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?"Judy was dressed in the latest luxury fashion, her long, curled hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup perfectly applied. She glanced 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 had come of it, gossip like this had a way of becoming accepted as truth over time. And considering that Lucas and Aveline
"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 be labeled as Lucas’ mistress?"Yvonne quickly tried to soothe her. "Judy, we had no such intention. Lucas did show us the divorce certificate—who could have imagined it was fake? Rest assured, we’ll get to the bottom of this and provide you with a satisfactory explanation."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 played her, and the Tudor
Desmond, seeing Lucas’ calm demeanor, decided not to push further. It was clear that Lucas had anticipated this move and likely had a plan in place. With that, 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-putting."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—why 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 of the t
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 successor."Selena frowned in confusion. "Ave, what do you mean by that?"Aveline glanced at her and said, "I mean, he deserves what’s coming to him."Selena couldn’t help but burst out laughing. "You’re absolutely right—he 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 placed it aside, a playful 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 the lawyer fees be expensive?"Russell’s smile widened. "
"Hmm?" Aveline looked at Selena with a puzzled expression.Selena just chuckled mischievously. "I’ll tell you later. It’s not the right time now."Aveline sighed internally, wondering what had gotten Selena so excited this time.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."Maria laughed heartily. "Don’t worry, I was just teasing. You won’t get fat, but you do need to take these regularly, okay?"Aveline nodded. "Alright, I will. Thank you for looking out for me, boss."Maria playfully 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 tak
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—I don’t like Aaron, and I don’t want to marry him. Russ, please come 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—I 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 behavio
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—how 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?"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 blazing 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
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 her hand and placed it against his chest, his handsome face tinged with confusion. "Why do your words hurt me so much? Especially here—it’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—I 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 di
Jolie stirred, her eyes fluttering open in the dimly lit cabin. The sharp, handsome features of the man before her were so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath. His lips, carrying his familiar scent, gently traced hers, as if torn between waking her and letting her sleep. Her breath hitched, a brief moment of confusion washing over her. Gavin noticed and, in response, pressed a firm kiss to her lips. "Did I wake you?" "You did that on purpose," Jolie replied, her voice soft and husky from sleep. "Mm." Gavin didn’t deny it, his tone unapologetic as he leaned down to kiss her again. Still groggy, Jolie found herself caught off guard, his lips capturing hers with a growing intensity. By the time she realized what was happening, he had deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing and tangling with hers in an intoxicating rhythm. Her breath quickened, and she instinctively pushed against him. Gavin pulled back, only to trail kisses along her cheek and down her neck, his
The night air was cool, a gentle breeze slipping through the car window and lifting the strands of hair framing her face. They fluttered across her vision, briefly distracting her, yet she could still clearly see his eyes. At that moment, the unease and uncertainty stirring in her chest melted away, replaced by an inexplicable sense of calm. It felt as though there was nothing he couldn’t handle. As long as he wanted to. Jolie smiled softly and said, "Alright." When they arrived at the private airstrip, the captain came forward to exchange a few words with Gavin. Standing nearby, Jolie watched and couldn’t resist asking, "How long will you be staying?" Gavin glanced at her. "How long do you want me to stay?" The overly intimate tone of his words, spoken with such casual ease, caught her off guard. Her cheeks flushed immediately—especially since there were others around to hear it. Lowering her gaze shyly, she murmured, "You can stay as long as you want." She turned he
Gavin looked at her, his gaze steady, and replied in a calm voice, "You’ve got the leverage to do it." Oh... Jolie’s heart skipped a beat, her pulse momentarily thrown off rhythm. What was this feeling? It was as if someone was spoiling her, cherishing her unconditionally. Even though it was just a simple conversation, it carried a warmth she couldn’t ignore. For a moment, she realized that what she once thought was affection and care had been nothing but an illusion. A smile unconsciously curved on her lips as her eyes lit up. "Does this mean I can walk around Larbor City like I own the place?" Gavin raised an eyebrow. "Are you a crab?" Jolie burst into laughter, her mood instantly lifted by his quick-witted remark. Her earlier irritation dissipated, replaced by lightheartedness. Whether or not he meant it, the fact that he sided with her made her happy. "I’m full. Should we head out?" she asked, her appetite long gone after everything that had happened earlier.
