Ch. 51..60

Chapter 51 "Ave, sleep a little longer," a familiar, affectionate voice sounded behind her. The man's chin gently nuzzled the top of her head.

Aveline froze.

This was how they used to be.

When she woke up early in the morning, Lu would be like this gentle and clingy, saying such things.

Aveline lay there in a daze, unable to distinguish the past from the present.

How could she tell them apart?

Because whether it was the past or now, the one saying these words was always Lu.

Her heart ached with bitterness, but she bit her finger and didn't get 1. up.

She still craved this embrace.

She craved his warmth, his scent, everything about him.

She wished time could freeze at this moment-no divorce, no Sophia, no Tudor family drama...

Just them, as they used to be.

When she woke up again, Aveline immediately met Lucas's playful gaze.

Her expression stiffened. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

It was early in the morning and quite unsettling.

Lucas's voice was deep. "Why are you here?"

Aveline looked at his face. "You don't remember?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Remember what?"

Aveline sat up and calmly recounted the events of the previous nigl Lucas glanced at his phone and said, "So you're saying I called yo by mistake?"

"That's right."

But Lucas handed her his phone. "I called Desmond's number."

Aveline frowned and looked at his phone screen, where Desmond' name was at the top of the call log.

"How is that possible?"

Aveline's eyes widened slightly, reaching out to grab his phone for a closer look. But Lucas pulled it back.

"So, why are you here?" His eyes glanced at the bed.

Aveline felt a lump in her chest, unable to swallow it or spit it out. It was suffocating!

"So, you think I came here in the middle of the night because I missed you so much?"

Lucas' handsome face actually showed a bit of contemplation. After a moment, he nodded. "It's not entirely out of the question."

"Haha, you are truly self-absorbed."

Aveline laughed coldly without holding back. She grabbed her phone, intending to show him her call history, only to find it completely empty! "Did you mess with my phone?"

She looked at him immediately, disbelief in her eyes.

"No," Lucas denied directly. "Aveline, there's nothing wrong with admitting it. We're still married. It's normal for you to come to me if you have needs,"

Haha!

He definitely deleted the call history!

Absolutely!

Aveline gripped her phone, her face expressionless. "Fine, since you care so much, I won't come to you next time if I have needs."

After saying this, Aveline got out of bed to leave.

Lucas's expression darkened. He grabbed her wrist, pinning her beneath him. "Then who are you going to?"

Aveline struggled but couldn't break free, so she lay still and looked at him mockingly. "We're getting divorced. Whoever I go to has nothing to do with you, ex-husband."

The nonchalance in Lucas' eyes gradually disappeared. Seeing her provocative gaze, a surge of anger ignited in his chest.

She was planning to go to another man.

That couldn't happen.

Lucas suddenly leaned down and kissed her, the kiss fierce and demanding.

Aveline didn't resist. She looked at him calmly, letting him kiss her as he pleased.

Chapter 52

Lucas suddenly stopped, her gaze making him uncomfortable.

"I really don't understand what you're thinking," Aveline asked softly. "Are we getting divorced or not?"

Lucas's lips tightened abruptly. He got up from the bed and headed straight to the bathroom.

Aveline closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.

Let's not do this.

If they were going to divorce, it should be straightforward.

It would be easier for both of them.

When Lucas came out, Aveline was gone. She hadn't even stayed for breakfast.

She had only sent him a message on WhatsApp, "I'll be waiting for you at the lawyer's office."

Lucas's face looked as if it was covered in frost, his entire demeanor icy and intimidating.

The housekeeper came out, looked around, and asked in confusion, " Mr. Lucas, did Miss Young leave?"

The housekeeper knew Aveline had come last night but had been informed not to disturb them. He had expected to see her this morning but found no one.

Lucas put away his phone, his expression even colder. "Do you have nothing better to do?"

Feeling the icy chill emanating from Lucas, the housekeeper quickly shut his mouth.

It didn't seem to be going well.

 

Aveline hailed a taxi, and as soon as she got in, her phone rang. She looked at it and saw that Selena was calling.

"Hello?"

Selena's sleepy voice came through. "Babe, where are you?"

Aveline replied, "I went out. If you're still sleepy, go back to bed."

