Ch. 631..640

Chapter 631 Chapter 631 Aveline smiled slightly and asked, "Mr. Cooper, you're not from Cloudflare City, are you?"

Gernard looked at her in surprise. "How did you know?"

"You don't quite have the local accent," Aveline replied.

Gernard nodded. "You're right. I'm from Larbor City, here on business."

He studied her face for a moment, then suddenly added, "Just so you know, I'm not trying to flirt, but Miss Young, every time I see you, I feel an inexplicable sense of familiarity." Aveline chuckled softly. "Do I remind you of a long-lost sister?"

Gernard paused, genuinely considering the possibility.

Aveline continued, "Mr. Gernard, if you have other matters to attend to, please don't let me keep you. Now that I'm awake, I'll be fine."

Gernard couldn't come up with an answer because his long-lost sister had already been found.

"Alright, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me." Gernard nodded, leaving his card before standing up to leave.

The room returned to its quiet state.

Aveline closed her eyes, but the pain in her body was too overwhelming to let her relax.

As her mind began to wander, the door opened again.

Thinking Selena had returned, she said, "You're back so quickly?"

But there was no response.

Puzzled, she opened her eyes and saw Lucas standing by her bedside.

Her brows immediately furrowed.

She closed her eyes again, hoping to block him out.

Lucas observed her closely, not missing the coldness in her gaze. He pulled a chair over and sat down, remaining silent for a long while.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense.

Over the past three days, Lucas himself didn't know how he had managed to get through it.

When he first heard that Aveline had been in a car accident and was in a coma, he was stunned, rushing to the hospital only to find her still in critical condition.

He had stayed by her side for those three days, constantly whispering in her ear, begging her to wake up.

Today, he had to return to the company briefly, and the moment he left, she woke up.

He couldn't help but wonder if she had done it on purpose.

But looking at her pale, emaciated face, he found himself unable to say a word.

He had watched the surveillance footage of the accident.

She had wandered onto the road, distracted and lost in thought, and a car had hit her because it couldn't stop in time.

So, part of the blame for the accident rested on him.

Was the fact that they hadn't divorced really that shocking, that unbearable for her?

Lucas wanted to ask, but he realized he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Because he knew the answer would only bring him disappointment.

When Selena returned, she found Lucas sitting by the bed like a statue, completely still.

She pursed her lips. He had been like the Prete matte past few days, and r how much she tried, she t get rid of him.

In fact, he had even thrown her out of the room twice.

This man was utterly insufferable.

"Ave, it's time to eat."

Selena walked over, setting the food she had bought on the table before raising the head of the bed.

Aveline opened her eyes and said, "It smells delicious."

Selena smiled. "It's all your favorites, of course it smells good."

She set up a small tray and arranged the food on it, preparing to feed Aveline.

But suddenly, Lucas reached out and grabbed the utensils from her.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Selena immediately demanded.

Lucas coldly replied, "Leave."

Selena was furious. "What's wrong with you? Ave doesn't even want to see you, so why are you here, forcing yourself on her? Have you no cing shame?"

Her words were harsh, but Lucas remained unmoved, his tone icy as he said, "Either you leave now, or I'll someone throw you out. Your choice."

Chapter 632 Chapter 632 "You!"

Selena glared at him, her anger boiling over, but she couldn't find the words to respond.

He was insufferable to the extreme!

She glanced at Aveline and noticed the slight frown on her face, a sign that she was uncomfortable. Deciding not to escalate the situation further, Selena stepped back, her expression filled with frustration as she watched Lucas.

Lucas brought the spoon to Aveline's lips. She looked at him for a moment, said nothing, and then took a bite.

There was no point in punishing her own body.

Seeing that she didn't refuse, a flicker of emotion passed through Lucas' eyes.

Aveline had just woken up, and she didn't have much appetite. After eating a little, she said, "I'm full."

Lucas then cleared the small table and gently lowered the bed.

"You..."

He started to say something.

