Divorced

Aveline found it laughable.

And indeed, she let out a sarcastic laugh, looking at Lucas with clear eyes full of distrust. “You say he has ulterior motives, then tell me–what exactly are his intentions?”

If he was going to accuse someone, at least present some evidence, right? If Lucas had thrown proof in her face from the beginning, she might have believed him. But all he had done was warn her to stay away from Russell, repeatedly insisting that his intentions were impure.

Yet, from what she had seen and felt, Russell had only ever helped and protected her. Nothing he did had ever harmed her. In fact, he had even saved her life! How could she believe that someone like him had a hidden agenda?

Lucas‘ brow furrowed, and the coldness around him intensified.

Aveline let go of the railing and stood up, exhaling a shaky breath. “Lucas, whether or not he has ulterior motives, have you been honest with me?”

Lucas slowly rose, his gaze dark and unreadable as he looked at her calm expression.

Aveline pressed on, “Tell me, did Bobby really steal from your brother?”

Lucas shot back, “Who told you that?”

He paused, realizing that Russell must have mentioned this when he pulled Aveline aside earlier. “So, he told you Bobby is innocent?”

Aveline clenched her fists, struggling to keep her emotions in check. Images of Bobby’s wounded, lifeless form flashed through her mind. “Isn’t he?” All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Lucas let out a low laugh. “You’ve seen so much evidence, yet you still believe he’s innocent? I admire your conviction. But, Aveline, you need to bring me evidence to prove his innocence, to convince me.”

Aveline closed her eyes briefly, then turned away. “I’ll find the evidence, but in the meantime, 1 hope you won’t let Bobby die.”

With that, she left the balcony and headed straight for the door of the private room.

Lucas narrowed his sharp eyes, processing her words. It seemed she knew about Bobby’s current

condition.

Had Russell told her?

Ha!

It seemed Russell’s reach had already extended into the Tudor estate. The real question was whether he had swayed just the regular staff or someone more important.

Leaving the private room, Aveline sent a message to Maria, letting her know she was heading home.

Maria didn’t respond immediately, likely still caught up in the party.

Aveline pocketed her phone and made her way toward the elevator. But as she passed by another private

room, the door suddenly swung open, and a man grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth and dragging her inside.

“Mmmph!”

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Aveline panicked, struggling and clawing at the man, but he forcefully dragged her into the room and slammed the door shut, shoving her away.

“Damn it, you little wench!” the man cursed, shaking his hand where she had scratched him, the marks clearly visible.

Aveline was thrown against the wall, a sharp pain shooting through her shoulder. But there was no time to focus on it–she immediately turned to run for the door.

Another man, however, grabbed her and tossed her onto the sofa.

It was only then that Aveline realized there were five or six men in the room.

Her eyes filled with terror, and her face went pale.

“Who… who are you?” she stammered.