Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431 Aveline smiled slightly. "Alright, when I finally decide to do it, I'll let you all know. You can invest, and I'll be the chef."

Selena replied, "No problem!"

They all moved into the dining room.

Russell's eyes lit up as he looked at the beautifully prepared dishes. "I have to commemorate my first meal back in the country."

He took out his phone and snapped a picture.

Aveline and Selena's hands were captured in the photo, resting on the table's edge.

After posting the picture to his social media, Russell said, "I'm really hungry. Let's eat." "Okay."

They all sat down again.

The atmosphere grew even more lively.

As night fell...

In the bar.

Aaron was bored, scrolling through his phone, still pondering how to approach Snow.

Then he saw Russell's post on social media.

He clicked on the picture, seeing six delicious dishes and a soup, clearly prepared by someone who was highly skilled at cooking. 1 At the table's edge, two pairs of hands were visible.

He squinted, zooming in on the image, and then said, "Selena?"

Lucas looked up at him. "It's only been a short time apart, and you already miss her? Feeling lovesick?"

Aaron replied, "No, Russell posted something. Selena is having dinner with him, and there's someone else with them. Judging by the hands..."

He glanced at Lucas and handed him the phone. "I won't speculate. It's your wife. See if you recognize her hand."

Lucas' brow furrowed as he took the phone and looked at the picture. He immediately recognized Avetine's hand.

He was deeply familiar with her body, knowing every detail.

Russell was back.

And his first meal back was with Aveline!

Heh!

Lucas gripped the phone tightly, his expression sour.

Aaron snatched the phone back and said, "Looks like Russell handled things abroad well. This time, he won't be leaving easily."

The better he performed, the more respect he would gain from his father. Even as an illegitimate son, he could very well inherit the Skyler family in the future. Lucas picked up his glass and started drinking.

Aaron asked, "So, what are you going to do next?"

Lucas replied coldly, "What do you mean, what am I going to do? Aveline is my wife. Who does he think he is?"

Aaron continued, "But what if he doesn't mind being the third party?"

Lucas' face darkened completely. "I'll make sure he wishes he were dead!"

Aaron shivered involuntarily. Lucas looked terrifying at that moment!

He suddenly suggested, "Why don't we go check it out? Three people having dinner doesn't sound like much fun."

Lucas gave him a frosty glance and said, "You just want to see Selena, don't you?"

Aaron immediately denied it, "Are you kidding? Why would I want to see her? With her attitude, I'd rather look at a beggar on the street than her." Lucas replied, "But you haven't slept with a beggar."

Aaron was speechless.

A good friend sure knew how to hit where it hurt most, Aaron pointed at him, wanting to say something, but eventually gave up.

No matter what he said, it would just lead to more mutual damage.

It was pointless.

Selena pulled a beer from the fridge with a smile. "We have to celebrate Russ's return properly."

Russell raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

He looked at Aveline with a playful smirk.

Chapter 432 The group couldn't help but remember the first time Aveline visited Russell's bar and got drunk. She clung to Russell and wouldn't let go!

Aveline, however, seemed unfazed and said, "It's just beer, one bottle won't hurt."

Selena chimed in, "If Aveline says one bottle is fine, then one bottle Russell smiled, took the beer, and popped the tab.

Just as he was about to drink, there was a knock on the door.

Selena was puzzled. "Who could it be at this hour?"

Aveline looked equally confused.

"is!"

Russell, unfazed, took a sip of his beer, acting as if he didn't care who it was Selena opened the door and saw two people standing there. She immediately tried to close it.

Aaron quickly blocked it, smirking. "Why are you closing the door? Feelin guilty about something?"

Selena snapped back, "Are you crazy? Can't you see I don't want you here? Besides, this is my house. If I want to close the door, I will. What's it to you?" Aaron's face darkened with annoyance.

This woman... she's infuriating!

Just last night they were so passionate in bed, and now she was acting like she didn't even know him. She seemed ready to explode at the slightest provocation! Aaron gritted his teeth and pushed the door open. "Well, I'm here now, so what?" 1 His tall frame forced Selena to step back several paces, watching helplessly as they walked in.

