After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back

"I don't know," Aveline said softly, her voice filled with confusion.

She had no idea why Russell had done something like that.

Selena watched her closely and asked, "Now that you know, what are you going to do?"

Aveline closed her eyes for a moment. "What can I do? He's helped me so many times before. Even though he's done this and I now understand his feelings, I can't do anything about it."

Selena gently patted her shoulder, letting out a sigh. "Then maybe it's best to do nothing... Pretend like you never knew him."

Aveline didn't respond, but the pain in her eyes was unmistakable. Her face had turned pale, and the weight of the situation clearly burdened her.

Selena, feeling a deep sympathy for her friend, wasn't sure what else to say.

"I don't really understand," Selena continued. "If he liked you, why didn't he just confess and compete fairly? Instead, he married Rina. I have no idea what he's thinking."

Aveline suddenly recalled something Aaron had once told her-Russell had married Rina to solidify his control over the Skyler family...

"Forget it. Let's not think about it anymore," Aveline said, her voice weary. "Like you said, let's just act as if we never knew him."

Selena nodded and didn't press further.

...

Cloudflare City, Lucas had been in surgery for hours. He finally emerged, but the bullet had been dangerously close to his heart. Though the surgery was successful, he was still not out of danger and needed to be monitored in the ICU. Desmond stood by, his expression heavy with concern, as he looked at Aaron and asked, "Mr. Fletcher, should we inform

the ICU doors. "Yes, we need to tell her. She

and pulled out his phone to

of Lucas's subordinates and their territories. Aveline

under Maria's name were Brian, Baron, and

brows furrowed as she scrolled

was the same

been

been in Aveline's life for

her, considered her a

it was

Lucas. Her presence in Aveline's life had been nothing but a deception. It wasn't hard to figure out why Lucas had placed her there she was meant to

mind, the one where he swore he'd never deceive her again. She could still picture the warmth in his eyes, the sincerity in his voice... and she had

But now?

had hidden such a huge

he told her? Did he intend to keep

and her hand instinctively rested on her stomach. Though still

was dry as she whispered to herself, "Baby, your daddy lied to mommy again. Do

tiny life within her offered no answer, and the room fell into an