Ch. 351..360

Chapter 351 Aveline didn't expect Lucas to grab her by the neck and pinned her to the seat as soon as she finished speaking. His eye's cold and menacing as he stared at her. "What did you just call me?"

Aveline was taken aback, not expecting him to suddenly get angry. "What's... what's wrong with you?"

She had always called him that before.

Lucas' expression was dark and he said coldly, "Don't ever call me that again!"

Aveline shivered in fear.

Lucas released her, pressed a button, and waited for the partition to rise. Once it did, he ordered coldly, "Stop the car!"

The driver immediately pulled over.

Lucas didn't even look at Aveline. "Get out!"

Aveline, confused, looked at his harsh face and asked, "Lucas, what's wrong with you?"

The chill around Lucas intensified. 'Don't make me throw you out!"

Aveline's heart trembled. Knowing he meant it, she quickly opened the car door and got out.

The door closed and the car sped away.

The autumn wind blew, and Aveline felt a bone-chilling cold.

What was wrong with him?

And why wouldn't he help her?

What did Bobby steal?

If he was certain Bobby stole something, why not send him to the police instead of keeping him at the Tudor family home?

A series of questions swirled in Aveline's mind, leaving her anxious and confused.

But inexplicably, she was most worried about Lucas' condition.

What was wrong with him?

In the car, Lucas was filled with irritation. Her voice calling him Lu still echoed in his ears, overlapping with memories of Leo calling him the same. "Lu, come over, I have something good to show you!"

"Lu, don't you like this race car? How about I take you to see a race? Don't worry, Dad and Madam Yvonne won't know!"

"Lu, Lu..."

The youthful voice was full of energy, but in the next second, the image of a body consumed by flames appeared in his mind.

Back then, Lucas was just a teenager.

He stood there, stunned, watching Leo being engulfed by flames. Despite the agony, Leo still managed to give him a smile. "Lu, live well."

Lucas tugged at his tie in frustration and growled "Stop the car!"

The driver immediately hit the brakes, feeling the coldness spreading inside the vehicle.

Lucas got out of the car and stood by the roadside, letting the cool breeze blow over him, dispersing his agitation.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, and smoked one after another.

"Mr. Tudor."

At that moment, Brian walked over.

Seeing him, Lucas' face darkened immediately. "Didn't I tell you to protect Aveline?"

Brian said, "Miss Young said if I helped her find you, she would forgive me, and I wouldn't need to follow her anymore."

Lucas' expression turned even darker. "Whatever she says goes? Whose man are you, hers or mine?"

Brian quickly replied, "Of course, I'm yours!"

Lucas ordered, "Get back and protect her. If anything happens to her, you're better off dead!"

Brian hesitated, "Mr. Tudor..."

"Get lost!"

Lucas glared at him violently.

Brian shivered and quickly turned to leave.

Lucas took a deep drag on his cigarette, his eyes downcast, his fingers trembling slightly, He climbed into the driver's seat and turned the car around.

Aveline walked along the roadside, hugging herself against the cold. It was already very late, and she was originally supposed to go to the Tudor residence. Therefore, there were hardly any cars around.

and saw She checked the ride-hailing app it was peak time, meaning a long wait to get a taxi.

Chapter 352 At that moment, she heard footsteps behind her, helther too close nor too far, but it inexplicably made her uneasy.

There were shops around, and surveillance cameras, but she still felt anxious.

The previous two encounters had made her vigilant. She quickened her pace, and the footsteps behind her also sped up.

Aveline didn't dare to look back!

She saw a convenience store and ran straight towards it!

Once inside, she turned around and saw that there was indeed a man following her, but he didn't enter the store when she did.

Aveline's heart was racing!

She didn't dare to go back outside, so she sat by the window and took out her phone to make a call.

But who should she call?

Lucas had been terrifying earlier and clearly didn't want to see her again. If she called him, would he even pick up?

But who else could she call besides Lucas?

For the first time, Aveline felt utterly helpless.

In such a big city, it seemed she had no one to tum to for help.

She exhaled slowly, and when she looked up, she saw the man still lingering outside!

It seemed he was waiting for her to leave!