The girl stared in disbelief, her hands clutching her face. "You hit me?" Jolie blinked innocently at her. "Weren’t you the one insisting I hit you earlier? I just gave you another slap to match your story. You should be used to it by now." "Jolie Quin!" Ian had reached his limit, his voice full of anger as he glared at her. "Apologize to her!" Jolie glanced at him, her expression calm but icy. "Get lost." She had thought he might be reasonable, but clearly, he was blinded by infatuation. She had no patience to deal with him any longer and turned to leave. Before she could take a step, Ian grabbed her arm roughly. "Jolie, you’re not leaving without apologizing! I don’t think I’ve ever wronged you, have I? We used to get along just fine, didn’t we?" "Let go," Jolie said, her brows knitting in disgust. She hated being touched, especially by someone she considered beneath her. Ian tightened his grip, his hand digging into her arm hard enough to cause pain. "Jolie, yo
Jolie was completely baffled, a string of question marks running through her mind. But when the girl suddenly dropped to her knees, it genuinely startled her.She quickly reached out to help her up. "Get up first. We can talk properly."Before Jolie could react, the girl grabbed her hand and slapped herself hard across the face with it.Smack!The crisp sound echoed in the quiet hallway, leaving Jolie frozen in shock."Why did you hit me?" The girl, who had just been crying like an innocent damsel in distress, now clutched her face and loudly accused her. "Ian and I are the real couple! You’re the one coming between us. How could you hit me?"Jolie blinked, completely dumbfounded, as the girl’s voice rang out.A few passersby paused, glancing over to witness the commotion.Meanwhile, Ian, who had been waiting and wondering why his girlfriend hadn’t returned, came looking for her. The scene he walked into—his girlfriend on the ground, crying and accusing Jolie—made him stride forward,
The person in the hallway glanced at her briefly but quickly looked away, as though she were a stranger. Jolie’s hand, lifted halfway to wave, stalled in mid-air.What... was that? Gavin noticed her reaction and asked in a low voice, "What’s wrong?" "Nothing," Jolie replied, shaking her head and brushing it off. The man outside was Ian. Pretending not to know her was probably his way of avoiding unnecessary trouble—after all, they had already "broken up." The door to their private room shut completely, and Gavin hadn’t seen Ian or his group. He turned back to her and asked, "Do you come here often?" "Yeah," Jolie nodded. "I come here a lot with friends." So, this was one of her favorite hidden gems. The fact that she was willing to share it with him felt significant somehow. Gavin caught himself lingering on that thought and was momentarily taken aback by his own reaction. He kept his expression neutral, not letting on what had crossed his mind. The food arrived qui
The reason it wasn’t the same was simple—her plan would fall apart if she got caught.Of course, that wasn’t something she could admit.Jolie simply said, "I just don’t want any unnecessary complications. Since you’ve already arranged the flight, let’s just leave directly."Gavin’s dark eyes fixed on her for a moment, but he didn’t press the issue.It was clear she didn’t want to talk about it any further, so he let it drop.When the elevator doors opened, the two of them walked out together. A car was already waiting at the entrance. Gavin, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her.The car pulled away from Cooper Enterprises, and Gavin asked, "What do you want to eat?"Jolie, busy typing on her phone, replied, "I know a good restaurant."It was a cozy place she loved, one she often visited with her friends."Alright," Gavin replied, pulling out his phone to respond to some emails. With his work condensed into such a tight schedule, he seized every spare moment to handle it.Jolie p
Gavin suddenly recalled Wilfried's words, "That girl doesn’t even like you."Lowering his gaze slightly, Gavin pushed the thought aside without explanation, his expression remaining cool and indifferent as he watched her. After Jolie finished looking through the photos, she turned to him and asked, "Why do you have pictures of all these women?" "My father brought them over," Gavin replied. "Oh." Jolie nodded knowingly and didn’t press further. It was easy enough to figure out—the Cooper family obviously wanted him to consider an arranged marriage, so they sent over these photos for him to choose from. She could understand that. In fact, she even helped him look through them, just in case one of these women turned out to be a good match for him. After all, their relationship wasn’t meant to last forever. When he grew tired of her and she had her fun, they’d part ways, and everything would return to normal. As she neatly organized the photos and placed them back on the ta
It was Jolie’s first time visiting Cooper Enterprises, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of curiosity about the place.No, to be precise, it was her first time stepping into any corporate office. The Quin family also had company, but she had never visited, nor had Daisy or Terence ever asked her to.The private elevator for the CEO was stunningly opulent, its polished surface gleaming like a mirror, perfectly reflecting their images. Jolie’s heart began to race with an inexplicable excitement.The assistant glanced at her and said with a warm smile, "Miss Quin, there’s no need to be nervous. Mr. Cooper will definitely be delighted to see you."Jolie nodded and replied, "I’m not nervous."The elevator moved swiftly, and as they neared the executive office, Jolie adjusted her cap and mask, pulling them snugly to hide her face as much as possible.Meanwhile, near the adjacent employee elevator, Rosalie was holding a stack of files, ready to head downstairs.She froze the moment she s