Selena pointed at them. "Get out! Did I invite you in? This is trespassing, you know. Get out, now!" Aaron suddenly moved closer.

Selena stepped back in fright. "What are you doing?"

Aaron sneered. "You're afraid of me, yet you still dare to provoke me?"

Selena spat back. "You jerk..."

They were about to start fighting!

Aveline, exasperated, said, "Selena, come over and eat Seeing Lucas, she realized that Selena wouldn't be able to get rid of them. They might as well continue their meal and let them watch if they wanted to. Selena shot Aaron a glare, then walked back and sat down. "Come on, le our mood!"

Russell chuckled softly.

eat. Don't let some trash ruin The atmosphere instantly became tense and awkward.

Lucas walked over without hesitation, opened a cabinet, and took out some utensils. He sat down next to Aveline.

As he got closer, Aveline could smell the alcohol on him.

She frowned slightly and glanced at him.

Lucas immediately met her gaze. "What?"

Aveline said nothing, turned her gaze away, and continued eating.

Aaron also took a seat, grinning at Russell. "Russ, you didn't go straight home after returning? I heard the Skyler family prepared a welcome ceremony for you."

Russell's face, handsome and refined, carried a faint smile. "This welcome ceremony is more important. I know my priorities."

Aaron clicked his tongue. "What a waste of effort by the Skyler family. They put on quite a show. Anyone would have thought your older brother was coming home. Who would have guessed it was all for an illegitimate son."

The atmosphere grew even more tense.

After saying this, Aaron suddenly asked, "You don't mind me saying this, do you? After all, one's birth is something that can't be changed."

The mockery in his eyes was unmistakable, clearly trying to provoke.

Chapter 433 Aveline's brows furrowed.

Aaron's words were dripping with disdain! He was practically calling Russell out as an illegitimate child, saying he didn't belong to the Skyler family.

He was being too harsh!

Russell's delicate and handsome face maintained its smile as he responded, "It's true you can't choose your birth, but you can choose your path in life. Who says an illegitimate child can't pursue what they want? Whether it's power or love, it's all worth pursuing."

As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Aveline, brimming with a warm smile and a hint of deeper emotions beneath the surface.

The others might not notice, but Lucas clearly saw the possessiveness and ambition in Russell's gaze towards Aveline.

He wanted to take Aveline away!

"Well said!" Selena chimed in, giving Russell a thumbs up. "Way to go, Russ. Status doesn't matter. Some people have legitimate status but do despicable things. What's the point in that?" Aaron glared at her, biting his tongue.

This woman! Just last night, they had been intimate, and now she was acting so cold!

He had underestimated her!

Selena didn't care about his glare and even glared back before turning to smile sweetly at Russell, making Aaron's face darken even more!

Selena looked at Aveline. "Darling, wasn't Russ right?"

Aveline nodded. "At least Russ has a status now. I'm just an orphan with no parents."

Lucas' expression grew even darker.

Aaron hadn't meant to hurt Aveline, and he regretted his words, so he kept quiet.

Russell, however, said, "From now on, I'll be your family, Aveline. I'll always be on your side.".

Aveline looked up and met his gentle and determined gaze, smiling back at him, "Then I'll toast to you!"

Being chosen so firmly made her heart warm.

She picked up her beer to drink, but a hand suddenly reached out and snatched it away!

Aveline turned to see who it was, her eyes flickering with surprise. She didn't say anything, just grabbed another bottle.

It was only beer. If he wanted it, he could have it.

Aveline opened another can and tried to toast with Russell again.

But once more, the beer was snatched away before they could clink glasses.

Aveline turned to Lucas. "What are you doing?"

Lucas now had two beers in front of him, his eyes cold. "Feeling such a bond? Why don't you get married to him right here and now?" Aveline's eyes widened. "Then why don't you finalize our divorce first?"

"Hah!" Lucas let out a cold laugh. "Dream on. If you marry him, you'll be committing bigamy, and you'll end up in jail."

Aveline stared at him in disbelief.

Was this man crazy?

Russell, holding his beer casually, said, "Aveline, I know a great lawyer who specializes in divorce cases. Want me to introduce you?" Selena's eyes lit up at this. "That sounds perfect! You should definitely introduce him to Aveline. She's been so worried about this..." Before Selena could finish her sentence, Aaron suddenly covered her mouth, picked her up, and carried her towards the bedroom. "Mmph!"