But Aveline simply closed her eyes, clearly not interested in talking to him.

Lucas pressed his lips together, his expression darkening, a heavy tension hanging in the air around him.

Selena huffed, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Aveline had let Lucas help without giving him any attention that was exactly how it should be!

...

In the afternoon, Russell also came by.

His brow was deeply furrowed as he gazed at her. "If I had known this would happen, I would never have let you leave that day."

Aveline smiled at him and said, "It's not your fault. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

Russell pressed his lips together before speaking again. "Aveline, I didn't expect things to turn out this way. What do you plan to do next?" Aveline's eyes filled with uncertainty. "I don't know."

She really didn't know.

They weren't divorced.

She and Lucas were still tied together.

Aveline lay in her hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. The future felt like a vast, empty chasm What was she supposed to do next? Continue dragging things out, stuck in a miserable limbo? But what would be the point? She didn't want to see him anymore. She wanted to leave, to be free of him.

Russell, who had been sitting quietly by her side, broke the silence. "Alright, let's not think about all that now. The most important thing is to focus on getting better."

He paused, his expression growing more serious. "Do you know who hit you?"

Aveline frowned slightly, puzzled. "Who?"

"The eldest heir of the Cooper family, the wealthiest family in Larbor City. He's here, apparently, to discuss a collaboration with the Tudor Group." Aveline blinked. "Quite the connection."

Russell nodded. "Yeah, and I also heard that the Coopers might be looking to arrange a marriage with the Tudors. It's surprising-someone like him becoming such a sought-after match."

First, there was the Thompson family, and now the Coopers.

Aveline's face remained impassive. "But since I'm still married to him, no matter who wants to arrange a marriage, it's impossible."

Russell looked at her with concern. "Aveline, you could file for divorce. I can help you."

But Aveline shook her head. "No, I'll handle this myself."

She couldn't keep dragging Russell into her mess. She didn't want to owe him anything more.

Russell seemed to understand her thoughts. He sighed, exasperated. "Why won't you ever listen to me?"

Aveline forced a small smile. "Russ, I'm feeling a bit tired. I'd like to rest."

"Alright, you get some sleep. I'll be going now."

Russell stood up, gave her a reassuring smile, and left the room.

Aveline closed her eyes again, trying to push away the thoughts that brought her nothing but pain and sorrow.

For the next several days, Lucas came to visit three times a day. He would personally feed her breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After feeding her, he would leave, but he would always stay over after dinner.

Aveline had no objections to this routine. Even if she did, he wouldn't listen anyway.

Selena, however, was fuming about the situation.

She started staying with Aveline at night, glaring at Lucas with barely concealed disdain every time he was in the room.

To her, Lucas was someone who didn't deserve even the slightest bit of Aveline's attention.

But Aveline had resigned herself to Lucas's presence, focusing instead on gathering the strength she needed to make a decision about her future.

Chapter 633 Chapter 633 Selena snapped, "Lucas, can you leave? Can't you see no one here wants you around?"

But Lucas ignored her, sitting on the sofa with his laptop. He wore a crisp white shirt, the top button undone, with no tie. His sharp, handsome face remained cold, his brows stern and intense. His long lashes cast shadows over his eyes, hiding the icy chill within them. His fingers tapped away at the keyboard with unwavering focus.

Selena rolled her eyes, then turned to Aveline, handing her a glass of water. "He's absolutely shameless."

Aveline said quietly, "You should go home. The nurse can take care of me."

Selena shook her head. "No way, I'm staying here with you."

After a week, Aveline's condition had improved considerably, though she still needed to be cautious and limit her movements. Healing bones took time, and she had a long road to recovery. Just then, the door opened, and Aaron walked in.

"You look a lot better today than you did yesterday," Aaron remarked as he approached.

Aveline's expression remained neutral. "What brings you here, Mr. Fletcher?"

Aaron nodded and pointed to Selena. "I'm here to see her."

Selena frowned. "There's nothing to discuss between us."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that? Do I need to spell it out?"