Selena said, "I have to work today, so I won't sleep anymore."

Aveline continued, "Heat up the food yourself. Once I'm done with today's matters, come over in the evening. There's too much food for me to eat alone. Then we can check out the new house together. "Sounds good," Selena agreed cheerfully.

After hanging up, Aveline looked out the window. The Tudor residence was getting farther and farther away, but her heart still felt heavy.

This is the last time, Aveline thought. She would not allow herself to indulge again. Today, after filing for a divorce, she would resign. from her job, and from then on, they would have no further ties. When she arrived, she stood at the lawyer's office. There were many people around the waiting area.

As Aveline looked at the busy office setting, she felt a moment of daze, as she remembered the day she married Lucas. They had been so happy and excited, full of anticipation for a blissful future. Aveline pressed her lips together and checked the time. If was already 9:30 AM.

Lucas still hadn't shown up.

What did he mean by this?

She called him directly, but he didn't answer, and the call eventually disconnected on its own.

What's going on?

Aveline's brow furrowed, growing more impatient. Dragging out a divorce like this wasn't manly!

At 10:30 PM, Lucas finally responded. When she saw the message, she nearly spat blood in anger.

Ser

Lucas replied, "I have to go on an unexpected business trip. I'll be back in about a week."

Aveline took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Don't get angry, don't get angry, getting sick from anger won't help!

But this jerk was infuriating! Why did he have to go on a business trip now?

No, this divorce had to happen!

She immediately called Desmond.

"Miss Young," Desmond answered quickly, his tone polite and distant.

"Where did Mr. Tudor go on his business trip?" Aveline asked.

Desmond replied, "Is there something you need?"

Aveline said softly, "It's a matter of life and death. Do you really need to keep asking?"

Desmond's eyes widened slightly. Was it the life and death he was thinking of?

If so, then he could tell her.

Chapter 53

"Mr. Tudor went to Labor City for his business trip."

Aveline responded, "Send me his detailed itinerary."

"Alright, no problem."

Desmond agreed and hung up. Shortly after, he sent Lucas' work schedule to Aveline.

Aveline glanced at it and immediately booked a flight. Without hesitation, she headed straight to the airport.

It only took three hours to fly from Cloudflare City to Labor City.

Once she found Lucas, they could find another lawyer to handle the divorce proceedings and then return, without wasting much time. The two cities were close, with similar climates. After landing, Aveline to This jerk wasn't answering her calls.

Ha!

Did he think he could avoid her by going on a business trip?

Impossible!

Aveline waited for a long time. The sky outside darkened before Lucas' tall figure finally appeared at the entrance.

Her eyelids felt heavy, but when she saw him, she was momentarily. dazed. After blinking to make sure it was him, she stood up and

walked toward him.

"Lucas."

She called his name before even getting close.

 

Lucas paused and looked over. The moment his eyes landed on her, his gaze darkened.

She had actually come here.

"Mr. Tudor, who is this?" the man next to him asked in confusion.

A helpless yet doting smile appeared on Lucas' handsome and stern face. "My wife," he said directly.

The other man laughed upon hearing this. "It looks like Mrs. Tudor has come to surprise you. I'll leave you two alone then. See you at the dinner later." Lucas nodded slightly. "Take care, Mr. Summer.

H

Aveline stood behind him, listening to their conversation. Her brows. furrowed, and her face was tense with emotion.

Lucas turned his gaze back to her, "Why are you here?"

Aveline, with a blank expression, said, "To surprise you. Let's go. We can still find a lawyer here and file for a divorce. Are you surprised?"

The gentle smile on Lucas' face gradually disappeared. His eyes. fixed on her, and after a moment, he said, "Did you hear what I just told Mr. Summer?"

Aveline nodded. "Yes, but what does that have to do with me?"

He was the one who introduced her that way.

Did he get her consent?

What did he mean by this now?

Lucas laughed in exasperation at her indifferent attitude. "I just told Mr. Summer that you are my wife and agreed to bring you to the dinner tonight. If we go get a divorce now, it will leave a bad

 

impression on him and could affect this deal."

"Oh."

Aveline remained indifferent. "So what?"

Lucas looked at her steadily. "So, you need to attend the dinner with me. We'll talk about the divorce when we get back."

