"My granddaughter-in-law!"

Barbara seemed to remember Aveline, reaching out to her joyfully Where did you go? Did you not want to play with me anymore?"

Aveline walked over and took her hand. "No, we agreed before. I would hide, and you would teach him a lesson."

Barbara was momentarily confused but then nodded. "Yes, yes Lucas bullied you, so I taught him a lesson."

Lucas's dark gaze fixed on Aveline. "Did you come here to complain to Grandma?

Aveline raised an eyebrow. "So, what if I did?

Lucas' expression darkened further.

Barbara didn't hesitate to smack him again. "I just told you, and you've already forgotten? Why are you glaring at your wife?"

Lucas fell silent.

Aveline turned to Barbara. "Grandma, you're so good to me.

Barbara laughed cheerfully. "I like you, so of course I'm good to you Try this, our housekeeper made these new snacks. They're delicious

She picked up a piece and held it to Aveline's lips.

Aveline paused for a moment, glancing at Sophia. As expected, Sophia's face had paled.

Aveline accepted the snack. "Thank you, Grandma."

"Eat, eat! If you like it, I'll have her make more for you. Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets a raise for it!"

Barbara looked at Aveline proudly.

Aveline felt a mix of emotions as she took a bite of the snack and nodded. "It is really good."

Barbara turned to Sophia with a smile. "My granddaughter-in-law likes it too. You'll have to make these often."

Sophia could barely maintain her smile. "Of course, I will."

How infuriating! She had worked hard to please Barbara with her snacks, only to be treated like a servant! "Grandma, she's not a servant," Lucas said.

Barbara blinked. "Then who is she?"

Aveline also looked at Lucas, her eyes clear but laced with subtle

sarcasm.

How should he introduce Sophia's identity?Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

If he had known it would come to this, why had he dragged his feet about divorcing Aveline? If they had divorced sooner, Sophia's. position would have been legitimate by now.

Aveline thought, "Lucas, the awkward situation Miss Winter is in now, is all your doing."

Lucas seemed to understand her thoughts. His voice was low and calm as he said, "Grandma, she's my friend. You don't remember, but two years ago, she saved my life. If it weren't for her, I might not be here Barbara looked enlightened. "Oh, right, she saved you. So, she became a servant in our house after that?"

Both Lucas and Sophia were speechless.

Even Aveline's lips twitched slightly.

Barbara took Sophia's hand. "You're a kind girl. You saved him, and. I'm very grateful. Don't worry, I'll make sure he gives you a raise."

Sophia kept quiet for a while before she pulled her hand back,

forcing a smile. "I... I suddenly don't feel well. I need to go to the restroom."

Lucas frowned. "Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

Sophia shook her head. "No need."

She quickly walked towards the restroom.

Barbara continued to insist that Lucas give Sophia a raise. Lucas' eyes were fixed on Aveline.

"If you have a problem with me, take it up with me. Why involve Grandma?"

Aveline met his gaze with calm defiance. "Maybe because I knew it would get your attention."