Aveline's palms were clammy with cold sweat!

She couldn't worry about anything else and immediately dialed Lucas' number.

"Ring... ring... ring..."

The busy tone kept ringing.

Aveline glanced outside from time to time, and seeing the man's figure made her quickly avert her gaze in fear.

"Hello?"

Fortunately, the call was answered.

Aveline said, "Lucas, where are you? Can you come and get me? Someone is following me!"

Lucas replied, "Send me your location."

"Okay."

1/3 Aveline felt a sudden sense of relief.

If he was willing to come, then everything would be alright!

She sent him her location and anxiously waited.

But as the minutes ticked by, an hour had passed in no time.

Lucas still hadn't shown up!

What was going on?

They weren't that far apart!

"Miss, we're closing soon."

At that moment, the convenience store owner approached her and said.

This convenience store wasn't open for 24 hours.

Aveline replied, "Okay, I'll make a call and then leave."

She dialed Lucas' number again.

It was still the busy tone, and then his voice came through, "What is it?"

Aveline's heart sank, "Lucas, weren't you coming to get me?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then a familiar voice spoke up. "Lucas, I knew you cared about me..." Aveline's breath caught in her throat!

It was phia's voice!

Lucas said, "I'm busy. I've sent someone to pick you up."

With that, he hung up the phone!

Aveline stared at her phone in a daze, her heart once again filled with a sharp, spreading pain, He actually went to see Sophia!

Wasn't he starting to despise Sophia?

Why did he go to her again?

Even though she had clearly told him someone was following her.

But he still chose to go to Sophia.

Aveline let out a self-deprecating laugh and left the convenience store.

The shutter behind her slowly closed. The man in the distance glanced over, she couldn't see his face clearly but could feel his malicious gaze.

At this moment, it was hard to describe what she was feeling.

Anger, sadness, resentment...

But she had to run!

She couldn't stay here!

The man was already walking toward her, his eyes fixed on her as if she were his prey!

Just as Aveline was about to call the police, she realized her phone was out of battery!

Her face instantly turned pale!

Chapter 353 Damn it!!

She had to run!

Aveline couldn't afford to hesitate any longer and took off running!

There was another convenience store open not far ahead; she could rush in and call the police there!

Just then, two girls rounded the corner ahead.

Aveline's eyes lit up, and she immediately ran over to link arms with them, smiling brightly. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you so long."

The two girls looked at her in surprise. "You..."

Aveline quickly winked at them and whispered, "Someone is following me. Can you help me, please?"

The girls' expressions turned tense.

One girl said, "Why were you dawdling? We had to do our makeup before leaving!"

The other girl added, "Let's go to that food street; there are lots of delicious food there."

Aveline nodded eagerly. "Sure, sounds great."

They chatted like friends as they walked.

At the corner, Aveline glanced back and saw that the man hadn't followed.

She breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank you so much," she said to the girls.

One of them replied, "Don't mention it. Let's keep moving; what if he follows again?"

The other girl nodded. "Yeah, it's not safe for you to be alone. Why didn't you call the police?" Aveline smiled bitterly. "My phone died."

The two girls linked arms with her again, leading her down a street.

But as they walked, Aveline felt something was off.

Why was it getting more and more deserted?

She asked directly. "Where are we going?"

One girl replied, "This way leads to the food street. It's more crowded there, so you'll be safer."

Her companion nodded. "Yeah, come on,"

Cold sweat broke out on Aveline's palms.

Suddenly, she clutched her stomach and said, "I... I have a terrible stomachache."

The two girls exchanged a glance, then dragged her deeper into the alley.

"There's a restroom over there."

Aveline's face turned pale!

They had figured out her thoughts!

These two were in cahoots with that man!

But realizing this was too late, as the man had somehow appeared at the other end of the alley, his eyes cold and menacing. Aveline stood still, not moving.

The two girls held onto her arms, preventing her escape.

Aveline's voice was dry and hoarse with tension as she bitterly asked, "Who are you people? Why are you kidnapping me?"

One of the girls responded, "Kidnapping? What kidnapping?"

Aveline paused, if not kidnapping, then was it human trafficking?

