Ch. 681..690

Chapter 681 Chapter 681 Selena and Aveline both breathed easier after hearing the news. As long as he wasn't involved in anything shady, they could relax.

The incident was quickly forgotten, and once Aveline recovered, she returned to work. She was currently handling just one project for Lucas, visiting the construction site daily to oversee the progress and making on-the-spot adjustments when necessary. One day, as she was leaving the site, she noticed a man sitting on a bench by the roadside. As she approached, the man suddenly slid off the bench and collapsed right in front of her.

Startled, Aveline instinctively took a step back, glancing around to see if anyone else was nearby. The area was nearly deserted, with few people or cars in sight. Why was this man here? And why did he faint?

Not daring to approach, she immediately called the ambulance. When the ambulance arrived, she was asked to accompany him to the hospital since payment was required.

Reluctantly, Aveline sat beside the man in the ambulance, glancing at him on the stretcher. There was something oddly familiar about him as if she had seen him somewhere before.

At the hospital, the doctors examined and treated him, determining that he had fainted due to low blood sugar.

Hearing this, Aveline suddenly remembered that someone had fainted outside her home before-and it was also because of low blood sugar!

As she studied the man's face more closely, a sense of familiarity grew stronger. Gradually, his face began to merge with the one from that day.

Aveline's brows knitted together, suspicion filling her eyes as she continued to stare at him.

After a short time on the IV, the man slowly began to regain consciousness.

Seeing this, Aveline said, "You're in the hospital now. Here are the payment receipts. Will you pay me in cash or transfer the money?"

The man blinked in confusion, looking at her with a bewildered expression that made Aveline's heart skip a beat.

He was incredibly handsome, with deep-set eyes, a high nose bridge, and his bangs naturally falling over part of his brows. He wore a black t-shirt and pants, and the confusion in his eyes was all too apparent. "Hello?" Aveline waved her hand in front of him.

"Who... are you?" the man asked, his voice hoarse, filled with fear of the unfamiliar surroundings.

Aveline stood there, her face blank. "Memory loss?"

The man still looked completely bewildered. "Who... am I?"

Great. He really did lose his memory.

Without hesitation, Aveline called the police.

When the officers arrived, they verified the man's identity and confirmed that he and Aveline had no connection. They allowed her to leave afterward.

Aveline, wanting to avoid any further trouble, left without insisting on the medical expenses.

As she walked out of the hospital room, she overheard one of the officers ask the man, "Do you remember your name?"

She hesitated for a moment, a fleeting thought crossing her mind.

What if she had called the police back then?

Would everything be different now?

A bitter smile flickered in her eyes she quickly left the hospital, returning home to prepare somal.ne food ward, she brought it to Lucas' hospital room.

He was still engrossed in his work.

Lucas was busier than ever these days. Aveline didn't want to disturb him, so she waited until he finished signing one document before another was placed in front of him.

Lucas frowned and carefully examined the contents of the document. When he realized it was a divorce agreement, his expression darkened. He turned his head to see Aveline standing quietly beside him, looking at him with innocent eyes.

He let out a laugh of disbelief.

Did she really think he was so overwhelmed with work that he'd sign it without noticing? If he did, their ties would be severed.

Chapter 682 Chapter 682 Under Aveline's expectant gaze, Lucas picked up the divorce agreement and tore it to shreds.

Aveline's disappointment was evident, and she added with a hint of regret, "You know, it costs a lot to make copies of these."

She gave him a disapproving look. "If you didn't want to sign, you could've just handed it back to me."

Lucas was speechless.

He stared at her blankly, only to watch as she pulled another divorce agreement out of her bag.

"Want to sign this one?"

Her clear eyes met his, waiting for his response.

Lucas' mouth twitched as he asked, "How many copies of this do you have?"

Aveline replied, "Not too many, just about a hundred."

Lucas was at a loss for words.

Great. The whole situation felt eerily familiar as if it had happened before.

