Ch. 541..550

Chapter 541 How ridiculous.

All the plans she had carefully crafted, all the strategies she'd designed to punish others, had ended up being futile-like punching into thin air.

Weak and ineffective.

Even her anger felt useless because she was up against Lucas.

She couldn't possibly fight against him!

If he wanted, he could block every path she tried to take.

It had been that way with Bobby before, and now it was the same with Sophia.

What kind of person had she been entangled with for so long?

Aveline's gaze grew distant as she stared blankly into the darkness ahead, which seemed like an endless abyss slowly engulfing her.

Russell grasped her hand. "Aveline, are you okay?"

"I... I'm fine," Aveline murmured, her lips trembling slightly.

She was fine-of course, she was fine. It was just another failure, nothing more. It didn't matter.

Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, leaving a cold trail in their wake. She reached up to touch her face, and when she looked down, her fingers were wet with glistening tears. Why cry?

What was there to cry about?

She should have known better!

She could never figure out his intentions!

Why did she even dare to think she could contend with him?

Ha, how laughable!

Aveline chuckled bitterly to herself, but for some reason, the tears only flowed faster, finally merging into an unbroken stream.

A flicker of pain crossed Russell's eyes. He gently wiped her face with a tissue.

Aveline sniffled. "Russ, I'm fine. Let's just go back."

Russell responded with a hoarse voice, "Alright."

It pained him deeply to see her so hurt and upset.

But if he hadn't done this, she would never be able to let go of Lucas!

1/3 Even though they were divorced, and even though she had endured countless disappointments, there was still a place in her heart reserved for Lucas.

That wasn't the outcome Russell wanted to see!

He felt sorry for making Aveline so sad and hurt but he would make it up to her by treating her twice as well...

At Maple Garden.

Aveline got out of the car and smiled faintly at Russell. "Russ, I'm heading in. I'm not in the best shape today, but I'll treat you to a meal another time."

Russell also stepped out of the car, frowning as he gazed at her. "No need to treat me. Just take care of yourself."

"But I want to," Aveline insisted seriously. "If it weren't for you, I might still be clinging to illusions. Now, those illusions are shattered."

Illusions?

What illusions?

Illusions about Lucas?

Russell lowered his gaze slightly, feeling reassured that his plan had worked.

"Let me walk you up," Russell offered.

"No need." Aveline shook her head. "I can go up on my own. You should head home early too. Goodbye."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Russell watched her retreating figure for a long time, then pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. The hazy smoke swirled upward, obscuring his face, and making it impossible to read his expression. Aveline returned to her apartment, moving mechanically.

As she looked around the spacious yet lavishly decorated space, a bitter smile crept onto her lips.

She kicked off her shoes, sank onto the sofa, and stared blankly ahead, unresponsive for a long time.

What now?

What was she supposed to do now?

Lucas would protect Sophia, and she no longer had the strength to do anything about it.

What should she do?

Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was a call from Sasha.

She forced a smile and answered, "Hello, Miss Winter. We failed."

There was a long silence on the other end before Sasha finally asked, "Aveline, does Lucas really love you?"

Chapter 542 Aveline paused for a moment, her grip on the phone tightening slightly as she responded in a dry voice, "I don't think I ever said he loved me."

Sasha seemed to sigh on the other end. "Aveline, we've lost."

Aveline closed her eyes briefly before saying, "I'm sorry, Miss Winter, for dragging you into this. If you've suffered any losses because of me, please don't hesitate to let me know." Sasha let out a bitter laugh. "No, there's no loss. I chose to work with you willingly, so I'll bear whatever consequences come."

Aveline fell silent for a moment. Neither of them had expected things to turn out this way.

She could never have imagined that Lucas would step in to help Sophia.

Why?

That question had been nagging at her all along.

Why would he help Sophia?

Right now, Aveline felt an overwhelming urge to confront Lucas, to ask him what he really meant by all of this.

Sasha's voice broke through her thoughts. "Aveline, I need to take care of things on my end. Let's stay in touch if there are any further developments." "Alright."

After hanging up, Aveline remained in a daze.

For some reason, Sasha's words kept echoing in her mind.

Did Lucas really love you?

Had he ever truly loved her?

She began to think back over the past year, recalling every little detail. One thing she was sure of- before Lucas regained his memory, he had loved her.

Everything changed after he got his memory back.