She had seen such things on the news but never imagined it would happen to her!

It seemed she wouldn't escape tonight.

But when Lucas realized she was missing, would he regret not coming to get her?

Ha...

What was she thinking?

How could he possibly regret it?

She had clearly told him someone was following her, yet he still chose to go to Sophia, It showed that Sophia was more important to him.

She meant nothing to him!

Even with this stark realization, tears still fell in large drops.

A sharp pain spread across her heart, making it almost impossible to breathe!

The two girls, seeing her suddenly cry, noticed that, unlike other girls who cried out of fear when trafficked, Aveline's tears were of deep sorrow, as if she had gone through something heart-wrenching.

Chapter 354 The two girls looked at the man, and with a wave of his hand, they began leading Aveline down a narrow path.

At the end of the path was a parked van. Once Aveline was inside, she would have no chance of escape.

She didn't struggle along the way, her heart filled with unbearable sorrow, tears streaming down like broken pearls.

It wasn't until she saw the van that her eyelashes fluttered.

Suddenly, she tightened her grip and dug her nails into the arms of the two girls.

"Ah!"

The two girls screamed in pain and instinctively let go of Aveline.

Deep scratches appeared where Aveline had clawed them.

Seizing the moment, Aveline turned and ran!

She had to run!

She couldn't resign herself to this fate!

"Damn it, get her!"

Behind her, the man cursed.

With his prey slipping away, his anger surged more than anyone's.

Fear and the will to survive gave Aveline immense strength, and for a moment, they couldn't catch up to her!

She gritted her teeth, feeling the pain in her chest from the exertion.

It was from the lack of air in her lungs after the intense activity.

Just then, a figure suddenly emerged ahead!

Aveline's face turned even paler!

Did they have more accomplices?

But soon, she saw who it was.

It was Brian.

Brian quickly rushed past her and knocked down the men chasing her with a few swift moves. Then he turned to Aveline.

"Mrs. Tudor, are you alright?"

His face was full of worry and guilt.

He had arrived too late!

If he had found Aveline earlier, none of this would have happened!

Seeing the men taken down, Aveline, with trembling lips, said, "Call the police, they're human traffickers."

Upon hearing this, Brian's expression turned even darker as he took out his phone and called the police.

Aveline suddenly felt a wave of relief, her strength leaving her as she sank to the ground.

She stared blankly ahead, tears streaming down her face again.

But soon, she wiped them away.

The police arrived quickly, and Aveline went with them to give a statement. When she came out, she saw Brian standing nearby.

"Mrs. Tudor, I've informed Mr. Tudor, He'll be here soon."

Aveline's face was expressionless as she said, "I want to go home."

Brian frowned, "Perhaps you should wait a bit..."

Aveline ignored him and walked to the roadside to hail a cab.

Soon, a taxi pulled up, and she gave the driver her neighborhood's name as she got in.

Brian w watched from the roadside, taking out his phone to call Lucas again.

"Mr. Tudor, Mrs. Tudor has gone home."

Lucas hung up without a word.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly, the veins on the back of his hand standing out, his face a mix of coldness and anxiety.

He never imagined Aveline would go through such an ordeal!

How desperate must she have been?

Lucas pressed his lips into a tight line, his heart feeling as if it were being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.

The car finally stopped in front of Selena's building.

He strode upstairs and knocked on the door.

But there was no response from inside.

Unwilling to give up, Lucas continued knocking, qu

Chapter 355 At that moment, the door suddenly opened.

Aveline stood there with a face mask on, her eyes devoid of any warmth as she looked at them.

"What are you doing?"

The locksmith hesitated and instinctively looked at Lucas.

Lucas stared at her, his voice hoarse, "Aveline, I didn't know you were in danger. I..."

"Do you need something?" Aveline coldly interrupted him.

Lucas pressed his lips into a tight line, the feeling in his chest growing more intense.

He said, "Let me in, we need to talk.

Aveline replied, "I'm tired and want to sleep."

But Lucas grabbed the door, not allowing her to close it.

Aveline looked at him and suddenly asked, "Lucas, I hadn't been saved today, if I had been taken, would you regret it?"

