Ch. 621..630

Chapter 621 Chapter 621 The elevator doors remained open, leaving Aveline stuck in a dilemma. She was too scared to step out yet staying inside with the man felt equally dangerous.

She could feel his cold, unsettling gaze fixed on her, and her palms began to sweat as tension gripped her.

Seconds ticked by, and the elevator began to beep, signaling that the doors had been open too long.

"Are you getting in or out?" The man finally spoke, his voice raspy and filled with impatience, a voice she didn't recognize.

Aveline bit her lip, wondering why Mason still hadn't arrived. Even if he had to run, he should have been there by now.

But with the man growing more agitated, she knew she couldn't stall any longer.

Glancing at the dark, empty hallway outside, she made the difficult choice to stay in the elevator. At least there were security cameras inside, offering a sliver of protection. If she stepped out into that hallway, anything could happen.

She took a few steps back and pressed the button to close the doors. As they slowly shut, her anxiety heightened.

The elevator descended smoothly, and although the man behind her hadn't made a move, she couldn't let her guard down.

Then, as the elevator reached the fourth floor, the doors unexpectedly opened.

Aveline jumped, her eyes darting up to see two men enter. Their expressions were cold, and they were dressed in all black, exuding an aura of discipline and training.

She instinctively took a step back, pressing herself into the corner. Were these men working with the one already in the elevator?

If they were, what would she do?

Aveline's grip tightened on her phone, her finger hovering over the emergency alert button. She had already pressed it four times-one more press and the alarm would be sent.

In the tense, oppressive atmosphere, the elevator finally reached the first floor. As the doors slid open, Aveline wasted no time, quickly stepping out and hurrying towards the exit. Her car was parked outside rather than in the underground garage.

It wasn't until she got inside her car and locked the doors that she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She glanced up and noticed that the two men from the elevator had already left, while the man in the hat and mask seemed to glance in her direction before walking away as well.

Her hands were slick with sweat as she gripped the steering wheel, her heart still pounding from the tension.

Suddenly, her phone rang, startling her. She quickly checked the screen-it was Mason calling.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice still shaky.

Mason's voice was filled with concern. "Miss Young, I'm so sorry. The elevator I was in malfunctioned, and I just got to your floor. Where are you now?" Aveline replied, "I'm already in my car."

Relief was evident in Mason's tone as he asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine now," Aveline said, starting to regain her composure.

She knew that the elevator malfunction must have been intentional. But what role did the this? If Mason was deliberatenet men in the elevator play in all of delayed, something should have happened to her-but it hadn't.

Could it all have been a coincidence?

Her thoughts returned to the two men in black with stern expressions. What were they doing in an office building so late at night?

Questions swirled in her mind, making her head spin with possibilities.

Mason's voice broke through her thoughts, "I'm truly sorry, Miss Young. I promise this won't happen again."

Aveline responded, "It's not your fault. I'm heading home now. Look into what happened tonight and see if you can find any clues." "Understood," Mason replied.

Back at Maple Garden, Aveline stepped out of the elevator, feeling utterly exhausted. But just as she was about to unlock her door, the hallway lights suddenly went out.

Chapter 622 Chapter 622 Aveline jumped in fright! The string of unsettling events that night had nearly driven her to the edge-she was on the brink of a nervous breakdown.

She quickly fumbled with her keys, desperate to get inside. But just as she managed to open the door, a hand suddenly grabbed her shoulder and shoved her into the apartment, the figure following closely behind.

"Ah!" Aveline screamed, struggling wildly. She grabbed a heavy ceramic cat figurine from the entryway table and swung it at her assailant.

The figurine was solid and heavy-definitely capable of doing some serious damage.

"Aveline." Lucas' deep voice cut through the chaos as he caught her wrist, his brow furrowing as he looked at her pale, panicked face. "It's me."

Aveline's hand froze mid-swing. Seeing Lucas' familiar, striking face, her breath came in ragged gasps, her chest heaving.