So now, she couldn't be certain if he loved her at all.

He probably didn't.

If he really loved her, how could he do things that hurt her so deeply?

Aveline let out a bitter laugh, suddenly standing up and walking to the fridge. She opened it, took out a bottle of cold water, twisted off the cap, and drank it in large gulps.

At that moment, she felt a wave of clarity.

1/2 What had she been thinking?

After everything that had happened, how could she still be wondering if Lucas loved her?

How utterly ridiculous!

A faint chill appeared in Aveline's eyes as she held the water bottle and returned to the sofa, sitting down again.

Now that things had come to this, she realized she had no power to change anything. All she could do was take it one step at a time.

The next day.

Aveline opened the door and stepped out of her room, heading to the elevator. She pressed the button for the lower floor and quietly waited. After descending one floor, the elevator doors opened. Aveline glanced up instinctively, and her expression immediately froze.

She took a step back, her demeanor turning icy cold in an instant.

"Miss Young, what a coincidence," Desmond greeted awkwardly, glancing nervously at the man beside him.

Lucas, dressed in a black suit, exuded a faint chill. His face was still somewhat pale, but his expression revealed nothing else.

His eyes swept over Aveline's face. After stepping into the elevator, he turned his back to her, standing silently.

The elevator's cramped space felt oppressive, the cold tension seeping into every corner.

When they reached the first floor, the elevator doors opened. Aveline glanced at the two men in front of her, then reached out to push Desmond aside and walked out without a word. "Goodbye, Miss Young!" Desmond stumbled slightly before awkwardly calling out.

Aveline ignored him, maintaining her cold demeanor.

Throughout the entire encounter, she didn't spare Lucas even a single glance, treating him as if he were invisible.

Lucas frowned, his expression growing even colder..

Chapter 543 Lucas turned his cold gaze to Desmond. "What's wrong with her?"

Desmond looked bewildered. "I-I know."

don't X hospit The last time he had seen Aveline at the h completely distant, cold, and unapproachable.

What had happened during this time?

Lucas' voice was sharp as he ordered, "Find out."

"Yes." Desmond nodded.

she hadn't been like this. But now, she seemed Instead of leaving, Lucas headed to the basement level. As if something had crossed his mind, he said, "Have Brian meet me."

"Understood."

At DK Group.

As soon as Lucas entered the CEO's office, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Brian pushed the door open and stepped inside, looking slightly uneasy. "Mr. Tudor."

Seated in his chair, Lucas asked coldly, "You've been keeping an eye on Aveline. Did you notice anything unusual about her?"

Brian's eyes flickered for a moment. He hadn't followed Aveline last night, but he could still report what had happened earlier.

"Russell went to pick up Miss Young, and they went to the seaside, the same place where she was went to the seaside, the same place where she was taken last time," Brian explained. Upon hearing this, Lucas narrowed his long, dark eyes. "Why did they go there?"

"I-I'm not sure," Brian stammered. "I kept my distance, focusing on Russell. I was worried he might harm Miss Young."

Lucas tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, his expression remaining cold and indifferent. After a long pause, he finally said, "Alright, I understand. You can go." "Yes, sir."

Brian let out a sigh of relief, turning to leave.

But Lucas' eyes followed him out, his expression turning icy as soon as Brian's back was turned.

When Aveline arrived at the studio and clocked in, she had just settled at her desk and opened her computer when Sidney walked over.

He handed her a carton of milk. "You don't look well. Did you not get enough rest last night?"

Aveline glanced at the milk, pausing for a moment before replying, "I'm fine. Your arm hasn't fully healed yet-you should drink it."

Sidney pressed his lips together. "Aveline, about what happened last time, I really didn't mean it."

"I know." Aveline nodded. "I didn't take it to heart, so you shouldn't dwell on it either."

Sidney looked down, his voice low. "I'm afraid your divorce was because of me. If that's true, I'd never forgive myself."

Aveline smiled slightly. "You're overthinking it. It had nothing to do with you."

"That's a relief." Sidney visibly relaxed.

He seemed nervous, hesitating for a moment before asking, "A friend gave me two movie tickets. Are you free tonight?"

Aveline's smile faded slightly. "Sidney, it's work hours now. Let's focus on our tasks."

It was a polite refusal.

The faint light in Sidney's eyes dimmed instantly.

Aveline turned her attention back to her work, getting busy.

