Ch. 641..650

Chapter 641 Chapter 641 Russell's expression remained calm as he asked, "What's going on?"

Rina's sobs became more pronounced. "My parents are trying to force me to meet with the Fletcher family to discuss an arranged marriage. I don't want it-I don't like Aaron, and I don't want to marry him. Russ, please come get me!"

Russell maintained his casual demeanor. "And how exactly am I supposed to get you out of there?"

Rina cried even harder. "Russ, please, by any means necessary. Just get me out of here. I don't want to marry Aaron-I don't like him!"

Russell lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of emotion in his eyes. After a brief pause, he finally responded, "Alright, send me your location." "Okay!"

The call ended.

Russell looked up at Aveline. "I have to go. Something came up."

Aveline nodded. "Alright."

Russell stood up and moved closer to her as if he wanted to say something more. But Aveline instinctively leaned back, putting a bit of distance between them. "What is it?" she asked, confused by his behavior.

Her subtle, instinctive retreat deepened the shadow in Russell's eyes, though he managed a small smile. He reached out and gently patted her head. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you get that divorce." A faint, unfamiliar feeling stirred in Aveline's heart.

She nodded. "Okay."

Russell then left the room, and Aveline let out a quiet breath of relief. For a moment, she had thought Russell was going to do something, but thankfully, he hadn't.

When Selena returned, only Aveline and the nurse were in the room.

She looked around, puzzled. "Where's Russ?"

"He had to leave. Something came up," Aveline replied.

"Oh," Selena said with a hint of disappointment. "I bought dinner for three, and now we're one short."

Aveline chuckled and glanced at the nurse. "Let's invite Mrs. Zhang to join us."

"That works," Selena agreed, nodding as she called the nurse over to eat with them.

As evening settled in and the sun sank beneath the horizon, the final glimmers of vibrant orange faded from the sky. Aveline stood by the window, carefully testing the strength in her leg, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead.

Just as she was about to lose her balance, a strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, effortlessly lifting her and placing her back on the bed.

Lucas' voice was cold and firm. "Your body isn't ready for this level of activity. You need to take it slow and ease into it."

Aveline frowned. "I don't need your help."

Lucas stared at her, his gaze intense. "You're planning to file for divorce?"

Aveline instinctively looked at him. "How did you know?"

His expression darkened. "So, it's true."

Aveline didn't hesitate. "That's right I'm filing for divorce. I don't want to continue this relationship, and m done with this endless cycle of conflict. It's pointless."

She braced herself, expecting Lucas to react harshly. But to her surprise, he remained silent.

When she finally looked at him, he simply said, "Alright."

Aveline's eyes widened in shock. Did he just agree?

"But we need to wait a bit," Lucas added, his gaze steady and serious. "You know what's happening with the Tudor family. If news gets out that I'm being sued for divorce right now, it'll put me at a serious Sve disadvantage. Aveline, can you hold off for a little while?"

"No way!"

Selena's voice rang out as she rushed over, pushing Lucas aside and positioning herself protectively in front of Aveline. She glared at him coldly. "Why should we think about your needs? Did you ever consider what's best for Ave? You've had it easy for too long-do you have any shame at all?"

Chapter 642 Chapter 642 Seeing Selena's fierce defiance, Lucas' expression darkened even further, a coldness radiating from him as he spoke. "Leave."

He uttered the word with icy detachment, his entire presence exuding an intimidating chill.

Selena's body trembled slightly, her confidence wavering. She was just an ordinary person-how could she stand up to someone like Lucas? If he wanted to crush her, it would be as easy as swatting a fly.

But she couldn't back down.

She had to protect Aveline.

Taking a deep breath, Selena steadied herself. "Lucas, let's set aside all the pain you've caused Ave for now and focus on the divorce. Why did you deceive her? Do you even love her?"

Lucas' expression grew even darker, his eyes glinting with cold malice as he looked at her. "What happens between Ave and me is none of your business."