"What is wrong with you?" she shouted. "Why did you suddenly barge in? Why didn't you make a sound? Are you insane?"

She pounded on his chest with her free hand, the fear from moments ago still coursing through her. She had genuinely thought someone else had followed her in-someone dangerous-and for a split second, she believed she was about to die.

Lucas let her hit him, calmly taking the ceramic cat from her hand and placing it back on the table. "If I had announced myself, would you have let me in?"

"Get out!" Aveline yelled, her voice shaky with lingering adrenaline.

Lucas' expression darkened, though he didn't react to her anger. He had heard about what happened earlier that night, which was why he had come to check on her. It was clear she'd been badly shaken. He released her wrist and asked, "Why are you so scared?"

Aveline turned away, unwilling to share the details of her ordeal with him. She saw no reason to involve him in it.

As she turned, she caught sight of Selena standing not far away, arms crossed, watching them with a smirk.

Selena raised an eyebrow, teasing, "For a second there, I thought we had a break-in."

Aveline moved toward Selena and hugged her tightly. "Selena, I was really scared."

Selena immediately patted her back, shooting a sharp look at Lucas. "Mr. Tudor, does your fiancée know you're sneaking around like this?"

By now, the rumors of Lucas' impending engagement to Judy were everywhere, fueling much speculation.

Lucas' gaze remained fixed on Aveline. It irked him to see her cold and distant with him one moment, only to seek comfort in someone arms the next. Was his else's arms embrace not as comforting 136 as another woman's? She'd rather hold onto Selena than come to him.

His expression darkened, and without another word, he turned and left, slamming the door behind him.

Selena scoffed. "What's his problem?"

Aveline continued holding onto her, trying to calm the lingering fear in her heart.

Selena asked, "What exactly happened?"

Aveline explained the events that had taken place earlier.

Selena frowned deeply, her concern evident. "That sounds terrifying. Are you hurt anywhere?"

She pulled Aveline's arm to check her over, worry etched on her face.

Aveline shook her head. "No, I'm not hurt."

She then shared the odd details that had been bothering her.

The two of them sat down on the sofa, and Selena listened carefully. After a moment, she stroked her chin thoughtfully. "If you think those two guys who got into the elevator were suspicious, then isn't it just as suspicious that Lucas showed up? What was he doing here?"

Aveline paused, then replied, "He's... always been strange."

Selena chuckled at that, but then said more seriously, "As much dislike him, if those two men seemed off, there's a good veli they were his people."

Chapter 623 Chapter 623 Aveline hesitated, suddenly considering a possibility she hadn't thought of before. Could Lucas have secretly arranged for her protection? Maybe those two men were actually there to keep an eye on her. Her feelings grew more complicated.

Selena chimed in, "Even if he's trying to protect you, Aveline, it's likely for his own reasons."

Aveline sighed. "I just don't get it."

"What don't you get?"

"I don't understand what he really wants," Aveline said with a hint of frustration. "When I was by his side, he was always unpredictable. But now that I'm not around, he seems to be even more intense." She suddenly turned to Selena. "Do you think there's really something wrong with him?"

Selena laughed at her comment. "Well, if you put it that way, maybe he does have some issues."

After all, how else could you explain his constant mood swings and erratic behavior?

Aveline shook her head. "Forget it. I won't overthink it. Once I finish the design for his villa, I can finally walk away."

Selena nodded. "Yeah, no need to dwell on it."

After that unsettling experience, Aveline made sure never to stay late at the office again. She shut down her computer and left promptly at the end of each workday. And the strange man who had scared her so much never reappeared.

One day, she received a call from Yvonne. She was surprised-members of the Tudor family rarely contacted her, mostly because they looked down on her. But why was Yvonne suddenly reaching out?

"Hello?" Aveline answered the call.

Yvonne's warm voice came through, "Aveline, are you busy?"