Sidney returned to his desk, looking somewhat dejected. Nearby, Vivian sneered. "Hah, what's so special about her? She's just a divorced woman. What do you even see in her?" Sidney pressed his lips together, giving her a sharp glance. "Maybe you should take a moment to reflect."

"What?" Vivian didn't quite understand what he meant.

Sidney continued, "I'd rather go after her than spare you a second glance. Don't you think that's something you should reflect on?" "You!"

Vivian's face turned livid, and she glared at Sidney before storming off to the break room.

Chapter 544 Vivian took out her phone and dialed a number, her gaze locked on Aveline across the room, a hint of venom in her eyes.

"Hello, Miss Winter? Can you help me? I want to get rid of that bitch, Aveline!"

Maria noticed that something was off with Aveline.

She seemed distant, uninterested in anything, yet she continued to mechanically complete her tasks.

Maria shared this with Lucas.

At that moment, Lucas was reviewing the information Desmond had gathered, his brows furrowed in thought.

Russell had taken Sophia and locked her in a shipping container, supposedly as revenge on Aveline. But what did that have to do with Aveline's change in behavior?

Lucas spoke in a low voice, "Keep an eye on Brian-something's off about him."

Desmond was startled. "Really? But hasn't he been protecting Miss Young all this time?"

Lucas' voice turned cold. "I said watch him. Stop questioning me."

"Yes, sir."

It wasn't difficult for Desmond to investigate Brian, but what he found left him unsettled.

By evening, Desmond brought the gathered information to Lucas.

Nervously, he watched Lucas as he reviewed the details, his palms sweating.

Lucas flipped through the pages and then let out a cold laugh. "Ungrateful bastard."

Desmond broke into a cold sweat, stammering, "Mr. Tudor, he... he only helped Sophia because he never forgot what she did for you.' Lucas' voice was icy. "Take him to the basement."

Desmond squeezed his eyes shut. This was bad!

Brian was in deep trouble this time!

-Following Lucas's orders, Brian immediately went to the Tudor residence.

Desmond was waiting for him at the entrance, his expression complicated.

Brian didn't notice anything unusual and asked, puzzled, "What's going on?"

Desmond hesitated, wanting to say something, but in the end, he only managed a few words: "You've really messed up."

With that, Desmond turned and started walking toward the basement.

Brian still couldn't figure out what was happening, but as he watched Desmond's retreating figure, a sense of dread began to settle in his heart.

Following Desmond into the basement, Brian was immediately seized and bound by two bodyguards.

"Desmond, what's going on?" Brian asked in shock, quickly turning to Desmond. However, he didn't struggle-he knew that once inside, resistance was futile.

Desmond looked at him with a mixture of emotions. "Brian, you've never understood your place."

"I..." Brian started to speak, but then realization dawned on him. "Mr. Tudor knows."

"Yes," Desmond confirmed with a nod. "We're all Mr. Tudor's people. Our actions are guided solely by his orders. We carry out what he commands, and we don't act on things he hasn't instructed. How could you not grasp something so simple?"

Brian gritted his teeth, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "I understand, but I couldn't get past it. Two years ago, if it hadn't been for Miss Winter, Mr. Tudor wouldn't be here today!"

"Foolish."

A familiar voice cut through the tension.

Lucas entered the room, his gaze icy as he looked at Brian. With a single wave of his hand, he signaled Desmond.

With a sigh, Desmond approached Brian, holding a tablet. He placed it in front of Brian, instructing him to take a closer look.

Displayed on the screen were photos and transcripts of conversations, all of which were exchanges between Sophia and the culprit from that incident years ago.

The more Brian read, the wider his eyes grew in disbelief.

"This... how is this possible?" Brian muttered, unable to fathom what he was seeing.

Chapter 545 "Surprised, aren't you?" Desmond remarked, noticing Brian's shocked expression, his own smile tinged with bitterness.

"Of course, we all thought Sophia saved Mr. Tudor, believing her to be a great hero. But later, we uncovered the truth-she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals." Desmond put the tablet away. "Brian, everything you've held onto for so long was based on a lie.” "How could this be?" Brian muttered to himself, disbelief evident in his voice. "How could this happen?"

Lucas regarded him with cold indifference. "You've been with me for so long, yet you've learned nothing."

Brian's entire body trembled as he looked at Lucas with pleading eyes. Mr. Tudor, I realize my mistake now. I truly do. Please, just give me one more chance..."