"It is my business!" Selena shot back, her eyes blazing with anger. "Because of you, she's unhappy, she's not the vibrant, cheerful person she used to be. What have you done to her? Do you even remember how she was when you first met her? You've lost the Aveline who was full of life and joy!"

"Selena..." Aveline tugged at Selena's sleeve, signaling her to stop confronting Lucas.

She knew he wouldn't listen to any of this. He didn't even understand what love was.

Selena glanced back at Aveline and smiled reassuringly. "I've been wanting to say this for a long time. Now that it's out, I feel a lot better."

Aveline felt a warmth spread through her heart. She didn't have family, but Selena was more than just a friend-she was like family. No matter what happened, Selena was always by her side. Lucas' gaze remained cold as he stared at Selena, the tension in the room thickening.

Selena's voice softened slightly as she continued, "Lucas, let Ave go. I'm really afraid that one day something will happen to her. I don't care if you regret it or not-I just want Ave to be safe." "Are you done?" Lucas' deep voice was void of emotion.

Selena's brow furrowed. "You-"

Lucas' icy gaze bore into her. "If you're finished, can you leave now?"

"You...!"

Selena stared at him in shock.

So, after all that she said, he didn't listen to a single word, did he? This man-Selena felt like she could just stab him and be done with it!

A flash of resignation and bitterness passed through Aveline's eyes as she turned to Selena. "You should go for now. I'll talk to him."

Selena huffed, "What's there to talk about? Delaying the lawsuit isn't an option. We should file it right away!"

Aveline nodded. "I know. I'll handle it."

། Selena gave her a long, conflicted look before finally relenting. "Alright, but I'll be right outside. If anythin?!

happens, you just shout, and I'll come in and protect you."

Aveline nodded again. "I will."

With that, Selena reluctantly left room, turning back three times before she reached the door. Jast before closing it, she shot Lucas one last fierce glare.

Lucas's gaze remained fixed on Aveline.

"I'm not going to delay this," Aveline said firmly: "Selena is right-you've never considered my feelings, so why should I consider yours? Whatever happens to you has nothing to do with me."

Her words felt like a blade slicing through Lucas' chest, the pain so intense it left him stunned. It was a kind of pain he hadn't felt before.

No, that wasn't true-he had felt it once before. When he had watched Leo die right in front of him, he had felt this exact same agony.

What was this feeling? He recognized it now-it was that unbearable kind of pain.

Lucas took a step closer, his hand landing on her shoulder.

Chapter 643 Chapter 643 Aveline's body immediately tensed, her gaze wary as she looked at Lucas.

His eyes were intense as he stared at her, his voice low. "Aveline, do you really not care anymore?"

She couldn't help but find it absurd. "Lucas, what are you doing?"

He took her hand and placed it against his chest, his handsome face tinged with confusion. "Why do your words hurt me so much? Especially here-it's like there's this deep pain."

Aveline's fingers twitched as she pulled her hand away forcefully. "Lucas, there's no need to tell me this. I don't care..."

"No," Lucas interrupted, his voice firm. "You do care. You used to love me, you..."

"You said it yourself I used to love you." Aveline's voice was steady, her gaze devoid of any warmth.

There was a time when just looking at his face would make her heart flutter, when she'd feel the urge to reach out and touch him, to kiss him. But somewhere along the way, those feelings had vanished. Now, all she felt was cold detachment.

The love was gone.

The care had disappeared.

And he no longer mattered.

Lucas finally understood-she truly didn't love him anymore.

Could love really be something that could just fade away?

His lips pressed into a thin line, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly as he swallowed. His eyes darkened, a storm of emotions swirling within, only to be quickly suppressed.

"Have I been too harsh? But Aveline, I don't want to divorce you," he admitted, his tone surprisingly calm.

The usual coldness and dominance were absent from his voice. Instead, he spoke with an almost friendly tone, revealing what was in his heart. He had never expressed these feelings before, but now he understood that if he didn't, he might never get the chance.

Aveline's lashes fluttered, and after a moment, she softly responded, "Let's divorce. There's nothing left between us..."