Selena hesitated, then glanced at Aveline. "I'll step out for a bit, Ave. I'll be right back."

Aveline nodded. "Alright."

Aaron added, "Take care of yourself. If you need anything, just let him know." He nodded toward Lucas before turning and leaving the room.

Once outside, Selena asked, "What do you want with me?"

Aaron, seeing the frustration on her face, reached out and grabbed her chin. "Can't I look for you without a reason?"

Selena pushed his hand away. "Aaron, are you bored? I've already made myself clear-I don't want to be part of some love triangle. If you're set on getting engaged and forming an alliance through marriage, then stop messing with me. It's not fair to any of us."

Aaron responded, "Why can't I look for you just because I'm getting engaged or forming an alliance through marriage?"

Selena shot back, "Do you really need to ask? I don't want to be the other woman!"

Aaron retorted, "But I'm not engaged yet, and I don't have a girlfriend, so you're not the other woman."

"You!"

Selena was momentarily speechless, but after a pause, sheet finally ,"I still don't want toalet involved with you." Content Belongs to FindNovel.net "Why not?"

Aaron looked at her, stubbornly demanding an answer.

"Why else? Because I don't like you!" Selena replied.

Aaron froze, taken aback. "What? What did you just say?"

Selena rolled her eyes. "If your hearing's bad, go get it checked. We're in a hospital, after all."

With that, she turned to leave.

But Aaron blocked her path, his expression darkening. "You don't like me? Then why did you take a bullet for me?"

"That was just an accident! Who would I want to take a bullet for you? I want to live a long life, thank you very much!" Selena shot back.

Aaron held her tightly, his eyes searching her face as if trying to find any sign that she was lying.

But there was nothing.

She was telling the truth.

She really didn't like him.

She really... didn't like him.

At that moment, Aaron felt a crushing sense of defeat, and frustration boiling up inside him.

Selena frowned. "You're hurting me. Let go!"

Aaron glanced down at her hand, then suddenly said, "It doesn't Manly said, "It doesn't because I'm not after your affection anyway."

Chapter 634 Chapter 634 Selena was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter at Aaron's words, taking in his charming yet mischievous expression.

"Aaron, have you been hanging around Lucas too much? Everything you do seems to be about indulging your twisted pleasures without caring about how others feel. What is it with your circle? Is this some kind of tradition?"

Aaron's gaze darkened as he pulled her closer. "Selena, are you acting so rebellious because you're afraid you might fall for me?"

"That's impossible!" Selena instinctively retorted. "How could I ever like you?"

Aaron's expression grew more serious, but he continued, "If that's the case, then what are you afraid of? Why are you running away? The two of us being together is just about enjoying the moment. Our bodies are in sync, our souls match-what more do we need?"

Selena opened her mouth to argue but found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

He wasn't wrong.

Their physical connection was undeniable, and being with him often brought her a unique pleasure.

Seeing her hesitation, Aaron pressed on, "So, stop overthinking it and just focus on enjoying yourself."

Selena lowered her gaze and replied, "Even so, it should still be mutual. Right now, I'm reluctant to be with you, and I don't want to be forced. Can you respect that? If you can't, then it's just your enjoyment-I won't feel anything."

With a firm tug, she finally freed her hand from his grasp. "So why should I play along with this pointless game?"

Aaron narrowed his eyes. Mutual enjoyment?

How long would he have to wait for that?

Staring at her striking face, Aaron smirked slightly and said, "Selena, is this just an excuse? Are you still planning to leave Cloudflare City, hmm?"

Selena's lashes fluttered slightly as she responded, "With Ave here, I'm not going anywhere."

Besides, what did her staying or leaving have to do with him?

But she didn't dare say that out loud.

She was afraid he'd go crazy and pull something reckless, just like that bastard Lucas.

Aaron stepped closer, his gaze intense as he looked at her. "That's for the best. I can wait, but my patience isn't limitless. Selena, you'd better give me an answer soon."

With that, he walked past her and left without another word.