His voice broke, and he began to tremble uncontrollably.

Because deep down, he knew that Lucas wouldn't grant him another chance.

Lucas cast a final, indifferent glance at Brian before turning to Desmond. "Cut his tendons and dump him in the Delta."

"Yes, sir."

Desmond hesitated, feeling a twinge of pity, but it was an order from Lucas.

Without another word, Lucas turned and walked away.

Brian watched him leave, his face ashen with despair, his eyes filled with regret.

1/3 *25 BONUS As Aveline exited the building, she spotted Russell leaning casually against his Porsche. She immediately raised her hand to cover her face and attempted to walk in the opposite direction.

"Aveline."

Russell's voice called out, tinged with amusement. "What are you doing?

Enduring the stares from people around her, Aveline lowered her hand and asked, "Russ, I should be asking you that-what are you doing here?"

Russell raised an eyebrow, a wicked smile playing on his handsome, delicate features. "I thought I wasn't flashy enough yesterday."

Aveline sighed. "It was more than enough. Really, it was."

She wanted to beg him to stop all these high-profile stunts!

She really couldn't handle any more attention!

Russell chuckled. "Come on, get in the car."

Aveline hesitated, then tried to politely decline. "Russ, Selena already made dinner plans with me."

Russell didn't miss a beat. "Perfect, I'll drive you there."

Aveline was left speechless.

There was no way to refuse him.

Sitting in the car, Aveline felt uneasy the entire time.

Russell glanced at her and then pulled out a small packet of cookies." You seem pretty tense. Want to have a bite to take the edge off?" Aveline didn't hesitate and took the packet. "Thanks."

2/3 Chapter 48 425 BONUS As she ate, her focus shifted, and she began to relax a little.

Russell noticed this and said, "You seem to be recovering well. I was genuinely worried about you yesterday."

"It's nothing serious," Aveline replied.

Russell's smile deepened. "If that's how you see it, then that's great."

Aveline continued munching on the cookies.

Russell then asked, "Didn't you mention before that a friend of yours was being held at the Tudor estate?"

Aveline looked puzzled. "What?"

Had she said that?

Russell continued, "I might be able to help you get them out."

Aveline quickly stopped trying to remember if she had mentioned it and instead looked at him with bright, hopeful eyes. "Really?"

Russell smiled. "I can give it a shot, but don't get your hopes up too high. After all, we're talking about the Tudor family's main estate."

Aveline hesitated. "Wouldn't that cause you a lot of trouble?"

"Don't worry, it won't," Russell reassured her.

Still, Aveline felt uneasy. "The Tudor family has tight control over the situation. If we try to get him out recklessly, the Tudors might call the police, and he won't be able to escape then."

Chapter 546 Russell pondered for a moment before saying, "Tell me everything you know." Aveline nodded and carefully recounted the situation as it had unfolded.

After a while, Russell suddenly chuckled softly.

Aveline looked at him, puzzled. "What's so funny?"

Russell responded, "Aveline, I have a bold theory."

"Go on," Aveline urged, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Russell pulled the car over to the side of the road, resting his hand on the steering wheel. A playful, almost mischievous smile spread across his striking features. "What if," he began, "someone impersonated Bobby and committed those acts, framing him in the process?"

Aveline's eyes widened slowly as the possibility sank in. She clenched the small cookie in her hand, her mind racing.

She had never considered such a scenario before!

Thinking back, in all the videos and photos Lucas had shown her, "Bobby had always been wearing a hat and mask. The figure's build had certainly resembled Bobby's, but what if it wasn't him?

What if it was someone who just looked remarkably similar?

She recalled the dark basement, where Bobby had been crawling on the floor, desperately trying to explain himself. He had repeatedly insisted that he hadn't stolen anything, that he had been framed... A chill spread through Aveline, making her shiver as goosebumps theory. We just need to get the security roster from the Tudor estate during that period."

Aveline's throat tightened, her voice turning dry. "Is that something we can get our hands on?"

"Yes, it's simple," Russell confirmed with a nod.

Aveline looked at him, her clear eyes sparkling with hope. "Russ, I need you to look into this."

Russell smiled. "You've asked, so I'll make sure it gets done."

Aveline felt a blend of anxiety and uncertainty. If this theory proved to be true, what part had Lucas played in it all? And did he know?

