Brian shook his head vigorously.
"No, you've got it wrong. The reason I respect Miss Winter so much is because she saved Mr. Tudor back then, even losing a leg in the process. Doesn't a woman like that deserve to be cherished?" Desmond scrutinized him for a moment before abruptly asking, "So, you think they've managed to deceive everyone?"
Brian was taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"
Desmond shook his head in exasperation. "If you don't get it, forget it."
He turned to leave but stopped after a few steps, looking back at Brian with a serious expression. "Make sure to protect Miss Young. If you don't, your life will be on the line." With Brian still looking confused, Desmond walked away again.
Brian stood there, stunned for a long moment before collecting himself. Lucas' request to protect Aveline resonated deeply. He was prepared to defend her with his life if needed. After this incident, he understood his role clearly. He was just a subordinate, and his life belonged to Lucas. All he needed to do was follow Lucas' orders. Nothing else mattered.
Aveline was awakened by her phone ringing.
She groggily answered, "Hello?"
"Ave, I'm free!" Selena's excited voice came through, and she was even singing a cheerful tune
Aveline paused, rubbing her eyes. "Congratulations. Is Aaron better now?"
"Yes, with my meticulous care, even a coma patient would recover!"
Selena said dramatically.This text is property of NĂ´/velD/rama.Org.
Aveline laughed. "Just don't let Aaron hear you say that, or he'll give you a hard time."
"Ha! I've already accomplished my mission. What do I have to fear from him?" Selena retorted boldly. When are you coming back? I'm. treating you to a big meal to celebrate my freedom." "I might need a bit more time before I can come back," Aveline replied.
Selena sounded puzzled. "Hmm? Why so long?"
Aveline briefly explained the situation.
"Holy crap!" Selena exclaimed after hearing the story. "He single-handedly held off a mastiff? Is he really that tough?"
Aveline tugged at the corner of her lips. "I didn't expect it either."
There was a brief silence on the other end before Selena's voice came again. "My dear Ave, have you fallen for him again?" Aveline sighed and got up abruptly. "Can we not talk about such scary things so early in the morning? It's ruining my good mood!" Selena replied, "But anyone who witnessed such a scene would be moved. If he hadn't shown up, you might have been dead." Aveline ran her fingers through her hair. "I won't fall for him. Absolutely not!"
"I just wanted to remind you that one heartbreak is enough. It's good that you're thinking this way, Ave." Selena sighed in relief.
She had brought it up because she feared Aveline might unknowingly fall for Lucas again.
Sure, Lucas saved her, but that didn't change the fact that he had been a jerk in the past!
Aveline said, "Once his injury heals, I'll head back. Get ready to
welcome me with that feast."
"Absolutely!" Selena agreed readily.
After hanging up, Aveline got out of bed to wash up.
At the door, which was slightly ajar, Lucas had heard their entire conversation. His face darkened as he turned and went back to his room, dialing Aaron's number. "Hello? Missing me already?" Aaron ans