Aveline returned to the hotel, still shaken.

Lucas was in Arthur Town!

And from the looks of it, he planned to stay for a while.

She couldn't remain there if he did.

Frowning, she pondered for a moment before dialing Hilda's number.

However, Hilda didn't answer, and Aveline's expression darkened. They had repeatedly targeted her-did they really think she was an easy target?

She called another number and then headed to take a shower before going to bed.

The next morning, Hilda was in high spirits, thinking about the

previous night. She was sure Aveline hadn't escaped this time because Mike had been fixated on her for a while.

Hilda planned to check on the children but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Who is it? Coming, coming!"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

She hurried to the door and opened it to find several police officers standing there.

Startled, she asked, "What's the matter?"

The lead officer flashed his badge and said firmly, "We've received reports of your involvement in child trafficking and forced prostitution. You'll need to come with us." Hilda was stunned. "No, I haven't done anything like that! I'm the director of an orphanage. I would never!"

The officer replied, "You can explain everything at the station."

Hilda was taken away by the police.

Aveline found out about it when Zachary called her.

She was having breakfast at the hotel. Hearing the concern in

Zachary's voice, she responded calmly, "Do you know where I was last night?"

Zachary was taken aback. "Aveline, where were you last night?"

Aveline chuckled softly and said, "Last night, she asked me to dine at Celestial Heights and sold me to Mike."

Zachary was utterly shocked. "How is that possible? Is there some misunderstanding?"

Aveline replied, "Five years ago, she sold me once before. I managed to escape by hitting Mike and fleeing amidst the chaos. After I ran away, what did she tell you all?" Zachary was so shocked he couldn't speak!

In his memory, Hilda was a bad-tempered woman with significant flaws, but she had a good heart. After all, how else could she have shouldered the entire orphanage on her own?

He remembered the time when Hilda returned in a fury, cursing and calling Aveline an ingrate who had run away without showing any gratitude for being raised. Everyone believed her back then.

They couldn't understand why Aveline would run away after being raised by Hilda.

It turned out there were deeper reasons behind it all!

Zachary's voice was a bit hoarse as he asked, "Aveline, about last night

are you alright?"