The judge and lawyers present were all at a loss. How could they proceed with the hearing if the plaintiff wasnโt there? Everyone had assumed the defendant wouldnโt show up, but the reality turned out to be quite the opposite. โฆLucas climbed into his car in a cheerful mood. Desmond asked, โMr. Tudor, where are we heading?โโArthur Town,โ Lucas replied.โUnderstood.โ Desmond immediately realized that Lucas was planning to find Aveline. Tsk, tsk, tskโฆ The court session had failed, and Lucas seemed to be in high spirits, clearly eager to gloat in front of Aveline.The weather was clear that day, and even the stray dogs on the roadside looked pleasing to Lucas.โฆJuliet received a call from her subordinates, and her face darkened when she heard their reportโthey hadnโt been able to enter the orphanage at all.โHow is it possible that so many of you couldnโt get in? Whatโs going on?โ One of the men replied, โJust as we were about to enter, two men showed up. They were incredibl
"Alright, I'll go with you," Zachary said, accompanying Aveline to the storage room door. He took out the key and unlocked the door, and as it swung open, a beam of light flooded in, stirring a layer of dust that danced in the air.Hilda had been anxiously watching the door. When she saw that it was just them, she let out a huge sigh of relief."They... they're gone?" Hilda asked cautiously.Zachary nodded. "Yes, thanks to the people Aveline brought with her. Otherwise, you would have been taken away. Madam Hilda, who did you offend? They seemed like a dangerous bunch."Hilda's eyes flickered with unease.Aveline's gaze was cool as she asked, "Did the person who took my identity send them?"Hilda avoided her eyes and quickly changed the subject. "When will you take me away from here?"Aveline's tone remained cold. "Answer my question first."Hilda sat down on the edge of the bed. "You have to get me out of here before I tell you anything."Aveline didn't respond immediately.Zachary, h
โItโs fine,โ Aveline said. โI can reschedule the court hearing when I get back.โZachary gave her a complicated look. There wasnโt much else they could do at this point.โI want to go out for a walk,โ Aveline continued. โIs there anything you need? I could pick it up for you.โZachary shook his head with a smile. โNo, nothing for me. Just come back soon.โโAlright.โ Aveline nodded.After leaving the orphanage, she got into her car and drove towards the town center. By the time she arrived, night had fallen. She parked by the roadside and began walking along the bustling streets.It was dinner time, and the streets were crowded with people out for a meal or a stroll. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of food, and Aveline glanced around, taking in the scene.In the few months since sheโd last visited, Arthur Town had changed quite a bit. Everywhere she looked, there was new development and construction. She believed it wouldn't be long before this place became as prosperous as C
Aveline froze. This was the main street, bustling with people... If she kept struggling, Lucas just might do exactly what heโd threatened!Her expression instantly turned cold, but she stopped resisting.Lucasโ lips curled in satisfaction as he held her hand and continued down the street. After a while, Aveline asked coldly, "How long do you plan to keep this up?" Lucas glanced at her. "A lifetime." Aveline shot back, "In your dreams." But his eyes were serious. "Iโm not dreaming. Iโm telling you the truth. I intend to hold your hand like this and walk with you for the rest of my life." Aveline decided to stop looking at him altogether.The aroma from a street vendor filled the air, making Aveline's stomach growl. She headed straight over.Lucas, still holding her hand, found himself standing in front of a food truck selling blue cheese. Her eyes lit up with interest as she eagerly ordered a portion, and the sharp, tangy aroma instantly hit him.His expression darkened.A
Seeing this, Aveline didnโt bother trying to make him leave. She started the car and headed straight back to the orphanage. By the time they returned, the sky had turned completely dark. Zachary and a group of children came out to greet her, smiles lighting up their faces when they saw her. โCome on, help me unload,โ Aveline said, walking over to open the trunk.Zachary was surprised. โYou went shopping?โAveline replied, โI had some time to kill, so I decided to buy everything the orphanage needed.โโThank you, Miss Aveline!โ the children chorused.โYouโre welcome. Iโm glad you like it,โ Aveline said with a warm smile.Just then, the passenger door opened, and Lucas' tall figure stepped out of the car. Seeing him, the children quickly hid behind Avelineโthey didnโt know this man.Zacharyโs expression shifted when he saw Lucas. After a brief pause, he asked, โMr. Tudor, what brings you here?โโI do have business here,โ Lucas nodded, his gaze settling on Aveline. โI came to find
Zachary was caught off guard and asked, "What's going on?""Mr. Wills, there's a problem I don't understand. Can you help me with it?""Mr. Wills, is my blanket folded correctly?""Mr. Wills..."And so, with a series of strange excuses, the children managed to whisk Zachary away.Lucas stood up and walked over, his tall figure clad in a black coat with broad shoulders that emphasized his mature, masculine charm. His handsome face held a faint smile, his mood clearly quite pleasant.Aveline frowned at him. "What kind of trick are you playing now?"Lucas replied, "I can't stand seeing another man get close to you."Aveline rolled her eyes. "How childish."She turned and headed towards her room, and Lucas followed her every step of the way.When she reached the doorway, she turned back to him. "Stop following me."But Lucas moved aside slightly and pointed to a spot not far away, where several curious little heads were peeking out, watching them intently."They already know we're married.
