Ch. 671..680

Chapter 671 Chapter 671 Lucas looked at Aveline. "Can you run?"

"I can." Aveline nodded.

Lucas tightened his grip on her hand and glanced up at the precarious beams above. His eyes filled with cold determination as he commanded, "Run!" They sprinted towards the exit together!

The flames licked at their clothes, but they ignored it, focusing solely on the escape route ahead.

"Crack..."

Suddenly, the sound of wood splintering echoed above them.

Aveline's heart clenched, but before she could react, Lucas shoved her forward forcefully.

"Crash!"

The sound of something heavy collapsing followed, momentarily smothering the flames.

Aveline's face turned pale as she spun around, only to see Lucas trapped beneath a fallen beam!

The fire had already started to consume him.

"Lucas!" Aveline screamed, rushing back towards him.

Seeing Lucas pinned beneath the beam, her heart shattered. The emotional walls she had built crumbled, and tears streamed down her face.

"Go, run!" Lucas shouted at her as she approached.

But as he spoke, a sharp pain tore through his chest-likely a broken rib from the impact. The searing pain from the flames on his body intensified, making it harder to move.

Just then, the bodyguards rushed in, working together to lift the beam off him. As soon as the weight lifted from his body, Lucas felt a fleeting sense of relief before darkness overtook him.

In his final moments of consciousness, he felt someone gently cradle his face. The touch was warm, and he wanted to hold on, but he had no strength left.

...

Darren was once again sent to the police station. This time, with charges of kidnapping, extortion, and attempted murder, compounded by his criminal record, he would spend the rest of his life in prison. At the hospital.

When Selena arrived, she found Aveline sitting on a chair, looking utterly disheveled. She was staring at the floor, lost in thought.

"Ave." Selena approached her, gently touching her shoulder. "How are you? Are you hurt?"

Aveline lifted her head slightly. Her face was still smeared with dust her hair a tangled mess, and a handprint marred her cheek. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her voice was hoarse as she replied, "I'm fine, but Lucas..."

Selena felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Who could have imagined that on the day before the court hearing, something like this would happen? Lucas had saved Aveline.

And judging by Aveline's expression, it seemed she was deeply confused and troubled.

Could they still go through with the divorce?

Selena suggested, "Ave, why don't you go home and clean up? You must be uncomfortable like this."

But Aveline shook her head. "I'm not leaving."

She wanted to wait until Lucas was out of danger before she left.

When Aaron arrived, he saw the two girls sitting in silence. He cast a complicated glance at Aveline before saying, "Honestly, I was hoping you two would get divorced hold soon That way, nothing wout te him back."

He paused, letting out a sigh. "But he doesn't want that. Aveline, do you know why?"

Aveline remained silent.

Selena spoke up, "What's the point of talking about this now? Ave doesn't love him anymore."

Aaron chuckled softly. "Does he even know what love is? He grew up in an environment that never taught him about love. He once witnessed his mother jump from a building while his father stood by with his mistress, completely indifferent. How could he believe in the existence of love after that?"

Chapter 672 Chapter 672 Aveline's eyelashes fluttered, but she remained silent.

Selena was stunned, having never imagined that Lucas had such a tragic past. She opened her mouth to say something but thought better of it and remained quiet.

Instead, she focused on Aveline, knowing that whatever decision needed to be made would ultimately be up to her.

The room fell into a quiet stillness.

After what felt like an eternity, the doors to the emergency room finally opened, and Lucas was wheeled out.

Aaron stepped forward and asked, "How is he?"

Aveline stood up as well, but as she did, her body wobbled slightly. Selena quickly steadied her, preventing her from falling.

The doctor replied, "He has two broken ribs but no other major injuries. He just needs time to recover."

Lucas was moved to a VIP room.

Aaron arranged for 24-hour care to be provided by a nurse.

Standing by the bedside, Aveline gazed at the still-unconscious Lucas for a long moment before reaching out and gently poking his face.

