Ch. 421..430

Chapter 421 Aveline was stunned, looking at Sidney in confusion.

She wanted to speak, but with the grape in her mouth, she had to eat it first.

At that moment, a tall figure walked in.

Aveline squinted, recognizing cas.

She instinctively sat up straight, quickly chewing and swallowing the grape. Why was he here?

Oh, right. If Aaron was here, it wasn't urprising Lucas Would find his way here too.

Lucas exuded a cold aura, his narrow eves fixed intensely on Aveline's face as he sat down on the sofa.

"Is it sweet?" he asked.

Aveline, slightly dazed from the alcohol, nodded instinctively. "Yes."

Lucas' expression darkened, though the corners of his thin lips curled into a mocking smile. "Good. Pick one for me too." He looked at Sidney.

Sidney, feeling the pressure, immediately placed the whole plate of grapes in front of him. "These grapes here are not bad." Sidney sensed the tension. Lucas' gaze held a hint of menace, but he didn't act on it, leaving Sidney puzzled.

Aveline finally swallowed the grape and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Lucas picked up a grape, looking at it indifferently. "Can't I be here?"

Aveline was at a loss for words.

He seemed sarcastic.

She licked her lips, still tasting the grape juice, and said, "I'll go check on Selena. Why isn't she back yet?"

As she spoke, she stood up to leave the room.

But she had to pass by Lucas.

Suddenly, Lucas grabbed her arm, pulling her to sit on his lap.

He brought a grape to her lips. "Try this one. Is it sweet?"

Aveline's body tensed, but she didn't struggle, thinking it would be more awkward to do so in front of others.

She said, "I don't want to eat anymore."

Lucas' narrow eyes looked at her coldly. "Don't want to eat grapes? Then what do you want to eat, hmm?"

Aveline could hear the chill in his tone.

Sidney spoke up, "Sir, it's better not to force Miss Young. Marriage requires understanding and 1/2 communication. If you're just overbearing, Miss Young won't feel good."

Ha!

Sidney was lecturing him now?

Lucas tightened his grip around Aveline's waist, his gaze cold as he looked at Sidney. "You seem to know a lot. Why? Have you been married?" Sidney was at a loss for words.

Aveline asked, "Did Mr. Fletcher tell you I was here?"

Lucas, still holding the grape, looked at her face. "What? Should I not be here? Did I interrupt something?"

Aveline pressed her lips together and said, "He saved me last night."

Lucas responded, "So? Are you going to repay him with your body?"

Aveline's face was still a bit flushed. Hearing his words, she frowned immediately, "Lucas, what nonsense are you talking about? We're just having a normal conversation!"

"Ha!" Lucas let out a cold laugh. "A normal conversation where he feeds you grapes? If I had come a little later, would you two have moved to a different place?"

Anger flared in Aveline's eyes, and she struggled. "If you don't believe me, then why did you come? Just live with your delusions!"

Lucas didn't let her get up and shoved the grape into her mouth. "Eat it and tell me if it tastes sweeter from me or from him!"

Chapter 422 "Ugh!"

Aveline hadn't noticed when Lucas shoved another grape into her mouth!

If Sidney feeding her a grape caught her off guard, Lucas' action left her feeling deeply humiliated.

Lucas was deliberately making things difficult for hér!

She spat the grape out immediately.

"Lucas, are you insane?"

She struggled to get off his lap, not wanting to have such intimate contact with him at all.

Lucas, however, wouldn't let her go. His eyes darkened with cold fury as he glanced at the spat-out grape. "Aveline, are you looking to die?"

She ate grapes from another man, but not from him.

Damn it, she was really testing his limits!

Sidney stood up abruptly and walked over, trying to pull Aveline out of Lucas' arms. "Sir, can't you see she isn't comfortable with what you're doing? You can't force her!" Lucas' eyes were filled with murderous intent as he glanced at Sidney's hand on Aveline's arm. "If you don't want your hand, just say so."

That look made Sidney feel the phantom pain of his hand being severed.

The intense killing intent spread through the room!

Aveline looked at Sidney. "You should leave."

Sidney's face was full of concern. "But Miss Young..."

Aveline's eyes had regained some clarity. "Go, he won't harm me."

Her tone softened involuntarily when speaking to Sidney.

