nodded. ¡°I understand, so I won¡¯t enter the master bedroom.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    That was as good as saying nothing.)


    Annoyed, she snapped, ¡°Juste in already.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t stand the elevator rm any longer.


    Lucas¡® lips curved into a faint smile as he released his hold on the door and stepped inside.


    Back at her ce, Aveline headed straight to the master bedroom. After locking the door, she went directly into the bathroom.


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    Lucas watched her, a touch of helplessness flickering across his handsome face. Instead of heading to the guest room, he sat down on the living room sofa, lighting a cigarette. The sharp click of the lighter echoed loudly in the quiet room.


    Just then, his phone rang. ncing at the screen, he saw it was his bodyguard calling. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Winter has been taken back by her family.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lucas replied indifferently, not giving the matter much thought.


    His mind was entirely upied with figuring out how to get Aveline to forgive him and take him back.


    The next day.


    News of Sophia being kicked out of the Winter family indeed made the headlines.


    Aveliney in bed, reading the news with a nk expression. After a moment, she got up, washed up, and opened her bedroom door. She immediately saw Lucas, wearing an apron, walking out of the kitchen. and cing a te on the dining table.


    ¡°You¡¯re up? Perfect timing, breakfast is ready.¡±


    Aveline walked over, ncing at the simple breakfast he had prepared


    ¨C omelettes and a few side dishes. Without hesitation, she sat down and started eating.


    Seeing this, Lucas raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°How does it taste?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°It¡¯s average.¡±


    Unfazed, Lucas said, ¡°If you¡¯re willing to eat something average, it must


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    Chapter 585


    have tasted good.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    He sure knew how tofort himself.


    After eating half the breakfast, Aveline put down her utensils and got up to leave for work.


    But Lucas remarked, ¡°Didn¡¯t your boss tell you to take a day off?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline responded, ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    Lucas looked at her calm face¨Cthere was no trace of the emotional breakdown she had the night before. Her emotions were buried too deeply.


    He blocked her path, insisting, ¡°You need to rest. I¡¯ve already spoken with your boss. Today, your time belongs to me.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Lucas, are you out of your mind? What gives you the right to control my time?¡±


    Lucas responded with a smirk, ¡°The fact that I¡¯m shameless.<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline was at a loss for words!


    This man was invinciblepletely shameless and impossible to argue with.


    They stood in a standoff at the door until Aveline finally changed back into her indoor shoes and sat down on the sofa. ¡°Even if I¡¯m not going to work, I¡¯m not spending the day with you. You can leave.¡±


    Lucas nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, I should go.¡±


    Aveline hadn¡¯t expected him to say that.


    But as Lucas removed his apron, he added, ¡°However, you¡¯ll have to


    +25 BONUS


    Aveline frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Whether you go <i>or </i>not isn¡¯t for w


    ¡°You-<b>!</b>¡±


    to decide.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face turned livid with anger. As Lucas took a step closer, she quickly stood up to avoid him. ¡°Lucas, what exactly are you trying to do?¡±


    Lucas said, ¡°Come with me, and I¡¯ll tell you. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t trick you.


    Aveline¡¯s expression showed clear disbelief.


    Crossing his arms, Lucas said, ¡°Aveline, give up the fight. Eventually, you¡¯re going toe with me. You can¡¯t win against me.¡±


    That was the harsh reality. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    It had always been this way¨Cno matter how much Aveline resisted, things seemed to unfold ording to Lucas¡® ns.


    Her resistance was futile.


    Feeling utterly drained, she let out a self¨Cdeprecating smile. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go.¡±


    This time, she didn¡¯t even bother asking where they were going or what they were going to do. Wherever he said to go, she would go.


    After all, in their rtionship, he had always been the one in control.

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    Seeing the light in her eyes suddenly dim, Lucas¡® expression grew a bit


    tense.


    Why was it so painful for her to be with him?


    The atmosphere between them grew even colder.


    ¡°Well, what are you waiting for? Let¡¯s go,¡± Lucas said in a low voice, turning to open the door.


    Aveline quietly followed him, not bothering to think about where they were going or what they were going to do.


    The weather was pleasant, and as Lucas rolled down the car windows, the cool autumn breeze swept in, easing a bit of the tension in Aveline¡¯s heart¨Cbut only just a little.


    However, when Lucas stopped the car at the base of a mountain,


    confusion flickered across Aveline¡¯s face.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡±


    She stepped out of the car, looking at the golden¨Chued mountain with a puzzled expression.


    Lucas nced at her coolly. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t care?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, staying silent.


    His tone softened slightly. ¡°We¡¯re going hiking.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She looked at him in shock, then nced back at the autumn¨Ccovered mountain, wondering if she had misheard.


    Hiking, at this time?


    Chapter Mis


    +25 BONUS


    Lucas had already started up the steps. When he noticed she wasn¡¯t following, he turned back and asked, ¡°What are you standing there for? Don¡¯t feel like hiking?¡±


    Aveline started to say something but then reconsidered and kept quiet.


    No point in arguing; better to stay quiet.


    Following Lucas up the steps, she gradually found her mind distracted from the chaotic thoughts that had been guing her.


    Her body,cking in exercise, quickly grew tired, and she began to pant heavily.


    Lucas, a few steps ahead, nced back and teased, ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re really out of shape.¡±


    Leaning against the railing, Aveline shot him an exasperated look.¡± You¡¯re crazy for dragging me out here to hike.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°What else should we do? Let you go back to work or lie around at home all day? With the time we have, we might as well do something meaningful.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°I don¡¯t see hiking as something meaningful.¡±


    Lucas looked out into the distance and said, ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re only focusing on the path right in front of you. Have you noticed the scenery around you? Hiking might seem exhausting and pointless, but if you take a moment to look up, you might find the view is actually beautiful, and the climb doesn¡¯t feel so hard.¡±


    Her thoughts shifted, and she nced to the side. As soon as she did, her breathing eased.


    Just as Lucas had said, she had never paid attention to the scenery around her she had only focused on the path right in front of her.


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    When she saw the thorny road ahead, she felt a deep pain within her


    soul.


    But what if she paused and took in her surroundings?


    At that moment, the sunlight was just right, autumn¡¯s presence growing stronger. The entire mountainside was a blend of interwoven golden and fiery red hues, with mist swirling in the distance, hiding the vibrant. colors.


    As the autumn wind blew, golden leaves fluttered through the air, and onended in front of her. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She instinctively picked it up, staring at it in a daze for a long while.


    The restlessness in her heart suddenly smoothed out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡±


    Lucas¡® deep, maic voice broke the silence. ¡°Maybe when we reach the top, you¡¯ll see an entirely different view.¡±


    Aveline let the leaf slip from her hand, and without realizing it, a newfound determination settled in her. Within a few steps, she had caught up with Lucas.


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    Lucas arched a brow slightly, surprised that she had caught up. His pace remained steady, unlike Aveline, who was breathing heavily, her face flushed. His even breathing highlighted the benefits of regr exercise¨Chiking was hardly a challenge for him.


    Aveline ignored his gaze and kept moving forward, asionally ncing around. The higher they climbed, the more varied the scenery became. She pulled out her phone and started capturing the beautiful views she encountered, sending them directly to Selena.


    ¡°I think we should go hiking together sometime.¡±


    Selena called right away, her voiceced with surprise, ¡°Sweetheart, is the world upside down? You¡¯ve never been into outdoor activities, and now you¡¯re hiking?¡±


    As Aveline continued upward, she replied, ¡°Yes, I never noticed before, but now I see it, I¡¯ll make an effort to get out more.¡±


    Selena chuckled softly. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. You really do need to get out more. Otherwise, stress will keep piling up when you just focus on working. Even a machine would break under that kind of pressure.¡±


    Avelineughed at her words, then asked, ¡°Want toe over tonight? I¡¯ll cook for you.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡±


    Selena readily agreed.


    Aveline nned to discuss Aaron¡¯s uing engagement with her once she arrived. It was a matter that couldn¡¯t be taken lightly.


    Lucas had been following behind her, and upon hearing their


    conversation, he suddenly spoke up, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you invite me to dinner?


    Chapter 587 N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


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    Selena overheard him and quickly asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you with Lucas? The two of you are hiking together?¡±


    Aveline responded wearily, ¡°He dragged me out here.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what to say to that.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything. Just pretend he¡¯s not here.¡±


    Selena sighed again, ¡°I suppose that¡¯s all we can do now.¡±


    Aveline paused to take in the scenery, and this time, she was struck by the sight of a vast forest of fiery red maple leaves. A look of awe shed in her eyes.


    ¡°Let me send you some pictures,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Selena replied.


    After hanging up, Aveline took the photo and sent it to Selena.


    Lucas stared at her with a deep gaze. ¡°Aveline, don¡¯t you have a conscience? I brought you here to help you rx, so why aren¡¯t your inviting me over for dinner?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s cheeks were flushed, and despite her cold expression, she looked endearingly stubborn,cking any real intimidation.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want toe here.¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°But you did hike, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Lucas continued, ¡°Yes, I forced you, but your legs are your own. Whether or not you hiked was entirely up to you<b>¨C</b>you could have stayed at the bottom of the mountain if you wanted.¡±


    Aveline snapped, ¡°Why are you so shameless?¡±


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    Lucas replied, ¡°You always say that about me. If I didn¡¯t live up to the name, wouldn¡¯t that be unfair?¡±


    Aveline gave a slight tug at the corner of her mouth, then turned and walked away.


    Lucas followed her at a leisurely pace, keeping two steps behind.¡± Aveline, talk to me. Why won¡¯t you invite me?¡±


    Aveline shot back, ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±


    Lucas, unfazed by her Irritation, responded calmly, ¡°No idea.¡±

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    Aveline didn¡¯t want to engage with him, so she quickened her pace. But catching up with her was effortless for Lucas,


    He maintained a two¨Cstep distance behind her. ¡°Aveline, are you going to invite me or not, hmm?¡±


    Aveline replied curtly, ¡°No.¡±


    Lucas sighed dramatically. ¡°You¡¯re really heartless, aren¡¯t you? I brought you hiking and showed you beautiful scenery, but you won¡¯t even invite. me over for dinner.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    ¡°And,¡± Lucas continued his relentless chatter, ¡°I even stayed with you all night, got up early to make you breakfast, and you just eat and forget all about me. I never imagined you could be this kind of woman.¡±


    His constantints from behind began to wear on Aveline¡¯s nerves. But then she realized that no matter what she said, he would ignore it and keep doing whatever he wanted. So why should she care?


    With that thought, Aveline¡¯s mood instantly calmed. No matter how much Lucas rambled, her expression remained unchanged.


    Since it wasn¡¯t the weekend, the trail wasn¡¯t crowded, though they passed a few hikers here and there. An older man eventually caught up. to Aveline, huffing as he reached her. ¡°Youngdy, your husband¡¯s been chatting nonstop, and you¡¯re just tuning him out? If it¡¯s not bothering you, it sure is bothering us.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    A faint blush of embarrassment crept onto her face.


    Lucas, with a smirk, stepped forward and tugged at her sleeve. ¡°Honey,


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    Chapter 558


    are you going to invite me?¡±


    ¡°Honey?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Honey, honey?¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    Aveline turned to face <b>him</b>, her cheeks even redder than before, though.


    it was hard to tell if it was due to the old man¡¯sment or Lucas¡¯s


    behavior that had embarrassed her more.


    ¡°Lucas, do you ever stop?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, his expression calm and steady. ¡°I just want to eat your cooking. Is that too much to ask?¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°Yes, it is too much. You don¡¯t deserve to eat anything I make.¡±


    That was a serious blow.


    Without waiting for his reaction, she continued her climb, not sparing him a nce.


    The smile on Lucas¡® lips faded slightly, surprised that Aveline would say something like that. After all, she hadn¡¯t lost her temper despite his relentless teasing. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    He lowered his gaze, hiding the emotions in his eyes.


    So, ying the rogue wasn¡¯t working anymore?


    It looked like he would have to go back to his old ways with her. Aveline was the type who reacted better to firmness than to gentleness.


    By the time they reached the mountain peak, it was nearing noon. Aveline was drenched in sweat and wanted to take off her jacket, but


    Chapter 580


    Lucas ced a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. ¡°Don¡¯t take it off. The wind is strong up here.¡±


    Aveline shrugged off his hand but decided not to remove her jacket. She certainly didn¡¯t want to catch a cold.


    Walking to the edge of the cliff, Aveline gazed out at the distant view, and her mood shifted once again.


    Indeed, the scenery at the summit was different from that at the base.


    It felt as if the barriers in her heart had been shattered, and those moments of despair and pain she once thought insurmountable were slowly fading away.


    Taking a deep breath, Aveline ced her hands around her mouth and shouted at the top of her lungs, ¡°Ahhh!!<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas stood behind her, startled by the raw emotion in her scream. In that instant, he saw the intense pain and fragility in her, her slender figure teetering as if she might copse at any moment.


    Almost instinctively, Lucas reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.


    Her scream was abruptly cut off, and Aveline was left disoriented.


    ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s wrong with you now?¡± Aveline struggled to push him away, but his grip was unyielding.


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    <b>¡°</b>Don¡¯t move<b>.</b>¡±


    Lucas held her tightly. ¡°Aveline, right now, <b>I </b>just want to hold <b>you</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline rolled her eyes dramatically, but after hiking all the way up, she didn¡¯t have much energy left to struggle. Her face rested against his chest as she gazed at the scenery beyond the mountain, her breathing gradually calming.


    She unintentionally became aware of his heartbeat, which was growing faster and louder, as if it might burst from his chest.


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered slightly. ¡°Lucas, are you having a heart attack?¡±


    Lucas tightened his arms around her briefly, then suddenly released her. ¡°Aveline, I want to kiss you.¡±


    She instantly pushed him away. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡±


    Lucas¡® narrow eyes locked onto her lips, a clear intent in his gaze.


    Aveline quickly covered her mouth, looking at him with a wary expression.


    A faint smile curved Lucas¡® lips. ¡°Do you really think covering your mouth will stop me? If I want to, you won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±


    Aveline rolled her eyes again and turned back to the scenery.


    After that outburst, the dark clouds that had been hanging over her seemed to have lifted.


    She took out her phone, capturing photos and videos to remember the


    moment.


    When she turned around to ask when they would head back, she


    noticed Lucas holding his phone up, pointing it at her¨Cwho knows for


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    how long.


    Aveline frowned and asked, ¡°Were you taking pictures of me?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°I was capturing the scenery.¡±


    She walked over to him. ¡°But your phone was pointed right at me.¡±


    Lucas put his phone away and casually said, ¡°Well, you were standing in the scenery.¡±


    Aveline paused, her breath catching. ¡°Delete the photos.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°You can¡¯t tell me what to do. It¡¯s my phone.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    That familiar sense of helplessness washed over her again.


    Lucas nced at her and suddenly said, ¡°But if you give me a kiss, I


    might consider deleting one.¡±


    Aveline ignored him and walked over to a nearby drink stand, where she bought a bottle of water.


    Seeing this, Lucas asked, ¡°Where¡¯s mine?¡±


    Aveline took a sip, her dry lips instantly bing moist. ¡°When did I ever say I¡¯d buy you one?¡±


    Lucas, sitting right next to her, suddenly snatched the water bottle from her hand and took a big gulp.


    ¡°You!¡± Aveline was left speechless.


    Lucas handed the nearly empty bottle back to her. ¡°I left you a little. No need to thank me.¡±


    Aveline almost cursed out loud but instead stood up and moved to sit far away from him.


    Thr


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    Lucas followed her, and since the space at the top of the mountain was limited, Aveline eventually ended up at the very edge of the bench, with no room left to scoot away. She turned and shot Lucas an angry re.


    He seemedpletely unaffected, still leaning close to her as if nothing was wrong.


    The mountain breeze picked up, adding a chill to the air.


    Aveline stood up and headed toward the cable car. She paid for her ticket and boarded without a second thought.


    Lucas, knowing she wouldn¡¯t cover his fare, casually pulled out his phone to pay for himself.


    ¡°What a heartless woman,¡± he thought.


    As they descended the mountain, Aveline¡¯s mood was markedly different from when they first arrived. She looked out at the passing scenery, her expression more rxed.


    Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen¨Cit was a call from Russell.


    She looked up at Lucas, thinking that if he knew Russell was calling, he¡¯d probably throw her phone out of the cable car. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

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    Chapter 590


    Aveline immediately hung up the call.


    Lucas nced at her and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline responded curtly, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Lucas chuckled, clearly amused, as if he hadn¡¯t expected this rebellious.


    side of her.


    Aveline kept her gaze out the window, but inside, she was tense.


    Then Lucas spoke again, ¡°Afraid to answer? Worried I might find out? Who was it, Russell<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline frowned and turned to him. ¡°Lucas, do you ever stop?¡±


    His eyes locked onto hers. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you take the call?¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly, exhaling a heavy sigh before calmly replying, ¡°Lucas, I don¡¯t feel like I need to report every little thing I do to you. You mean nothing to me.<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas crossed his arms and leaned back, his handsome, sharp features bing even colder and more distant. His eyes regarded her with a


    cool indifference.


    ¡°And so what? Do you think I care about what ce I hold in your heart or if I have any status at all?¡±


    Aveline was momentarily stunned. ¡°If you don¡¯t care, then why are you still clinging to me?¡±


    Lucas let out a lowugh. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, the reason I keep your around is simple. You¡¯re a woman, I¡¯m a man, and I need you to satisfy my needs¨Cnothing more.¡±


    Anger shed across Aveline¡¯s face, and she raised her hand to p


    Chapter 590


    him.


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    But Lucas didn¡¯t flinch, his gaze remaining cold and steady on her.


    Aveline¡¯s hand paused mid¨Cair, her fingers curling into a fist as her expression grew colder. She didn¡¯t bother responding to him after that.


    The cable car soon reached the base of the mountain. Aveline stepped out and immediately walked toward the roadside.


    Lucas followed leisurely behind her, watching her slender figure with growing frustration.


    Their rtionship was twisted¨Cshe despised him, yet all he wanted was to keep her by his side. But no matter what he did, he couldn¡¯t find the right way to make it work.


    Keeping her with him, did it really cause her that much pain?


    He wondered if he had ever truly done anything to hurt her.


    Lucas got into his car and drove behind her, keeping a steady distance<b>. </b>He didn¡¯t offer her a ride, instead waiting for her to ask. But his


    expectations were bound to be disappointed.


    Aveline walked straight to the bus stop, sat on a bench, and began. waiting for the bus.


    Lucas parked nearby and walked over, sitting beside her.


    Aveline took out her earbuds from her bag, put them on, and started ying music,pletely ignoring his presence.


    Lucas noticed and, without hesitation, grabbed one of her earbuds and put it in his own ear.


    Aveline was speechless. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The shamelessness was beyond her.


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    She couldn¡¯t outdo him in this game.


    Just then, the bus arrived. Aveline quickly took back her earbud and got on, scanned her payment, and found a single seat by the window to sit down.


    Finally, she thought, Lucas won¡¯t be able to follow her now.


    She nced at him and saw him standing by the bus door, frowning as he fumbled with his phone, seemingly struggling with the scanning


    process.


    For the first time in a while, Aveline felt a bit of relief, even allowing herself a small smile.


    But her relief was short¨Clived. Within a couple of minutes, Lucas managed to scan the code and walked straight over to her, catching sight of the slight curve of her lips as he approached.


    ¡°So, you were hoping to see me struggle?¡± he asked, sitting down beside her.


    Aveline turned her gaze back to the window, ignoring him entirely.


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    Lucas, with his striking features and tall,manding presence, stood out starkly from the rest of the bus passengers. His innate air of nobility seemed out of ce in the crowded vehicle.


    He held onto the handrail with one hand, the other casually tucked into his pocket<b>, </b>his gaze resting on Aveline, who sat quietly in her seat. A faint smile tugged at his lips, drawing the attention of several onlookers.


    Two girls sitting behind them took out their phones to snap a photo, whispering, ¡°He¡¯s so handsome. I take this bus all the time, but I¡¯ve never seen him before.¡±


    Her friend chuckled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice he¡¯s been watching that <b>girl </b>the whole time? They¡¯re clearly a couple!¡±


    An older woman also noticed Lucas and approached, patting him on the arm. ¡°Young man, <i>do </i>you have a girlfriend?¡±


    Lucas raised his brows slightly, not expecting the sudden question. But his eyes fell on Aveline as he replied, ¡°I have a wife.¡±


    The woman nced at Aveline with a hint of regret on her face. Hearing Lucas¡® words, any hopeful thoughts others might have had quickly faded.


    Aveline frowned and shot him a nce. ¡°I¡¯m not your wife.¡±


    Lucas leaned in closer. ¡°Aveline, if you keep denying our rtionship, I¡¯ll kiss <b>you </b>right now.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Aveline¡¯s expression changed, her eyes shing with anger.


    Lucas¡® eyes held a dangerous glint, as if he really would kiss her if she said another word.


    Aveline held back, not wanting to cause a scene in <b>front </b>of so many people. He might not care about his dignity, but she did.


    The bus swayed and bumped along for an hour before finally reaching a stop near Maple Garden. Aveline got off immediately, heading straight toward theplex.


    Lucas was about <i>to </i>follow her when his phone rang. ncing at the screen, he saw it was a call from Frederick. His expression grew colder, but he answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s tone was sharp. ¡°Lucas, what did you do to Sophia? You caused her to get kicked out of the Winter family! Have you forgotten that if it wasn¡¯t for her, you¡¯d be dead by now?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice turned colder. ¡°You might want to ask her why I ended up in aa for a year and lost my memory for another year.¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Frederick¡¯s tone became serious. ¡°What do you mean by that?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas asked, ¡°Is Sophia at the Tudor family¡¯s main estate<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Frederick let <b>out </b>a cold snort. ¡°You may be heartless, but I <b>can¡¯t </b>ignore it. After all, she¡¯s the one who saved your <b>life</b><b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Lucas replied, ¡°I¡¯ll have something <b>sent </b><b>over </b>soon. You should all take a look.¡±


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    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    With that, he ended the call and immediately dialed Desmond, giving him brief instructions.


    When he looked up again, Aveline was nowhere to be seen.


    His expression darkened, and he quickly made another call. ¡°Keep an eye on Russell, Find out who he¡¯s closest to at the main estate.¡±


    Aveline took a different route after turning the corner, heading straight to Selena¡¯s ce.


    As she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Selena saying goodbye <b>to </b>someone from the property management. Aveline asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s going on?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena¡¯s face lit up with surprise. ¡°What brings you here?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t have much to do<b>, </b>so I decided to drop by. What¡¯s happening?¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t even ask. Lately, I¡¯ve had a string of break¨Cins. The ce gets turned upside down, but nothing¡¯s ever stolen. Isn¡¯t that strange?¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>592 </b>


    Aveline frowned slightly and asked, ¡°That is strange. Did you change the locks?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena nodded. ¡°I did, but it didn¡¯t help. I¡¯m starting to wonder if these thieves are expert locksmiths. Maybe they learned how to pick locks before deciding to be burrs.¡±


    Aveline chuckled at herment but still said, ¡°<b>If </b>it¡¯s that unsafe here, maybe you should find a new ce to live.¡±


    Selena sank into the couch with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯d love to, but thendlord won¡¯t refund my deposit. It¡¯s a lot of


    money.¡±


    Aveline gave her a sympathetic look. ¡°How much longer is your lease?¡±


    Selena thought for a moment. ¡°Just one more month. After that, I¡¯m definitely moving.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Aveline nodded.


    That seemed like the best solution.


    But she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of unease¨Cwhy were there repeated break¨Cins at Selena¡¯s ce? She recalled the first time it happened, which coincided with her staying there.


    Unable to make sense of it, Aveline got up and headed to the kitchen to check what ingredients were Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    avable.


    Seeing this, Selena asked, ¡°Weren¡¯t we going to your ce?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m already here. Why bother going back to my ce? Isn¡¯t that a hassle?¡±


    Selena hugged a stuffed toy, giving her a knowing look. ¡°Is it really about avoiding trouble, or are you trying to dodge someone?¡±


    Aveline nced at her. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re so sharp.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, of course, I am,¡± Selena said, lifting her chin proudly. ¡°But seriously, how did you end up hiking together?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered at the question. She hadn¡¯t told Selena about what happened the night before, and if she did, Selena would definitely want to confront him.


    ¡°He lives below me. He caught me when I was leaving, and he insisted on taking me hiking,¡± Aveline exined.


    Selena shook her head. ¡°That guy is really something else.¡±


    ¡°Right?¡± Aveline said with a slight smirk. ¡°I must be cursed to have met someone like him.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°What¡¯s worse is, I¡¯ve had the misfortune of meeting someone like that too<b>.</b>¡±


    <b>Aveline </b><b>closed </b>the <b>refrigerator </b>door and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go <b>grocery </b>shopping. <b>Your </b><b>fridge </b>is empty. What do <b>you </b>usually <b>eat</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Selena walked over <b>to </b><b>a </b>cab, opened it<b>, </b>and revealed <b>an </b><b>assortment </b>of instant <b>noodles</b>. ¡°Here you <b>go</b><b>, </b>all <b>sorts </b><b>of </b>vors. <b>Just </b><b>tell </b>me which one you want¨CI¡¯ve got them all<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


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    Aveline was speechless. Her resolve to take Selena to the supermarket only grew stronger.


    The two of them headed out the door. As Selena was locking up, she looked at the keychain in her hand and asked, ¡°Aveline, where did you buy this keychain? It¡¯s a bit worn out, and I want to get a new one.¡±


    Aveline took the keychain, examined it closely, and a look of confusion crossed her face. ¡°I don¡¯t remember buying a keychain like this.¡±


    It was a simple, round keychain with a five¨Cpointed star design on it.


    Selena raised an eyebrow. ¡°How is that possible? When you moved out and gave me the keys, this was already on it.¡±


    Was that so?


    Aveline thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. ¡°I really don¡¯t remember. Maybe I just bought it randomly.¡±


    Selena shrugged, not thinking much of it. ¡°Alright, then.¡±


    She put the keys back in her pocket, and the two of them got into the elevator.


    The supermarket wasn¡¯t far from theplex, just a ten¨Cminute walk. They picked out their favorite vegetables and fruits, then took a taxi back home.


    However, when they stepped out of the elevator and saw the door to Selena¡¯s apartment wide open again<b>, </b>both Aveline and Selena were stunned.


    ¡°Ah¡­ this¡­¡± Selena waspletely dumbfounded.


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    Aveline pulled out her phone. ¡°What are you standing there for? Call the police.¡±


    Selena, however<b>, </b>seemed unfazed. ¡°I¡¯ve reported it before, but nothing was stolen, and the security cameras were out of order, so it was pointless.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°But it¡¯s too dangerous for you to stay here. You shoulde to stay at my ce.¡±


    Selena hesitated. ¡°But¡­ the deposit¡­¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression grew stern. ¡°What¡¯s more important<b>, </b>your deposit or your life?¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°The deposit¡­¡±


    Ignoring her, Aveline started packing up Selena¡¯s belongings. In no time, she had most of <b>it </b>sorted out.


    When she turned around, she saw Selena still organizing her collection of stuffed toys.


    Aveline felt a bit exasperated. ¡°You can move thoseter. Right now, just take what you need.¡±


    Selena hugged arge plushie tightly and said, ¡°This is essential. I can¡¯t sleep without <b>it</b>.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Selena then clutched a plush carrot. ¡°And this one stays by my side, like a fortress of security.¡°. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline fell silent again.


    She pretended to dial a number. ¡°Hello, psychiatric hospital?¡±


    They ended up heading to Maple Garden together.


    Aveline handed Selena her suitcase. ¡°Pick any room you like and get settled in. I¡¯m going to start on


    dinner.¡±


    ¡°Got <b>it</b>, richdy,¡± Selena replied with a grin.


    Aveline shook her head with a smile and headed into the kitchen. Just as she started, her phone rang again. She looked at the screen¨Cit was a call from Russell,


    Only then did she remember that he had tried to call her earlier and she hadn¡¯t returned the call.


    ¡°Hey, Russ,¡± Aveline answered, her tone tinged with apology: ¡°Sorry, I was busy earlier and just finished up.


    Russell replied, ¡°No problem. I just wanted to check in because I heard about what happened with Sophia, and I wondered if you knew anything about it.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°Yes, I saw <b>the </b>news.<b>¡± </b>


    Russell asked, ¡°Do you know why she was suddenly kicked <b>out </b><b>of </b>the Winter family<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline replied, ¡°I have no <b>idea</b><b>.</b>¡±


    <b>Russell </b>paused <b>for </b><b>a </b>moment before saying, ¡°I thought <b>you </b>might know. <b>I¡¯ve </b><b>heard </b>that <b>Lucas </b><b>pressured </b>


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    the Winter family into letting Sophia go.¡±


    He hesitated briefly, then added, ¡°I thought this might have something to do with you.¡±


    Aveline bit her lip, not wanting to reveal what had happened the previous night. ¡°I really don¡¯t know. I only found out when I saw the news this morning.¡±


    Russell sighed. ¡°Well, in any case, without her around, you¡¯ll have a bit more peace of mind.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes,<b>¡± </b>


    Russell continued, ¡°I¡¯ve got a meeting now, but if you need anything, give me a call.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Aveline agreed and ended the call.


    She briefly closed her eyes, trying to push away the memories ofst night. The incident had happened before she even left the club, which was why Mason and Jason hadn¡¯t shown up immediately.


    Not wanting to dwell on it any longer, Aveline focused on finishing the meal. By the time she was done, Selena had unpacked and joined her at the dining table. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Aveline said, ¡± Selena, I found out something about Aaron.¡±


    Selena, still eating, asked, ¡°Oh? What is it?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°He¡¯s getting engaged to the Johnson family¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Selena paused mid¨Cbite. ¡°A strategic marriage? How clich¨¦.¡±

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    Aveline¡¯s expression grew serious as she asked, ¡°Selena, don¡¯t you have any other thoughts about this?¡±


    Selena took a bite of her chicken wing and replied, ¡°What thoughts? I don¡¯t have any. If he wants to marry for business¡® sake, let him.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°But what about the two of you¡­?¡±


    Selenaughed at that. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re worried about that? Don¡¯t be. If he really goes through with this marriage, I won¡¯t be involved with him anymore. The thing I despise most in this life is being the other woman.¡±


    Aveline finally felt relieved. It was a great relief that Selena thought this way. Regardless of what Aaron decided to do, if Selena maintained this attitude, he wouldn¡¯t be able to keep her tangled up in his life.


    Aaron didn¡¯t have the leverage over Selena that Lucas did over Aveline.


    Seeing Aveline lost in thought, Selena said, ¡°Alright, stop worrying. Those things aren¡¯t going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Aveline nodded, pushing the thoughts aside. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    After they finished eating, the two of them took a walk around the neighborhood. As they were heading back, Aveline¡¯s phone rang. She answered it with a puzzled expression. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hello, Miss Young, there¡¯s a gentleman at the gate who wants to see you. He says he¡¯s a friend of yours,¡® the security guard informed her.


    Aveline asked, ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    There was a brief pause before the guard replied, ¡°He says his name is Sidney Troy.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°Let him in.¡±


    Guard replied, ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Selena asked curiously.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Sidney is here.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Selena¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Why is he here? It¡¯ste. Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s here to ask you out on a date?¡±


    Aveline gave her an exasperated look. ¡°Stop jumping to conclusions. He might just need something. Let¡¯s go see what he wants.¡±


    Selena chuckled. ¡°If it was just something simple, couldn¡¯t he have called? Whye over in person? And without even giving you a heads¨Cup? He must be trying to surprise you.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She responded, ¡°With that kind of imagination, it¡¯s a shame you¡¯re not writing novels.¡±


    Selena just grinned.


    As they reached the za near the entrance, they saw Sidney approaching. A smile spread across his face as soon as he saw Aveline.


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    ¡°Aveline!¡±


    She asked, ¡°It¡¯s prettyte. Is there something you need?¡±


    Sidney scratched his head awkwardly. ¡°Yeah, I do. I was going to call, but I was afraid you might say no, so I decided toe over instead.¡±


    Selena¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity. ¡°So, what¡¯s up?¡±


    Aveline also looked at him, puzzled.


    Sidney rubbed his nose and cleared his throat. ¡°Well, I wanted to thank you for everything before, and 1 know I caused you some trouble afterward. So, I was hoping to treat you to dinner. Do you have some time?¡±


    Selena jumped in, ¡°She has plenty of time. In fact, she¡¯s got nothing but time right now. So, when¡¯s the dinner? Mind if I tag along? Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t eat much¨CI¡¯ve got a small appetite.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    Sidney smiled shyly. ¡°No problem at all. Aveline, how about tomorrow?<i>¡± </i>


    Selena nodded eagerly. ¡°Perfect, tomorrow it is.¡±


    ¡°Selena!¡± Aveline called out in exasperation.