What the hell was he doing, covering her mouth?

She struggled and kicked, but she was no match for Aaron. He carried her as if she were a baby chick.

Once the bedroom door was closed, he threw her onto the bed.

"What are you doing?" Selena sat up, glaring at him.

Chapter 434 "You're asking me? What do you think you're doing?"

Aaron stood with his hands on his hips, looking down at Selena from the edge of the bed.

When he had thrown her onto the bed, her jacket had slipped off her shoulders, revealing the thin straps of her slip dress. Her pale skin was marked with small, reddish blooms.

Aaron's eyes darkened as he saw the marks he had left on her the previous night. His throat felt dry, and an inexplicable heat spread through his body.

For a moment, he felt parched.

Selena knelt on the bed, straightening up, her petite frame exuding a surprising intensity. "I'm trying to get Aveline and Lucas to divorce! Since marrying him, Aveline has been completely ruined! Are you blind? Can't you see it?"

Aaron sneered. "Why do you care? Haven't you heard the saying, 'Couples fight but make up later'? Just because they're having problems now doesn't mean it'll last. What will you do then?"

Pointing at her, he continued, "Use your brain for once and stop meddling in things that don't concern you, okay?"

"Who are you calling brainless?" Selena snapped, raising her hand to hit him.

But Aaron easily caught her slender wrist. Her delicate, pale skin looked like it might break if he squeezed too hard.

"What? You want to hit me?" Aaron raised an eyebrow at her.

"Let go of me!"

Selena struggled, and her dress slipped further, exposing her other shoulder. The sight of her bare shoulders and collarbone, adorned with the marks from the previous night, revealed the extent of their passion.

Aaron had intended to throw more barbs at her, but seeing the evidence of their night together, he suddenly felt guilty and averted his eyes, coughing lightly.

"I suggest you behave. If you piss off Lucas, I won't stop him from dealing with you."

He released her wrist and stepped back.

Selena noticed his reaction, glanced down at her own body, and sneered. "Feeling guilty because you realize how much of a beast you are?"

Aaron was speechless.

His face darkened in response.

Selena adjusted her clothes and got off the bed, still not backing down. "I'll do whatever I want. Who are you to boss me around? Have you no manners?" With that, she pushed him aside and headed for the door.

Aaron's temper flared!

He grabbed her wrist and forced her back onto the bed, this time pinning her down so she couldn't get up.

"Who am I? I'm the guy who slept with you. Is that a good enough reason?" Aaron nearly growled through gritted teeth.

He was furious.

But even he didn't know why he was so angry.

Maybe it was because after what happened last night, she still treated him like an enemy.

Or maybe it was because she seemed completely unaffected by the whole thing, as if it was just a random event, without expecting him to take any responsibility. It felt wrong to him!

But this was exactly what he had wanted.

The conflict in his mind left him frustrated. Looking at her face only made him angrier, fueling his desire to act.

Selena glared at him. "Aaron, what are you doing? Get off me!"

Chapter 435 Selena struggled but couldn't break free.

Panic started to set in.

What was this jerk thinking?

Did he want to go for another round?

No way!

He wasn't good in bed, so she didn't want to suffer through that again!

She resisted fiercely.

Her body was soft, and as she writhed beneath him, Aaron's gaze grew darker.

"Keep squirming, and I'll take you right now," he said in a hoarse voice.

Selena froze, feeling his arousal, her face flushing with anger. "You... you better get off me right now!"

Instead of getting up, Aaron held her tighter. "You'd better stay still. I'll be done in a minute."

He leaned down, his breath warm against her delicate skin, sending shivers through her.

Selena stopped moving entirely, terrified of what he might do next.

This man was insufferable!

Lucas stared coldly at Russell, but a wicked smile played on his lips. "Sure, go ahead and introduce him to her. I'd like to see how good this lawyer is." Russell kept his gaze on Aveline.

Aveline lowered her eyes slightly, her long lash now."

"ghtly, her long lashes trembling. "Thanks, Russ, but it's not necessary right à divorce l "It is necessary. Why not?" Lucas interjected. "I happen to know some too. Let's see who's better. The loser gets lost. What do you say?"