With that, he walked past her toward the elevator.

Aveline blinked. Did she agree to this?

"Wait a minute."

She turned and hurried after him. "I didn't agree to attend the

dinner."

The elevator doors opened just in time, and they both stepped in, one after the other.

Lucas said calmly, "I just want to rest now."

Aveline's face darkened.

If she didn't attend the dinner, he wouldn't proceed with the divorce.

What was he thinking?

The atmosphere in the elevator was heavy. Aveline reached out and pressed the button for the 7th floor, where she had booked a room.

Chapter 54

Lucas' room was on the 9th floor. Just as the elevator was about to reach the 7th floor, he suddenly canceled the 7th-floor command.

"What are you doing?" Aveline frowned, asking immediately.

Lucas replied, "Everyone here knows we're married. It wouldn't be appropriate to sleep in separate rooms."

Aveline retorted, "I doubt anyone cares about your private life."

Lucas said, "Just in case."

By the time Aveline reached for the 7th-floor button, it was too late; the elevator had already stopped on the 9th floor. Her expression darkened.

Lucas walked out of the elevator and went far ahead before Aveline finally stepped out. However, she didn't follow him. Instead, she headed toward the stairwell.

Seeing this, Lucas tugged at his tie and called out, "Aveline."

She paused. "What?"

She didn't turn around, so she didn't see the deep, dark look in his eyes.

Lucas sighed almost imperceptibly and said, "There's no major conflict between us. Can't we just get along peacefully?"

Aveline's hand clenched into a fist.

Now he wanted to talk about getting along peacefully?

That was what she had wanted before, but how did he treat her?

Because she initially refused to divorce, he treated her coldly and harshly.

#15 BONUS

She almost thought he had been possessed by someone else!

And now, he wanted to get along peacefully.

Aveline chuckled lightly. "Fine, attending the dinner will cost you two hundred thousand dollars."

Lucas paused. "That's quite the price hike."

Aveline turned to look at him. "It's your reputation at stake, not mine. After we divorce, no one will care who I am."

She acted as if she didn't care at all.

If he wanted peace, he would have to pay for it.

Lucas stared at her mocking eyes, his breath heavy. She really dared to raise the price on him.

Seeing his silence, Aveline walked over with her arms crossed and a half-

smile on her face. "Or... we don't get divorced. I'll do my part as Mrs. Tudor, and you act like a proper husband. Then you can forget about any repayment." "One million, and you move over," Lucas said coldly. He then turned, pulled out his room card, and entered his room without another word.

Aveline's smile had barely formed before her expression turned

bitter.

Ha...

Was it that as soon as something involved Sophia, he would immediately compromise?

She wanted to ask him, "Do you like Miss Winter that much? Then why not just divorce me quickly?"

+15 BONU

The doorbell rang.

Lucas opened the door to find Aveline standing there, her expression indifferent.

"Where's your luggage?"

"Didn't bring any," Aveline replied, stepping inside and glancing around the room.

It was a presidential suite with three rooms: two bedrooms and a study. The living room was spacious, with a soft leather sofa.

Aveline walked straight to the side bedroom. "I'll stay in this one."

Lucas's deep, magnetic voice said, "Stay with me."

Aveline looked at him. "Do your business partners really care if we sleep in separate rooms or together? Isn't that a bit intrusive?"

Meeting her mocking gaze, Lucas felt an inexplicable irritation but said, "I can pay more."

"In your dreams!" Aveline's smile faded as she shook her phone. " Transfer the one million now. As for anything else, don't even think about it!"

Chapter 55 She wondered if Sophia knew how much of a jerk he was.

No, he wouldn't be like this around Sophia. He cherished her too much to ever wrong her.

But to Aveline....

She was nothing.

Lucas stared at the closed door, the frustration in his chest growing.

He took a large gulp of water as if it could ease his irritation.

She used to be different.

Why couldn't they just get along as they did before, since they weren't divorced yet?

An hour passed.

There was a knock on Aveline's door.

Groggily, she got up and opened it, seeing Lucas already dressed in a suit, looking at her with a calm expression. "It's time to head to the dinner."

Her hair was down, and her delicate features looked fresh and soft, with a touch of confusion. The sharpness seemed to have faded, leaving a gentler side.