Aveline looked at Hilda's thin, pale figure with a calm expression. "If you donโt tell me what I need to know, I wonโt help you leave. Do you think Iโm desperate to get back what was taken from me? Youโre wrong. This whole matter has never really mattered to me. Whether I have parents or not isnโt important."Hilda's face immediately darkened. She stood up, her eyes filled with agitation. "How can you be indifferent? She stole everything that belonged to you! Do you know how wealthy your parents are? You were supposed to be the daughter of a rich family, but she took it all away. Are you really willing to let that go?"A cold light shimmered in Aveline's clear eyes. "Since she could take my place, it only meant you were the accomplice. How can I trust you didnโt let greed cloud your judgment?"Hilda hesitated, her face paling further. "Avelineโฆ she wonโt help me, and she wonโt spare you either. Your existence is a ticking time bomb. Sheโll find a way to get rid of you, so you wonโt
Lucas continued to gaze at her face, speaking seriously, "Aveline, think about it carefully. Are you really at a loss?"Aveline hesitated for a moment. If she thought it through, it didnโt seem like she was losing out at all.Lucas was the one putting in the money and effort, and on top of that, he only wanted to sleep with her. His skills in bed were undeniable, and he brought her considerable pleasure. It was just a matter of spending a bit of time in bed with him. Besides, it wasnโt like it was their first time. There wasnโt much to be conflicted or to struggle over.After a pause, she replied, "I need to think about it."Lucas nodded. "Let me know when youโve made up your mind."Aveline didn't respond, turning away and leaving. Lucas watched her retreating figure, a faint smile slowly appearing on his lips.Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screenโit was Baron calling."Yes?" he answered.Baronโs voice was respectful. "Mr. Tudor, weโve investigated what Mrs. Tu
Jolie stirred, her eyes fluttering open in the dimly lit cabin. The sharp, handsome features of the man before her were so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath. His lips, carrying his familiar scent, gently traced hers, as if torn between waking her and letting her sleep. Her breath hitched, a brief moment of confusion washing over her. Gavin noticed and, in response, pressed a firm kiss to her lips. "Did I wake you?" "You did that on purpose," Jolie replied, her voice soft and husky from sleep. "Mm." Gavin didnโt deny it, his tone unapologetic as he leaned down to kiss her again. Still groggy, Jolie found herself caught off guard, his lips capturing hers with a growing intensity. By the time she realized what was happening, he had deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing and tangling with hers in an intoxicating rhythm. Her breath quickened, and she instinctively pushed against him. Gavin pulled back, only to trail kisses along her cheek and down her neck, his
The night air was cool, a gentle breeze slipping through the car window and lifting the strands of hair framing her face. They fluttered across her vision, briefly distracting her, yet she could still clearly see his eyes. At that moment, the unease and uncertainty stirring in her chest melted away, replaced by an inexplicable sense of calm. It felt as though there was nothing he couldnโt handle. As long as he wanted to. Jolie smiled softly and said, "Alright." When they arrived at the private airstrip, the captain came forward to exchange a few words with Gavin. Standing nearby, Jolie watched and couldnโt resist asking, "How long will you be staying?" Gavin glanced at her. "How long do you want me to stay?" The overly intimate tone of his words, spoken with such casual ease, caught her off guard. Her cheeks flushed immediatelyโespecially since there were others around to hear it. Lowering her gaze shyly, she murmured, "You can stay as long as you want." She turned he
Gavin looked at her, his gaze steady, and replied in a calm voice, "Youโve got the leverage to do it." Oh... Jolieโs heart skipped a beat, her pulse momentarily thrown off rhythm. What was this feeling? It was as if someone was spoiling her, cherishing her unconditionally. Even though it was just a simple conversation, it carried a warmth she couldnโt ignore. For a moment, she realized that what she once thought was affection and care had been nothing but an illusion. A smile unconsciously curved on her lips as her eyes lit up. "Does this mean I can walk around Larbor City like I own the place?" Gavin raised an eyebrow. "Are you a crab?" Jolie burst into laughter, her mood instantly lifted by his quick-witted remark. Her earlier irritation dissipated, replaced by lightheartedness. Whether or not he meant it, the fact that he sided with her made her happy. "Iโm full. Should we head out?" she asked, her appetite long gone after everything that had happened earlier.