Aveline frowned at him. "Lucao can you being crazy?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes dangers o Aveline was speechless.

She thought he was seriously unwell!

"Am I crazy? I'm perfectly calm."

Russell's smile faded slightly. He could see that Aveline was currently unable to divorce and didn't want to drag him into it, or she wouldn't have refused his help.

"If you ever need help, feel free to reach out," Russell said gently, lookin at her.

"Okay." Aveline nodded, the atmosphere between them harmonious.

Lucas watched coldly, finding the scene increasingly irritating. They were practically flirting right in front 1/2 of him.

Did they think he was invisible?

He took a large swig of beer before saying, "Are you done eating?"

Aveline looked at him, puzzled.

"We still need to pick out a gift for Grandma," Lucas reminded her.

Aveline had completely forgotten about that!

In two days, it would be Barbara's birthday celebration. As her granddaughter-in-law, she had to prepare a gift.

She glanced at the time and asked, "Isn't it too late to go shopping now?"

Lucas replied, "Don't worry, I have a way."

Aveline nodded and turned to Russell. "Russ, I have to go. Don't worry about cleaning up; I'll call a maid to handle it."

Russell said, "But you didn't eat much."

Aveline reassured him, "It's okay, I'm not hungry."

Just as Russell was about to say more, Lucas suddenly grabbed Aveline's wrist, pulled her close, and kissed her. Then he said, "Let's go." Aveline was momentarily stunned.

Russell's eyes darkened with a hint of sadness.

He didn't have the right to do those things to her, at least not yet.

But then, a faint smile appeared on Russell's lips.

Lucas had to resort to these tactics to assert his status now. What would happen if there was no marriage certificate in the future?

What would he be then?

He would be nothing.

The true winner was the man whom Aveline loved.

Russell stood up. "I should get going too."

He paused and asked, "What about Selena?"

At that moment, a strange noise came from the bedroom, and everyone heard it.

Chapter 436 Aveline immediately remembered that Aaron had taken Selena to the bedroom.

She moved to go over to the bedroom, but Lucas blocked her.

"Move aside!" Aveline demanded, her face stern.

Lucas grabbed her hand and whispered, "If you go in now, won't it just make things awkward for them?"

Aveline paused, considering his words.

Lucas continued, "Some things are mutual. If she didn't want it, no one could force her."

Aveline frowned, glancing towards the bedroom. Ultimately, she decided not to intrude. Thinking about the marks on Selena and her nonchalant attitude, perhaps...

Maybe she just wanted to have some fun. Once she was done, she wouldn't stick around.

Aveline turned away, and they all left, closing the door behind them.

The hallway was narrow, forcing them to walk single file.

Lucas led the way, Aveline followed in the middle, and Russell brought up the rear.

Russell said to Aveline, "I brought back something interesting with me. I'll show you when you have time."

Aveline glanced back at him. "Sure."

Russell smiled. "It's not just the interesting things abroad; the scenery is incredible too. The aurora on Island B is stunningly rare and breathtaking. We should go see it together sometime." Aveline's eyes lit up with longing. "I've heard the black sand beaches there are quite remarkable too."

Russell nodded. "They are."

Aveline said, "I'd love to see them."

The next moment, she bumped into Lucas' back as he suddenly stopped, causing a sharp pain in her nose and bringing tears to her eyes.

"Why did you stop so suddenly?" she asked, her voice tinged with irritation.

She held her nose, tears welling up in her eyes-not from pain, but from the sudden sting.

Without turning around, Lucas said, "I figured it's unsafe to walk downstairs while chatting, so I decided to stop. It's better to wait until you finish your conversation."

His words seemed considerate, but the coldness in his tone was unmistakable.

Aveline blinked at his back, choosing to stay silent.

Russell chuckled softly. "Mr. Tudor, aren't you on your way to pick out a gift for Madam Barbara?"

Lucas replied, "No rush. You two go ahead and chat."

Aveline hesitated, then said, "Let's go. The mall will close soon."

Lucas turned to look at her, his gaze lingering before he continued walking down the stairs.

This time, Aveline didn't speak further.

