After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas)

Lucas glanced at Maria with an amused smirk. "You're really pushing it. Trying to scam a pregnant woman? How impressive."

Unfazed, Maria kept her hand out. "Doesn't matter. I got bumped, so you owe me compensation."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his voice calm and teasing. "How about I compensate you with no vacation for the next two years? Sound good?"

Maria's smile instantly faded as she turned to Aveline. "Aveline, look at him..."

Aveline, clearly enjoying the exchange, chuckled. "And this is why he's your boss and not the other way around."

Maria sighed dramatically. "Unbelievable. You two are ganging up on me now!"

She turned to Sidney, her eyes filled with mock sorrow, clearly fishing for some comfort. But Sidney pretended not to notice, walking straight to Aveline and handing her a small box. "Congratulations. These are some little gifts I picked out for the baby. I hope both you and the baby will like them."

Aveline smiled warmly as she took the box. "Thank you, we'll love it."

"What's everyone standing around here chatting about?"

At that moment, Gernard approached, while not far behind, Gavin was on his phone, looking serious as he walked over.

Selena spoke up. "Everyone's giving gifts to Aveline and the baby! As the baby's uncles, what did you two prepare?"

Gernard raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Isn't it a bit early?"

Aveline was only four months pregnant, with plenty of time before the baby arrived.

Selena, however, insisted, "Not early at all! Start giving gifts now and keep giving more when the baby's born. That way, both the baby and the mom will be happy!"Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Gernard twitched his lips slightly before replying, "Of course I've prepared something. I just didn't bring it today."

Selena then turned to Gavin. "And you? What about your gift?"

Gavin, having just finished his call, glanced at her with mild disinterest. "Even if I did, it's for Aveline. Why are you making a fuss?"

Selena's eyes widened in disbelief. "Hey! How could you talk to me like that? Can't I even ask?"

She immediately turned to Aveline for backup. "Did you hear that? Your older brother's being mean to me. Can we stop acknowledging him?"

Gavin just sighed in silence, while Gernard chuckled. "Gavin, messing with her is like messing with our little sister. No difference at all."

Sure enough, Aveline nodded and said, "Alright, let's ignore him for three days!"

"Hmph!" Selena huffed, giving Gavin a cold glare before linking arms with Aveline and walking away.

Gavin was left speechless, watching them go with a look of mild exasperation.

Meanwhile, Baron and Braden had finished setting up the chairs and arranged food and drinks on the small table.

"Mrs. Tudor." Desmond greeted Aveline with a warm smile as she walked over.

Aveline was surprised. "You're off work too?"

Desmond nodded. "I took a day off and decided to join."

Aveline raised an eyebrow. "It's rare for you to take a break, but you're here helping out-how is this any

different from being me

work?

swn'

Desmond's smile faltered for a second. She wasn't wrong-it really wasn't much different from work. But with what was coming later, he decided to just roll with it. "Once we're off the clock, there's

hierarchy. Mr. Tudor would act more causally."

Aaron chimed in, "I can vouch for that. Lucas doesn't put on airs."

Aveline sat down in one of the

chairs, the tent providing a pleasant shade overhead as a gentle breeze blew through. Everyone was busy teasing and laughing as they worked. The day felt serene, the

el:

atmosphere peaceful and perfect.

Watching everyone together like this, her heart stirred with a sense of contentment.