"Not really. What's up, Madam Yvonne?" Aveline replied.

Yvonne laughed softly. "Well, Lucas' birthday is coming up soon, and I'm thinking of getting him a gift. If you have some time, would you come along and help me pick something out?"

Lucas' birthday? Aveline's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "Sorry, wonet think I'll have time." belongs to FindNovel.net Yvonne, I've been really u Yvonne seemed a bit surprised but responded politely, "Alright then, take care."

After ending the call, Yvonne sat in her beautifully decorated parlor, lost in thought. Had Aveline really moved on from Lucas? If that were the case, how would the next steps of her plan unfold?

Pondering the situation, Yvonne decided to send a message to Russell.

...

Aveline and Selena had plans to grab some steaks, but halfway there, Aveline received a call from Russell.

"Hey, Russ," Aveline answered, her tone immediately more relaxed.

Russell asked, "What are you up to?"

"I'm heading out to dinner with Selena. Want to join us?" Aveline offered.

Russell teased, "If it's not your cooking, I'll pass."

Aveline chuckled. "We're just going for some steaks."

"Sounds good. Enjoy. I just wanted to let you know my birthday is coming up, and I'm having a party. Do you want to come?" Russell asked.

Without hesitation, Aveline replied, "Of course, I wouldn't miss it."

Russell laughed. "Great, I'll be looking forward to it."

After she hung up, Selena asked, "What was that about?"

Aveline explained, "Russell's birthday is Jag up soon, and he invited me sparty. I'll need to gift for him after we eat."

"Sounds like a plan," Selena agreed.

After their meal, they headed straight to the mall. Once they reached the men's section, Selena quickly pulled Aveline into a clothing store.

Chapter 624 Chapter 624 "How about a tie?" Selena suggested, her eyes sparkling as she glanced at the row of ties hanging on the wall.

Aveline hesitated. "Do you think that's appropriate?"

"Why not?" Selena said with a smile. "You're both single, and it's just a tie-it's nothing too concerning."

Aveline still felt a bit uncertain. She looked around the store, noting it was a high-end brand where even a shirt started at a hefty price. Finally, she walked over to the dress shirts, carefully selecting a white one before holding it up. "How about this?"

Selena glanced at it and nodded, "That works too, but I don't think Russell usually goes for this style. He's more into casual wear."

Aveline smiled. "Exactly, which is why I'm getting it. Since he doesn't wear this often, there's less chance of anyone reading too much into it."

Selena blinked, clearly misinterpreting Aveline's reasoning. "Oh, I see! So, you're hoping he'll keep it tucked away as a special item? Who knew you had such a clever strategy, Aveline?"

Aveline sighed. "You're overthinking it, Selena."

After confirming the size with the store assistant, Aveline paid for the shirt.

Meanwhile, on the upper level of the mall, Lucas stood by the railing, watching Aveline in the men's store below. His expression was unreadable, but there was something thoughtful in his gaze.

"What do you think she's doing in a men's store?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Desmond, who stood beside him, was taken aback. How was he supposed to know? But seeing Lucas expected an answer, Desmond ventured a guess, "Maybe she's buying something for you? Your birthday is coming up soon."

Lucas' lips curved slightly at the suggestion. He glanced at Desmond, "You'll get a bonus this month."

Desmond's eyes widened in surprise. He earned a bonus just for guessing right? That was unexpected.

Lucas continued watching until Aveline and Selena left the store. Only then did he turn away.

His phone rang just as he was about to leave, and he answered it with a calm, "Hello?"

Aaron asked, "So, what's the plan for your birthday this year? Last time you vanished, and no one could track you down to celebrate. We need to make sure it's done right this time."

Lucas responded indifferently, "Whatever."

Russell chuckled. "Alright, I'll make whatever plans then."

Lucas gave a brief acknowledgment.

Aaron, sensing something off in Lucas's tone, teased, "Are you high on drugs? You sound unusually relaxed."