It reminded him of how she used to be, and his heart softened unexpectedly.

"I don't have a dress," Aveline said with a yawn.

She was truly exhausted. She had traveled non-stop from Cloudflare City to Labor City and spent the entire afternoon waiting in the hotel. lobby. She was afraid to close her eyes, worried she might miss him. As a result, she had only managed to sleep for an hour, which was far from enough to rolleve her fatigue, Lacas replied, "It's already been devered."

Aveline promptly closed the door.

Lucas frowned. "Aveline?

What was she up to now?

But soon, she reopened the door, her face slightly damp, indicating she had just washed up.

Aveline ignored him and left the room, spotting the black dress on the sofa. She picked it up and returned to her room.

The dress was modest yet elegant, either too flashy in showcasing her figure nor so conservative as to feel suffocating. It had a V- neck design and was cinched perfectly at the waist, highlighting her slender frame.

However, the zipper was at the back, and she couldn't reach it.

After several failed attempts, she opened the door and, without expression, looked at him. "Help me with the zipper."

She turned around, sweeping her hair over one shoulder.

Lucas stood up and walked over, his gaze falling on her pale back. She was slender, her shoulder blades beautifully shaped. His kisses from last night still lingered in his hemory. His fingers brushed her delicate skin, and the softness made his fingertips tremble slightly.

His eyes darkened at Taby.

However, he quickly zipped up the dress.

Aveline fixed her hair, took out her bag, and applied light makeup. before looking at him. "Alright, let's go."

She looked very simple and elegant, without any jewelry, like a gentle breeze-pleasant but not easily memorable.

Lucas frowned as he looked at her. He pulled out his phone, made a call, gave a few instructions, and then looked back at her. "Wait a moment."

Aveline nodded and sat on the sofa, pulling out her phone to pass. the time.

True to his word, he had transferred one million dollars into her account.

Ha, ha, ha, she was rich!

Suddenly, she thought maybe delaying the divorce wasn't such a bad idea.

If he had more demands, she could ask for another one million each time. Life would be sweet!

After about an hour, there was a knock on the hotel room door.

Lucas walked over and opened it. A bodyguard stood there, respectfully handing him a bag.

Lucas returned, took out a jewelry box from the bag, and opened it to reveal a set of dazzling diamond jewelry.

Chapter 56 Aveline looked over, puzzled, and asked, "What's this?"

Lucas replied, "You're my wife. If you look too plain, people will think I'm treating you poorly."

He took out a pair of earrings and said to her, "Come here."

"Fine," She thought, "Who doesn't like diamonds?"

As Aveline stood up, she asked, "Are these mine?"

"Yes," Lucas replied, catching the sparkle in her eyes.

Aveline quickened her pace and reached out her hand, "I'll do it. myself."

Lucas, however, said, "There's no mirror, you can't see."

Saying this, he lifted her hair and leaned in to put on the earrings.

The diamond earrings were teardrop-shaped, perfectly cut, and sparkled beautifully under the light. Her earlobes, with a hint of pink, were delicate and the earrings easily slipped through the holes. His fingers lingered as he pinched her earlobe before picking up the other ea They were very close, and his breath seemed to graze her skin, feeling warm and slightly ticklish.

The earrings were quickly put on, and next was the necklace.

The man didn't step back, staying close to her as he held the necklace. Instead of moving behind her, he reached around her neck, leaning in close, It felt as though he had enveloped her in his arms, completely surrounded by his presence.

Aveline's heart raced.

Her long eyelashes trembled as she tried to calm herself.

For the sake of this jewelry set, she had to endure!

The necklace was fastened, and as he straightened up, his lips. brushed against her cheek.

Aveline suddenly looked up, displeased, and said, "Lucas, you're quite cunning."

Lucas stared at her with dark eyes, "What do you mean?"

Aveline sneered, "You put the jewelry on me yourself just to kiss me, huh..."

Her eyes gleamed with a "I've seen through you" look, and she lifted. her chin slightly, looking smug.

Lucas chuckled softly, then suddenly leaned down and kissed her lips firmly.

After a moment, he stepped back and said, "Do I need a reason to kiss you?"

Aveline was stunned.

She looked at him in disbelief.