Aveline sighed softly. "You know, it would be so much easier if you just signed. Then we wouldn't have to keep dragging this out."

Ignoring her, Lucas simply asked, "Where's the food?"

Aveline handed him the lunchbox.

Lucas began eating without a word.

Aveline tidied up the torn pieces of paper and threw them into the trash, then sat nearby, continuing to talk about the benefits of divorce.

She had made it a habit to bring up the topic every time she visited.

At first, Lucas found her chatter annoying, frowning but never telling her to leave. It was as if, as long as she stayed, she could say whatever she wanted. Over time, he grew accustomed to her ramblings, feeling more and more at ease with each passing day.

Aveline suddenly spoke up as she watched his handsome profile, "Lucas, if I fell in love with someone else, would you agree to the divorce?"

Lucas paused in his eating, then asked, "Who have you fallen for?"

"If it's not Russell, then it must be Sidney. Have you really fallen for Sidney?" Lucas thought as his grip on his utensil tightened, his expression growing colder. Yet, he fought to keep his emotions in check.

Aveline calmly replied, "Just answer the question."

"No," Lucas responded icily. "If you cheat during our marriage, I can sue you for damages. I doubt the money you have would be enough to cover it Aveline rolled her eyes.

He really had found a way to deal with her.

Now he was even eyeing the money she had set aside for her new life!

That money was her lifeline-she couldn't let him take it.

The room fell silent.

Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was Selena calling. "Hello?"

Aveline answered the call.

Selena's voice was urgent. "Ave, you need to get back here! That man from before showed up again, and it seemed like he really lost his memory. He's just standing at the entrance of the complex, looking so pitiful, like a lost puppy."

Aveline's brows furrowed as she stood up. "Alright, I'm heading back now."

Selena urged her, "Yeah, hurry back. If you bring another man home, it'll drive that jerk Lucas crazy."

Aveline didn't waste time with unnecessary words and hung upt phone, Teaving without so much as a e at Lucas.

MS The food in front of him looked delicious, but Lucas suddenly lost his appetite.

She really might have feelings for Sidney.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have asked such a question.

The thought of that worthless man made Lucas frown in disgust. How could she be interested in Sidney? He dialed Maria's number.

"Did you fire Sidney yet?" he asked coldly as soon as she picked up.

Maria hesitated before replying, "Boss, if I recall correctly, I refused your order the last time you asked."

Chapter 683 Chapter 683 Lucas's voice turned icy. "If you don't fire him, you can kiss your studio goodbye."

But Maria remained unfazed. "Go ahead, but if I lose my studio, Aveline loses her job. And once she discovers our connection, she'll never forgive you."

Lucas was momentarily speechless.

His subordinates had become defiant.

Maria, sensing her advantage, continued with a smug smile, "Boss, Sidney's actually quite decent. But don't worry, nothing you're concerned about will happen because I've got my eye on him." That seemed to put Lucas at ease.

He ended the call without another word. Maria looked at her phone, unable to suppress a grin. She glanced up and saw Sidney diligently working on a drawing outside her office.

Aveline drove back to Maple Garden, and sure enough, she spotted the man standing at the entrance of the complex.

Selena was inside, arms crossed. When she saw Aveline's car pull up, she quickly ran over.

Aveline parked the car, got out, and asked, "When did you spot him?"

Selena replied, "I saw him when I went downstairs to buy some snacks. He's been standing there the whole time. I even went over to say hi, but he didn't recognize me." Aveline glanced at her. "I don't think he knew you in the first place."

Selena chuckled. "Oh, right. But the way he looks reminds me so much of the first time I met that jerk Lucas."

"Did he perhaps lose his memory?" Aveline thought back to when he woke up in the hospital, that confused expression-he really did seem to have lost his memory. Later, when the police questioned him about his identity, he couldn't provide any answers.

Aveline walked over. "Hey!"

The man looked up at the sound of her voice, and the moment he saw her, his eyes lit up.

"Well, well, that familiar reaction," Selena muttered softly from the side.