    Selena just shrugged. ¡°What? You two are colleagues, right? It¡¯s perfectly normal for colleagues to treat each other to dinner.¡±


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    Aveline fell silent, realizing there was no way to resist thebined efforts of Sidney and Selena. She nodded reluctantly. ¡°Alright, tomorrow it is.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling like stars, making it hard for anyone not to soften toward


    him.


    O


    As the sky darkened and thest traces of orange faded, the lights in the neighborhood flickered on, and the sounds ofughter echoed in the distance.


    Selena suddenly remarked, ¡°Why do I feel like we¡¯re a family of three right now?¡±


    Aveline shot her a nk look before turning to Sidney. ¡°She¡¯s always like this¨Cdon¡¯t mind her.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s face softened with a smile. ¡°I think her personality is charming.¡±


    Selena immediately puffed up with pride. ¡°Did you hear that? Did you hear what he said? And you still want to ignore me? Admit it¨Cyou don¡¯t love me anymore!¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She quickly changed the topic. ¡°By the way, have you encountered any challenges at work recently? I noticed that Maria hasn¡¯t been taking you out to meetings as much.¡±


    At the mention of Maria, a flicker of difort crossed Sidney¡¯s face. He shook his head and replied, No, I¡¯ve been spending most of my time in the office drafting ns. I¡¯ve sent a few initial drafts to clients and am waiting for their feedback. But there¡¯s one client request that I didn¡¯t fully understand.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it. I have some free time now, so we can go over it together.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Sidney agreed, walking beside her as he exined the client¡¯s request. Aveline listened intently, asionally offering suggestions.


    Selena trailed behind them, deliberately creating some distance. She pulled <b>out </b>her phone, snapped a photo of their silhouettes under the streemp, and sent it to her social media. The ovepping shadows and the cozy atmosphere spoke volumes without any need for captions¨Cthose who knew would understand.


    By the time they reached the elevator, Aveline noticed how far behind Selena had fallen. ¡°What are <b>you </b>doing back there? Why are you taking so long?¡±


    Selena, still holding her phone, replied, ¡°Oh, I was just messaging someone.¡±


    As they entered the elevator, Selena suddenly said, ¡°I just remembered I might have something to do. How about I head out, and you two can continue chatting?¡±


    But before she could leave, Aveline blocked her way. ¡°What <b>do </b>you have to do that I <b>don¡¯t </b>know about?¡±


    Selena grinned sheepishly. <b>¡°</b><b>It </b><b>just </b>came up¡­ suddenly


    Aveline wasn¡¯t having it. ¡°It¡¯ste. You¡¯re not going out. <b>It¡¯s </b>not safe.¡±


    Selena was speechless. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Oh </b><b>no</b><b>, </b>Ave <b>is </b><b>so </b><b>strict</b><b>,</b>¡± she thought, sulking.


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    The elevator slowly ascended, but when it reached Aveline¡¯s floor<b>, </b>it stopped, and the doors opened to reveal Lucas standing there, his handsome figure framed by the doorway.


    Upon seeing him, Selena rolled her eyes dramatically.


    Aveline merely nced at him with a calm expression, saying nothing.


    Sidney, however, frowned, a sharp look shing in his eyes.


    Lucas¡® cold gaze swept over the three of them, finally settling on Aveline. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me?¡±


    Aveline replied coolly, ¡°Is there something you need?¡±


    Lucas stepped into the elevator, his tall frame making the previously spaciouspartment feel cramped.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree you¡¯d invite me to dinner?¡± he asked.


    Aveline raised an eyebrow as if she¡¯d heard a joke. ¡°You must be dreaming.¡±

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    ¡°Pfft¡­¡± Selena couldn¡¯t hold back herughter, bursting out at Lucas¡¯s audacity.


    She nced at Sidney and asked, ¡°Do you think he¡¯s dreaming too?¡±


    Sidney offered a faint smile, keeping his reaction subtle.


    Lucas ignored the two of them, his intense gaze fixed solely on Aveline.


    The elevator doors had closed, and it continued its ascent.


    ¡°I never said I¡¯d invite you,¡± Aveline stated firmly.


    Lucas¡® handsome face remained indifferent. ¡°Oh? Well, it¡¯s not toote to say it now.¡±


    Selena suddenly turned to Sidney and asked, ¡°Are all men this thick¨Cskinned?¡±


    Sidney responded, ¡°Not all of us.¡±


    Selena rubbed her chin thoughtfully. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s selective hearing? They just ignore what they don¡¯t want to hear.¡±


    Sidney remained silent this time, perhaps because there was some truth to it.


    Lucas¡® sharp gaze shifted to Selena, who met his stare without backing down, even lifting her chin defiantly. However, Lucas¡¯s imposing presence was overwhelming, and despite her initial bravado, Selena soon averted her eyes, feeling the pressure.


    A hint of disdain flickered in Lucas¡® eyes as he was about to say something, but the elevator doors


    opened.


    Aveline quickly stepped out, brushing past him without a word, with Selena and Sidney following closely behind her.


    Lucas watched as they all entered Aveline¡¯s apartment, his expression growing colder.


    One Russell wasn¡¯t enough; now Sidney too?


    ¡°Aveline, you certainly know how to attract attention!¡± Lucas thought.


    Selena nudged Aveline¡¯s arm. ¡°Babe, has he always been this shameless?¡±


    Aveline sighed in exasperation. ¡°You¡¯re only realizing that now?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena thought for a moment and said, ¡°But I remember, he wasn¡¯t like this before. Back then, if I teased him, he¡¯d blush, and his eyes would be glued to you. Whatever you told him <i>not </i>to do, he wouldn¡¯t do. He


    was so obedient.¡±


    A trace of sadness flickered in Aveline¡¯s eyes. ¡°Like you said, that was in the past.¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Selena sighed. ¡°I still don¡¯t get it. He just got his memory back; it¡¯s not like he lost the memories from that year. How could he change so much?<b>¡± </b>


    Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike her, and she widened her eyes. ¡°Oh my gosh! What if his body has


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    been taken over by someone from another world on a mission? And you¡¯re his target for the mission?¡±


    Aveline was speechless for a second before shemented, ¡°Babe, your imagination is running wild.¡±


    Selena grinned. ¡°That¡¯s how it always goes in those novels, right? How else do you exin such a huge personality shift?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to exin it, and I don¡¯t want to care.¡±


    She had deeply buried the memories of the old Lucas, unwilling to dig them up again. The current Lucas bore no resemnce to the man he used to be, except for the identical face.


    Not wanting to dwell on the topic any longer, Aveline turned to Sidney. ¡°Shall we discuss this in the study?


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    As they headed toward the study, Aveline called back to Selena, ¡°Bring us two cups of coffee.¡±


    Selena thought, ¡°Great! Now I¡¯m a secretary!¡±


    Deep down, though, this was exactly what Selena wanted. She¡¯d support Aveline being with anyone- anyone at all¨Cas long as it wasn¡¯t Lucas.


    By the time their discussion ended, it was alreadyte at night.


    Sidney looked apologetic. ¡°I only meant to invite you to dinner<b>, </b>but I ended up keeping you sote. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

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    Aveline smiled wryly. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Our conversation gave me a lot of new insights too. We should definitely discuss and explore these ideas more often.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Sidney replied, his eyes shining brightly. Then he added, ¡°I should get going now.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, take care on your way home.¡±


    She watched as Sidney stepped into the elevator. As soon as she closed the door and turned around, she found Selena standing behind her with a teasing grin on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Aveline asked, startled and confused by her friend¡¯s expression.


    Selena crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°So, did you feel that subtle, romantic tension yet?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. ¡°You¡¯re imagining things. We spent the entire time working on a design


    concept<b>.</b>¡±


    Selena¡¯s yful smile vanished. ¡°How dull! If it were me, alone in a room with such a charming and shy guy, I¡¯d definitely make a move.¡±


    As if lost in her thoughts, Selena¡¯s expression grew a little dreamy.


    Aveline gave her a gentle push. ¡°It¡¯ste. Stop daydreaming, or you¡¯ll end up oversleeping tomorrow.¡±


    Selena pouted. ¡°I¡¯m currently unemployed, remember?¡±


    Stunned into silence, Aveline chose to cut the conversation short.


    As Sidney exited the elevator, he spotted Lucas, dressed in workout gear, returning from a run. His breath was slightly uneven, but his gaze remained icy.


    Lucas jogged up to him and asked, ¡°Do you know how to box?¡±


    A hint of caution flickered in Sidney¡¯s eyes. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    A faint smile tugged at Lucas¡® lips. ¡°Just thought we could spar a bit. How about it?¡±


    Sidney¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. ¡°Sure, but I¡¯m not very good. I hope you will go easy on Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    me.¡±


    Lucas turned and headed toward his car, with Sidney following closely behind.


    They drove to a private boxing gym<b>, </b>where the manager respectfully nodded at Lucas. ¡°Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Lucas walked straight to the innermost area of the gym. It waste, and the ce was empty.


    He grabbed a pair of boxing gloves and began putting them on. When he nced at Sidney, he noticed the younger man was examining the gloves before slowly putting them on.


    A glimmer of disdain shed in Lucas¡¯s eyes.


    Once in the ring, Lucas loosened up his neck and arms, his cold gaze fixed on Sidney. ¡°Kid, once you¡¯re in


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    the ring, there¡¯s no holding back.¡±


    Compared to Lucas, Sidney¡¯s presence was less intimidating, but there was determination in his eyes. ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>give it my all!¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t waste any time and threw the first punch.


    Sidney was no match for him.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Lucas had him on the ground¨Cno contest at all.


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened with a hint of red as he continued tond brutal punches. Sidney¡¯s face soon bore the marks of the fight, bruised and bloodied.


    Finally, Lucas delivered a hard punch to Sidney¡¯s chest, watching him struggle to catch his breath. He sneered, ¡°Someone like you thinks you¡¯re worthy of her? Hmm?¡±


    Sidney coughed painfully, his face battered and bruised, looking utterly defeated.


    After catching his breath, he spoke with difficulty, ¡°Pursuing her is my right. You have no say in it.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Lucas raised an eyebrow, surprised by his response. He stood up, removed his boxing gloves, and said with a cold smile, ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re really made of, if you think you can keep chasing her.¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>598 </b>


    The next day.


    When Aveline arrived at the studio, she was shocked to see Sidney at his desk, his face covered in bruises and his fingers struggling to type on the keyboard.


    She hurried over and asked, ¡°Sidney, what happened to you?¡±


    Sidney looked up at her and managed a smile, though the effort caused his lips to twitch in pain, contorting his expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ fine,¡± he said with difficulty. ¡°After I left your cest night, I ran into Mr. Tudor. He suggested we spar a bit, so I agreed. Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯m really okay.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°Just a spar?¡±


    If it was just a sparring match, how did he end up in such a bad state?


    Sidney chuckled softly. ¡± Yeah, it was just sparring. I¡¯m really okay¨Cit looks worse than it is, just some surface wounds. Please, don¡¯t hold it against Mr. Tudor because of me.¡±


    There was a hint of self¨Cdeprecation in his eyes. ¡°In the end, it¡¯s just because I¡¯m not strong enough.¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together and then turned to leave. When she returned, she was carrying a few items¨Ca cold pack and some bruise ointment.


    She pulled over a chair and sat directly in front of Sidney. ¡°Turn around, I¡¯ll help you apply the ointment.¡±


    Sidney was taken aback and shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary, really, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    But Aveline¡¯s expression was stern. ¡°Do you n on facing clients with that face? They might run away before you even get a chance to speak.¡±


    Sidney let out a smallugh, though it was followed by a grimace of pain. ¡°Alright, I guess I¡¯d rather not scare off the clients I¡¯ve worked so hard to build rtionships with.¡±


    He turned to face her, and Aveline handed him the cold pack. ¡°Hold this against your mouth.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Sidney obediently pressed the cold pack to the corner of his mouth<b>, </b>the coolness soothing the burning pain. His eyes, still full of gratitude, watched Aveline as she carefully applied the ointment to his bruised


    cheek and forehead.


    ¡°All done,¡± she said after a few minutes, finishing the treatment. She left the ointment on his desk and added, ¡°Follow the instructions, and you¡¯ll be better in a few days.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thank you,¡± Sidney replied, his appreciation evident in his voice.


    Sidney gave her a faint smile, and for a moment, Aveline felt a pang of nostalgia.


    Her mind shed back to when Lucas had first learned to write. He had written her name with such pride, looking at her as if seeking approval. The memory sent a sharp pain within her.


    She quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m going to get back to work. If your hands aren¡¯t up to it, take a break. The boss won¡¯t


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    mind,¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Sidney replied, watching as she turned and walked away.


    As she walked away, he nced down, and momentster, his phone buzzed with a new photo. Someone had captured the moment perfectly¨Cthe sunlight illuminating Aveline as she carefully applied ointment to. his face, while he gazed at her with a look full of affection.


    Such a beautiful moment.


    Sidney found a contact in his phone and sent the photo without hesitation.


    At DK Group, in the CEO¡¯s office.


    Lucas¡® phone buzzed, and when he checked it, his expression immediately darkened. His eyes shed dangerously, and after a moment, a cold, ruthless smile curled his lips.


    Just then, Desmond knocked and entered the office. ¡°Mr. Tudor, here¡¯s the information on Sidney Troy. His mother is currently hospitalized, and he¡¯s the sole financial provider for his family.¡±


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    Lucas scanned the information briefly before saying, ¡°Make it clear¨Cany hospital that epts his mother will be considered an enemy of the Tudor family.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Desmond nodded and left the office.


    Lucas picked up his phone again, ring at the image that had irritated him earlier. A cold, disdainful glint shed in his dark eyes.


    Later that afternoon, Sidney received a frantic call from the caregiver.


    ¡°Sidney, what do we do? Your mother¡¯s been kicked out of the hospital! They said the medical bills have gone unpaid for too long, and they won¡¯t take her back.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Sidney shot up from his seat. ¡°Where are you now?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re at the hospital entrance. Your mother¡¯s passed out, but no one¡¯sing to help her. Sidney, what should we do?¡±


    Panic overtook Sidney as he quickly left the studio.


    As he rushed out, he nearly collided with Aveline. She stepped back and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, something¡¯s happened at home. I need to go,¡± Sidney said, his face full of anxiety.


    ¡°Do you need help?¡± Aveline offered.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± Sidney replied curtly before hurrying off.


    Aveline picked up the scattered documents from the floor and returned to her desk. She couldn¡¯t help but press her lips together in thought, still troubled by the bruises on Sidney¡¯s face.


    ¡°What is Lucas¡® problem with Sidney, anyway?¡± she wondered, letting out a small sigh as she resumed her work.


    As evening fell, Aveline was about to clock out when her phone rang. It was Selena.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Aveline answered.


    Selena¡¯s voice was full of curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Weren¡¯t we supposed to have dinner tonight? It¡¯s already thiste¨Cdon¡¯t tell me you two went ahead without me!¡±


    Aveline stepped out of the elevator and sighed. ¡°He had an emergency at home, so we had to cancel.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Selena sounded puzzled. ¡°What happened? Was it serious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Aveline replied. ¡°But he looked really worried.¡±


    Selena suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you give him a call to check in? After all, he did go all the way to Maple Garden to find you and invite you to dinner. It¡¯s only fair to show some concern.¡±


    Aveline agreed that she had a point. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give him a call.¡±


    ¡°Good, go ahead,¡± Selena encouraged.


    Aveline dialed Sidney¡¯s number, and after what felt like a long time, he finally answered. ¡°Hello?¡±


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    His voice sounded exhausted.


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°Sidney, how are you doing?¡±


    Sidney¡¯s breathing was noticeably heavy, and after a pause, he said, ¡°Aveline, could you do me a favor?¡±


    Hearing the strain in his voice, Aveline¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Of course. What do <i>you </i>need?¡±


    An hourter.


    At the Skyler family¡¯s private hospital, Sidney¡¯s mother had been settled into a room. As Sidney stepped out of the ward, his eyes were red as he looked at Aveline. ¡°Thank you. If it weren¡¯t for you, I don¡¯t know what I would have done.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°It¡¯s really Russell who helped. Without him, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to do much.¡±


    Sidney turned to Russell and bowed deeply.


    Russell dismissed it with a wave. ¡°No need to thank me. Your mother¡¯s settled now, so stay here and focus onforting her. Make sure she doesn¡¯t worry too much.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°I will.¡±


    Russell then looked at Aveline. ¡°Shall I take you home?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    After saying goodbye to Sidney, Aveline and Russell left the hospital together.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>600 </b>


    Russell nced at her and asked, ¡°Do you think this is just a coincidence?¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze, her expressionplicated. ¡°I have a pretty good idea who¡¯s behind this.¡±


    When she first met with Sidney, he had already told her that none of the major hospitals in Cloudre City would admit his mother for treatment, no matter how much he pleaded.


    In Cloudre City, there were plenty of people with the power to do something like this, but only one person who actually would.


    So, she had called Russell.


    By moving Sidney¡¯s mother to the Skyler family¡¯s hospital, they were <b>out </b>of the <b>reach </b>of the Tudors. With Russell¡¯s influence, Sidney¡¯s mother wouldn¡¯t be turned away again.


    She felt deeply grateful for Russell¡¯s timely help but was equally saddened, unable to understand why Lucas was being so ruthless.


    Was he really that heartless?


    Russell studied her. ¡°Aveline, if you keep going back and forth with him, the number of people he targets will only grow.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond, a faint sadness washing over her.


    Russell opened the car door. ¡°Get in. With his mother here, you can rest easy.¡±


    Aveline exhaled a shaky breath. ¡°Thank you, Russ.¡±


    Russell had helped her so many times that she wasn¡¯t sure how she could ever repay him.


    Russell smiled slightly. ¡°No need to thank me. If we¡¯re keeping score, a few thank¨Cyous <b>wouldn¡¯t </b>evene close to bncing the scales between us.¡±


    Aveline gave a bitter smile. ¡°Yeah, I owe you so much.¡±


    Russell¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°That¡¯s what friends are for, right? So don¡¯t worry about it<b>.</b>¡±


    But even between friends, there was only so much one could take without giving back.


    Aveline nodded silently.


    When they arrived back at Maple Garden, Aveline didn¡¯t go straight home. Instead, she stood outside Lucas¡® door and rang the bell.


    After a moment, the door opened, and Lucas stood there, his expression cold and distant. ¡°What do you want?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline looked at him icily. ¡°<b>Why </b>are you targeting Sidney<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas let <b>out </b><b>a </b>mockingugh. ¡°Him? <b>You </b>think he¡¯s worth my time to <b>target</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why did you hit him and <b>go after </b>his family<b>? </b><b>Lucas</b><b>, </b><b>if </b><b>you </b>have a problem<b>, </b>take <b>it </b>out on me. What¡¯s the point <b>of </b>targeting others?<b>¡± </b>


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    Lucas looked down at her with a cold, superior gaze. ¡°Take it out on you? Can you handle it?¡±


    Aveline was momentarily speechless.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re admitting it¨Cyou did all of this, didn¡¯t you?¡± she pressed.


    Instead of answering directly, Lucas shifted the conversation. ¡°Aveline, in what capacity are you questioning me? As my wife, or as his girlfriend?¡±


    Her brows furrowed in frustration. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the issue. What you¡¯re doing is wrong, and even if I were just a bystander, I¡¯d still have the right to question <b>it</b>.¡±


    Lucas sneered. ¡°If you¡¯re just a bystander, then why should I answer you?¡±


    With that, he moved to close the door.


    Aveline instinctively reached out to stop him. ¡°Lucas, leave Sidney alone!¡±


    She hade here determined to make him stop. Sidney was innocent and only caught in the crossfire because of her.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you begging me?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath caught. ¡°If that¡¯s what it takes, then fine. I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t go after innocent people. But Lucas¡® expression grew even colder. He grabbed her chin firmly, forcing her to meet his gaze. ¡°But Aveline, if you¡¯re going to beg, you¡¯d better have the right attitude. And this? I¡¯m far from satisfied.¡±


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    Chapter 601


    <b>Chapter 601 </b>


    ¡°You!¡±


    A sh of anger appeared in Aveline¡¯s eyes, but it quickly faded away. After all, she was the one asking for. help. Even though the biggest viin was him, what could she do? He held the power, able to act as he pleased.


    Aveline softened her stance and said, ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m begging you, can you stop targeting everyone else?¡±


    Her tone was gentle, like a soft stream of water flowing over the heart, warm andforting. She used to speak to him like this all the time. But it had been a long while since shest spoke to him this way.


    Lucas tightened his grip on her chin and suddenly leaned in closer.


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered twice, but she didn¡¯t pull away. She thought he was about to do what he usually liked to do, but unexpectedly, he released her and said coldly, ¡°Make me dinner.¡¯


    Feeling relieved, she nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He just wanted her to cook; it wasn¡¯t a challenge for her. She headed straight into the kitchen, using whatever ingredients were avable, and started cooking.


    Lucas stood by the kitchen door, his gaze growing darker and more intense as he watched her. He didn¡¯t take his eyes off her the entire time she cooked.


    When she finally ced the four dishes and soup on the table, she turned to him and asked, ¡°Is this enough?¡±


    Lucas walked over, seeing that all the dishes were his favorites. His expression shifted slightly. Was this intentional on her part, or was it a subconscious choice?


    ¡°Sit down and eat with me,¡± he said coolly.


    Aveline nodded and sat down, eating slowly. The dining room was quiet for a moment.


    After a long while, Lucas put down his utensils. Aveline immediately looked up at him, waiting for his next words. But Lucas didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he turned and walked away, heading straight into the study.


    Aveline let out a slight breath<b>, </b>tidied up the dining table and kitchen, then brewed <i>some </i>tea and quietly made her way <b>to </b>the study.


    Lucas was in the middle of a video conference, so Aveline silently set the teacup down and left He nced at her, his eyes dark. How far was she willing to go for someone else?


    room.


    The video conferencested two hours. When Lucas finally emerged, he found her sitting in the living room watching TV. The volume was turned down low, almost inaudible as if she was afraid of disturbing


    him.


    ¡°Lucas, have you made up your mind?¡± Aveline asked directly when she saw him.


    Lucas slid his hands into his pockets, his gaze lingering on her. ¡°Does it mean you¡¯ll do anything I ask?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s breath hitched slightly. ¡°If I do it<b>, </b>will you stop?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Not necessarily,¡±


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    Aveline¡¯s lips curled slightly. ¡°I knew it¨Cyou¡¯ve always been an untrustworthy, immoral person.¡±


    Instead of getting angry at her insult<b>, </b>Lucas walked over and sat beside her.


    ¡°What are you watching?¡± he asked.


    ¡°A drama,¡± Aveline replied. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What kind of drama?¡±


    Lucas continued to make small talk, and Aveline responded, though her answers were curt. Strangely enough, the two ended up sitting in the living room together, watching an entire episode.


    By then, it waste. Aveline yawned, stood up, and said<b>, </b><b>¡°</b>If you haven¡¯t made a decision today, I¡¯ll ask <i>you </i>again tomorrow. Goodbye.¡±


    With that, she turned to leave.


    But suddenly, Lucas grabbed her wrist, pulling her into his arms. Holding her soft body close, his breath brushed against her neck.

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    Aveline¡¯s body tensed, instinctively wanting to struggle, but she forced herself <i>to </i>remain still. She knew this was what he ultimately wanted; everything that happened before was just a prelude. She had already prepared herself mentally for this.


    But just when she expected him to take the next step, he simply held her for a long time. Aveline¡¯s body remained rigid, her lips pressed into a tight line.


    Lucas could sense her tension. The living room was so quiet that the subtle sound of their intertwined breathing was the only thing that broke the silence.


    Suddenly, Lucas released her, his deep, maic voice cool as he said, ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    Aveline froze, surprised by his words. She looked at him, confused.


    Lucas frowned, ¡°What¡¯s with that expression? Are you disappointed?¡±


    Aveline quickly stood up. ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯ll head home now.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, she hurried out. Lucas watched her retreating figure until the door closed, cutting off his view.


    He pulled out a cigarette, lit <b>it</b>, and let the smoke cloud his face, obscuring the emotions in his dark, sharp


    eyes.


    In Aveline¡¯s mind, he was probably always after just one thing. After all, that¡¯s what he had told her before.


    But today, <i>he </i>realized something new¨Cjust being with her, even if it was doing something as mundane as watching a ridiculous TV drama, brought him a quiet sense of contentment.


    It felt strangely simr to how he felt when he had lost his memory.


    Taking a deep drag of the cigarette, Lucas tried to suppress the chaos in his mind. If he enjoyed being with her this much, then he would just have to find a way to keep her from leaving.


    When Aveline returned home, she still felt a bit dazed. Lucas had actually let her go so easily. It was unbelievable. This had never happened before. Her emotions were a tangled mess.


    Now, she found it even harder <i>to </i>figure out what Lucas was thinking. What was he really trying to do? After wasting an entire evening, he still hadn¡¯t said whether he would leave Sidney alone or not.


    Aveline sighed softly, then headed to the bathroom to take a shower.


    The next morning, when Lucas opened his door, he found Aveline standing there, holding a lunchbox.


    ¡°Good morning, I made breakfast for you,¡± Aveline said with a light smile, handing him the box<b>. </b>


    Lucas suddenly walked past her and moved <b>to </b>the window, looking outside.


    Puzzled, Aveline asked, ¡°What are you looking at?<b>¡± </b>N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    ¡°I¡¯m just checking if pigs are flying today,¡± Lucas replied.


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    Aveline was speechless. She was asking for his help, so she had to show some sincerity. They couldn¡¯t keep parting on bad terms; it wouldn¡¯t be conducive to their discussions.


    After so many rounds of shing with him, Aveline had finallye to terms with the situation. She decided to go along with his whims, as long as she could achieve her goal.


    Lucas walked back over, took the lunchbox, and then stepped into the elevator.


    Aveline followed him in and asked, ¡°You¡¯ve had the whole night to think about it. What do you say?¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°About what?¡±


    Seeing the indifferent look on his face, as if he truly hadn¡¯t given Sidney¡¯s situation any thought, Aveline felt a wave of frustration surge through her chest. Her good mood from earlier that morning vanished


    instantly.


    ¡°Stay calm,¡± she reminded herself. ¡°His terrible behavior wasn¡¯t anything new<i>¡­</i>¡±


    ¡°Could you please stop targeting Sidney? We¡¯re just friends,¡± Aveline said, trying <i>to </i>keep her patience in check.

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    Chapter <b>603 </b>


    ¡°Friends<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    two


    Lucas scoffed as if he¡¯d just heard a joke. ¡°Selena¡¯s been doing everything she can to push you together. She¡¯s practically ready to throw you an engagement party, and you¡¯re telling me it¡¯s just friendship?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips curled slightly. ¡°She just loves ying matchmaker, but I decide who I want to date or make friends with.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Then tell her that ying matchmaker will only cause trouble.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s lips twitched again. Selena would matchmake with any man except Lucas. Her disdain for him ran deep.


    Aveline tried again, saying, ¡°So, can you stop targeting Sidney, please?¡±


    Lucas¡® expression turned colder. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    Just then, the elevator doors opened, and he walked out without another word, leaving her with yet another ambiguous answer.


    Aveline sighed helplessly. Why was it so hard to reach an agreement with him?


    When she arrived at the studio, she noticed Sidney looking exhausted. It was clear he hadn¡¯t rested well the previous night.


    However, the bruises on his face seemed to have healed a bit, a sign that the ointment was working.


    She approached him and asked, ¡°Is your mom¡¯s condition stable?¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s stable now, but the sudden discharge and transfer caused her old illness to re up again.¡±


    Aveline frowned slightly. ¡°Is it serious?¡±


    Sidney gave a bitter smile. ¡°It¡¯s all old issues. Even minor ailments can be really tormenting when they re up.¡±


    Aveline felt guilty and responsible for causing his mother so much stress.


    ¡°I¡¯ll visit her at the hospitalter,¡± Aveline said thoughtfully.


    Sidney was surprised by her offer, his eyes lighting up with a hint of joy. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble for you?¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°What are you talking about? We¡¯re friends. It¡¯s only natural for me to visit your mom.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Actually, my mom¡¯s been wanting to meet you, to thank you in person,¡®


    Aveline replied, ¡°Please don¡¯t let her worry about that. Right now, the most important thing is for her to rest and get better. We can worry about everything else once she¡¯s healthy again.¡±


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    Sidney agreed, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make sure to tell her that.¡±


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    After work, Aveline stopped by a store to pick up some fruit, snacks, and health supplements before heading to the hospital with Sidney.


    The VIP ward was very quiet, with hardly any sound as they walked through. When they opened the door to the room, they saw a caregiver assisting a frail middle¨Caged woman with her meal.


    ¡°Mom, my colleague is here to see you,¡± Sidney said as he walked in, naturally taking over the caregiver¡¯s


    task with a smile.


    Aveline approached and said, ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m Aveline. I wasn¡¯t sure what you might like, so I brought a few things. These are all good for your recovery.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s mother, Ruth Fall, smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯m just happy you came. You didn¡¯t have to bring anything. Please, have a seat.¡±


    Aveline nodded and asked, ¡°Are youfortable staying here, ma¡¯am?¡±


    Ruth nodded. ¡°Yes, veryfortable. The environment here is so much better than the previous hospital.


    I can finally get a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡±


    Ruth then asked, ¡°Are you also an architectural designer, Miss Young?¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

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    Aveline quickly waved her hands and said, ¡°No need, Ma¡¯am. I came to visit you, so let me stay here and chat with you for a while.¡±


    Sidney chimed in, ¡°Perfect timing¨CI have something to take care of<b>, </b>so you two can talk.¡±


    Ruth paused, then smiled helplessly. ¡°This rascal.¡±


    Aveline sat down by the bedside and began chatting with Ruth, learning a lot about Sidney¡¯s past. It seemed Ruth hadn¡¯t had a chance to chat like this in a long time, and once she started, she couldn¡¯t stop.


    By the time Sidney returned, Ruth was in the middle of sharing some of his childhood embarrassments.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Sidney quickly interjected, ¡°I was only gone for a short while, and you¡¯re already spilling all my


    secrets?¡±


    Ruth chuckled warmly. ¡°Every kid has their share of embarrassing moments. It¡¯s nothing to stress over.¡±


    Sidney sighed.


    Aveline looked at him with a smile. ¡°Did you get everything sorted?¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°Yeah, all done.¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Aveline stood up and turned to Ruth. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, so I¡¯ll head out now. Please take care, and I¡¯ll visit


    you again soon.¡±


    Ruth, though reluctant to see her go, said, ¡°Alright. Sidney, see Aveline out and be careful on your way.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Thank you, Ma¡¯am. Goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, dear.¡±


    Once outside the hospital, Sidney looked at Aveline with gratitude. ¡°Aveline, thank you so much. I haven¡¯t seen my mom smile like that in a long time.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°No need to thank me. I just had a chat with her. Make sure you spend more time with her whenever you can.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°I will.¡±


    Aveline got into her car. ¡°Alright, take care. I¡¯ll head out now.¡±


    Sidney nodded and watched as her car drove away.


    When he returned to the hospital room, Ruth immediately grabbed his hand and asked, ¡°Sidney, be honest with me. Do you have feelings for her?¡±


    Sidney sat down and asked, ¡°Mom, how did you figure <b>it </b>out?<b>¡± </b>


    With a knowing expression, Ruth replied, ¡°Do you think don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in that head of yours<b>? </b>But I have to say, she¡¯s a great girl, and Nike her too.


    ¡°Just focus on your work, and when you¡¯ve made a name for yourself, then you can think about pursuing


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    her. Right now isn¡¯t the time¨Cyou don¡¯t have a stable job yet, and with my health, I don¡¯t want to burden


    her.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°I was thinking the same thing.¡±


    Ruth smiled gently. ¡°Son, if you like someone, you have to treat her with genuine care. Never let her feel hurt or disappointed, okay?¡±


    Sidney nodded seriously. ¡°I understand. I will.¡±


    When Aveline returned to Maple Garden and stepped into the elevator, a tall, imposing figure appeared as the doors opened.


    She was surprised. ¡°You just got back?¡±


    Lucas looked cold, the chill in his expression almost palpable, like ayer of frost across his brow. He didn¡¯t answer her question.


    Aveline was puzzled and wondered, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    As the elevator ascended slowly, neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense and stifling.


    When the elevator doors finally opened, Lucas walked out without a word. Aveline followed, calling after him, ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    Lucas unlocked the door and walked in, moving to close it behind him. Aveline quickly grabbed the door, stopping it from shutting. ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s the matter with you? Have you lost your voice? You haven¡¯t said a single word.¡±


    Lucas stared at her coldly. ¡°Can¡¯t you tell I don¡¯t want to talk to you?¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>605 </b>


    Aveline felt a surge of frustration building up inside her.