Selena didn't watch him leave, but her brows furrowed in thought.

What answer was he expecting?

It certainly wasn't a rejection.

What he wanted was her agreement, her willingness to play along with him.

But she didn't want that.

What a hassle.

In the hospital room, the silence was heavy.

Aveline kept her gaze lowered, fully aware of why Aaron had suddenly shown up.

It had to be Lucas who called him to take Selena away.

How typical of him...

Lucas was as cruel as ever.

It wasn't enough for him to keep entangling her-now he was dragging Selena into it, making her relationship with Aaron more complicated by the day.

Aveline closed her eyes and slowly turned away, refusing to look at him.

After finishing his emails, Lucas closed his laptop, stood up, and net headed straight to the bathroom.

ent Moments later, he returned with a basin of water and a towel. He had rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows, then wet the towel, wrung it out and began gently wiping Aveline's body.

He started with her face, then moved to her neck, and then her arms...

Aveline frowned and tried to pull away. "I don't need this."

Chapter 635 Chapter 635 Her tone was cold as she struggled, trying to avoid his touch.

But Lucas firmly grabbed her hand, bringing it up in front of her. "Smell for yourself you stink."

Aveline paused, actually sniffing her hand, but there was no strange odor.

Her clear eyes filled with icy disdain as she glared at him. "I told you, I don't need your help. Even if I smell, that's my own problem."

What did it have to do with him?

Ignoring her protest, Lucas continued wiping her down. "Aveline, you might as well stop resisting, just like before. The result will be the same in the end."

Aveline seethed with anger, her cold gaze fixed on Lucas' face. She let out a bitter laugh. "Pathetic."

With that, she closed her eyes, deciding not to fight him anymore.

If he was determined to do this and she couldn't escape, then so be it. If he wanted to humiliate himself, who was she to stop him?

Lucas' expression darkened, his sharp eyes narrowing as he looked at her for a long moment before continuing to wipe her down.

He even unbuttoned her clothes to clean beneath them, and she didn't resist.

But underneath her clothes, her body was wrapped in bandages, frail and thin. As he finished, the only emotion he felt was a dull, aching pain in his chest. An hour later, Lucas took the basin back to the bathroom.

By then, Aveline was drifting off to sleep.

Suddenly, the covers were pulled back, and a cool breeze swept over her. The familiar scent of Lucas filled the air as he climbed into bed beside her.

Her eyes flew open, and she glared at him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"The sofa's uncomfortable. Your bed is big enough-share it with me," Lucas replied calmly.

"No," Aveline flatly refused.

But Lucas acted as though he hadn't heard her, lying on his side next to her and closing his eyes. Aveline tried to sit up, but the movement pulled at her wounds, and she gasped in pain.

"What do you think you're doing?" Lucas asked, his tone cool but commanding.

Lucas noticed her discomfort and immediately reached out to pull her back down onto the bed.

Aveline winced, her face paling from the pain. "I'm not sharing a bed with you."

Supporting himself on one arm, Lucas looked down at her, his gaze lingering on the disdain and resistance in her eyes.

Suddenly, he leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intense, almost predatory focus.

Aveline's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching as she watched him with wary, wide eyes.

What was he planning?

"Ave."

After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice deep and magnetic. "If I really try to change, could you give me another chance?"

Aveline widened her eyes-she hadn't expected him to say something like that.

Seeing her reaction, Lucas continued, "I admit I was awful before, that I did things that hurt you deeply. But I'll change, I promise I'll never do those things again. Just give me one more chance, alright?"

His tone was low, almost pleading, with a hint of vulnerability that made it even more persuasive.

Aveline's quickly regained her confer thing faltered, but she voice turning cold. "Lucas, pointless. I don't want you anymore."

A flash of crimson fury darkened Lucas' eyes, but he forced himself to A Calm. "It's okay. I'll stay by until you change your mind."

by With that, he stood up and carefully pulled the covers over her before moving to the sofa and lying down.