Aveline observed his state, frowning slightly. "What are you doing here?"

The man shook his head. "I... don't know. I was just walking and ended up here."

Aveline asked, "What's your name?"

He shook his head again. "I don't remember."

Perfect. He really did suffer from a memory loss.

But really, what did it have to do with her?

Aveline asked, "Where are the police? Didn't they find your family?"

The man replied, "The police said I don't have any family."

Aveline was at a loss.

This situation was becoming more complicated.

Still, leaving him out here wasn't a solution either.

Aveline suggested, "I'll take you to the police station. They can you Sweet find your family."

But the man looked at her with pitiful eyes. "Can you take me in instead?"

Aveline hesitated. "Sorry, that's not really an option."

He looked confused. "Why not?"

Aveline replied, "Because I don't know you."

The man countered, "But the moment I saw you, you felt so familiar. I think I do know you."

Selena couldn't help but chuckle, nudging Aveline's arm. "Looks like he's planning to cling to you. But seriously, Ave, are you sure you don't want to take him in? He's gota pretty good face, you know."

Aveline gave her a helpless look. "Don't you think I've got enough on my plate already?" Selena grinned. "Life's dull. A little excitement wouldn't hurt."

Aveline's gaze shifted back to the man's face. He was undeniably handsome, even rivaling Lucase.net looks.

In fact, at certain angles, the two men bore a striking resemblance.

Chapter 684 Chapter 684 But he wasn't Lucas.

She had no intention of repeating her past mistakes.

"I don't know you. Either I help you report this to the police, or I'm going home," Aveline said coldly.

The man continued to stare at her, his eyes resembling Lucas'. However, unlike Lucas' intense gaze, his eyes were filled with a pitiable innocence, as pure as a blank slate. Aveline turned to leave. "Let's go home."

Selena followed her, asking, "Are you really going to leave him there?"

Aveline responded, "Why should I care?"

Selena teased, "I thought you might take him in, maybe relive some old feelings. After all, situations like this don't happen every day."

Aveline sighed. "Do I look like I have that much free time?"

Selena chuckled, glancing back to see the man still standing there, watching them, looking every bit like a lost puppy.

"He's still looking at us," Selena noted.

Aveline got into the car. "You go ahead. I'll park the car."

"Okay."

Once Aveline returned to her apartment, she collapsed onto the sofa, staring up at the intricate ceiling, her thoughts in disarray.

Images kept flashing in her mind-one moment, it was the first time she met Lucas, and the next, it was the encounter at the entrance of the complex.

The scenes overlapped and intertwined, the faces of the two men merging in her mind, pushing her nerves to their limit.

Aveline closed her eyes, realizing she couldn't stay idle. She needed something to do.

She went straight to her study and started sketching.

Immersing herself in work helped her forget those unsettling thoughts, and before she knew it, the evening had arrived. Her phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered, rubbing her temples.

Lucas' deep, resonant voice came through. "Why haven't you come yet?"

Aveline paused, glancing at the time, and realized it was already dinner time.

She replied, "Oh, I lost track of time while sketching. Just wait a bit, I'll go make dinner now."

Since he was her main benefactor, she kept her tone friendly.

She went to the kitchen, quickly prepared a couple of dishes, and then headed to the hospital.

As she left the complex, she glanced toward the roadside and saw the man still in the same spot, now sitting on the curb with his gaze lowered.

Aveline pressed her lips together briefly as her car passed by him.

When she arrived at the hospital, Aveline opened the food containeret two sets of utensils, and sat by the bed, starting to Lucas watched her, his eyes deep and a rare gentle emotion flickering in their depths.

Aveline spoke, "Lately, I've encountered some strange things. You should have someone look into it. I don't want any more trouble."

"Tell me," Lucas responded.

Aveline then recounted the incident with the man she'd met.

Hearing this, Lucas frowned slightly. He took out his phone and made a quick call, giving a few instructions before turning back to her. "Don't worry. He won't bother you again."

