Divorced

Russell pondered for a moment before saying, “Tell me everything you know.”

Aveline nodded and carefully recounted the situation as it had unfolded.

After a while, Russell suddenly chuckled softly.

Aveline looked at him, puzzled. “What’s so funny?”

Russell responded, “Aveline, I have a bold theory.”

“Go on,” Aveline urged, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Russell pulled the car over to the side of the road, resting his hand on the steering wheel. A playful, almost mischievous smile spread across his striking features. “What if,” he began, “someone impersonated Bobby and committed those acts, framing him in the process?”

Aveline’s eyes widened slowly as the possibility sank in. She clenched the small cookie in her hand, her mind racing.

She had never considered such a scenario before!

Thinking back, in all the videos and photos Lucas had shown her, “Bobby

had always been wearing a hat and mask. The figure’s build had certainly resembled Bobby’s, but what if it wasn’t him?

What if it was someone who just looked remarkably similar?

She recalled the dark basement, where Bobby had been crawling on the floor, desperately trying to explain himself. He had repeatedly insisted that he hadn’t stolen anything, that he had been framed…

A chill spread through Aveline, making her shiver as goosebumps

theory. We just need to get the security roster from the Tudor estate during that period.”

Aveline’s throat tightened, her voice turning dry. “Is that something we can get our hands on?”

“Yes, it’s simple,” Russell confirmed with a nod.

Aveline looked at him, her clear eyes sparkling with hope. “Russ, I need you to look into this.”

Russell smiled. “You’ve asked, so I’ll make sure it gets done.”

Aveline felt a blend of anxiety and uncertainty. If this theory proved to be true, what part had Lucas played in it all? And did he know?

She didn’t dare to speculate further. From the beginning, she had never fully understood what Lucas was thinking, and now, even less so.

“Here we are.”

Russell’s voice broke through Aveline’s thoughts.

She snapped back to reality and realized they had arrived at the underground parking lot of Maple Garden. Letting out a slow breath, she said, “Thank you for handling this. If it turns out to be true, Russ, I…”

“That’s enough,” Russell interrupted her. “You’re not in the best state right now. Let me walk you up, and then I’ll be on my way.”

Aveline couldn’t find the words to refuse.

They entered the elevator, with Aveline walking slightly ahead of Russell. The elevator ascended smoothly, but her mind was still occupied with thoughts of Bobby.

The elevator reached the first floor, and as the doors opened, Aveline instinctively looked up, only to see Lucas stepping inside. His tall, imposing figure filled the space.

The moment Lucas saw the two of them together, his expression visibly darkened.

The elevator doors slowly closed behind him. Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Suddenly, Russell pulled out another packet of cookies and handed it to Aveline. “You seem to enjoy these. Have some more.”

Aveline paused for a moment before accepting them. “They are pretty good.”

Russell’s smile grew more mischievous. I’ve got a sweet tooth myself, so I always keep some in the car. If there’s anything you like, just let me know, and I’ll make sure to have it with me.”

Aveline nodded. “Sure.*

The two of them continued chatting, their conversation casual, but there was an underlying tension in the air as if their relationship had become subtly more complex.