Only a close friend like Aaron could guess his mood so accurately, even without seeing him.

Lucas, in an unusually good mood, let the comment slide, replying, "How's your engagement to Rina progressing?"

Aaron groaned. "Don't get me started. It's a nightmare. My old must be out of his mind, tryin!!!

marry me off to a spoiled princess."

Lucas reminded him, "That engagement has been in the works for ages. It was bound to happen sooner or later."

Aaron sighed. "I'm dragging it out as long as I can."

Lucas didn't push the topic further.

...

Three days later, it was time for Russell's birthday party. Aveline received the details and, after vel.net changing into a dress, manet her way to the venue at Club Nine.

As Aveline stepped into the elevator, she unexpectedly ran into someone familiar.

Aaron glanced at the bag she was carrying and smirked. "A birthday gift?"

Chapter 625 Chapter 625 Aveline tightened her grip on the bag, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes as she asked, "How did you know?"

Aaron chuckled and then, with a knowing look, said, "I get it, I totally get it. You're preparing a surprise, right? Fine, I won't ask anymore." Aveline looked completely puzzled.

But after a moment's thought, she realized that they were all part of the same circle, so it wasn't surprising that Aaron knew about Russell's birthday. Aveline didn't respond. She felt indifferent toward Aaron and had nothing to discuss with him.

However, Aaron pulled out his phone and sent a message to Lucas.

"Guess who I just saw in the elevator?"

Lucas replied, "Who?"

Aaron texted, "Your ex-wife!"

Lucas fell silent.

Aaron texted, "Hahaha! But she was holding a bag, probably a birthday gift for you. But how did she know we're having a party here today?"

Lucas asked, "Are you with her?"

Aaron texted, "Yeah, in the elevator."

Lucas replied, "Oh."

Aaron responded, "What do you mean by 'oh'?"

Despite Aaron's follow-up messages, Lucas didn't reply.

Huh, what was wrong with him?

Fortunately, the elevator soon arrived. As the doors opened, Aaron stepped out first, followed by Aveline.

Seeing this, Aaron became even more certain that Aveline was here to celebrate Lucas' birthday.

She used to insist she didn't care for him, but now she's here for his birthday. Aaron really couldn't understand women at all.

Aaron pushed open the door to the private room and walked in, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Aveline was heading straight ahead. "Hey, you..."

He instinctively wanted to say something, but then reconsidered. Maybe she was just going to the restroom?

He thought women always needed to touch up their makeup.

Oh well.

She'd come over later.

the private room, Aarone else had amet where Lucas glanced up at allwalked in.

as No, to be precise, he was looking behind him, but found no one there.

Aaron laughed unapologetically, "Are you waiting for Aveline? She went to to touch up her makeup. She should beer went fo soon."

Lucas' expression remained cold and indifferent as he replied, "Who said I was waiting for her?"

Aaron popped a grape into his mouth and said, "Fine, you're not waiting. I'll wait, okay?"

Lucas shot him a frosty look.

Aaron continued, "I'm waiting to see what gift she brought."

Only then did Lucas' expression soften slightly.

However, as time passed, and everyone else had already arrived, Aveline was still nowhere to be seen.

Feeling bored, Aaron idly scrolled through his phone. When he sawza photo forwarded in the group chat, his eyes widened in shock. He glanced at Lucas, then back at the photo, and suddenly felt uneasy.

"Are you out of your mind?" Lucas asked, noticing his reaction.

Aaron hesitated, unsure whether to say anything.

But Lucas prompted him, "If you have something to say, just say it."

Gritting his teeth, Aaron tossed his phone to Lucas. "See for yourself!"

Lucas took the phone and immediately saw a photo-a screenshot of a social media post.

It was posted by Russell.

"Thanks, Ave, for the birthday gift. I really like it."

Below the caption was a picture of a gift bag, with clothes faintly visible inside.