Lucas' grip on her waist tightened, almost suffocating her!

Sidney, worried, left the room reluctantly, glancing back repeatedly.

Lucas pressed Aveline onto the sofa, tearing at her clothes aggressively. "Aveline, are you trying to make me look like a fool? Flaunting your affair in front of me!

-Aveline was so frightened by his rough behavior that she forgot to struggle. "Lucas, don't do this..."

Lucas grabbed her chin. "Don't do this? Am I not satisfying you enough in bed, so you're out here seeking thrills?"

"I didn't!"

Aveline's face turned even paler as she pushed against his chest with both hands. "I just came here to have fun with Selena. I ran into him and realized he was the one who saved me. I just wanted to thank him and invited him to dinner, so we stayed to chat!"

1/2 She explained desperately. Lucas was furious, his expression terrifying, his face cold, and his eyes filled with a murderous glint.

It was as if he believed she had betrayed him, and he truly might kill her!

Lucas stared at her, his chest heaving. The scene he had witnessed deeply agitated him.

Sidney's gaze at Aveline was anything but innocent!

It was the gaze of a man toward a woman!

As a man, Lucas knew it all too well!

Fury roiled within Lucas' chest as he kissed her fiercely Aveline whimpered, her breath stolen away. His kiss was rough as if he wanted to consume her completely!

She couldn't withstand it!

She struggled and resisted, but it only made him act more intensely.

Aveline was truly at her limit...

His unpredictable nature made her genuinely afraid!

Just when she thought he would continue right there, he stopped, his heavy breathing hot against her ear, his weight pressing down on her, letting her feel his excitement and heat.

"I really want to take you right here." Lucas growled through gritted teeth.

Aveline's body trembled, and the next second, he pulled her up.

Chapter 423 The suit jacket was draped over her shoulders, enveloping her in a strong, fresh scent.

"Aveline, this is the first and last time. If I catch you in a situation like this again, neither of us will have any peace."

Lucas stood up, looking down at her, his eyes cold and devoid of any warmth.

Aveline, covered by his presence, remained silent.

Lucas turned and walked away without caring about her response. When he spoke, she had to comply, or he wouldn't make things easy for her! As for Sidney, his presence wouldn't be welcomed in Cloudflare City anymore!

Aveline followed him out of the private room in silence. As they entered the elevator, she suddenly remembered Selena and quickly reached to press the door open button.

"What are you doing?" Lucas asked coldly.

"I need to find Selena," Aveline replied.

"Aaron will take her home," Lucas stated.

Aveline didn't trust Aaron and stubbornly insisted on going out to find her friend. Just then, her phone rang. She looked at it and saw that it was a call from Selena. "Hello, Selena?"

"Hey, you head home first. I have a bit of a situation here and can't leave with you," Selena's voice sounded strained as if she was trying hard to endure something. Aveline immediately grew worried. "Selena, what's wrong? Did something happen? Let me come to you."

"No, no need. I can handle it myself," Selena hurriedly refused. "Just go home, and I'll contact you once I sort things out. That's all."

With that, she hung up the phone.

Aveline stared at her phone, puzzled.

What was going on?

What had happened?

But judging by Selena's tone, she didn't want Aveline to come find her.

Lucas said coolly, "Can we close the doors now?"

Aveline silently withdrew her hand, and the elevator doors slowly closed.

Her reflection appeared on the elevator surface-a petite figure wrapped in his suit jacket, making her look even smaller and more delicate.

She lowered her eyes, her face now a pale shade, with long, curled eyelashes and slightly pursed lips. Her lips, slightly swollen from his kiss, looked both pitiable and alluring.

This was the look she had shown to other men.

1/2 The thought made Lucas's expression even colder.

The temperature in the elevato seemed to drop. Aveline glanced at him and, seeing his unpleasant expression, said nothing.

There was nothing to say.

She wasn't in a good mood either.

Being misunderstood for no reason left her particularly frustrated.

Especially considering Lucas' petty and sinister nature, Sidney might suffer because of this.

Once again, she had inadvertently dragged an innocent person into trouble.

As they exited the elevator, Aveline saw Sidney standing not far away.

He seemed to be waiting for her, his face full of concern. His eyes lit up when he saw her.

"Miss Young," Sidney said as he walked towards her.

Aveline sensed the coldness around Lucas intensified.

