Ch. 321..330

Chapter 321 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 accustomed 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 flatly.

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?" 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 place. 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 place."

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 hour later, 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!"

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 to come 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," Russell said, frowning slightly as he saw Aveline carrying the items into his room.

Chapter 322 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 uncomfortable 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 all settled now."

Russell asked, "Did you two get divorced?"

Aveline gave a bitter smile. "If we were divorced, I'd be opening champagne to celebrate."

Russell offered, "I can get you the best lawyer.

"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.

Russell instinctively glanced 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-could it be possible that Russ liked her?

Chapter 323 Seeing the clear hostility in Rina's eyes, Aveline quickly said, "Don't misunderstand, I'm married."

Hearing this, Rina immediately relaxed and asked, "Oh, you're married? Then why are you here? Aren't you afraid your husband will misunderstand?"

Aveline was speechless.

What kind of strange logic was that?

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."

As Aveline left the room, Rina immediately turned back to Russell. "Russ, who exactly is she? Why does she come 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?"

was Rina's eyes suddenly turned red. "Russ, how can you say that about me? I was just thinking about her well-being. 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 again. 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.

"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, just call me." "Okay."

As Russell watched her leave, the gentle helplessness on his face vanished instantly. His eyes flashed with a hint of mockery before he closed them.

Aveline went straight to Selena's home.

After entering the password, she found the place 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.

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 place."

Selena replied, "No problem, you can stay there as long as you need!"

Aveline asked, "When are you coming back?"

Selena responded, "It might be a while. The scenery here in Stonefall City is pretty nice. I'll bring you a 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 you coming back?"

Aveline replied, "Back where?"

Lucas said, "The Bluewater Bay Villa, 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 cold laugh. "Which law 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.

Tossing her phone aside, she went to the kitchen to check on the chicken soup.

In the cold-toned 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 relationship, 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.

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 gladly 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?"

Chapter 325 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!"

Aveline's face darkened with anger. How could this man be so shameless? Coming to the hospital to steal Russell's food without any sense of shame!

Lucas clearly didn't care. He ate with great enthusiasm.

Seeing this, Russell didn't delay and started eating as well.

With only one person's portion, it wasn't long before the two men finished all the food.

Aveline was speechless!

Lucas put down the utensils and elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin. He glanced at Aveline and said, "Not bad."

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 would come. 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."

if you o Russell said, "He's been following you. back and he comes again, what then?"

Aveline fell silent. She hadn't expected Lucas to come to the hospital, not to provoke or cause trouble, but simply to steal some food.

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 food I cook Even if he's upset, there's nothing he can do about it." "You're absolutely right."

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 but laugh. "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.

Russell looked at her and asked, "Now that you've resigned from DK Group, where are you planning to go next?" Aveline shook her head. "I haven't decided yet."

She had millions in her account. Even if she didn't work, she could live comfortably for the rest of her life.

Chapter 326 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 my company? I happen to be short of staff lately."- Aveline laughed. "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 1. in.

"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 always come here. Russ is still single; others would misunderstand your relationship with him."

"Rina!"

Russell didn't expect her to come, but he quickly realized that someone must have called her over. That person didn't like seeing him with Aveline.

However, Rina didn't heed Russell's words this time. She looked at Aveline and said, "You should leave now, and don't come 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 relationship with Russ?"

Rina was stunned, then became embarrassed and angry, "What does my relationship 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 getting late. I'll head out now."

1/2 With that, she picked up her food container and left.

"Don't go, clarify 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?"

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!"

Divorced 326

Chapter 327 After speaking, she turned and left.

Russell looked at the delicate pink food container then withdrew his gaze without touching it.

Aveline returned to her neighborhood and smelled a faint scent of tobacco 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 slammed 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 cabinet.

His nose touched hers, his voice husky. "My wife cooks for another man and goes to comfort him. What do you think I should do about that?"

As he spoke, his grip tightened, as if he wanted to break her waist.

"Should I kill him, or should I deal with you, hmm?

With that, Lucas kissed her lips fiercely. The taste of tobacco 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 collarbone, biting her gently but firmly.

Aveline's body trembled, her breath becoming erratic.

She pounded his shoulder, trying to push him away. "Lucas, let me go, let me go!"

Lucas' burning kisses found her lips again, and 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, "Then come 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 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 low laugh. "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 and laughed softly. "You seem very reluctant, but just now, you were panting so hard. Anyone would think I was making you feel good." Slap!

Aveline didn't hesitate to slap him across the face. She had lost count of how many times she had slapped 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?"

Chapter 328 Aveline's fingers trembled slightly, a hint of fear surfacing within her.

Lucas' hand landed 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.

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, placed it between his lips, and reached for his lighter. As he was about to light it, he noticed her trembling eyelashes and smirked. "Light it for me."

He shoved the lighter into her hand, his eyes half-closed with a playful 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 flame 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 you come 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 Aveline gave him a cold glance. "If you hadn't beaten him, I wouldn't have to bring him food."

Lucas gritted his teeth. Was this woman blaming 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 become 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!

Chapter 329 He previously stole food from Russell at the hospital and now came here to compete with her for more!

Was this man so deprived of food?

Tensions simmered at the dining table.

When it came to the last 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 claimed 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 be companions 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 plate 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?

Glancing 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, it 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 planning on turning over a new leaf?" He asked, half-smiling at Lucas.

Lucas, however, acted as if he didn't hear him, his lazy 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 a 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 a 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 had come. 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."

Chapter 330 Lucas looked at his empty hand and suddenly asked, "Why did you let go?"

"What?" Aveline thought she misheard him.

"Holding hands," Lucas clarified.

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 place," Lucas suddenly said.

Aveline refused without hesitation. "No."

Lucas stared at her intensely. "If you don't go, I'll come find you tonight."

Aveline stopped in her tracks, glaring 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 glanced 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," comfortable 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.

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?"

At Bluewater Bay Villa.

He had previously forced her to stay here, locking her up and not allowing her to leave. Did he plan to imprison her again?

Lucas saw the wariness in her eyes and said, "Don't you think this place 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 even 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, magnetic voice sounded, Aveline paused and turned to look at him. "What exactly do you want?"

Lucas stood by the car, his fingers playing with an unlit cigarette. His gaze was fixed on her, deep and unreadable.

Aveline felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze. His eyes were so invasive that it felt like he wanted to devour her whole.