She was lost in thought, wondering when she could finalize the divorce as quickly as possible.

Lucas approached her and extended his hand.

Aveline was wearing an elegant black gown that accentuated her noble features. Her delicate facial

features were beautifully highlighted, with a hint of innocence in her mesmerizing eyes. Her slender waist curved gracefully into her hips. Aveline placed her hand in his.

Lucas gripped it tightly, his eyes swirling with intense emotion as he said in a deep voice, "Ave, you look stunning."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Aveline smiled softly. "Thank you. Did you just realize that?"

Lucas was at a loss for words.

He felt somewhat helpless but wasn't angry. The tenderness in his eyes only grew stronger.

Taking Aaron's advice, he had been treating her warmly. Though Aveline still resisted him, their interactions over the past couple days had been relatively pleasant.

If things continued this way, perhaps their life together wouldn't be unbearable after all.

The two left the Tudor mansion and got into the car.

Barbara's birthday celebration was being held at the Tudor family's main home. The guest list included) only the upper echelons of Cloudflare City's elite - even A-list celebrities were mere afterthoughts.

It was an incredibly formal affair. As they exited the car, they saw a red carpet extending from the entrance all the way into the mansion's courtyard.

Every inch of the grounds had been meticulously decorated. Red banners displaying birthday wishes for Barbara adorned the space.

"Lucas has arrived!"

"Look, who's that woman with him?"

"I heard she's his wife!"

Whispers and murmurs arose from the crowd.

Lucas' handsome yet stern face remained expressionless as he led Aveline directly into the mansion, his piercing gaze devoid of warmth.

Frederick was chatting with some friends when he spotted Lucas entering with Aveline. He nearly lost his

composure!

"Excuse me for a moment," he said with a slight nod to his companions before heading towards Lucas.

Frederick approached them and spoke in a low, angry voice, "Lucas, didn't I tell you not to bring her? She has no status. How dare she show up at an event like this?" Lucas remained impassive as he responded, "Her status is that of my legal wife."

Frederick struggled to contain his temper as he asked, "Have you introduced her to anyone yet?"

"I almost forgot until you mentioned it," Lucas replied coolly.

He turned to the butler, speaking loudly enough for guests in the foyer to hear clearly, "Fetch a coat for my wife. It may get chilly tonight."

The butler was momentarily stunned.

Frederick's expression instantly darkened.

"Are you deliberately trying to defy me?" he asked in a low voice.

Lucas remained nonchalant. "Father, you must be joking. Grandma adores her. I had no reason not to bring her."

In such a public setting, Frederick couldn't make a scene.

He glared at Lucas in clear displeasure. When his gaze landed on Aveline, it was filled with obvious disdain.

An orphan - he truly looked down on her. In his eyes, she wasn't even fit to polish his shoes, yet now she had become Lucas' wife and they couldn't get rid of her. How frustrating!

Yvonne approached them. "Frederick, all the guests have arrived. Let's deal with other matters later."

"Fine," Frederick agreed curtly before leaving with Yvonne.

Lucas lowered his eyes, his expression gloomy.

"You shouldn't have brought me," Aveline said quietly.

She hadn't wanted to come either. Who would willingly subject themselves to such treatment?

Frederick's look of disgust, as if she were something filthy, had angered her as well.

P

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