    Lucas was <b>so </b>unpredictable!


    However, she couldn¡¯t afford to give up now¨Cnot when things were still unresolved. Especially after her conversation with Ruth today, the guilt and responsibility weighed even heavier on her. If it weren¡¯t for her, Ruth wouldn¡¯t have suffered so much.


    Exhaling slowly, Aveline asked, ¡°Lucas, why don¡¯t you want to talk to me? Is it something I said? Should I change the way I speak?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed. He was starting to think he should limit her time with Selena- she was definitely picking up some bad habits.


    Without warning, he grabbed her and yanked her inside, mming the door shut before pinning her against it.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Aveline let out a soft gasp, caught off guard by his sudden move.


    Lucas stared at her intensely. ¡°Go ahead, change it. Let¡¯s see.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Aveline started to speak but stopped short when she met his gaze. The words seemed to stick in her throat as if she couldn¡¯t figure out what to say next. His gaze looked too dangerous.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Where¡¯s that confidence you had just now?¡± Lucas sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Lucas, what¡¯s your problem? You¡¯re the one causing trouble, so why are you acting so unreasonable?<b>¡± </b>


    She wondered if he ever would get tired of this.


    Lucas tightened his grip on her chin, his handsome face darkening with a dangerous edge. ¡°Aveline, you know exactly what you were up to today.¡±


    At his words, Aveline frowned. ¡°You were following me?¡±


    Lucas¡® expression grew even colder.


    Aveline pushed his hand away. ¡°His family shouldn¡¯t be dragged into this. Even if you have an issue with Sidney, his mother is innocent. She¡¯s suffering because of what happened to me. Shouldn¡¯t I go and check on her? Lucas, I¡¯m not like you¨CI¡¯m not that heartless.


    Lucas let out a coldugh as he looked into her clear eyes. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why don¡¯t you ever learn?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Aveline¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    Lucas spoke coldly, ¡°The reason I¡¯m doing this is because I can¡¯t stand seeing you get close to him. If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll keep your distance, and I won¡¯t target him anymore. Aveline, the things he¡¯s going through are because of you.¡±


    Aveline felt a surge of anger bubbling up inside her, but she held it back. ¡°So, I can¡¯t even have a friend anymore, is that it<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


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    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes bore into hers. ¡°You should have understood this from the beginning.¡±


    Aveline let out a bitterugh, curling her lips in self¨Cmockery. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just lock me up? That way, I won¡¯t have contact with anyone and might as well not even be a person.¡±


    M


    With that, she turned, opened the door, and walked out, leaving the conversation once again on a sour note. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Lucas¡® expression darkened as he yanked at his tie, but the frustration in his chest wouldn¡¯t ease.


    Lock her up? Ha! That would probably be a good idea!


    When Aveline returned home, her face was still clouded with frustration. Seeing this, Selena asked, What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Nothing, just ran into an infuriating man.¡±


    Selena blinked. ¡°That infuriating man wouldn¡¯t happen to be called Lucas, would he?¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re so smart.¡±


    Selena¡¯s lips twitched.


    <i>¡± </i>


    She sighed. ¡°He¡¯s the only one who can get under your skin like this. But honestly, this push and pull between you two is going nowhere. How about you just kill him, and we all go down together? Problem solved. What do you think?¡±


    Aveline was left speechless.

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    Aveline looked at Selena helplessly and said, ¡°I still want to live a long life.¡±


    Selena slumped on the couch and said, ¡°So what now? You can¡¯t get rid of him, but you can¡¯t ept him


    either.¡±


    It was a frustrating situation. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Aveline¡¯s mood lightened a bit as she walked toward her bedroom, saying over her shoulder, ¡°One step at a time. No matter what, I won¡¯t let anyone around me get hurt by him.¡±


    Whatever Sidney¡¯s feelings for her might be, that was his business. She couldn¡¯t control that, but she could control herself and keep her distance from him.


    After her shower, Aveline felt much calmer. If today didn¡¯t go as nned, she¡¯d try again tomorrow¨Cor the day after, or even the next month. No matter how cold¨Chearted Lucas was, she was determined to make him stop targeting Sidney.


    In the days that followed, Aveline began making breakfast for Lucas every morning.


    However, despite waiting at his door until she was almostte for work, he never came out.


    Three dayster, she finally found out that Lucas hadn¡¯t stayed at his ce during that time.


    Holding the lunchbox, Aveline¡¯s expression grew moreplicated. This was his way¨Cif he wanted to, he could easily avoid her. It took no effort at all; he just had to stay somewhere she didn¡¯t know about.


    Aveline turned around and stepped into the elevator.


    Meanwhile, a small security camera at the corner of Lucas¡® front door blinked with a faint red light.


    In the CEO¡¯s office of DK Group, Lucas watched on his phone as Aveline walked away, her disappointment clear. His dark eyes reflected a mix of emotions.


    For the past few days, she¡¯d shown up every morning, and he¡¯d watched her every time. The feeling was strange, almost novel.


    In the past, he was the one chasing after her. Now, the roles were reversed¨Ceven if it was under his pressure. But the oue was what he wanted, and that was enough.


    At that moment, Desmond walked in and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, we¡¯ve identified the bodyguards around Miss Young. They were sent by Russell to ensure her safety.¡±


    A flicker of disdain crossed Lucas¡® eyes. ¡°Just a couple of useless fools.¡±


    Desmond asked, ¡°Should we get rid of them?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°No, let her see how worthless they are.¡±


    Desmond didn¡¯t say anything further. When it came to Aveline, Lucas was always ten steps ahead. Aveline was no match for him.


    Suddenly, Desmond¡¯s phone rang. He answered it and then looked at Lucas. ¡°Mr. Tudor, Miss Thompson


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    wants to see you.¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°Let here up.¡±


    <b>+25 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    Desmond ryed the instructions over the phone. About five minutester, there was a knock on the door of the CEO¡¯s office. Desmond walked over to open <b>it</b><b>, </b>revealing Judy in a tailored trench coat and thetest season¡¯s designer dress, looking impably elegant.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr. ke,¡± Judy greeted with a bright smile.


    Desmond nodded slightly and returned her smile politely. ¡°Good morning, Miss Thompson. Mr. Tudor is expecting you.¡±


    With that, he excused himself and left the office.


    Judy¡¯s smile deepened as she walked in and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, I¡¯ve reworked the proposal. What do you think?¡±


    Lucas replied coolly, ¡°Submit it to the project department. They need to review it first.¡±


    Judy blinked, her eyes wide with surprise. ¡°I thought, given our rtionship, we could skip those formalities.¡±


    Lucas lifted his gaze, his expression indifferent. ¡°What rtionship?¡±


    Judy hesitated for a moment, then smiled sweetly. ¡°We¡¯re friends, of course.¡±


    Her tone was perfectly bnced, sweet yet professional, with just the right amount of warmth and distance¨Cleaving no room for criticism.

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    Lucas¡® gaze was cold and deep as he responded, ¡°Even as friends, you should approach business with seriousness. If your proposal can¡¯t convince others, handing it directly to me is just a waste of my time.¡±


    Judy bit her lip slightly, her eyes filled with a hint of disappointment as she looked at him. ¡°Mr. Tudor, must you always be so harsh? I¡¯m really curious¨Chow did your ex¨Cwife manage to live with you<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lucas replied, ¡°So, you¡¯re curious about other people¡¯s married lives now? That¡¯s a bit inappropriate, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Judy pouted yfully. ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    Lucas remained indifferent. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t.¡±


    A strange feeling crossed Judy¡¯s mind. Lucas¡® attitude toward her seemed different now<i>. </i>She remembered how he used to treat her well, even to the point of neglecting Aveline for her.


    That special attention had caused Sophia to constantly target her. But it didn¡¯t matter¨CSophia was never really herpetition.


    Now that Sophia had been kicked out of the Summer family, she was out of the picture for good. The only


    woman left by Lucas¡® side was her.


    Suppressing her doubts, Judy calmed herself and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, I¡¯ve booked a table at a great


    restaurant for lunch. Why don¡¯t we try it together?¡±


    Lucas paused while flipping through his files. ¡°Alright.¡±


    A sh of joy crossed Judy¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°Great, I¡¯ll see you at lunch.¡±


    She turned and left, but Lucas¡® expression remainedposed, unaffected by her excitement. He picked up his phone and contacted Maria.


    Maria, upon receiving his instructions, couldn¡¯t help but feel exasperated.


    ¡°Boss, you¡¯re going to lunch with another woman, but you want me to bring Aveline to the same ce? Aren¡¯t you worried that your n might backfire, and Aveline will just ignore you?¡±


    Maria couldn¡¯t even begin to express how absurd this situation was. How could someone be so bold in their approach? Wasn¡¯t there a simpler way to pursue someone?


    But Lucas remained cold. ¡°Just do as I said.¡±


    Maria rolled her eyes. ¡°Fine, I got it.¡±


    At the studio, Aveline had just turned on herputer when Maria walked over and said, ¡°Sidney has a family emergency. You¡¯ll need to join me for lunch instead.¡±


    Aveline nodded, ¡°No problem.¡± Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Maria observed Aveline¡¯s expression for a moment before leaning in closer and asking quietly, ¡°Aveline, can I ask you a personal question?¡±


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    Chapter 607


    Aveline blinked, a bit puzzled. ¡°Like what?¡±


    Maria grinned. ¡°Your rtionship status¨Cdo you have a boyfriend?


    Everyone knew about Aveline¡¯s divorce by now, so Marja wasn¡¯t about to ask how things were with Lucas.


    Aveline smiled. ¡°No, are you nning to set me up?¡±


    Maria smirked. ¡°I¡¯d love to, but I¡¯m afraid you might not agree.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°You can tell me about it. If the match seems right, I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


    Maria nodded with a yful grin. ¡°Remember, you said it. If I find someone suitable, you can¡¯t back out.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t.¡±


    Maria gave her a pat on the shoulder before turning to leave. Aveline found it amusing that her boss was trying to set her up with someone.


    At noon, Aveline and Maria left together. When they arrived at the restaurant and had just sat down, Maria cursed under her breath. ¡°This is so frustrating. We were supposed to discuss the coboration today, and now they say they can¡¯t make it.¡±


    Aveline paused, then asked, ¡°What about all this food¡­?¡±


    Maria replied, ¡°We¡¯ll have to eat it, of course! Otherwise, it¡¯d be such a waste¨Cit costs a lot!¡±


    Aveline agreed.


    After all, they had to eat lunch anyway, and she hadn¡¯t been to this restaurant before. The food looked pretty good.


    Maria pulled out her phone and sent a message before casually chatting and eating with Aveline.


    About ten minutester, Maria suddenly winked at Aveline.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline looked confused. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Maria subtly gestured behind Aveline, prompting her to turn around. Curious, Aveline looked over her shoulder and saw Lucas and Judy walking in, making their way toward them.


    Aveline¡¯s expression froze for a moment before she casually grabbed a napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth.


    Maria leaned in and whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Running into them here, of all ces¨Cis she his new fling?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s face remained calm. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    Maria studied her expression, noticing that Aveline <b>didn¡¯t </b>seem jealous or upset. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh inwardly.


    ¡°It looks like the boss¡¯s tactic isn¡¯t working as nned, Maria thought.


    ¡°Miss Young.¡±


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    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    Judy had also noticed Aveline and approached with a smile. ¡°What a coincidence, running into you here.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression was indifferent. ¡°Is there something you need?¡±


    Judy smiled, standing close to Lucas, their posture intimate. ¡°Nothing much, just wanted to say hi. I see you¡¯re about to finish. How were the dishes? Any rmendations?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline replied coolly, ¡°These dishes weren¡¯t that great. You might want to pick something else.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Judy turned to Lucas. ¡°What do you feel like having?¡±


    Aveline interjected, ¡°I can help you order. I know his preferences well.¡±


    With that, she grabbed the menu and started picking dishes.


    Judy was taken aback, not expecting Aveline to react this way.


    ¡°What¡¯s she trying to do?¡± Judy thought.


    Lucas, on the other hand, watched Aveline closely, his gaze deep and unreadable, as if he were trying to figure out her thoughts.

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    Chapter 608


    <b>Chapter </b><b>608 </b>


    Aveline ordered all of Lucas¡® favorite dishes, then handed the menu back to the server and looked at Judy. ¡°Did you get all that, Miss Thompson?¡±


    ¡°I¡­,¡± Judy hesitated, surprised that Aveline would take the initiative to tell her all this¨Cas if she were trying to teach her. What kind of thought process was this? What exactly was Aveline thinking?


    Hearing Aveline¡¯s words, Lucas¡® expression immediately turned colder, and the tension around him seemed to thicken.


    But Aveline appeared unfazed and calmly continued, ¡°This way, you won¡¯t have to ask him next time. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed by now that he¡¯s not much of a talker.¡±


    Judy felt a pang of irritation. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. After spending more time together, I¡¯ll naturally pick up on these things.¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Aveline nodded, as if satisfied with the response.


    She then turned to Lucas and asked, ¡°Have you thought about what I mentioned earlier?¡±


    Lucas¡® sharp, handsome features hardened, and he didn¡¯t even bother to nce at her.


    Aveline blinked, then turned to Judy and remarked, ¡°See? He¡¯s quite rude, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    A stifledugh broke the tension as Maria quickly turned her head away, pressing her lips together in an effort to keep fromughing, hoping to avoid drawing attention to herself.


    Aveline calmly took a seat beside them and resumed eating when the food was served.


    Judy, unable to hold back any longer, asked, ¡°Miss Young, didn¡¯t you just eat?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Yes, but I wasn¡¯t full, and those dishes weren¡¯t that great, so I¡¯m trying these instead.¡± Judy was speechless, gripping her fork tighter as she nced at Lucas, hoping to gauge his reaction.


    But Lucas simply kept his eyes lowered, his expression unreadable.


    Weren¡¯t they already divorced? Why hadn¡¯t he told this annoying woman to leave? Her presence was ruining Judy¡¯s appetite!


    ¡°I¡¯m done. You two take your time,¡± Aveline said with a slight smile after finishing her meal. She stood up and turned to Maria, saying, ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom for a moment. We can leave together afterward.¡±


    Maria nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    After leaving the cubicle, Aveline stood in front of the mirror, washing her hands. In the reflection, she noticed Judy approaching, her expression dark and her gaze filled with disdain.


    ¡°Miss Young, don¡¯t you think what you¡¯re doing is a bit pathetic?<b>¡± </b>Judy remarked, her tone dripping with contempt.


    Aveline calmly washed her hands and then grabbed a paper towel to dry them. ¡°Do you? I think it¡¯s fine.¡± Judy¡¯s voice sharpened. ¡°You¡¯re divorced. Clinging to him like this¨Cisn¡¯t it a bit shameless?<b>¡± </b>


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    Aveline tossed the paper towel into the trash and turned to face her. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re divorced, but that¡¯s hardly some terrible sin. Besides, we¡¯re both single. Having a conversation and sharing a meal doesn¡¯t make me shameless. Buting in here to insult me¨Cwhat does that make <b>you</b>? A disgrace<b>?</b>¡± ¡°You-!¡± Judy¡¯s face darkened. She remembered that Aveline wasn¡¯t always this sharp¨Ctongued. How had she changed so much? Could she be trying to get back together with Lucas? That was absolutely impossible!


    Judy stepped closer, her eyes narrowing with a hint of challenge. ¡°Aveline, Lucas doesn¡¯t want <b>you </b>anymore, yet you¡¯re still clinging to him. It¡¯s pathetic.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes grew cold, and suddenly she raised her hand and pped Judy across the face.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>609 </b>


    The p echoed loudly through the restroom.


    Judy clutched her cheek, staring at Aveline in disbelief. ¡°You actually dared to hit me?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s gaze was icy as she looked at her. ¡°Yes, I did. Miss Thompson, you¡¯re truly ungrateful. I tried to help you, and you turned around and insulted me. Don¡¯t you think you deserved it?¡±


    Judy¡¯s eyes filled with rage. ¡°No one has ever dared to treat me like this! Aveline, you¡¯re finished!¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? And how exactly do you n to finish me? I¡¯ve recorded our conversation, Miss Thompson. So, if anything happens to me in the near future, you¡¯ll be the prime suspect.¡±


    Judy¡¯s fury intensified as she red at Aveline. ¡°You just wait.¡±


    Aveline let out a slight scoff, not bothering to respond further.


    Judy stormed out in anger, while Aveline calmly walked back toward the dining area. As she turned a corner, she found Lucas leaning against the wall, his expression cold as he looked at her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve,ying a hand on the Thompson family¡¯s heiress,¡± Lucas said icily.


    Aveline met his gaze and replied, ¡°She was asking for it.¡±


    Lucas stared at her intensely. ¡°And what about you?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Aveline asked, puzzled. ¡°What about me?¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Lucas stepped closer to her. ¡°As my ex¨Cwife, giving another woman tips on what I like and don¡¯t like- you¡¯re so generous and magnanimous. Should I give you a medal for it?¡±


    Aveline smirked slightly. ¡°No need for a medal. Just stop targeting the people around me, and that¡¯ll be enough.¡±


    Unexpectedly, Lucas¡® hand shot out, grabbing her by the throat and pinning her against the wall.


    ¡°Aveline, do you have a death wish?¡± Lucas¡® voice was icy cold. ¡°You think I need you to speak for me?¡±


    Aveline frowned and tapped his hand, trying to ease the pressure. ¡°Could you stop grabbing my throat every time? You¡¯re not going to kill me.¡±


    Lucas let out a dark chuckle. ¡°No, I can¡¯t kill you, but I can make you understand what true despair feels


    like.¡±


    With that, his grip tightened, and Aveline immediately felt her breath being cut off. Her mouth opened slightly as she struggled to breathe, her eyes widening with fear as she looked at him.


    His gaze was so cold¨Cwas he really going to kill her?


    Just as Aveline was on the verge of suffocating, Lucas abruptly released her. She gasped for air, coughing hard as his cold eyes watched her struggle. When her coughing fit subsided, he suddenly grabbed her chin and bent down to kiss her.


    The kiss was fierce and demanding, stealing her breath and overwhelming her with his intensity. The


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    relentless torment was too much for anyone to bear.


    Aveline tried to push him away, her thoughts racing¨Che¡¯spletely lost it!


    Lucas bit down on her lip, making her wince as the sharp pain registered. She tasted blood, realizing he had bitten hard enough to break the skin.


    ¡°Aveline,¡± Lucas growled, his voice low and threatening, ¡°behave yourself. Don¡¯t provoke me, or I really won¡¯t be able to stop myself from locking you up.¡±


    With that, he turned and walked away.


    Aveline leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. As she watched his figure retreat, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes.


    When she eventually returned to the dining area, Lucas and Judy were already gone.


    Maria noticed Aveline¡¯s disheveled appearance and frowned, asking, ¡°What happened to you?¡± Her eyesnded on Aveline¡¯s swollen, bloodied lip, but she hesitated to press further.


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s just go.¡±


    Maria nodded, though concern lingered in her eyes. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Back at the studio, Aveline was far from okay. She stared nkly at herputer screen, her mind spinning with thoughts. Suddenly, an idea began to take shape.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>610 </b>


    Resign.


    Leave.


    To disappear without a trace.


    If no one could find her, then those around her wouldn¡¯t get caught in the crossfire. Aveline pressed her lips together, feeling that this n might actually work.


    She had no close family, and only a few friends<b>¨C</b>Selena, Sidney, and Russell. Lucas couldn¡¯t touch Russell, so Selena was his only leverage. If she could find a way to leave with Selena, it would solve the problem.


    And Sidney? Once she was gone, Lucas would have no reason to trouble him anymore.


    Yes, it seemed like a solid n.


    Aveline pulled out her phone, hesitating on whether to tell Selena about her idea. No need to rush¨Cshe¡¯d wait and see. If things didn¡¯t improve, she would consider leaving.


    The whole afternoon, Aveline was preupied, her mind weighed down by her thoughts. Her mood didn¡¯t improve even after work.


    When she returned to Maple Garden and stepped into the elevator, two others followed her inside. Aveline instinctively looked up, and when she saw who it was, her expression froze.


    Lucas and Judy. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    He actually brought Judy home?


    Judy shot her a smug look and then casually wrapped her arm around Lucas¡®, her posture intimate and possessive.


    Aveline frowned, a wave of disgust washing over her.


    Thankfully, no one else got on the elevator, so Lucas and Judy were the first to step out. Aveline followed a momentter.


    When she opened the door to her apartment<b>, </b>she found Selena sitting on the couch, watching TV.


    ¡°Selena, I need to discuss something with you.¡± Aveline slipped off her shoes and walked over to her.


    ¡°Hmm? What is it?¡± Selena asked, her attention shifting to Aveline.


    Aveline leaned in closer and said, ¡°Let¡¯s leave together¡±


    Selena gave her a surprised look. ¡°Are <b>you </b>serious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Yes,¡± Aveline nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll slip away quietly so no one can find us. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°That sounds perfect!¡± Selena¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Girl, you¡¯re worth millions<b>¨C</b>you can live well wherever you go!¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Then let¡¯s start nning slowly. We need to keep it under wraps.¡±


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    Selena <b>nodded </b><b>eagerly</b>. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m with you.¡±


    Aveline had made up her mind to leave, so the next step was <b>to </b>figure out which city they should settle in.


    In the following days, Aveline kept running into Lucas and Judy after work. Lucas acted as if he didn¡¯t even see her, chatting away with Judy. Meanwhile, the gossip about them frequently made headlines, with rumors swirling that thest heir of the Tudor family was close to getting engaged to the Thompson family.


    One day, Maria walked over to Aveline¡¯s desk, phone in hand, and shook her head. ¡°Aveline, have you seen the news? Lucas is about to get engaged to Judy. Are all men this trashy?¡±


    How long had it been since their divorce? And now he was already nning to get engaged?


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°He¡¯s single now; he¡¯s free to do whatever he wants.¡±


    Maria gave her a probing look. ¡°You really don¡¯t care?¡±


    Aveline countered, ¡°What should I care about?¡±


    Maria leaned in a bit closer. ¡°But he¡¯s Lucas¨Cgood¨Clooking, great physique,es from a wealthy family. And you two were married. Don¡¯t you love him?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t love him.¡±


    Maria¡¯s eyes flickered for a moment. ¡°Well¡­ maybe that¡¯s for the best. At least you won¡¯t get hurt.¡±


    She handed Aveline a file. ¡°Anyway, <b>focus </b>on making money. This is a new client¡¯s brief¨Cthey want you to design a vi for their wedding. Take a good look at it.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Aveline nodded.


    This might be thest design shepleted because she had already chosen the city where she would


    start her new life.

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    Aveline opened the file and noticed the contact¡¯sst name was ke, which made her hesitate. She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed the number. The unfamiliar digits gave her a surprising sense of relief.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    But when she heard Desmond¡¯s voice on the other end, her mood soured immediately.


    ¡°Why is it you?¡±


    Desmond was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Uh¡­ Miss Young? Is there something you need from me?¡±


    He pretended to be surprised, but in reality, Lucas was sitting right next to him, listening in through the speakerphone.


    Aveline asked, ¡°I received <b>a </bmission to design a vi. Did you buy a vi? Are you getting married?¡±


    Desmond hesitated, ncing at Lucas for guidance.


    Lucas, maintaining his cold demeanor, gave nothing away, leaving Desmond to fend for himself.


    Desmond nervously stammered, ¡°Ah¡­ yes, it¡¯s just a coincidence that the projectnded with you. What a small world, huh?¡±


    Aveline, not buying the casual tone, asked, ¡°What are your requirements? Let me know, and I¡¯ll take notes.


    Desmond looked to Lucas again, but still received no help. Internally, Desmond was panicking¨Chow was he supposed toe up with requirements? He couldn¡¯t afford a vi, let alone n a wedding!


    Finally, after a brief moment of thought, Desmond suggested, ¡°Uh, Miss Young, how about we discuss this in person? Maybe even do a site visit? It could help inspire your design.¡±


    He carefully watched Lucas¡® reaction and, seeing no objections, sighed in relief. He had made the right call¨Carranging a meeting with Aveline was the correct move.


    Aveline agreed, ¡°Alright. Are you free this afternoon? Send me the location of the vi.¡±


    Desmond quickly replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m free. I¡¯ll send you the address right away. We can discuss everything in person then.¡±


    ¡°Okay. See youter,¡± Aveline responded before ending the call.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    After the call ended, Desmond exhaled a heavy breath, cautiously ncing at Lucas to gauge his reaction. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I have a meeting this afternoon¡­ Maybe you could go in my ce?¡±


    Lucas shot him a cold look. ¡°Are you busier than I am?


    Desmond gave a nervousugh. ¡°Heh, well, I¡¯ve been cking offtely, so I thought I¡¯d be a bit more diligent today.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Lucas replied with icy indifference, ¡°<b>I </b>suppose I can help you out this time.¡±


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    Desmond quickly nodded, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Tudor. I¡¯ll get back to work now.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Lucas murmured.


    As soon as Desmond left the office, the fake smile on his face vanished, reced by a look of sheer dread. He just wanted to focus on his job and earn his paycheck¨Cwas that too much to ask?


    In the afternoon, Aveline arrived at the new vi development with her measuring tools in hand. The area was part of Cloudre City¡¯stest luxury viplex, nestled in a scenic spot surrounded by mountains and water¨Ca natural haven in the city.


    The primend had long been acquired by DK Group, who transformed it into this viplex. With the rising property prices, every inch of this area was worth a fortune.


    Aveline stood before a vast, barren piece ofnd, surveying the untouched, expansive plot. The area had yet to be developed, leaving the surroundingndscape in its natural state.


    Just then, the sound of a car engine drew her attention. She turned to see an expensive Porsche pulling up nearby, her expression cooling slightly as she recognized the vehicle.


    Lucas stepped out, wearing dark sunsses, with his shirt cor casually unbuttoned and no tie, exuding an air of effortless elegance.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Where¡¯s Desmond?¡± Aveline asked.


    Lucas walked up to her, his gaze hidden behind the tinted lenses. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be here? And why should he be?¡±

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    Aveline opened the file and noticed the contact¡¯sst name was ke, which made her hesitate. She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed the number. The unfamiliar digits gave her a surprising sense of relief.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    But when she heard Desmond¡¯s voice on the other end, her mood soured immediately.


    ¡°Why is it you?¡±


    Desmond was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Uh¡­ Miss Young? Is there something you need from me?¡±


    He pretended to be surprised, but in reality, Lucas was sitting right next to him, listening in through the speakerphone.


    Aveline asked, ¡°I received <b>a </bmission to design a vi. Did you buy a vi? Are you getting married?¡±


    Desmond hesitated, ncing at Lucas for guidance.


    Lucas, maintaining his cold demeanor, gave nothing away, leaving Desmond to fend for himself.


    Desmond nervously stammered, ¡°Ah¡­ yes, it¡¯s just a coincidence that the projectnded with you. What a small world, huh?¡±


    Aveline, not buying the casual tone, asked, ¡°What are your requirements? Let me know, and I¡¯ll take notes.


    Desmond looked to Lucas again, but still received no help. Internally, Desmond was panicking¨Chow was he supposed toe up with requirements? He couldn¡¯t afford a vi, let alone n a wedding! C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Finally, after a brief moment of thought, Desmond suggested, ¡°Uh, Miss Young, how about we discuss this in person? Maybe even do a site visit? It could help inspire your design.¡±


    He carefully watched Lucas¡® reaction and, seeing no objections, sighed in relief. He had made the right call¨Carranging a meeting with Aveline was the correct move.


    Aveline agreed, ¡°Alright. Are you free this afternoon? Send me the location of the vi.¡±


    Desmond quickly replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m free. I¡¯ll send you the address right away. We can discuss everything in person then.¡±


    ¡°Okay. See youter,¡± Aveline responded before ending the call.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    After the call ended, Desmond exhaled a heavy breath, cautiously ncing at Lucas to gauge his reaction. ¡°Mr. Tudor, I have a meeting this afternoon¡­ Maybe you could go in my ce?¡±


    Lucas shot him a cold look. ¡°Are you busier than I am?


    Desmond gave a nervousugh. ¡°Heh, well, I¡¯ve been cking offtely, so I thought I¡¯d be a bit more diligent today.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Lucas replied with icy indifference, ¡°<b>I </b>suppose I can help you out this time.¡±


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    Desmond quickly nodded, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Tudor. I¡¯ll get back to work now.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Lucas murmured.


    As soon as Desmond left the office, the fake smile on his face vanished, reced by a look of sheer dread. He just wanted to focus on his job and earn his paycheck¨Cwas that too much to ask?


    In the afternoon, Aveline arrived at the new vi development with her measuring tools in hand. The area was part of Cloudre City¡¯stest luxury viplex, nestled in a scenic spot surrounded by mountains and water¨Ca natural haven in the city.


    The primend had long been acquired by DK Group, who transformed it into this viplex. With the rising property prices, every inch of this area was worth a fortune.


    Aveline stood before a vast, barren piece ofnd, surveying the untouched, expansive plot. The area had yet to be developed, leaving the surroundingndscape in its natural state.


    Just then, the sound of a car engine drew her attention. She turned to see an expensive Porsche pulling up nearby, her expression cooling slightly as she recognized the vehicle.


    Lucas stepped out, wearing dark sunsses, with his shirt cor casually unbuttoned and no tie, exuding an air of effortless elegance.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Where¡¯s Desmond?¡± Aveline asked.


    Lucas walked up to her, his gaze hidden behind the tinted lenses. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be here? And why should he be?¡±

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    Chapter 613


    ¡°But you once said you loved me.¡±


    Lucas¡® gaze was unwavering as if he wouldn¡¯t <b>rest </b>until he got an answer.


    Aveline sighed helplessly and asked, ¡°Do you have any other requests?¡±


    She was referring to his ideas for the <b>design</b>.


    Lucas remained silent.


    Seeing that he had nothing more to add, Aveline said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll start taking measurements.¡±


    She needed to verify the dimensions against the ns to ensure everything was urate before she could begin drafting the blueprints.


    Pulling out her measuring tools, she got to work. The plot ofnd was enormous, and she spent the entire afternoon measuring just half of it. She¡¯d have to return the next morning to finish the job.


    Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she recorded the data and prepared to leave.


    The Porsche was still parked at the entrance. Lucas was sitting inside, having spent the entire afternoon there while she worked. Aveline couldn¡¯t help but think he must be incredibly bored.


    <b>Since </b>he hadn¡¯t left yet, she approached the car and asked, ¡°Lucas, could you give me a ride?¡±


    Lucas had taken off his sunsses, holding a cigarette between his fingers. He nced at her, his expression unreadable.


    After a long afternoon of work, Aveline was covered in dust, but her eyes were still bright.


    He replied, ¡°Two hundred dors for the ride<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Oh, never mind then,¡± Aveline said, turning away. There was a bus stop nearby, <b>and </b>she could easily take the bus home.


    Lucas didn¡¯t stop her. He simply watched her through the rearview mirror, his gaze growing even more inscrutable.


    When Aveline returned home, she was utterly exhausted.


    Selena, noticing how tired she looked, said, ¡°I¡¯ll order takeout. After you eat, you should get some rest.¡± ¡°Alright, Aveline agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll take a shower first.¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    <b>¡°</b>Go ahead.¡±


    After her shower, Aveline came out drying her hair with a towel. The sky had already darkened.


    Just then, her phone rang. ncing at the screen, <b>she </b>saw it was the same number Desmond had used earlier.


    She pressed her lips together and answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


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    On the other end of the line, Lucas¡® voice came through. ¡°I¡¯ve got some new ideas. Come over.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Just tell me over the phone.¡±


    Lucas insisted, ¡°It¡¯ll be more effective if we talk in person. Come over now.¡±


    And with that, he hung up.


    Aveline rolled her eyes, suddenly understanding how Selena must have felt before. No doubt about it- Lucas and Aaron were best buddies, both of them equally infuriating.


    When she stepped out of the bedroom, Selena called her over. ¡°Come on, dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°You go ahead. I need to step out for a bit.¡±


    Selena looked puzzled. ¡°Where are you going<b>?</b>¡±


    Aveline replied wearily, ¡°Downstairs.¡±


    Selena shook her head in exasperation. ¡°What does that nuisance want with you now? He just won¡¯t let up, will he?¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°I wish I knew.¡±


    When she reached downstairs, she rang the doorbell. It wasn¡¯t long before the door opened to reveal Lucas, wearing a bathrobe, looking more rxed and casual than usual.


    Aveline got straight to the point. ¡°What¡¯s the idea? Let¡¯s hear it.¡±


    She even had her notebook and pen ready to jot down any notes.


    Lucas turned and started walking inside. ¡°Come in and I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    Aveline hesitated, preferring to stay at the door. ¡°Just say it¨CI can hear you <b>from </b>here.¡±


    But Lucas walked out to the balcony and began speaking in a low voice<b>, </b>making it impossible for her to hear a single word.


