Lucas' gaze swept downward, and he immediately spotted the pair in the self-service area.

The girl held a plate, taking small bites, and had accidentally smeared her cheek. The man beside her gently wiped it away with a tissue. The scene was harmonious and beautiful as if they were a couple. A cold glint flashed in Lucas' eyes.

His tone grew even colder. "I didn't want to bring someone I'm bound to divorce to avoid being a laughingstock."

Wilbert's face darkened. "Can you stop acting like your irresponsible father?"

Lucas lowered his gaze slightly and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Wilbert."

Without waiting for Wilbert's response, he turned and walked downstairs.

Aveline got cream on her dress and asked worriedly, "Russ, do you think this stain will ruin the dress?"

Ruining such a delicate and beautiful gown would be a shame!

Russell replied, "Let's go over there to clean it up. Don't worry, it's fine.

Aveline followed him behind a screen where there were fewer people, ensuring they wouldn't attract attention while cleaning the stain.

Russell took out a wet wipe and leaned in closely to wipe the cream off carefully.

Aveline frowned and reached for the tissue. "I can do it myself."

This close proximity felt unsafe. If someone saw them, it could easily lead to misunderstandings, which would be problematic.

Russell didn't let go. "It'll be done in a second. Just stay still."

+IS BONUS

As Lucas approached, he saw them standing close together, their hands touching, looking especially intimate.

His handsome face darkened immediately.

"Isn't this place a bit inappropriate for such intimacy? Perhaps you should continue this at the hotel," Lucas said coolly, his eyes glinting with a sharp, icy edge as he looked at them. Did they really not care about his presence at all?

How could they act so intimately at someone else's birthday banquet?

Startled, Aveline quickly pulled her hand back.

However, upon hearing Lucas' words, her expression turned icy. Lucas, stop talking nonsense. My dress got dirty, and Russ was just helping me clean it."

Lucas glared at her coldly. "You can't clean it yourself?"

"You..."

Aveline realized that no matter how good her mood was, encountering Lucas would always ruin it. Even if she were to say something nice to him, he would twist her words and make it sound unpleasant. Russell carefully finished cleaning the cream off her dress, then threw the tissue into the trash.

He turned to Lucas and said, "Mr. Tudor, why would you come over just to maliciously insult your own wife? You got me quite curious. If you dislike her so much, why not divorce her?"

Standing behind him, Aveline felt her heart tighten at his words. Memories of Lucas defending Sophia flashed in her mind. She lowered her gaze slightly, a faint mockery flickering in her clear eyes. Lucas' eyes remained cold as he looked at Russell. "I'm glad you know she's my wife."

Russell raised an eyebrow, his purp charm and rebellion. "So what? You later."

Behind the screen, the two men's gaz seeming to ignite between them.

Aveline walked over and said, "Russ,

Lucas' face darkened further. "You're

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