"I refuse."

His voice turned colder as if the old, domineering Lucas had returned "Aveline, I won't agree to a divorce. As long as I refuse, even if I die, we won't be divorced."

In his eyes, there was a glimpse of something dark and obsessive, bordering on madness.

Lucas kept his gaze fixed on her. "I know you brought Russell into this. If anything goes wrong, don't hold me responsible." Aveline's brow furrowed. "What are you implying?"

He held her hand, feeling her reluctance, and though it pained him deeply, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out to her.

"No one can keep us apart. Anyone who tries I won't let them off." His voice was steady, each word deliberate as he looked her invelhe eyes.

Aveline stared back at him, speechless for a moment. After long pause, she finally spoke. "You're determined to stay together? Even if I don't love you?"

"Yes," Lucas replied, unwavering. "Even if you don't love me."

Aveline closed her eyes briefly, a wave of resignation washing over her. So, there really was no escaping this?

It left her at a loss for words.

Just then, the door to the room suddenly opened.

Aveline quickly composed herself and turned to see Gernard stepping inside.

"Mr. Cooper?" Aveline was surprised. "What brings you here?"

Gernard smiled gently. "I finished work and thought I'd drop by to check on you. You don't look too well is something bothering you?"

His gaze shifted to Lucas, and the warmth in his smile faded slightly. "Mr. Tudor, I'm surprised you have the time to be here."

Lucas shot him a cold glance. "And what does my being here have to do with you?"

Chapter 644 Chapter 644 The smile on Gernard's face faded further as he looked at Lucas with a noticeable shift in his demeanor.

"Mr. Tudor, isn't it irresponsible to be so indecisive? You let rumors of your divorce spread, yet you didn't go through with it. Now, there's talk of an alliance through marriage between the Tudor and Thompson families, and somehow, my family has been dragged into this mess as well. What exactly are you playing at?"

Lucas let out a cold laugh. "You believed the divorce rumors just because I said so? What's next, if I claimed to be a god, would you believe that too?"

Gernard's expression darkened.

Aveline, puzzled, asked, "What do you mean, your family got dragged into this?"

Lucas responded, "Since I'm supposedly single, both the Thompsons and the Coopers are trying to marry me off. Isn't it hilarious? It's as if every other man in the world has disappeared." Aveline was speechless.

She knew about his engagement to Judy, but they wanted him to get engaged with the Cooper family's heiress too?

She hadn't been aware of that.

"Lucas, I suggest you choose your words carefully," Gernard warned, his voice low. "Given your current situation, dealing with threats on all sides, can you really afford to make another enemy?" Lucas gave him a dismissive glance. "Taking you on is still well within my capabilities."

Gernard let out a mirthless laugh. "Such arrogance! I'd love to see how you plan to handle things when it all falls apart."

The tension in the room was palpable, and Aveline felt like she was caught in the middle of a battlefield. She hesitated before saying, "Um... if you two need to talk, why not take it outside? I'd like to rest." Lucas spoke up immediately. "Did you hear that? She wants to rest. And you, the one responsible for her accident, have the nerve to come here and provoke me?"

"You" Gernard hadn't expected such bluntness from Lucas, and his face flushed with anger.

But Aveline interjected, "Lucas, could you be a little more polite? The car accident wasn't entirely Mr. Cooper's fault."

Lucas replied curtly, "And it wasn't your fault either."

Sensing the tension between them, Gernard turned to Aveline and said, "Miss Young, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. That offer stands anytime."

His words carried the implicit message that if she found herself dealing with difficult people, he was more than willing to step in and help.

For reasons he couldn't quite pinpoint, Gerard found himself increasingly irritated by Lucas' persistent presence around Aveline. It wasn't jealousy over Aveline it was more a sense of indignation that Lucas had no right to mistreat her.

Aveline nodded slightly. "I understand. Thank you, Mr. Cooper."

Then, turning to Lucas, she said, "I've made myself clear. Since neither of us is willing to compromise, then let's just carry on like this."