"Lucas, does it hurt?" she asked in a voice so soft it was barely audible.

Selena felt a pang of sorrow in her chest. She blinked quickly to keep tears at bay and said, "Ave, he's going to be fine. Why don't you go home and freshen up? You'll feel better afterward, okay?" "Okay," Aveline finally agreed, nodding.

Aaron watched her, wanting to say something, but hesitated.

Without looking back, Aveline left with Selena.

Shortly after they departed, Lucas began to stir. He opened his eyes, immediately searching for Aveline, but saw only Aaron in the room.

"Where is she..." he asked weakly.

Aaron scoffed, "At the state you're in, you're still thinking about her? She's already gone home."

Lucas closed his eyes, his breathing heavy under the oxygen mask. "She wasn't hurt, was she?" "No, she wasn't."

A faint relief softened Lucas' brow.

"That's good..." he murmured.

Aaron studied Lucas for a moment before asking, "Is this really worth it, Lucas? From what I could tell, she didn't seem affected at all. With the court hearing tomorrow, you might have to show up, even in this state."

Lucas closed his eyes and remained silent.

Aaron sighed in resignation. "Maybe divorce is for the best. The two of you are like ill-fated lovers, and neither of you seems happy together." But Lucas still said nothing.

Seeing no point in continuing the conversation, Aaron let him rest.

...

Back at home, Aveline took a shower, noticing some scrapes and burns on her body. She treated them herself, feeling much more refreshed afterward.

Selena had been waiting outside the door. When she saw Aveline emerge looking calm, she hesitantly asked, "Ave the court hearing is tomorrow. Are you...?"

"I'll go," Aveline replied.

Selena scrutinized her expression, trying to gauge if she was sincere.

"I'll be there," Aveline repeated.

But Selena couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. Aveline seemed too calm. It didn't feel right.

"Ave, it's okay if you're having second thoughts. After all, Lucas did risk his life to save you. You-"

Aveline cut her off, "Selena, I'm thinking clearly. The divorce is inevitable, and nothing, not even him saving me, will change that." Hearing this, Selena decided not to press the matter further.

The housekeeper prepared a meal, and Aveline ate quietly, maintaining an air of calmness throughout. Her eyes were distant, revealing no hint of her inner thoughts.

Late that night, Aveline received a phone call.

When she answered, Aaron's voice came through urgently, "Aveline, it's not good. Lucas has developed a fever, and things are looking serious."

Chapter 673 Chapter 673 Upon hearing this, Aveline quickly sat up, but she soon collected herself and replied, "He's in the hospital. The doctors should be taking care of him."

Aaron's tone grew colder. "But he's been calling out your name, Aveline. After everything you two have been through, I know you're about to divorce, but that doesn't mean you have to cut each other off completely. He's injured because of you don't you think you should be here for him?"

Aveline closed her eyes for a moment before replying, "I'm on my way."

After hanging up, she changed clothes, grabbed her car keys, and left.

When she arrived at the hospital, the doctors were attending to Lucas. "Ave... Ave..."

As she approached, she heard him murmuring her name.

Aveline paused, hesitating for a moment before walking over and taking his hand. "Lucas, I'm here."

The next second, his grip tightened around hers, and the murmuring stopped. His condition seemed to stabilize.

Seeing this, Aaron said, "Stay with him until his fever breaks."

Aveline didn't respond, but she sat down in the chair beside him, watching him as he lay unconscious. His brow was furrowed, his palm burning hot with fever.

Time passed slowly, and it seemed her presence did have an effect-Lucas' fever gradually subsided.

She tried to pull her hand away, but he held on tightly, refusing to let go.

With a sigh, she gave up, yawning as she looked at their joined hands for a while before resigning herself to the situation.

Aaron observed quietly from the side before quietly slipping out of the room.

The hospital room fell into a peaceful silence.

Resting her head on the edge of the bed, Aveline soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, sunlight filtered into the room. Aveline opened her eyes, realizing she had stayed in the same position all night, leaving half of her body numb.