She didn't dare to speculate further. From the beginning, she had never fully understood what Lucas was thinking, and now, even less so.

"Here we are."

Russell's voice broke through Aveline's thoughts.

She snapped back to reality and realized they had arrived at the underground parking lot of Maple Garden. Letting out a slow breath, she said, "Thank you for handling this. If it turns out to be true, Russ, I..." "That's enough," Russell interrupted her. "You're not in the best state right now. Let me walk you up, and then I'll be on my way."

Aveline couldn't find the words to refuse.

They entered the elevator, with Aveline walking slightly ahead of Russell. The elevator ascended smoothly, but her mind was still occupied with thoughts of Bobby.

The elevator reached the first floor, and as the doors opened, Aveline instinctively looked up, only to see Lucas stepping inside. His tall, imposing figure filled the space.

2/3 The moment Lucas saw the two of them together, his expression visibly darkened.

The elevator doors slowly closed behind him.

Suddenly, Russell pulled out another packet of cookies and handed it to Aveline. "You seem to enjoy these. Have some more."

Aveline paused for a moment before accepting them. "They are pretty good."

Russell's smile grew more mischievous. I've got a sweet tooth myself, so I always keep some in the car. If there's anything you like, just let me know, and I'll make sure to have it with me."

Aveline nodded. "Sure.*

The two of them continued chatting, their conversation casual, but there was an underlying tension in the air as if their relationship had become subtly more complex.

Chapter 547 The atmosphere in the elevator was tense, an odd mix of coldness and faint relaxation. The oppressive mood seemed to dissipate only when it encountered the light conversation between Russell and Aveline, creating a strange and suffocating feeling.

The elevator continued its smooth ascent. Not long after, the doors opened, and Lucas strode out, his expression unusually stern.

Russell raised an eyebrow in mild surprise as he watched Lucas' retreating figure. He hadn't done anything, which was completely out of character for him. Could it be that he had really given up on Aveline? As the elevator doors closed, Russell's gaze shifted to Aveline, who was staring at the closed doors, lost in thought.

No, she wasn't staring at the doors-she had been watching Lucas.

Now that the doors were shut, her view was simply blocked.

A cold glint flickered in Russell's eyes as he asked, "What are you thinking about?” Aveline's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "I'm just wondering what role he's playing in all of this."

Russell replied, "Whatever his role, it no longer concerns us.

Aveline wavered for a moment, then nodded. "You're right."

She and Lucas were divorced.

So, it didn't matter anymore.

The elevator doors opened again, and Aveline stepped out. When she reached her front door, she turned back and waved at Russell." Goodbye, Russ."

Humall nuded all overt pulled out be phase and Aveline replied. "Stink can play come over to my place? I don't feel hke going out to eat 700 matte iger Lucas had too much of an influence on w More Shan she had expected What should she do?

How could she get rid of this plates She couldny find a good saku after thinking about it for a time By the time Selena arvet kuripe wit wore a troublet Nudicung het moet you want to talk to me about?"

Selena hesitated for a moment before saying, "Ave, I'm planning to leave Cloudflare City."

"What?" Aveline was taken aback. "Leave? Where to?"

Selena shook her head. "I'm not sure yet, but if I stay in Cloudflare City, things might get out of my control..."

Seeing the look on her face, Aveline quickly caught on. "Is this about Aaron?"

Selena nodded, her expression weary. "That guy's got his sights on me, and I think I've gotten myself in too deep..."

Aveline sighed, feeling exasperated. She had warned Selena not to mess with Aaron lightly.

Anyone who could be friends with Lucas was unlikely to be a good person.

Aveline's expression grew serious as a thought occurred to her. "Did he do something to you?"

Selena immediately looked a bit guilty, shaking her head. "No."

Aveline kept her gaze fixed on her, not blinking.

Feeling even more guilty under her scrutiny, Selena finally gave in and admitted, "We slept together... more than once. And he doesn't seem interested in ending this messy situation."

Chapter 548 Aveline was speechless.

Although she had already noticed something off between them, hearing it directly from Selena left her at a loss for words.

It wasn't entirely surprising that things had escalated to this point. Aaron's attention on Selena had always been unusually intense, and Selena hadn't been cautious enough.

But... wasn't it a bit late to be thinking about leaving now?

Aveline voiced her concerns.