His tall frame barely fit on the sofa, making him look uncomfortable and cramped.

Aveline closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling as a wave of bitterness and sorrow washed over her.

After everything that had happened, what was the point of saying these things now?

She had stopped loving him a long time ago.

Chapter 636 Chapter 636 In the blink of an eye, Aveline had been in the hospital for half a month. She could now walk but had to take it slow. Her fractured leg needed time to heal properly.

That day, as she was practicing walking, with Selena by her side, the door to the hospital room suddenly opened.

Both women looked up to see Judy entering the room.

Selena's brows furrowed. "What are you doing here?"

Judy was dressed in the latest luxury fashion, her long, curled hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup perfectly applied. She glanced at Aveline, who was wearing a hospital gown and looked pale and weak, and a faint smile appeared on her face.

"I'm here to check on Miss Young."

Selena didn't hold back. "We don't want you here. You can leave."

Lately, rumors of an impending marriage between the Tudor and Thompson families had been spreading like wildfire. Though nothing substantial had come of it, gossip like this had a way of becoming accepted as truth over time.

And considering that Lucas and Aveline were still married, hearing such rumors everywhere was more than just annoying.

Judy shot Selena an irritated glance before turning her attention to Aveline. "How's your recovery going, Miss Young?"

Sweat beaded on Aveline's forehead as she pushed herself to sit back down on the bed. After taking a sip of water, she replied, "Just as you see. Do you have something to say, Miss Thompson?" Judy smiled and said, "I told you, I'm here to check on you. And to give you an invitation-Lucas and I are getting engaged."

She pulled a formal invitation from her bag and handed it to Aveline.

Aveline looked at her coolly and then asked, "When?"

Judy replied, "The details are in the invitation. You must come."

Aveline took the invitation, opened it, and glanced at the date. "The 15th of next month. Nice date."

Selena let out a sarcastic laugh. "Isn't it a bit early to be handing out invitations? Does Lucas know about this?"

Judy replied, "Of course, Lucas knows."

Selena scoffed. "Miss Thompson, aren't you the least bit ashamed of lying? Lucas and Ave are still married, and you think he's just going to get engaged to you? What's this, some kind of twisted game the rich play?"

Judy's grip tightened on her bag as she said, Their divorce is only a matter of time, and my engagement. to Lucas is a done deal. Miss Quin, I suggest you show me some respect, or else..."

"Or else what?" Selena shot back, her tone dripping with disdain. "You come from a wealthy family, yet. here you are, so eager to play the role of the mistress. Do your family members know what you're doing?"

"You!"

Judy was taken aback, clearly not expecting Selena to be so combative.

She glanced at Aveline, who remained calm and unbothered. But in Judy's eyes, it seemed like Aveline was just enjoying the show, mocking her silently.

With a cold huff, Judy turned and stormed out of the room.

The moment she stepped out, her expression darkened.

They really hadn't divorced!

Why?

Why hadn't they divorced?

Hadn't they already gone to the lawyer's office?

They had even announced to their social circle that the divorce was finalized!

Judy had come today to confirm this rumor herself.

She certainly wouldn't settle for being the mistress!

Lucas had to divorce Aveline!

Fuming, Judy left the hospital and immediately pulled out her phone, dialing a number.

"Mrs. Tudor, what's going on? Why haven't Lucas and Aveline divorced yet?"

Yvonne was momentarily stunned when she heard this. "They weren't divorced?"

Chapter 637 Chapter 637 "Yes, Mrs. Tudor, didn't you know about this? None of you were aware?" Judy pressed, hearing the confusion in Yvonne's voice.

Yvonne responded, "We truly didn't know, Judy. Don't worry, let me look into this."

Judy's tone was sharp. "Mrs. Tudor, how could you start discussing an engagement with our family without getting your facts straight? This is incredibly irresponsible! Do you want me to be labeled as Lucas' mistress?"