    Aveline sighed in frustration. There was no avoiding it. She stepped inside, her expression t. ¡°What exactly are your ideas?¡±


    Seeing herply, Lucas couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly. He pointed to theputer. ¡°I found some reference images. Take a look.¡±

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    Aveline shifted her gaze from Lucas to theptop on the table. She decided to sit down and began scrolling through the reference images, carefully studying each one.


    The images showcased the evolution of modern domestic vi architecture, with many designs Incorporating foreign elements that <b>Lucas </b>clearly disliked. As a result, he wanted something more distinct and personalized.


    Engrossed in her task, Aveline didn¡¯t notice when Lucas moved behind her. Suddenly, he leaned down, cing his hands on the table and effectively trapping her in his embrace.


    ¡°I think this one looks good,¡± he murmured, his gaze fixed on the screen.


    Aveline stiffened, turning her head slightly to avoid his proximity. ¡°If you have something to say, just say it. Why do you need to be so close?¡±


    Lucas tilted his head to look at her, his eyes dark and unreadable, with a flicker of something she couldn¡¯t quite identify.


    ¡°I¡¯m just making sure you can hear me,¡± he replied in a low voice.


    Aveline rolled her eyes and refocused on the screen. ¡°If you prefer something more traditional, you could go for a ssic English garden style¨Cit¡¯s really elegant ¡±


    Lucas asked, ¡°Do you like the garden style?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, I do. With rock formations and flowing water, it creates a peaceful environment where you can enjoy different views without even leaving home.¡±


    Lucas stared at her intently. ¡°Then let¡¯s design it that way.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s hand tightened slightly on the mouse, and she asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask the futuredy of the house for her opinion<b>?</b>¡±


    Did Judy even like garden¨Cstyle designs<b>? </b>What if she didn¡¯t? Aveline thought it would be a hassle to redesign the ns if that were the case. It would be better to get everyone¡¯s input now rather than having to start overter.


    Lucas straightened up, putting some distance between them, though his gaze remained on her. ¡°It¡¯s my house, and I make the decisions.¡±


    Aveline rxed slightly, nodding. ¡°Alright, I understand


    She stood up and asked, ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    Lucas¨Creplied, ¡°Nothing for now.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head out then. If youe up with any new ideas, just let me know.¡± Her tone was calm and professional as if she were genuinely treating him <b>as </b>just another client. The dynamic between them felt strangely new, a different experience from anything they¡¯d had before.


    As Lucas watched her walk away, his gaze darkened. Suddenly, he said, ¡°I might have new ideas at any time, so keep your phone on ¡± N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


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    A sense of unease washed over Aveline, a premonition that the days ahead might be far from peaceful.


    ¡°Got it,¡± she replied tly, with no emotion.


    Just as she reached the door and was about to close it behind her, she hesitated. Turning back, she asked, ¡°<b>Lucas</b>, since you¡¯re nning to get married, can you stop interfering in my life?¡±


    Lucas let out a quiet, amused scoff. ¡°I thought you¡¯d never ask.¡±


    Aveline continued, ¡°You¡¯re like a constant threat looming over me. Of course I need to ask.¡±


    And she needed to pick the right moment to do it¨Cpreferably when he was in a good mood. But that was no easy task.


    Lucas sank into the couch, his voice indifferent as he replied, ¡°No.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°If you keep this up, your future wife wille after me.¡±


    ¡°And what if she does?¡± Lucas raised an eyebrow, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°Once she¡¯s my wife, she can do as she pleases.¡±

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    Aveline¡¯s expression darkened instantly. ¡°So, your happiness is built on my suffering?¡±


    Lucas replied calmly, ¡°If you¡¯re feeling hurt, you can alwayse to me for protection.¡±


    Aveline let out a bitterugh. ¡°Protection? As your mistress?¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t respond, simply watching her with that faint, mocking smile.


    The thought was nothing short of insulting to Aveline. Give up the role of his wife to be his mistress? Not a chance.


    She turned and stormed out, mming the door behind her.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Lucas closed his eyes for a moment, the smirk fading from his face. He walked over to the liquor cab, poured himself a drink, and slowly sipped it. His gaze fixed on the dark night outside, though his eyes were even darker.


    When Aveline returned home, Selena immediately asked, ¡°Did he give you a hard time?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, just his usual nonsense.¡±


    Selena burst outughing. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty urate description.¡±


    After washing her hands, Aveline sat down beside Selena, grabbing a piece of fried chicken. ¡°Mmm¡­ food never lets me down.¡±


    Selena handed her a beer. ¡°Here you go, babe. Beer won¡¯t let you down either. After this, you¡¯ll sleep like a baby.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good<b>.</b>¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t refuse. Life had been toughtely, and she needed something to take the edge off.


    After one beer, Aveline was already feeling tipsy. Her tolerance for alcohol was low, but at least she was home, where it didn¡¯t matter if she got a little drunk. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    She cuddled a pillow, lying peacefully on the couch, watching Selena move around the room.


    ¡°Selena¡­¡± Aveline¡¯s voice was soft, almost yful, with a hint of a pout. ¡°Why aren¡¯t youing over here?


    Selena smiled. ¡°I¡¯ming. I¡¯ming. Let¡¯s go to the bedroom and chat.¡±


    Selena finished tidying up and then came over to help Aveline to the bedroom. Aveline obediently followed, and once inside, she immediatelyy down on the bed.


    Selena couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at how much Aveline resembled a well¨Cbehaved child. ¡°Ave, you really shouldn¡¯t drink outside. If someone saw you like this, they might just carry you off.¡±


    Aveline nodded earnestly. ¡°Mm, I know. No drinking outside.¡±


    Chapter 615


    Selena couldn¡¯t resist pinching her cheek before <b>lying </b>down next to her. ¡°Goodnight, Ave.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Goodnight, Selena.¡±


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    At three in the morning. Aveline was rudely awakened by her phone ringing. She frowned deeply, grabbed the phone without checking who was calling, and answered it with irritation. ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Her


    voice, though, was soft and groggy,ced with the kind of drowsiness that tugged at the heart.


    Lucas¡® deep voice came through the line. ¡°Aveline,e over. I¡¯ve got a new idea.¡±


    Aveline, now fully irritated, snapped, ¡°Just because you say so doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯lle! Who do you think you are?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Lucas sounded surprised. ¡°Aveline, do you know who I am?¡±


    Aveline mumbled, ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are, but calling me in the middle of the night makes you a bad person!¡±


    Lucas chuckled. ¡°Have you been drinking?¡±


    Aveline, stubbornly, ¡°I have not!¡±


    Sleepiness washed over her like a tide, and she didn¡¯t want to keep talking. ¡°I¡¯m tired¡­ don¡¯t bother me,¡± she muttered, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep, forgetting to hang up the phone.

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    Chapter 616


    ¡°Ave¨CAveline?¡± Lucas called out, but there was no response from the other end. Only the sound of steady breathing reached his ears.


    He chuckled softly, then put the phone on speaker, letting it stay connected. As he listened to her gentle breathing, the chaos in his mind gradually eased. If she were beside him right now, he thought, he might feel even more at peace.


    The next morning, Aveline opened her eyes and instinctively reached for her phone to check her messages. To her surprise, the phone had shut off on its own.


    Huh? What happened? Why did it turn off?


    Confused, Aveline plugged it in to charge and waited for it to power back on. When it did, a flood of messages appeared, and she realized she had been on the phone with Lucas for four hours the previous night¨Cfrom 3 a.m. until 7 a.m.!


    Aveline stared at her phone in bewilderment.


    A phone call? How was it possible she had no memory of it?


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    Selena poked her head in and, seeing that Aveline was awake, said, ¡°Hey, I bought breakfast. Come and


    eat.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Aveline replied, still in a daze as she ran <b>a </b><b>hand </b>through her hair and got up to wash.


    When she came out, she asked, ¡°Did I act weirdst night? Like, did I do anything strange?¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°Nope, you were really well¨Cbehaved. You went to bed and fell asleep almost Immediately.¡±


    Was that so? Then how had she ended up talking to Lucas for so long<b>? </b>The worst part was, she couldn¡¯t remember a single thing she¡¯d said.


    Seeing her puzzled expression, Selena asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Aveline shook her head, trying to brush off her confusion. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    After finishing her breakfast of fresh milk and pancakes, Aveline headed out for work. As she stepped into the elevator, she encountered Lucas. He was dressed in a sleek silver¨Cgray suit, looking handsome and slightly wicked, exuding a cool, aristocratic aura.


    Aveline nced at him with suspicion but didn¡¯t voice her thoughts.


    Noticing her gaze, Lucas looked over at her. ¡°Aveline, do you remember what you saidst night?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline froze for a moment. So, she really had said things she shouldn¡¯t have?


    ¡°I was drunk,¡± she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t remember.


    Lucas¡® <b>lips </b>curled into a sly, mischievous smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I remember. I can help you recall.¡±


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    ¡°Tanter 676


    ¡°No need,¡± Aveline quickly refused. If she¡¯d forgotten, there was no point in dredging it up.


    Lucas gave her a long, intense look. ¡°You said you love me, that you miss me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Aveline denied his im almost instantly.


    There was no way she would have said something like that. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    But Lucas responded, ¡°You also said you were drunk and forgot everything. So how do you know your didn¡¯t say it?¡±


    Aveline replied calmly, ¡°Because I don¡¯t like you. I don¡¯t love you<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Her tone was steady as if she were stating a simple fact.


    However, Lucas¡® expression darkened, though only for a brief moment before he looked away. ¡°I have a recording.


    Aveline¡¯sposed demeanor cracked. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    He had a recording? Did she really say those words to him? But how could that be possible? She didn¡¯t love him anymore.


    Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Lucas stepped out.


    Aveline quickly followed him. ¡°Where¡¯s the recording? I want to hear it.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t believe it without proof.


    Lucas gave her a cool nce. ¡°And why should I let you hear it? What if you try to destroy the evidence?¡±


    ¥³©`


    Aveline opened her mouth to argue, but Lucas had already gotten into his car and driven off, leaving her standing there,pletely bewildered.

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    Though she couldn¡¯t shake the thought that she might have said something like that, Aveline refused to believe it without hearing the recording.


    Wait a minute..


    If Lucas wanted to stop her, he could easily do it. So why would he worry about her deleting the recording? If he wouldn¡¯t let her listen, maybe he was bluffing.


    Convinced she was onto something. Aveline rolled her eyes in exasperation and left theplex.


    She returned to the vi site, but this time she brought some help with her.


    Sidney looked around at the vast area and said, ¡°You should¡¯ve called me yesterday.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it was this big. Let¡¯s get started.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    With two people working, the task went much faster. By noon, they had finished all the measurements.


    After double¨Cchecking the data to make sure everything was correct, Aveline said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Lunch is


    me.¡±


    Sidney walked beside her. ¡°Are you cooking?¡±


    Aveline paused, caught off guard.


    Sidney scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. ¡°Your cooking was really goodst time, but we can skip it today. You must be exhausted.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Yeah, I am. Maybe in a few days.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    They headed back into the city and found a small pasta shop for lunch. It was the middle of the day, and the ce was bustling with people.


    Aveline was starving, and when the pasta arrived, she didn¡¯t bother with formalities and dug <b>in</b>.


    Sidney watched her and asked, ¡°Aveline, has he been bothering youtely?¡±


    ¡°Mmm, no.¡± Aveline shook her head. ¡°How about you? How¡¯s your mom doing<b>? </b>


    Sidney replied, ¡°She¡¯s doing well at the hospital, no worries there. But she keeps mentioning you.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Once I get through this busy period, I¡¯ll go visit your mom.¡±


    Sidney grinned. ¡°She¡¯d be thrilled to see you.¡±


    Just then, his phone rang. ncing at the screen, he saw it was a call from the nurse. His expression C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    immediately tensed¨Cnurses usually didn¡¯t call unless something was


    He answered quickly, ¡°Hello, Ms. Dolly. What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    wrong.


    Dolly¡¯s voice was urgent. ¡°Sidney, you need to get back here right away! Some woman showed up out of


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    nowhere and is trying to kick your mother out of the hospital. She even brought bodyguards, and they look really intimidating!¡±


    Sidney¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m on my way. Don¡¯t let them touch my mom.¡±


    Aveline wiped her mouth with a hapkin and asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    Sidney exined the situation, and Aveline¡¯s face immediately mirrored his concern.


    A woman? Who else besides Lucas would go after Sidney like this?


    Setting her utensils down, Aveline said, ¡°I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    Sidney tried to protest, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can handle it.¡±


    But Aveline insisted, ¡°I can call Russell if things get out of hand. He might be able to help.¡±


    Seeing no other option, Sidney nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    The two of them hurried to the hospital. As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they could hear amotion.


    ¡°Throw all their stuff out! How dare they stay here when they can¡¯t even pay the medical bills? Have they no shame?¡±


    The voice was disturbingly familiar, dripping with malice.


    Aveline turned to see none other than Rina standing in the hallway.


    Why was it her?


    People from the other rooms hade out to watch, and even the doctors and nurses stood by, too intimidated to intervene.


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    Rina¡¯s position was undeniable¨Cshe was the spoiled princess of the Johnson family, with strong ties to Russell that made her untouchable. The doctors and nurses knew better than to challenge her.


    The nurse was doing her best to intervene. ¡°What are you doing? This is a hospital! You can¡¯t just throw people out!¡±


    ¡°Get her out of here!¡± <b>Rina </b>ordered harshly.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Sidney rushed forward, blocking the doorway to his mother¡¯s room. He red at Rina, demanding,* Who are you? What right do you have to kick us out?¡±


    Rina gave him a dismissive once¨Cover and sneered, ¡°I looked into your background. You can¡¯t even afford the hospital bills, yet you think you can stay here? Where do you get the nerve? Do you think the hospital is a charity?¡±


    Sidney¡¯s expression darkened, but he stood tall, his voice cold as he said, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business! The hospital agreed to let us stay.¡±


    Rina crossed her arms and nced at the doctor beside her. ¡°Oh, really? He can¡¯t pay his bills, and the hospital agreed? Does Mr. Skyler Sr. know about this?¡±


    It was a tant threat.


    One of the doctors stammered, ¡°Miss Johnson, w¨Cwe¡¯ll take care of it¡­¡±


    Rina turned back to Sidney, her tone dripping with cruelty. ¡°If you¡¯re that poor, maybe you should stop seeking treatment and just die. The sooner you die, the sooner you can be reincarnated into a better life.¡±


    ¡°Smack!¡±


    Her words were abruptly cut off by the sound of a sharp p.


    Rina clutched her face in disbelief, while everyone around them stood in stunned silence.


    Aveline lowered her hand, her voice icy. ¡°Miss Johnson, you¡¯re supposed to be a refineddy. Is this how you behave?¡±


    ¡°You wretched woman, how dare you p me!¡±


    Rina was livid.


    No one had ever treated her like this before. From a young age, everyone had treated her with the utmost respect no one had dared to even raise their voice at her, let alone strike her.


    ¡°Grab her! I want her face torn apart!¡± Rina screamed,manding her bodyguards.


    The bodyguards immediately moved to seize Aveline.


    But just then, Mason and Jason stepped forward, nking Aveline on either side, ready to protect her.


    Rina¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°Aren¡¯t you Russell¡¯s bodyguards? What are you doing here?¡±


    Mason replied, ¡°Miss Johnson, we¡¯re now working as Miss Young¡¯s bodyguards.¡±


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    Rina was on the verge of losing it. Russell had actually assigned his personal bodyguards to protect Aveline! This wretched woman¨Chow dare shel


    ¡°Why are you all just standing there? Grab her!¡± she shouted at her remaining guards.


    The bodyguards moved toward Aveline, but none of them were a match for Mason and Jason. Within moments, most of them were incapacitated, lying on the floor of the hospital corridor.


    Themotion in the hallway was intense.


    Aveline turned to one of the nurses and asked, ¡°Where do I pay the bill?¡±


    The nurse, clearly nervous, replied, ¡°I¡­ I can take it here.¡±


    Aveline walked over, paid the hospital fees, and then addressed the room. ¡°Now, do any of you have a reason to kick them out?¡±


    The doctors and nurses remained silent, unwilling to get involved in the mess unfolding before them. They were small yers in this high¨Cstakes confrontation, and all they could do was wait for it to end. Aveline then faced Rina. ¡°Miss Johnson, I hope today¡¯s events teach you a lesson. Your status doesn¡¯t give you the right to do whatever you please. Even if you were the most powerful person in the world, when you deserve a beating, someone will deliver it.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you wretched woman!¡± Rina red at her furiously. ¡°You just wait¨CI won¡¯t let you get away with this!¡±


    Aveline raised an eyebrow. ¡°With so many witnesses here today, if anything happens to me in the near future, you¡¯ll be the prime suspect.¡±

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    Chapter 619


    Rina narrowed her eyes. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°Isn¡¯t it you, Miss Johnson, who does the threatening?¡±


    Rina let out a coldugh. ¡°Do you really think <b>this </b>will make me afraid of you?¡±


    She stepped closer to Aveline, her eyes filled with open disdain. ¡°Taking you down would be as easy as squashing a bug. So go ahead, wait for your end, you wretch.¡±


    With that, she turned and marched off, her bodyguards trailing behind her in a show of force.


    The other patients and their families in the hospital continued to peek out from their rooms, watching the spectacle unfold.


    ¡°Mom, Mom!¡± Sidney¡¯s urgent voice suddenly broke through the tension.


    Aveline¡¯s expression shifted, <b>and </b>she rushed over, only to find Sidney¡¯s mother unconscious in the hospital room.


    ¡°Doctor! Doctor!¡±


    Sidney¡¯s mother was rushed into the emergency room.


    Sidney stood by the door, his posture slumped, his face noticeably paler than before.


    Aveline stayed beside him, offeringfort. ¡°She¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s voice was rough and dry <b>as </b>he said, ¡°Aveline, you¡¯ve helped me again. Thank you.¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°We¡¯re friends, no need for thanks.¡±


    Sidney looked at her, something unspoken flickering in his eyes. ¡°Aveline, I-¡±


    But Aveline cut him off, ¡°Just remember, you¡¯ll need to work hard to pay back the hospital fees.¡±


    Sidney managed a small smile, the dark cloud over his heart lifting slightly. ¡°I will. I promise.¡±


    Aveline smiled back. ¡°So don¡¯t worry too much. Everything¡¯s taken care of now. Just focus on helping your mom recover and keep working hard.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± Sidney nodded, his gaze lingering on her with newfound depth.


    Aveline looked away and took a seat on a nearby chair


    Ruth¡¯s health problems stemmed mainly from her heart condition, and she had just experienced a severe heart attack that nearly imed her life. It took the doctors three hours to stabilize her.


    When she was finally back in her hospital room, she had regained consciousness, but her face was pale, and she looked incredibly weak. She <b>reached </b>out a trembling hand, trying to grasp Aveline¡¯s. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Aveline immediately stepped forward. ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s alright now. Just focus on resting and getting better.¡± Ruth¡¯s eyes were filled with gratitude. ¡°Aveline, thank you<b>¡­</b><b>¡± </b>


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    Aveline gave her a gentle smile. ¡°Ma¡¯am, there¡¯s no need to thank me. I¡¯m Sidney¡¯s friend; this is what I should do.¡±


    Sidney added, ¡°Mom, you should rest now. It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll walk Aveline out.¡±


    ¡°Okay, be careful.¡± Ruth nodded, reluctantly letting go of Aveline¡¯s hand.


    Once they were out of the room, Aveline turned to Sidney. ¡°You don¡¯t need to see me off. Stay here and take care of your mom. I¡¯ve got other things to handle!


    Sidney looked at her intently and, without warning, pulled her into a hug.


    Aveline was startled and instinctively tried to pull away. ¡°What are you-


    ¡°Aveline, thank you,¡± Sidney said, holding her tightly for a moment before releasing her and heading back into the room.


    Aveline stood there, her hand still awkwardly suspended in mid¨Cair, feeling a bit shaken.


    Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen and <b>saw </b>it was Russell calling.


    ¡°Hello, Russ.¡±


    Russell¡¯s voice was filled with concern. ¡°I just heard about what happened at the hospital. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?¡±


    As Aveline walked towards the elevator, she replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine. In fact, I even pped Rina.¡±


    ¡°You pped Rina?¡± Russell was clearly taken aback, then said in a low <b>tone</b>, ¡°You¡¯re in trouble now. She¡¯s incredibly arrogant and won¡¯t let this go easily.

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    Aveline paused, her finger hovering over the elevator button as she asked, ¡°So what should I do?¡±


    Russell thought for a moment before suggesting. ¡°Maybe I should assign a few more bodyguards to you?¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but imagine the scene of being escorted by a whole squad of bodyguards every time she went out, and she let out a small, exasperatedugh. N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    |


    ¡°It¡¯s not something I want, but this youngdy showed up at the hospital out of nowhere, causing trouble and trying to evict my colleague¡¯s mother. They don¡¯t even know each other, so why would she do this?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°Then you need to think about who might be targeting your colleague, even to the point of using someone else to do the dirty work.¡±


    As Aveline stepped into the elevator, her expression turned cold. Who else could it be? The only person who had been consistently targeting Sidney was Lucas.


    Since Ruth was at the Skyler family¡¯s hospital, Lucas couldn¡¯t act directly, so he resorted to using others to do his bidding. Now that she had shed with Rina, Rina would certainly make Sidney¡¯s life even harder.


    A deep sense of frustration washed over Aveline.


    Russell spoke up again, ¡°I¡¯ll have some people stationed at the hospital to protect them. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Aveline managed a small smile and said, ¡°Russ, you¡¯ve helped me so much already. I don¡¯t even know how to repay you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy.¡± Russell chuckled. ¡°Just marry me.¡±


    Aveline fell silent, gripping her phone a little tighter before replying, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Lucas, I might seriously consider it.¡±


    Russell was such a good man¨Chow could anyone not be tempted? But after loving Lucas, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to dive into another rtionship so easily. Love had be too painful.


    Russell sighed. ¡°I guess I was toote.¡±


    Aveline said, ¡°Russ, I¡¯ve got another calling in. I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    After hanging up, Aveline let out a deep breath. She hadn¡¯t known how to respond, so she¡¯d used the excuse of another call to cut <b>the </b>conversation short. Russell¡¯s words had caught herpletely off guard. She couldn¡¯t ignore the fact that Russell¡¯s kindness wasn¡¯t without reason. How could someone be so good to another person without expecting anything in return? But she felt like she could never repay him. As the elevator doors opened, Avelineposed herself and stepped out. With the measurements done, her <b>next </b>task was to start drafting the <b>design</b>.


    Once she immersed herself in work, she became <b>so </b>absorbed that she lost track of time. When she finally looked up, the office was pitch dark, and everyone else had already left.


    She checked the time¨Cit was ten o¡¯clock at <b>night</b>.


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    Aveline sighed, realizing she had unintentionally stayedte. She packed up her things, shut down herputer, and headed out.


    The hallway was eerily quiet, shadows lurking in the corners. As <b>she </b>approached the elevator, the lights flickered on, but an inexplicable chill ran down her spine.


    She pulled out her phone and sent a message to Mason and Jason. They replied almost immediately, saying they were on their way up.


    The elevator doors opened, and Aveline stepped inside, pressing the button to close the doors. But, just likest time, the doors wouldn¡¯t shut.


    She didn¡¯t dare step out and quickly texted Mason, who confirmed they were close. Aveline kept her eyes fixed on the elevator entrance, waiting for them to arrive.


    But then, a tall man wearing a hat and mask suddenly entered the elevator, reaching over to press the button to close the doors.


    Aveline¡¯s heart pounded in her chest. There was something unsettlingly off about this man.


    She instinctively pressed the button to open the doors, ready to make a quick escape. But just as she was about to step out, she hesitated.


    Was there really no one else outside?


    Her body tensed, every hair on her <b>skin </b>standing on end, as cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

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    The elevator doors remained open, leaving Aveline stuck in a dilemma. She was too scared to step out yet staying inside with the man felt equally dangerous.


    She could feel his cold, unsettling gaze fixed on her, and her palms began to sweat as tension gripped her.


    Seconds ticked by, and the elevator began to beep, signaling that the doors had been open too long.


    ¡°Are you getting in or out?¡± The man finally spoke, his voice raspy and filled with impatience, a voice she didn¡¯t recognize.


    Aveline bit her lip, wondering why Mason still hadn¡¯t arrived. Even if he had to run, he should have been there by now.


    But with the man growing more agitated, she knew she couldn¡¯t stall any longer.


    ncing at the dark, empty hallway outside, she made the difficult choice to stay in the elevator. At least there were security cameras inside, offering a sliver of protection. If she stepped out into that hallway, anything could happen.


    She took a few steps back and pressed the button to close the doors. As they slowly shut, her anxiety heightened.


    The elevator descended smoothly, and although the man behind her hadn¡¯t made a move, she couldn¡¯t let her guard down.


    Then, as the elevator reached the fourth floor, the doors unexpectedly opened.


    Aveline jumped, her eyes darting up to see two men enter. Their expressions were cold, and they were dressed in all ck, exuding an aura of discipline and training. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She instinctively took a step back, pressing herself into the corner. Were these men working with the one already in the elevator?


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    If they were, what would she do?


    Aveline¡¯s grip tightened on her phone, her finger hovering over the emergency alert button. She had already pressed it four times¨Cone more press and the rm would be sent.


    In the tense, oppressive atmosphere, the elevator finally reached the first floor. As the doors slid open, Aveline wasted no time, quickly stepping out and hurrying towards the exit. Her car was parked outside rather than in the underground garage.


    a


    It wasn¡¯t until she got inside her car and locked the doors that she felt sense of relief wash over her. She nced up and noticed that the two men. from the elevator had already left, while the man in the hat and mask seemed to nce in her direction before walking away as well.


    Her hands were slick with sweat as she gripped the steering wheel, her heart still pounding from the tension.


    Suddenly, her phone rang, startling her. She quickly checked the screen¨Cit was Mason calling.


    ¡°Hello?¡± she answered, her voice still shaky.


    Mason¡¯s voice was filled with concern. ¡°Miss Young, I¡¯m so sorry. The


    elevator I was in malfunctioned, and I just got to your floor. Where are you now?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m already in my car.¡±


    Relief was evident in Mason¡¯s tone as he asked, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine now,¡± Aveline said, starting to regain herposure.


    She knew that the elevator malfunction must have been intentional. But what role did the men in the elevator y in all of this? If Mason was deliberately dyed, something should have happened to her¨Cbut it hadn¡¯t. Could it all have been a coincidence?


    Her thoughts returned to the two men in ck with stern expressions. What were they doing in an office building sote at night?


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    Questions swirled in her mind, making her head spin with possibilities.


    Mason¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts, ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, Miss Young. I promise this won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I¡¯m heading home now. Look into what happened tonight and see if you can find any clues.<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Understood,¡± Mason replied.


    Back at Maple Garden, Aveline stepped out of the elevator, feeling utterly exhausted. But just as she was about to unlock her door, the hallway lights. suddenly went out.


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    Chapter 622


    Aveline jumped in fright! The string of unsettling events that night had nearly driven her to the edge¨Cshe was on the brink of a nervous breakdown.


    She quickly fumbled with her keys, desperate to get inside. But just as she managed to open the door, a hand suddenly grabbed her shoulder and shoved her into the apartment, the figure following closely behind.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Aveline screamed, struggling wildly. She grabbed a heavy ceramic cat figurine from the entryway table and swung it at her assant.


    The figurine was solid and heavy¨Cdefinitely capable of doing some serious<b>. </b>damage.


    ¡°Aveline.¡± Lucas¡® deep voice cut through the chaos as he caught her wrist, <i>his </i>


    brow furrowing as he looked at her pale, panicked face. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s hand froze mid¨Cswing. Seeing Lucas¡® familiar, striking face, her breath came in ragged gasps, her chest heaving.


    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± she shouted. ¡°Why did you suddenly barge in? Why didn¡¯t you make a sound? Are you insane?¡±


    She pounded on his chest with her free hand, the fear from moments ago still coursing through her. She had genuinely thought someone else had followed her in¨Csomeone dangerous¨Cand for a split second, she believed she was about to die.


    Lucas let her hit him, calmly taking the ceramic cat from her hand and cing it back on the table. ¡°If I had announced myself, would you have let me in?¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± Aveline yelled, her voice shaky with lingering adrenaline. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Lucas¡® expression darkened, though he didn¡¯t react to her anger. He had heard about what happened earlier that night, which was why he hade to check on her. It was clear she¡¯d been badly shaken.


    He released her wrist and asked, ¡°Why are you so scared?¡±


    Aveline turned away, unwilling to share the details of her ordeal with him.


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    She saw no reason to involve him in it.


    As she turned, she caught sight of Selena standing not far away, arms<b>. </b>crossed, watching them with a smirk.


    Selena raised an eyebrow, teasing, ¡°For a second the e, I thought we had a break¨Cin.¡±


    Aveline moved toward Selena and hugged her tightly. ¡°Selena, I was really scared.¡±


    Selena immediately patted her back, shooting a sharp look at Lucas. ¡°Mr. Tudor, does your fianc¨¦e know you¡¯re sneaking around like this?¡±


    By now, the rumors of Lucas¡® impending engagement to Judy were everywhere, fueling much spection.


    Lucas¡® gaze remained fixed on Aveline. It irked him to see her cold and distant with him one moment, only to seekfort in someone else¡¯s arms the next. Was his embrace not asforting as another woman¡¯s? She¡¯d rather hold onto Selena thane to him.


    His expression darkened, and without another word, he turned and left, mming the door behind him.


    Selena scoffed. ¡°What¡¯s his problem?¡±


    Aveline continued holding onto her, trying to calm the lingering fear in her heart.


    Selena asked, ¡°What exactly happened?¡±


    Aveline exined the events that had taken ce earlier.


    Selena frowned deeply, her concern evident. ¡°That sounds terrifying. Are you hurt anywhere?¡±


    She pulled Aveline¡¯s arm to check her over, worry etched on her face.


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not hurt.<b>¡± </b>


    She then shared the odd details that had been bothering her.


    The two of them sat down on the sofa, and Selena listened carefully. After a


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    moment, she stroked her chin thoughtfully. ¡°If you think those two guys who got into the elevator were suspicious, then isn¡¯t it just as suspicious that Lucas showed up? What was he doing here?¡±


    Aveline paused, then replied, ¡°He¡¯s¡­ always been strange.¡±


    Selena chuckled at that, but then said more seriously, ¡°As much as I dislike


    him, if those two men seemed off, there¡¯s a good chance they were his people.¡±


    ÈÕ


    Comments

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    Chapter <b>623 </b>


    Aveline hesitated, suddenly considering a possibility she hadn¡¯t thought of before. Could Lucas have secretly arranged for her protection? Maybe those two men were actually there to keep an eye on her<b>. </b>Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Her feelings grew moreplicated.


    Selena chimed in, ¡°Even if he¡¯s trying to protect you, Aveline, it¡¯s likely for his


    own reasons.¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it.¡±


    ¡°What don¡¯t you get?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what he really wants,¡± Aveline said with a hint of frustration. ¡°When I was by his side, he was always unpredictable. But now that I¡¯m not around, he seems to be even more intense.¡±


    She suddenly turned to Selena. ¡°Do you think there¡¯s really something wrong with him?¡±


    Selenaughed at herment. ¡°Well, if you put it that way, maybe he does have some issues.¡±


    After all, how else could you exin his constant mood swings and erratic behavior?


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°Forget it. I won¡¯t overthink it. Once I finish the design for his vi, I can finally walk away.¡±


    Selena nodded. ¡°Yeah, no need to dwell on it.


    After that unsettling experience, Aveline made sure never to stayte at the office again. She shut down herputer and left promptly at the end of each workday. And the strange man who had scared her so much never reappeared.


    One day, she received a call from Yvonne. She was surprised¨Cmembers of the Tudor family rarely contacted her, mostly because they looked down on her. But why was Yvonne suddenly reaching out?


    ¡°Hello?¡± Aveline answered the call.


    Yvonne¡¯s warm voice came through, ¡°Aveline, are you busy?¡±


    ¡°Not really. What¡¯s up, Madam Yvonne?¡± Aveline replied.


    Yvonneughed softly. ¡°Well, Lucas¡® birthday ising up soon, and I¡¯m thinking of getting him a gift. If you have ome time, would youe along and help me pick something out?¡±


    Lucas¡® birthday? Aveline¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly. ¡°Sorry, Madam Yvonne, I¡¯ve been really busytely. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have time.¡±


    Yvonne seemed a bit surprised but responded politely, ¡°Alright then, take


    care.


    After ending the call, Yvonne sat in her beautifully decorated parlor, lost in thought. Had Aveline really moved on from Lucas? If that were the case, how would the next steps of her n unfold?