If no one could find peace, then so be it. She had already resigned herself to this downward spiral.

Lucas studied her intently, saying nothing, but also showing no sign of leaving.

The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense.

Gernard had come intending to confront Lucas and get some answers, but instead, he found himself on the receiving end of Lucas' sharp words. Frustrated, he turned and left the room, his expression dark.

Outside the room, Selena had witnessed the entire exchange. She couldn't help but marvel at Lucas's relentless combativeness-no one seemed able to get the better of him, the fact that she had managed to hold her ground so far made her wonder if it was only because of Aveline's influence.

Selena let out a deep sigh, at a loss for words. Lucas might refrain from picking fights with her out of respect for Aveline, but when it came to Aveline herself, he just couldn't manage to treat her well

Chapter 645 Chapter 645 Inside the hospital room, Aveline paid no further attention to Lucas. She simply lay down and closed her eyes, shutting him out.

Lucas stared at her for a long moment before finally speaking. "Aveline, you're the one insisting on this divorce. If something happens to me because of it, I'll hold you responsible."

Aveline opened her eyes and looked at him, thinking he was being ridiculous. "What are you talking about? If you just divorce me quietly, what could possibly go wrong?" Lucas replied flatly, "Because I don't want to."

Aveline was speechless. So, if something went wrong after she pushed for the divorce, he would just blame her for it? This man was as unreasonable as ever.

...

In the days that followed, Sidney visited Aveline every day, always bringing snacks or fruit. Another week passed, and the news was filled with reports that DK Group was facing severe financial difficulties, with large numbers of employees leaving the company-a clear sign of impending bankruptcy.

The Tudor Group's relentless pressure on DK Group had reached a fever pitch as if they wouldn't stop until the company was utterly destroyed. This didn't resemble a typical father-son conflict.

"Aveline."

Sidney's voice interrupted her thoughts as he walked in, carrying a bowl of yogurt and fruit salad he had prepared himself. "Try this; it's really good."

He placed the bowl in front of her.

Aveline smiled wryly. "If I keep eating like this, I might actually become a bit chubby by the time I'm discharged."

Sidney chuckled softly. "A little weight would suit you."

Aveline shook her head with mock horror. "No way, I don't want to get fat."

His eyes twinkled with amusement. "Don't worry, it's just fruit-it won't make you gain weight."

Unable to refuse, Aveline accepted the bowl.

Noticing her attention on the news, Sidney asked, "Are you keeping up with what's happening to DK Group?"

Aveline replied, "Not really. The TV was on, and it was just being reported."

Sidney nodded. "This whole situation has become a major issue. Hasn't Lucas been absent for several days now?"

"Yes," Aveline confirmed with a nod. "And I'm perfectly fine with that."

Aveline had enjoyed a few rare days of peace and quiet, relishing the break from all the chaos.

Sidney looked up and studied her carefully. "Aveline, seeing him being targeted like this, are you really not worried at all?"

Aveline paused for a moment before replying, "No, I'm not worried."

Sidney observed her intently for a while longer, then said, "That's good. At least it means you've moved on."

Aveline didn't respond further, falling silent instead.

Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen-it was the lawyer Russell had introduced to her. "Hello, Mr. Campbell," she answered.

"Ms. Young," Myron Campbell said, "I've We're ready to docuered all the necessary lawsuit whenever you are Aveline slowed her movements, contemplating for a moment before she said, "Go ahead and file it."

"Understood."

With that, Myron hung up.

Aveline had entrusted the entire process to Myron, only needing to make appearances at specific times. It was a load off her mind.

Meanwhile, Lucas had become a trending topic with every move he made closely scrutinized. The moment news broke that he was being sued for divorce, it sparked widespread attention. As a result, DK Group's stock price plummeted further, and the company seemed on the verge of collapse.

This was a devastating blow to DK Group.

On Aveline's side, however, the mood was jubilant.

Selena was overjoyed, cursing Lucas to go bankrupt sooner with every passing day. She even brought a fresh bouquet of flowers to the hospital room daily.

