Aveline clenched her fists, her gaze sweeping over the assortment of drinks on the table.

She walked over and stood opposite Lucas, taking a deep breath. before saying, "Lucas, you're doing this to vent for Sophia, but Selena is here because of me. How about this: I'll drink all of these, and you lea Lucas' eyes stared at her coldly for a long moment without saying a word. Aveline smiled faintly, then grabbed a bottle, unscrewed the cap, and started drinking. The sharp taste burned her throat, making her co Lucas didn't stop her; he just watched, his gaze dark and complicated.

"Ave!" Selena's eyes widened as she struggled to move closer but was held back by Brian. "Let go of me! Let me go!"

Selena's voice was tinged with tears as she glared at Lucas, but she didn't dare insult him further. Aveline was doing this for her sake; if she antagonized Lucas now, all of Aveline's efforts would be in vain. Aaron watched the scene, the lazy smile fading from his face as he looked at Lucas. "Are you serious about this?"

Lucas' lips tightened into a line as he watched Aveline finish one bottle and open another. Frustrated, he barked, "That's enough!"Property © .

Aveline abruptly put the bottle down, closing her eyes for a moment before asking with difficulty, "Do you agree?"

Suddenly, Lucas stood up, reaching across the table to grip her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Aveline, don't you have anything else to say?"

The alcohol hit her quickly. Aveline's face was already turning red as she stared at Lucas, a silent laugh escaping her lips. "I have nothing more to say to you."

It was as if all sound had vanished, leaving only the pounding of her heart. Tiny fractures seemed to appear within, accompanied by a sharp pain that tore at her senses. Lucas' eyes darkened ominously. He glared at Aveline, releasing her chin with a cold laugh. "If she dares to cause trouble, she should be prepared to face the consequences. Aveline clutched the bottle. "What do you mean?"

Was he not going to spare Selena?

Lucas turned to Aaron. "Are you in need of models? What do you. think of her?"

Aaron blinked, instinctively glancing at Selena. "Not bad. Her physical attributes are excellent."

Lucas said, "Sign her up, but only for the lowest-tier modeling jobs."

"Lucas!" Aveline was on the verge of losing her temper. "Do you even know what you're doing? This is between us! What does she have to do with it?"

Lucas stared at her coldly. "What does she have to do with it? What gives her the right to criticize me?"

Aveline felt as if she had plunged into an ice pit, the chill spreading through her bo "". Despite drinking two bottles of alcohol, she couldn't feel any warmth. Selena gritted her teeth. "Ave, don't beg him. He's nothing but an ingrate! I'll be fine!"

Lucas looked at Brian. "Dislocate her jaw."

"Yes, sir."

Brian raised his hand to grab Selena's jaw, but she bit down on his thumb with all her strength.

"Ugh!"

Brian growled in pain, immediately letting her go.

Selena quickly ran to Aveline's side, gripping her hand tightly and glaring at Lucas. "Ave will never forgive you for treating her like this!"

D