    Pondering the situation, Yvonne decided to send a message to Russell.


    Aveline and Selena had ns to grab some steaks, but halfway there, Aveline received a call from Russell.


    ¡°Hey, Russ,¡± Aveline answered, her tone immediately more rxed.


    Russell asked, ¡°What are you up to?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out to dinner with Selena. Want to join us?¡± Aveline offered.


    Russell teased, ¡°If it¡¯s not your cooking, I¡¯ll pass.¡±


    Aveline chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re just going for some steaks.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good. Enjoy. I just wanted to let you know my birthday ising


    up, and I¡¯m having a party. Do you want toe?¡± Russell asked.


    Without hesitation, Aveline replied, ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t miss it.¡±


    Russellughed. ¡°Great, I¡¯ll be looking forward to it.¡±


    +15 BONUS


    After she hung up, Selena asked, ¡°What was that about?¡±


    Aveline exined, ¡°Russell¡¯s birthday ising up soon, and he invited me to his party. I¡¯ll need to pick out a gift for him after we eat.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a n,¡± Selena agreed.


    After their meal, they headed straight to the mall. Once they reached the men¡¯s section, Selena quickly pulled Aveline into a clothing store.


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 Divorced 624

    5


    Chapter 624


    ¡°How about a tie?¡± Selena suggested, her eyes sparkling as she nced at the row of ties hanging on the wall.


    Aveline hesitated. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s appropriate?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Selena said with a smile. ¡°You re both single, and it¡¯s just a tie- it¡¯s nothing too concerning.¡±


    Aveline still felt a bit uncertain. She looked around the store, noting it was a high¨Cend brand where even a shirt started at a hefty price. Finally, she walked over to the dress shirts, carefully selecting a white one before holding it up. ¡°How about this?¡±


    Selena nced at it and nodded, ¡°That works too, but I don¡¯t think Russell usually goes for this style. He¡¯s more into casual wear.¡±


    Aveline smiled. ¡°Exactly, which is why I¡¯m getting it. Since he doesn¡¯t wear this often, there¡¯s less chance of anyone reading too much into it.¡±


    Selena blinked, clearly misinterpreting Aveline¡¯s reasoning. ¡°Oh, I see! So, you¡¯re hoping he¡¯ll keep it tucked away as a special item? Who knew your had such a clever strategy, Aveline?¡±


    Aveline sighed. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it, Selena.¡±


    After confirming the size with the store assistant, Aveline paid for the shirt.


    Meanwhile, on the upper level of the mall, Lucas stood by the railing, watching Aveline in the men¡¯s store below. His expression was unreadable, but there was something thoughtful in his gaze.


    ¡°What do you think she¡¯s doing in a men¡¯s store?¡± he asked, his voice low


    and even.


    Desmond, who stood beside him, was taken aback. How was he supposed to know? But seeing Lucas expected an answer, Desmond ventured a guess, ¡°Maybe she¡¯s buying something for you? Your birthday ising up soon.¡±


    Lucas¡® lips curved slightly at the suggestion. He nced at Desmond, ¡°You¡¯ll get a bonus this month.¡±


    +15 BONUS N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Desmond¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He earned a bonus just for guessing right? That was unexpected.


    Lucas continued watching until Aveline and Selena left the store. Only then


    did he turn away.


    His phone rang just as he was about to leave, and he answered it with a calm, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Aaron asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s the n for your birthday this year? Last time, you vanished, and no one could track you down to celebrate. We need to make sure it¡¯s done right this time.¡±


    Lucas responded indifferently, ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Russell chuckled. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make whatever ns then.¡±


    Lucas gave a brief acknowledgment.


    Aaron, sensing something off in Lucas¡¯s tone, teased, ¡°Are you high on drugs? You sound unusually rxed.¡±


    Only a close friend like Aaron could guess his mood so urately, even without seeing him.


    Lucas, in an unusually good mood, let thement slide, replying, ¡°How¡¯s your engagement to Rina progressing?¡±


    Aaron groaned. ¡°Don¡¯t get me started. It¡¯s a nightmare. My old man must be out of his mind, trying to marry me off to a spoiled princess.¡±


    Lucas reminded him, ¡°That engagement has been in the works was bound to happen sooner orter.¡±


    Aaron sighed. ¡°I¡¯m dragging it out as long as I can.¡±


    Lucas didn¡¯t push the topic further.


    for ages. It


    Three dayster, it was time for Russell¡¯s birthday party. Aveline received the details and, after changing into a dress, made her way to the venue at Club Nine.


    ¦°


    +15 BONUS


    As Aveline stepped into the elevator, she unexpectedly ran into someone fam¨ªliar.


    Aaron nced at the bag she was carrying and smirked. ¡°A birthday gift?¡±


    Comments

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    Chapter 625


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline tightened her grip on the bag, a flicker of surprise shing in her eyes as she asked, ¡°How did you know?


    Aaron chuckled and then, with a knowing look, said, ¡°I get it, I totally get it. You¡¯re preparing a surprise, right? Fine, won¡¯t ask anymore.¡±


    Aveline lookedpletely puzzled.


    But after a moment¡¯s thought, she realized that they were all part of the same circle, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that Aaron knew about Russell¡¯s birthday.


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond. She felt indifferent toward Aaron and had nothing to discuss with him.


    However, Aaron pulled out his phone and sent a message to Lucas.


    ¡°Guess who I just saw in the elevator?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Who?¡±


    Aaron texted, ¡°Your ex¨Cwife!¡±


    Lucas fell silent.


    Aaron texted, ¡°Hahaha! But she was holding a bag, probably a birthday gift


    for you. But how did she know we¡¯re having a party here today?<b>¡± </b>N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Lucas asked, ¡°Are you with her?¡±


    Aaron texted, ¡°Yeah, in the elevator.¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Oh.¡±


    Aaron responded, ¡°What do you mean by ¡®oh¡®?¡±


    Despite Aaron¡¯s follow¨Cup messages, Lucas didn¡¯t reply.


    Huh, what was wrong with him?


    Fortunately, the elevator soon arrived. As the doors opened, Aaron stepped out first, followed by Aveline.


    Seeing this, Aaron became ou


    VIS BONUS


    celebrate Lucas¡® birthday.


    She used to insist she didn¡¯t care for him, but now she¡¯s here for his birthday. Aaron really couldn¡¯t understand women at all.


    Aaron pushed open the door to the private room and walked in, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Aveline was heading raight ahead.


    ¡°Hey, you¡­¡±


    He instinctively wanted to say something, but then reconsidered. Maybe she was just going to the restroom?


    He thought women always needed to touch up their makeup.


    Oh well.


    She¡¯de overter.


    Aaron entered the private room, where everyone else had already arrived. Lucas nced up at him as he walked in.


    No, to be precise, he was looking behind him, but found no one there.


    Aaronughed unapologetically<i>, </i>¡°Are you waiting for Aveline? She went to the restroom to touch up her makeup. She should be back soon.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained cold and indifferent as he replied, ¡°Who said I was waiting for her?<b>¡± </b>


    Aaron popped a grape into his mouth and said, ¡°Fine, you¡¯re not waiting. I¡¯ll wait, okay?¡±


    Lucas shot him a frosty look.


    Aaron continued, ¡°I¡¯m waiting to see what gift she brought.¡±


    Only then did Lucas¡® expression soften slightly.


    However, as time passed, and everyone else had already arrived, Aveline. <b>was </b>still nowhere to be seen.


    Feeling bored, Aaron idly scrolled through his phone. When he saw a photo forwarded in the group chat, his eyes widened in shock. He nced at Lucas, then back at the photo, and suddenly felt uneasy.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Lucas asked, noticing his reaction.


    Aaron hesitated, unsure whether to say anything.


    But Lucas prompted him, ¡°If you have something to say, just say it.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Aaron tossed his phone to Lucas. ¡°See for yourself!<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas took the phone and immediately saw a photo¨Ca screenshot of a social media post.


    It was posted by Russell.


    ¡°Thanks, Ave, for the birthday gift. I really like it.¡±


    Below the caption was a picture of a gift bag, with clothes faintly visible inside.


    And at the bottom, the timestamp showed it was posted just half an hour


    ago.


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    Chapter <b>626 </b>


    +15 BONUS


    Aaron carefully observed Lucas¡® expression. He noticed that his demeanor had quickly turned cold, and even his entire aura had shifted.


    Aaron cleared his throat and said, ¡°Well, maybe I got it wrong. He wasn¡¯t here to celebrate your birthday. She was¡­


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Lucas snapped, handing the phone back to him before getting up and walking away.


    Aaron fumbled to catch the phone and hurriedly asked, ¡°Hey, where are you going?¡±


    On the same floor, in another private room.


    Aveline pushed the door open and walked in. She saw Russell seated in the middle of the sofa, surrounded by a group of people. The atmosphere in the room was lively, and everyone, wasplimenting him.


    ¡°Russ,¡± Aveline greeted as she approached, a faint smile appearing on her face.


    Russell heard her voice and looked her way. A charming smile immediately spread across his delicate, handsome face. ¡°You¡¯re here, have a seat.¡±


    Seeing this, the people around quickly made space for Aveline.


    She walked over and handed him a bag. ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    Russell looked even more surprised. When he saw the shirt inside the bag, his smile deepened. ¡°Out of all these people, your gift is the one I like the most. I¡¯m about to start working at thepany, and I actually needed a shirt. Thank you.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. With his status, how could he possiblyck clothes to wear? It was just his way of acknowledging her.


    Russell took out his phone and snapped a photo of the bag, then


    immediately posted it on Instagram.


    Aveline sat nearby and started drinking some juice.


    After finishing his post, Russell asked, ¡°How have you beentely?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Pretty good, nothing unexpected has happened.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Russell nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Russ, who¡¯s this beautifuldy?¡±


    ¡°Russ, why don¡¯t you introduce us? Is she your girlfriend?¡±


    Someone with a loud and boisterous personality noticed how close Russell and Aveline seemed and started teasing him.


    Russell nced at the person and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, she¡¯s shy.¡±


    ¡°Oh! She¡¯s shy!¡± The person mimicked Russell¡¯s tone, a knowing smile spreading across his face. ¡°Seems like your rtionship is something special!¡±


    Aveline lowered her eyes slightly. The lively atmosphere was a bit overwhelming for her, and she still felt a little out of ce.


    Russell patted her arm and said, ¡°They¡¯re just used to being casual like this, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    As the room grew more lively, Aveline¡¯s mood was gradually uplifted, and a faint smile remained on her face..


    Just then, the door to the private room opened, and Rina walked in.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s here, it¡¯s Miss Johnson<b>!</b>¡±


    ¡°What gift did the youngdy prepare this year?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Last year, she gave Russ an entire ind. Is there something even bigger this year?<b>¡± </b>


    As soon


    +15 BONUS


    Rina raised her chin with a slight smile. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve brought the best gift.¡±


    Her gaze fell on Russell, but then she noticed Aveline sitting beside him. Rina¡¯s expression immediately darkened. She strode over and grabbed


    Aveline, pulling her up.


    ¡°What are you doing here, woman?¡±


    Aveline was caught off guard by the sudden pull, leaving her momentarily stunned. When she met Rina¡¯s angry gaze, her brows furrowed.


    ments

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    Chapter <b>627 </b>


    Aveline pulled her hand back, giving Rina a cold look. ¡°I have the right to be wherever I want. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re overstepping, Miss Johnson?¡±


    Rina¡¯s face darkened further. ¡°You wretch! How dare you show up at Russ¡¯s birthday party? Get out!¡±


    ¡°Rina!¡±


    Russell¡¯s voice was noticeably colder as he stood up, pulling Aveline behind him. His usually warm eyes now held a hint of frost as he looked at Rina.


    ¡°Aveline is my guest.¡±


    ¡°Russ, she¡¯s nothing but a fickle, untrustworthy woman who-¡±


    Seeing Russell stand up for Aveline only made Rina¡¯s expression sour even more. She pointed usingly at Aveline, her face full of resentment.


    Russell grasped her wrist, gently lowering her hand. ¡°She¡¯s my guest. She came to celebrate my birthday. Rina, you can¡¯t act like this.¡±


    ¡°Russ!¡±


    Rina was furious. She wanted to throw Aveline out! She couldn¡¯t stand seeing another woman near Russell! But with Russell¡¯s expression already darkening, she knew that if she pushed any further, he might kick her out instead.


    With a huff, Rina red viciously at Aveline.


    She silently cursed her, ¡°Wretched woman<b>, </b>slut!¡±


    Russell sighed. ¡°That¡¯s enough, sit down.¡±


    He sat back down and pulled Aveline down with him to sit by his side again.


    Not wanting to be overshadowed, Rina edged out the person on Russell¡¯s other side and took their seat. She nced at Aveline and asked with a hint of challenge, ¡°I¡¯m curious, Miss Young, what gift did you bring for Russ¡® birthday?¡±


    +15 BONUS


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°Since it¡¯s a birthday gift for Russ, naturally, only he needs to know.¡±


    Rina¡¯s face fell. This wretched woman had no respect for her!


    Forcing a sweet smile, she handed the box she had brought to Russell.¡± Russ, this is the gift I prepared for you¨Ca diamond mine.¡±


    Her words hung in the air, and the room fell silent as everyone inhaled sharply, the atmosphere suddenly bing tense.


    A diamond mine!


    That wasn¡¯t the kind of gift given lightly!


    As expected, Rina certainly knew how to unt her wealth!


    Russell looked at Rina¡¯s eager expression and sighed helplessly. ¡°Rina, your gift is far too extravagant. I can¡¯t ept it.¡±


    Rina pouted. ¡°Oh,e on! The more valuable the gift, the better, right? Just take it. It¡¯s a birthday gift, and you can¡¯t return it!¡±


    With that, she shoved the box into Russell¡¯s hands, then shot a triumphant nce at Aveline.


    This woman, who couldn¡¯t even hold her own, thought she couldpare with her?


    Hmph!


    Russell looked down at the box. Inside was the transfer contract for the diamond mine¨CRina¡¯s own mine.


    Aveline watched from the side, unable to help but marvel at the sheer extravagance. Truly, this was wealth!


    She thought she was well¨Coff with a few million in her ount, but clearly, in this crowd, her money was nothing.


    Silently, Aveline continued munching on some crackers.


    ¡°Cake¡¯s here!¡±


    KIS BONUS


    At that moment, the door to the room opened, and a few people pushed in a


    cake tower.


    ¡°Russ, make a wish!<b>¡± </b>


    The crowd began to cheer.


    Rina grabbed Russell¡¯s arm and pulled him up. ¡°Russ<b>, </be on, make a wish.


    Russell let himself be led to the cake tower. The crowd gathered around as the candles were lit, and the room¡¯s lights were suddenly dimmed.


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 Divorced 628

    Chapter <b>628 </b>


    Aveline stood quietly in the corner, watching Russell surrounded by the crowd, a hint of a smile appearing on her face.


    As the cheers filled the room, Russell, under the ge of everyone, made a wish and blew out the candles. The lights in the room flickered back on, and he picked up the knife to cut the cake. Everyone watched eagerly, especially Rina, who looked at him with anticipation.


    e was


    In the past, Russell always gave the first slice of cake to her, and she certain this year would be no different.


    But to her surprise, Russell turned and walked over to Aveline<b>, </b>holding the cake.


    ¡°This is for you.¡±


    His handsome face carried a soft smile as he handed the cake to Aveline.


    Caught off guard, Aveline quickly epted it. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Russell reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his gesture full of affection.


    Just then, the door to the room suddenly burst open, the noise drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Lucas entered, carrying an air of cold intensity.


    Russell¡¯s hand was still resting on Aveline¡¯s head, and she was holding the cake. This was the scene Lucas walked in on.


    A cold gleam shed through Lucas¡® eyes as his gaze swept across the room, eventuallynding on the bag sitting on the sofa.


    Earlier, he had seen Aveline shopping at a men¡¯s clothing store in the mall.


    He had thought the gift was for him.


    But it turned out, she had bought it for Russell.


    So, she didn¡¯t even realize today was his birthday too.


    She knew Russell¡¯s and even prepared a gift for him.


    Thinking about the quiet hope he¡¯d held in his heart these past few days,


    +15 BONUS


    Lucas found it utterlyughable. His expression grew colder, though the smile on his face became more pronounced.


    ¡°Looks like I arrived just in time.¡±


    Lucas stepped closer, stopping in front of Russell and Aveline. He nced at the cake in her hands, picked up a fork, and took a bite.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    He gave a nod of approval.


    Russell withdrew his hand, his expression calm as he asked, ¡°Mr. Tudor, are you here to celebrate my birthday? What a rare guest.¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°Today¡¯s your birthday? I didn¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t prepare a gift.¡±


    He paused for a moment, then suddenly turned to Aveline with a smile. ¡°But since my wife prepared a gift, it¡¯s as good as me preparing one.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she held the cake, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Why was Lucas here? What did he want? His intentions were clearly not good.


    Russell frowned and said, ¡°Mr. Tudor, you two are already divorced. Aveline is here on her own today.¡± Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Lucas¡® lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Who told you we¡¯re divorced?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s head snapped up, her eyes locking onto his.


    Russell¡¯s brow furrowed even deeper. ¡°What are you implying?¡±


    Without a word, Lucas took the cake from Aveline¡¯s hands and casually tossed it to the floor. Then, he grasped her hand and said calmly, ¡°Exactly what it sounds like<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    He looked down at Aveline, his voice softening. ¡°You already gave him his gift. Let¡¯s go home, alright?¡±


    Aveline stared at him in shock. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    What did he mean by that?


    2/3


    What did he mean by ¡°exactly what it sounds like¡°?


    Lucas watched the confusion on her face, his smile growing wider. ¡°Haven¡¯t I made myself clear? Aveline, we¡¯re not divorced.¡±


    Boom!


    It was as if something exploded in her mind.


    Not divorced?


    Not divorced??


    How could they not be divorced?


    Lucas tightened his grip on her hand and started to lead her out.


    Russell¡¯s face also showed a hint of shock. They weren¡¯t divorced?


    How was that possible?


    D


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 Divorced 629

    Chapter 629


    Stepping out of the private room, the cold wind hit Aveline, jolting her back. to reality. She abruptly pulled her hand away from Lucas, her eyes filled with confusion and disbelief as she looked at him.


    ¡°Lucas, what did you mean by what you just said?¡±


    Lucas nced at his now empty hand, his expression already turning cold. His dark eyes brewed a storm of danger as he looked at the shock and bewilderment on her face. He let out a coldugh.


    ¡°Hah, are you really that surprised? I told you, I¡¯m not letting you go.¡±


    He reached out, his hand gently brushing her face, relishing the turmoil in her eyes.


    ¡°Aveline, the divorce certificate is fake.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s slender figure swayed violently, and she grabbed his hand, her


    voice trembling. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re lying, right? You¡¯re just ying with me, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t believe it!


    How could the divorce certificate be fake?


    How was that even possible?


    They had gone to thewyer¡¯s office together, and she had checked the


    certificate countless times.


    How could it be fake?


    Lucas looked at her coldly. ¡°Hard to believe, isn¡¯t it?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯s face suddenly drained of color.


    He wasn¡¯t lying, he wasn¡¯t joking, and he wasn¡¯t toying with her.


    He was telling the truth.


    They were never divorced.


    +15 BONUS


    ¡°How could you do this?¡± Aveline looked at him in disbelief, a wave of intense anger surging within her, causing her whole body to tremble uncontrobly.


    They weren¡¯t divorced!


    They had never been!


    Why<b>? </b>Why


    Why? Why would he do this to her?


    She had been so close to finding hope, and now, with a single, casual sentence, he had shattered it all.


    Tears welled up in Aveline¡¯s eyes and began to fall. ¡°Lucas, what¡­ what did I ever do to deserve this from you? You keep ying with me, knowing full well how much this means to me, and yet, you lied to me! You lied to me!¡±


    Her emotions spiraled out of control as she began to hit Lucas, trying to release the overwhelming fury inside her.


    But her anger was so small, so insignificant.


    In front of Lucas, it didn¡¯t stir even the slightest ripple.


    He grabbed her wrist, his gaze cold and unfeeling. ¡°Does it hurt? Are you in pain? Aveline, every emotion you¡¯re feeling right now is exactly what I¡¯ve been going through!¡±


    He had waited for her, but what happened?


    She went to celebrate Russell¡¯s birthday instead!


    He had warned her countless times to stay away from Russell, but she never listened!


    If it hadn¡¯t been for the people he secretly assigned to protect her, those two useless men around Russell wouldn¡¯t have been able to keep her safe!


    And yet, she was blind to all of it!


    ¡°You? You think you can feel those emotions?¡± Avelineughed coldly as if she had just heard the most ridiculous joke. ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re insane¨Ca monster!¡±


    +15 BONUS


    She wrenched her hand free from his grasp and ran straight out!


    Insane?


    A monster?


    Lucas gritted his teeth, his eyes cold as he watched her go..


    She had done so much, and he hadn¡¯t even confronted her about it, yet she dared to turn the me on him?


    Clearly, he had been far too lenient with her!


    Aveline ran out of the Club Nine, into the busy streets outside. But she felt like a lost soul, drifting without purpose.


    Yes, without purpose. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    She had thought that after designing this house, she could leave Cloudre City and start the life she wanted.


    But they weren¡¯t divorced!


    How could they not be divorced?


    Tears streamed down Aveline¡¯s face inrge, uncontroble drops. It was as if she waspletely detached from everything around her.


    Suddenly, the harsh sound of a car horn pierced the air. Before she knew it, her body was struck, sent tumbling across the ground, and she lost consciousness almost immediately.


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 Divorced 630

    Chapter 630


    Aveline felt herself drifting as if she were floating weightlessly in midair. Her body seemed impossibly light, and she was filled with a sense of confusion. What was happening to her?


    ¡°Aveline? Aveline?¡±


    A distant voice called out, familiar but too far away for her to recognize.


    ¡°Aveline, wake up!¡±


    The voice came again, closer this time.


    The confusion on Aveline¡¯s face slowly faded as she began to recognize the


    voice¨Cit was Lucas!


    ¡°No, don¡¯te near me!¡±


    Aveline clutched her head tightly, rejecting his approach, refusing to hear his voice. Memories flooded her mind in a chaotic rush, overwhelming her until


    she burst into tears.


    ¡°Ave!¡±


    Suddenly, Selena¡¯s voice pierced through the confusion, and Aveline¡¯s eyes flew open. Her face was damp with sweat and tears, and the pain in her body started toe alive.


    ¡°Ave, you¡¯re finally awake! You scared me to death!¡± Selena sobbed, tears. streaming down her face as she saw Aveline regain consciousness.


    Aveline blinked, trying to move her neck, and then she realized she was wearing something around it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move! You were in a car ident, and you¡¯ve got fractures all over your body. Does it hurt a lot?¡± Selena quickly said when she saw Aveline trying to sit up.


    Aveline stopped moving and opened her mouth, struggling to speak. ¡°I¡­


    Selena quickly added, ¡°It¡¯s just fractures, no other issues. We¡¯re so lucky. You really scared me.


    Aveline closed her eyes, feeling the pain in her arms, legs, and ribs. Those. must be the areas that were injured. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Just then, the door to the hospital room opened, and tall man walked in.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    Aveline looked over and saw an unfamiliar face.


    The man was young, with a friendly and handsome appearance. His eyes carried a gentle, faint smile as he looked at her.


    ¡°And you are¡­?¡± Aveline asked, puzzled.


    Selena quickly exined, ¡°Ave, he¡¯s the one who hit you.¡±


    The man, Gernard Cooper, looked at Aveline with a face full of apology. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for hitting you. If there¡¯s anything you need, please don¡¯t hesitate to ask. I¡¯m here to help in any way I can.¡±


    He paused and then took out his business card. ¡°By the way, let me introduce myself. My name is Gernard Cooper.¡±


    He ced the business card on the bedside table. ¡°I¡¯ve hired a caregiver to look after you during this time, and your friend has been by your side the entire time. You¡¯ll recover soon.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes for a moment and then asked, ¡°How long¡­ how long have I been unconscious<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gernard replied, ¡°Three days.¡±


    Three days¡­


    Had it really been that long?


    Aveline felt a brief moment of disorientation.


    Gernard pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, his gaze carrying a hint of curiosity. ¡°Miss Young, how are you feeling now?¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°It hurts.¡±


    Gernard¡¯s expression stiffened slightly, and he said again, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    +15 BOHUS


    Selena quickly interjected, ¡°Ave, is there anything you¡¯d like to eat? I can go. get it for you.¡±


    Aveline realized she was indeed hungry. ¡°I¡¯d like some soup.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Alright, I¡¯ll go get some for you,¡± Selena said, immediately getting up and leaving.


    The room fell silent.


    Aveline blinked and said, ¡°The ident wasn¡¯t entirely your fault.¡±


    At that time, she had just learned about not being divorced from Lucas, and her mind had been in a state of shock and confusion. She hadn¡¯t been paying attention to her surroundings, which led to the ident.


    n a way, this gentleman had been dragged into the situation because of her.


    Sernard was a bit surprised but still replied, ¡°No, it¡¯s my fault for not noticing ou. What¡¯s most important is that you¡¯re okay now.¡±


    D


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    Aveline smiled slightly and asked, ¡°Mr. Cooper, you¡¯re not from Cloudre City, are you?¡±


    Gernard looked at her in surprise. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t quite have the local ent,¡± Aveline replied


    Gernard nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m from Larbor City, here on business.¡±


    He studied her face for a moment, then suddenly added, ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯m not trying to flirt, but Miss Young, every time I see you, I feel an inexplicable sense of familiarity.¡±


    Aveline chuckled softly. ¡°Do I remind you of a long¨Clost sister?¡±


    Gernard paused, genuinely considering the possibility.


    Aveline continued, ¡°Mr. Gernard, if you have other matters to attend to, please don¡¯t let me keep you. Now that I¡¯m awake, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Gernard couldn¡¯te up with an answer because his long¨Clost sister had already been found.


    ¡°Alright, if you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to call me.¡± Gernard nodded, leaving his card before standing up to leave.


    The room returned to its quiet state.


    Aveline closed her eyes, but the pain in her body was too overwhelming to let her rx.


    As her mind began to wander, the door opened again.


    Thinking Selena had returned, she said, ¡°You¡¯re back so quickly?¡±


    But there was no response.


    Puzzled, she opened her eyes and saw Lucas standing by her bedside.


    Her brows immediately furrowed.


    She closed her eyes again, hoping to block him out.


    Lucas observed her closely, not missing the coldness in her gaze. He pulled a chair over and sat down, remaining silent for a long while.


    The atmosphere in the room grew tense.


    Over the past three days, Lucas himself didn¡¯t know how he had managed to get through it.


    When he first heard that Aveline had been in a car ident and was in aa, he was stunned, rushing to the hospital only <i>to </i>find her still in critical condition.


    He had stayed by her side for those three days, constantly whispering in her ear, begging her to wake up.


    Today, he had to return to thepany briefly, and the moment he <b>left</b><b>, </b>she woke up.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she had done <b>it </b>on purpose.


    <b>But </b>looking at her pale, emaciated face, he found himself unable to say a word. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


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    Chapter 631


    He had watched the surveince footage of the ident.


    She had wandered onto the road, distracted and lost in thought, and a car had hit her because it couldn¡¯t stop in time.


    So, part of the me for the ident rested on him.


    Was the fact that they hadn¡¯t divorced really that shocking, that unbearable for her?


    Lucas wanted to ask, but he realized he couldn¡¯t bring himself <b>to </b><b>do </b><b>it</b>.


    Because he knew the answer would only bring him disappointment.


    When Selena returned, she found Lucas sitting by the bed like a statue,pletely still.


    She pursed her lips. He had been like this for the past few days, and no matter how much she tried, she couldn¡¯t get rid of him.


    <b>In </b>fact, he had even thrown her out of the room twice.


    This man was utterly insufferable.


    ¡°Ave, it¡¯s time to eat.¡±


    Selena walked over, setting the food she had bought on the table before raising the head of the bed.


    Aveline opened her eyes and said, ¡°It smells delicious.¡±


    Selena smiled. ¡°It¡¯s all your favorites, of course it smells good.¡±


    She set up a small tray and arranged the food on it, preparing to feed Aveline.


    But suddenly, Lucas reached out and grabbed the utensils from her.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing?¡± Selena immediately demanded.


    Lucas coldly replied, ¡°Leave.¡±


    Selena was furious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Ave doesn¡¯t even want to see you, so why are you here, forcing yourself on her? Have you no shame?¡±


    Her words were harsh, but Lu

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    ¡°You!¡±


    Selena red at him, her anger boiling over, but she couldn¡¯t find the words to respond.


    He was insufferable to the extreme!


    She nced at Aveline and noticed the slight frown on her face, a sign that she was ufortable. Deciding not to escte the situation further, Selena stepped back, her expression filled with frustration


    as she watched Lucas.


    Lucas brought the spoon to Aveline¡¯s lips. She looked at him for a moment, said nothing, and then took a


    bite.


    There was no point in punishing her own body.


    Seeing that she didn¡¯t refuse, a flicker of emotion passed through Lucas¡® eyes.


    Aveline had just woken up, and she didn¡¯t have much appetite. After eating a little, she said, ¡°I¡¯m full.¡±


    Lucas then cleared the small table and gently lowered the bed.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    He started to say something.


    But Aveline simply closed her eyes, clearly not interested in talking to him.


    Lucas pressed his lips together, his expression darkening, a heavy tension hanging in the air around him.


    Selena huffed, feeling a sense of satisfaction.


    Aveline had let Lucas help without giving him any attention¨Cthat was exactly how it should be!


    In the afternoon, Russell also came by.


    His brow was deeply furrowed as he gazed at her. ¡°If I had known this would happen, I would never have let you leave that day.¡±


    Aveline smiled at him and said, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I wasn¡¯t paying attention to where I was going.¡±


    Russell pressed his lips together before speaking again. ¡°Aveline, I didn¡¯t expect things to turn out this way. What do you n to do next?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes filled with uncertainty. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    She really didn¡¯t know..


    They weren¡¯t divorced.


    She and Lucas were still tied together.


    Aveliney in her hospital bed, staring nkly at the celling. The future felt like a vast, empty chasm. What was she supposed to do next? Continue dragging things out, stuck in a miserable limbo? But what would


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    be the point? She didn¡¯t want to see him anymore. She wanted to leave, to be free of him.


    Russell, who had been sitting quietly by her side, broke the silence. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not think about all that now. The most important thing is to focus on getting better.¡±


    He paused, his expression growing more serious. ¡°Do you know who hit you?¡±


    Aveline frowned slightly, puzzled. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°The eldest heir of the Cooper family, the wealthiest family in Larbor City. He¡¯s here, apparently, to discuss a coboration with the Tudor Group.¡±


    Aveline blinked. ¡°Quite the connection.¡±


    Russell nodded. ¡°Yeah, and I also heard that the Coopers might be looking to arrange a marriage with the Tudors. It¡¯s surprising¨Csomeone like him bing such a sought¨Cafter match.¡±


    First, there was the Thompson family, and now the Coopers.


    Aveline¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°But since I¡¯m still married to him, no matter who wants to arrange a marriage, it¡¯s impossible.¡±


    Russell looked at her with concern. ¡°Aveline, you could file for divorce. I can help you.¡±


    But Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯ll handle this myself.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t keep dragging Russell into her mess. She didn¡¯t want to owe him anything more.


    Russell seemed to understand her thoughts. He sighed, exasperated. ¡°Why won¡¯t you ever listen to me?¡±


    Aveline forced a small smile. ¡°Russ, I¡¯m feeling a bit tired. I¡¯d like to rest.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you get some sleep. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Russell stood up, gave her a reassuring smile, and left the room.


    Aveline closed her eyes again, trying to push away the thoughts that brought her nothing but pain and


    <b>sorrow</b>.


    For the next several days, Lucas came to visit three times a day. He would personally feed her breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After feeding her, he would leave, but he would always stay over after dinner.


    Aveline had no objections to this routine. Even if she did, he wouldn¡¯t listen anyway.


    Selena, however, was fuming about the situation.


    She started staying with Aveline at night, ring at Lucas with barely concealed disdain every time he was in the room.


    To her, Lucas was someone who didn¡¯t deserve even the slightest bit of Aveline¡¯s attention.


    But Aveline had resigned herself to Lucas¡¯s presence, focusing instead on gathering the strength she needed to make a decision about her future.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>633 </b>


    Selena snapped, ¡°Lucas, can you leave? Can¡¯t you see no one here wants you around?¡±


    But Lucas ignored her, sitting on the sofa with hisptop. He wore a crisp white shirt, the top button undone, with no tie. His sharp, handsome face remained cold, his brows stern and intense. His longshes cast shadows over his eyes, hiding the icy chill within them. His fingers tapped away at the keyboard with unwavering focus.


