After a dozen hours, the plane arrived at Milan Airport. Ava Sterling and Lauren Howell got off the plane and headed straight to the hotel. Ava had almost slept for the entire flight, so she was in high spirits once they landed. However, it was already past 10 PM Milan Time, nighttime. The city lights were dazzling, and the streets were bustling. In this foreign land, there was a mix of unfamiliar yet familiar scents. Milan was not a new place for Ava, she’d been here numerous times before. "Hurry up and freshen up. Once we’re done, we’ll go eat." As soon as she entered the room, Ava said. The airplane food wasn’t good; she needed a proper meal. "Okay, okay, all up to you." After a good sleep, Ava’s complexion had improved, making Lauren feel less anxious and frightened. The two freshened up quickly and left the hotel soon after to dine at a Chinese restaurant. There was a Chinese restaurant nearby, and Lauren had booked the hotel specifically for its proximity to it. No way around it, Ava couldn’t get used to Western food; she had to have Chinese cuisine. Soon, they arrived at the restaurant and ordered, and Ava finally satisfied her hunger. At about seventy percent full, her expression relaxed and she looked more satisfied. Sleeping well and eating to satisfaction is life’s simple joy. She took a sip of juice, feeling even more content. Ava leaned back, completely relaxed, and picked up a magazine to browse through. Lauren kept cautiously watching Ava’s expressions, noticing it change from gloomy to cloudy, and then sunny. However, she still didn’t dare to lower her guard. She quietly said, "Ava, Eric said she’ll be busy the next couple of days." Ava was flipping through the magazine, and upon hearing Lauren’s words, her expression didn’t change much: "She’s always busy, isn’t she." "Yes, she said she’s going to scout new models, might head to remote areas, so it might be hard to reach her during this time." She mentioned this purely to gauge Ava’s mood and patience, to see if it was the right time to broach the topic of Young Master Kingsley. She still hoped Ava could focus her attention on Jace Kingsley. Young Master Kingsley was simply wonderful. Ava frowned: "Remote areas?" She looked up at Lauren, clearly skeptical. Why would one need to go to remote areas to scout models? It’s not like she’s doing charity. Seeing Ava frown, Lauren immediately dismissed the idea of bringing up Young Master Kingsley, hastily nodding: "Yeah, that’s what she said." Ava touched her chin, contemplative. Models need to be tall, leggy, proportionate, with potential—it’s not easy to find. If Eric is specifically going to remote areas, perhaps she’s discovered something there. Someone with a tough background but full of potential. It’s true, there are many models, but reaching the top is no easy feat. She had to climb for years to get to where she is today. After pondering for a while, Ava suddenly realized something. "Why are you telling me this?" Ava looked at Lauren, puzzled. Eric manages everything at Celeste, including scouting models—it’s her job, very normal. But it has nothing to do with Ava; she’s not involved with Celeste, she’s just a contracted model. There’s no need to tell her about this. Lauren hadn’t expected Ava to figure that out so quickly, was stunned for a moment, then quickly waved her hands with a dry laugh: "Haha, just making conversation, it’s too quiet." Ava noticed Lauren’s expression—it was so obvious she was feeling guilty. She tossed the magazine aside, crossed her legs, folded her arms, and squinted at Lauren: "Lauren Howell, while I’m in a good mood, you better spill whatever it is." Lauren’s eyes widened instantly: "I have nothing, just..." Before she finished, Ava’s phone chimed—she received a message. Ava glanced at Lauren and gestured towards her, indicating to hold that thought. She would not let her off easily if she didn’t speak up. Ava picked up her phone to see who messaged her. SleepyCat: [Ava, are you busy?] Ava raised an eyebrow—it was Jace Kingsley. She suddenly remembered him mentioning something about coming to Aurelia a few days ago; could he have arrived here now? Thinking this, Ava didn’t reply to Jace but called him directly. Jace was sitting in a car on the way to the hotel. He calculated the time, figuring she must have arrived, and sent her a message. Unexpectedly, she called back immediately. Seeing her familiar name flashing repeatedly on the screen, a smile appeared in his eyes as he answered the call: "Ava." The warm voice came through the phone, instantly uplifting one’s mood. Ava’s lips curled upwards involuntarily: "You didn’t come to Aurelia, did you?" Jace looked at the scenery flashing by the window, his gaze softening: "I’m in Milan right now." Ava was surprised, sitting upright: "You’re in Milan?" "Yeah, I have some business to attend to, planning to head to Aurelia once it’s done." "Haha, such a coincidence, I’m in Milan right now too." Her voice was filled with delight, light and cheerful; she was very happy about him being in Milan. Jace let out a low chuckle, withdrew his gaze, and said with a smile: "Did you just arrive?" "Yeah, how did you know?" "I just got off the plane not long ago, and now I’m out for a meal. Have you eaten? Want to join me?" "Consider it a late-night snack." She straightforwardly invited him, with her usual directness and brightness, making Jace’s smile broaden: "Sure, where are you now?" "Hold on, I’ll send it to you." Ava sent her location to Jace, and after he saw it, he instructed the driver accordingly. Soon, the car turned around. "It might take some time for me to get to you, so you’ll have to wait a bit." "It’s fine, I just finished eating, and I have nothing to do anyway. Take your time, no rush." After ending the call, Lauren’s voice chimed in: "Is someone coming?" Ava was checking the time, seeing what hour it was, and without lifting her head at Lauren’s question, said: "Jace." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel⁂fire.net Lauren’s eyes lit up instantly: "Young Master Kingsley?!" The voice was filled with excitement and surprise, even tinged with elation. Ava glanced at Lauren, her face expressionless. Lauren immediately stiffened, not daring to speak further. Ava placed her phone aside, crossed her arms as before, leaned back in her chair, and lifted her chin: "Continue." Meaning to pick up the previous topic. Lauren noticed Ava’s expression, lowered her head in unease, then raised it again: "Actually, I wanted to talk about Young Master Kingsley." "See, you’ve been so tired these days dealing with the Celestial-MK collaboration and have nothing to show for it. I think you should focus on someone who offers more reward and return." For once, Ava didn’t interrupt Lauren, wasn’t impatient, nor did her expression change. She listened to Lauren speak. But the fact that Ava listened without any expression made Lauren’s voice falter. "I... I really think Young Master Kingsley is great, he suits you well, and so..." Lauren stammered, carefully watching Ava. Ava’s expression was the same as before—blank. Lauren couldn’t continue. Her entire head lowered. The room fell silent. Ava saw Lauren’s demeanor and didn’t get angry. She knew Lauren meant well. But it was simply impossible. Although Jace was an illegitimate child, he was still backed by a prominent family, which would never accept her. Just like with Poe Vaughn and her, it was purely a contractual marriage. If Jace needed to fake a marriage for some reason, where both could gain what they needed, she would agree. But a real relationship, a real marriage—impossible. "Lauren, I’ll tell you one last time, Jace and I can be friends, but we can never be lovers, nor can we be spouses."