Lucas didn't hang up after speaking. She could hear the sound of him getting out of the car, followed by the hurried footsteps.

Aveline gripped her phone tightly, her hand repeatedly pressing the close button. This time, the elevator doors finally closed.

Her heart, which had been in her throat, suddenly eased.

"The elevator doors closed," Aveline said, realizing her legs had gone weak.

"Don't get out until you reach the first floor," Lucas instructed.

"Okay," Aveline replied, keeping the call connected.

Fortunately, the elevator soon reached the first floor. By then, the building was empty.

When the elevator doors opened, she saw Lucas standing at the entrance and rushed out to him.

Lucas immediately embraced her, his voice soothing. "It's okay. I'll find out what happened."

Wrapped in his cool scent, Aveline finally relaxed, but a wave of lingering fear washed over her. Her nose tingled, and tears threatened to fall, but she held them back. Lucas held her as they left the building. Once inside the car, the warmth surrounded her, and her cold body began to thaw.

Holding her hand, Lucas asked, "Did you see anyone?"

Aveline shook her head.

"No." Then she asked, "What do mean?"

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Lucas' eyes met hers. "The elevator doors wouldn't close. Either there was a malfunction, or someone was outside pressing the open button, preventing the doors from closing."

His gaze darkened. "Clearly, in your case, it was the latter."

Aveline's face turned pale. "Who would do that? And why?"

Thinking of Darren, she quickly asked, "Have you found Darren yet?"

Lucas replied, "No, he's hidden well. He hasn't surfaced at all recently."

Aveline sighed. "His absence is the biggest threat. He always said I ruined him, but I don't even remember who he is."

Lucas said, "Don't worry about it if you can't remember

He pulled her close, soothing her panic.

Aveline closed her eyes, suddenly feeling too tired to struggle. She just stayed in his embrace. Despite everything, she couldn't resist his presence and still felt a sense of dependence on him. A trace of bitterness flashed in Aveline's eyes.

As they were nearing home, Lucas received a call from the Tudor family mansion.

His brow furrowed, but he answered, "Hello?"

Yvonne's gentle voice came through. "Lucas, are you and Aveline asleep yet? If not, could you come over? Your grandmother's condition doesn't seem right."

Lucas' expression immediately became serious. "I'll be right there!"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

He hung up and instructed the driver to turn back to the family mansion.

Aveline asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure," Lucas replied.

Until they saw Barbara, everything was uncertain.

Aveline sensed his tense mood and bit her lip, feeling a growing sense of unease.

The car soon arrived at the Tudor family mansion.

They entered the living room to find Barbara sitting in her wheelchair, with Frederick and Yvonne on the sofa, the atmosphere heavy.

Aveline noticed that Barbara's eyes were much clearer, no longer cloudy.

"Grandma," Lucas called as he approached her.

"Lucas," Barbara looked at him and smiled, then held his hand. "Why didn't you bring Sophia along?"

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