Did he even realize what he was doing?

They were about to get divorced!

Did he not think his actions were despicable?

Aveline pressed her lips together, her expression suddenly turning cold. "Let's go."

Lucas said, "We haven't put on the ring yet."

Aveline glanced at the diamond ring, a hint of bitterness flashing in her eyes. "Do you remember what you used to say to me?"

Lucas's expression froze.

He didn't want to remember, but the memory came unbidden.

When they got their marriage certificate, he promised her that one day he would give her a real diamond ring, cut in the shape she liked, with their initials engraved on the inside, symbolizing his lifelong love for "Can you still keep your promise?"

Aveline asked softly, then looked away. "The ring is unnecessary."

She had already opened the door and walked out.

Lucas' previously cheerful mood instantly became heavy. He looked. at the ring in his hand.

How was it unnecessary?

In the car.

The atmosphere was subtle.

Aveline looked out the window, her expression calm once more.

She had just lost control of her emotions earlier. Thinking back now, she found it quite amusing.

They were about to get divorced, so why even bring it up?

Promises...

They were just nonsense.

She had actually believed them, which was utterly laughable.

Chapter 57 The banquet was held in a villa estate.

A red carpet stretched from inside the estate all the way to the entrance, with vehicles stopping at the end of the red carpet, and elegantly dressed people stepping out of the cars. Lucas' car soon stopped as well. Aveline reached out to open the door, but he held her back.

"What are you doing?"

She looked at him in confusion.

Lucas, slightly exasperated, said, "Wait a moment. You need to take my arm. We can't let people see that we're not getting along."

Aveline asked, "Is that really necessary?"

Lucas replied, "We are a married couple."

"Oh, add money," Aveline said bluntly.

Lucas responded, "Are you making a living out of this?"

Aveline laughed. "You just realized that?"

Lucas gave her a deep look and said, "We'll settle it when we get back."

Aveline wanted to say more, but at that moment, the car door opened, and she had to keep quiet.

She couldn't continue the argument; if he got upset, her path to wealth would be cut off.

Lucas got out of the car first and extended his hand to her. She looked at his palm, felt a sudden impulse, and then placed her hand in his, allowing him to grip it tightly. After getting out of the car, she naturally took his arm.

The corners of Lucas' lips curved slightly as he led her into the estate.

This banquet was a business event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce in Larbor City, attended by the elite of Larbor City's business community. Being part of the Tudor family from Cloudflare City, Lucas was His return had not only stirred Cloudflare City but also caused a ripple in Larbor City's business circles.

Everyone knew that the head of the Tudor family had three sons, but over ten years ago, a kidnapping case shocked all of Cloudflare City. Someone had kidnapped his three sons for ransom.

The Tudor family mobilized all their resources but couldn't find. where the kidnappers were hiding. Half a month after the three of them were kidnapped, the police finally found the kidnappers' hideout, but it was Out of all his sons, two died, leaving only Lucas as the sole survivor.

He became the only heir of the Tudor family.

However, after being rescued, he was in a daze, and despite his young age, countless psychologists were brought in to treat him. It wasn't until a year later that his condition began to improve.

But two years ago, he got into a car accident and fell into a coma. A year ago, he mysteriously disappeared from home.

He returned not long ago, and people couldn't help but think that the remaining heir of the Tudor family had a life full of misfortunes and that surviving was a stroke of luck.

Curious glances were cast toward Lucas, but he seemed oblivious, his handsome and sharp features calm and indifferent, surrounded by an aura of power and nobility.

Aveline was puzzled, wondering why people kept staring at him.

He didn't have flowers on his face, after all.

At that moment, a middle-aged man approached with a smile and began chatting with Lucas. Aveline found the conversation boring and didn't pay attention. Suddenly, someone tapped her hand, and she turned in confusion.

Lucas said to her, "There's a buffet over there. If you're hungry, go eat something. I'll come find you later."

"Alright."

Aveline nodded, immediately letting go of his hand and walking forward without a moment's hesitation.

Lucas was speechless.

A hint of helplessness flashed in his deep black eyes, but he quickly resumed his conversation.

At a business banquet, attendees naturally came with the intention of seeking partnerships, finding suitable collaborators, and exchanging industry experiences, none of which interested Aveline.