Yvonne quickly tried to soothe her. "Judy, we had no such intention. Lucas did show us the divorce certificate-who could have imagined it was fake? Rest assured, we'll get to the bottom of this and provide you with a satisfactory explanation."

Judy's tone eased a bit. "It better be, because if my father hears about this, he could very well call off the deal with the Tudor Group."

Yvonne replied, "Judy, we'll definitely sort this out. Let me find out what's going on."

"Alright."

Judy hung up, a cold expression settling on her face.

Lucas had played her, and the Tudor family had nearly dragged her into being the mistress. She wasn't going to let this slide!

This mess needed to be addressed, and the Tudor family would have to give her a proper explanation!

At the Tudor family's main estate, in the study.

Frederick's face darkened as he listened to Yvonne's recounting of the situation.

"Bang!"

He slammed the file he was holding onto the desk, his expression growing even more severe. "That ungrateful son of mine! How dare he pull something like this? How dare he lie to us!"

Yvonne's brows furrowed as well. "Exactly. Divorce is no small matter-how could he treat it so recklessly? Thankfully, we hadn't advanced too far in our negotiations with the Thompson family. Imagine the disgrace if we found out later that he hadn't actually divorced."

Frederick pulled out his phone and dialed Lucas' number. It rang for a long time before he finally answered.

"What is it?" Lucas's voice was cool and distant.

le Frederick struggled to contain his anger. "You've got the nerve to ask what it's about? I want to know what's going on with you and Aveline. Why aren't you two divorced?"

Lucas' tone remained indifferent. "We didn't divorce, and that's that. There's no reason."

Frederick shot up from his seat. "Lucas, are you deliberately ignoring me? Do you really think that just because you control DK Group, you're untouchable? Let me make this clear: you either divorce Aveline immediately, or I'll use my authority as the chairman of the Tudor Group to wage war against you!"

"Oh?" Lucas's voice grew even more nonchalant. "Then I'm ready for the fight."

With that, he hung up the phone.

"That ungrateful son of mine!" Frederick's face twisted in fury as he began making calls, issuing orders to launch an assault on DK Group.

Yvonne watched from the side, her worry evident. "Frederick, isn't this a bit too much?"

Frederick scoffed, "The only regret I have is not doing this sooner! If I had taken action the first time he defied me, things wouldn't have come to this." Seeing his determination, Yvonne lowered her gaze, choosing not to say anything further.

Meanwhile, at DK Group.

Desmond hurried into the CEO's office, his expression serious. "Mr. Tudor, we just received word that the Tudor Group has started to move against us. They're undercutting our prices to steal our partners, and someone has begun buying up shares from our shareholders."

Lucas' expression remained calm. "I'm aware."

Desmond frowned. "Mr. Tudor, shouldn't we be doing something about this?"

There wasn't the slightest trace of panic on Lucas' face. "No rush."

Chapter 638 Chapter 638 Desmond, seeing Lucas' calm demeanor, decided not to push further. It was clear that Lucas had anticipated this move and likely had a plan in place. With that, Desmond turned and left the office. Lucas paused in his work, his handsome, sharp features remaining as cool and indifferent as ever. But his deep, dark eyes now held a hint of something more profound.

At the hospital.

Selena tossed the invitation straight into the trash can, her expression filled with disgust. "What bad luck. Why can't Lucas ever do things properly? He hasn't even divorced yet, and he's already looking for his next target. It's just so off-putting."

Aveline's expression remained neutral. "It's not the first time he's been this low."

Selena sighed as she pulled a chair up to the bedside, her expression troubled. "I just don't get it-why doesn't he just agree to the divorce? There's nothing left between you two, so what's the point of dragging this out?"

Aveline's mind drifted for a moment.

She thought of the things Lucas had said.

He said he would change.

He asked her to give him another chance.

He didn't want to let go of this already shattered relationship.

But Selena was right-what was the point of this endless entanglement?

Aveline spoke softly, "Help me lie down. I want to sleep for a bit."

"Okay."

Selena nodded, helping her settle back into the bed.

