Divorced

“Surprised, aren’t you?” Desmond remarked, noticing Brian’s shocked expression, his own smile tinged with bitterness.

“Of course, we all thought Sophia saved Mr. Tudor, believing her to be a great hero. But later, we uncovered the truth–she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.”

Desmond put the tablet away. “Brian, everything you’ve held onto for so long was based on a lie.”

“How could this be?” Brian muttered to himself, disbelief evident in his voice. “How could this happen?”

Lucas regarded him with cold indifference. “You’ve been with me for so long, yet you’ve learned nothing.”

Brian’s entire body trembled as he looked at Lucas with pleading eyes. Mr. Tudor, I realize my mistake now. I truly do. Please, just give me one

more chance…”

His voice broke, and he began to tremble uncontrollably.

Because deep down, he knew that Lucas wouldn’t grant him another

chance.

Lucas cast a final, indifferent glance at Brian before turning to Desmond. “Cut his tendons and dump him in the Delta.”

“Yes, sir.”

Desmond hesitated, feeling a twinge of pity, but it was an order from Lucas.

Without another word, Lucas turned and walked away.

Brian watched him leave, his face ashen with despair, his eyes filled with regret.

*25 BONUS

As Aveline exited the building, she spotted Russell leaning casually against his Porsche. She immediately raised her hand to cover her face and attempted to walk in the opposite direction.

“Aveline.”

Russell’s voice called out, tinged with amusement. “What are you doing?

Enduring the stares from people around her, Aveline lowered her hand and asked, “Russ, I should be asking you that–what are you doing here?”

Russell raised an eyebrow, a wicked smile playing on his handsome, delicate features. “I thought I wasn’t flashy enough yesterday.”

Aveline sighed. “It was more than enough. Really, it was.”

She wanted to beg him to stop all these high–profile stunts!

She really couldn’t handle any more attention!

Russell chuckled. “Come on, get in the car.”

Aveline hesitated, then tried to politely decline. “Russ, Selena already made dinner plans with me.”

Russell didn’t miss a beat. “Perfect, I’ll drive you there.”

Aveline was left speechless.

There was no way to refuse him.

Sitting in the car, Aveline felt uneasy the entire time.

Russell glanced at her and then pulled out a small packet of cookies.” You seem pretty tense. Want to have a bite to take the edge off?”

Aveline didn’t hesitate and took the packet. “Thanks.”

As she ate, her focus shifted, and she began to relax a little.

Russell noticed this and said, “You seem to be recovering well. I was genuinely worried about you yesterday.” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“It’s nothing serious,” Aveline replied.

Russell’s smile deepened. “If that’s how you see it, then that’s great.”

Aveline continued munching on the cookies.

Russell then asked, “Didn’t you mention before that a friend of yours was being held at the Tudor estate?”

Aveline looked puzzled. “What?”

Had she said that?

Russell continued, “I might be able to help you get them out.”

Aveline quickly stopped trying to remember if she had mentioned it and instead looked at him with bright, hopeful eyes. “Really?”

Russell smiled. “I can give it a shot, but don’t get your hopes up too high. After all, we’re talking about the Tudor family’s main estate.”

Aveline hesitated. “Wouldn’t that cause you a lot of trouble?”

“Don’t worry, it won’t,” Russell reassured her.

Still, Aveline felt uneasy. “The Tudor family has tight control over the situation. If we try to get him out recklessly, the Tudors might call the police, and he won’t be able to escape then.”