And at the bottom, the timestamp showed it was posted just half an hour ago.

Chapter 626 Chapter 626 Aaron carefully observed Lucas' expression. He noticed that his demeanor had quickly turned cold, and even his entire aura had shifted.

Aaron cleared his throat and said, "Well, maybe I got it wrong. He wasn't here to celebrate your birthday. She was..."

"Shut up!"

Lucas snapped, handing the phone back to him before getting up and walking away.

Aaron fumbled to catch the phone and hurriedly asked, "Hey, where are you going?"

...

On the same floor, in another private room.

Aveline pushed the door open and walked in. She saw Russell seated in the middle of the sofa, surrounded by a group of people. The atmosphere in the room was lively, and everyone was complimenting him. "Russ," Aveline greeted as she approached, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Russell heard her voice and looked her way. A charming smile immediately spread across his delicate, handsome face. "You're here, have a seat."

Seeing this, the people around quickly made space for Aveline.

She walked over and handed him a bag. "Happy birthday."

Russell looked even more surprised. When he saw the shirt inside the bag, his smile deepened. "Out of all these people, your gift is the one I like the most. I'm about to start working at the company, and I actually needed a shirt. Thank you."

Aveline couldn't help but chuckle. With his status, how could he possibly lack clothes to wear? It was just his way of acknowledging her.

Russell took out his phone and snapped a photo of the bag, then immediately posted it on Instagram.

Aveline sat nearby and started drinking some juice.

After finishing his post, Russell asked, "How have you been lately?"

Aveline replied, "Pretty good, nothing unexpected has happened."

Russell nodded. "That's good."

"Russ, who's this beautiful lady?"

"Russ, why don't you introduce us? Is she your girlfriend?"

Someone with a loud and boisterous personality noticed how close Russell and Aveline seemed and started teasing him.

Russell glanced at the person and replied, "Don't talk nonsense, she's shy."

"Oh! She's shy!" The person mimicked Russell's tone, a knowing smile spreading across his face "Seems like your relationship is something special!"

Aveline lowered her eyes slightly. The lively atmosphere was a bit overwhelming for her, and she still felt a little out of place.

Russell patted her arm and said, "They're just used to being casual like this, don't take it to heart."

Aveline nodded. "I won't."

As the room grew more lively, Aveline's mood was gradually uplifted, and a faint smile remained on her face.

Just then, the door to the private room opened, and Rina walked in.

"Look who's here, it's Miss Johnson!"

"What gift did the young lady prepare this year?"

"Last year, she gave Russ an entire island. Is there something even bigger this year?"

As soon as the crowd noticed Rina, their teasing became even more lighthearted and natural.

Rina raised her chin with a slight smile. "Of course, I've brought the best gift."

Her gaze fell on Russell, but then she noticed Aveline sitting beside him. Rina's expression immediately darkened. She strode over and grabbed Aveline, pulling her up.

"What are you doing here, woman?"

Aveline was caught off guard by the leaving her momentarily stunned. When she met When she met Rina's angry gaze, her brows furrowed.

Chapter 627 Chapter 627 Aveline pulled her hand back, giving Rina a cold look. "I have the right to be wherever I want. Don't you think you're overstepping, Miss Johnson?" Rina's face darkened further. "You wretch! How dare you show up at Russ's birthday party? Get out!"

"Rina!"

Russell's voice was noticeably colder as he stood up, pulling Aveline behind him. His usually warm eyes now held a hint of frost as he looked at Rina.

"Aveline is my guest."

"Russ, she's nothing but a fickle, untrustworthy woman who—"

Seeing Russell stand up for Aveline only made Rina's expression sour even more. She pointed accusingly at Aveline, her face full of resentment.

Russell grasped her wrist, gently lowering her hand. "She's my guest. She came to celebrate my birthday. Rina, you can't act like this."

"Russ!"

