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.

...

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

doors. "Yes, we need to tell her. She should know

and pulled out his phone to call

of Lucas's subordinates and their territories. Aveline frowned, unsure why someone would send her

name were

furrowed as she scrolled through

same

it-Maria had been

Aveline's life for so long, even becoming

trusted her,

it was all

wasn't hard to figure out why Lucas had placed her there she

paling as the realization sank in. His promise echoed in her mind, the one where he swore he'd never deceive her again. She could still picture the warmth

But now?

had hidden such a

he told her? Did he intend to keep

and her hand instinctively rested on her stomach. Though still flat, she knew

daddy lied to mommy again. Do you think I should forgive

her offered no answer,