    Selena rolled her eyes, then turned to Aveline, handing her a ss of water. ¡°He¡¯s absolutely shameless.¡±


    Aveline said quietly, ¡°You should go home. The nurse can take care of me.¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°No way, I¡¯m staying here with you.¡±


    After a week, Aveline¡¯s condition had improved considerably, though she still needed to be cautious and limit her movements. Healing bones took time, and she had a long road to recovery.


    Just then, the door opened, and Aaron walked in.


    ¡°You look a lot better today than you did yesterday,¡± Aaron remarked as he approached.


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained neutral. ¡°What brings you here, Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    Aaron nodded and pointed to Selena. ¡°I¡¯m here to see her.¡±


    Selena frowned. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to discuss between us.¡±


    Aaron raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you sure about that? Do I need to spell it out?¡±


    Selena hesitated, then nced at Aveline. ¡°I¡¯ll step out for a bit, Ave. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aaron added, ¡°Take care of yourself. If you need anything, just let him know.¡± He nodded toward Lucas before turning and leaving the room.


    Once outside, Selena asked, ¡°What do you want with me?¡±


    Aaron, seeing the frustration on her face, reached out and grabbed her chin. ¡°Can¡¯t I look for you without a reason?<b>¡± </b>


    Selena pushed his hand away. ¡°Aaron, are you bored? I¡¯ve already made myself clear¨CI don¡¯t want to be part of some love triangle. If you¡¯re set on getting engaged and forming an alliance through marriage, then stop messing with me. It¡¯s not fair to any of us.¡±


    Aaron responded, ¡°Why can¡¯t I look for you just because I¡¯m getting engaged or forming an alliance through marriage?¡±


    Selena shot back, ¡°Do you really need to ask? I don¡¯t want to be the other woman!¡±


    Aaron retorted, ¡°But I¡¯m not engaged yet, and I don¡¯t have a girlfriend, so you¡¯re not the other woman.¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Selena was momentarily speechless, but after a pause, she finally said, ¡°I still don¡¯t want to be involved


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    with you.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    Aaron looked at her, stubbornly demanding an answer.


    ¡°Why else? Because I don¡¯t like you!¡± Selena replied.


    Aaron froze, taken aback. ¡°What? What did you just say?¡±


    Selena rolled her eyes. ¡°If your hearing¡¯s bad, go get it checked. We¡¯re in a hospital, after all.¡±


    With that, she turned to leave.


    But Aaron blocked her path, his expression darkening. ¡°You don¡¯t like me? Then why did you take a bullet


    for me?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°That was just an ident! Who would want to take a bullet for you? I want to live a long life, thank you very much!¡± Selena shot back.


    Aaron held her tightly, his eyes searching her face as if trying to find any sign that she was lying Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    But there was nothing.


    She was telling the truth.


    She really didn¡¯t like him.


    She really¡­ didn¡¯t like him.


    At that moment, Aaron felt a crushing sense of defeat, and frustration boiling up inside him.


    Selena frowned. ¡°You¡¯re hurting me. Let go!¡±


    Aaron nced down at her hand, then suddenly said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter because I¡¯m not after your affection anyway.¡±

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    Selena was momentarily stunned, then burst intoughter at Aaron¡¯s words, taking in his charming yet


    mischievous expression.


    ¡°Aaron, have you been hanging around Lucas too much? Everything you do seems to be about indulging your twisted pleasures without caring about how others feel. What is it with your circle? Is this some kind of tradition<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aaron¡¯s gaze darkened as he pulled her closer. ¡°Selena, are you acting so rebellious because you¡¯re afraid you might fall for me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Selena instinctively retorted. ¡°How could I ever like you?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s expression grew more serious, but he continued, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then what are you afraid of? Why are you running away? The two of us being together is just about enjoying the moment. Our bodies are in sync, our souls match¨Cwhat more do we need?¡±


    Selena opened her mouth to argue but found herself momentarily at a loss for words.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong.


    Their physical connection was undeniable, and being with him often brought her a unique pleasure.


    Seeing her hesitation, Aaron pressed on, ¡°So, stop overthinking it and just focus on enjoying yourself.¡±


    Selena lowered her gaze and replied, ¡°Even so, it should still be mutual. Right now, I¡¯m reluctant to be with you, and I don¡¯t want to be forced. Can you respect that? If you can¡¯t, then it¡¯s just your enjoyment¨CI won¡¯t feel anything.¡±


    With a firm tug, she finally freed her hand from his grasp. ¡°So why should I y along with this pointless game?¡±


    Aaron narrowed his eyes. Mutual enjoyment?


    How long would he have to wait for that?


    Staring at her striking face, Aaron smirked slightly and said, ¡°Selena, is this just an excuse? Are you still nning to leave Cloudre City, hmm?¡±


    Selena¡¯sshes fluttered slightly as she responded, ¡°With Ave here, I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    Besides, what did her staying or leaving have to do with him?


    But she didn¡¯t dare say that out loud. All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    She was afraid he¡¯d go crazy and pull something reckless, just like that bastard Lucas.


    Aaron stepped closer, his gaze intense as he looked at her. ¡°That¡¯s for the best. I can wait, but my patience isn¡¯t limitless. Selena, you¡¯d better give me an answer soon.¡±


    With that, he walked past her and left without another word.


    Selena didn¡¯t watch him leave, but her brows furrowed in thought.


    What answer was he expecting?


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    Chapter 634


    It certainly wasn¡¯t a rejection.


    What he wanted was her agreement, her willingness to y along with him.


    But she didn¡¯t want that.


    What a hassle.


    In the hospital room, the silence was heavy.


    Aveline kept her gaze lowered, fully aware of why Aaron had suddenly shown up.


    It had to be Lucas who called him to take Selena away.


    How typical of him¡­


    Lucas was as cruel as ever.


    It wasn¡¯t enough for him to keep entangling her¨Cnow he was dragging Selena into <b>it</b><b>, </b>making her rtionship with Aaron moreplicated by the day.


    Aveline closed her eyes and slowly turned away, refusing to look at him.


    After finishing his emails, Lucas closed hisptop, stood up, and headed straight to the bathroom. Momentster, he returned with a basin of water and a towel. He had rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows, then wet the towel, wrung it out, and began gently wiping Aveline¡¯s body.


    He started with her face, then moved to her neck, and then her arms¡­


    Aveline frowned and tried to pull away. ¡°I don¡¯t need this.¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b>634


    Selena was momentarily stunned, then burst intoughter at Aaron¡¯s words, taking in his charming yet


    mischievous expression.


    ¡°Aaron, have you been hanging around Lucas too much? Everything you do seems to be about indulging your twisted pleasures without caring about how others feel. What is it with your circle? Is this some kind of tradition<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aaron¡¯s gaze darkened as he pulled her closer. ¡°Selena, are you acting so rebellious because you¡¯re afraid you might fall for me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Selena instinctively retorted. ¡°How could I ever like you?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s expression grew more serious, but he continued, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then what are you afraid of? Why are you running away? The two of us being together is just about enjoying the moment. Our bodies are in sync, our souls match¨Cwhat more do we need?¡±


    Selena opened her mouth to argue but found herself momentarily at a loss for words.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong.


    Their physical connection was undeniable, and being with him often brought her a unique pleasure.


    Seeing her hesitation, Aaron pressed on, ¡°So, stop overthinking it and just focus on enjoying yourself.¡±


    Selena lowered her gaze and replied, ¡°Even so, it should still be mutual. Right now, I¡¯m reluctant to be with you, and I don¡¯t want to be forced. Can you respect that? If you can¡¯t, then it¡¯s just your enjoyment¨CI won¡¯t feel anything.¡±


    With a firm tug, she finally freed her hand from his grasp. ¡°So why should I y along with this pointless game?¡±


    Aaron narrowed his eyes. Mutual enjoyment?


    How long would he have to wait for that?


    Staring at her striking face, Aaron smirked slightly and said, ¡°Selena, is this just an excuse? Are you still nning to leave Cloudre City, hmm?¡±


    Selena¡¯sshes fluttered slightly as she responded, ¡°With Ave here, I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    Besides, what did her staying or leaving have to do with him?


    But she didn¡¯t dare say that out loud.


    She was afraid he¡¯d go crazy and pull something reckless, just like that bastard Lucas.


    Aaron stepped closer, his gaze intense as he looked at her. ¡°That¡¯s for the best. I can wait, but my patience isn¡¯t limitless. Selena, you¡¯d better give me an answer soon.¡±


    With that, he walked past her and left without another word.


    Selena didn¡¯t watch him leave, but her brows furrowed in thought.


    What answer was he expecting?


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    Her tone was cold as she struggled, trying to avoid his touch.


    But Lucas firmly grabbed her hand, bringing it up in front of her. ¡°Smell for yourself¨Cyou stink.¡±


    Aveline paused, actually sniffing her hand, but there was no strange odor.


    Her clear eyes filled with icy disdain as she red at him. ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t need your help. Even if I smell, that¡¯s my own problem.¡±


    What did it have to do with him?


    Ignoring her protest, Lucas continued wiping her down. ¡°Aveline, you might as well stop resisting, just like before. The result will be the same in the end.¡±


    Aveline seethed with anger, her cold gaze fixed on Lucas¡® face. She let out a bitterugh. ¡°Pathetic.¡±


    With that, she closed her eyes, deciding not to fight him anymore.


    If he was determined to do this and she couldn¡¯t escape, then so be it. If he wanted to humiliate himself, who was she to stop him?


    Lucas¡® expression darkened, his sharp eyes narrowing as he looked at her for a long moment before continuing to wipe her down.


    He even unbuttoned her clothes to clean beneath them, and she didn¡¯t resist.


    But underneath her clothes, her body was wrapped in bandages, frail and thin. As he finished, the only emotion he felt was a dull, aching pain in his chest.


    An hourter, Lucas took the basin back to the bathroom.


    By then, Aveline was drifting off to sleep.


    Suddenly, the covers were pulled back, and a cool breeze swept over her. The familiar scent of Lucas filled the air as he climbed into bed beside her.


    Her eyes flew open, and she red at him. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°The sofa¡¯s ufortable. Your bed is big enough¨Cshare it with me,¡± Lucas replied calmly.


    ¡°No,¡± Aveline tly refused.


    But Lucas acted as though he hadn¡¯t heard her, lying on his side next to her and closing his eyes.


    Aveline tried to sit up, but the movement pulled at her wounds, and she gasped in pain.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Lucas asked, his tone cool butmanding.


    Lucas noticed her difort and immediately reached out to pull her back down onto the bed.


    Aveline winced, her face paling from the pain. ¡°I¡¯m not sharing a bed with you.¡±


    Supporting himself on one arm, Lucas looked down at her, his gaze lingering on the disdain and resistance in her eyes.


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    Suddenly, he leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intense, almost predatory focus.


    Aveline¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching as she watched him with wary, wide eyes.


    What was he nning?


    ¡°Ave.¡±


    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice deep and maic. ¡°If I really try to change, could you give me another chance?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline widened her eyes¨Cshe hadn¡¯t expected him to say something like that.


    Seeing her reaction, Lucas continued, ¡°I admit I was awful before, that I did things that hurt you deeply. But I¡¯ll change, I promise I¡¯ll never do those things again., Just give me one more chance, alright?¡±


    His tone was low, almost pleading, with a hint of vulnerability that made it even more persuasive.


    Aveline¡¯s breathing faltered, but she quickly regained herposure, her voice turning cold. ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s pointless. I don¡¯t want you anymore.¡±


    A sh of crimson fur

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    In the blink of an eye, Aveline had been in the hospital for half a month. She could now walk but had to take it slow. Her fractured leg needed time to heal properly.


    That day, as she was practicing walking, with Selena by her side, the door to the hospital room suddenly opened.


    Both women looked up to see Judy entering the room.


    Selena¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Judy was dressed in thetest luxury fashion, her long, curled hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup perfectly applied. She nced at Aveline, who was wearing a hospital gown and looked pale and weak, and a faint smile appeared on her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to check on Miss Young.¡±


    Selena didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°We don¡¯t want you here. You can leave.¡±


    Lately, rumors of an impending marriage between the Tudor and Thompson families had been spreading like wildfire. Though nothing substantial hade of it, gossip like this had a way of bing epted as truth over time.


    And considering that Lucas and Aveline were still married, hearing such rumors everywhere was more than just annoying.


    Judy shot Selena an irritated nce before turning her attention to Aveline. ¡°How¡¯s your recovery going, Miss Young?¡±


    Sweat beaded on Aveline¡¯s forehead as she pushed herself to sit back down on the bed. After taking a sip of water, she replied, ¡°Just as you see. Do you have something to say, Miss Thompson?¡±


    Judy smiled and said, ¡°I told you, I¡¯m here to check on you. And to give you an invitation¨CLucas and I are getting engaged.¡±


    She pulled a formal invitation from her bag and handed it to Aveline.


    Aveline looked at her coolly and then asked, ¡°When?¡±


    Judy replied, ¡°The details are in the invitation. You muste.¡±


    Aveline took the invitation, opened it, and nced at the date. ¡°The 15th of next month. Nice date.¡±


    Selena let out a sarcasticugh. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit early to be handing out invitations? Does Lucas know about -this?<b>¡± </b>


    Judy replied, ¡°Of course, Lucas knows.¡±


    Selena scoffed. ¡°Miss Thompson, aren¡¯t you the least bit ashamed of lying? Lucas and Ave are still married, and you think he¡¯s just going to get engaged to you? What¡¯s this, some kind of twisted game the rich y?¡±


    Judy¡¯s grip tightened on her bag as she said, ¡°Their divorce is only a matter of time, and my engagement to Lucas is a done deal. Miss Quin, I suggest you show me some respect, or else¡­¡±


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    ¡°Or else what?¡± Selena shot back, her tone dripping with disdain. ¡°Youe from a wealthy family, yet here you are, so eager to y the role of the mistress. Do your family members know what you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°You!¡±


    Judy was taken aback, clearly not expecting Selena to be sobative.


    She nced at Aveline, who remained calm and unbothered. But in Judy¡¯s eyes, it seemed like Aveline was just enjoying the show, mocking her silently.


    With a cold huff, Judy turned and stormed out of the room.


    The moment she stepped out, her expression darkened.


    They really hadn¡¯t divorced!


    Why?


    Why hadn¡¯t they divorced?


    Hadn¡¯t they already gone to thewyer¡¯s office?


    They had even announced to their social circle that the divorce was finalized!


    Judy hade today to confirm this rumor herself.


    She certainly wouldn¡¯t settle for being the mistress!


    Lucas had to divorce Aveline!


    Fuming, Judy left the hospital and immediately pulled out her phone, dialing a number.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, what¡¯s going on? Why haven¡¯t Lucas and Aveline divorced yet?¡± Yvonne was momentarily stunned when she heard this. ¡°They weren¡¯t divorced?¡±


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    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Tudor, didn¡¯t you know about this? None of you were aware?¡± Judy pressed, hearing the confusion in Yvonne¡¯s voice.


    Yvonne responded, ¡°We truly didn¡¯t know, Judy. Don¡¯t worry, let me look into this.¡±


    Judy¡¯s tone was sharp. ¡°Mrs. Tudor, how could you start discussing an engagement with our family without getting your facts straight? This is incredibly irresponsible! Do you want me to bebeled as Lucas ¡®mistress?<b>¡± </b>


    Yvonne quickly tried to soothe her. ¡°Judy, we had no such intention. Lucas did show us the divorce certificate¨Cwho could have imagined it was fake? Rest assured, we¡¯ll get to the bottom of this and provide you with a satisfactory exnation.¡±


    Judy¡¯s tone eased a bit. ¡°It better be, because if my father hears about this, he could very well call off the deal with the Tudor Group.¡±


    Yvonne replied, ¡°Judy, we¡¯ll definitely sort this out. Let me find out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Judy hung up, a cold expression settling on her face.


    Lucas had yed her, and the Tudor family had nearly dragged her into being the mistress. She wasn¡¯t going to let this slide!


    This mess needed to be addressed, and the Tudor family would have to give her a proper exnation!


    At the Tudor family¡¯s main estate, in the study.


    Frederick¡¯s face darkened as he listened to Yvonne¡¯s recounting of the situation.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    He mmed the file he was holding onto the desk, his expression growing even more severe. ¡°That ungrateful son of mine! How dare he pull something like this? How dare he lie to us!¡±


    Yvonne¡¯s brows furrowed as well. ¡°Exactly. Divorce is no small matter¨Chow could he treat it so recklessly? Thankfully, we hadn¡¯t advanced too far in our negotiations with the Thompson family. Imagine the disgrace if we found outter that he hadn¡¯t actually divorced.¡±


    Frederick pulled out his phone and dialed Lucas¡® number. It rang for a long time before he finally Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    answered.


    ¡°What is it?<b>¡± </b>Lucas¡¯s voice was cool and distant.


    Frederick struggled to contain his anger. ¡°You¡¯ve got the nerve to ask what it¡¯s about? I want to know what¡¯s going on with you and Aveline, Why aren¡¯t you two divorced?¡±


    Lucas¡® tone remained indifferent. ¡°We didn¡¯t divorce, and that¡¯s that. There¡¯s no reason.¡±


    Frederick shot up from his seat. ¡°Lucas, are you deliberately ignoring me? Do you really think that just because you control DK Group, you¡¯re untouchable? Let me make this clear: you either divorce Aveline


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    immediately, or I¡¯ll use my authority as the chairman of the Tudor Group to wage war against <b>you</b><b>!</b>¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Lucas¡¯s voice grew even more nonchnt. ¡°Then I¡¯m ready for the fight.¡±


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    ¡°That ungrateful son of mine!¡± Frederick¡¯s face twisted in fury as he began making calls, issuing orders tounch an assault on DK Group.


    Yvonne watched from the side, her worry evident. ¡°Frederick, isn¡¯t this a bit too much?¡±


    Frederick scoffed, ¡°The only regret I have is not doing this sooner! If I had taken action the first time he defied me, things wouldn¡¯t havee to this.¡±


    Seeing his determination, Yvonne lowered her gaze, choosing not to say anything further.


    Meanwhile, at DK Group.


    Desmond hurried into the CEO¡¯s office, his expression serious. ¡°Mr. Tudor, we just received word that the Tudor Group has started to move against us. They¡¯re undercutting our prices to steal our partners, and someone has begun buying up shares from our shareholders.¡±


    Lucas¡® expression remained calm. ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±


    Desmond frowned. ¡°Mr. Tudor, shouldn¡¯t we be doing something about this?<b>¡± </b>


    There wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of panic on Lucas¡® face. ¡°No rush.¡±


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    Desmond, seeing Lucas¡® calm demeanor, decided not to push further. It was clear that Lucas had anticipated this move and likely had a n in ce. With <b>that</b>, Desmond turned and left the office.


    Lucas paused in his work, his handsome, sharp features remaining as cool and indifferent as ever. But his deep, dark eyes now held a hint of something more profound.


    At the hospital.


    Selena tossed the invitation straight into the trash can, her expression filled with disgust. ¡°What bad luck. Why can¡¯t Lucas ever do things properly? He hasn¡¯t even divorced yet, and he¡¯s already looking for his next target. It¡¯s just so off¨Cputting.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained neutral. ¡°It¡¯s not the first time he¡¯s been this low.¡±


    Selena sighed as she pulled a chair up to the bedside, her expression troubled. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it¨Cwhy doesn¡¯t he just agree to the divorce? There¡¯s nothing left between you two, so what¡¯s the point of dragging this out?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s mind drifted for a moment.


    She thought <i>of </i>the things Lucas had said.


    He said he would change.


    He asked her to give him another chance.


    He didn¡¯t want to let go of this already shattered rtionship.


    But Selena was right¨Cwhat was the point of this endless entanglement?


    Aveline spoke softly, ¡°Help me lie down. I want to sleep for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Selena nodded, helping her settle back into the bed.


    Aveline closed her eyes, the earlier physical exertion having drained her. She quickly fell into a deep sleep. All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    When she woke again, she overheard hushed voices in the room.


    ¡°Russ, are you serious? The Tudor Group is actually targeting DK Group? Is this really a family feud?¡± Even with her voice lowered, Selena couldn¡¯t <i>hide </i>the excitement in her tone.


    Russell nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the information I¡¯ve received. As for why this is happening, it¡¯s still unclear.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic!¡± Selena eximed, pping her thigh with satisfaction. ¡°I hope they drive Lucas <i>into </i>bankruptcy. If he¡¯s too busy trying to save hispany he won¡¯t have the time or energy to harass <i>Ave </i>anymore<i>. </i>


    Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike her, and her eyes lit up as she looked at Russell. ¡°Russ, <i>isn¡¯t </i>the Skyler family apetitor of DK Group? This is the perfect opportunity for you to step in <i>and </i>crush him, so he can never recover!¡±


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    Russell chuckled softly, a bit amused. ¡°It¡¯s not as simple as that. Otherpanies are watching and waiting. What if this is all a setup by the Tudor family? Anyone who gets involved could be walking right into a trap, and the oue could be unpredictable.¡±


    Selena considered his words and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, The Tudors aren¡¯t exactly known for ying fair.¡±


    ¡°Ahem¡­ What are you two talking about?¡± Aveline¡¯s voice cut in as she opened her eyes and looked over at them.


    Russell walked over to her. ¡°Did we wake you?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°No, I just woke up on my own. What were you discussing?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°There¡¯s been some trouble within the Tudor family today. The Tudor Group has started a full¨Cscale attack on DK Group.¡±


    Aveline paused for a moment, taking in the news. ¡°Oh.¡±


    Russell watched her carefully, noting that she didn¡¯t seem anxious or worried. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes.


    ¡°Lucas likely isn¡¯t a match for his father,¡± Russell continued, picking up an apple and beginning to peel it. The Tudor Group has much deeper roots than DK Group. If this internal conflict esctes, Lucas is likely to lose.¡±


    As he peeled the apple, he kept a close eye on Aveline¡¯s expression, curious to see her reaction.


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    Aveline nodded slightly. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s really crossed the line. As the heir to the Tudor family, if he refuses to follow orders, then he¡¯s not a worthy sessor.¡±


    Selena frowned in confusion. ¡°Ave, what do you mean by that?¡±


    Aveline nced at her and said, ¡°I mean, he deserves what¡¯sing <i>to </i>him.¡±


    Selena couldn¡¯t help but burst outughing. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right¨Che totally deserves it!¡±


    Russell, who had been calmly peeling an apple, finished and handed it to Aveline.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, taking the apple.


    Russell wiped the knife clean with a tissue and ced it aside, a yful smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You know, now might be the perfect time to file for divorce. Lucas is stretched thin, so he wouldn¡¯t have the energy to fight you. I¡¯ll help you, and I guarantee you¡¯ll get the divorce.¡±


    Aveline took a bite of the apple, the sweet and tart juices bursting in her mouth. Her expression remained calm as she replied, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t thewyer fees be expensive?¡±


    Russell¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Not at all. I can refer you to someone who¡¯ll give you a discount.¡±


    Aveline responded, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    Selena, growing impatient, urged, ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? This is the perfect chance! If you hesitate, that jerk Lucas might bounce back.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help but smile at her enthusiasm.


    Russell, however, added, ¡°It¡¯s true, he might manage to recover.¡±


    Aveline lowered her gaze slightly, taking another bite of the apple. ¡°Alright, Russ. Go ahead and make the arrangements.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Selena cheered, visibly excited.


    Russell nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say much more, but his eyes held a serious, almost solemn look as he gazed at Aveline, as if making a silent promise to her.


    Aveline quietly finished the apple, lost in thought.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    ¡°Ave.¡±


    Maria walked in, carrying some things. Noticing that Aveline looked much better than before, she smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯re recovering well<b>.</b>¡±


    Following behind her was Sidney, holding a bouquet of flowers. He handed them to Aveline with a warm smile. ¡°Wishing you a speedy recovery.¡±


    Aveline epted the flowers, her lips curving into a slight smile. ¡°Thank you. <i>How </i>did you find out?¡±


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    It had been nearly twenty days since her car ident, and no one else knew. During this time, she had only taken leave, telling them she had personal matters to attend to without mentioning the ident. Maria gave her a reproachful look. ¡°How could you ask how we found out? Why didn¡¯t you tell me about something this serious? I might Be your boss, but we¡¯re friends first, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    Sidney added, ¡°You should have told us sooner, Aveline.¡±


    When Sidney heard from Maria today that Aveline had been in a car ident and was hospitalized, his heart felt like it was being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.


    Aveline gave them both a pleading look. ¡°Forgive me, you two. I just didn¡¯t want to worry <b>you</b>. I¡¯m sorry, okay?¡±


    Maria huffed, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let it slide since you¡¯re a patient right now.¡±


    IL


    Sidney¡¯s expression softened, and he asked, ¡°How are you feeling now?¡±


    Aveline sighed with relief. ¡°Much better.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Sidney¡¯s gaze lingered on her face, unwilling to look away. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Selena, watching from the side, suddenly leaned in and whispered to Aveline, ¡°Why do I feel like there¡¯s a bit of a love triangle brewing here?¡±

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    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline looked at Selena with a puzzled expression.


    Selena just chuckled mischievously. ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter. It¡¯s not the right time now.¡±


    Aveline sighed internally, wondering what had gotten Selena so excited this time.


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    Maria lifted the bag she had brought and handed it to Aveline. ¡°These are some supplements to help you recover. You need to take them every day. By the time you¡¯re discharged, you¡¯ll be a healthy, glowing beauty.¡±


    Aveline imagined herself gaining weight and winced slightly. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t really want to get fat.¡±


    Mariaughed heartily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I was just teasing. You won¡¯t get fat, but you do need to take these regrly, okay?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright, I will. Thank you for looking out for me, boss.¡±


    Maria yfully rolled her eyes and then asked, ¡°When I came in, you all seemed to be having a lively conversation. What were you talking about? Share it with me so.I can join in the fun.¡±


    Selena spoke up, ¡°Our Ave is filing for divorce.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Maria was taken aback. ¡°I thought you were already divorced?¡±


    Selena exined the situation, recounting what had happened and concluding with, ¡°That scumbag actually tricked our Ave with a fake divorce certificate. It¡¯s outrageous!¡±


    Maria¡¯s eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. ¡°I can¡¯t believe something like this happened.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s brows furrowed in concern. ¡°How could he treat you like that?¡±


    His gaze softened as he looked at Aveline, clearly pained by what she had endured.


    Maria turned to Russell. ¡°How confident are you about the divorce case?¡±


    Russell replied, ¡°I¡¯ll hire the best divorcewyer in the industry to help her.¡±


    Maria nced at him, then smiled. ¡°Ave, you¡¯re lucky to have a friend like Russell who¡¯s willing to go to such lengths for you.¡±


    Aveline said calmly, ¡°Whether it works out or not, I have to try.¡±


    Maria nodded in agreement. ¡°Absolutely. A man like <b>that </b>is no better than trash. You don¡¯t need him in your life!¡±


    After chatting for a while, Maria stood up to leave.


    Sidney walked over, his expression serious as he looked at Aveline. ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need me to do, don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡±


    Aveline smiled gently. ¡°Alright, if I need your help, I¡¯ll definitely let you know.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. <b>¡°</b>Good, take care and get some rest. I¡¯ll leave you to <b>it</b>.¡±


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    ¡°Take care,¡± Aveline replied.


    As she watched him leave, she turned back to find Selena giving her a teasing smile.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± Aveline asked.


    Selena shook her head with a smirk before changing the subject. ¡°Are you hungry? What do you want for dinner?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. You decide,¡± Aveline said.


    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Selena replied, then looked at Russell. ¡°Russ, I¡¯m going to get dinner ready. <i>You </i>stay here with Ave.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Russell agreed with a nod.


    Selena quickly left the room.


    Russell watched her go before turning to Aveline. ¡°How¡¯s Sidney¡¯s mother doing now?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°She¡¯s out of immediate danger, but her condition keeps worsening.¡±


    Russell nodded thoughtfully. ¡°She needs plenty of rest and care. You should encourage him to spend more time with her.¡±


    Aveline caught the underlying tone in his words and nodded. ¡°I will.¡±


    Just then, Russell¡¯s phone rang. He nced at the screen, his expression flickering for a moment before he answered. ¡°Hello?¡±


    A tearful voice came through the line. ¡°Russ, please help me!¡±


    It was Rina, her voice trembling with distress.


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    Russell¡¯s expression remained calm as he asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Rina¡¯s sobs became more pronounced. ¡°My parents are trying to force me to meet with the Fletcher family to discuss an arranged marriage. I don¡¯t want it¨CI don¡¯t like Aaron, and I don¡¯t want to marry him. Russ, pleasee get me!¡±


    Russell maintained his casual demeanor. ¡°And how exactly am I supposed to get you out of there?¡±


    Rina cried even harder. ¡°Russ, please, by any means necessary. Just get me out of here. I don¡¯t want to marry Aaron¨CI don¡¯t like him!¡±


    Russell lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of emotion in his eyes. After a brief pause, he finally responded, ¡°Alright, send me your location.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    The call ended.


    Russell looked up at Aveline. ¡°I have to go. Something came up.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Russell stood up and moved closer to her as if he wanted to say something more. But Aveline instinctively leaned back, putting a bit of distance between them.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, confused by his behavior.


    Her subtle, instinctive retreat deepened the shadow in Russell¡¯s eyes, though he managed a small smile. He reached out and gently patted her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure you get that divorce.¡±


    A faint, unfamiliar feeling stirred in Aveline¡¯s heart.


    She nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


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    Russell then left the room, and Aveline let out a quiet breath of relief.


    For a moment, she had thought Russell was going to do something, but thankfully, he hadn¡¯t. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    When Selena returned, only Aveline and the nurse were in the room.


    She looked around, puzzled. ¡°Where¡¯s Russ?¡±


    ¡°He had to leave. Something came up,¡± Aveline replied.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Selena said with a hint of disappointment. ¡°I bought dinner for three, and now we¡¯re one short.¡±


    Aveline chuckled and nced at the nurse. ¡°Let¡¯s invite Mrs. Zhang to join us.¡±


    ¡°That works,¡± Selena agreed, nodding as she called the nurse over to eat with them.


    As evening settled in and the sun sank beneath the horizon, the final glimmers of vibrant orange faded from the sky. Aveline stood by the window, carefully testing the strength in her leg, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead.


    Just as she was about to lose her bnce, a strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, effortlessly lifting her and cing her back on the bed<i>. </i>


    Lucas¡® voice was cold and firm. ¡°Your body isn¡¯t ready for this level of activity. You need to take it slow and ease into it.¡°.


    Aveline frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help.¡±


    Lucas stared at her, his gaze intense. ¡°You¡¯re nning to file for -divorce?¡±


    Aveline instinctively looked at him. ¡°How did you know?¡±


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    His expression darkened. ¡°So, it¡¯s true.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m filing for divorce. I don¡¯t want to


    continue this rtionship, and I¡¯m done with this endless cycle of


    conflict. It¡¯s pointless.¡±


    She braced herself, expecting Lucas to react harshly. But to her. surprise, he remained silent.


    When she finally looked at him, he simply said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Did he just agree?


    ¡°But we need to wait a bit,¡± Lucas added, his gaze steady and serious.¡± You know what¡¯s happening with the Tudor family. If news gets out that I¡¯m being sued for divorce right now<i>, </i>it¡¯ll put me at a serious disadvantage. Aveline, can you hold off for a little while?¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    Selena¡¯s voice rang out as she rushed <i>over</i>, pushing Lucas aside and positioning herself protectively in front of Aveline. She red at him coldly.


    ¡°Why should we think about your needs? Did you ever consider what¡¯s best for Ave? You¡¯ve had it easy for too long¨Cdo you have any shame at all?¡±


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    Seeing Selena¡¯s fierce defiance, Lucas¡® expression darkened even further, a coldness radiating from him as he spoke. ¡°Leave.¡±


    He uttered the word with icy detachment, his entire presence exuding an intimidating chill.


    Selena¡¯s body trembled slightly, her confidence wavering. She was just an ordinary person¨Chow could she stand up to someone like Lucas? If he wanted to crush her, it would be as easy as swatting a fly.


    But she couldn¡¯t back down.


    She had to protect Aveline.


    Taking a deep breath, Selena steadied herself. ¡°Lucas, let¡¯s set aside all the pain you¡¯ve caused Ave for now and focus on the divorce. Why did you deceive her? Do you even love her?<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas¡® expression grew even darker, his eyes glinting with cold malice as he looked at her. ¡°What happens between Ave and me is none of your business.¡±


    ¡°It is my business!¡± Selena shot back, her eyes zing with anger. ¡± Because of you, she¡¯s unhappy, she¡¯s not the vibrant, cheerful person she used to be. What have you done to her? Do you even remember how she was when you first met her? You¡¯ve lost the Aveline who was full of life and joy<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    ¡°Selena¡­¡± Aveline tugged at Selena¡¯s sleeve, signaling her to stop. confronting Lucas.