Lucas replied, "That wouldn't happen. I would find you.

Aveline persisted, "Would you regret it?"

She was fixated on this answer.

But she knew it was meaningless.

Upon learning that he had left her in danger to see Sophia, her heart had already died.

Completely dead.

Lucas, trying to be patient, said, "Aveline, I said that wouldn't happen. I wouldn't let you be taken."

Aveline said, "I guess you wouldn't regret it. Without me, you still have Miss Winter, or even Miss Rebecca, or any other woman. So, can you please stop looking for me? I'm really tired and want to rest. She reached out and pried his fingers off the door.

But Lucas forcefully walked in!

The door closed behind him, and he stared at her with his dark, narrow eyes. "Why won't you listen to my explanation? I went to see Sophia because she knows..."

"I don't care."

Aveline stepped back, maintaining her distance from him.

Lucas' throat felt like it was being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.

Her demeanor hadn't changed; she was always distant with him. But he noticed a subtle difference.

Her gaze now held nothing but coldness.

Before, there would still be some fluctuations, some emotion.

Now, there was nothing.

Lucas was deeply unsettled.

He grabbed her wrist, pulling her close, and demanded in a low voice, "Say it again!"

Aveline responded, "Even if I say it ten times, it's the same. I don't care who you're with or who your went to see. I don't..."

Before she could finish, Lucas cupped the back of her head and kissed her!

Annoyed by the mask on her face, he tore it off and threw it aside, pressing her against the foyer cabinet and kissing her fiercely! Aveline struggled violently!

She kept hitting him, landing several slaps on his face!

Lucas seized both her wrists and pinned them behind her back, forcing her closer to him.

She couldn't struggle, only endure his kiss.

Lucas tasted saltiness and paused, lifting his eyes to see Aveline's tears falling.

Her eyes were filled with sorrow, and large tears fell like shattered pearls, piercing his heart.

Lucas held her tightly. "Aveline, it's my fault. Ridase don't cry."

His voice was hoarse, admitting his mistake.

But Aveline didn't want to hear it, didn't want to accept it.

"If you really feel guilty, then divorce me," she said, her voice muffled and choked with sobs.

Chapter 356 15 BONUS Lucas tightened his hold on her abruptly, as if he wanted to merge her into his very bones.

*Impossible."

His voice grew more hoarse as he clung to her, "Aveline, I won't divorce you.

Aveline closed her eyes briefly. "Then let Bobby go."

This tim time, Lucas didn't move or speak.

After nearly a minute of silence, he released her and cupped her face, saying, "Aveline, I'll make it up to you. I'll give you anything you want, but I can't do those two things."

Aveline let out a cold laugh. "You're so hypocritical. You say you'll give me anything, yet you refuse the conditions I set."

Lucas pressed his lips together, not reacting to her accusations and mockery.

He gazed at her tear-streaked face, gently wiping away her tears, and said softly, "Aveline, you can ask for anything else." Aveline pushed his hand away. "I'm not interested in anything else."

Looking at her now indifferent face, her lips swollen from his kiss, adding an air of intimacy, her expression remained icy.

It was as if she hadn't been moved at all.

He just looked at her for a long time without saying anything.

Aveline pushed him away. "Leave, I need to rest."

She was truly exhausted and sleepy.

Ignoring Lucas, she went straight into her room and lay on the bed.

But Lucas didn't leave.

He went to the bathroom to take a shower. Without any clothes, he emerged naked and lay on the bed, pulling her into his arms.

Feeling his skin against hers, Aveline's eyes snapped open. "Get out!"

Lucas replied, "I'm staying with you."

After what she'd been through, she must be scared.

He didn't intend to do anything, and at that moment, he didn't feel like it either; he just wanted to be there for her.

Aveline looked into his eyes and found it laughable!

Just a few hours ago, he was cold and ruthless, telling her to get out of the car.

And now?

He seemed like a completely different person, like a chameleon changing on a whim!

But she had no interest in playing along!

Aveline got out of bed and went to lie down on the sofa in the living room.

She didn't want to be in the same space as him!