"I'm fine. I need to go home now," Aveline said to Sidney.

"Are you really okay?" Sidney asked with concern.

Lucas sneered. "What? Do you think I'd abuse her?"

Sidney looked at him, his gaze growing more cautious. "Given how you acted earlier, it certainly seemed possible."

"Ha!" Lucas scoffed. "You think you can meddle in other people's marital affairs? I think you're wasted as a waiter. Should I hire you as my butler instead, hmm?" BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you

Chapter 424 Aveline hurriedly said to Sidney, "You should go back to work. You really don't need to worry about me."

Seeing her discomfort, Sidney nodded. "Alright, if you need anything, you can contact me."

Aveline thought, "Not talking to me right now is exactly what I need!"

Under Lucas' cold stare, Sidney turned and left.

Aveline looked at Lucas. "Aren't we going home?"

Lucas's icy gaze fell on her, sending an involuntary shiver through her.

He turned and walked away, and she quickly followed.

The night breeze blew away any remaining traces of her intoxication.

Aaron entered the restroom with a grim expression, looking down at the stain on his pants before turning to face Selena, who had followed him in.

Selena wore an apologetic expression and bent down. I'll clean it up for you."

The spilled drink had spread a large stain across Aaron's thigh, especially noticeable against his white pants.

However, her attempts to clean it only made the stain worse.

Aaron's face grew increasingly dark.

Along with it came an odd sensation.

She was crouched right in front of him.

Even through the fabric, he could feel the softness of her small hands.

She was intently focused on the spot on his thigh.

Aaron's breathing grew heavier, his anger gradually transforming into something else.

Selena looked up at him, her expression troubled as she said, "Mr. Fletcher, this won't come clean. How about I buy you a new pair of pants?" Ugh...

Spending money on this jerk was painful!

The restroom lighting wasn't very bright, and she was close to him, her beautiful face with long eyelashes that fluttered like butterfly wings, her pale face, and eyes with a hint of moisture, making her look pitiful.

Aaron cursed under his breath. How could he be thinking of something else at a time like this?

"Stand up," he said hoarsely.

Selena stood up, clutching the napkin in her small hand, looking at him with apprehension.

Aaron's Adam's apple bobbed as his relaxed demeanor vanished.

1/2 "You really didn't do it on purpose?" Aaron's gaze was dark as he stared at her.

Selena raised her hand. "I swear, I absolutely didn't do it on purpose. If I did, then... then may you won't find a wife forever."

Aaron was speechless.

He couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.

He pointed at her. "Selena, I'm only letting this slide because you saved my life before. Otherwise, I would have dealt with that mouth of yours a long time ago!"

Selena immediately covered her mouth. "Fine, I'll stop talking, okay?"

Her voice was muffled, and her bright, beautiful face looked even more innocent and pitiful.

Aaron suddenly found his anger dissipating.

But the fact remained that his pants were ruined!

With a stern face, he said, "You're paying for the pants!"

Selena nodded quickly/ "Fine, fine."

Replacing a pair of pants was something she could accept.

Her gaze fell on his pants again, but her eyes were drawn to something else first. She widened her eyes in shock.

"You..."

Aaron's face darkened.

Selena pointed at him, "You're... you're such a pervert!"

Aaron's face was stormy as he said, "I'm a normal man, understand?"

Selena backed away several steps, hugging herself. "You, you... it doesn't matter what you say, you're still a pervert!"

With that, she tried to run!

Chapter 425 "Why are you running?" Aaron looked at her with a dark expression.

"Why are you grabbing me?" Selena looked at him in horror. "Let go of me, you pervert! I'm telling you, I won't do anything with you, so just give up!"

Aaron laughed in exasperation. "What are you thinking? Do you really think I'm interested in you?"

Selena suddenly stopped struggling.

What was wrong with her?

He wasn't interested in her?

She turned to look at him. "If you're not interested, why do you have an erection?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Aaron's eyes; he hadn't expected her to say that.

"You..."

"What about me?" Selena raised her hand and pointed at his chest, speaking slowly and clearly. "Aaron, admit it. You've liked me for a long time, haven't you? Why else would you keep showing up in front of me? Once or twice could be a coincidence, but this has happened way too many times. Haven't you even thought about it yourself?"