    She knew he wouldn¡¯t listen to any of this. He didn¡¯t even understand what love was. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Selena nced back at Aveline and smiled reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to say this for a long time. Now that it¡¯s out, I feel a lot better.¡±


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    Aveline felt a warmth spread through her heart. She didn¡¯t have family<i>, </i>but Selena was more than just a friend¨Cshe was like family. No matter what happened, Selena was always by her side.


    Lucas¡® gaze remained cold as he stared at Selena, the tension in the room thickening.


    Selena¡¯s voice softened slightly as she continued, ¡°Lucas, let Ave go. I¡¯m really afraid that one day something will happen to her. I don¡¯t care if you regret it or not¨CI just want Ave to be safe.¡±


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Lucas¡® deep voice was void of emotion.


    Selena¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°You-¡±


    Lucas¡® icy gaze bore into her. ¡°If you¡¯re finished, can you leave now?¡±


    ¡°You¡­!¡±


    Selena stared at him in shock.


    So, after all that she said, he didn¡¯t listen to a single word, did he? This man¨CSelena felt like she could just stab him and be done with it!


    A sh of resignation and bitterness passed through Aveline¡¯s eyes as she turned to Selena. ¡°You should go for now. I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±


    Selena huffed, ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about? Dying thewsuit isn¡¯t an option. We should file it right away!¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°I know<i>. </i>I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    Selena gave her a long, conflicted look before finally relenting. ¡°Alright, but I¡¯ll be right outside. If anything happens, you just shout, and I¡¯lle in and protect you.¡±


    Aveline nodded again. ¡°I will.¡±


    With that, Selena reluctantly left the room, turning back three times


    Chapter 442


    before she reached the door. Just before closing it, she shot Lucas onest fierce re.


    Lucas¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Aveline.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to dy this,¡± Aveline said firmly. ¡°Selena is right¨Cyou¡¯ve never considered my feelings, so why should I consider yours? Whatever happens to you has nothing to do with me.¡±


    Her words felt like a de slicing through Lucas¡® chest, the pain so intense it left him stunned. It was a kind of pain he hadn¡¯t felt before.


    No, that wasn¡¯t true¨Che had felt it once before. When he had watched Leo die right <i>in </i>front of him, he had felt this exact same agony.


    What was this feeling? He recognized it now¨Cit was that unbearable kind of pain.


    Lucas took a step closer, his handnding on her shoulder.


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    Aveline¡¯s body immediately tensed, her gaze wary as she looked at Lucas.


    His eyes were intense as he stared at her, his voice low. ¡°Aveline, do you really not care anymore?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but find it absurd. ¡°Lucas, what are you doing?¡±


    He took <i>her </i>hand and ced it against his chest, his handsome face tinged with confusion. ¡°Why do your words hurt me so much? Especially here¨Cit¡¯s like there¡¯s this deep pain.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s fingers twitched as she pulled her hand away forcefully. Lucas, there¡¯s no need to tell me this. I don¡¯t care¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lucas interrupted, his voice firm. ¡°You do care. You used to love me, you¡­¡±


    ¡°You said it yourself¨CI used to love you.¡± Aveline¡¯s voice was steady, her gaze devoid of any warmth.


    There was a time when just looking at his face would make her heart flutter, when she¡¯d feel the urge to reach out and touch him, to kiss him. But somewhere along the way, those feelings had vanished. Now, all she felt was cold detachment.


    The love was gone.


    The care had disappeared.


    And he no longer mattered.


    Lucas finally understood¨Cshe truly didn¡¯t love him anymore.


    Could love really be something that could just fade away<b>? </b>


    His lips pressed into a thin line, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing slightly as he


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    swallowed. His eyes darkened, a storm of <i>emotions </i>swirling within, only to be quickly suppressed.


    ¡°Have I been too harsh? But Aveline, I don¡¯t want to divorce you,¡± he admitted, his tone surprisingly calm,


    The usual coldness and dominance were absent from his voice. Instead, he spoke with an almost friendly tone, revealing what was in his heart. He had never expressed these feelings before, but now he understood that if he didn¡¯t, he might never get the chance.


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered, and after a moment, she softly responded, ¡± Let¡¯s divorce. There¡¯s nothing left between us¡­


    ¡°I refuse.¡±


    His voice turned colder as if the old, domineering Lucas had returned. ¡± Aveline, I won¡¯t agree to a divorce. As long as I refuse, even if I die, we won¡¯t be divorced.¡± All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    In his eyes, there was a glimpse of something dark and obsessive, bordering on madness.


    Lucas kept his gaze fixed on her. ¡°I know you brought Russell into this. If anything goes wrong, don¡¯t hold me responsible.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What are you implying?¡±


    He held her hand, feeling her reluctance, and though it pained him deeply, he couldn¡¯t stop himself from reaching out to her.


    ¡°No one can keep us apart. Anyone who tries¨CI won¡¯t let them off.¡± His voice was steady, each word deliberate as he looked her in the eyes.


    Aveline stared back at him, speechless for a moment. After a long pause, she finally spoke. ¡°You¡¯re determined to stay together? Even if I don¡¯t love you?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lucas replied, unwavering. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t love me.¡±


    Chapter 643


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly, a wave of resignation washing over her. <b>So</b>, there really was no escaping this?


    It left her at a loss for words.


    Just then, the door to the room suddenly opened.


    Aveline quicklyposed herself and turned to see Gernard stepping inside.


    ¡°Mr. Cooper?¡± Aveline was surprised. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Gernard smiled gently. ¡°I finished work and thought I¡¯d drop by to check on you. You don¡¯t look too well¨Cis something bothering you?¡±


    His gaze shifted to Lucas, and the warmth in his smile faded slightly. Mr. Tudor, I¡¯m surprised you have the time to be here.¡±


    Lucas shot him a cold nce. ¡°And what does my being here have to do with you?¡±


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    Chapter 644

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    Chapter 644


    The smile on Gernard¡¯s face faded further as he looked at Lucas with a noticeable shift in his demeanor.


    ¡°Mr. Tudor, isn¡¯t it irresponsible to be so indecisive? You let rumors of your divorce spread, yet you didn¡¯t go through with it. Now, there¡¯s talk of an alliance through marriage between the Tudor and Thompson families, and somehow, my family has been dragged into this mess as well. What exactly are you ying at?¡±


    Lucas let out a coldugh. ¡°You believed the divorce rumors just because I said so? What¡¯s next, if I imed to be a god, would you believe that too?¡°¨C


    Gernard¡¯s expression darkened.


    Aveline, puzzled, asked, ¡°What do you mean, your family got dragged into this?¡±


    Lucas responded, ¡°Since I¡¯m supposedly single, both the Thompsons and the Coopers are trying to marry me off. Isn¡¯t it hrious? It¡¯s as if every other man in the world has disappeared.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She knew about his engagement to Judy, but they wanted him to get engaged with the Cooper family¡¯s heiress too? Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    She hadn¡¯t been aware of that.


    ¡°Lucas, I suggest you choose your words carefully,¡± Gernard warned, his voice low. ¡°Given your current situation, dealing with threats on all


    sides, can you really afford to make another enemy?¡±


    Lucas gave him a dismissive nce. Taking you on is still well within my capabilities.¡±


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    Gernard let out a mirthlessugh. ¡°Such arrogance<b>! </b>I¡¯d love to see how you n to handle things when it all falls apart.¡±


    The tension in the room was palpable, and Aveline felt like she was caught in the middle of a battlefield. She hesitated before saying, ¡°Um¡­ if you two need to talk, why not take it outside? I¡¯d like to rest.¡±


    Lucas spoke up immediately. ¡°Did you hear that? She wants to rest. And you, the one responsible for her ident, have the nerve toe here and provoke me?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You- Gernard hadn¡¯t expected such bluntness from Lucas, and his face flushed with anger.


    But Aveline interjected, ¡°Lucas, could you be a little more polite? The car ident wasn¡¯t entirely Mr. Cooper¡¯s fault.¡±


    Lucas replied curtly, ¡°And it wasn¡¯t your fault either.¡±


    Sensing the tension between them, Gernard turned to Aveline and said, Miss Young, if you ever need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out. That offer stands anytime.¡±


    His words carried the implicit message that if she found herself dealing with difficult people, he was more than willing to step in and help.


    For reasons he couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint, Gernard found himself increasingly irritated by Lucas¡® persistent presence around Aveline. It wasn¡¯t jealousy over Aveline¨Cit was more a sense of indignation that Lucas had no right to mistreat her.


    Aveline nodded slightly. ¡°I understand. Thank you, Mr. Cooper.¡±


    Then<b>, </b>turning to Lucas, she said, ¡°I¡¯ve made myself clear. Since neither of <b>us </b>is willing <b>to </bpromise, then let¡¯s just carry on like this.¡±


    If no one could find peace, then so be it. She had already resigned herself to this downward spiral.


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    Lucas studied her intently, saying nothing, but also showing no sign of leaving.


    The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense.


    Gernard hade intending to confront Lucas and get some answers, but instead, he found himself on the receiving end of Lucas¡® sharp words. Frustrated, he turned and left the room, his expression dark.


    Outside the room, Selena had witnessed the entire exchange. She couldn¡¯t help but marvel at Lucas¡¯s relentlessbativeness¨Cno one seemed able to get the better of him. The fact that she had managed to hold her ground so far made her wonder if it was only because of Aveline¡¯s influence.


    Selena let out a deep sigh, at a loss for words. Lucas might refrain from picking fights with her out of respect for Aveline, but when it came to


    just couldn¡¯t manage to treat her well.


    ?ine herself, <i>he </i>

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    Chapter 645


    Inside the hospital room, Aveline paid no further attention to Lucas. She simplyy down and closed her eyes, shutting him out.


    Lucas stared at her for a long moment before finally speaking. ¡°Aveline, you¡¯re the one insisting on this divorce. If something happens to me because of it, I¡¯ll hold you responsible:¡±


    Aveline opened her eyes and looked at him, thinking he was being ridiculous. ¡°What are you talking about? If you just divorce me quietly, what could possibly go wrong?¡±


    Lucas replied tly, ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Aveline was speechless. So, if something went wrong after she pushed for the divorce, he would just me her for it? This man was as


    unreasonable as ever.


    In the days that followed, Sidney visited Aveline every day, always bringing snacks or fruit. Another week passed, and the news was filled with reports that DK Group was facing severe financial difficulties, withrge numbers of employees leaving thepany¨Ca clear sign of impending bankruptcy.


    The Tudor Group¡¯s relentless pressure on DK Group had reached a fever pitch as if they wouldn¡¯t stop until thepany was utterly destroyed. This didn¡¯t resemble a typical father¨Cson conflict.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    Sidney¡¯s voice interrupted her thoughts as he walked in, carrying a bowl of yogurt and fruit sd he had prepared himself. ¡°Try this; it¡¯s really -good.¡±


    He ced the bowl in front of her.


    Chapter 645


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    Aveline smiled wryly. ¡°If I keep eating like this, I might actually be. a bit chubby by the time I¡¯m discharged.¡±


    Sidney chuckled softly. ¡°A little weight would suit you.¡±


    Aveline shook her head with mock horror. ¡°No way, I don¡¯t want to get


    fat.¡±


    His eyes twinkled with amusement. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just fruit¨Cit won¡¯t make you gain weight.¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Unable to refuse, Aveline epted the bowl.


    Noticing her attention on the news, Sidney asked, ¡°Are you keeping up with what¡¯s happening to DK Group?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°Not really. The TV was on, and it was just being reported.¡±


    Sidney nodded. ¡°This whole situation has be a major issue. Hasn¡¯t Lucas been absent for several days now?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Aveline confirmed with a nod. ¡°And I¡¯m perfectly fine with that.¡±


    Aveline had enjoyed a few rare days of peace and quiet, relishing the break from all the chaos.


    Sidney looked up and studied her carefully. ¡°Aveline, seeing him being targeted like this, are you really not worried at all?¡±


    Aveline paused for a moment before replying, ¡°No, I¡¯m not worried.¡±


    Sidney observed her intently for a while longer, then said, ¡°That¡¯s good. At least it means you¡¯ve moved on.¡±


    Aveline didn¡¯t respond further, falling silent instead.


    Just then, her phone rang. She nced at the screen¨Cit was thewyer Russell had introduced to her.


    Chapter 645


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Campbell,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Ms. Young,¡± Myron Campbell said, ¡°I¡¯ve gathered all the necessary documents. We¡¯re ready to file thewsuit whenever you are.¡±


    Aveline slowed her movements, contemting for a moment before she said, ¡°Go ahead and file it.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    With that, Myron hung up.


    Aveline had entrusted the entire process to Myron, only needing to make appearances at specific times. It was a load off her mind.


    Meanwhile, Lucas had be a trending topic, with every move he made closely scrutinized. The moment news broke that he was being sued for divorce, it sparked widespread attention. As a result, DK Group¡¯s stock price plummeted further, and thepany seemed on the verge of copse.


    This was a devastating blow to DK Group.


    On Aveline¡¯s side, however, the mood was jubnt.


    Selena was overjoyed, cursing Lucas to go bankrupt sooner with every passing day. She even brought a fresh bouquet of flowers to the


    hospital room daily.


    Aveline was about to speak, feeling a bit at a loss, when the door suddenly opened, and Yvonne stepped inside.


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    Chapter 646


    ¡°You¡¯re looking much better, Aveline, Yvonne remarked as she walked in, a warm smile on her face. Dressed in a high¨Cend designer suit, she exuded an air of elegance and luxury!


    Aveline was slightly taken aback by her visit and paused before asking, ¡± Is there something you needed, Mrs. Tudor?¡±


    Yvonne pulled a chair over and sat at the edge of the bed, her smile radiating warmth. ¡°You¡¯ve probably heard about what¡¯s been happening


    with Lucas.<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline nodded slightly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Yvonne sighed. ¡°I never imagined things would escte like this between him and his father. But when ites down to it, it¡¯s all because Lucas refuses to divorce you. If he had justplied, none of this would be happening.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained neutral. ¡°So, what exactly did youe here to discuss?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t as if the Tudor family was unaware of the situation between her and Lucas. She wasn¡¯t the one clinging to the marriage; it was Lucas who refused to let go. If Yvonne was here to talk about that, then she was addressing the wrong person¨CAveline couldn¡¯t control what Lucas decided.


    Yvonne¡¯s smile softened even more. ¡°I understand that you¡¯ve wanted a divorce all along and that you no longer love Lucas. I happen to know a way that could help you finally break free from this situation.¡±


    Aveline looked at her with a hint of curiosity. ¡°What way?¡±


    Yvonne nced at Selena, hesitating


    Catching on, Selena said, ¡°I¡¯ll go out and buy some fruit.¡±


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    ¡°Alright,¡± Aveline agreed with a nod.


    Once Selena had left, Yvonne leaned in slightly and spoke, ¡°If you act decisively and without hesitation, Lucas won¡¯t continue to hold on to you. My suggestion might be a bit extreme, but it has more than a fifty percent chance of sess.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brow furrowed in curiosity. ¡°Please, just tell me.¡± Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Yvonne studied Aveline for a moment before suddenly asking, ¡°Aveline, your life was peaceful before Lucas came into it. Ever since you met him, you¡¯ve faced all this turmoil. Have you ever felt an intense hatred for him?¡±


    Hatred?


    Aveline thought about it carefully, then shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Yvonne frowned at her response. ¡°How could you not? After everything he¡¯s done to hurt you, you should hate him¨Cyou should want to see him suffer.¡±


    Her gaze grew more intense, almost pressuring Aveline as she spoke with a hint of persuasion in her voice.


    ¡°Aveline, think about it. If it weren¡¯t for his constant meddling<b>, </b>your life would have remained peaceful. You wouldn¡¯t have been hurt or targeted by others. Do you know why Darren tried to kill you? It¡¯s because he originally wanted to kill Lucas, but when he saw you, he realized you were Lucas¡® weakness. That¡¯s why you became the target. You should hate him for that.¡±


    For a moment, Aveline felt her thoughts waver.


    It was true. If it weren¡¯t for Lucas, she wouldn¡¯t have gone through all this suffering. Without him in her life, she would be free, happy, and not burdened by this suffocating weight¡­


    Chapter 646


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    Shouldn¡¯t she hate him?


    She had to hate him, right?


    Memories of everything that had happened began to flood her mind. Aveline felt a surge of anger and frustration welling up inside, twisting her emotions into a tight, painful knot.


    Seeing the struggle and pain on Aveline¡¯s face, Yvonne pressed on,¡± Even now, he refuses to let you go. You don¡¯t love him anymore, but he still won¡¯t release you. That¡¯s why you need to take revenge on him!¡±


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    Chapter 647


    ¡°How do I take revenge?¡± Aveline asked, her gaze distant as she stared at Yvonne<b>. </b>


    Yvonne¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. She reached into her bag and


    pulled out a small stic bag containing a single pill. Handing it to Aveline, she said, ¡°All you have to do is get him to take this, and everything you¡¯re enduring now wille to an end. You¡¯ll be free.¡±


    Aveline stared at the bag for a long moment before finally taking it. She looked down at the pill, her voice steady as she asked, ¡°What will happen to Lucas if he takes this?¡±


    Yvonne smiled softly. ¡°He¡¯ll just fall into aa for a while. It won¡¯t kill him, and you won¡¯t have to worry about facing any legal consequences.¡±


    Aveline remained silent, clutching the pill tightly in her hand.


    Yvonne watched her with a gentle sigh, her expression almost pitying. You¡¯re such a good girl. If Lucas hadn¡¯t been so fixated on you, you wouldn¡¯t be in this position.¡±


    Aveline closed her eyes, her thoughts swirling.


    ??


    Seeing this, Yvonne said, ¡°Get some rest. I won¡¯t disturb you any longer.¡±


    With that, she turned and left the room.


    The sound of the door closing echoed in the room. Aveline opened her eyes, staring down at the pill in her hand. A bitter smile yed on her lips.


    She picked up her phone and dialed Lucas¡® number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± His deep, familiar voice quickly came through the line.


    ¡°Will you divorce me?¡± Aveline asked, her tone calm.


    Chapter 647


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    Lucas¡® voice grew colder. ¡°Aveline, I¡¯ve already told you, I won¡¯t divorce. you.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s gaze lingered on the pill as she asked, ¡°Even if it means one day I might kill you, you still won¡¯t let go?¡±


    His voice was firm. ¡°If that¡¯s what it takes, then go ahead and kill me. My life is yours.<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered as she abruptly ended the call. Without


    hesitation, she walked into the bathroom, dropped the pill into the toilet, and watched as the water flushed it away. Her expression remained emotionless as she returned to her room.


    When Selena returned, she looked puzzled. ¡°What did Mrs. Tudor say to you?¡±


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°Nothing much, really. She just came to check on me, but the solution she offered won¡¯t help with my situation.¡±


    Selena could sense something was off, but seeing that Aveline didn¡¯t want to borate, she decided not to press further.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. The divorce has already been filed, so now we just wait for the court date. Since you two don¡¯t have any children or property disputes, and your intention is clear, the court should grant the divorce.¡±


    Aveline stared out the window, her emotions a tangled mess. She had a feeling things wouldn¡¯t be as straightforward as Selena suggested.


    After a month in the hospital, Aveline¡¯s walking had improved, though she still moved slowly. The doctor rmended continuing her recovery at home, and Aveline, eager to leave the hospital, agreed and made arrangements to be discharged.


    On the day of her discharge, Gernard arrived.


    Chapter 647


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    He looked at Aveline and asked, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to stay a bit longer? The hospital can monitor your condition more closely.¡±


    Aveline smiled and shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s too stifling here, and it¡¯s not convenient. I¡¯ll be morefortable at home, and the doctor said it might actually help with my recovery.


    Gernard nodded, not pushing the issue. ¡°That makes sense. The nurse will continue to care for you until you¡¯re fully recovered. Is there anything else you need?¡±


    Aveline shook her head again. ¡°No, that¡¯s all. Thank you, Mr. Cooper.¡± Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Gernard smiled warmly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so formal with me. I¡¯ve already told you, I feel a certain closeness whenever I see you. If you¡¯re open to it, I¡¯d like to be friends. Why don¡¯t we exchange contact information? That way, you can reach out to me directly if you ever need anything.¡±


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    Chapter 648


    ¡°Sure.¡± Aveline nodded, taking out her phone to add Gernard as a


    contact.


    The caregiver had almost finished packing up, and Selena returned afterpleting the discharge procedures.


    ¡°Mr. Cooper, you¡¯re here too,¡± Selena said with a slight smile as she noticed him, then asked, ¡°Would you like to join us for a walk?¡±


    Gernard looked at Aveline. ¡°Is that alright?¡±


    Aveline smiled back. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re always wee at my ce.¡±


    Gernard¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Then I¡¯ll take you up on that offer.¡±


    The group left the hospital together.


    Upon arriving at Maple Garden, Gernard couldn¡¯t help but praise the ce, ¡°The environment here is lovely, much better than being stuck in the hospital.¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    Back home, the caregiver familiarized herself with the surroundings, while Selena helped Aveline settle on the sofa.


    Gernard stood on the balcony for a while before turning around and saying, ¡°One caregiver might not be enough. How about this: I¡¯ll hire a cook for you as well, so you can focus on your recovery.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Aveline thought for a moment before replying, ¡°I can hire one myself. There¡¯s no need to trouble you, Mr. Cooper.¡±


    But Gernard insisted, ¡°No, I¡¯ll handle it. You were injured because of me; it¡¯s the least I can do.¡±


    He paused, feeling a bit helpless. ¡°Anyone else would demand the


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    Chapter 648


    person responsible for the ident take care of everything. Why are <i>you </i>refusing?¡±


    Selena, standing nearby, chimed in, ¡°Because she¡¯s someone who


    avoids trouble. Doing that would be a hassle for her.¡±


    Gernard chuckled. ¡°I see.¡±


    Aveline shrugged. ¡°I prefer to keep things simple.¡±


    Gernard fixed his gaze on her. ¡°But the more you want simplicity, the more you¡¯re pulled intoplicated situations.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°That¡¯s life¨Cfull of frustrations.¡±


    The atmosphere became somewhat heavy.


    Selena broke the tension, ¡°Getting discharged is something worth celebrating, so why the gloomy talk? Ave, what do you feel like eating today? How about I cook for you?¡±


    Aveline looked at her,.¡°Hmm, you¡¯ll cook beef pasta for me?¡±


    Selena immediately responded, ¡°Are you kidding? Why would I make that? If I cook, it¡¯ll definitely be avocado pasta!¡±


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    The heavy atmosphere instantly dissipated.


    Gernard looked at Selena and couldn¡¯t help but admire her. ¡°You¡¯re amazing. Just a few words, and you had herughing.¡±


    Selena shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s not me¨Cshe just has a low threshold <i>for </i>humor.¡±


    Gernard raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, it seems we have something inmon. Iugh easily too.¡±


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    The group continued chatting casually, and time passed quickly.


    For some reason, even though she wasn¡¯t very close with Gernard, Aveline always felt at ease around him.


    Just like Gernard mentioned earlier, there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity.


    Although Aveline found it puzzling, she thoroughly enjoyed the feeling. It was something entirely new to her.


    At that moment, the doorbell rang. The caregiver went to open the door and found Russell standing at the entrance.


    ¡°Looks like I arrived just in time,¡± Russell said as he walked in, a hint of a smile on his delicate and handsome face.


    Aveline nced at him. He had left abruptly after receiving a callst time and hadn¡¯t returned since. Had he finally dealt with everything?


    ¡°Russ, you¡¯re just in time. What would you like for lunch?¡± Selena asked with a smile when she saw him.

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    +25 BONUS All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Russell looked at Aveline. ¡°What do you feel like eating?¡±


    Selena chimed in, ¡°We already asked her. She said she was fine with anything. When we asked for specific dishes, she just said she was not picky. Isn¡¯t that frustrating?¡±


    Russell nodded. ¡°It is quite frustrating.


    Aveline blinked innocently. ¡°But I really am okay with anything, and I¡¯m not picky at all.¡±


    Selena gave her a mock re. ¡°Should I be praising you for that?¡±


    Aveline grinned. ¡°You could, yes.¡±


    Selena rolled her eyes at her without hesitation.


    After a moment of contemtion, Russell said, ¡°I¡¯ll have something. delivered then.¡±


    Aveline hesitated. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble?¡±


    Russell shook his head, ¡°Not at all. The hotel will prepare everything and deliver it. Plus, there won¡¯t be any cleanup afterward.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>Aveline nodded in agreement.


    At this point, Gernard spoke up, taking the initiative to greet Russell.¡± Mr. Skyler, I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.


    Russell turned to him with a slight smile, ¡°Mr. Cooper, the legendary figure of the Cooper family. I¡¯ve always wanted to meet you, but the opportunity never arose. Now that I finally do, I must say, the reality surpasses the rumors.¡±


    Gernard smiled modestly. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Skyler. I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re recently involved in overseas ventures? I happen to have some


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    Chapter 649


    experience in that area. How about we discuss it further?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Russell agreed.


    The two of them moved to the chairs on the balcony and began discussing business.


    Aveline watched them for a moment and then said, ¡°<i>I </i>wish I could join in, but I¡¯m just a designer.¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re injured now. If you weren¡¯t, you¡¯d probably be at the construction site right now, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline¡¯s expression faltered slightly. ¡°Yes, probably.¡±


    She would likely be overseeing the construction of Lucas¡® new house, watching the workers as they went about their tasks.


    A sudden wave of confusion washed over her.


    Lucas once said that the house was meant for his new bribe.


    But now<i>, </i>he was adamant that he would never agree to a divorce.


    Then what was he nning to do with that house?


    Just as Aveline was lost in thought, the doorbell rang again.


    Selena frowned. ¡°What¡¯s going on? How many people know you¡¯re getting discharged today?¡±


    Aveline shook her head <b>in </b>confusion. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t figure out how Russell knew since she hadn¡¯t told him


    either.


    The caregiver had already gone to open the door.


    The moment Selena saw who it was, her expression instantly turned cold. She didn¡¯t spare him a nce and sat beside Aveline, ying with her phone.


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    Lucas walked in, tall and imposing, his handsome face carrying an air of cold detachment.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were getting discharged?¡± he asked as he approached Aveline, his gaze fixed on her.


    Aveline replied, ¡°Even though I didn¡¯t tell you, you found out, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Lucas scrutinized her leg. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re fit to be discharged?¡±


    Aveline answered, ¡°The doctor said I could.¡±


    Selena, from the side, interjected, ¡°Why are you even talking to him?¡±


    Aveline was momentarily silent before she spoke, ¡°Lucas, it¡¯s not appropriate for you to be at my ce.¡±


    Lucas sat down on the single sofa, unfazed. ¡°What¡¯s inappropriate? Are we divorced?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Seeing him pull out his usual shameless attitude, Aveline was at a loss for words.


    ¡°How annoying!¡± Selena said bluntly.


    Lucas stared intently at Aveline and suddenly said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you drop thewsuit? You won¡¯t win.¡±


    His gaze was heavy, settling on Aveline with a subtle sense of pressure.


    At that moment, Russell¡¯s voice cut through the tension, ¡°The court hasn¡¯t even convened yet¨Ceverything is still up in the air. Lucas, are you trying to persuade her because you¡¯re afraid of losing?¡±

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    ¡°Lose?¡±


    Lucas sneered as if he had just heard an amusing joke. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong between us. Why would the court grant a divorce?¡±


    Russell countered, ¡°Does emotional neglect during the marriage not count as a problem?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow, looking at Aveline. ¡°Have I ever emotionally neglected you?¡±


    Aveline pressed her lips together, remaining silent.


    She had always harbored some concerns.


    On the surface, there were <i>no </i>obvious disputes between her and Lucas.


    Would the court really grant them a divorce?


    Citing ack of affection seemed like a weak argument.


    If there had been a clear fault on Lucas¡® part, perhaps the chances would be higher. But Lucas would never allow such a situation to ur.


    Lucas turned his gaze back to Russell, his tone carrying a hint of malice. ¡°Yourwyer is indeed skilled, but everyone has a weakness. Do you really believe he¡¯ll be fullymitted to your case?¡±


    Russell frowned. ¡°What are you insinuating?¡±


    But Lucas didn¡¯t bother to exin further. His eyes returned to Aveline¡¯s face.


    ¡°Aveline, if you insist on suing<b>, </b>I can¡¯t guarantee what might happen. You need to be mentally prepared for any oue.¡±


    His deep, maic voice carried a tone that felt almost like a threat,


    Chapter 650


    though it sounded as casual as if he werementing on the weather.


    Aveline furrowed her brows. ¡°I will proceed with thewsuit, Lucas. Our marriage is over.¡±


    Lucas stared at her for a long moment before nodding slightly. ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll y along.¡±


    The look he gave her was as if he was humoring a troublesome wife.


    A familiar sense of helplessness welled up within Aveline. In front of him, she always felt powerless.


    Gernard spoke up at that moment, ¡°Mr. Skyler, does yourwyer need an assistant? I happen to know someone in Larbor City who¡¯s made quite a name for themselves.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, everyone¡¯s attention shifted to him.


    Selena immediately asked, ¡°Mr. Cooper, what¡¯s your friend¡¯s name?¡±


    Gernard smiled faintly, ¡°Forrest Hedgeworth.¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    Selena eximed in surprise, ¡°I know him! He¡¯s the topwyer in Larbor City, never lost a case he took on!¡±


    Feeling excited, Selena grabbed Aveline¡¯s hand, ¡°If Mr. Hedgeworth joins in, you¡¯ll definitely win!¡±


    Aveline was intrigued and asked, ¡°Mr. Cooper, do you think Mr.


    Hedgeworth would be willing to help me?¡±


    Gernard¡¯s smile widened. ¡°I mentioned he¡¯s a friend of mine. If I ask him All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    for a favor, he¡¯ll be willing to help.¡±


    Russell added, ¡°If Mr. Hedgeworth is avable, it would be great to have hime to Cloudre City.¡±


    Chapter 650


    Gernard nced at Aveline, silently seeking her opinion.


    Aveline felt even more tempted. With such a top¨Cnotchwyer on her side, her chances of winning would significantly increase! She was eager to end her marriage with Lucas as soon as possible.


    She opened her mouth to say something, but then she caught Lucas¡® gaze out <i>of </i>the corner of her eye. He was staring at her intently, his eyes deep and unfathomable, with emotions she couldn¡¯t quite decipher. The words she was about to say <i>got </i>stuck in her throat.


    Lucas¡® lips curled into a slightly wicked smile as he said, ¡°Go ahead and agree, but be prepared to face the consequences.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed, and she turned to Gernard, ¡°Alright, <i>Mr. </i>Cooper, I appreciate your help.¡±

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    Even now, he was still trying to threaten her. Did he really think she would be afraid?


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    Gernard smiled slightly and then turned to the balcony to make a phone call.


    Selena excitedly grabbed Aveline¡¯s hand. ¡°My dear, you¡¯re about to be free!¡±


    Aveline smiled and nced at Lucas.


    His eyes were lowered, his face still as handsome and sharp as ever, exuding a cold and icy aura. No one knew what he was thinking at that moment.


    Just then, the doorbell rang.


    It was the hotel staff delivering the food.


    Selena got up to help, setting the dishes on the dining table before walking over to support Aveline.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Aveline responded.


    Russell also walked over<b>, </b>carefully observing Aveline¡¯s expression.


    Fortunately, the dining area was just a few steps away. Once Aveline sat down<b>, </b>she nced at the others and said, ¡°No need to fuss,e and join me.¡±


    Selena pulled out the chair next to her, about to sit down, but in the next second, she was pushed aside.


    Lucas sat directly beside Aveline.


    ¡°Hey, <b>you-</b><b>¡± </b>


    Selena staggered, nearly falling over, and red at Lucas, wanting to drag him up.


    Lucas looked indifferent, seemingly unaffected by the hostile atmosphere. He took out his utensils, nced at the dishes on the table, and then immediately ced some food on Aveline¡¯s te.


    Russell frowned.


    Gernard approached, raising an eyebrow at the scene. ¡°Mr. Tudor doesn¡¯t waste any time, does he?¡±


    Lucas stayedposed. ¡°It¡¯s not about rushing. She¡¯s my wife, this is my home. Why should I be a guest in my own house<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Gernard was at a loss for words.


    Selena sneered. ¡°Can¡¯t you see that no one wants you here? How can you be so shameless<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Lucas remained unfazed. ¡°Why should I care what you all think? Who do you think <b>you </b>are?<b>¡± </b>


    ¡°You!¡±


    Selena¡¯s face turned sour, clearly <b>frustrated</b>.