Selena leaned in closer and whispered, "Ave, I've got it all figured out. I'm not going to leave by plane or train. I'll take a bus, one that goes through the countryside on back roads. Once I'm safely out of Cloudflare City, he won't be able to find me even if he tries."

Aveline frowned. "But that's not safe."

Selena replied, "What's safe anymore? Staying in Cloudflare City is the real danger. Besides, I just decided to leave on a whim-he won't know when I'm actually going."

Aveline still wasn't convinced and asked, "What about your job?"

Selena answered, "I quit. I've already started sending out resumes today, making it look like I'm just planning to switch jobs."

Seeing that Selena had thought everything through, Aveline wasn't sure what more to say.

Selena looked at her with concern. "Ave, I know I promised to stay here with you, but I'm going to have to break that promise. Will you be mad at me?" Aveline smiled. "Of course not. I've wanted you to leave for a while now-it's you who insisted on staying."

Selena hugged her tightly. "But I'm going to miss you."

Aveline reassured her, "We've got our phones. We can call and video chat anytime. And who knows? Maybe it won't be long before I come to visit you." Selena nodded. "Alright. I'll find a small, picturesque town, and when you visit, we can men a little slawent together you as the owner and me as the manager's Aveline laughed at the idea, but despite the lighthearted moment, she couldn't shake *

nagging sense of unease in her heart She quickly pushed the feeling aside. Now wasn't the time to overthink.

After they finished eating, Selena talked for a long time, her words filled with reluctance to leave Aveline behind.

Aveline sighed. "You were abroad for several months last time, so just think of this as the same thing."

Selena leaned against her shoulder. "I'll try."

"But why do I feel like I'm on the run?" Selena groaned.

Aveline couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, it's still early. You should try to get some sleep."

Selena planned to leave just after midnight, so now she needed to get some rest.

"Alright, I'll take a nap first," Selena said as she got up and headed to the guest room. Aveline didn't sleep. Instead, she started cooking, preparing food that Selena could take with her on the road.

Given the route Selena had chosen for her escape, finding decent food along the way would be tough. And if Aaron caught on to her plans, she couldn't risk exposing herself. As Aveline stood in the kitchen, she couldn't help but think how absurd this world had become.

Lucas was one thing, and now Aaron too.

Was there no good outcome when you crossed paths with men like them?

No.

Selena would be able to leave successfully.

Selena slept until shortly after midnight. When she emerged from the room, yawning, she saw Aveline busy packing items into bags. Confused, Selena asked, "Ave, what are you doing?

Chapter 549 Aveling packed the small cookies into the bag, making sure everything was secure se she said. Since we're short of time, I made some food that will stay fresh and still taste good. You can eat it on the road. Selena blinked, then quickly ran over and hugged her tightly. "Ave, you're too good to me! Why don't we just run away together?"

Aveline smiled. "Alright, enough of that. Go wash your face-I'll drive you to the outskirts."

Selena needed to be at the bus stop in the early morning, so she had to head out tonight.

But Selena shook her head. "No need. I've already arranged for someone to pick me up, You should stay home and rest. I'll be fine."

However, Aveline insisted, "No, I won't feel at ease unless I personally take you."

Seeing how determined Aveline looked, Selena knew Aveline had made up her mind. She hugged Aveline tightly and said, "I'm really going to miss you!"

Aveline guided Selena to the bathroom and watched as she freshened up, while she went over the packed items one last time: food, drinks, and a few basic disposable toiletries.

Yes, it looked like she had packed everything.

After finishing up, they sat together for a while before finally heading out at two in the morning.

The late-night streets of Cloudflare City were quiet, with hardly any cars or pedestrians in sight. As Aveline drove toward the outskirts, Selena kept talking about her hopes for the future.

Meanwhile...

Lucas quickly received word that Aveline had left the house.

He rubbed his temples, glancing at the clock. It was late-what was she doing out at this hour?

And she had left with Selena.

1/3 A thoughtful expression crossed Lucas' face, and he promptly dialed Aaron's nuriser 489 BONUS As the call connected, the blare of heavy metal music filled the background.

Lucas narrowed his eyes and asked, "How have things been going with Selena lately?

Aaron chuckled in response. "Oh, things have been great."

Lucas' voice remained calm. "Is that so? Because just now, Aveline drove Selena out toward the outskirts."

"What did you say?"