She frowned slightly, and as she lifted her head, she found herself staring directly into Lucas' eyes.

There was no trace of sleep in his gaze-it was clear he had been watching her for some time.

"How... how are you feeling?" Aveline asked.

Lucas gazed deeply at her and replied, "It hurts."

Aveline pressed her lips together, then withdrew her hand. She stood up and headed toward the bathroom. Her body, still numb from sitting all night, took a moment to adjust as she leaned against the bed for support before slowly making her way to the restroom.

Lucas felt a pang of emptiness in his palm as she let go, a flicker of disappointment passing through his eyes.

A nurse entered the room and, noticing that Lucas was awake, asked if he needed anything.

Aveline soon returned from the bathroom, her face freshly washed, and she looked much more awake.

Seeing how pale Lucas looked, she asked, "The court hearing is today. Can you make it?"

Lucas remained silent, locking eyes with her.

After a long pause, he finally said, "Aveline, you're really heartless. Couldn't you wait a couple more days to bring this up?" Aveline blinked. "If you can attend, that's fine. If not..."

Lucas closed his eyes. "I can't. I'm in pain-I feel pain all over, I feel like I'm going to pass out."

Aveline sighed, recognizing his attempt to evade the situation. "Then we'll delay the hearing for a couple of days."

In his current state, there was no way Lucas could attend the hearing, so rescheduling was the only option.

A shadow of disappointment crossed Lucas' eyes. Even after avet this, she still hadn't changed her mind? Was she really so determined to go through with the divorce?

Chapter 674 Chapter 674 Lucas closed his eyes, clearly looking exhausted. Aveline watched him for a moment without saying anything, then turned and left the room. She was hungry and decided to go out for breakfast.

While she was at the breakfast spot, Selena called her.

"Ave, where did you disappear to so early in the morning?"

"I'm at the hospital," Aveline replied.

Selena paused, then asked, "Are you there to check if he's still alive and able to make it to court?"

Aveline gave a slight smirk. "Real funny, Selena."

Selena teased, "Otherwise, I can't figure out why you'd be at the hospital this early. It couldn't be for love, right?"

Aveline took a sip of her porridge and said, "I came over last night."

"So, you're really doing it out of love," Selena teased again.

Selena's playful banter lifted Aveline's spirits a little. She gave a brief rundown of the situation.

Selena offered her opinion, "He's a clever one. He's definitely doing it on purpose, and the worst part is, he's got every reason to. That's what makes it so frustrating." Aveline chuckled. "The court hearing is going to be delayed, so I'll call our lawyers and let them know."

"Alright."

After hanging up, Aveline contacted the lawyers and explained the situation. They didn't seem to mind; the timing of the hearing didn't affect them.

Once she finished her calls, Aveline quietly resumed her breakfast.

Just then, someone approached her table. She looked up to see Russell standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Russ, what brings you here?" Aveline asked, puzzled.

Russell took a seat across from her, his typically calm and handsome features clouded with a mix of heaviness and uncertainty. "Aveline, are you reconsidering?" Aveline had just finished eating. She grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth before signaling for the server to bring the check.

As she paid, Aveline said, "Russ, I'm not looking back. I'm only moving forward."

"But you were at the hospital, and you stayed with him all night.

Aveline, after everything he's done to 6 hurt you, are you really thinking about staying with him?" Rune emotions seemed to get the better of him, and he spoke his mind.

He looked at her intently. "Aveline, I can give you everything you want, and I respect your choices, but Lucas isn't right for you."

Aveline closed her eyes for a moment, realizing she couldn't avoid this conversation any longer. She composed herself and gave Russell a gentle smile. "Russ, you've always been so good to me, and I truly do see you as a friend."

Russell managed a strained smile. "So, is this where I get friend-zoned?"

"What else?" came a cool voice from behind them-Aaron's.