She felt her argument was spot on, her eyes sparkling with confidence as she raised her chin and chuckled. "Look at you. Who would believe you don't like me?"

"You... woman..."

Aaron looked at her confident smile and was rendered speechless.

Like her?

Only if he was blind!

Aaron sneered. "Do you know why I keep finding you? If you didn't keep telling Aveline to divorce Lucas, I wouldn't even look at you twice!"

Selena squinted her eyes. "So, you've been sticking around me to create opportunities for Lucas?"

Aaron looked at her with disdain. "So, stop flattering yourself. I have someone I like, and it's definitely not you!"

Selena silently cursed him.

Two scumbags indeed!

They were teaming up against her and Aveline!

No wonder Aaron kept pestering her with ridiculous reasons!

Thinking back now, it all seemed absurd!

It was absurd beyond belief!

What infuriated her even more was Aaron's rejection!

1/2 Was she not pretty?

Did she not have a good figure?

Even after all that, he still kept up his stubborn act!

Selena suddenly made up her mind. She took two steps toward con, I neck, and kissed him!

Aaron was stunned. He couldn't believe what was happening!

her arms around his He instinctively tried to push her away, but when his hand touched her slender waist, he paused!

Seizing the moment, Selena deepened the kiss, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous light.

It was as if she was saying, "See, you can't say you don't like me now."

A sudden surge of anger flared up in Aaron, fueled by her smugness!

He abruptly wrapped his arm around her waist, grabbed the back of her head, and deepened the kiss!

Selena tried to pull away, satisfied by his initial shock and astonishment, but just as she was about to break free, he took control, aggressively claiming her breath. She stumbled back several steps until he pinned her against the wall!

"Mmph!"

What was happening?

How did it come to this?

This jerk, didn't he keep insisting he didn't like her?

Then what was he doing now?

What was he doing?

Selena had intended only to scare him, but now, it was she who was terrified. Her legs turned weak, but his grip on her waist was firm. With their bodies pressed together, she could clearly feel his erection. BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you

Instinctively, Aaron reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into his arms.

Chapter 426 Selena felt the air in her lungs depleting rapidly; she was about to run out of oxygen!

Aaron released her, giving her a playful bite, and sneered. "Mocking me? You can't even breathe properly.

What an amateur."

Selena was speechless.

Her breath was erratic, her eyes slightly reddened from the intense kiss. She gritted her teeth and said, ' You think your kissing skills are great? Kissing you feels like being chewed on by a dog!" The intimate atmosphere seemed to freeze.

Aaron narrowed his eyes, watching her uneven breathing, and suddenly kissed her again.

"I'm going to make you surrender today!"

Daring to question his skills? She must be tired of living!

Selena refused to back down. They went back and forth, their breaths intertwined, more like a fight than a kiss.

They emerged from the restroom just as the elevator arrived and stepped in.

Selena pushed him away. "Wait a minute, I need to make a call."

She suddenly remembered that Aveline was still in the private room.

Aaron just stared at her, and Selena glared back defiantly as if she was ready to devour him.

Once her call ended, the passionate kisses resumed.

11 Both of them were determined to outdo each other. When they finally made it to the room, their pent-up tension exploded, creating sparks like dry tinder catching fire. "Ugh... it hurts!"

After a while, Selena suddenly cried out in pain and slapped Aaron across the face.

"Can you be gentler? Your technique is terrible! Is this your first time with a woman?"

Aaron, feeling his ego bruised, grabbed her roughly and kneaded her flesh.

Selena trembled uncontrollably.

"You beast..."

Aaron leaned down to kiss and bite her. "Well, now you're in bed with this beast."

Selena, still uncomfortable, said, "If you're this terrible, get off me. I'm done playing with you!"

She tried to get out of bed, her face pale from the pain.

But with things already in motion, there was no turning back.

Aaron pulled her back, kissing her as he said, "Just wait, I'll have you begging for more soon!"

"Ugh!"

1/2 Selena struggled, but his movements became more patient and precise, providing her with intense comfort until everything became unbearable.

A night of madness ensued.

The next morning, Aveline received a call from Selena just after finishing her morning routine.

"Hello?" she said, placing her phone on the vanity and putting it on speaker so she could continue her skincare routine.

Selena's voice came through, "I slept with Aaron."