After saying goodbye to Russell, she got into the car. When she turned to Lucas, she saw his expression was dark with displeasure.

The car hadn't started yet, and he was staring at her intently.

"Are we not going?" Aveline asked.

Lucas said, "Keep talking. You have so much to chat about with him; you can talk with me too."

Aveline was speechless.

She stared at him for a while before asking, "Are you jealous?"

Lucas instinctively wanted to deny it, "I..."

But the words caught in his throat. Instead, he said with a serious face, "Yes, I can't stand seeing you two so close. Aveline, you are my wife!"

Aveline responded lightly, "But why should your jealousy matter to me?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "It doesn't matter? Aveline, say that again!"

He admitted his feelings, but she said it didn't concern her!

She was his wife! How could it not matter?

Aveline curled her lips slightly. "Lucas, you know, when Russ offered to introduce a lawyer, I was really tempted."

Her clear eyes met his. "I really don't love you anymore."

Chapter 437 "Really?"

Lucas stared at her fair, pure face, then suddenly leaned in, cupping the back of her head as he kissed her.

His kiss was skillful, teasing her bit by bit, waiting for her to give in and respond.

"I don't believe you," he murmured, his breath heavy and warm as he traced the shape of her lips, his voice huskier than usual.

Outside, the night deepened, the streetlights casting long shadows that barely reached the inside of the car, which remained dim and intimate. Their breaths mingled, and the temperature inside the car steadily rose.

The car was parked under a tree, its shadows flickering. The dappled light cast a faint shadow over their faces.

Aveline wanted to resist, but it was too late. Her body was too accustomed to Lucas' touch.

So familiar that it took him no time at all to make her melt.

Lucas chuckled lowly. "But your body says you like me.

Aveline's eyes filled with unshed tears, her breath unsteady as she said, "My reaction is perfectly normal. Being teased by a man like you, of course, I'd respond this way. If it were someone else, I'd still..." She didn't get to finish her sentence before Lucas' lips captured hers again.

He couldn't tolerate what she had said.

Would she respond just as enticingly if another man touched her?

He couldn't even imagine such a scenario. The thought alone drove him mad!

"Mm!"

Aveline pushed him, not wanting such intimacy.

It would be better for both of them to keep some distance.

But the more she struggled, the wilder Lucas's kisses became.

Finally, he grabbed her waist and lifted her onto his lap, his hand pressing her waist to keep her close to him.

They could feel each other's warmth instantly.

Aveline's face flushed, breathing erratically.

Lucas grabbed her hand and placed it on his belt buckle.

"Do you want this?"

Aveline, almost unable to support herself, leaned softly against his chest. "Luoas, when it comes to sex, we're quite compatible, but emotions are another matter." Lucas gripped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Why would I like someone who ruins the mood like.

this?"

Aveline's eyelashes quivered, the defenses around her heart beginning to crumble.

Lucas kissed her again, this time biting her lip with malicious intent, punishing her.

Aveline winced in pain, tears welling up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Lucas released her and said, "Who said we were compatible?"

Aveline paused. "We're not?"

Lucas scoffed. "With your weak efforts, have I ever been satisfied?"

Aveline lowered her gaze. "Then it's settled. We'll divorce, and you can find a woman who satisfies you."

"You damn-"

Lucas cursed under his breath, pinching her sharply.

"Ah!"

Aveline gasped in pain, arching her back and glaring at him with tear-filled eyes.

Lucas' eyes darkened as he stared at her. "Do you believe I won't take you right here?"

He didn't mean it literally, but Aveline didn't want to push him further. He looked like an enraged lion, capable of anything.

She took a deep breath and said, "Weren't we going to pick out a gift for Grandma?"

Seeing her in pain, Lucas released her, then said, "How can I go in my current state?"

His gaze dropped suggestively.

Aveline returned to the passenger seat, glanced at him, and said, "Then take care of it yourself, and we'll go after."

Chapter 438 Lucas' eyes bore into her flushed face. "Fine, I'll handle it myself."

With that, he unbuckled his belt.

The sound echoed in the car, making Aveline's breath hitch, and she suddenly felt like there wasn't enough air.

Her mouth went dry.