Aveline nodded. "Well done."

Lucas was at a loss.

Despite their calm interaction and the unusually harmonious atmosphere, even her rare praise didn't bring him any joy. There was a heavy feeling in his chest, like a dark cloud hanging over his heart, refusing to lift.

She seemed gentle, but the distance between them only grew wider.

At that moment, Aveline added, "Tomorrow is the last day. After that, I won't be coming anymore."

Chapter 685 Chapter 685 Lucas' expression froze, his sharp eyes fixed on her. "You're really not renewing the contract?"

Aveline shook her head. "No, I don't need the money anymore."

Lucas was momentarily speechless.

If money wasn't enough to sway her, what else could he offer to keep her?

His health was gradually improving, and the court hearing was only a matter of time. He could choose to avoid it indefinitely, but that wasn't a real solution.

What he wanted was to grow closer to her, not to maintain this fragile façade of calm.

Their relationship felt too delicate as if it could shatter with the slightest touch.

Aveline packed up the lunchbox and left without giving him a second glance.

There was no hesitation in her departure.

Lucas leaned back against the headboard, tilting his head slightly and closing his eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere settled around him. Just then, his phone rang. He answered it. "Hello?"

Desmond's voice came through, "Mr. Tudor, there's no sign of the person Mrs. Tudor mentioned at the entrance of Maple Garden. I had the area searched, but nothing suspicious was found. Could she have been mistaken?"

Lucas' tone was cold. "Check the surveillance footage. Make sure you find that person."

Desmond replied, "Understood."

...

As Aveline entered the hospital lobby, she saw Judy approaching. She walked right past her without a second thought. "Aveline," Judy called out.

Aveline paused, turning to look at her with a puzzled expression. "Miss Thompson, is there something you need?"

Judy's eyes flashed with displeasure as she looked at her. "You're feeling pretty smug now, aren't you?"

Aveline frowned slightly. "What would I be smug about?"

"Hah, don't play dumb!" Judy scoffed. "You keep claiming you want a divorce, saying it's Lucas who refuses, but it's all just a tactic, isn't it? You knew all along that Lucas would become the Chairman of the Tudor Group, so you've been playing hard to get. You're truly devious!"

Aveline was taken aback by Judy's accusations, but one word caught her attention. "Did you say Lucas became the Chairman of the Tudor Group?"

"What are you pretending for? Do you think it's fun to mess with me?" Judy's face was twisted in anger.

To her, Aveline's expression seemed like she was mocking her on purpose.

But Aveline lowered her gaze, lost in thought.

Wasn't Lucas removed from his position as CEO of DK Group? How did he suddenly become the Chairman of the Tudor Group?

She took out her phone and searched for related news. Sure enough, she found that the Tudor Group had updated its list of executives. Lucas was now listed as the Chairman of the Tudor Group.

So that's how it was...

Outwardly, it seemed like he had been heavily suppressed, but behind the scenes, he had quietly taken over the core of the empire! This man was even more cunning than she had realized.

No wonder he had been so busy lately.

And to think he had blamed everything on her, staying at her place for so long!

Aveline clenched her phone tightly.

"Hey, what's with that expression?" Judy asked, clearly annoyed by Aveline's reaction.

Aveline snapped out of her thoughts. "Thanks for letting me know."

With that, she turned and walked away.

As she got into her car, her phone rang. Seeing that it was Lucas calling, she didn't answer and immediately blocked his number.

What good was it to keep him around? Back in the hospital room.

Lucas the call was abruptly abruptly disconnected.

died at his phone, baffled as He discover that he ha calling again, only to that he had been blocked!

"What's happening? Why would she block me? Is it just because she's not cooking for me anymore?" Lucas wondered, frowning deeply as confusion and frustration settled across his face.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door of his hospital room.

Chapter 686 Chapter 686 "Come in," Lucas said flatly, his voice devoid of emotion.