"Clatter!" The bottle in Aveline's hand dropped onto the table, her face full of shock. "What did you say?"

Selena sighed. "One moment of carelessness, a lifetime of regret."

Aveline picked up the phone. "What happened exactly?

Selena replied, "It's a long story."

Aveline, growing anxious, asked, "Did he force you?"

Selena answered, "No."

Aveline's tone became hesitant, "Then... did you force him?"

Selena vaguely replied, "Well... kind of."

Aveline was speechless.

Great. Just great.

What kind of development was this?

Aveline thought for a moment and asked, "What are you going to do next?"

Selena replied nonchalantly, "What can I do? Just chalk it up to an accident. It's not like I'll be with him.” Aveline frowned, then asked, "But Selena, you were taken advantage of."

Selena's tone immediately turned resentful. "Damn right, I was! That jerk was a virgin! It hurt like hell!" Aveline was speechless.

Chapter 427 Aveline was silent for a moment before saying, "But I think this situation might not be so easily resolved."

Selena was puzzled. "What, is he going to cling to me and demand I take responsibility? That's ridiculous. We're all adults; it's normal to have some fun and then move on, right?" Aveline replied, "Just be careful. You did take his virginity, after all."

Selena groaned, "Gross."

Aveline said, "Get some rest. I'll come by to see you later."

"Sure, just bring some good food. I'm counting on that meal to keep me going."

Aveline smiled wryly. "Alright, wait for it."

After hanging up, Aveline couldn't help but sigh. Fate had a strange way of bringing together the most unlikely people.

She continued with her skincare routine and, upon leaving the bedroom, saw Lucas emerging from the study Last night, after they returned, they had slept in separate rooms. Lucas had stayed in the study, and now he looked even more tired and irritable.

Aveline glanced at him briefly before heading downstairs.

Lucas stared at her intently and said, "Clear your schedule for three days from now. It's Grandma's birthday banquet, and you're coming with me." Aveline paused and asked, "How much?"

"What?" Lucas didn't understand her.

Aveline looked at him with a smile/ "Being Mrs. Tudor is quite stifling. If you want my cooperation, let's put a price on it. I'll accompany you, but you have to pay."

"Heh!" Lucas chuckled as if he'd heard a funny joke and walked toward her. "You're asking for money now?"

Aveline's clear eyes met his calmly. "Do you think I'm not worth it? Fine, let's get a divorce. You can find someone else to accompany you."

Lucas' expression darkened instantly, "Aveline, are you trying to create trouble?"

Aveline said, "I'm calmly discussing this. You're the one in a bad mood. Is that my fault?"

She had a knack for getting under his skin.

At moments like this, Lucas really felt like strangling her!

He stared at her with his piercing eyes, one standing at the top of the stairs and the other on the steps below. Despite his commanding position, Aveline showed no fear. There was nothing to be afraid of. He wouldn't kill her.

"Aveline, you're ruthless," Lucas said coldly, then turned and walked away. Just before entering the 1/2 bedroom, he added, "Two hundred thousand dollars."

Aveline smiled. "Alright, I'll take the day off."

Making money was easy; all it took was marrying someone she didn't love.

She lowered her gaze slightly, her eyes cold, and headed to the dining room for breakfast.

Halfway through her meal, Lucas emerged, now dressed in fresh clothes, but still enveloped in a cold aura.

Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and put it on speaker.

"Hello?"

Judy's pained voice came through. "Lucas, why is my arm getting worse? It hurts so much. Can you come and see me?"

Lucas cast a heavy look at Aveline, then asked, "What's going on?"

Judy's voice sounded tearful. "I don't know. It hurts so much. It looks really bad..."

Lucas replied, "Don't be scared. I'll come and take a look."

Judy's tone brightened slightly, "Okay, I'll wait for you."

Chapter 428 The call ended.

The faint aroma of food filled the dinin room.

room Aveline's face remained calm, her movements as she picked up food steady and composed.

There was no sadness, no anger, no heartbreak.

Her calmness was terrifying.

Lucas' expression grew darker, his hand trembling slightly as he gripped the phone.

Every action of hers told him: she didn't love him anymore!

Abruptly, Lucas stood up and left the dining room.

It wasn't until the sound of the car engine faded that Aveline stopped eating. She stared at her plate for a few moments, then resumed eating as if nothing had happened. It was meaningless.