Rina was furious. She wanted to throw Aveline out! She couldn't stand seeing another woman near Russell! But with Russell's expression already darkening, she knew that if she pushed any further, he might kick her out instead.

With a huff, Rina glared viciously at Aveline.

She silently cursed her, "Wretched woman, slut!"

Russell sighed. "That's enough, sit down."

He sat back down and pulled Aveline down with him to sit by his side again.

Not wanting to be overshadowed, Rina edged out the person on Russell's other side and took their seat. She glanced at Aveline and asked with a hint of challenge, "I'm curious, Miss Young, what gift did you bring for Russ' birthday?"

Aveline's expression remained calm. "Since it's a birthday gift for Russ, naturally, only he needs to know."

Rina's face fell. This wretched woman had no respect for her!

Forcing a sweet smile, she handed the box she had brought to Russell. "Russ, this is the gift I prepared for you-a diamond mine."

Her words hung in the air, and the room fell silent as everyone inhaled sharply, the atmosphere suddenly becoming tense.

A diamond mine!

That wasn't the kind of gift given lightly!

As expected, Rina certainly knew how to flaunt her wealth!

Russell looked at Rina's eager e and sighed hravag gift is far too I can't accept it." én.swnovels.net more Rinable the gift, the betternet belongs to en.swnove gift, "Oh, come on! The right? and y take it. It's a you can't return it!"

With that, she shoved the box into Russell's hands, then shot a triumphant glance at Aveline.

This woman, who couldn't even hold her own, thought she could compare with her?

Hmph!

Russell looked down at the box. Inside was the transfer contract for the diamond mine-Rina's own mine.

Aveline watched from the side, unable to help but marvel at the sheer extravagance. Truly, this was wealth!

She thought she was well-off with a few million in her account, but clearly, in this crowd, her money was nothing. Silently, Aveline continued munching on some crackers.

"Cake's here!"

At that moment, the door to the room opened, and a few people pushed in a cake tower.

"Russ, make a wish!"

The crowd began to cheer.

Rina grabbed Russell's arm and pulled him up. "Russ, come on, make a wish."

Russell let himself be led to the cake tower. The crowd gathered around as the candles were lit, and the room's lights were suddenly dimmed.

Chapter 628 Chapter 628 Aveline stood quietly in the corner, watching Russell surrounded by the crowd, a hint of a smile appearing on her face.

As the cheers filled the room, Russell, under the gaze of everyone, made a wish and blew out the candles. The lights in the room flickered back on, and he picked up the knife to cut the cake. Everyone watched eagerly, especially Rina, who looked at him with anticipation.

In the past, Russell always gave the first slice of cake to her, and she was certain this year would be no different.

But to her surprise, Russell turned and walked over to Aveline, holding the cake.

"This is for you."

His handsome face carried a soft smile as he handed the cake to Aveline.

Caught off guard, Aveline quickly accepted it. "Thank you."

Russell reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his gesture full of affection.

Just then, the door to the room suddenly burst open, the noise drawing everyone's attention. Lucas entered, carrying an air of cold intensity.

Russell's hand was still resting on Aveline's head, and she was holding the cake. This was the scene Lucas walked in on.

A cold gleam flashed through Lucas' eyes as his gaze swept across the room, eventually landing on the bag sitting on the sofa.

Earlier, he had seen Aveline shopping at a men's clothing store in the mall.

He had thought the gift was for him.

But it turned out, she had bought it for Russell.

So, she didn't even realize today was his birthday too.

She knew Russell's and even prepared a gift for him.

Thinking about the quiet hope he'd held in his heart these past few days, Lucas found it utterly laughable. His expression grew colder, though the smile on his face became more pronounced. "Looks like I arrived just in time."

Lucas stepped closer, stopping in front of Russell and Aveline. He glanced at the cake in her hands, picked up a fork, and took a bite. "Not bad."

He gave a nod of approval.

