Lucas' lips pressed into a straight line, his eyes fixed on Aveline. "You're not going to apologize?"

Aveline felt a wave of pressure settle over her heart.

She feared nothing and had no attachments, but Selena was

different.

She could hold her own against Sophia, but when Lucas spoke, she was instantly at a disadvantage.

She was clearly not the favored one.

The defiance in Aveline's eyes faded, replaced by a trace of self mockery and bitterness.

"Lucas, are you sure you want to do this?"

To humiliate her again and again?

To make her feel utterly ashamed and humiliated?

Lucas' voice was low and magnetic, his tone cool and detached. "What do you think?"

Aveline closed her eyes, then nodded. "Fine, I understand."

She turned to Sophia, about to apologize, but Selena stopped her.

"Ave, don't bow to people like them. I'm not apologizing. Let's see if he can really do anything to me!"

Selena wrapped her arm around Aveline's shoulder. "Come on, we don't need that stupid necklace. I'll get you something even better!"

Aveline frowned. "Selena..."

Selena smiled brightly, her face full of confidence. "It's fine. Let's go.

Aveline felt uneasy.

Lucas was cold and ruthless. If he targeted Selena, what would happen to her?

She wanted to look back, but Selena prevented her.

Once they were out of the mall, Selena said, "Ave, I couldn't let your lower your head for those jerks."

Aveline worried, "But he will definitely target you."

Lucas was ruthless with her; he would be even more so with someone else.

Selena laughed it off. "No worries. Worst case, I'll go abroad. He can't reach me there, right?"

"But..."

"Enough," Selena interrupted. "Stop overthinking. Let's keep shopping. Later, we'll go have steak. I found a great place and want you to try it."

Aveline bit her lip, her clear eyes shimmering slightly.

In the jewelry store, Sophia still looked pale. She turned to Lucas." Lucas, that Selena was so arrogant. Who exactly is she?"

Lucas didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Do you still want the necklace?"

Sophia glanced at the necklace on the floor and bit her lip. "Since Miss Young likes it, why don't you buy it for her to calm her down? It'll keep her from causing trouble. She looked understanding and gracious, her demeanor soft and kind.Property © .

Lucas turned to the salesperson. "Wrap it up."

The salesperson hesitated for a moment before quickly nodding and picking up the necklace.

She couldn't help but think, What a day! The scene she had just witnessed made her worry about the necklace's fate. Why did it deserve to be thrown to the ground?

After paying, Lucas held the shopping bag and looked at Sophia. "Is your leg still hurting?"

Sophia shook her head. "It's not hurting anymore. I think I just lost my balance earlier. I'm fine now."

Lucas said, "Do you see anything else you like?"

Sophia smiled warmly. "Lucas, I'm more excited about what you choose for me. Anything you give me, I will cherish."

Lucas' eyes were deep and unreadable. "I'll take you home."

Sophia hesitated. "Aren't we going to have dinner?"

Lucas replied, "Something came up. I need to go to the office."

Sophia bit her lip. "Alright, but don't worry about what happened today. A little pain is nothing. Please don't take it out on Miss Quin."