He kept her tied down, never letting her have peace, yet he was gentle to every woman but her. Any woman could receive his tenderness.

So, what was the point of her showing any emotion?

He couldn't possibly love her.

If he did, he wouldn't do so many things that broke her heart.

After finishing her breakfast, Aveline went straight to work.

After a busy day, she bought groceries and went to Selena's place.

When she opened the door, she saw Selena lounging on the sofa, watching a variety show and laughing heartily. The tank top she wore revealed the marks on her body, indicating how intense things had been.

Aveline was silent for a moment before asking, "Didn't you go to work today?"

Selena replied, "I took the day off."

Aveline carried the groceries into the kitchen, put on an apron, and started cooking. "What do you want to eat?"

Selena came over and hugged her. "Something spicy. I need some excitement."

Aveline glanced at her. "Looks like you've had plenty of excitement already."

Selena pouted. "I didn't expect it to go that way. Just... couldn't stop."

Aveline hesitated and asked, "So when you called me last night?"

Selena said, "Well... we were kissing by then."

Aveline was speechless.

Great.

1/3 Just perfect.

"Alright, go wait in the living room. I'll call you when it's ready," Aveline said.

"Got it, love you!" Selena made a big heart shape with her hands and went back to watching her show.

At the bar.

The space was dim and enclosed, filled with the scent of alcohol.

Lucas and Aaron sat across from each other.

Aaron took a sip from his glass, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Lucas, do you think a woman would seek responsibility from a man after they sleep together?" Lucas gave him a cold glance. "Who did you sleep with?"

"Geez!" Aaron shot him a look, "I never said it was me. Don't jump to conclusions."

Lucas replied, "But your expression says otherwise."

Aaron was speechless.

His mouth twitched uncontrollably before he continued, "So, do you think she'll want the man to take responsibility?"

Lucas was silent for a moment before saying, "I don't know. I'm not a woman."

Aaron shook his head, "She probably will. Women have these strange notions about such things. Sigh..."

He sighed deeply, seemingly troubled by the issue.

Lucas drained his glass and said, "What do women really want?"

Aaron shrugged. "Beats me."

In the small private room, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.

Aaron was still lost in thoughts about the previous night's intensity. Selena's personality was fiery, and she was just as fierce in bed.

Even when her face turned pale with pain, she refused to back down, her stubbornness evident.

Tsk...

If she came to him seeking responsibility, should he give her money or a house?

Since it was her first time, he felt he should show some sincerity.

But the idea of marrying her? That was out of the question.

Chapter 429 He already had someone he liked.

But now that he had slept with Selena, would Snow be upset if she found out? Would she be hurt? Angry?

Aaron's mood soured.

What was he thinking, getting involved with Selena?

Lucas noticed Aaron's increasingly troubled expression and raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"

Aaron, feeling frustrated, replied, "I have someone I like, and now I can't explain this mess."

Lucas said, "I thought you liked Selena.

Aaron looked at him in shock. "What? Me, like Selena? Are you blind? How could I possibly like her?"

Lucas replied in a serious tone, "If you don't like her, why do you keep hanging around her?"

Aaron, agitated, said, "Weren't you the one who asked me to keep an eye on her because she kept trying to convince Aveline to divorce you? Don't deny it, Lucas!" Lucas asked, "So, did you manage to keep her occupied?"

Aaron fell silent instantly.

No matter what he did, Selena always ended up in front of Aveline, trying to push for their divorce.

Selena really hated Lucas.

Aaron clicked his tongue. "You know, you're really not very likable."

Lucas gave him a cold look. "Do you have a death wish?"

Aaron said, "The more you act like this, the less Aveline likes you. Women prefer gentle and considerate men. With that cold expression, who would like you?"

Gentle and considerate? Like before?

Lucas lowered his gaze slightly, took another sip of his drink, and remained silent for a long time.

Aaron also drank, feeling melancholic.

He was worried that Selena would hold him accountable. What if it ruined things with Snow?

Selena sneezed several times in a row.

Aveline handed her a cup of hot water. "Are you catching a cold?"

Selena shook her head. "No, probably some jerk badmouthing me behind my back."

Aveline couldn't help but laugh. "Go wash your hands. Dinner's almost ready."

"Got it!"