Aveline closed her eyes, the earlier physical exertion having drained her. She quickly fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke again, she overheard hushed voices in the room.

"Russ, are you serious? The Tudor Group is actually targeting DK Group? Is this really a family feud?" Even with her voice lowered, Selena couldn't hide the excitement in her tone.

Russell nodded. "That's the information I've received. As for why this is happening, it's still unclear."

"That's fantastic!" Selena exclaimed, slapping her thigh with satisfaction. "I hope they drive Lucas into bankruptcy. If he's too busy trying to save his company, he won't have the time or energy to harass Ave anymore."

Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike her, and her eyes lit up as she looked at Russell. "Russ, isn't the Skyler family a competitor of DK Group? This is the perfect opportunity for you to step in and crush him so he can never recover!"

Russell chuckled softly, a bit amused. "It's not as simple as that. Other companies are watching and waiting, What if this is all a setup by the Tudor family? Anyone who gets in could be walking right into a and the outcome could be unpredictable."

Selena considered his words and nodded. "You're right. The Tudors aren't exactly known for playing fair."

"Ahem... What are you two talking about?" Aveline's voice cut in as she opened her eyes and looked over at them.

Russell walked over to her. "Did we wake you?"

Aveline shook her head. "No, I just woke up on my own. What were you discussing?"

Russell replied, "There's been some trouble within the Tudor family today. The Tudor Group has started a full-scale attack on DK Group." Aveline paused for a moment, taking in the news. "Oh."

Russell watched her carefully, noting that she didn't seem anxious or worried. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes.

"Lucas likely isn't a match for his father," Russell continued, picking up jet an apple and beginning to peel it. "The Tudor Group has much deeper roots than DK Group. If this internal conflict escalates, Lucas is likely to lose."

As he peeled the apple, he kept a close eye on Aveline's expression, curious to see her reaction

Chapter 639 Chapter 639 Aveline nodded slightly. "Yes, he's really crossed the line. As the heir to the Tudor family, if he refuses to follow orders, then he's not a worthy successor."

Selena frowned in confusion. "Ave, what do you mean by that?"

Aveline glanced at her and said, "I mean, he deserves what's coming to him."

Selena couldn't help but burst out laughing. "You're absolutely right-he totally deserves it!"

Russell, who had been calmly peeling an apple, finished and handed it to Aveline.

"Thanks," she said, taking the apple.

Russell wiped the knife clean with a tissue and placed it aside, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "You know, now might be the perfect time to file for divorce. Lucas is stretched thin, so he wouldn't have the energy to fight you. I'll help you, and I guarantee you'll get the divorce."

Aveline took a bite of the apple, the sweet and tart juices bursting in her mouth. Her expression remained calm as she replied, "Wouldn't the lawyer fees be expensive?"

Russell's smile widened. "Not at all. I can refer you to someone who'll give you a discount."

Aveline responded, "I'll think about it."

Selena, growing impatient, urged, "What's there to think about? This is the perfect chance! If you hesitate, that jerk Lucas might bounce back."

Aveline couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Russell, however, added, "It's true, he might manage to recover."

Aveline lowered her gaze slightly, taking another bite of the apple. "Alright, Russ. Go ahead and make the arrangements."

"That's the spirit!" Selena cheered, visibly excited.

Russell nodded. "Alright."

He didn't say much more, but his eyes held a serious, almost solemn look as he gazed at Aveline, as if making a silent promise to her. Aveline quietly finished the apple, lost in thought.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Ave."

Maria walked in, carrying some things. Noticing that Aveline looked much better than before, she smiled and said, "You're recovering well."

Following behind her was Sidney, holding a bouquet of flowers. He handed them to Aveline with a warm smile. "Wishing you a speedy recovery."

Aveline accepted the flowers, her lips curving into a slight smile. "Thank you. How did you find out?"

It had been nearly twenty days since her car accident, and no one else knew. During this time, she had only taken leave, telling them she had personal matters to attend to without mentioning the accident.