The door opened, and Judy walked in. Seeing that his complexion had improved, she stood by the bed, her gaze filled with a mix of emotions.

"I never imagined you could be so calculating," Judy finally spoke, offering her assessment.

Lucas looked at her coolly. "We both got what we needed. Isn't it a bit late to be discussing this now?"

During their collaboration with DK Group, the Thompson family had reaped numerous benefits, yet now she was here to accuse him of being manipulative.

Judy clenched the bag in her hand. "Lucas, I genuinely wanted to get along with you, so why did you use me?"

Lucas remained indifferent. "Is there anything else you need?"

Judy, however, continued, "You used me to provoke Aveline, but what was the result? She doesn't care about you at all. So, what if you've gained so much? Aveline still wants to divorce you!" She aimed for his most vulnerable spot with her words, knowing they would sting.

She truly liked Lucas, but he had used her and then intended to discard her. How could that be fair?

"Are you done?" Lucas' eyes remained cold as he looked at her.

Judy bit her lip, feeling deeply defeated by his indifferent expression.

He didn't care about anything she said because, in his eyes, she meant nothing.

This harsh reality only fueled her anger.

But there was nothing she could do.

Her father had already messaged her, insisting she return home today. The family had arranged a marriage for her, and she had to fulfill her duty as the daughter of the Thompson family.

At that moment, she felt a surge of envy for Aveline-Aveline was free, unbound by obligations, and Lucas loved her deeply. She was truly free.

Judy turned to leave.

"Wait."

Just as Judy reached the door, she heard his deep, magnetic voice behind her.

A flicker of hope sparked in Judy's eyes.

Could it be...?

"Did you see Aveline when you came in?"

Lucas's next words shattered any hope she had.

"Yes, and also told her a few things she needed to know." Judy glanced back at him, a smirk playing on her lips. She seemed pretty surprised, Lucas. You've lied to her again."

With that, she left.

Earlier, Judy hadn't believed that Aveline was truly unaware of everything she thought Aveline was just pretending. But Lucas's question made it clear that Aveline really didn't know. And if Lucas was asking her, it meant he had run into trouble with Aveline; otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to ask.

A surge of vengeful satisfaction swept over Judy as she walked out of Cloudflare City.

...

Back in the hospital room, Lucas' expression darkened.

No wonder Aveline had suddenly blocked him-Judy must have caused trouble.

But the real problem was that everything Judy said was true.

Aveline would find out sooner or later.

Lucas reached up, rubbing his temples as a dull ache spread through his chest, his face paling.

But he didn't call for a doctor or nurse; he just endured the pain in silence.

Flashes of Aveline's pained expressions crossed his mind. Was this how she felt during those moments?

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Lucas' lips, and a hint of sorrow flickered in his deep eyes.

...

Back at Maple Garden, Aveline was in a state of turmoil.

She sat che sofa, staring blankly a ahead, until suddenly, she had cushion and started venting frustration on it. Content on it.

Chapter 687 Chapter 687 Aveline fumed at the thought of Lucas brazenly living here, acting like he was a victim dragged into this mess by her.

The nerve of that man!

He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

He was secretly plotting to seize control of the Tudor family's company, yet he played the part of a pitiable figure cast out in front of her.

"How despicable!"

She slammed a pillow with such force that it became misshapen.

"Hey, babe, what did that poor pillow ever do to you?" came Selena's hesitant voice.

Aveline closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm just frustrated and needed to vent."

Selena approached her. "Well, venting like that isn't going to help much. How about I take you somewhere fun?"

Aveline looked over at her. "What kind of place?"

Selena grinned mischievously. "Come on, let's get dressed up first."

By the time they were ready, the sky had already darkened.

Selena, gazing at the exquisite makeup on Aveline's face, couldn't help but admire her. "Ave, you're stunning even without makeup, but with it, you're absolutely ethereal! No wonder that jerk Lucas won't agree to the divorce. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't want to either." Aveline's features were naturally striking, her bright eyes and radiant smile captivating. With her makeup enhancing her sharp features, her dimples became even more irresistible, enough to make anyone swoon when she smiled. "Where are we going?" Aveline asked.

