Her hand trembled as she dialed a number from her contacts. It was only then that she realized it was Lucas' number.She thought about hanging up but hesitated. Deep inside, two voices clashed. One urged her to hang up and call the police, while the other pleaded with her to keep the call, to tell Lucas and ask for his help.They had lived together for a year, surely there were feelings between them. That voice tempted her to take a gamble, to see if Lucas valued her more than Sophia.The busy signal interrupted her thoughts.Aveline quickly canceled the 18th floor button and pressed the button for the 1st floor instead. She couldn't stay in this building any longer!Meanwhile, at the hospital.Sophia had just finished her surgery. Seeing Lucas, a smile spread across her face."Lucas, I'm so glad you're here with me. I feel safe with you," Sophia said weakly.Lucas had already arranged for a caregiver, who had just arrived. Hearing her words, he replied, "The caregiver will take care
What was there left to hold on to now?But if something truly bad happened to her, would he feel sad and regretful when he found out?If he did feel sad, maybe the past year hadn't been entirely wasted.As these thoughts swirled in her mind, the elevator doors opened, and she ran out, calling the police as she went. The sound of hurried footsteps followed close behind.Aveline's face turned pale with fear!She hadn't expected the man to catch up so quickly!"Hello? Someone is following me. I'm at..." she began urgently as soon as the call connected.But the next second, her hair was yanked back!"Ah!" she screamed as her phone was snatched from her hand and smashed onto the concrete floor, shattering instantly."You dare to run from me?"The raspy voice was identical to the one she'd heard on the phone earlier!A chilling fear enveloped her, and she struggled even harder."Who are you? Why are you following me?" she shouted.She couldn't think of anyone she had wronged. Who was this p
"Mr. Skyler, what are you doing here?" Aveline asked, her voice still trembling with fear.She was utterly terrified. Just a moment ago, she had nearly been dragged into the woods. She couldn't bear to think about what might have happened.Russell replied, "I was passing by. I was on the phone by the roadside when I heard something happening over here. I came to check and found you."He took out his phone. "I'll call the police now."Aveline nodded. "Okay."But when she turned back, the man was gone!"Where did he go?" Aveline gasped, her face turning even paler.Russell squinted his eyes. "He won't get far."After calling the police, they arrived quickly. Aveline described her ordeal and then went to the police station to make a statement. The police began reviewing surveillance footage and took samples of the skin under Aveline's fingernails.By the time everything was done, it was almost dawn.As they left the police station, Aveline turned to Russell. "Mr. Skyler, thank you so much
At the same time, the results of Brian's investigation came through.Lucas opened his phone and saw several photos. The pictures showed Aveline walking side by side with Russell, sitting together at a breakfast spot, and leaving the place together.The atmosphere in the car grew tense, and Lucas's expression turned icy cold. His dark eyes watched the approaching figures, who were chatting and laughing.Instead of resting at the Tudor residence during the night, she was out having breakfast with Russell?They weren't even divorced yet, and she was already eager to find someone else?Meanwhile, Brian looked at the other photos he had not sent to Lucas. These images showed Aveline being followed, her hair being grabbed as she was dragged into a dark alley, and Russell suddenly appearing to rescue her.Brian chose not to send these to Lucas.In his point of view, it was unnecessary.Aveline was never a good match for Lucas.They were from different worlds.It was better for them to divorce
Aveline looked at Lucas as if she had heard the most absurd joke, her face full of disbelief. "Lucas, do you hear yourself?"If he was here to accuse her, he certainly had no right to do so!Lucas's eyes darkened as he stared at her, his presence intense and oppressive. The air fell silent, the cold wind biting to the bone.Aveline saw the shadow of gloom on his handsome face and directly asked, "Does Miss Winter know you came out to find me?"Her tone was laced with sarcasm. Such double standards. Where was the fairness in that?Lucas's voice was icy, "You've always known about Sophia and me. You know why I'm divorcing you. But what's going on with you and Mr. Skyler?"Aveline's temper flared. "None of your business!"Anger flashed in her clear eyes. "Lucas, it's almost dawn. You might as well wait here with me. We’re going to the lawyer’s office as soon as it opens. We must get divorced today!"When her life was in danger, all she could think about was him. She felt completely hopel