Lucas realized this, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

He didn't go out immediately.

Instead, he waited until he heard her breathing become steady before getting up and walking over to her. He picked her up gently.

As he laid her back on the bed, he noticed tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.

She was mumbling something.

Lucas leaned in to listen closely, and his face instantly darkened.

"Divorce, please, Lucas. I don't like you. I haven't liked you for a long time. Just let me go, will you?"

No.

He wouldn't agree to a divorce.

He couldn't bear the thought of another man being near her. Even the idea of her being with someone else, kissing, hugging, marrying-it drove him mad! She had to stay by his side.

Even if she no longer loved him, he wouldn't let go!

He had never failed to get what he wanted, whether it was his favorite toy or a person.

Lucas held her tightly, feeling her soft body against his, and a faint smile appeared in his eyes.

The next day.

When Aveline woke up, she found herself facing the well-defined muscles of a man's chest. She blinked.

It was then she realized she was back in bed.

Chapter 357 Aveline's expression grew cold as she tried to slip out of his embrace, but the next second, Lucas tightened his grip on her waist and pulled her back.

Her back was pressed against Lucas' warm chest, his hot breath brushing her ear.

"Why are you getting up so early?"

In the morning, his voice was huskier, and everything about him seemed more awake.

Aveline felt his arousal, and her body tensed, fearing he might lose control in the morning.

"I'm hungry," she said flatly.

Lucas held her tightly, his heat pressing against her as if he wanted to melt her.

"So am I, his voice was even more husky.

Aveline blinked, a thought crossing her mind.

Was his refusal to divorce her because he was still interested in her body?

Would their relationship end when he lost that interest?

For some reason, she felt a deep sadness.

She said, "Lucas, I don't want to."

His kisses lingered on her shoulder, his hands playing with her tender skin.

Feeling her tremble, he tightened his grip. "Are you sure you don't want to?"

His kisses trailed to her earlobe. "Your body speaks the truth, even if your words don't."

With his words, her body trembled even more.

Women have needs too.

Especially when Lucas knew her sensitive spots and teased them intentionally, Aveline found herself.

unable to resist.

Sensing her change in emotion, Lucas said in a raspy voice, "How about a little appetizer before breakfast?"

Aveline bit her lip, trying to stifle her voice.

But he seemed determined to make her vocal, his movements becoming more intense.

Unable to hold back, Aveline let out a soft moan, her voice tender and a bit raspy, making it especially alluring.

"Does it feel good?"

Lucas kissed her cheek, staring at her.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes misty with desire.

He was very pleased with the way she trembled in his hands.

Feeling overwhelmed, Aveline suddenly turned and kissed his lips.

Lucas responded immediately, taking control.

Their breaths intertwined, and a fire seemed ready to ignite.

But quickly, Aveline pushed him away, swiftly getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom.

Lucas lied there in a daze, his hand still poised as if touching her body.

She just left?

She got her satisfaction and then ignored him?

Lucas' face darkened. He got out of bed and opened the bathroom door.

Aveline was brushing her teeth and, caught off guard, saw him in the mirror, wearing nothing but his black bullet briefs that clearly outlined his arousal.

A rare indifferent expression crossed her face as she looked away.

Lucas stared at her intently, walked over, turned her around, and lifted her onto the sink.

Kisses rained down her neck and collarbone, hot and teasing.

Aveline frowned, pushing him away. "Lucas, is this why you won't divorce me?"

Lucas' breath hovered over her chest as he hoarsely replied, "Isn't that why you wanted a husband?"

He lifted his head, his eyes displeased. "Be fair, give me a chance, hmm?"

Aveline's face turned bright red, her eyes gaining a hint of emotion, no longer cold and indifferent.

Lucas was very satisfied, his hand sliding down to her leg.

Chapter 358 Aveline looked at him. "Do you know what I was thinking last night when that man was chasing me and those two girls had tricked me?"

Lucas froze, his lips pressing into a tight line.

Aveline let out a bitter laugh. "I was thinking, I clearly told you I was in danger, so why didn't you come? We've been married for so long, and you still have memories of Lu, so why didn't you come? If it were Lu, he wouldn't have stayed away. He wouldn't have been so rough and told me to get out of the car.

