After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas) novel Chapter 1049

Selena continued her playful banter, even giving Lucas a pointed glare without missing a beat.

Aveline stifled a laugh, listening carefully to the story Selena was recounting. After a moment of thought, she asked, "So, you stayed downstairs that long because you were planning to help out?"

Selena's expression shifted to one of mild discomfort, her tone defensive. "I wasn’t going to help. If she’s getting pushed around, she deserves it!"

Her words didn’t fool Aveline. She had known Selena for years and was well aware of her complex feelings toward the Quin family. While Selena often expressed her disdain for her parents, she had never spoken ill of Jolie.

It was clear to Aveline that Selena cared about her sister, even if she wouldn’t admit it outright. But since Selena wasn’t ready to talk about it, Aveline decided not to press the issue.

"Alright, let’s eat. The food’s here."

"Good idea."

...

Downstairs.

After the man had scurried off, Jolie looked visibly more relaxed. Once she had finished eating, she set down her utensils, smiled at Gavin, and said, "Thanks. This meal’s on me."

With that, she stood up and headed to the register.

Gavin glanced briefly at Quentin, who quickly intervened, "Thank you, Miss Quin, but I’ve already taken care of the bill."

Jolie paused, surprised at how fast they had moved.

She nodded, not dwelling on it. "Got it. Thanks, then. See you."

She turned and left without any further exchange, not even sparing a glance at Gavin, as if the entire interaction had been nothing more than a casual meal.

Quentin was left slightly puzzled. “Is there something going on here or not?”

She wasn’t into cold, aloof men.

What she liked were warm, affectionate types—guys who were expressive and gave her the emotional connection she craved. As for his cryptic comment about her “owing” him, if he didn’t bring it up, she would just pretend it never happened.

...

That evening, when Jolie returned home, she found Daisy sitting on the couch, grinning so widely she could barely contain her excitement.

"Jolie, why didn’t you tell me you knew Mr. Cooper?" Daisy beamed as soon as she saw her daughter, quickly guiding her to sit on the sofa.

A housekeeper arrived just then with a glass of Jolie’s favorite juice. She took a sip before replying, "I met him at Ms. Cooper’s baby shower. We’ve only spoken briefly."

Daisy, however, wasn’t convinced. "But I heard from Mrs. Lowe that you seemed quite familiar with Mr. Cooper. You even had lunch together!"