Xavier, feeling weary and conflicted, abruptly leaves a tense conversation with Aveline, who then messages her friend Fiona about Xavier’s threat to destroy Jacob’s company. Fiona advises her to prepare for a lawsuit, but Aveline wonders if Xavier is serious or merely testing her, especially since she doubts he would let Josephine become homeless. Fiona warns that Xavier is ruthless in business and could turn against the Sutton family if pushed too far.

The conversation shifts to rumors circulating that Xavier is pursuing Aveline, which Fiona traces back to a gossip named Patricia. Aveline decides not to confront Patricia to avoid fueling the rumors further. Meanwhile, Xavier remains unaware that Aveline is beginning to see him as a monster.

Later, Xavier returns to the Beltran mansion after visiting his grandparents and having dinner elsewhere. He faces questions from Lauren and Rupert about his strained relationship with Aveline and Jacob’s complaints about his failing company and threats to expose the secret of Xavier and Aveline’s marriage. Xavier dismisses Jacob’s debts as unrelated to Aveline and expresses frustration over the situation. Rupert and Lauren discuss their disdain for Jacob, revealing family tensions and differing views on how to handle the potential public revelation of the marriage.

Despite Rupert’s plan to announce the truth at his birthday banquet, Xavier states he is willing to go public, but Aveline is still against it. This leaves Xavier confused and suspicious of Aveline’s motives, deepening the conflict between them.

Xavier let out a deep, weary sigh, his fingers tightening briefly around Aveline’s hand before reluctantly releasing it. Without another word, he rose from his seat and strode out of the study, leaving behind a heavy silence that seemed to linger in the air.

Watching him leave, Aveline instinctively reached for her phone and quickly typed a message to Fiona: *“Xavier said he’s planning to destroy Jacob’s company. I don’t know if he’s serious or just trying to test me.”*

Fiona’s reply came almost instantly: *“Either way, you need to prepare a lawsuit as soon as possible.”*

Aveline hesitated, then responded, *“I think Xavier might just be testing me. Would he really let Josephine end up homeless and destitute?”*

Fiona’s answer was thoughtful: *“I’ve heard he’s ruthless in business. If he gets tired of Josephine and she refuses to let go, it’s not impossible for him to turn cold and target the Sutton family.”*

Aveline typed back, frustration creeping into her words: *“I honestly can’t figure him out anymore.”*

Fiona added, *“I’ve heard stories about Xavier too. My brother warned me not to push him too far. Even he won’t go against Xavier—Crestmark always keeps a friendly, mutually beneficial relationship with him.”*

Aveline nodded silently to herself, thinking about Sebastian. *“Sebastian really has no reason to oppose him. Why refuse money when you can make it? I take on projects from them as well.”*

Fiona’s tone shifted slightly. *“By the way, I have to tell you something. I saw a rumor in a chat group today—that Xavier is pursuing you.”*

Aveline frowned, confused. *“Why would such a rumor even exist?”*

Fiona explained, *“I asked around. It came from another chat group, and after some digging, I traced it back to Patricia.”*

Aveline groaned inwardly. *“That woman is the biggest gossip. Should I confront her and find out where she heard it?”*

Fiona warned, *“If you do, it might just fuel the rumors even more, making them spread and get twisted.”*

Aveline sighed, deciding to let it go. *“You’re right. It’s better to ignore it.”*

Fiona agreed, *“Alright, I’ll hold off then.”*

Meanwhile, Xavier remained completely unaware that in Aveline’s eyes, he was slowly becoming a monster.

Later, after finishing the pasta Miranda had lovingly prepared for him, Xavier complimented her quietly before heading back to the Beltran mansion. The evening air was cool and calm as he arrived, stepping into the familiar warmth of the living room where Rupert and Lauren were watching television.

Rupert noticed him enter and beckoned him over with a welcoming gesture. Lauren, however, sounded a little annoyed as she said, “You said you’d be back for dinner. Why did you go to Garden Estate without telling us? I even made all your favorite dishes.”

Xavier took a slow sip of water before answering, “I had planned to visit my maternal grandparents for lunch, to give them the gifts I brought from Singapore. But I must have dozed off, and Aveline didn’t wake me for dinner.”

Lauren’s eyes brightened with curiosity. “Have you and Aveline patched things up?”

Xavier nearly choked on his water, hastily changing the subject. “What did Jacob come here to say?”

Rupert replied, “He complained his company is struggling, drowning in debt, and blamed Aveline for not being a dutiful daughter.”

Xavier’s tone was cold and firm. “His debts have nothing to do with Aveline. She’s under no obligation to bail him out.”

Lauren nodded, but added, “That’s true, but you don’t know what else he said.”

Rupert continued, “He seems convinced that keeping your marriage to Aveline a secret was our family’s idea, and he’s threatening to expose it.”

Xavier scoffed, “I know exactly what Jacob is up to. Once it’s public, everyone will know he’s your father-in-law. Suddenly, people will be lining up to do business with him, and banks might even start lending him more money.”

Lauren sighed deeply. “When Bethany was alive, I thought Jacob was a normal man. It wasn’t until after she passed that I saw what an incompetent and shameless person he really is.”

Rupert shook his head. “What did Bethany ever see in a man like that?”

Lauren’s voice softened, tinged with sadness. “I’ll never understand it myself.”

Rupert cut in firmly, “Enough. If Jacob wants to make this public, let him. I was planning to announce it at my birthday banquet anyway.”

As he spoke, Rupert shot a sharp glance at Xavier, almost as if accusing him of being the one reluctant to reveal the truth.

Xavier remained composed, replying calmly, “I’m willing to go public. It’s Aveline who refuses.”

Lauren looked puzzled. “But didn’t you two reconcile? Why is she still against going public?”

Xavier’s eyes darkened. “What kind of game is she playing?”

The chapter closes with a palpable tension hanging over Aveline and Xavier’s fractured relationship, underscored by mistrust and unspoken fears. Aveline’s uncertainty about Xavier’s intentions and the rumors swirling around them deepen the emotional distance between them, while Xavier’s cold resolve and guarded demeanor hint at the growing complexity of their entangled lives. Despite the external pressures and familial conflicts, both characters are caught in a delicate dance of guarded emotions, unsure of where their true loyalties lie.

Amidst the looming threats from Jacob and the shadow of secrets yet to be revealed, the chapter captures the fragile balance between vulnerability and strength. It leaves readers with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the intricate dynamics of love, power, and betrayal that define their world. The emotional undercurrents suggest that while the path ahead is fraught with challenges, the characters are poised on the edge of crucial decisions that will shape their futures.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of secrets and power struggles surrounding Aveline and Xavier. As tensions rise, the question of whether Xavier’s intentions are truly ruthless or merely a test will continue to haunt Aveline, forcing her to navigate a precarious path between trust and suspicion. The looming threat of Jacob’s potential exposure adds another layer of complexity, hinting at the fragile alliances and hidden motives that could unravel at any moment.

Emotionally, the characters are on the brink of confrontation and revelation. Xavier’s cold demeanor contrasts sharply with Aveline’s growing frustration and confusion, setting the stage for an intense clash of wills. Meanwhile, the involvement of Rupert, Lauren, and the shadow of Bethany’s past decisions suggests that family loyalties and resentments will play a crucial role in what’s to come. Readers can expect the next chapter to explore these intricate relationships further, heightening the emotional stakes and leaving everyone wondering whose true intentions will finally come to light.

Sara Lili

Sara Liliis a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.