Ch. 211..220

Chapter 211 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."

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 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 become a wealthy woman overnight!"

Aveline continued, "I also plan to sell my previous property and then leave Cloudflare City."

"What? You're leaving Cloudflare City?" Selena exclaimed, her voice rising a few octaves.

She quickly covered her mouth and glanced 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 glad you finally figured it out. I support you!"

Aveline added, "Once you're done with your situation, come over for dinner. But don't take too long because I'm planning to sell this place 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 had come to this decision.

She put her phone away and hummed a tune as she headed to the kitchen.

Meanwhile...

2/3 Aaron stood against the wall, having heard her recent conversation.

Leaving Cloudflare City?

Who was leaving Cloudflare 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 particularly 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.

He was about to hang up when Aaron casually said, "Aveline plans to leave Cloudflare 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.

D

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 Cloudflare City?" But he received no answer; Lucas hung up on him abruptly.

"What a temper!" Aaron commented, setting his phone aside and leaning back against the headboard.

"Selena!" He called out loudly, immediately feeling dizzy and unwell.

A moment later, Selena pushed the door open and poked her head in. "What is it?"

Aaron, half-squinting, 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 glanced at her profile picture and suddenly asked, "Do you like snow?"

Selena's expression froze, cursing silently. She had forgotten to change her profile picture!

Both her main and secondary accounts had snow-themed 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 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, Selena received a message on her secondary account. She glanced 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 so 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 is coming up, but the north is too far. I'll have to work part-time 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 dollars. 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 accept it."

She accepted 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 you laughing about?"

At that moment, Aaron's voice suddenly came from behind her.

Startled, Selena dropped her phone, which landed screen up on the floor. Aaron instinctively glanced down at it!

Chapter 213 Selena glanced down too, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.

Oh no!

She was about to be caught!

But when she looked down, she saw that her phone had broken upon impact!

The screen was black!

For a moment, she didn't know how to react.

Aaron frowned. "Why are you so nervous?"

Selena looked at him with a blank expression. "I w 't nervous. But you, 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 blank 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 blame 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 become a casualty in the process!

1/3 Night fell.

Lucas drove straight to Maple Garden.

Dressed in a custom-made black 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!

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 explanation, 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-gray 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 was completed 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.

2/3 *15 BONUS 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-Aveline had sold the house to Russell!

Chapter 214 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."

Russell laughed as if he had heard a hilarious 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 place. 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 Cloudflare 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 gala in a week. It would be embarrassing to attend without a date."

Aveline chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll be back in a week."

"Good," Russell said, hanging up.

The plane had already taken off.

Aveline put her phone away, donned her eye mask, and allowed herself to relax completely. 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 plane-was he going to ground it mid-flight?

Aveline smirked and soon fell asleep.

Three hours later, the plane landed in Stonefall City and headed straight for Arthur Town.

got into her pre-booked 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 available. 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 plane, 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. COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus COMMENTS SUPPORT GET IT 2/2 Aveline chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll be back in a week."

"Good," Russell said, hanging up.

The plane had already taken off.

Aveline put her phone away, donned her eye mask, and allowed herself to relax completely. 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 plane-was he going to ground it mid-flight?

Aveline smirked and soon fell asleep.

Three hours later, the plane landed in Stonefall City. She got into her pre-booked 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 available. 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 plane, 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. COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus

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-he was firmly on Sophia's side. So why was he still bothering her?

Did he really want to be a complete jerk?

But she had no patience to play his games!

Aveline simply turned off her phone and went to sleep.

She thought she would have trouble sleeping.

But with her mind occupied with other things, she hardly thought of Lucas.

She had a restful night.

In Cloudflare 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-he was firmly on Sophia's side. So why was he still bothering her?

Did he really want to be a complete jerk?

But she had no patience to play his games!

Aveline simply turned off her phone and went to sleep.

She thought she would have trouble sleeping.

But with her mind occupied with other things, she hardly thought of Lucas.

She had a restful night.

In Cloudflare 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 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. Unless the person had disappeared into a dense forest, she could find them anywhere!

Lucas opened the map and looked at the marked location, his eyes narrowing.

The next day.

Desmond placed 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 become the largest 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. Successfully 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 she last 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.

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 black hoodie and pants standing beside her, his handsome face lighting up with surprise.

"It's really you! When did you get back?"

Chapter 216 Aveline smiled and said, "You've changed a lot too. If you hadn't called out to me, I 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 to come 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 regularly.

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 Cloudflare. 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-story building surrounded by high walls, the 1/3 gate closed, with occasional sounds of laughter drifting out from inside.

Zachary went to open the gate, calling out to those inside, "Madam Hilda, look who's back!"

Amid the clamor of footsteps, an excited voice rang out, "Is it Juliet? I knew it had to be her. I always knew she'd come back to repay me after marrying a wealthy man!" 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, replaced 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 glance. "How much money have you made these years? How much are you planning to give me? I've heard Cloudflare is a very wealthy city. You must have made millions. Give me six hundred thousand dollars, and we'll call it even for raising you!"

Chapter 217 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 glared 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 Cloudflare 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 wealthy lady by now!"

Zachary shot Aveline an embarrassed glance, swiftly changing the subject. "Madam Hilda, what about the other children? Are they all in school?"

Hilda responded coldly, glancing at him. "Have you found a job? We're over budget this month; hurry up and bring back some money."

Zachary grew even more uncomfortable.

"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 accusing me of lying?"

Annoyed, Hilda slammed the table and stood up. "Since you've already left the orphanage, why did you come back? Seeing you just irritates me!"

1/2 With that, she stormed out of the room her unwelcoming 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 planning 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 place 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.

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?"

Chapter 218 Juliet said, "Why would she come back? Doesn't she hold a grudge over what happened back then?"

Hilda replied, "I didn't expect her to come 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't complete back then."

Hilda's eyes brightened. "Alright, I understand!"

Then she asked, "Juliet, when are you coming 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 dollars later 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.

Zachary nodded. "Okay, if you're sticking around for a bit, just give me a call. This place 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 placed 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 place to meet? Aveline replied, "There's no need to meet there. I can come 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?"

Chapter 219 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 and lay 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 so late? 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-stop 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 had been pale and skinny from lack 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 balanced, stirring a desire to break through her calm façade.

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't lash 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 places, so delicious."

Aveline remained calm, asking, "Hasn't Juliet ever taken you here?"

Hilda glanced at her and scoffed, "Do you think everyone is like you, an unemployed nobody? Juliet is very accomplished now. Her biological parents are very wealthy, and her fiancé 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.

Chapter 220 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 become even more beautiful!" he exclaimed.

Aveline immediately stood up, warily eyeing the newcomer.

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 acceptance 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 years later, 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?

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 glanced 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?"

Mike laughed. "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.

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 clatter 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 "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 had come for an on-site inspection, they had to show their utmost sincerity.