Brian froze. As he thought carefully, a wave of shame washed over

him.

A year ago, when Lucas suddenly disappeared, the entire Tudor. family was in turmoil. Lucas' former subordinates searched everywhere but couldn't find him.

Given Lucas' condition at the time, anyone who wanted to harm him could have done so easily.

Later, Lucas contacted Brian, revealing what his life had been like over the past year.

It was Aveline who had taken Lucas in.

Aveline had saved Lucas.

Sophia had also helped Lucas.

However, Brian had only remembered what Sophia did and forgotten about Aveline's goodwill.

He raised his hand and slapped himself on the face. "I was wrong."

Aaron said, "Telling me won't help. You need to apologize to Miss Young. If she forgives you, then Lucas would forgive you too."

"Alright, I understand!" Brian said and then hung up abruptly.

Aaron, left holding the phone, muttered, "Hey, I wasn't finished..."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Shaking his head, he clicked his tongue, thinking, "What a blockhead!"

Aveline returned directly to Maple Garden.

le spacious apartment felt empty.

Sitting on the sofa, she stared blankly ahead, feeling her heart sink,

like falling into an abyss. Cold and darkness enveloped her.

Just then, her phone vibrated.

She picked it up and saw a transfer of one million dollars.

She was stunned.

The sender was Lucas.

Had he agreed to her conditions? He had refused before. Why had he suddenly agreed?

He really couldn't understand him at all!

The

money was in her hands, but she couldn't feel happy about it. He was buying her life with this money. By accepting the one million dollars, it felt as if she had sold her life to Lucas, who would use her as a shield How tragic! It was truly tragic!

How had her life come to this?

Aveline took a deep breath and sent a message to Selena, "Wanna grab a drink?"

Selena replied, "Let's go!"

They went to their usual barbecue spot and ordered a bunch of their favorite skewers.

Selena asked with concern, "How are you?"

Aveline replied, "I'm a millionaire now."

Selena was taken aback. "Tell me more."

Aveline took a sip of beer, smiled, and recounted the events.

As Selena listened, her fists clenched in anger.

"My beautiful Ave is priceless. How dare that scumbag think he can buy your life for a million dollars? I've seen shameless people, but never anyone this shameless!"

Aveline nodded. "Yes, he really is a piece of trash!"

Selena suggested, "Why don't you run away? I'll take you abroad. I might not have much influence here, but I can help you once we're overseas. Lucas is caught up in the Tudor family issues, and he won't be a you if you leave the country!"

Aveline propped her fingers against the corner of her eyes. "If you've much more power overseas, then why are you here? Selena, your situation isn't much better than mine."

Selena fell silent for a moment before raising her glass. "Our lives are tough, my friend. Come on, let's drink!"

"Cheers!"

After a few drinks, Aveline was tipsy, her eyes half-closed, her cheeks flushed, and she staggered as she walked. "I'm fine. I can still drink. Bring me another round of beer..." Selena was also a bit muddled but in better shape than Aveline. She supported her friend, "Ave... let's go home and drink."

She banged on the table, called the owner to settle the bill, and then. helped Aveline out.

However, they were being watched by a few burly men.

As they reached the roadside to hail a cab, the men surrounded them.

"Hey, beautiful ladies, why call a cab? Let us give you a ride. You're going to love riding