"Jerk, jerk, jerk!" Aveline was so furious she could barely contain herself. How could such a shameless and despicable man exist in the world?She had never regretted it before, but now she truly did. She regretted ever taking him in!She was so angry she nearly passed out!Now, the divorce wasn't happening. What was she going to do?She stormed upstairs, too upset to sleep.As dawn slowly broke, Aveline felt a cold emptiness inside her.She must have owed Lucas a debt in her past life, which was why she was treated like this in this one.He felt indebted to Sophia and didn't want her to face danger, so he refused to divorce Aveline, making her a target for others.But didn't he owe Aveline too?She was the one who took him in!Without her, he, with his amnesia and blank slate, might have died long ago.Aveline laughed bitterly.What a mess....With dark circles under her eyes, Aveline went to the office and submitted her resignation letter. Ignoring the manager's reaction, she wen
"Forget it, let’s not think about that for now. Let's focus on moving," Aveline said, unable to come up with another plan, so she decided not to dwell on it.Selena nodded in agreement. "At least you'll finally get to live in that big house you’ve always wanted. That’s something good."Aveline smiled faintly.She packed a bag with toiletries and, along with Selena, headed to Maple Garden.When they arrived at the entrance, the security guard stopped them and required registration before allowing entry.This reassured Aveline. At least that man wouldn't be able to find her here.Lucas had given her the apartment on the 31st floor. As they exited the elevator, they were greeted by an incredibly luxurious and ornate front door.Aveline used the key to open the door. As she took in the interior, a look of amazement flashed in her eyes.As they entered, the security guard quickly called Desmond."Mr. Blake, Miss Young has arrived."Desmond replied, "Got it."He immediately informed Lucas of
Aveline was at a loss for words.The six million dollars slipped through her fingers, and she no longer had the confidence to resign.She was absolutely furious!Seeing her expression, Selena asked, "What did that jerk say?"Aveline replied, "You called him a jerk. Do you think he'd say anything reasonable?"Selena kept quiet.Aveline let out a frustrated sigh. "No celebration today. I have to go back to work."Selena blinked. "Didn't you resign?"Aveline gave a wry smile. "With six million dollars gone, how can I dare to resign?"Selena: "You poor thing."…Back at DK Group, Aveline was stopped at the front desk."Aveline, there's a package for you."Aveline was surprised. A package for her? Who sent it?She walked over, took the well-sealed box, and shook it. It was light, with no suspicious sounds.As she opened it and headed towards the elevator, she got in when it arrived without looking up.A gaze fell on her, making her look up instinctively, and she saw Lucas' handsome and ster
Gavin suddenly reached out, pressing his hand against the door, stopping her from closing it. “Hmm?” Jolie looked at him suspiciously, unsure of his intentions. His dark eyes bore into hers, studying her for a long moment before he finally spoke. “Jolie, you’re really asking for it.” What? Jolie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What did you just say?” Was he threatening her? How ridiculous! Aside from her parents, no one had ever dared talk to her like that. Anger flared in her chest as she shoved at the door, wanting him out of her sight. But Gavin easily pushed it open and stepped inside as though her resistance meant nothing. “Hey! Get out! I don’t want to see you right now!” Jolie snapped, her face turning frosty as she pointed toward the door. “Leave!” Gavin ignored her entirely, strolling further into the room and dropping onto the sofa with an air of ownership. “Go take a shower,” he said, lifting his chin slightly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Jolie took a bite of the noodles and then looked over at Gavin. “What is it?” Gavin asked in a calm tone, meeting her gaze. Setting her utensils down, Jolie stared at him earnestly. “Tell me, how did you make this? Can you teach me?” The same pasta, the same vegetables, the same seasoning—how could it taste so much better when he made it? How on earth did he do it? She was dying to know! “No,” Gavin replied bluntly. Jolie’s expression almost crumbled. Grabbing his arm, she began to shake it lightly. “Come on, teach me! I’m willing to pay tuition. This is really so good! Teach me, won’t you?” She was trying to coax him. Gavin glanced at her small hands resting on his arm. In the past, she was always polite and reserved around him, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor. But now, she had dropped the mask, gradually revealing more of her genuine emotions in front of him. And this playful, coaxing behavior? That was something reserved for those she felt close to.