Chapter 58 Seeing the delicious food in front of her, Aveline's eyes lit up.

She picked up a few snacks and quietly ate them in the nearby lounge area.

Several women had already started chatting over there.

Since they were talking about Larbor City, Aveline wasn't interested because she didn't know much about it.

"Hey, have you seen Mr. Lucas? He's the third son of Frederick Tudor from Cloudflare City, the one who was in a coma and then went missing for a year."

"Yeah, I saw him. I heard his childhood friend saved him, but her leg got broken. Then he lost his memory and was found by another woman. When she found out who he was, she refused to divorce him.

"Hah! That's the Tudor family. If you can hold on to Mr. Lucas, you can rise to the top. Who would want a divorce?"

"Isn't his childhood friend pitiful? She saved him, broke her leg, and she still couldn't be with him. That woman must be shameless, clinging to a man who doesn't love her." Aveline was speechless.

Listening to their conversation, Aveline realized she had become their main topic. Her expression changed, and she got up and walked over.

"How did you hear about this in Larbor City?"

She approached them with a gossipy look and asked.

The women saw her, found her unfamiliar, but their curiosity was piqued, and they couldn't resist.

"This news spread in the Larbor City business circle not long ago. Cloudflare City should know about it too, right?" one woman said.

Aveline nodded. "The childhood friend is indeed pitiful, but is the woman who ended up with Lucas really shameless? She didn't seem to do anything wrong, did she?"

The woman looked at her suspiciously. "Who are you?"

Aveline smiled slightly. "I'm the woman who married Lucas."

As soon as she said this, everyone fell silent. The distant music seemed to be blocked out, and it was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Seeing them quiet down, Aveline asked in confusion, "Hmm? Why did you stop talking? I enjoy listening. Keep going."

The women exchanged glances, then ignored her and got up to leave.

Soon, the area around Aveline was empty.

She smirked, thinking they were all cowards.

She got up to get more food, and she had to admit that the banquet food was delicious!

Suddenly, a waiter passed by her side, and his tray slipped. The drinks spilled all over her.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" The waiter repeatedly apologized, flustered.

Aveline frowned. "It's okay."

But she couldn't help but wonder, why did the waiter have to walk right behind her when the path was so wide? "Your clothes are wet. You should go upstairs and change so you don't catch a cold." A gentle voice sounded.

lihood power well del gat acting at hun with The gw july thongson, the gh of the langue h the day have diangger ad dati oo comfil dhe Hunge You Wa Sae will add you to go out with ann an proplie zur zonu ile Tüs, Hug anale fur all you."

Chapter 59 Aveline paused for a moment, then looked at her and said, "Thank you."

Judy smiled. "You're welcome. Follow me."

Judy led her upstairs to a large room and pulled out several dresses from the walk-in closet, saying, "These are all unworn. Pick one."

Aveline pointed to a black dress similar to the one she was wearing, "I'll take this one. Let's exchange contacts, so I can return it to you after I-wash it or buy you a new one.

Judy smiled. "No need, it's just a dress. Go ahead and change, I'll wait outside."

Aveline nodded. "Okay."

The walk-in closet door closed.

Aveline looked at the dress similar to her own, her eyes glimmering.

After a moment, she opened the door, smiling. "It fits perfectly, thank you."

Judy nodded. "I'm glad you like it. I think Mr. Lucas is looking for you."

"Really? I'll go find him then." Aveline said immediately, then turned and went downstairs. "

But as soon as she reached the bottom and started looking for Lucas, the music in the entire villa hall suddenly quieted.

"What's going on?"

"What's happening?"

Everyone was puzzled, and at that moment, a butler came out, his expression serious, and said, "Everyone, please don't panic. My lady's pearl earrings have gone missing. They were a keepsake from our late matriarch and are very precious to her. We need to find them quick "What does this mean? Are we going to be searched one by one?" someone asked.

The butler said, "Of course not. I've checked the surveillance footage, and a few ladies went upstairs to Miss Thompson's room earlier. We kindly ask these ladies to cooperate with our inquiries." Everyone exchanged glances.

After a while, a few girls stepped forward, one of them saying, "I went up, but I didn't go into Miss Thompson's room."

"I went too, and I left with Miss Thompson."