The girl stared in disbelief, her hands clutching her face. "You hit me?" Jolie blinked innocently at her. "Werenโt you the one insisting I hit you earlier? I just gave you another slap to match your story. You should be used to it by now." "Jolie Quin!" Ian had reached his limit, his voice full of anger as he glared at her. "Apologize to her!" Jolie glanced at him, her expression calm but icy. "Get lost." She had thought he might be reasonable, but clearly, he was blinded by infatuation. She had no patience to deal with him any longer and turned to leave. Before she could take a step, Ian grabbed her arm roughly. "Jolie, youโre not leaving without apologizing! I donโt think Iโve ever wronged you, have I? We used to get along just fine, didnโt we?" "Let go," Jolie said, her brows knitting in disgust. She hated being touched, especially by someone she considered beneath her. Ian tightened his grip, his hand digging into her arm hard enough to cause pain. "Jolie, yo
Jolie was completely baffled, a string of question marks running through her mind. But when the girl suddenly dropped to her knees, it genuinely startled her.She quickly reached out to help her up. "Get up first. We can talk properly."Before Jolie could react, the girl grabbed her hand and slapped herself hard across the face with it.Smack!The crisp sound echoed in the quiet hallway, leaving Jolie frozen in shock."Why did you hit me?" The girl, who had just been crying like an innocent damsel in distress, now clutched her face and loudly accused her. "Ian and I are the real couple! Youโre the one coming between us. How could you hit me?"Jolie blinked, completely dumbfounded, as the girlโs voice rang out.A few passersby paused, glancing over to witness the commotion.Meanwhile, Ian, who had been waiting and wondering why his girlfriend hadnโt returned, came looking for her. The scene he walked intoโhis girlfriend on the ground, crying and accusing Jolieโmade him stride forward,
The person in the hallway glanced at her briefly but quickly looked away, as though she were a stranger. Jolieโs hand, lifted halfway to wave, stalled in mid-air.What... was that? Gavin noticed her reaction and asked in a low voice, "Whatโs wrong?" "Nothing," Jolie replied, shaking her head and brushing it off. The man outside was Ian. Pretending not to know her was probably his way of avoiding unnecessary troubleโafter all, they had already "broken up." The door to their private room shut completely, and Gavin hadnโt seen Ian or his group. He turned back to her and asked, "Do you come here often?" "Yeah," Jolie nodded. "I come here a lot with friends." So, this was one of her favorite hidden gems. The fact that she was willing to share it with him felt significant somehow. Gavin caught himself lingering on that thought and was momentarily taken aback by his own reaction. He kept his expression neutral, not letting on what had crossed his mind. The food arrived qui
The reason it wasnโt the same was simpleโher plan would fall apart if she got caught.Of course, that wasnโt something she could admit.Jolie simply said, "I just donโt want any unnecessary complications. Since youโve already arranged the flight, letโs just leave directly."Gavinโs dark eyes fixed on her for a moment, but he didnโt press the issue.It was clear she didnโt want to talk about it any further, so he let it drop.When the elevator doors opened, the two of them walked out together. A car was already waiting at the entrance. Gavin, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her.The car pulled away from Cooper Enterprises, and Gavin asked, "What do you want to eat?"Jolie, busy typing on her phone, replied, "I know a good restaurant."It was a cozy place she loved, one she often visited with her friends."Alright," Gavin replied, pulling out his phone to respond to some emails. With his work condensed into such a tight schedule, he seized every spare moment to handle it.Jolie p
Gavin suddenly recalled Wilfried's words, "That girl doesnโt even like you."Lowering his gaze slightly, Gavin pushed the thought aside without explanation, his expression remaining cool and indifferent as he watched her. After Jolie finished looking through the photos, she turned to him and asked, "Why do you have pictures of all these women?" "My father brought them over," Gavin replied. "Oh." Jolie nodded knowingly and didnโt press further. It was easy enough to figure outโthe Cooper family obviously wanted him to consider an arranged marriage, so they sent over these photos for him to choose from. She could understand that. In fact, she even helped him look through them, just in case one of these women turned out to be a good match for him. After all, their relationship wasnโt meant to last forever. When he grew tired of her and she had her fun, theyโd part ways, and everything would return to normal. As she neatly organized the photos and placed them back on the ta
It was Jolieโs first time visiting Cooper Enterprises, and she couldnโt help but feel a sense of curiosity about the place.No, to be precise, it was her first time stepping into any corporate office. The Quin family also had company, but she had never visited, nor had Daisy or Terence ever asked her to.The private elevator for the CEO was stunningly opulent, its polished surface gleaming like a mirror, perfectly reflecting their images. Jolieโs heart began to race with an inexplicable excitement.The assistant glanced at her and said with a warm smile, "Miss Quin, thereโs no need to be nervous. Mr. Cooper will definitely be delighted to see you."Jolie nodded and replied, "Iโm not nervous."The elevator moved swiftly, and as they neared the executive office, Jolie adjusted her cap and mask, pulling them snugly to hide her face as much as possible.Meanwhile, near the adjacent employee elevator, Rosalie was holding a stack of files, ready to head downstairs.She froze the moment she s