Aveline was about to speak, feeling a bit at a loss, when the door suddenly opened, and Yvonne stepped inside.

Chapter 646 Chapter 646 "You're looking much better, Aveline," Yvonne remarked as she walked in, a warm smile on her face. Dressed in a high-end designer suit, she exuded an air of elegance and luxury.

Aveline was slightly taken aback by her visit and paused before asking, "Is there something you needed, Mrs. Tudor?"

Yvonne pulled a chair over and sat at the edge of the bed, her smile radiating warmth. "You've probably heard about what's been happening with Lucas."

Aveline nodded slightly. "Yes."

Yvonne sighed. "I never imagined things would escalate like this between him and his father. But when it comes down to it, it's all because Lucas refuses to divorce you. If he had just complied, none of this would be happening."

Aveline's expression remained neutral. "So, what exactly did you come here to discuss?"

It wasn't as if the Tudor family was unaware of the situation between her and Lucas. She wasn't the one clinging to the marriage; it was Lucas who refused to let go. If Yvonne was here to talk about that, then she was addressing the wrong person-Aveline couldn't control what Lucas decided.

Yvonne's smile softened even more. "I understand that you've wanted a divorce all along and that you no longer love Lucas. I happen to know a way that could help you finally break free from this situation."

Aveline looked at her with a hint of curiosity. "What way?"

Yvonne glanced at Selena, hesitating.

Catching on, Selena said, "I'll go out and buy some fruit."

"Alright," Aveline agreed with a nod.

Once Selena had left, Yvonne leaned in slightly and spoke, "If you act decisively and without hesitation, Lucas won't continue to hold on to you. My suggestion might be a bit extreme, but it has more than a fifty percent chance of success."

Aveline's brow furrowed in curiosity. "Please, just tell me."

Yvonne studied Aveline for a moment before suddenly asking, "Aveline, your life was peaceful before Lucas came into it. Ever since you met him, you've faced all this turmoil. Have you ever felt an intense hatred for him?"

Hatred?

Aveline thought about it carefully, then shook her head. "No."

Yvonne frowned at her response. "How could you not? After everything he's done to hurt you, you should hate him-you should want to see him suffer."

Her gaze grew more intense, almost pressuring Aveline as she spoke with a hint of persuasion in her voice.

"Aveline, think about it. If it weren't for his constant meddling, your life would have remained peaceful. You wouldn't have been hurt or targeted by others. Do you know why Darren tried to kill you? It's because he originally wanted to kill Lucas, but when he saw you, he realized you were Lucas' weakness. That's why you became the target. You should hate him for that."

For a moment, Aveline felt her thoughts waver.

It was true. If it weren't for Lucas, she wouldn't have gone through all this suffering. Without him in her life, she would be free, happy, and not burdened by this suffocating weight... Shouldn't she hate him?

She had to hate him, right?

Memories of everything that had happened began to flood her mind. Aveline felt a surge of anger and frustration welling up inside, twisting her emotions into a tight, painful knot.

Seeing the struggle and pain on Aveline's face, Yvonne pressed on, "Even now, he refuses to let you go. You don't love him anymore, but he still won't release you. That's why you need to take revenge on him!"

Chapter 647 Chapter 647 "How do I take revenge?" Aveline asked, her gaze distant as she stared at Yvonne.

Yvonne's lips curled into a faint smile. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small plastic bag containing a single pill. Handing it to Aveline, she said, "All you have to do is get him to take this, and everything you're enduring now will come to an end. You'll be free."

Aveline stared at the bag for a long moment before finally taking it. She looked down at the pill, her voice steady as she asked, "What will happen to Lucas if he takes this?"

Yvonne smiled softly. "He'll just fall into a coma for a while. It won't kill him, and you won't have to worry about facing any legal consequences."

Aveline remained silent, clutching the pill tightly in her hand.

Yvonne watched her with a gentle sigh, her expression almost pitying. "You're such a good girl. If Lucas hadn't been so fixated on you, you wouldn't be in this position." Aveline closed her eyes, her thoughts swirling.