"Just follow me," Selena replied, linking her arm with Aveline's as they left together.

They arrived at the Fatenight Bar.

Selena smiled, eyes twinkling. "I heard there's going to be a big show here tonight. I managed to book us a front-row seat. Want to check it out?" Aveline nodded. "Sure."

The two of them entered the bar.

Fatenight Bar was a new hotspot, drawing crowds with its handsome men and beautiful women. It was quickly becoming a popular destination, especially for young people eager for fresh and exciting entertainment.

It wasn't even eight o'clock yet, but the place was already packed. They made their way through the crowd and settled into their front-row seats.

A waiter approached, holding a menu, and knelt slightly in front of them. "What would you like to drink, ladies?"

Selena glanced at Aveline. "What do you want to drink?"

Aveline blinked. "You choose, my treat."

She had no idea which drinks were good, so it was better to leave it to Selena.

"Got it!" Selena eagerly took the menu and, after ordering a few bottles, added two special cocktails. The waiter nodded and left.

Moments later, a fruit platter was brought over. Aveline picked up a strawberry and took a bite. It was sweet and tangy, just perfect.

The lights flickered, and on the dance floor ahead, someone was performing a pole dance. The shifting lights and rhythmic music drew everyone's eyes to the dancer. Selena leaned in close and whispered, "This is just the appetizer. There's something even more thrilling coming up."

Aveline's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

If such a sensual pole dance was only the warm-up, what could the main event be tonight?

As time ticked by, they sipped their drinks and watched as one dancer after another took the stage. The music grew more intense, and the crowd's excitement soared, their worries momentarily forgotten.

"It's starting, it's starting!" Selena exclaimed excitedly in Aveline's ear. Suddenly, all the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness.

Five seconds fater, as the first beat of music pounded, the spotlights converged on the stage. There stood a man in a black shirt, his head. lowered, the buttons on his shit fastened unevenly, teasing glimpses of his chiseled chest and abs.

Chapter 688 Chapter 688 The man's tie hung loosely around his neck, and there was an untamed, primal energy about him as if he was about to break free from the shackles of restraint. His appearance elicited screams from many of the women in the crowd. Selena excitedly grabbed Aveline's arm. "He's so hot! I really want to feel his abs. I bet they're amazing to touch."

Aveline watched the man for a moment but felt no particular excitement.

With the rhythm of the music, the man began to dance, and each time the beat hit a crescendo, he removed another piece of clothing.

First, it was the tie.

Then, the shirt.

And finally, the belt.

By the end, he was bare-chested, finishing the dance with nothing on his upper body.

The lights shifted again. He picked up a microphone, and as the music started once more, he began to sing. Moving forward, he reached out, grasping a woman's hand, interlacing his fingers with hers. His gaze was intense and affectionate as if each lyric was a declaration of love meant just for her.

Aveline glanced at Selena. "This is the... main event you mentioned?"

Selena blinked playfully. "Not exciting enough for you? If you're brave enough, you could touch his chest or abs!"

Aveline leaned back in her seat. "I'm not that interested."

Selena, however, replied, "Well, I am! If he comes over, I'm definitely touching!"

Aveline was speechless.

Selena looked ready to pounce, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I paid for this; if I don't get a feel, it'll be such a waste!" Aveline was speechless and thought, "Fair enough, hard to argue with that logic."

Sure enough, the man soon made his way over to Selena, intertwining his fingers with hers and staring deeply into her eyes.

While most of the other women shyly covered their faces, Selena was different. She suddenly stood up, her face brimming with amusement as she reached out and boldly touched his abs. "Wow!"

Gasps and cheers erupted from those around them.

The man was clearly taken aback by her move, pausing momentarily, but quickly regained his composure and continued singing. However, his interaction with Selena was noticeably the shortest, as if if he couldn't wait to put some distance between them.

