The man's tie hung loosely around his neck, and there was an untamed, primal energy about him as if he was about to break free from the shackles of restraint. His appearance elicited screams from many of the women in the crowd.Selena excitedly grabbed Aveline's arm. “He’s so hot! I really want to feel his abs. I bet they’re amazing to touch.”Aveline watched the man for a moment but felt no particular excitement.With the rhythm of the music, the man began to dance, and each time the beat hit a crescendo, he removed another piece of clothing. First, it was the tie.Then, the shirt.And finally, the belt.By the end, he was bare-chested, finishing the dance with nothing on his upper body.The lights shifted again. He picked up a microphone, and as the music started once more, he began to sing. Moving forward, he reached out, grasping a woman's hand, interlacing his fingers with hers. His gaze was intense and affectionate as if each lyric was a declaration of love meant just for her.A
“Hey, beautiful, the night is still young. Where are you heading? Why don’t you stay and have a few drinks with us?” The man with dyed blonde hair, clearly the leader, smirked as he eyed Aveline and Selena. His gaze lingered, clearly captivated by their beauty.Aveline frowned. “Not tonight, maybe another time.”She grabbed Selena's hand and tried to move past them. But the leader swiftly blocked their path. “So, when would be a good time, then? We’re not asking for much, just hoping to make friends with two beautiful ladies like yourselves. Come on, have a drink with us, and we’ll leave you alone. How about that?”Yeah, right! If they went with these men, who knew what might happen.Outnumbered, Selena chose not to provoke them. Instead, she discreetly pulled out her phone to call the police.“What are you doing, gorgeous?”Just then, a hand shot out from behind and snatched her phone away, smashing it to pieces when they saw she was calling for help.“Come on, beautiful, that’s not
Selena thought for a moment. It did seem like the right thing to do, so she nodded. “Okay, let’s go together.”At the police station, Aveline and Selena testified on the man’s behalf. Both the man and the blonde-haired leader were injured, but since the latter had been the one causing trouble, he would be held accountable. The man was allowed to leave after giving his statement.Outside the station, Aveline suggested, “Let’s go to the hospital and get those wounds treated.”The man’s forehead was bleeding from a cut, and blood trickled down from it.He looked at Aveline, suddenly breaking into a broad smile, his eyes incredibly clear and bright. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”Aveline hesitated, taken aback for a moment.Selena leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, “Sounds like a familiar line, doesn’t it?”Aveline was speechless.She looked at him. “Do you remember your name now?”The man nodded. “I remember a little… I think my name is Leo.”Aveline nodded. “Alright, Leo, let’s he
"Leo, every extra day you stay in Cloudflare City increases the risk of exposure," the voice on the phone warned.Leo replied calmly, "Relax, I know what I'm doing. Besides, the game has only just begun. I need to enjoy it thoroughly before I leave."With that, he ended the call. The night grew darker, and his figure melted into the shadows of the alley, soon disappearing completely.…Back at Maple Garden, the two of them had taken a shower and were now curled up in the media room watching a movie.Selena sipped on her juice and asked, “Ave, aren’t you even a bit curious about who this Leo guy is? It seems like he’s always popping up wherever you are.”Aveline, keeping her eyes on the screen, replied, “I’ve noticed. That’s why I said there’s no need to get to know him.”After all that she had been through, how could she not have developed a sense of caution?Leo’s identity was too much of a mystery. First, he claimed amnesia, and now he said he had recovered some of his memories. But
Lucas withdrew his cold gaze and said, "Get back to work."Desmond hesitated for a moment and then spoke, "Mr. Tudor, there's a message from the main house. Madam Barbara wants to see you."Lucas remained indifferent. "Okay."He only gave a curt acknowledgment without indicating whether he would go or not.Desmond carefully continued, "Mr. Tudor, no matter what Madam Barbara has done, she's getting on in years, and her health isn’t what it used to be. She just wants to see you… Perhaps you should consider—"Lucas glanced at him. "You're so diligent. Should I give you a raise?"Desmond was taken aback at first, then chuckled awkwardly. "Actually, there's no need for that trouble. A bit more in the year-end bonus would do.""You've got some nerve," Lucas said coolly.Desmond grinned. "Mr. Tudor, I'm just saying. You don't have to take it seriously. I’ve got things to do, so I’ll be going now."Before Lucas had a chance to get angry, Desmond made a quick exit!Lucas' eyes returned to the
Desmond heard Sidney's words and shot him a cold look. "Whatever's between Mr. Tudor and his wife is none of your business."Sidney paused and replied, "As Aveline's friend, I think it's perfectly fine for me to say something."Desmond countered, "You did say you’re Mrs. Tudor's friend. If that’s the case, you should understand the importance of boundaries."Sidney's brow furrowed.At that moment, Aveline spoke up, "The divorce will be finalized soon; we’re just waiting for the court date."Her words were both an answer to Sidney and a slap in Desmond's face.Sidney's tense expression relaxed into a smile. "I’m sure you’ll succeed.""Yeah." Aveline smiled back at him briefly, then bent down and got into the car.Desmond's face darkened slightly. He shot Sidney a cold glare before shutting the car door and moving to the driver's seat.As Aveline entered the car, she noticed Lucas sitting in the back.She paused for a moment, gave him a once-over, and said, "So you can move around just f
As she spoke, a smile appeared on Barbara's face, as if she could see those days all over again.Lucas’ expression remained indifferent. "Did you call me here just to reminisce?"Barbara looked at him again. “Lu, you're the last of the Tudor family now. I don't have many requests—just that you take care of the family. After all, you and your father are still bound by blood. Even if he made mistakes in the past, the Tudor Group is under your control now. Can't you find it in you to show him some mercy?”It seemed she had called Lucas here to plead on Frederick's behalf.Barbara seemed to know Lucas’ rebellious and stubborn nature all too well. As she spoke, her expression was soft and loving, like an elder giving their final instructions.Aveline stood quietly by, feeling a twinge of sadness. There was a time when Barbara treated her well. She had always remembered that kindness and never complained about the sudden change in Barbara’s attitude. If Barbara didn’t like her, she simply s
Barbara released Aveline's hand, her face showing signs of fatigue as she said, “I’ve talked enough; I’m getting tired now. You both should head back.”Lucas suddenly spoke up, “Grandma, if I remember right, you wanted to see me, didn’t you? So why, now that I'm here, are you barely speaking to me and just holding her hand?”Barbara sighed with a touch of exasperation. “Are you really going to fuss over such a trivial matter? No wonder Aveline doesn’t want you anymore—you’re too petty!”Lucas was speechless.Aveline chuckled and said, “I’m a bit thirsty. I’m going to step out and get a drink.”She turned to Barbara. “Would you like something, Grandma?”Barbara's eyes brightened. “Oh, yes, I’d love an orange soda.”Aveline nodded. “Alright.”With that, she turned and left the room. As the door closed behind her, the light-hearted atmosphere that had just been there grew cold and tense.Lucas' sharp eyes narrowed as he looked at Barbara. “Grandma, you’re doing all this just to protect yo