Russell withdrew his hand, his expression calm as he asked, "Mr. Tudor, are you here to celebrate my birthday? What a rare guest."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Today's your birthday? I didn't know. I didn't prepare a gift."

He paused for a moment, then suddenly turned to Aveline with a et gift, it's as good aset smile. But since my wife prepared a preparing one."

BUMS Aveline's hands trembled slightly as she held the cake, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Why was here? What did he want? His cas intentions were clearly not good.

Russell frowned and said, "Mr. Tudor, you two are already divorced. Aveline is here on her own today."

Lucas' lips curved into a faint smile. "Who told you we're divorced?"

Aveline's head snapped up, her eyes locking onto his.

Russell's brow furrowed even deeper. "What are you implying?"

Without a word, Lucas took the cake from Aveline's hands andele tossed it to the floor. Then, he grasped her hand and said calmly, "Exactly what it sounds like He looked down at Aveline, his voice softening. "You already gave him his gift. Let's go home, alright?"

Aveline stared at him in shock. "What do you mean?"

What did he mean by that?

What did he mean by "exactly what it sounds like"?

Lucas watched the confusion on her face, his smile growing wider. "Haven't I made myself clear? Aveline, we're not divorced."

Boom!

It was as if something exploded in her mind.

Not divorced?

Not divorced??

How could they not be divorced?

Lucas tightened his grip on her hand and started to lead her out.

Russell's face also showed a hint of shock. They weren't divorced?

How was that possible?

Chapter 629 Chapter 629 Stepping out of the private room, the cold wind hit Aveline, jolting her back to reality. She abruptly pulled her hand away from Lucas, her eyes filled with confusion and disbelief as she looked at him. "Lucas, what did you mean by what you just said?"

Lucas glanced at his now empty hand, his expression already turning cold. His dark eyes brewed a storm of danger as he looked at the shock and bewilderment on her face. He let out a cold laugh. "Hah, are you really that surprised? I told you, I'm not letting you go."

He reached out, his hand gently brushing her face, relishing the turmoil in her eyes.

"Aveline, the divorce certificate is fake."

Aveline's slender figure swayed violently, and she grabbed his hand, her voice trembling. "Lucas, you're lying, right? You're just playing with me, aren't you?"

She couldn't believe it!

How could the divorce certificate be fake?

How was that even possible?

They had gone to the lawyer's office together, and she had checked the certificate countless times.

How could it be fake?

Lucas looked at her coldly. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"

Aveline's face suddenly drained of color.

He wasn't lying, he wasn't joking, and he wasn't toying with her.

He was telling the truth.

They were never divorced.

"How could you do this?" Aveline looked at him in disbelief, a wave of intense anger surging within her, causing her whole body to tremble uncontrollably. They weren't divorced!

They had never been!

Why? Why would he do this to her?

She had been so close to finding hope, and now, with a single, casual sentence, he had shattered it all.

Tears welled up in Aveline's eyes and began to fall. "Lucas, what... what did I ever do to deserve this from you? You keep playing with me, knowing full well how much this means to me, and yet, you lied to me! You lied to me!"

Her emotions spiraled out of control as she began to hit Lucas, trying to release the overwhelming fury inside her.

But her anger was so small, so insignificant.

In front of Lucas, it didn't stir even the slightest ripple.

He grabbed her wrist, his gaze cold and unfeeling. "Does it hurt? Are you in you're feeling right now is exactly what I've been going through!"

Aveline, every emotione He had waited for her, but what happened?

She went to celebrate Russell's birthday instead!

He had warned her countless times to stay away from Russell, but she never listened!

If it hadn't been for the people he secretly assigned to protect her, those two useless men around Russell wouldn't have been able to keep her safe! And yet, she was blind to all of it!

"You? You think you can feel those emotions?" Aveline laughed coldly as if she had just heard the most ridiculous joke. "Lucas, you're insane-a monster!"

She wrenched her hand free from his grasp and ran straight out!