Aaron, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, commented, "You haven't even sorted out your own mess, yet here you are trying to win her over. Isn't that a bit shady?"

He turned to Aveline. "You might not know this, but he's dating Rina. Tşk, tsk... He already got a get he's saying these things to you. How is that any better than Lucas?"

Russell's expression darkened, but he ignored Aaron and focused on Aveline. "Aveline, believe me, that's just a temporary situation. Once I sort things out, we can-"

"Russ," Aveline interrupted, her tone calm and steady, "Since you're in a relationship, you should treat your girlfriend well. She truly loves you."

She stood up and said, "I didn't sleep well last night, so I need to go home and rest. Goodbye."

Chapter 675 Chapter 675 Russell instinctively wanted to go after her, but Aaron stepped in, blocking his path.

"Mr. Skyler, didn't you notice she just turned you down? Chasing after her now would make you seem desperate," Aaron remarked with a smirk.

Russell's tone was cold. "What does this have to do with you?"

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "How does it not? They're still married, and she's my friend's wife. With my friend lying in a hospital bed, I can't just stand by and watch you try to steal her away."

He looked Russell up and down with disdain, his voice laced with contempt. "Let's be real-if it were someone decent trying to win her over, I might step back. But you? Juggling Rina to secure your spot in the Skyler family while cozying up to Aveline doesn't that make you feel even a little bit disgusted?"

Russell's expression darkened further.

Aaron patted his shoulder, adding, "I've seen some low moves in my time, but you, Russell, take the cake."

With that, Aaron turned and walked away, feeling quite satisfied with himself. He couldn't wait to brag to Lucas about his "heroic" deeds.

Russell's hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.

Just then, his phone rang. He closed his eyes briefly to collect himself before checking the screen-it was Rina calling.

"Hello?" he answered, his voice now calm and composed.

"Russ, where did you go? I miss you," Rina's voice came through.

"I'm just having breakfast. I'll be back soon," Russell replied, sitting down in the spot where Aveline had been and ordering the same breakfast she had. "I'll be waiting for you, so hurry back," Rina said.

"Okay," he responded before ending the call, mechanically eating his meal as if mimicking Aveline's actions would somehow bring him closer to her.

Given his current position, being with Aveline would mean sacrificing everything he had worked so hard to achieve. But after all the effort he had put into climbing to where he was now, how could he give it all up so easily?

He still hadn't gotten his revenge; he couldn't afford to let go of what he had. He had to rely on external forces to achieve his goals faster. Once he was done, he could openly pursue Aveline. A flash of determination passed through his eyes.

...

When Aveline returned home, she saw Selena poking her head out of the kitchen.

"You didn't eat?" Aveline asked, puzzled.

Selena shook her head. "No, I just got up and now that I'm hungry, I decided to make some pasta. I thought you weren't coming back."

Aveline slipped off her shoes, washed her hands, and walked into the kitchen, taking the utensils from Selena's hand. "I came back since there wasn't much else to do. Next time, let me know, and I'll grab breakfast for you."

Selena grinned. "Not telling you was the right choice; otherwise, how would I get to eat your pasta? It's been a while since I had anything you cooked."

Aveline smiled. "I'll cook lunch, then. What do you want to eat?"

Selena's eyes lit up. "Anything! I'm not picky when it comes to your cooking."

Aveline had mostly recovered, and she could handle daily tasks just fine, though she still had to avoid strenuous activity. Since she didn't need much help anymore, she had let the housekeeper go.

The pasta was served quickly.

Aveline said, "You go ahead and eat. I'm going to take a nap."

She was exhausted after spending the night at the hospital, barely getting any sleep.

Selena nodded. "Okay, go rest."

Chapter 676 Chapter 676 At the hospital.

After returning, Aaron animatedly recounted the events at the breakfast spot.

Lucas listened for a while before suddenly interrupting him. "Did she really say that?"

Aaron paused, then realized Lucas was asking about Aveline rejecting Russell. He nodded. "Yeah, she seemed a bit awkward, clearly not expecting Russell to suddenly confess to her." Lucas frowned. She didn't like Russell.