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    Aveline looked at Lucas and said in a calm tone, ¡°Didn¡¯t youe here to discuss the <b>divorce</b><b>?</b>¡±


    Lucas nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Aveline continued, ¡°Now that we¡¯ve talked about <b>it</b><b>, </b>you can leave.¡±


    Lucas curled his lips into a smile. ¡°But I¡¯m hungry, and there¡¯s food here. Why should I leave?¡±


    Seeing the yful glint in his eyes, Aveline was left speechless once again.


    Dealing with someone as shameless as him seemed pointless. No matter how much they showed their dislike, he simply didn¡¯t care.


    What exactly did he care about?


    No one knew.


    <b>In </b>just a short while, the te in front of her had already piled up like a small mountain, filled with all her favorite dishes.


    Lucas continued to add more, causing her to frown. ¡°Stop adding more. I¡¯ll eat on my own.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Lucas nced at her te and, without further ado, began eating on his own.


    Aveline closed her eyes briefly, deciding not to argue with him anymore. Russell had ordered the meal, and she couldn¡¯t just waste it¨Cit would be disrespectful to his efforts.


    The atmosphere at the dining table was quite tense; no one seemed to be in a good mood<i>. </i>


    Except for Lucas, who remained unaffected, carrying on as if nothing was wrong. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He ate at a steady pace, his every movement reflecting the elegance he had cultivated from a young age.


    Every now and then, he would nce at Aveline, and when he noticed her eating a particr dish, he would add more of it to her te.


    ¡°I¡¯m full.¡±


    Aveline, having lost her appetite, put down her utensils.

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    ¡°Are you full already?¡± Lucas looked at her seriously and asked, ¡°You¡¯ve eaten very little.¡±


    Aveline nced coldly at him. ¡°Since when do you have to control how much I eat?¡±


    Lucas raised an eyebrow and didn¡¯t continue speaking. Instead, he took her te and started eating her


    leftovers.


    Aveline was slightly stunned by his action.


    Everyone else saw this scene and didn¡¯t know what to say.


    It seemed fine?


    They were married after all.


    Even though they were in the midst of divorce proceedings, they had once loved each other.


    Selena rolled her eyes dramatically, ¡°Disgusting.¡±


    ¡°I want to go back to my room,¡± Aveline said.


    Selena got up. ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    Aveline nodded and then stood up with Selena¡¯s help.


    At that moment, Lucas put down his utensils, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and stood up, immediately lifting her into his arms.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aveline eximed, grabbing his cor as if she feared he would throw her down.


    Lucas said, ¡°You¡¯re walking too slowly. Let me carry you back so you can rest.¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°But the doctor said I should walk as much as I can.¡± All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Lucas responded, ¡°Then you can practice walking after I leave. I can¡¯t help it, I hate seeing you in


    difort.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    The air hung with an eerie silence.


    Selena stared at Lucas¡® retreating back as if trying to bore holes through him!


    What an openly shameless man!


    Gernard said, ¡°I have some things to take care of, I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    Selena quickly said, ¡°Mr. Cooper, take care, and do visit us when you have time.¡±


    Gernard nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Russell¡¯s expression was somewhat displeased as he continued to watch Lucas¡® back.


    Selena hurried into the bedroom, fearing that Lucas might have ill intentions towards Aveline.


    However, Lucas simply ced Aveline on the bed and then got up and left.


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    Ignoring Selena and Russell, he left on his own.


    It was as if his whole purpose ining here was just to have a meal with Aveline and hold her for a


    moment.


    ¡°Crazy,¡± Selena muttered under her breath, then turned to look at Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯splexion was pale, her eyebrows tightly furrowed.


    ¡°Ave, what are you thinking about?¡± Selena walked over and asked.


    Aveline closed her eyes and said, ¡°I can¡¯t understand it,


    ¡°What can¡¯t you understand?¡± Selena was even more puzzled.


    Aveline replied, ¡°I can¡¯t understand his intentions. Is it because of love, or because he can¡¯t let go?¡±


    Selena frowned. ¡°Why bother with that? Once you win thewsuit, he¡¯ll be out of your life.¡±


    Aveline sighed softly.


    ¡°What if it¡¯s because of love?¡±


    At that moment, Russell came over, gazing at her, and asked.


    Selena scoffed at the side. ¡°How could that be possible? How can you hurt someone you love? That bastard Lucas has caused nothing but trouble for our Ave!¡±


    Russell said nothing, just kept his gaze on Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s eyshes trembled slightly, and with a bitter smile, she said, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such love, this is not what I want.¡±


    Yes, she did not want this strange, twisted kind of love.


    That feeling of having no control over anything, everything dependent on his whims, it was suffocating for


    her.


    Russell moved <i>to </i>her side and sat down. ¡°Then stay firm and don¡¯t waver. Aveline, there¡¯s better love waiting for you.¡±

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    Russell, whose eyes usually held a carefree smile, now stared at Aveline with serious intent.


    Previously, his demeanor was rxed and casual, often appearing before Aveline with various hair <i>colors</i>.


    Aveline suddenly realized he seemed to have dyed his hair back to ck, as it had been a long time since she¡¯d seen him with any other color.


    She gave a small smile. ¡°Yeah, I understand.¡±


    Russell reached out, lightly tousling her hair, a yful glint in his eyes. ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll visit you again soon.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aveline nodded, watching him leave.


    Selena, after seeing him out, returned with an excited expression.


    ¡°My God! What was that? Was that a confession? A hint? Was it?¡±


    Selena pounced beside Aveline, asking excitedly.


    Aveline shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Selena looked at her. ¡°When Russell said those words to you, didn¡¯t your heart flutter for a moment? Like there were butterflies in your stomach?¡±


    Aveline looked at her helplessly. ¡°At a time like this, you¡¯re still thinking about that?¡±


    Selena blinked. ¡°When else should I think about it? Otherwise, it would be so boring.¡±


    Aveline was exasperated but did not answer her question.


    How could she not understand Russell¡¯s intentions?


    But she couldn¡¯t respond.


    After a failed rtionship, she had no desire to think about such things.


    All she wanted was to divorce Lucas as soon as possible and then leave Cloudre City to live the life


    she wanted.


    It was as simple as that.


    The Tudor family¡¯s suppression of DK Enterprises grew even fiercer.


    Frederick had been waiting for Lucas to beg for mercy, yet as DK Enterprises faced the verge of bankruptcy with hardly any orders, Lucas showed no signs of bowing.


    He was such a tough nut!


    Frederick directly had the Tudor family take over at DK Enterprises, overseeing a shareholders¡® meeting that ousted Lucas from the presidency. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


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    The situation at DK Enterprises drastically changed, and Lucas waspletely removed from the board!


    When Aveline heard this news, she also received notification of the court date.


    A monthter, Aveline was working out at home, with Selena apanying her. Selena excitedly described how miserable Lucas was now without the support of the Tudor family and his role as president of DK Enterprises, having be just an ordinary person.


    Ayer of sweat formed on Aveline¡¯s forehead as she exhaled deeply and said, ¡°<i>Don¡¯t </i>forget, even as an ordinary person, he¡¯s still worth several hundred million.¡±


    Selena was speechless.


    It felt like a massive blow!


    Despite everything, how could he still be so wealthy!


    Aveline sat on the sofa, sipping water from a cup when the doorbell rang.


    Selena wondered, ¡°Who could that be? Could it be Russell?¡±


    She eagerly went to open the door, but her expression turned cold the moment she saw who was standing there.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    It was Lucas. He pushed past Selena and walked in, even carrying a suitcase.


    ¡°Hey, did I let you in? Do you have any manners?¡± Selena said with displeasure.


    Lucas responded, ¡°I¡¯ming to my wife¡¯s house, why should I need your permission?¡±


    Selena immediately looked to Aveline/ ¡°Ave, look at him!¡±


    Aveline asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Lucas approached her, leaning in, and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you that if you insist <i>on </i>going through with the divorce, you¡¯ll have to face the consequences yourself.¡±

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    Aveline stared at Lucas, his stern features catching her off guard. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    A faint, teasing smile tugged at the corners of Lucas¡® lips, and there was a hint of mischief in his eyes.


    ¡°Because you sued me, I went bankrupt faster, lost the board¡¯s trust, and now I¡¯m <i>no </i>longer the president of DK Enterprises. I¡¯m unemployed. So, as my legal wife, you¡¯re responsible for me.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what she was hearing!


    What did he just say?


    The consequences he kept talking about meant that because he failed, she had to take responsibility for him?


    What kind of twisted logic was that?


    ¡°No way! I won¡¯t take care of you!¡± Aveline shook her head, still in disbelief.


    What a ridiculous joke.


    He had been the one refusing to divorce her, and now that he had failed, how was that her fault?


    If he had divorced her earlier, would the Tudor family have turned against him? Would he have ended up like this?


    Lucas casually sat down next to her and said, ¡°Aveline, you can¡¯t refuse me, and you can¡¯t kick me out either. So, save your energy. After all, the court date is only a month away.¡±


    Selena, who had been listening in shock, finally snapped out of it and eximed, ¡°Oh my God, this is the most shameless person I¡¯ve ever met!¡±


    How could he even say these things?


    Was his mind functioning properly?


    Aveline frowned at Lucas, then reached for her phone to call the police.


    Lucas watched her movements calmly and said, ¡°Do you think the police will get involved in matters between a husband and wife?¡±


    Even though the court date was a month away, they were still legally married.


    There had been no violent conflict.


    Even if there were, the police wouldn¡¯t be able to change anything.


    Aveline¡¯s finger hesitated over the dial button as she bit her lip, staring at Lucas with a mix of frustration and disbelief.


    She was overwhelmed by his shamelessness.


    Lucas smiled slightly. ¡°I know you admire me, but you don¡¯t have to stare at me like that.¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


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    Unbelievable.


    She turned to Selena and said, ¡°Just close the door for now.¡±


    Selena pointed at Lucas. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re just letting him stay here?¡±


    ¡°What else can I do?¡± Aveline looked at her. ¡°Do you have a better idea to get him out?¡±


    Selena fell silent as well.


    One phrase, ¡°They¡¯re married,¡± left them without a single option. Lucas could stay here as long as he wanted, and even if he got intimate with Aveline right in front of her, she couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    Selena wished she could fast¨Cforward to the court date, just to witness the moment when the court dered them divorced.


    Nothing could be more thrilling.


    Lucas, dragging his suitcase, headed straight for the master bedroom.


    Selena immediately blocked his way. ¡°No, you can¡¯t stay in the master bedroom. Ave needs proper rest.¡± Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas shot her a cold look, clearly annoyed.


    Selena felt a sudden sense of danger, but she stood her ground, not backing down.


    This was thest line she could draw!


    After a silent standoff, Lucas was the first to relent. He veered off and headed toward another room.


    He entered one of the guest rooms.


    This house had three guest rooms and a master bedroom. Selena upied one of the guest rooms, leaving two others.


    Watching Lucas enter the guest room, Selena¡¯s face was full of disdain.


    She walked over to Aveline, sat beside her, and shook her head with a sigh.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>655 </b>


    ¡°Sigh¡­ He¡¯spletely shattered my worldview. It¡¯s like he has no sense of decency or shame,¡± Selena muttered.


    Aveline stared nkly ahead, not responding.


    She never expected that Lucas¡® backup n would be this¡­.


    It seemed he didn¡¯t care at all about being kicked out of DK Enterprises. He still had the energy toe here and make her life difficult.


    What was he thinking?.


    Noticing Aveline¡¯sck of response, Selena waved a hand in front of her face<b>. </b>¡°Ave?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Aveline snapped back to reality. ¡°It looks like, for the foreseeable future, we¡¯ll be seeing him every day.¡±


    Selena pulled a face. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to see him.¡±


    ¡°Then you should move out.¡±


    Lucas¡® deep voice cut in, causing both women to look up. He was leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, his eyes carrying a hint of coldness as he stared at Selena.


    Selena sneered. ¡°You think I¡¯ll move out just because you said so? Who do you think you are?¡±


    Lucas pointed at Aveline. ¡°She¡¯s the boss, and I¡¯m also the co¨Cowner of the house.¡±


    Both Selena and Aveline were speechless.


    Seeing their silence, Lucas seemed pleased.


    He walked over to Aveline and said, ¡°How about you drop thewsuit? And release a statement saying the divorce filing was just a joke? That would restore my reputation, and I might even get back to work at DK Enterprises. If that happens, I won¡¯t have to stay here and annoy you.¡±


    His deep, maic voice carried a slow, coaxing tone as if trying to persuade Aveline.


    Aveline¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°As if.¡±


    Lucas burst intoughter.


    Aveline rolled her eyes and turned to Selena. ¡°Let¡¯s go out for a walk.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Selena replied, grabbing her bag and helping Aveline out of the room.


    As soon as they left, the smile vanished from Lucas¡® face.


    He pulled out his phone and turned it on, only to be bombarded with countless messages.


    Some were from the Tudor family, others were filled with insults.


    Somehow, his phone number had leaked, and now his inbox was flooded with messages. The hateful insults poured in as easily as taking a sip of water.


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    Chapter 655


    Lucas nced at the messages with cold indifference before finally pulling out the SIM card and tossing


    it into the trash.


    He got up and stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the clear blue sky, though his eyes remained as dark and unreadable as a still, ancient well.


    Just then, a WhatsApp call came in. Seeing it was Aaron, he answered with a brief, ¡°Speak.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s voice came through the line, ¡°How does it feel to be ostracized by everyone?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°Not bad. Want to try it? I can help you.¡±


    Aaronughed, unbothered. ¡°No need, my life is carefree enough.¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Right, especially with your fianc¨¦e making a fool out of you. You must be loving that,¡± Lucasmented dryly.


    Aaron choked on his words for a moment before responding, ¡°I don¡¯t care what she does, as long as it doesn¡¯t blow up.¡±


    ¡°How generous of you,¡± Lucas said in a calm tone, though it reeked of sarcasm.


    He frowned and added, ¡°When are youing to take Selena away? She¡¯s starting to get on my nerves.<b>¡± </b>


    Aaron replied, ¡°Are you asking me for a favor?¡±


    Lucas smirked. ¡°Yeah, consider it your old man asking for help.¡®


    ¡°Fuck off!¡±


    Aaron cursed under his breath, realizing toote that Lucas had gotten the upper hand in the exchange.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s good that she¡¯s with Aveline. It keeps Aveline¡¯s spirits up.¡±


    ?????????????????

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    Aaron¡¯s reply was clearly meant to provoke Lucas, and he hung up immediately after. Lucas let out a quiet scoff, then reached into his pocket for a cigarette, lighting it up


    It was dusk, and the sunset painted the western sky in a dazzling array of colors. Aveline, feeling tired, sat down on a bench, admiring the serene beauty of theke reflecting the deep blue sky above.


    Selena handed her a bottle of water and said, ¡°Ave, I have a feeling¡­¡±


    She hesitated.


    Aveline took a sip of water, looking at her curiously. ¡°Hmm? What is it?¡±


    Selena sighed softly. ¡°Looks like Lucas is trying totch onto you. When force didn¡¯t get him anywhere, he¡¯s now opting for a gentler approach.¡±


    Aveline¡¯s grip tightened on the water bottle.


    Selena, with her usual yful demeanor gone, looked at Aveline seriously and asked, ¡°Are you going to waver?¡±


    Aveline¡¯sshes fluttered as she shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Selena pressed, ¡°Even though he was once the love of your life, and now he¡¯s showing remorse, wanting your forgiveness, and hoping to live a good life with you¨Cyou won¡¯t waver?¡±


    This time, Aveline¡¯s voice was firmer, ¡°No.¡±


    Selena smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you do waver, you know.¡±


    Aveline gave her a surprised look.


    Selena¡¯s gaze drifted to theke. ¡°Just see how far he¡¯s willing to go. If he¡¯s ready to die for you, and actually does it, then it wouldn¡¯t be toote to reconsider.¡±


    Aveline couldn¡¯t help butugh. She knew there was no way Selena would ept Lucas that easily.


    Lucas dying for her?


    Impossible.


    Lucas was the kind <i>of </i>person who always followed his own whims, a ssic egotist. He would never do anything that might hurt or endanger himself.


    Taking another sip of water, she said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s head back.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Selena nodded and helped her back home.


    When they opened the door, the living room was empty. It was the maid and caretaker¡¯s break time, so they were in their respective rooms.


    Aveline returned to the master bedroom and said to Selena, ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well. I¡¯m going to take a


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    shower. Can you wait outside and hand me my


    Selena quickly offered, ¡°Let me help <i>you </i>stuff when I¡¯m done?¡±


    Aveline smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just <i>sit </i>


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    with the shower. I¡¯m notfortable with you doing it alone.¡±


    on the stool and take my time.¡±


    Seeing Aveline¡¯s determination, Selena didn¡¯t push further.


    Aveline stepped into the bathroom, adjusted the water temperature, and slowly undressed. Because of her injuries, she had to be cautious, carefully applying waterproof bandages <i>to </i>the areas that needed protection before taking her time with the wash.


    By the time she finished, she was exhausted. All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    After catching her breath, she called out towards the door, ¡°Selena, pass me my pajamas.¡±


    As she dried her hair with a towel, the bathroom door suddenly opened. Instinctively, she looked up and saw Lucas walking in, her pajamas in hand.


    Aveline¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she immediately covered her chest. ¡°Who gave you permission toe in? Get out!¡±


    Lucas stood a short distance away, looking at her as she sat on the stool. Under the bright bathroom light, her fair skin glowed, though some areas were still marked with bruises. She stared at him in panic, trying to cover herself, but it was futile.


    At that moment, she waspletely exposed.


    No matter how she tried to cover herself, she couldn¡¯t conceal much.


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. ¡°Don¡¯t you want your pajamas<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Aveline gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Give me the pajamas!¡±


    Lucas stepped closer.


    Aveline quickly spoke, ¡°Just throw them to me! Don¡¯te any closer!¡±

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    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Lucas paused, staring at Aveline. ¡°Are you sure you want me to toss it over?<b>¡± </b>Lucas paused, staring at Aveline. ¡°Are yo


    Aveline responded firmly, ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±


    No way would she let hime any closer.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Lucas nodded, then casually tossed the pajamas toward her.


    Aveline reached out to catch them, but they slipped through her fingers and fell to the floor,nding in a puddle of water. The pajamas were quickly soaked, making them unusable.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Aveline looked up, ring at Lucas. ¡°Did you do that on purpose?¡±


    Lucas¡® sharp, handsome face showed nothing but innocence. ¡°You told me to throw them, and I did. You didn¡¯t catch them, so how is that my fault?¡±


    He acted as if Aveline was the one being unreasonable.


    Aveline was fuming. ¡°Lucas, I¡¯m freezing, and I¡¯m not in the mood for games. Get Selena!¡±


    Lucas stared at her for a long moment before suddenly walking over. In her shocked gaze, he lifted her


    into his arms.


    ¡°Put me down!¡±


    Aveline¡¯s body tensed up immediately. His warm hands pressed directly against her bare skin, while he remained fully dressed. The contrast between them was stark.


    Lucas¡® gaze darkened, and he leaned in to give her a firm kiss. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Aveline, by now you should realize that when I want something, there¡¯s no getting away from it. So why not cooperate? It¡¯ll make things easier for both of us.¡±


    Aveline was furious, but with her limited mobility and being held in his arms, she couldn¡¯t even struggle. Lucas carried her out of the bathroom and ced her on the bed. He then went to the walk¨Cin closet, grabbed a fresh set of pajamas, and made it clear he intended to dress her himself.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Aveline refused resolutely. ¡°I can do it myself.<b>¡± </b>


    Lucas stared at her intensely for a moment, then handed over the pajamas and watched her get dressed.


    Under his gaze, a faint blush spread across Aveline¡¯s fair skin. She fought back her embarrassment and anger, quickly putting on the clothes. Then, she scooted back and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Selena?¡±


    Lucas replied, ¡°No idea.¡±


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    Chapter 657


    Aveline reached for her phone to call Sele


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    Just then, a muffled sound came from inside the walk¨Cin closet.


    Aveline¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What was <i>th </i>


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    noise?¡±


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    The sound came again, and this time, she recognized it¨Cit was Selena¡¯s voice! It sounded like her mouth was gagged, preventing her from speaking!


    Aveline¡¯s eyes shot to Lucas. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    Lucas pretended to suddenly realize, ¡°Oh, it seems she might have fallen in the closet. I¡¯ll go check.¡±


    He strolled casually into the walk¨Cin closet, and soon enough, Selena¡¯s furious voice echoed through the


    room.


    ¡°Lucas, you¡¯re <i>such </i>a bastard! I¡¯ve never met anyone as shameless as you! Aveline doesn¡¯t even want to


    pathetic?¡±


    see you, and yet <i>you </i>keep forcing self on her. Don¡¯t you find i


    Aveline watched anxiously, wishing she could rush over to see what was happening.


    A momentter, Lucas¡® tall figure emerged from the closet, followed by a furious Selena.


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Aveline asked, her brows knit tightly.


    Selena angrily replied, ¡°He tied me up <i>and </i>stuffed me in the closet just so he could get in to see you!¡±


    Aveline immediately red at Lucas. ¡°You¡­¡±


    She opened her mouth to speak but found herself at a loss for words.


    This man was not only shameless but utterly despicable in his methods<i>! </i>

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>658 </b>


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    Lucas casually slipped his hands into his pockets and strolled out of the master bedroom, as if he hadn¡¯t just done something so outrageous.


    Selena was so furious that she stomped her foot. ¡°What a piece of work! He¡¯s really pushing his luck!¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    She remained silent for a moment, then sighed helplessly. ¡°You should go rest.¡±


    Selena, at a loss for words, could only nod in agreement.


    Lying in bed, Aveline pondered how she would handle the days ahead. Should she leave Maple Garden? Go somewhere else? But knowing Lucas, he would undoubtedly follow her wherever she went.


    And from the looks of it, he wasn¡¯t seeking her forgiveness at all¨Che was just being in stubborn.


    Aveline turned over, unable to sleep.


    The next day.


    She emerged from the bedroom with dark circles under her eyes. Seeing her, Selena immediately felt a pang of sympathy.


    ¡°Ave, didn¡¯t you sleep wellst night?¡±


    Aveline nodded. ¡°Barely slept. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking.¡±


    Just then, Lucas stepped out of the guest room, dressed in a short¨Csleeved shirt and pants, his muscr arms exposed. His short hair was casually styled, with his bangs naturally falling over his forehead. His stern features were less sharp and carried a softer, more rxed air, more suited to a home setting.


    ¡°Do


    you need a bedtime story? I¡¯ve got plenty of time now, so if you need, I can start tonight,¡± he said, a faint, almost teasing smile ying on his lips as he looked at Aveline.


    Aveline walked past him without a hint of emotion on her face, coldly tossing out three words, ¡°What bad luck.¡±


    Selena followed suit, ¡°Yeah, such bad luck!¡±


    Lucas remained unfazed, calmly following the two women into the dining room.


    The housekeeper had already prepared breakfast.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss Young, Miss Quin,¡± the housekeeper greeted them politely, then hesitated when she noticed Lucas. ¡°And who might this be?¡±


    Lucas pointed at Aveline. ¡°I¡¯m her husband.¡±


    The housekeeper froze in surprise.


    Selena frowned. ¡°Just ignore him. Pretend he¡¯s not even here.¡±


    Lucas scoffed coldly. ¡°Do you really think everyone is as rude andcking in manners as you?¡±


    Selena chuckled. ¡°My manners are reserved for people who actually deserve them. Do you have any?¡±


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    Chapter 658


    The two immediately began bickering.


    Aveline, feeling a headacheing on, addressed the housekeeper, ¡°Hisst name is Tudor.¡±


    The housekeeper quickly caught on, ¡°Oh, Mr. Tudor.¡±


    Lucas shot a triumphant look at Selena before heading into the dining room and sitting down to start


    eating.


    Since Aveline had mostly recovered and no longer needed a caregiver, she had let them go, but the housekeeper stayed on to handle the cooking.


    After breakfast, Aveline began her rehabilitation exercises for the day.


    Her leg still couldn¡¯t bear much weight; it had only been a little over a month, and her recovery was far fromplete.


    Selena watched Aveline nervously, ready to catch her at any moment.


    Meanwhile, Lucas sat on the sofa like he owned the ce, engrossed in a book.


    Selena nced at him several times, her expression shifting between frustration and disbelief.


    Aveline noticed Selena¡¯s reaction and said, ¡°You know, you could just treat him like air, like I do.¡± Selena sighed. ¡°He¡¯s so hard to ignore. How do you manage to treat him like he¡¯s not there?¡± Aveline replied, ¡°With enough time, you¡¯ll develop that skill.¡±


    Selena nodded seriously. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do my best to learn.¡±


    At that moment, Lucas spoke up, ¡°You¡¯re applying force incorrectly.¡±


    He stood up and walked over to Aveline, adjusting her posture with his hands<i>. </i>


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What are you doing? Let go!¡±


    But Lucas calmly replied, ¡°Your posture and the way you¡¯re applying force are wrong. If you keep exercising like this, you¡¯ll cause further damage to your bones.¡±


    His expression was serious, and his gazes were steady, without any unnecessary actions or intentions.


    Aveline tried the posture he suggested, and it seemed to require less effort. The pain she had felt before was now almost gone.


    She couldn¡¯t help but nce at Lucas a couple of times.


    Lucas looked up, and their eyes met unexpectedly. The emotions in their gazes remained as calm as ever, and they quickly looked away from each other.


    Lucas returned to the sofa and resumed reading.


    It was only then that Aveline noticed the book he was reading seemed to be about rehabilitation exercises.


    She pressed her lips together slightly, then refocused on her own workout.


    Chapter 659

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    Chapter <b>659 </b>


    Lucas had been staying there for a week. Aside from the first night when he caused a bit of a stir by deliberately entering Aveline¡¯s bathroom, nothing else of note had happened since. The few of them managed to coexist peacefully.


    Selena had truly mastered the art of ignoring him, treating Lucas like just another tenant.


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    Lucas spent his days either exercising or reading, carrying himself with theid¨Cback air of someone who had already retired.


    Even though the Tudor family was in the process of merging with DK Enterprises, he seemedpletely unbothered, as if DK Enterprises wasn¡¯t the product of his hard work and dedication.


    Aveline watched the news and her emotions conflicted.


    After graduating college, she began working at DK Enterprises and grew deeply attached to thepany. If it hadn¡¯t been for everything that happenedter, she would never have left so easily.


    She felt so affected by the situation, so why was Lucas so indifferent?


    Unable to hold back any longer, she knocked on his door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    His deep, pleasant voice reached her.


    Aveline hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open and walking in. By now, she could walk much more smoothly.


    Lucas was sitting in a chair, reading a book. When he saw her enter, he raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°A rare guest,¡± he remarked, his voice low, his gaze intense as he looked at her.


    Standing by the door, Aveline asked, ¡°Lucas, what exactly are you doing?¡±


    Lucas¡® sharp eyebrows arched slightly. ¡°What are you referring to?¡±


    Aveline pressed on, ¡°DK Enterprises is about to merge with the Tudor family. Once the merger isplete, DK Enterprises will <i>no </i>longer exist. Are you really just going to watch it happen?¡±


    A faint, amused smile tugged at Lucas¡® lips. ¡°If I¡¯m not watching it happen, should I close my eyes? <b>I </b>suppose that¡¯s an option too<i>.</i>¡±


    Aveline was speechless.


    S


    She pressed her lips together<b>, </b>suddenly feeling that her question had been unnecessary.


    Without another word, she turned to leave.


    ¡°Aveline.¡±


    The deep, soothing voice of the man behind her stopped her in her tracks.


    She paused. ¡°What is it?¡± Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Lucas asked, ¡°Do <i>you </i>care about DK Enterprises?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>+25 </b>BONUS


    Chapter 659


    The fact that he had uncovered the secret she tried to keep hidden made her brow furrow. ¡°I was just asking casually. If you, the boss, don¡¯t care, why should 1, a former employee?¡±


    With that, she left without looking back.


    She regretted it immediately.


    She shouldn¡¯t havee to ask him anything. They should¡¯ve just continued in this uneasy peace until the court hearing. They could have kept their distance, avoiding any interaction until everything was finally over.


    Lucas kept his eyes fixed on the door, a flicker of emoti¨®n passing through his sharp gaze. His lips curved slightly, but after a moment, he returned to his book.


    That afternoon, Aveline received a call from Yvonne.


    Yvonne got straight to the point. ¡°Aveline, it¡¯s been a while. Have you given it any more thought?¡±


    Aveline sat on the balcony, looking out at the gloomy sky. For some reason, an inexplicable unease stirred within her.


    ¡°Mrs. Tudor, I can¡¯t go through with something like this.¡±


    Yvonne sighed softly. ¡°I figured as much. You¡¯re too kind, but it¡¯s a shame that Lucas hurt you so deeply. You¡¯ve been through so much.¡±


    Her tone was full of pity and concern as if she genuinely sympathized with Aveline¡¯s situation.


    But Aveline¡¯s eyes remained cold. ¡°Is there anything else, Mrs. Tudor?¡±


    Yvonne responded gently, ¡°How is your recovery going?¡±


    Aveline replied, ¡°I¡¯m almost fully recovered.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I won¡¯t disturb your <i>rest </i>any longer. Goodbye.¡±


    Yvonne <i>ended </i>the call, <i>and </i>Aveline leaned back, exhaling a long breath.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ept her proposal?¡±


    Lucas¡® voice suddenly came from behind her, his tone devoid of any noticeable emotion.


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    Chapter 660


    <b>Chapter </b><b>660 </b>


    Startled, Aveline turned around and saw Lucas standing nearby, holding a freshly made cup of something warm, steam still rising from it.


    She frowned slightly. ¡°Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?¡±


    Lucas walked over, sat down in the chair next to her, and looked out the window. His side profile was sharp and handsome, with his bangs falling slightly forward, giving him a more youthful appearance.


    For a moment, Aveline felt a sh of nostalgia, as if she was seeing him <i>from </i>when they first met.


    ¡°Did Yvonne ask you to poison me?¡± Lucas asked calmly, still looking outside.


    Aveline was shocked. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    A slight, mocking smile yed on Lucas¡® lips. ¡°Because she didn¡¯t only ask you. She¡¯s been trying to get others around me to do the same. I believe they call that ¡®casting a wide.¡°¡±


    Aveline paused, her emotions bing moreplicated.


    Lucas nced at her. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Still upset about me overhearing your


    conversation?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Besides, I didn¡¯t eavesdrop. I just happened to pass by and overhear it.¡±


    Aveline looked away and said, ¡°I told her I couldn¡¯t do it. If you died, I¡¯d end up in prison, and I don¡¯t want


    that.¡±


    Lucasughed softly. ¡°You¡¯re easily scared, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Aveline stayed silent.


    But Lucas continued, ¡°If you¡¯re so easily scared, how did you get the courage to divorce me?¡±


    He gazed at her delicate, male face, her features clean and soft.


    ¡°Is it because Russell¡¯s backing you up?¡± He took out his phone and showed her a picture. ¡°Will you still feel the same way about him after seeing this?¡±


    Aveline frowned. ¡°What are you talking about? Russ and I are just friends!¡±


    Despite her words, her eyes were drawn to his phone.


    It was a photograph¨Ca rather intimate one.


    It showed Russell and Rina in bed together. The photo was clearly taken by Rina, whoy beside Russell with a shy expression while he slept with his eyes closed.


    Aveline quickly looked away.


    Lucas observed he


    ¡°Does it hurt? Are you upset?<b>¡± </b>


    Aveline pressed her lips together, remaining silent.


    Lucas¡® tone grew


    colder, but it was clear he was trying hard to control his emotions. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


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    Chapter 660


    ¡°Did I ever tell you? He¡¯s an illegitimate child of the Skyler family. His mother was killed by his father¡¯s wife. He¡¯s been biding his time, lying low, until he got involved with Rina, who¡¯spletely smitten with him. She¡¯s willing to do anything for him, and with the Johnson family¡¯s help, his father soon noticed him and brought him into the Skyler Group.¡±


    Lucas spoke in a detached manner, taking a sip of his coffee before ncing at Aveline. ¡°And that photo was taken on the day he went to the hospital to see you.¡±


    Aveline immediately recalled that day¨CRussell had agreed to stay at the hospital with her, but he left after receiving a phone call.


    At the time, she hadn¡¯t thought much of it.


    So, this is what was really going on.


    ¡°Lucas, you¡¯ve told me all of this, but what does it have to do with me?¡±


    She looked at him calmly. ¡°Whatever choices Russ has made, those are his decisions. But <i>from </i>what I¡¯ve seen, he¡¯s only ever helped me and never harmed me.¡±


    Lucas¡® eyes darkened slightly. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he simply asked, ¡°Even if he¡¯s sleeping with Rina, it doesn¡¯t bother you?¡±


    A flicker of emotion crossed Aveline¡¯s eyes. ¡°Why should it?¡±


    What did that have to do with her?


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