A man like that was trouble, plain and simple. The sooner they steered clear, the better. Russell made a mental note: once this mess outside was sorted, he would need to have a serious talk with Aveline.

Stepping outside the mansion, he saw Lucas' car ramming the gate once more. This time, the gate couldn't withstand the impact and was forced open. The car screeched to a halt just thirty centimeters from Russell, drawing gasps from onlookers.

Russell's devilishly handsome face remained impassive. "Lucas, you're quite rude."

Lucas opened the car door, a chilling aura surrounding him, and walked up to Russell.

"Where's Aveline?" he demanded coldly.

Russell replied, "I have no idea."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Lucas' expression darkened, and he started towards the mansion. But Russell extended his arm to block him.

A mocking smile appeared on Russell's face as he looked at Lucas. "Mr. Tudor, first you damage my gate, and now you want to trespass. What exactly are you planning to do?" Lucas' cold gaze fixed on Russell's face, his eyes filled with icy hostility. "Hand over Aveline, and I won't pursue any other matters."

Russell sneered. "And what if I don't?"

Lucas' indifferent stare bore into him. "It seems you've been living quite leisurely. I wonder how your relatives will react when they learn about your current activities."

The carefree smile on Russell's face faded slightly. "Lucas, are you threatening me?"

Lucas replied, "Bring Aveline out.

Russell pressed his tongue against his cheek as his smile returned. "I'm afraid that's not possible. She doesn't want to see you right now, and I need to respect her wishes." The coldness in Lucas' eyes intensified.

Russell suddenly spoke, "Lucas, she married you because she once loved you, but you betrayed her. Now you regret it and don't want a divorce? Haven't you heard the saying, 'Belated affection isn't worth a thing"?"

Bang!

Lucas punched Russell in the face!

Russell staggered back several steps from the blow. Before he could react, Lucas advanced again, grabbing his collar and hitting him repeatedly.

Aveline heard the commotion outside.

Feeling uneasy, she forced her weak body to move and came out, only to witness the violent scene.

She widened her eyes and hurried downstairs, shouting, "Lucas, what are you doing? Let him go!"

Lucas paused mid-strike.

Taking advantage of the moment, Russell punched Lucas in the abdomen. A flash of anger crossed Lucas' face as he retaliated, hitting Russell again.

It was clear that Russell was no match for Lucas.

He was repeatedly beaten back until Lucas's final kick sent him sprawling heavily to the floor.

"Russ!" Aveline screamed, rushing over to check on him.

Russell's delicate and handsome face was bruised and swollen, with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He coughed painfully, struggling to get up from the floor. Aveline's face turned pale with fear. "Call an ambulance, quickly!"

The butler finally reacted and hurriedly called for an ambulance.

Lucas, radiating icy anger, strode over and grabbed Aveline's wrist, dragging her outside.

"Let go of me! Let me go!"