Aaron's tone instantly shifted, the music fading as his voice grew tense, almost angry.

"Is she trying to run away?"

Lucas's tone remained cold. "I don't know."

Aaron replied, "Alright, I'll deal with this. Talk later."

He abruptly ended the call.

Lucas stood up and moved to the balcony, staring out into the pitch-black night, his face hardening with an icy expression.

The night deepened.

Aveline drove for nearly an hour before reaching the place Selena had arranged-a small farmhouse.

The family of three was still awake, with the lights on inside.

Selena got out of the car and knocked on the door. A young girl soon appeared, her eyes lighting up when she saw Selena. "You're here!"

Selena nodded. "Yeah, I'm here. Thanks for helping me out."

The girl waved it off. "Oh, no problem. It's no trouble at all. Come on in.' Selena turned to Aveline. "I'm here. You should head back."

Aveline nodded. "Alright, but call me when you get to your next stop."

Selena grinned. "Don't worry. I'll probably call you ten times before I even get there."

Aveline smiled at that.

She watched as Selena and the girl went inside, then got back into her car and drove away.

But as she headed back, the uneasy feeling in her chest grew stronger. Gripping the steering wheel tightly, she abruptly turned the car around and drove back to the farmhouse. Meanwhile, Aaron quickly learned of Selena's location. He gathered his men and set off to confront her.

Chapter 550

Chapter 550

Selena couldn't sleep at all. Lying in bed, she felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The thought of finally leaving Cloudflare City and getting away from that insufferable Aaron-filled her with anticipation. She found herself practically counting down the minutes.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Suddenly, loud knocks came from the front door, startling Selena. She quickly got up and looked toward the door. The young girl with her woke up, confused. "What's happening?"

A sinking feeling of dread washed over Selena. Could they have found her already? So soon?

She got out of bed and said, "I'll go check. You two stay here."

The girl looked uneasy. "Selena, are you sure everything's okay?"

Selena nodded. "Don't worry, it'll be fine."

She quickly dressed and stepped outside.

"Who is it?" she asked cautiously.

"It's me, Selena. Hurry, come out!"

It was Aveline's voice at the door.

Selena was taken aback and quickly opened the door. "Ave, what are you doing here?

Hadn't she already gone home? By now, she should have been back at Maple Garden. Aveline grabbed her wrist, looking frantic. "I saw Aaron's car. He found you. We have to leave now!"

Selena froze in shock. "He found me? How did he find me?"

She had been as discreet as possible, taking every precaution to hide her whereabouts. How could Aaron have tracked her down so quickly?

Aveline urged, "There's no time to figure that out. We need to go now."

"Oh, right! Wait a sec, I need to grab my things "Salon exchanged a few words with the girl, then grabbed her backpack and hurried back out to Aveline's car. Aveline started the engine and sped off,

Still shaken, Selena glanced back over her shoulder. Her eyes widened in horror." Ave, we might not be able to outrun them."

Aveline also noticed the headlights in the rearview mirror, and her face instantly hardened.

How did this happen?

Where had the plan gone wrong?

How had Aaron managed to catch up so quickly?

The car behind them roared closer, and Aveline slammed her foot on the gas, speeding forward!

Seeing her determined expression, Selena grew worried. "Ave, he's already found me. There's no way I'm going to escape. Maybe we should just give up."

"No way!" Aveline's voice was firm. "We can't just give up now. You're so close to getting away!"

Selena sensed something was off. "Ave, what's going on with you?"

Aveline kept her eyes on the road ahead. "I'm going to get you out of here, no matter what!"

She glanced back at the car trailing them. Although they had gained some distance, they still needed to lose them completely.

Aveline thought of Mason and Jason. She quickly dialed Mason's number.

"Miss Young," Mason answered almost immediately.

"Mason, is there any way you can get Selena out of here right now and out of Cloudflare City?" Aveline asked urgently.

Mason hesitated. "I'm afraid that's going to be difficult. Aaron's men have already circled around to cut you off.”

"What?"

Mason explained, "Miss Young, Aaron brought a lot of people with him. He's been watching from the shadows, and some of his men have already blocked the road ahead."

As Mason finished speaking, several bright headlights appeared in front of them. Aveline instinctively hit the brakes.

Selena saw the cars ahead and let out a bitter laugh. "Anyone who didn't know better would think I'm Aaron's runaway bride."