Knowing this should have made him happy. But for some reason, his mood only grew heavier.

If she didn't like Russell, could it be that she liked Sidney?

The thought made his expression darken even more. The problem was, there were too many men around her, giving her plenty of options.

He reached out and looked at Aaron. "Give me the phone."

Aaron handed it over, asking, "What are you planning?"

Lucas took the phone and dialed a number, his tone cold. "Fire Sidney."

Maria, on the other end, sounded groggy, like she had just woken up. "Huh? Why?"

"That's an order," Lucas replied firmly.

Maria, now more alert, responded with a hint of defiance, "But I don't feel like listening to your orders."

Lucas was speechless.

Maria continued, "Sidney is very competent and makes me a lot of money. I have no reason to fire him."

Lucas remained silent.

Then Maria seemed to recall something and chuckled. "Boss, are you worried that Aveline likes Sidney? Why so insecure?" Lucas, expressionless, hung up the phone.

Maria laughed softly to herself-he really was insecure.

Noticing Lucas' increasingly sour expression, Aaron asked, "Who are you trying to fire?"

Lucas closed his eyes. "I'm tired. You can leave now."

Aaron clenched his teeth. "You jerk! I'm not done talking-you're going to listen to me!"

...

Aveline slept in until 10:30 a.m. After browsing her phone in bed for a bit, she got up and began preparing lunch.

She cooked dishes that both she and Selena loved, and the delicious aroma filled the kitchen, making her own mouth water.

"Mmm, smells amazing!" Selena appeared, following the scent, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Aveline smiled. "Alright, go wait outside."

"Got it!" Selena cheerfully turned and left.

Once the food was ready, Aveline brought the dishes out, and Selena helped set the table. Selena couldn't resist taking out her phone, snapping photos, and posting them on her social media.

"It's been so long since I've had food this good. The aroma is making me cry with happiness."

She included a collage of nine photos, four of which were the dishes, and the remaining were selfies with Aveline.

Meanwhile, Aaron was scrolling through his feed and came across Selena's post. He opened each picture and commented, "I have to admit, those dishes sure look delicious."

He noticed that Lucas still had his eyes closed, so he held the bet to him. "Take a look at this.

I emade."

e are the meals Aveline Hearing this, Lucas opened his eyes. When he saw the photos of the food, his expression briefly shifted.

Just then, the nurse entered with a tray of food.

Lucas' face immediately twisted in discomfort, and he began to retch.

"What's going on?" Aaron was stunned.

The nurse looked equally confused. "I'm not sure."

"Get it out of here..." Lucas muttered, his face pale.

The nurse quickly cleared the food, and Aaron opened a window to air out the room. Only then did Lucas start to look better.

Chapter 677 Chapter 677 Aaron looked puzzled. "What's going on?"

Lucas frowned. "I don't know. Just the smell of that food makes me want to vomit."

Aaron stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I'll have someone prepare a meal and bring it over. Let's see how you react to that." Lucas didn't refuse, just closed his eyes wearily.

--- At Maple Garden, Aveline and Selena finished lunch and then settled in the living room to play video games.

"Help me, please! I need backup!"

"Ah, we both died!"

"How is this jungle player so overpowered?"

Selena's constant cries of frustration filled the room. Every time they lost a game, she'd collapse on the couch, only to bounce back with renewed determination when the next round started. Aveline, on the other hand, remained calm and steady, her performance consistently average.

Just then, her phone rang. Since she was in the middle of a game, she put it on speaker and continued playing while answering.

"Hello?"

Aaron's voice came through. "Aveline, I need a favor."

Selena immediately leaned in and teased, "You know, Aveline charges a hefty appearance fee. Can you afford it?"

Aaron snapped, "I'm talking to Aveline, not you. Be quiet."

Aveline chimed in, "Selena's got a point."