As she spoke, large tears began to fall, and the fear from the previous night surged up.

Her eyes were completely soaked with tears.

"Lucas, tell me, why? Why, when I told you I was in danger, didn't you come?"

Lucas' breath tightened as he held her, his voice hoarse, "I'm sorry, Aveline."

It was all he could say.

When he received her call, he immediately set out to find her, but then he thought, if she was willing to lower herself for Bobby's sake, was her plea for help a deliberate ploy?

A ploy to make him return?

So, when Sophia's call came, he went to her instead.

Now, he deeply regretted his decision from last night!

Fortunately, she was unharmed!

Everything could still be fixed!

Aveline pushed him away. "I don't want you to hold me, let go."

Her voice was full of grievance and sorrow.

How could Lucas bear to let her go?

H He held her tightly, soothing her emotions. The intimate atmosphere had long vanished, and he had no interest in continuing what they were doing.

They stayed like that for an unknown length of time until Aveline's emotions finally calmed down.

Her face rested on his shoulder, her eyes vacant as she said, "This incident is like a thorn, embedded in my heart. No matter what you do, it won't come out"

Lucas' body tensed, but his deep, magnetic voice carried a touch of arrogance, "If I say it can be removed, then it can be. Aveline, I won't let this thom stay in you." Aveline closed her eyes and pushed him away. "I'm really hungry."

Lucas released her, saying, "I'll have breakfast brought up."

Aveline didn't respond.

She continued to wash up, her eyes downcast and filled with indifference.

Once they had both finished freshening up, breakfast had already been delivered, along with Lucas"

clothes.

Lucas changed and came out to find Aveline already eating.

He walked over and sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her.

Aveline asked, "Why can't you release Bobby?"

Lucas' expression grew colder. "That's not something you should concern yourself with."

Aveline frowned. "Then at least let me see him."

Lucas replied, "Send Zane away and stay out of Bobby's business. I'll give the Looney family a sum of money to appease them."

Aveline gripped her fork tightly. "How much are you planning to pay for Bobby's life?"

She looked at him with blatant sarcasm in her eyes.

Lucas' face darkened. "Aveline, this matter has nothing to do with you. If you care that he looked after you for three years, I'll compensate him in cash." Aveline let out a mocking laugh. "Do you think money can solve everything?"

Lucas stared at her deeply. "Isn't that the case?"

Zane stayed in Cloudflare City to pursue the matter only because he thought the offer wasn't enough. Once he was pleased with the compensation, why would he stay?

Chapter 359 Aveline stared at him intently, "Mr. Zane isn't like that."

Lucas chuckled lightly. "Want to bet?"

Aveline tightened her grip on the fork and nodded, "Alright, what's the bet?"

Lucas said, "If he accepts my compensation and willingly leaves Cloudflare City, you can't bring up divorce again."

Aveline gritted her teeth and nodded. "Fine. But if he doesn't, we divorce, and you release Bobby."

Lucas replied calmly, "Aveline, that's two conditions.

Aveline hesitated and then said, "Release Bobby."

Lucas stared at her deeply. "Alright."

Aveline believed that Zane would never abandon his son for money. He had always said Bobby was his only child..

After breakfast, Lucas left immediately.

Aveline contacted a realtor to start looking for an apartment.

The realtor was efficient and quickly found a few options, which Aveline went t to see.

She settled on a small two-bedroom apartment and rented it for a quarter.

By the time everything was arranged, it was already afternoon.

Aveline called Zane.

"Mr. Zane, I've sorted out the apartment. I'll come to get you."

Zane replied, "Okay, good."

When Aveline saw Zane, she noticed the dark circles under his eyes, indicating he hadn't slept well.

Aveline asked, "Mr. Zane, have you eaten?"

Zane sighed. "I ate a little, but without any news of Bobby, I can't enjoy even the best food."

Aveline reassured him, "Mr. Zane, Bobby will be alright."

Zane said nothing, just sighed again.

Given the state Bobby was in, how could he be alright?

When they arrived at the apartment, Aveline opened the door and said, "Mr. Zane, today I'll cook for you. I'm a great cook!"