Insane?

A monster?

Lucas gritted his teeth, his eyes cold as he watched her go.

She had done so much, and he hadn't even confronted her about it, yet she dared to turn the blame on him?

Clearly, he had been far too lenient with her!

Aveline ran out of the Club Nine, into the busy streets outside. But she felt like a lost soul, drifting without purpose. Yes, without purpose.

She had thought that after designing this house, she could leave Cloudflare City and start the life she wanted.

But they weren't divorced!

How could they not be divorced?

Tears streamed down Aveline's face in large, uncontrollable drops. It was as if she was completely detached from everything around her.

Suddenly, the harsh sound of a car horn pierced the air. Before she knew it her body was struck, sent tumbling across the ground, and she lost consciousness almost immediately

Chapter 630 Chapter 630 Aveline felt herself drifting as if she were floating weightlessly in midair. Her body seemed impossibly light, and she was filled with a sense of confusion. What was happening to her?

"Aveline? Aveline?"

A distant voice called out, familiar but too far away for her to recognize.

"Aveline, wake up!"

The voice came again, closer this time.

The confusion on Aveline's face slowly faded as she began to recognize the voice-it was Lucas!

"No, don't come near me!"

Aveline clutched her head tightly, rejecting his approach, refusing to hear his voice. Memories flooded her mind in a chaotic rush, overwhelming her until she burst into tears.

"Ave!"

Suddenly, Selena's voice pierced through the confusion, and Aveline's eyes flew open. Her face was damp with sweat and tears, and the pain in her body started to come alive. "Ave, you're finally awake! You scared me to death!" Selena sobbed, tears streaming down her face as she saw Aveline regain consciousness.

Aveline blinked, trying to move her neck, and then she realized she was wearing something around it.

"Don't move! You were in a car accident, and you've got fractures all over your body. Does it hurt a lot?" Selena quickly said when she saw Aveline trying to sit up.

Aveline stopped moving and opened her mouth, struggling to speak. "I..."

Selena quickly added, "It's just fractures, no other issues. We're so lucky. You really scared me."

Aveline closed her eyes, feeling the pain in her arms, legs, and ribs. Those must be the areas that were injured.

Just then, the door to the hospital room opened, and a tall man walked in.

"You're awake?"

Aveline looked over and saw an unfamiliar face.

The man was young, with a friendly and handsome appearance. His eyes carried a gentle, faint smile as he looked at her.

"And you are...?" Aveline asked, puzzled.

Selena quickly explained, "Ave, he's the one who hit you."

The man, Gernard Cooper, looked at Aveline with a face full of apology "I'm so sorry for hitting you. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to help in anyway I can."

He paused and then took out his business card. "By the way, let me introduce myself. My name is Gernard Cooper."

He placed the business card on the bedside table. "I've hired a caregiver to look after you during this time, and your friend has been by your side the entire time. You'll recover soon."

Aveline closed her eyes for a moment and then asked, "How long... how long have I been unconscious?"

Gernard replied, "Three days."

Three days...

Had it really been that long?

Aveline felt a brief moment of disorientation.

Gernard pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, his gaze carrying a hint of curiosity. "Miss Young, how are you feeling now?"

Aveline responded, "It hurts."

Gernard's expression stiffened slightly, and he said again, "I'm sorry."

Selena quickly interjected, "Ave, is there anything you'd like to eat? I can go get it for you."

Aveline realized she was indeed hungry. "I'd like some soup."

"Alright, I'll go get some for you," Selena said, immediately getting up and leaving.

The room fell silent.

Aveline blinked and said, "The accident wasn't entirely your fault."

At that time, she had just learned about not being divorced from Lucas, and her mind had been in a state of shock and confusion. She hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings, which led to the accident.

In a way, this gentleman had been dragged into the situation because of her.

Gernard was a bit surprised but still replied, "No, it's my fault for not noticing you. What's most important is that you're okay now."