Aveline exhaled deeply as she secured the contract. At least now, she had a fifty percent chance of sess. If Amy had been interfering behind the scenes, it would have only begun today. This meant that Amy had likely only reached a verbal agreement with others, and nothing had been finalized yet. Tonight''s meeting with Brett was crucial-Aveline had to seal the deal.


    Returning to the office with the contract in hand, Aveline found Orion buried in a mountain of paperwork. He had no idea what had transpired in just a few short hours. "Orion," she called, her gaze resting on him.


    It was no wonder he looked thinner than thest time she''d seen him over two years ago. He had clearly spent those days consumed with work, and Aveline felt a pang of sympathy in her chest.


    Both came from wealthy families-families whose fortunes were enough tost not just their lifetimes but ten generations. Yet, neither Orion nor Aveline wanted to rely on their backgrounds. They''d chosen to carve out their own paths, step by step, with hard work and determination.


    "Where have you been?" Orion asked, sparing a moment of attention from his work as she entered.


    "I went to secure the acquisition contract for that project. Tonight, I have another meeting to discuss another acquisition. I won''t be able to have dinner with you," she replied.


    "You''re diving into work this quickly?" Orion hadn''t anticipated how rapidly things would escte between her and the people involved.


    "Of course. I didn''te here to y around. Since there are projects to handle, I have to take them seriously," Aveline said, carefully avoiding any mention of Amy''s betrayal.


    While Orion might not have romantic feelings for Amy, their friendship was undeniable. Aveline didn''t enjoy speaking ill of others behind their backs.


    "Don''t overwork yourself, Aveline. If Amy really bothers you, I can ask her to resign," Orion said, still oblivious to Amy''s underhanded moves.


    Testing the waters, Aveline asked, "You''d fire someone who helped you build yourpany just because I don''t like her? Wouldn''t that make me seem unreasonable?"


    "I''ve already told you-nothing in this world can rece the ce you hold in my heart. This isn''t about being unreasonable; it''s about how much I care for you. I''d rather protect you than me you," Orion said, leaning in to press a gentle kiss against her hair.


    Hearing his words, Aveline felt warmth spread through her heart. She was grateful she hadn''t fallen for the wrong man. Even without knowing about Amy''s betrayal and attempts to nder Aveline, Orion instinctively stood by her side.


    That unyielding loyalty reassured Aveline. Only a man who cherished her deeply could overlook everything else and stay by her side through thick and thin.


    "If you were born in ancient times, you''d definitely make a terrible king," Aveline teased with a smile.


    Fortunately, she didn''t have the makings of a viin. Amy''s schemes had nothing to do with her. While Aveline disliked Amy''s presence, it wasn''t enough for her to demand her removal. As long as Amy kept her rtionship with Orion strictly tonic, Aveline wasn''t petty enough to chase away every woman who appeared.


    "A terrible king or not, as long as I can make you smile, I wouldn''t care if the world burned," Orion said as he leaned down to kiss her lips.


    In his arms, Aveline felt like a blossoming flower. If she were one, she''d be a datura- mesmerizing, intoxicating, and capable of ensnaring a soul. Orion was willing to stay captivated forever.


    Aveline closed her eyes softly, her tremblingshes like delicate wings. In her heart, she made a silent vow: Orion, I will protect our love. No one will ever tear us apart.


    The sunlight poured warmly over their entwined shadows, a reminder of the passage of time. Once, they had been a child in a cradle and a young boy humming lubies. Now, they had grown into adults, bound by an unshakable connection.


    Orion had ns that evening as well, so they agreed he would pick her upter.


    This project was Aveline''s first, and she valued it immensely. To avoid traffic or unexpected dys, she arrived at the restaurant early.


    When Brett arrived, he was momentarily taken aback. From her voice, he had imagined a cold and aloof woman. Instead, she was young and stunningly beautiful.


    Amy, experienced and worldly, always knew how to dress for the asion. For a private meeting like this, Amy would have undoubtedly chosen a sexy and alluring outfit. Aveline, on the other hand, had only lightly filled in her brows and applied a pale lipstick. She was still dressed in the same outfit she''d worn to the office-a white silk blouse paired with ck cropped pants and t ck shoes.


    Her hair was tied up neatly, and she wore a few ssic Tiffany bracelets and rings. The overall look was fresh, natural, and effortlessly elegant. Her delicate features radiated charm in a way that was impossible to ignore.


    This was a stark contrast to Amy, whose falseshes looked heavy enough to catch flies, and whose red lipstick bordered on theatrical.


    Brett couldn''t help but wonder how Orion trusted such a young woman with such a significant project. After all, Amy was supposed to be Orion''s most reliable assistant. Brett had even sent people to investigate Aveline but found little information. All he knew was that she had flown in from Clothville and was currently Orion''s girlfriend.


    Her family background remained a mystery, but Brett couldn''t shake his surprise that Orion had chosen someone so young. Known for his meticulousness, Orion''s decision to skip over Amy and entrust this project to Aveline was entirely out of character. When Aveline saw Brett approaching, she put down her ss of lemon water and stood to greet him.


    "Hello, I''m Aveline, the project lead for Posit Properties," she said, extending her hand. Brett, dressed in a navy-blue suit, exuded warmth and poise. But those who knew him understood he was the epitome of a wolf in sheep''s clothing. His gentleness was a facade to disarm opponents.


    He extended his hand and shook hers with practiced courtesy. "Hello, you can call me Brett."


    "Please, have a seat," Aveline said.


    To her surprise, Brett looked younger than she''d expected-perhaps only twenty-three or twenty-four. His deep, maic voice had led her to imagine someone in their thirties.


    The waiter handed them menus, but neither immediately brought up business. Without ncing at the menu, Aveline ordered a few signature dishes with practiced ease. Having traveled extensively since childhood, she was familiar with the cuisine of nearly every region.


    Growing up with a household chef who specialized in everything from French dishes to Japanese delicacies, she had developed a sophisticated pte.


    "Miss Ba, you strike me as someone who truly enjoys life," Brett said, his suspicions growing.


    From her attire to her demeanor, it was clear that Aveline came from an extraordinary background. There wasn''t a trace of Amy''s artificiality or pretense about her; Aveline''s elegance seemed innate, as though she had been born into privilege.