Lacas' body stiffened as he looked at her soft, warm smile, and his heart softened along with it.

"Alright."

"Mr. Tudor, you're so kind," Aveline said sweetly.

Rebecca was livid!

Her cousin had been right; this woman was nothing but a slut!

No way would she allow such a wretch to stay by Lucas' ide.

Lucas was hers!

'Dad, I want Lucas to keep me company for a while. It's my birthday today, so can we skip the boring business talk, please?" Rebecca clung to Reynold's arm, pouting.

Reynold looked at his daughter with fondness, gently tapping her nose. "Come on, sweetie. You're a big girl now. No need to hang onto Lucas like that, okay?"

"Alright, alright, I know," Rebecca replied, then turned to Lucas." Lucas, let's go outside, okay? My garden is beautiful, and I haven't shown it to anyone else. I just want to share it with you!"

Reynold added, "Lucas, it's Rebecca's birthday today. Let's not discuss business. You young people should go have fun. No need to stay with. me."

Lucas nodded slightly. "Alright, Mr. Thompson.": owner of this content.

Rebecca immediately tried to take Lucas' arm, but Aveline, quick and agile, beat her to it.

Rebecca was so angry she was gnashing her teeth, but with Lucas there, she couldn't show it.

Outside the villa, Rebecca excitedly talked to Lucas about the rose

volcano She stood beside it, like a proud little princess.

"Lucas, I really like the gift you gave me. Will you help me put it on?" She handed the box to Lucas, her eyes full of anticipation.

Lucas replied indifferently, "A gift is meant to be worn by the one who receives it. My job was just to give it.

"No, no, I want you to put it on me," Rebecca pouted, grabbing Lucas' other hand and shaking it playfully.

Lucas withdrew his hand and said, "Rebecca, you should know that I'm married.

Rebecca's expression froze for a moment before she replied, "So what? People can get divorced even after getting married. Besides, I know you don't really like her. You're only staying with her out of a sense of obligation, which is why you haven't divorced her yet.

"Lucas, a woman like that doesn't deserve you. You should end it with her as soon as possible!"

Rebecca actually knew that Aveline was Lucas' wife!

But she pretended not to know, deliberately saying those things to embarrass Aveline. Her cousin had already told her about Aveline's identity, that she was just an ordinary person who didn't deserve Lucas at all!

She glanced at Aveline with disdain in her eyes.

Lucas' expression turned colder. "Rebecca, you're an adult now. You should understand what it means to have boundaries. My relationship with my wife is none of anyone else's business."

Rebecca was stunned, not expecting his tone to become so serious. She felt incredibly wronged. "Lucas, how can you be so harsh with me? You

used to be so kind to me!"

Aveline was also taken aback, not expecting Lucas to say such things. Was he...defending her? She lowered her gaze slightly, feeling

www

indifferent.

At that moment, the sound of commotion and noise came from a distance.

Realizing what she was thinking, Aveline felt a moment of confusion before refocusing her gaze on Lucas.

He was outstanding, handsome, and powerful, easily attracting attention from the opposite sex.

And yet, this remarkable man was devoted to Sophia.

Neither she nor Rebecca seemed to be a match for Sophia.

Because in love, only the beloved one is right.

"Hey, why are you following us? Who allowed you to come here? Get out now and stop bothering Lucas!"

Lost in thought, Aveline was startled by Rebecca's sudden outburst. Before she could react, Rebecca shoved her again.

Aveline's brows furrowed as she looked at Rebecca. "I am Mr. Tudor's companion. Naturally, I need to stay with him."

She hadn't provoked this young lady, so why was she being targeted?

Rebecca's eyes widened slightly. "How dare you talk back? You're just a companion. Who gave you the nerve to speak to me like this?" Acting like a spoiled princess, she called over two servants. "Take her outside and throw her into the pool!"

"Yes, miss!"

The two servants immediately reached out to grab Aveline.

Aveline's gaze turned icy.

Seeing Lucas chatting with Reynold Thompson not far away, she walked straight towards him.

"Mr. Tudor."

Ignoring Rebecca's murderous glare, Aveline took Lucas' arm and said, "This place is so big, I'm afraid of getting lost. Can I stay by your side?"

As she spoke, she even blinked playfully at Lucas.

Seriously, she was Lucas' wife!

What right did Rebecca have to drive her away?

What qualifications did she possess?