The next moment, Lucas pulled her hand over.

"What are you doing?" Aveline gasped, instinctively pulling away.

Lucas' eyes remained fixed on her. "I'm taking matters into my own hands."

"You..." Aveline started to protest, her cheeks burning fiercely. Her fingers curled slightly, bringing waves of heat.

Lucas' Adam's apple bobbed as he continued to stare at her, his breathing growing heavier.

Aveline turned her face away, deciding to let him be.

Fine, she wasn't going to help.

"You really are heartless," Lucas's husky voice teased her senses.

Aveline bit her lip gently, trying to keep any sound from escaping.

She wasn't sure how long it had been. Even without actively participating, her fingers felt weak and achy. The atmosphere in the car grew even more charged and intimate. It seemed endless.

"Are you done yet?" Aveline finally snapped.

Lucas leaned in and kissed her. "That short amount of time isn't enough, is it?"

Aveline was speechless.

She almost bit her lips till it bled.

After what felt like an eternity, Lucas pulled out a wet wipe and carefully cleaned her fingers.

Aveline exhaled slightly. "Where are we buying the gift?"

Lucas' voice was hoarse with satisfaction. "At this hour, where can we go?"

Aveline shot him a look. "It's all your fault."

Lucas looked up, his eyes still shimmering with desire, the flames of his earlier passion seemingly reigniting.

Aveline quickly averted her gaze, deciding not to provoke him further. She knew all too well how strong he could be.

After Lucas finished cleaning her fingers, he took care of himself and then lit a cigarette. The glow from the lighter flickered at the tip, and a thin veil of smoke began to fill the car. His eyes were half-closed, and his expression became indistinct.

Aveline rolled down the window, letting the smoke drift out. The cold wind blew in, clearing away the sultry atmosphere and the lingering scent. She exhaled a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

As she glanced out, she noticed a car parked at a distance. It was familiar-Russell's car.

Her eyes widened. How long had they been parked there? As long as they had?

Why hadn't he left?

What was he doing?

Lucas leaned in, his voice low and husky, "We nearly put on a live show for him."

Aveline pressed her lips together and silently rolled up the window.

Lucas chuckled. "Why close it? Not bothered by the smoke anymore?"

Aveline glared at him. "You know I hate it, and you still smoke?"

Lucas chuckled softly. "Ever heard the saying, 'a smoke afterward is pure bliss'?"

Aveline was speechless.

The car started and drove away.

Russell gripped his steering wheel tightly. Forty minutes. He had waited for forty minutes before they finally left.

What had they been doing in that car?

They were married, so he wasn't surprised by their intimacy.

But didn't she say she didn't love Lucas anymore?

Then why...

Chapter 439 Russell lowered his gaze, emotions swirling in his eyes like an inky abyss. After a long moment, he finally started his car and drove away.

Upstairs.

Aaron held Selena for what felt like forever.

"Can you get off me already?" Selena gasped, struggling to breathe under his weight.

Aaron gritted his teeth. "Want to say that again?"

Feeling the heat radiating from his body, Selena didn't dare provoke him further. After all, he had her pinned down. If she got the chance to get up, she'd definitely knock out his teeth!

"They've all left, so you should go too," Selena said.

She had heard the sounds of them leaving clearly. It was awkward, but it didn't really matter.

Aaron lifted his head and looked at her flushed face. Her beautiful features were bare, as pure as porcelain. Her eyes were lively and shimmering, tinged with a faint redness, a clear sign of her emotions. Aaron leaned in slightly.

"What are you doing? You're not thinking of kissing me, are you?" Selena asked, her face expressionless.

Aaron froze.

Yeah, what was he doing?

Seeing her like this made him want to kiss her?

Selena remained indifferent. "What? Got addicted to sleeping with me? Sorry, I don't do repeats. Besides, your performance wasn't that great." Aaron's face turned completely dark. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Selena blinked. "What's your problem? I was trying to be polite, but you keep pushing. If I spell it out, you'll just get hurt. Can't you see that?" "Ha!" Aaron scoffed. "Who's the amateur here? Who was the one begging to stop, saying it was too much?"

Selena's face darkened. "With your lousy skills, I can't even refuse?"