Seeing this, Yvonne said, "Get some rest. I won't disturb you any longer."

With that, she turned and left the room.

The sound of the door closing echoed in the room. Aveline opened her eyes, staring down at the pill in her hand. A bitter smile played on her lips.

She picked up her phone and dialed Lucas' number.

"Hello?" His deep, familiar voice quickly came through the line.

"Will you divorce me?" Aveline asked, her tone calm.

Lucas' voice grew colder. "Aveline, I've already told you, I won't divorce you."

Aveline's gaze lingered on the pill as she asked, "Even if it means one day I might kill you, you still won't let go?"

His voice was firm. "If that's what it takes, then go ahead and kill me. My life is yours."

Aveline's lashes fluttered as she abruptly ended the call. Without hesitation, she walked into the bathroom, dropped the pill into the toilet, and watched as the water flushed it away. Her expression remained emotionless as she returned to her room.

When Selena returned, she looked puzzled. "What did Mrs. Tudor say to you?"

Aveline shook her head. "Nothing much, really. She just came to check on me, but the solution she offered won't help with my situation."

Selena could sense something was off, but seeing that Aveline didn't want to elaborate, she decided not to press further.

"It's fine. The divorce has already been filed, so now we just wait for the court date. Since you two don't have any children or property disputes, and your intention is clear, the court should grant the divorce." Aveline stared out the window, her emotions a tangled mess. She had a feeling things wouldn't be as straightforward as Selena suggested.

After a month in the hospital, Aveline's walking had improved, though she still moved slowly. The doctor recommended continuing her recovery at home, and Aveller to leave the hospital, agreed made arrangements to be, discharged.

On the day of her discharge, Gernard arrived.

He looked at Aveline and asked, "Are you sure you don't want to stay a bit longer? The hospital can monitor your condition more closely."

Aveline smiled and shook her head. "It's too stifling here, and it's not convenient. I'll be more comfortable at home, and the doctor said it might actually help with my recovery."

Gernard nodded, not pushing the issue. "That makes sense. The nurse will continue to care for you until you're fully recovered. Is there anything else you need?"

Aveline shook her head again. "No, that's all. Thank you, Mr. Cooper."

Gernard smiled warmly. "You don't have to be so formal with me. I've already told you, I feel a certain closeness, whenever I see you. If ̧ you're open to it, I'd like to be friends. Why don't we exchange contact information? That way, you can reach out to me directly if you ever need anything."

Chapter 648 Chapter 648 "Sure." Aveline nodded, taking out her phone to add Gernard as a contact.

The caregiver had almost finished packing up, and Selena returned after completing the discharge procedures.

"Mr. Cooper, you're here too," Selena said with a slight smile as she noticed him, then asked, "Would you like to join us for a walk?"

Gernard looked at Aveline. "Is that alright?"

Aveline smiled back. "Of course, you're always welcome at my place."

Gernard's smile deepened. "Then I'll take you up on that offer."

The group left the hospital together.

Upon arriving at Maple Garden, Gernard couldn't help but praise the place, "The environment here is lovely, much better than being stuck in the hospital."

Aveline nodded. "Yes, it is."

Back home, the caregiver familiarized herself with the surroundings, while Selena helped Aveline settle on the sofa.

Gernard stood on the balcony for a while before turning around and saying, "One caregiver might not be enough. How about this: I'll hire a cook for you as well, so you can focus on your recovery." Aveline thought for a moment before replying, "I can hire one myself. There's no need to trouble you, Mr. Cooper."

But Gernard insisted, "No, I'll handle it. You were injured because of me; it's the least I can do."

He paused, feeling a bit helpless. "Anyone else would demand the person responsible for the accident take care of everything. Why are you refusing?"

Selena, standing nearby, chimed in, "Because she's someone who avoids trouble. Doing that would be a hassle for her."

Gernard chuckled. "I see."

Aveline shrugged. "I prefer to keep things simple."

Gernard fixed his gaze on her. "But the more you want simplicity, the more you're pulled into complicated situations."