Aaron paused for a moment before continuing, "Can you cook something and bring it to the hospital? I'll pay whatever it costs." Aveline focused on her game screen, surprised. "One thousand for a meal. Will you pay?"

Aaron gritted his teeth. "I'll pay!"

"Alright," Aveline agreed.

One thousand for a meal-she couldn't pass that up! Especially since it was coming out of Lucas' pocket.

After the game ended, she got up and headed to the kitchen.

Selena followed her.

"Are you really going to cook for him?" she asked.

Aveline glanced at Selena. "Where else could you find a job that pays this well?"

Selena fell silent. She had to admit, there wasn't anywhere else like that.

"Alright, fine. For that kind of money, I guess it's worth it," she conceded.

Aveline kept the meal simple-just two dishes, both vegetarian and easy to digest. When she arrived the hospital, she noticed the windows in Lucas' room were open, and he looked worse than before, pate and weak.

Aaron greeted her as she entered. "This is our last resort."

"What's going on?" Aveline asked, puzzled.

Aaron sighed. "He's been vomiting at the smell of food-doesn't matter if it's from a restaurant or homemade by the staff." Aveline looked at Lucas. "Is that true?"

Lucas didn't respond, seemingly too exhausted to even open his eyes.

Aaron set up a small table and took the lunchbox from her. When he saw how basic the meal was, he couldn't help but grimace. "You sure know how to charge a lot for something so simple."

Aveline replied coolly, "You didn't have to hire me."

Aaron was speechless.

Strangely, when Lucas caught the scent of the food, he didn't feel nauseous.

Aaron let out a skeptical laugh. "If I hadn't seen how sick you were just a moment ago, I'd think you were faking it."

Lucas' voice was hoarse. "I'm not eager to die just yet."

He picked up the utensils and started eating. Remarkably, not only did Aveline's cooking not make him sick it actually stimulated his appetite.

As Aveline watched him eat, she suddenly asked, "So, how about a monthly plan? I can give you a discount."

Aaron looked at her, intrigued. "How much for a month?"

Aveline considered for a moment before replying, "Four million."

Aaron's eyes widened. "Why don't you just rob a bank instead?"

Chapter 678 Chapter 678 "That would be too much trouble," Aveline replied calmly, her nonchalant attitude clearly frustrating Aaron, who turned to Lucas, only to see him staring intently at Aveline. "Lucas, you..." Aaron began.

"Is it still the same account number?" Lucas interrupted, getting straight to the point.

Aaron was left speechless.

Really, buddy?

Was that how he wanted to spend his money?

Aaron couldn't help but feel exasperated.

Aveline nodded. "Yes, the same one."

Lucas continued, "I'll have Desmond transfer the money. You'll be in charge of my meals for the next month."

Aveline raised an eyebrow, sensing this agreement might have been made a bit too hastily. Maybe she should have asked for ten million instead. Oh well... Aaron glanced back and forth between the two of them, finally deciding to keep his thoughts to himself.

"Alright, if they're both okay with it, who am I to interfere?" he thought.

Lucas finished all the food Aveline had brought, with no sign of discomfort whatsoever.

Aaron stood with his arms crossed, watching in disbelief. He found it puzzling-Lucas couldn't stomach anyone else's cooking, yet Aveline's was perfectly fine. How interesting.

As Aveline packed up the lunchbox and turned to leave, Lucas kept his eyes on her until she disappeared from sight, reluctantly pulling his gaze away.

Aaron sighed. "Lucas, you've completely fallen for her, haven't you?"

Lucas responded calmly, "There's nothing wrong with that."

"But weren't you the one who said you didn't care about love and romance?" Aaron countered.

Lucas closed his eyes. "Who said that? I don't recall."

Aaron was speechless.

Aaron couldn't believe it and thought, "Now you're playing dumb? Looks like you've been proven wrong all along!"

