Jackson's face contorted into a forded smile as he turned to Desmond. "Mr. Blake, are you free lately? I'd like to treat you to a meal."

Desmond responded curtly, "I'm not available," dismissing Jackson without a second thought.

Even William had to respect Lucas, so who did Jackson think he was?

Jackson's face turned ashen.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Aveline looked at Maria. "I'll head out now. You should go home. _early too."

Maria nodded. "Take care."

Aveline followed Desmond out of the event. Outside, the night cloaked the surroundings, and a luxurious car waited by the curb. The window rolled down, revealing half of a man's profile. Hel seemed in a good mood, glancing down slightly.

Aveline approached the car and got in, saying, "Thank you for your help."

Lucas turned his eyes toward her, his lips parting slightly. "How do you plan to thank me?"

Aveline paused, lowering her gaze. Lucas toyed with a lighter, seemingly wanting a cigarette but not lighting it.

After a moment of silence, Aveline reached into his pocket, took out a cigarette, and placed it between her lips. She took the lighter from. his hand and lit the cigarette, taking a light puff. Smoke curled around her, adding a sultry allure to her demeanor.

She handed the cigarette to him. "Want a smoke?"

Lucas' eyes darkened as he stared at her, snatching the cigarette and tossing it out the window before pulling her close for a fierce kiss. The taste of tobacco lingered on her lips.

His kiss was intense as if trying to merge her into his very being.

"Make me feel good right here," he whispered in her ear, his voice husky.

Aveline's body trembled.

He wanted to do it here when the car was parked right in front of the hotel?

She gripped his shirt, her breathing uneven. "Can we... change location?"

She didn't refuse. She had anticipated that asking for his help would come with conditions, even though, as his wife, leveraging her title to exert some influence was her right. Yet, Lucas still demanded terms.

Their relationship didn't feel like a marriage but rather a

transactional affair. Each favor was meticulously calculated, with no room for deception.

A hint of irony flickered in Aveline's eyes.

Lucas noticed it immediately and frowned.

"What are you thinking about?"

Aveline spoke softly, "I'm thinking that as your wife, it's absurd that I have to pay a price to do anything.

The atmosphere in the car grew icy. Lucas' expression darkened further, and his grip on her chin tightened. Aveline met his gaze. "Lucas, you're not a suitable husband and I

can't be a proper wife."

"Shut up." Lucas snarled, pressing his lips against hers again, more fiercely this time, as if trying to devour her..

Aveline endured it.

However, he didn't proceed further, just kissed her with a savage intensity. After a long moment, he released her, his face clouded as he closed his eyes.

"Aveline, how do you define a suitable husband?" he asked in a low voice.

All his life, the only model he had to follow was Frederick. He believed he had learned well, so why did Aveline see him as inadequate?

Frederick's interactions with Yvonne were exactly like this.

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