Aveline's smile faded slightly. "That's life-full of frustrations."

The atmosphere became somewhat heavy.

V.net Selena broke the tension, "Getting discharged is something worth celebrating, so why the gloomy talk? Ave, what do you feel like eating today? How about I cook for you?"

Aveline looked at her,."Hmm, you'll cook beef pasta for me?"

Selena immediately responded, "Are you kidding? Why would I make that? If I cook, it'll definitely be avocado pasta!"

"Pfft..."

Aveline couldn't help but laugh.

The heavy atmosphere instantly dissipated.

Gernard looked at Selena and couldn't help but admire her."

amazing. Just a few words, anal Tre you had her laughing."

SWI Selena shook her head, "It's not me-she just has a low threshold for humor."

Gernard raised an eyebrow. "So, it seems we have something in common. I laugh easily too."

The group continued chatting casually, and time passed quickly.

For some reason, even though she wasn't very close with Gernard, Aveline always felt at ease around him. Just like Gernard mentioned earlier, there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Although Aveline found it puzzling, she thoroughly enjoyed the feeling. It was something entirely new to her.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. The caregiver went to open the door and found Russell standing at the entrance. "Looks like I arrived just in time," Russell said as he walked in, a hint of a smile on his delicate and handsome face.

Aveline glanced at him. He had left. abruptly after receiving a call time and hadn't returned Had he finally dealt with even et "Russ, you're just in time. What would you like for lunch?" Selena asked with a smile when she saw him.

Chapter 649 Chapter 649 Russell looked at Aveline. "What do you feel like eating?"

Selena chimed in, "We already asked her. She said she was fine with anything. When we asked for specific dishes, she just said she was not picky. Isn't that frustrating?" Russell nodded. "It is quite frustrating."

Aveline blinked innocently. "But I really am okay with anything, and I'm not picky at all."

Selena gave her a mock glare. "Should I be praising you for that?"

Aveline grinned. "You could, yes."

Selena rolled her eyes at her without hesitation.

After a moment of contemplation, Russell said, "I'll have something delivered then."

Aveline hesitated. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"

Russell shook his head, "Not at all. The hotel will prepare everything and deliver it. Plus, there won't be any cleanup afterward."

"Oh, okay." Aveline nodded in agreement.

At this point, Gernard spoke up, taking the initiative to greet Russell. "Mr. Skyler, I've heard a lot about you."

Russell turned to him with a slight smile, "Mr. Cooper, the legendary figure of the Cooper family. I've always wanted to meet you, but the opportunity never arose. Now that I finally do, I must say, the reality surpasses the rumors."

Gernard smiled modestly. "You're too kind, Mr. Skyler. I've heard you're recently involved in overseas ventures? I happen to have some experience in that area. How about we discuss it further?" "Sure," Russell agreed.

The two of them moved to the chairs on the balcony and began discussing business.

Aveline watched them for a moment and then said, "I wish I could join in, but I'm just a designer."

Selena sighed. "It's a good thing you're injured now. If you weren't, you'd probably be at the construction site right now, wouldn't you?"

Aveline's expression faltered slightly. "Yes, probably."

She would likely be overseeing the construction of Lucas' new house, watching the workers as they went about their tasks.

A sudden wave of confusion washed over her.

Lucas once said that the house was meant for his new bribe.

But now, he was adamant that he would never agree to a divorce.

Then what was he planning to do with that house?

Just as Aveline was lost in thought, the doorbell rang again.

Selena frowned. "What's going on? How many people know you're getting discharged today?"

Aveline shook her head in confusion. "I didn't tell anyone."

She couldn't figure out how Russell knew since she hadn't told him either.

The caregiver had already gone to open the door.

The moment Selena saw who it was, her expression instantly turned cold. She didn't spare him a glance and sat beside Aveline, playing with her phone.

