Chapter 38
Aveline hung up the phone and turned to Lucas. “I need to go. back to the office.”
Lucas’s expression was cold. “No, we’ll file for divorce first.”
Aveline felt a pang in her chest but responded, “I can divorce you anytime, but I can’t lose my job. You know I rely on this job to make a living.”
Lucas‘ dark eyes stared at her for a long moment before he finally said, “Go to the office.”
The driver immediately changed direction.
As soon as they got out of the car, Aveline hurried towards the elevator. She got in just as it arrived and pressed the close button without waiting for Lucas. But just before the doors closed, a hand reached in, triggering the sensors to reopen the doors.
Aveline sighed. Couldn’t he have taken the other elevator?
Lucas’s tall figure entered, making the elevator feel even smaller. Aveline stood in the corner, opening the project files on her phone to review all the details and ensure she was prepared to discuss them with her manager.
When the elevator doors opened, Aveline walked out without looking back.
Lucas watched her slender figure disappear, some of the darkness in his eyes fading.
As soon as Aveline entered the office, she noticed the unusual atmosphere. Everyone looked serious, and William was pacing
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back and forth, looking extremely stressed.
“Mr. Foster, what’s going on?” Aveline asked.
Seeing her, the manager immediately said, “The design plans for the Shenton project were leaked. Someone used them to negotiate with Brighton Enterprises first.
“Brighton Enterprises just called me to say they’re reconsidering the collaboration. Miss Young, you were in charge of the Shenton project. During this time, did you ever take any materials out of the office?”
Aveline’s expression turned serious. “Mr. Foster, are you accusing me of leaking the plans?”
William replied, “I just checked with everyone else, and they have no suspicions. But you’ve been coming in early and leaving late, and you’ve even missed a few days of work. Miss Young, I know you’re capable, but it’s hard not to suspect you.”
Aveline responded, “I was in the hospital for a work injury. Are you counting that against me too?”
At that moment, a woman’s voice interrupted, “Isn’t it easy to do something like this while you’re in the hospital?”
The woman was Zoe Fox, who had previously competed with Aveline for the Shenton project, which Aveline ultimately secured.
Aveline replied, “Did you see me leaking the plans?”
Zoe paused. “Of course not.”
“Then why are you talking nonsense?” Aveline retorted.
Zoe’s expression darkened.
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William waved his hand. “Now is not the time for arguments. The most important thing right now is to salvage our collaboration with Brighton Enterprises. You all know what this deal means. If we succeed, it will be a significant achievement for our company, and promotions and raises will surely follow!”
He then turned to Aveline. “Miss Young, you are the main person responsible for this project. What do you think?”
Aveline lowered her gaze and, after a moment of contemplation, said, “I will work to recover the losses and get Brighton Enterprises to collaborate with us again.”
Zoe scoffed. “You’re so full of yourself.”
Aveline looked at her, her clear eyes filled with coldness.
Zoe muttered a curse and walked away.
William said, “Alright, we’re counting on you. Everyone else, stay focused and don’t neglect your tasks.”
Aveline returned to her desk, stared at her computer in deep thought for a while, then took out her phone to send a message to Selena.
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