Aaron's smile vanished completely.

She kept repeating it - lousy skills, bad technique.

She was belittling him to the core.

The one thing a man can't stand is being told he's bad in bed!

Gritting his teeth, Aaron growled. "I'll show you just how good I am."

With that, he lost all restraint and kissed her hard.

"Mmph!"

Selena's eyes widened in shock as she immediately tried to push him away.

But Aaron easily pinned her wrists above her head with one hand, pressing her soft chest against him, using his weight to hold her down maliciously.

Damn it!

She was going to kill this bastard!

Selena tried to kick him, but Aaron deftly caught her leg and wrapped it around his waist.

In just a few moves, she was completely overpowered, utterly at his mercy.

Aaron had never felt this way before-her mouth, usually so sharp and irritating, felt so intoxicating when he kissed her.

He wanted to devour her whole!

"Mmph!"

Selena felt like she was suffocating and struggled with all her might.

Sensing her distress, Aaron pulled back slightly, watching her gasp for air. He scoffed, "Amateur."

"You son of a-" Selena started to curse, but Aaron silenced her with another kiss.

All her curses were swallowed back.

Just like the night before, they clashed like two fighters, neither willing to give in.

Even when Selena was completely exhausted and out of breath, she still couldn't keep her, mouth shut.

Chapter 440 Lucas drove straight back to the Tudor Estate.

Aveline was speechless. He had lied about buying gifts.

She got out of the car, expressionless, and headed inside.

"Where are you going?" Lucas grabbed her arm.

"It's late. Time to rest," Aveline said. ' "We can rest later," Lucas replied, guiding her toward another part of the estate.

The Tudor Estate was vast, with many areas Aveline had never explored. As they reached a doorway, Lucas opened the door to reveal a room filled with an array of collectibles. "What's all this?" Aveline asked, surprised.

"Pick something to give to Grandma," Lucas said.

Aveline walked in, seeing glass cabinets showcasing various items under direct lighting. The room was filled with antiques, paintings, crystals, gemstones, and jewelry.

Each item had a price tag beneath it. Some were purchased, while others were acquired at auctions. All were incredibly expensive.

Aveline couldn't help but gawk at the long strings of zeros on the price tags.

This was insane!

Standing at the door, Lucas said, "Just pick one and transfer the money to my account."

Aveline looked at him in astonishment. "You're selling them to me?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "What did you think?"

Aveline's lips twitched. She had naively thought he was letting her choose a gift to give for free. Thankfully, she didn't say that out loud. There was no way she could afford any of these.

Lucas walked in with his hands in his pockets, glancing around before his gaze settled on a crystal hairpin. "This one's good. Grandma likes hairpins." Aveline glanced at the price tag of the hairpin- seven million dollars.

Well, she just happened to have seven million dollars.

So, was he recommending items based on how much money she had?

Aveline chuckled. "Lucas, you really live up to your reputation as a businessman."

Lucas' handsome face remained calm as he smiled at her. "You don't have to pay if you help out a bit."

Aveline didn't immediately grasp what he meant. "Help out with what?"

Lucas leaned in slightly, looking into her clear eyes. "If you make me feel good, I won't charge you a dime, even if you clear out the entire place."

Aveline's expression turned icy.

She turned on her heel and started to leave.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "You're not considering such a bargain?"

Aveline said coldly, "I believe that anything I give to Grandma, she'll like."

Lucas smirked but said nothing more, nor did he deny her claim.

He still didn't understand why Barbara liked Aveline so much.

Aveline didn't buy anything; instead, she went to the church and got a prayer charm.

For the elderly, nothing was more important than staying safe.

On the day of the birthday banquet, Lucas had a styling team come to the mansion to doll up Aveline.

She was attending the party as his wife, marking her debut in the elite circles of Cloud City.

Aveline was actually reluctant.

After the divorce, she would be recognized wherever she went, which sounded troublesome.

But Lucas insisted, and as she looked at her increasingly refined reflection in the mirror, her eyes remained cold and distant.

Two hours later, Lucas returned home and saw her coming down the stairs step by step. His eyes darkened instantly.

Aveline noticed but chose to ignore it.

He had been very warm to her these past few days.

But she no longer needed it.