Lucas walked in, tall and imposing, his handsome face carrying an air of cold detachment.

set "Why didn't you tell me you were getting discharged?" he asked as he approached Aveline, his gaze fixed on her. o Aveline replied, "Even though I didn't tell you, you found out, didn't you?" Lucas scrutinized her leg. "Are you sure you're fit to be discharged?"

Aveline answered, "The doctor said I could."

Selena, from the side, interjected, "Why are you even talking to him?"

Aveline was momentarily silent before she spoke, "Lucas, it's not appropriate for you to be at my place."

Lucas sat down on the single sofa, unfazed. "What's inappropriate? Are we divorced?"

"You..."

Seeing him pull out his usual shameless attitude, Aveline was at a loss for words.

"How annoying!" Selena said bluntly.

Lucas stared intently at Aveline and suddenly said, "Why don't you drop the lawsuit? You won't win."

His gaze was heavy, settling on Aveline with a subtle sense of pressure.

At that moment, Russell's voice cut through the tension, "The court hasn't even convened yet-everything is still up in the air. Lucas, are you trying to persuade her because you're afraid of losing?"

Chapter 650 Chapter 650 "Lose?"

Lucas sneered as if he had just heard an amusing joke. "There's nothing wrong between us. Why would the court grant a divorce?"

Russell countered, "Does emotional neglect during the marriage not count as a problem?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow, looking at Aveline. "Have I ever emotionally neglected you?"

Aveline pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

She had always harbored some concerns.

On the surface, there were no obvious disputes between her and Lucas.

Would the court really grant them a divorce?

Citing a lack of affection seemed like a weak argument.

If there had been a clear fault on Lucas' part, perhaps the chances would be higher. But Lucas would never allow such a situation to occur.

Lucas turned his gaze back to Russell, his tone carrying a hint of malice. "Your lawyer is indeed skilled, but everyone has a weakness. Do you really believe he'll be fully committed to your case?" Russell frowned. "What are you insinuating?"

But Lucas didn't bother to explain further. His eyes returned to Aveline's face.

"Aveline, if you insist on suing, I can't guarantee what might happen. You need to be mentally prepared for any outcome."

His deep, magnetic voice carried a tone that felt almost like a threat, though it sounded as casual as if he were commenting on the weather.

Aveline furrowed her brows. "I will proceed with the lawsuit, Lucas. Our marriage is over."

Lucas stared at her for a long moment before nodding slightly. "Alright, then I'll play along."

The look he gave her was as if he was humoring a troublesome wife.

A familiar sense of helplessness welled up within Aveline. In front of him, she always felt powerless.

Gernard spoke up at that moment, "Mr. Skyler, does your lawyer need an assistant? I happen to know ། someone in Larbor City who's made quite a name for themselves."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's attention shifted to him.

Selena immediately asked, "Mr. Cooper, what's your friend's name?" Gernard smiled faintly, "Forrest Hedgeworth."

"Whoa!"

Selena exclaimed in surprise, "I know him! He's the top lawyer in Larbor City, never lost a case he took on!" Feeling excited, Selena grabbed Aveline's hand, "If Mr. Hedgeworth joins in, you'll definitely win!" Aveline was intrigued and asked, "Mr. Cooper, do you think Mr. Hedgeworth would be willing to help me?"

Gernard's smile widened. "I mentioned he's a friend of mine. If I ask him for a favor, he'll be willing to help." Russell added, "If Mr. Hedgeworth is available, it would be great to have him come to Cloudflare City." Gernard glanced at Aveline, silently seeking her opinion.

Aveline felt even more tempted. With such a top-notch lawyer on her side, her chances of winning would. significantly increase! She was eager to end her marriage with as as soon as possible She opened her mouth to say something, but then she caught Lucas' gaze out of the corner of her eye. He was staring at her intently his eyes deep and unfathomable, with emotions she couldn't quite decipher.

The words she was about to say got stuck in her throat.

Lucas' lips curled into a slightly wicked smile as he said, "Go ahead and agree, but be prepared to face the consequences."

Aveline's brows furrowed, and she turned to Gernard, "Alright, Mr. Cooper, I appreciate your help."