"I went with a friend, chatted with Miss Thompson for a while, then left."

The butler nodded at the girls and then looked around. "Anyone. else?"

No one responded.

The butler frowned. "There's one more lady. If you don't step forward, I have reason to suspect you took the pearl earrings."

Everyone exchanged glances, searching for the woman.

But no one came forward after the butler's words, and his face. darkened. He suddenly pointed at Aveline. "This lady, please cooperate with us."

All eyes turned to her.

Aveline suddenly found herself the center of attention.

Not far away, Lucas saw this and immediately frowned. He put down his wine glass and walked straight toward her.

Aveline said calmly, "My clothes were wet. Miss Thompson was kind enough to lend me a dress, that's all."

The butler said, "But you were the last to leave Miss Thompson's room, and after you left, her pearl earrings went missing. Ma'am, we need to search you now, please cooperate!"

With that, he waved his hand, and several servants quickly walked toward Aveline, ready to search her body!

Treating her like this, in front of everyone, was no different from stripping her of her dignity in public.

Aveline's face turned cold. "Try touching me if you dare!"

Chapter 60 The butler's face darkened further. "Ma'am, if you don't cooperate, I have reason to suspect you stole the pearl earrings, so..."

"Do you have any evidence?" Aveline asked directly..

The butler said, "You were the last to leave Miss Thompson's room, so you are the prime suspect..."

"Do you have any evidence?" Aveline repeated, her beautiful eyes filling with coldness.

People around began to look at Aveline with increasing disdain.

"Isn't she Mr. Lucas' wife?"

"No, she's just an ordinary person who happened to marry Mr. Lucas when he lost his memory. Once she found out his identity, she refused to divorce him."

"No wonder she'd steal Miss Thompson's pearl earrings. Women like her are disgusting!"

Aveline remained quiet.

The butler frowned. "Since you won't cooperate, don't blame me for being rude. Search her!"

The servants immediately moved to conduct a body search on Aveline.

"What are you doing?"

At that moment, a deep, magnetic voice echoed, and the murmurs of the crowd fell silent.

Lucas' tall, imposing figure approached, his sharp eyes fixed on the butler. "What did you just say?"

"Mr. Tudor."

The tler's attitude instantly became more respectful.

"It's like this, Mr. Tudor. My lady's pearl earrings went missing. I reviewed the surveillance, and this lady was the last to leave Miss Thompson's room, so... Lucas's voice turned colder. "If something is missing, shouldn't you call the police?"

The butler stiffened, feeling the pressure from Lucas' formidable presence.

"Mr. Tudor, this business banquet can't be disrupted by such matters, so we didn't call the police."

Lucas took out his phone and called the police directly.

The butler was stunned, "Mr. Tudor, you, you..."

Lucas replied coldly, "No need to thank me."

The butler was speechless.

He was absolutely not trying to thank him; he was on the verge of tears!

This wasn't the task he had signed up for! Now that the police were here, what was he supposed to do?

Aveline looked at the man standing protectively in front of her, feeling a surge of complex emotions. She briefly smiled, though it quickly faded.

He was probably defending her because she was his wife here, right? His reputation mattered.

If he truly cared about her, how could he have been indifferent when she was targeted at her birthday cruise party?

OFISBONUS Aveline reminded herself to wake up.

He was just a cold-hearted person.

She should have realized this long ago.

The police arrived quickly, and the scene became very quiet. They collected evidence, investigated, and conducted a search, following procedures methodically.

Soon, the police emerged from Judy's room, saying, "We found the earrings."

The butler was stunned and quickly asked, "Officer, where were the earrings found?"

The officer replied, "Inside a dress. If they're so precious, they should be properly kept. Accusing others when you lose them due to carelessness is unjust."

The butler, reprimanded, could only nod repeatedly. "Yes, yes, I understand."

With the earrings found, the police left, but the banquet hall remained silent.

The butler wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "It was a misunderstanding. I apologize for disturbing everyone's enjoyment."

After speaking, he turned to leave.

"Stop."

From behind, Lucas's calm and cold voice echoed.

The butler paused and looked at him. "Mr. Tudor, is there anything. else?"

Lucas gazed at him coldly. "Apologize to "Wife!"