Over the next few weeks, Aveline came by every day to bring Lucas his meals, carefully following the doctor's instructions to ensure they were nutritious. Lucas consistently finished everything she brought. About two weeks later, when Aveline arrived around noon, she found Lucas reviewing documents with Desmond standing beside him, V.ne looking serious.

She was surprised-hadn't Lucas been removed from his position as CEO? What was he still working on?

Desmond noticed her and hesitated before greeting her, "Mrs.-"

"Just call me Aveline," she replied coolly.

Desmond nodded, "Alright, Madam."

Aveline sighed but didn't push it further.

She set the lunchbox down and, out of curiosity, glanced at the documents. She caught sight of the company's name, "Tudor," just as Lucas handed the papers over to Desmond.

"Just do as I instructed; no need to worry about the rest," Lucas directed.

"Understood," Desmond replied with a nod before leaving the room.

Aveline turned to Lucas. "You're still working?"

Lucas's gaze shifted to her. "If I don't work, how will I renew our arrangement?"

Aveline blinked, momentarily puzzled by his response.

Lucas replied, "I'd like to renew for a second month. Still four million?"

Aveline understood now and calmly responded, "I'm not accepting a renewal."

"Six million?" Lucas offered.

Aveline remained silent.

"Ten million?" he continued.

It was hard to refuse, but Aveline stood firm. "Your health has improved a lot. Shouldn't we be setting a court date now?" Lucas sighed, his gaze deepening as he looked at her. "Aveline, can we avoid talking about such upsetting matters?" Aveline countered, "But this matter brings me joy."

She paused before suggesting, "Why don't you just sign the divorce papers?"

She pulled a copy of the divorce agreement from her bag and handed it to him.

Lucas' breath caught in his throat, a dull ache spreading through his chest. "You carry that around with you?"

Chapter 679 Chapter 679 "Yes, that's right." Aveline nodded, her clear eyes fixed on him. "So, are you going to sign it?" Lucas' expression cooled as he looked away, refusing to take the divorce papers she offered.

Unfazed, Aveline put the papers back in her bag. She knew it was only a matter of time before he would sign. She couldn't help but regret not signing when he had people deliver the divorce papers every day. She must have been out of her mind back then. After Lucas finished his meal, Aveline asked again, "Will you sign now?"

Lucas gave her a cold stare. "If I don't sign, are you going to ask me every day?"

"Yes," Aveline replied firmly.

Lucas clenched his teeth slightly. "Aveline, I've told you before I'm not going to divorce you."

Aveline shrugged. "But what's the point of staying married? I don't love you."

In the past, he found that statement laughable. Love? What did that matter? He didn't need it. But now, hearing her say it so calmly, his chest tightened painfully, making it hard to breathe.

His expression darkened as he stared at her. "Even so, I won't agree to a divorce."

"Alright then," Aveline conceded, "we'll just wait for the court hearing."

With that, she picked up the food container and left without a hint of hesitation.

Lucas pressed his lips together, watching her retreating figure until she disappeared, leaving the room in a cold, empty silence.

...

Aveline stood by the elevator, waiting, her eyes slightly downcast as she reflected on Lucas' expression from earlier. She couldn't deny it had affected her. But when she thought about everything she'd been through, she pushed those feelings aside.

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and she looked up to see Yvonne stepping out.

After half a month of absence, Lucas' stepmother finally made an appearance.

"Aveline, there you are. Visiting Lucas?" Yvonne greeted her with a warm smile, her usual gentle demeanor in place.

Yet, for some reason, Aveline felt an inexplicable unease, as if Yvonne's gaze carried the cold focus of a snake. The feeling was brief, but it lingered just long enough to unsettle her. She nodded. "Yes."

Yvonne smiled again. "I've been so busy lately that I didn't even know about his accident. As soon as I found out, I rushed over. I'll go see him now, and you can go about your business." "Alright," Aveline replied, stepping into the elevator.

Yvonne walked straight into Lucas's hospital room. As she observed him sitting up in bed, staring out the window, her smile faded slightly.