Selena sat back down and clicked her tongue. "Meh, he feels average." Aveline laughed at her. "So, now do you feel like it was even less worth it?"

"You know, you're right. Before touching, thought I shouldn't waste the opportunity. But after touching him, I realized... what a waste. Selena shook her head, disappointed.

Aveline picked up her glass. "Let's just stick to drinking."

Selena clinked glasses with her, and the two continued to drink and enjoy the lively scene.

The vibrant and heated atmosphere undeniably heightened everyone's spirits, keeping them in a state of excitement. The annoyance that Aveline felt earlier had completely vanished, replaced by a broad smile on her face.

"Hey, beautiful, care for a drink?"

A man approached and slid into the seat beside her, striking up a conversation.

Aveline glanced at him and replied, "No thanks, I'm heading home."

The man looked surprised. "Come on, it's still early! Why leave now?"

Aveline's expression grew colder. "When I decide to go home is my business. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with you."

His face darkened at her bluntness, but he said nothing more and turned away, leaving.

Aveline looked at Selena. "Let's go."

Selena nodded. "Perfect timing; it's easier to get a cab now."

The two of them grabbed their jackets and headed out, not noticing that the man from before and his companions had their eyes on them.

As they exited the bar, a cold wind blew, making Aveline shiver as she walked toward the road to hail a cab.

But just then, a group of men quickly approached and surrounded them.

Chapter 688

Chapter 689 Chapter 689 "Hey, beautiful, the night is still young. Where are you heading? Why don't you stay and have a few drinks with us?" The man with dyed blonde hair, clearly the leader, smirked as he eyed Aveline and Selena.

His gaze lingered, clearly captivated by their beauty.

Aveline frowned. "Not tonight, maybe another time."

She grabbed Selena's hand and tried to move past them.

But the leader swiftly blocked their path. "So, when would be a good time, then? We're not asking for much, just hoping to make friends with two beautiful ladies like yourselves. Come on, have a drink with us, and we'll leave you alone. How about that?" Yeah, right! If they went with these men, who knew what might happen.

Outnumbered, Selena chose not to provoke them. Instead, she discreetly pulled out her phone to call the police.

"What are you doing, gorgeous?"

Just then, a hand shot out from behind and snatched her phone away, smashing it to pieces when they saw she was calling for help.

"Come on, beautiful, that's not very nice. We just want to have a drink with you. No need to make a big deal out of it and call the cops, right?"

"You...!" Selena's face turned pale with anger as she looked at her shattered phone.

Aveline spoke up, "There are surveillance cameras here. Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"

"Afraid?" The man with blonde turned to his buddies.

"Yeah, scared to death!" someone joked, and the group burst into laughter.

Selena grew more anxious. "What do we do? It's clear they won't let us go easily."

Aveline was at a loss as well.

They were still some distance away from the bar, and though the bouncers at the entrance had seen what was happening, they just looked away, as if this was nothing new to them. They were also far from the main road, where no one would come to help.

What could they do?

The man with blonde hair reached out to touch Aveline's face. "Come on, beautiful, have a few drinks with us. Let's be friends. If you ever need anything, you can count on us to help you out."

Aveline slapped his hand away, her expression filled with disgust.

"They said they're not interested. Didn't you hear them?"

A voice suddenly cut through the tension from nearby. Everyone turned to see a man standing a short distance away, staring at them with an expressionless face. "It's him!" Selena exclaimed in surprise.

Aveline's brow furrowed; she hadn't expected it to be him-the man with amnesia.

The leader with the blonde hair exchanged a glance with his buddies and then swaggered toward the man. "Hey, pal, you're sticking your nose where it doesn't belong." Selena grabbed Aveline's arm. "Come on, let's go, quickly!"

They hurried toward the roadside, but just as Aveline turned back, she saw the blonde-haired man punch the stranger in the face. The man seemed caught off guard foca moment but quickly fought back.

