The banquet hall was on the 7th floor. As the elevator doors opened, Russell and Aveline stepped out.

Because of Russell's recent reunion with the Skyler family, many

people recognized him and came over to greet him, engaging in polite conversation.

Aveline stood quietly beside him, playing the role of an accessory.

Suddenly, she felt a cold presence enveloping her. Her expression froze, and she instinctively turned to look.

Her eyes widened when she saw the person not far away.

Lucas!

What was he doing here?

Aveline instinctively grabbed Russell's arm.

Russell looked at her and leaned in slightly, asking, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Aveline replied, her eyelids trembling as she tried to compose herself.

Noticing her unease, Russell said, "If you're uncomfortable, you can go over there. That's the self-service area, and it has everything."

Aveline smiled and shook her head. "No need, I'll stay by your side."

Hearing this, Russell's smile widened. "Alright, then stay close to me."

Aveline, distracted and anxious, didn't notice the look in Russell's eyes.

Not far away, Lucas held a champagne glass in his hand. Though people around him were flattering and engaging in small talk, his gaze was fixed on those two figures.

He hadn't been mistaken. It was indeed Aveline!

It seemed she was Russell's date for the night.

And just now, Russell had leaned in so close to her, and she hadn't pulled away!

Lucas raised his glass and downed the champagne in one gulp, then strode directly towards Russell and Aveline.

Just then, someone stepped in front of Lucas, smiling as they said, " Mr. Tudor, Mr. Wilbert requests your presence."

Lucas' expression softened slightly as he nodded. "Alright."

Following the person, his cold gaze finally shifted away from Aveline.

Feeling Lucas was no longer staring coldly at her, Aveline let out a sigh of relief.

She hadn't anticipated Lucas being here.

She had originally come to avoid him, but things hadn't gone as planned. She went to Arthur Town, and he went there on a business trip. She returned to Cloudflare City for the banquet, and he was invited as well.

What a cursed fate.

Russell noticed her distracted state and asked, "Aveline, are you feeling unwell?"

Aveline shook her head. "No, I'm just not used to these kinds of events.

Russell smiled slightly, his eyes shimmering. "Then I'll bring you to more of these events in the future. You'll get used to it after a few times."

Aveline almost wanted to cry. "Russ, please have mercy."

Russell laughed at her reaction and, skipping further small talk, led her to the self-service area.

20

"The food at this banquet is quite good, all prepared by five-star chefs. You must be hungry after all this time," Russell said to her.

Aveline nodded. "Alright, I'll see what I'd like to eat."

Russell stayed by her side, watching as she picked out her favorite foods, a smile lingering on his handsome face.

Upstairs, by the railing, Wilbert stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Lucas. "You rascal, you've come back and didn't even think to visit me. Have you forgotten who I am?"Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Lucas's expression softened, and he smiled faintly. "Mr. Wilbert, a wise man like you surely knows I lost my memory for a while."

Wilbert snorted. "I heard you got married? Why didn't you bring your wife along?"