Maria gave her a reproachful look. "How could you ask how we found out? Why didn't you tell me about something this serious? I might be your boss, but we're friends first, aren't we?"

Sidney added, "You should have told us sooner, Aveline."

When Sidney heard from Maria today that Aveline had been in a car accident and was hospitalized, his heart felt like it was being squeezed, making it hard to breathe.

Aveline gave them both a pleading look. "Forgive me, you two. I just didn't want to worry you. I'm sorry, okay?"

Maria huffed, "Alright, I'll let it slide since you're a patient right now."

Sidney's expression softened, and he asked, "How are you feeling now?"

Aveline sighed with relief. "Much better."

"That's good." Sidney's gaze lingered on her face, unwilling to look away.

Selena, watching from the side, suddenly leaned in and whispered to Aveline, "Why do I feel like there's a bit of a love triangle brewing here?"

Chapter 640 Chapter 640 "Hmm?" Aveline looked at Selena with a puzzled expression.

Selena just chuckled mischievously. "I'll tell you later. It's not the right time now."

Aveline sighed internally, wondering what had gotten Selena so excited this time.

Maria lifted the bag she had brought and handed it to Aveline. "These are some supplements to help you recover. You need to take them every day. By the time you're discharged, you'll be a healthy, glowing beauty."

Aveline imagined herself gaining weight and winced slightly. "I... don't really want to get fat."

Maria laughed heartily. "Don't worry, I was just teasing. You won't get fat, but you do need to take these regularly, okay?"

Aveline nodded. "Alright, I will. Thank you for looking out for me, boss."

Maria playfully rolled her eyes and then asked, "When I came in, you all seemed to be having a lively conversation. What were you talking about? Share it with me so I can join in the fun." Selena spoke up, "Our Ave is filing for divorce."

"Hmm?" Maria was taken aback. "I thought you were already divorced?"

Selena explained the situation, recounting what had happened and concluding with, "That scumbag actually tricked our Ave with a fake divorce certificate. It's outrageous!"

Maria's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. "I can't believe something like this happened."

Aveline nodded. "Yes."

Sidney's brows furrowed in concern. "How could he treat you like that?"

His gaze softened as he looked at Aveline, clearly pained by what she had endured.

Maria turned to Russell. "How confident are you about the divorce case?"

Russell replied, "I'll hire the best divorce lawyer in the industry to help her."

Maria glanced at him, then smiled. "Ave, you're lucky to have a friend like Russell who's willing to go to such lengths for you."

Aveline said calmly, "Whether it works out or not, I have to try."

Maria nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. A man like that is no better than trash. You don't need him in your life!"

After chatting for a while, Maria stood up to leave.

Sidney serio walked over, his expression serious as he looked at Aveline, there's anything you need me to don't hesitate to ask." meet Content Aveline smiled gently. "Alright, if I need your help, I'll definitely let you know."

Sidney's eyes lit up with hope. "Good, take care and get some rest. I'll leave you to it." "Take care," Aveline replied.

As she watched him leave, she turned back to find Selena giving her a teasing smile.

"What's with that look?" Aveline asked.

Selena shook her head with a smirk before changing the subject. "Are you hungry? What do you want for dinner?" "I'm not sure. You decide," Aveline said.

"Got it. I'll take care of it," Selena replied, then looked at Russell.

"Russ, I'm going to get dinner.net You stay here with Ave."

"Sure," Russell agreed with a nod.

Selena quickly left the room.

Russell watched her go before turning to Aveline. "How's Sidney's mother doing now?"

Aveline replied, "She's out of immediate danger, but her condition keeps worsening."

Russell nodded thoughtfully. "She needs plenty of rest and care. You should encourage him to spend more time with her."

Aveline caught the underlying tone in his words and nodded. "I will."

Just then, Russell's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his glanced at t expression flickering for a mol.net before he answered. "Hellapot A tearful voice came through the line. "Russ, please help me!"

It was Rina, her voice trembling with distress.