Zane looked at her. "Really? Then I must try your cooking."

Aveline had already bought groceries and began preparing the meal.

1/2 An hour later, the meal was ready, and it was just in time for dinner.

Zane washed his hands and sat down. As he took his first bite with the fork, his eyes lit up. "Not bad! Your cooking is really good!"

Aveline smiled slightly. "Isn't it?"

Zane remarked, "With your skills, if you opened a restaurant, it would surely do well. I'm speaking from experience!"

Aveline chuckled. "I believe you. When I retire, I'll open a small restaurant."

Zane nodded in agreement.

For a brief moment, they both forgot about Bobby's situation.

After dinner, Aveline cleaned up the dishes and said, "Mr. Zane, I'll leave the keys with you. If you need anything, call me. I live nearby and can come quickly. *Alright." Zane nodded, feeling deeply touched.

Aveline finished tidying up and left.

Not long after, Zane's phone rang. It was his wife, Lily Famm, calling. "Hello?"

Lily's voice came through, "Zane, have you found Bobby?"

"Not yet. I can't even get near that house, but I talked to Aveline. She said she might have a way," Zane replied.

Lily's voice was hesitant. "Zane, this afternoon, we suddenly received six hundred thousand dollars in our bank account. Do you know where that money came from?" Zane stood up abruptly, "What did you say? Six hundred thousand dollars?"

Chapter 360 Just as he finished speaking, the doorbell rang.

Given his previous experiences of being turned away, Zane didn't immediately open the door. Instead, he looked through the peephole.

Outside stood two men in suits.

On the phone, his wife, Lily, was still speaking hesitantly, clearly frightened.

The doorbell rang again, making Zane jump. He said, "Don't do anything: I have something to deal with here."

He hung up and then opened the door.

"Who are you?"

One of the men in suits extended his hand with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Looney. I'm Desmond, the executive assistant of the CEO of DK Group. This is lawyer Charles Dean. We have something we need to discuss with you. Is this a convenient time?"

Zane looked at them warily. They weren't the landlords here to evict him, so what did they want?

Zane stepped aside. "Come in."

Desmond nodded slightly and entered the house with Charles.

Seated on the sofa, Charles placed two documents on the coffee table.

Zane asked, "What are these?"

Desmond smiled and said, "Mr. Looney, I believe you've noticed the six hundred thousand dollars that appeared in your account?"

Zane's eyebrows immediately furrowed. "How do you know about that?"

Desmond replied, "The funds were sent by us. Additionally, here is a check for 1.5 million. If you leave Cloudflare City and sign these two agreements, the money is yours.” He took out a card and placed it beside the documents..

Zane's eyes widened in shock. He picked up the documents and began reading them, realizing they were two guarantee letters.

One document was a promise not to frequent the Tudor family's properties, and the other was an agreement to renounce his parental rights to Bobby.

Zane's face grew darker. "What do you mean? Are you trying to buy my son's life with two million dollars?"

Despite Zane showing hostility, Desmond kept smiling. "Mr. Looney, please stay calm. Everything is negotiable. The items Bobby stole are worth over forty million, which is enough to keep him in prison for life. I think you should take a look."

+5 BONUS He produced another document listing the prices of various valuable items.

"Impossible!” Zane said firmly, not even glancing at the document. "Bobby may only be a driver, but he would never steal!"

Desmond's smile faded slightly. He took out a tablet and played a surveillance video.

"Mr. Zane, this is the entire process of Bobby stealing."

Zane's expression nearly crumbled, but he picked up the tablet and watched intently.

In the video, Bobby sneaked into a luxurious house and came out a while later with his arms full of items Desmond then produced another document. These are the sale records and photos of the items he sold."

Zane's face fell instantly, and his hands began to tremble. "How... how is this possible?"

Desmond said, "Mr. Zane, the Tudors haven't turned him over to the police because his mistake is severe, and they won't let him off easily. To avoid any further complications, I advise you to sign these two agreements and leave Cloudflare City. This way, you can protect yourself and your wife."

By this point, his words carried an unmistakable tone of threat.