He had a unique way of fighting, focusing all his efforts on one person. No matter how many blows he took from others, his eyes were locked solely on his target. "Hurry, get in the car," Selena urged.

But Aveline took out her phone and called the police. The police station was only five hundred meters away, and the sound of sirens soon filled the air. The group of men tried to flee, but the man held on tightly to the leader, refusing to let him escape, no matter how much he struggled.

When the police arrived, they immediately handcuffed the blonde-haired man. The stranger was also taken in, needing to cooperate with the investigation. Aveline said, "Let's go with them."

Selena paused, surprised. "Why should we go? It's so late. I think going home is much safer."

Aveline shook her head. "He got hurt saving us. We need to testify on his behalf."

Chapter 690 Chapter 690 Selena thought for a moment. It did seem like the right thing to do, so she nodded. "Okay, let's go together."

At the police station, Aveline and Selena testified on the man's behalf.

Both the man and the blonde-haired leader were injured, but since the latter had been the one causing trouble, he would be held accountable. The man was allowed to leave after giving his statement. Outside the station, Aveline suggested, "Let's go to the hospital and get those wounds treated."

The man's forehead was bleeding from a cut, and blood trickled down from it.

He looked at Aveline, suddenly breaking into a broad smile, his eyes incredibly clear and bright. "I'm just glad you're okay."

Aveline hesitated, taken aback for a moment.

Selena leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, "Sounds like a familiar line, doesn't it?"

Aveline was speechless.

She looked at him. "Do you remember your name now?"

The man nodded. "I remember a little... I think my name is Leo."

Aveline nodded. "Alright, Leo, let's head to the hospital first."

Leo nodded enthusiastically. "Sure."

He followed closely behind Aveline as they walked toward the street. His gaze stayed fixed on her, his eyes sparkling like stars in the dark night.

Selena noticed this and couldn't help but chuckle, a thought clearly forming in her mind.

Aveline glanced at her. "What's so funny?"

Selena shook her head, still smiling. "Oh, nothing. Just thought of something amusing, but it's not the right time to say it."

Aveline stared at her for a moment, as if she already knew what Selena was hinting at, then fell silent for a while.

"Don't overthink it."

She finished speaking and got into the car.

"Yeah, yeah, got it." Selena nodded quickly, but her mind was elsewhere.

How could she not think about it?

Another man with amnesia, with a face so similar to someone they knew, yet the difference was striking. Leo had saved Aveline, leaving a great first i Lucas, that scoundrel, couldn't hold a candle to him.

She clicked her tongue...

It would be interesting to see what would happen when these two eventually crossed paths.

...

At the hospital, Leo had his wounds tended to by a nurse. After the doctor checked him over and prescribed some medication, they were ready to leave.

By the time they stepped outside, it was already late at night.

Aveline handed him a plastic bag. "Follow the instructions for taking the medication and applying the ointment. Your wounds will heal soon."

Leo took the bag, nodding. "Alright."

After a brief pause, he asked, "What's your name?"

Aveline gave him a faint smile. "Leo, we're just strangers who happened s paths. You helped me and I've repaid you. Let's part ways here. Goodbye." én.swnovels.net With that, she turned and walked away without the slightest hesitation.

Leo stood stunned for a moment, then instinctively took a few steps after her. "But... why won't you tell me your name? I just wanted to get to know you, that's all."

Selena quickly stepped in front of him. "Leo, she made it pretty clear. She doesn't want to know you, or even be friends. So, goodbye!"

Waving cheerfully at him, Selena quickly caught up with Aveline, and the two of them got into their car and drove away.

Leo stood there, dazed, watching them leave. Only after the car disappeared did the bewilderment on his face vanish.

He glanced down at the medication in his hand, then walked over to a nearby trash can and tossed it in without a second thought.

Just then, his phone rang. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and answered, "Speak."

"Leo, I've managed to block all information about you for now, but this won't work forever. You need to leave, fast."

Leo turned and walked away, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Why should I leave?