"Lucas, he's your father after all. Isn't what you're doing a bit too harsh?"

Lucas glanced at her. "Are you here to speak on his behalf, or for yourself?"

Yvonne's face tightened for a moment before she replied, "When the shareholders' meeting was called, you stepped in as the largest shareholder and took over your father's role as chairman. It made him so ill he had to be hospitalized. Lucas, all your father wanted was for you to show a little humility."

Lucas responded with a mocking laugh. "The DK Group is already merged into the Tudor Group, and you think it was just about humility? He blocked every path I had. Bowing my head wouldn't have changed a thing."

Yvonne looked at him with a complicated expression. "You're the one in control of the Tudor family now. I or stapt interfere with your plans or stand in your way. I only ask that you don't take away what's rightfully mine. It would put me in a very difficult position."

Chapter 680 Chapter 680 Lucas looked at Yvonne coldly. "For example?"

Yvonne felt a surge of irritation. Lucas had never shown her the respect she believed she was owed as his elder, but now, with the Tudor family in chaos, the future rested entirely in the hands of the young man standing before her. Suppressing her temper, she spoke calmly, "I am the lady of the Tudor family, and as such, I should maintain the dignity of that position. Nothing about my status should change."

"Hah!" Lucas let out a mocking laugh. "You certainly have a vivid imagination."

Yvonne frowned at him. "Lucas, what do you mean by that? I've never treated you poorly. Are you really going to repay my kindness with betrayal?"

Lucas' expression turned icy. "Do you even believe the words coming out of your mouth?"

Yvonne was momentarily at a loss for words but quickly recovered. "I can offer you some information in exchange."

"Let's hear it."

Yvonne revealed, "Leo is still alive. Your father has already tracked him down. If it weren't for your sudden actions, Leo would be the one inheriting the Tudor Group now."

Lucas' handsome face remained as impassive as ever, showing no sign of change. "Is that so? But this information holds no value for me."

Yvonne stared at him intently. "Aren't you worried at all? If he returns to the Tudor family, he will inevitably threaten your position. Now that you know where he is, you can act first and eliminate this potential threat." Lucas responded coldly, "It's an interesting suggestion. I'll consider it."

Yvonne breathed a slight sigh of relief and then disclosed Leo's whereabouts.

He was currently working as a mechanic in a repair shop on the outskirts of Cloudflare City.

Lucas immediately relayed the information to Maria, instructing her to investigate.

Maria wanted to resist, but orders from the boss were not to be ignored.

After conducting a thorough investigation, she found nothing.

On the phone, Maria said, "Boss, could it be that you've been deceived?"

Lucas' gaze was as cold as ice. "She wouldn't dare lie when her wealth and status are at stake."

Maria I've pager tongue twice. "But Pa Checked all the records from the I months, and there's no trace of this person."

Lucas lowered his gaze. "I understand."

With that, he hung up the phone.

Was Leo truly still alive? Or was this just another lie?

Aveline returned to Maple Garden, only to find an unconscious man lying at her doorstep.

Her face immediately showed a hint of caution, and she quickly sent a message to Selena.

When Selena opened the door and saw the unconscious man, she was just as surprised. "I didn't hear anything." Aveline said, "Let's go inside first."

Fortunately, even after they closed the door, the man outside remained motionless.

Selena asked, "What should we do now?"

Aveline replied, "Call the police. We don't know where this man came from or why he passed out here." Selena nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

Aveline called the police, and they arrived quickly. The man remained unconscious the entire time and was taken to the hospital by the officers.

Selena patted her chest in relief. "That was terrifying. Who wants to step outside and find someone lying there?"

Aveline murmured, "There's also a chance he might not even be alive."

Selena gasped. "Ah! Stop it!"

The incident felt like a brief interlude in their day. Later, the police came by to explain the situation.

The man turned out to be an elevator repairman. The elevator had malfunctioned that day, and when he came to fix it, he passed out due to low blood sugar. He wasn't a threat.