Selena took a sip of hot water, then got up to wash her hands.

1/2 When she returned, the dishes were already set on the table.

Aveline, sitting nearby, noticed the marks all over Selena and couldn't resist asking, "Do you want to put on some clothes?"

Selena replied, "Nope."

Aveline was speechless.

Alright then.

Selena took a bite of food, her eyes lighting up immediately. "Mmm, I feel alive again!"

Aveline chuckled. "My cooking has such magical powers?"

Selena nodded earnestly. "I'm serious. I've eaten at so many restaurants, but your cooking is the best. When you and Lucas get divorced, you should consider moving to a small city and opening a little restaurant. It would be a huge hit!"

Aveline said, "Alright, I'll think about it."

Selena laughed and dug into her meal with gusto.

Just then, Aveline's phone rang. She looked at the screen, her eyes lighting up, "Hello, Russ!"

Russell's cheerful voice came through, "Long time no see. Are you free to meet up? I just got back today."

Aveline replied, "I'm out right now. Did you get to Cloudflare City?"

Russell said, "Yes. Where are you? I'll come to you."

Aveline glanced at Selena, who nodded.

"I'm at Selena's place. I'll send you the location. You're just in time," Aveline said.

Russell asked curiously, "Why's that?"

Aveline smiled. "I just finished cooking."

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Chapter 430 Russell laughed. "Perfect timing then. I'll be there soon Wait for me!"

"Alright," Aveline replied, hanging up the phone.

When she looked up, she saw Selena giving her a knowing smile.

Aveline felt a shiver run down her spine and asked in confusion, "What are you smiling about?” Selena clicked her tongue. "My dear, it looks like you've really opened up. First, there was the innocent college guy from Club Nine, and now the bar prince Russell. Who's next? You're becoming quite the player.

Aveline was speechless for a moment before she said, "You're overthinking it. Sidney saved me, and Russell has helped me many times. Should I just discard them after they've helped me?"

Selena clicked her tongue.

Aveline fell silent.

She didn't want to continue this conversation.

But Selena wasn't ready to let it go. "Honestly, Sidney is great, and Russell is even better. You should go for Russell. After all, he's from the Skyler family. He can stand up to Lucas."

Aveline looked exasperated, "Why would I make Russ go against Lucas? What do I have to offer?"

Selena replied, "You've got a great figure and a perky butt."

Aveline was speechless.

Unbelievable.

Seeing Aveline's blank expression, Selena quickly added with a mischievous grin, "I just think you'd be happier with any man other than Lucas."

Aveline said, "Why do I need to be with any man? I can be happy on my own."

"Darling, you've got it!" Selena immediately gave her a thumbs up.

Who needs men anyway?

Living independently was perfectly fine!

About forty minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

Aveline got up to open it while Selena hurriedly put on some clothes.

She could be casual in front of Aveline but wouldn't dare be so carefree in front of Russell. She still had some dignity.

"Russ, long time no see," Aveline greeted.

Aveline opened the door and saw a man with dyed red hair, his eyes crinkling into a smile.

Russell spread his arms. "It's been so long. Aren't you going to give me a hug?"

His captivating eyes held a touch of emotion, and when he looked at someone that way, it created the 1/2 illusion of deep affection.

Aveline stepped forward and hugged him, intending to release him quickly, but Russell suddenly hugged her tightly. "Aveline, you've lost weight," he said.

Aveline's body tensed up.

Russell immediately let go of her and said, "If Lucas treats you so badly, divorce him. I'll take care of you, alright?"

It caught her off guard.

Aveline didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Just then, Selena came running out, saying, "Russ, long time no see!"

She also spread her arms, smiling at Russell.

Russell gave her a quick hug.

"Long time no see."

Selena said, "Since you're already taking care of Aveline, you won't mind taking care of me too, right?" Russell replied, "Don't worry, I've got both of you covered!"

Selena exclaimed, "Russ, you're the best!"

She added, "Come in quickly. When Aveline found out you were coming, she made two extra dishes."

Russell said, "I've been abroad for a while, and what I missed most was her cooking. How is it that her food is so delicious?"

Selena agreed, "Right? I was just telling her that she should open a small restaurant. It would definitely be a hit."

Russell looked at Aveline, "When are you opening it? I'll invest and be the major shareholder."