Lucas' gaze was cold and deep as he responded, "Even as friends, you should approach business with seriousness. If your proposal can't convince others, handing it directly tois just a waste of my time." Judy bit her lip slightly, her eyes filled with a hint of disappointment as she looked at him. "Mr. Tudor, must you always be so harsh? I'm really curious-how did your ex-wife manage to live with you?" Lucas replied, "So, you're curious about other people's married lives now? That's a bit inappropriate, don't you think?" Judy pouted playfully. "You know that's not what I meant." Lucas remained indifferent. "Actually, I don't." A strange feeling crossed Judy's mind. Lucas' attitude toward her seemed different now. She remembered how he used to treat her well, even to the point of neglecting Aveline for her.
That special attention had caused Sophia to constantly target her. But it didn't matter-Sophia was never really her competition.
Now that Sophia had been kicked out of the Summer family, she was out of the picture for good. The only woman left by Lucas' side was her. Suppressing her doubts, Judy calmed herself and said, "Mr. Tudor, I've booked a table at a great restaurant for lunch. Why don't we try it together?" Lucas paused while flipping through his files. "Alright." A flash of joy crossed Judy's eyes as she said, "Great, I'll see you at lunch." She turned and left, but Lucas' expression remained composed, unaffected by her excitement. He picked up his phone and contacted Maria.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMaria, upon receiving his instructions, couldn't help but feel exasperated.
"Boss, you're going to lunch with another woman, but you wantto bring Aveline to the splace? Aren't you worried that your plan might backfire, and Aveline will just ignore you?" Maria couldn't even begin to express how absurd this situation was. How could someone be so bold in their approach? Wasn't there a simpler way to pursue someone? But Lucas remained cold. "Just do as I said." Maria rolled her eyes. "Fine, I got it." At the studio, Aveline had just turned on her computer when Maria walked over and said, "Sidney has a family emergency. You'll need to joinfor lunch instead." Aveline nodded. "No problem." Maria observed Aveline's expression for a moment before leaning in closer and asking quietly, "Aveline, can I ask you a personal question?" Aveline blinked, a bit puzzled. "Like what?" Maria grinned. "Your relationship status-do you have a boyfriend?" Everyone knew about Aveline's divorce by now, so Maria wasn't about to ask how things were with Lucas.
Aveline smiled. "No, are you planning to setup?" Maria smirked. "I'd love to, but I'm afraid you might not agree." Aveline replied, "You can tellabout it. If the match seems right, I'll consider it." Maria nodded with a playful grin. "Remember, you said it. If I find someone suitable, you can't back out." Aveline nodded. "Don't worry, I won't." Maria gave her a pat on the shoulder before turning to leave. Aveline found it amusing that her boss was trying to set her up with someone.
At noon, Aveline and Maria left together. When they arrived at the restaurant and had just sat down, Maria cursed under her breath. "This is so frustrating. We were supposed to discuss the collaboration today, and now they say they can't make it Aveline paused, then asked, "What about all this food...?" Maria replied, "We'll have to eat it, of course! Otherwise, it'd be such a waste-it costs a lot!" Aveline agreed.
After all, they had to eat lunch anyway, and she hadn't been to this restaurant before. The food looked pretty good. Maria pulled out her phone and sent a message before casually chatting and eating with Aveline.
About ten minutes later, Maria suddenly winked at Aveline.
"Hmm?" Aveline looked confused. "What's up?" Maria subtly gestured behind Aveline, prompting her to turn around Curious, Aveline looked over her shoulder and saw Lucas and Judy walking in, making theirway toward them.
Aveline's expression froze for a moment before she casually grabbed a napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth. Maria leaned in and whispered, "What's going on? Running into them here of all places-is she his new fling?" Aveline's face remained calm. "I wouldn't know." Maria studied her expression, noticing that Aveline didn't seem jealous or upset. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"It looks like the boss's tactic isn't working as planned," Maria thought.
"Miss Young." Judy had also noticed Aveline and approached with a smile. "What a coincidence, running into you here." Aveline's expression was indifferent. "Is there something you need?" Judy smiled, standing close to Lucas, their posture intimate. "Nothing much, just wanted to say hi. I see you're about to finish. How were the dishes? Any recommendations?"
Aveline replied coolly, "These dishes weren't that great. You might want to pick something else." "Oh, really?" Judy turned to Lucas. "What do you feel like having?"
Aveline interjected, "I can help you I order. I know his preferences well." With that, she grabbed the menu and started picking dishes.
Judy was taken aback, not expecting Aveline to react this way.
"What's she trying to do?" Judy thought.
Lucas, on the other hand, watched Aveline closely, his gaze deep and unreadable, as if he were trying to figure out her thoughts.