Gavin's expression darkened instantly. His fingers traced over the scars, and suddenly, he leaned down, pressing gentle kisses along each one. Jolie froze in shock. Her face showed disbelief as she tried to turn her head to look at him, but he held her down, making it impossible for her to move. How could he kiss such ugly scars? How could he bear to do it? Wasn’t his willingness to be with her because of her beauty? At that moment, her understanding of him wavered. As his kisses continued, her body trembled lightly. Biting her finger to stifle her emotions, Jolie felt her breath quicken. His touch was feather-light, sweeping over every inch of her back like a soft breeze, making her unable to handle the tenderness. Gavin’s actions were filled with care, his movements unhurried, and he seemed intent on ensuring her comfort. Watching her expression shift into pleasure time and again filled him with a profound sense of satisfaction. As the night deepened, their breath
Jolie opened the door and asked curiously, “When did you leave?”Gavin replied, “I live upstairs. I just went back to take a shower.” He had also changed into a simple set of loungewear—a white T-shirt—that made him look several years younger. Jolie’s gaze lingered on him briefly before she quickly looked away and shut the door. She headed straight to the bedroom, but Gavin watched her and asked, “Why aren’t you going to the master bedroom?” Without turning back, Jolie replied, “I don’t want to end up having to change the sheets later. It’s exhausting.” She was well aware of his tendencies. Once things started, they wouldn’t stop until everything was a complete mess. She cleverly opted for the guest room, figuring she could clean up after a good night’s sleep. However, Gavin said, “But I want to be in the master bedroom.” Jolie immediately frowned and turned back to glare at him. “Gavin, do you always have to be so demanding? This is my house!” Gavin looked at her cal
Her body softened in his arms, and Gavin adjusted her position with ease, his hand steadying her thigh as he shifted her to straddle his lap. His kisses were unrestrained, his breathing heavy and erratic as he trailed down to her chin, her neck… When her shoulder strap slipped off and he pressed a firm kiss onto her bare shoulder, leaving a faint, suggestive mark, Jolie snapped back to her senses. “Gavin Cooper!” she called his name sharply, a clear warning—though her voice came out far softer than she intended, almost trembling. He didn’t push further. Instead, his breathing grew even heavier as he held her tighter, as though he wanted to pull her into his very being. It was a long moment before he finally released her. As soon as she was free, Jolie scrambled to fix her clothes and slipped off his lap, putting as much distance between them as possible. She sat on the sofa, her face flushed, her breath uneven, and her limbs weak from the intensity of the moment. Her red-r
Jolie smiled lightly and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back now. Goodbye, Mr. Cooper.”She turned toward the door, but the sound of steady footsteps followed her. He was coming after her. Frowning slightly, she turned back to face him. “What’s this about, Mr. Cooper?” Gavin met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “I haven’t had dinner yet.” “Then go eat,” Jolie replied flatly. He countered calmly, “I hired Jackie for you.” Jolie froze. Was he seriously trying to claim credit? Unbelievable. How petty could this man get? Pulling out her phone, she said, “Tell me how much it cost, and I’ll transfer the money to you.” Gavin shook his head. “Just make me a plate of pasta. Consider it payment.” Jolie eyed him suspiciously. “That’s it? Just a plate of pasta?” “Yes,” Gavin confirmed.Still unsure, Jolie studied him for a moment, then turned and unlocked her door. She stepped inside, tossing a pair of disposable slippers at his feet. Gavin’s gaze fell briefl
Just as Jolie turned to leave, she caught sight of a man standing not far away. She froze for a moment. Gavin? What was he doing here? Beside him stood a property manager, seemingly discussing something with him. Jolie hesitated, debating whether to greet him. But before she could decide, Gavin’s gaze shifted away, making the decision for her. Alright. No need to say hello then. She let her half-raised hand fall back to her side and headed toward the elevator. After stepping in, she pressed her floor’s button. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand suddenly reached in, triggering the sensors. The doors slid open again, revealing Gavin’s cool, unreadable gaze. “Mr. Cooper. What a coincidence,” Jolie said awkwardly, now left with no choice but to acknowledge him. Gavin stepped inside without a word, turning his back to her as he pressed the button for the 22nd floor—one floor above hers. Seriously? He had a place here too? In the same building, no less? Jol
Ian was surprised. "What’s so urgent?" Jolie paused for a moment before replying, "It’s about our partnership." "Alright," Ian agreed easily. Jolie quickly sent him her location and then began deliberating on how best to approach the conversation. Since she was the one ending their arrangement, she felt it necessary to handle things with care. After some thought, she decided to invite him to dinner. She couldn’t leave the apartment, but fortunately, there were plenty of ingredients at home. She prepared a simple yet thoughtful meal. By evening, the doorbell rang. Jolie walked to the door and cautiously peeked through the peephole. After confirming it was Ian, she opened the door. "I didn’t expect the address you sent me to be your home," Ian said with a polite, warm smile. "Is it okay for me to come in?" Jolie nodded. "It’s fine. Come in." She handed him a pair of disposable slippers. After switching his shoes, Ian stepped inside and glanced around. "Why are you here?
Jolie nodded. "Yes." Selena continued, “So, because you already had some contact with Gavin, the Quin family saw an opportunity and started pushing you toward him.” Jolie nodded again. “Then go along with it,” Selena said simply. “What?” Jolie looked at her in confusion. “But wouldn’t that mean giving them exactly what they want?” “Oh, you silly girl.” Selena gave her a soft, almost indulgent smile. “Do you think someone like Gavin Cooper is that easy to manipulate? Do you really think the Quin family can control him just by sending you to him? “Quite the opposite. If you truly manage to win him over, to the point where he’s devoted to you, then you’ll hold all the cards. If you tell him to keep his distance from the Quin family, they’ll end up with nothing—no leverage, no benefits. They’d be left with nothing but regret.” Jolie listened, her eyes gradually widening as if a whole new world had opened up before her. Selena spread her hands. “Expand your perspective. The w