Chapter 16 The cold breeze from the river blew directly at her, penetrating to her bones like a knifes edge , but Aveline managed to get up and continue her pursuit . However , she had underestimated the current state of her body . She hadnt run more than a few meters before she fell to the ground hard . The car door opened again , and a pair of shiny handmade leather shoes came to a halt in front of her . She followed the crisp pant leg of the man as it slowly moved up , and her gaze met Alexanders icy eyes . Alexander … Aveline weakly began . A pair of knuckle defined hands came down above her , and for a moment , Aveline seemed to see the white clad youth who had once fascinated her in her youth . She instinctively reached her hand toward him . The moment their hands touched , Alexander withdrew his hand abruptly , giving her a glimpse of hope and then mercilessly taking it away , causing her body to fall hard again . She hadnt been injured before , but this time , her palms landed right on broken glass shards , and the glaring bloodstains dripped down from her palm . His black pupils hesitated , but he didnt make a move . Aveline felt a bit dazed for a moment . She thought of how , in the past , he had taken her to the hospital in the middle of the night just for a small cut on her finger . The duty doctor had even jokingly said , This gentleman arrived early ; if he had come any later , the wound would have healed . The man in her memory and the one before her now seemed to overlap . His eyes , though ruthless as ever , were no different from the past , except now , they were filled with frost . Alexanders voice was cold and indifferent . Aveline , others might not understand me , but now I dont know you either . Someone who can somersault a thousand times at the gym cant walk a few steps ? His gaze at her was filled with contempt , cutting through her like a knife . Aveline bit her pale lips and tried to explain , No , I didnt lie to you . Im just ill , and 1- Chapter 16 Without letting her finish , the tall man bent down , picked up her chin , and his rough fingers brushed over her dry lips . Indeed , it seems that like father , like daughter . Willing to put on such a pitiful act for a little money . His words cut deeper than the chilling wind , stabbing into her heart . Aveline slapped his hand away . My father is an upright and honorable man , and Im sure hed never do anything that goes against his conscience for a little money ! Hm . Alexander sneered as if he didnt want to argue with her on this topic , and he took out a check from his wallet . He casually wrote a number on it , and with two fingers , he placed it in front of her . Do you want this ? Five million dollars , a substantial sum that would ensure she didnt have to worry about her fathers medical expenses for a long time . Obviously , he wasnt being that generous , and Aveline didnt take it . Under one condition . Alexander murmured in her ear , You just have to say that Anthony is a wretched scoundrel whos not worth more than a pig or dog , and this money is yours . Avelines face changed dramatically after hearing this . She raised her hand to slap him but was swiftly caught by his wrist . In the struggle , her injured hand hit his shirt , leaving a bloody handprint . Alexander tightened his grip and spoke sternly , Dont want to say it ? Then let him die in the hospital , and Ive already chosen the burial site . Alexander , why have you become like this ? Aveline questioned through her tears . The man who had once promised to protect her for a lifetime and keep her from crying seemed like a dream now . Her tears were just a tool to please him . Even the dim yellow glow of the streetlamp that fell on his face lacked warmth ; it was all just filled with disdain . You refuse to say it ? He let go of Aveline and tore up the check . She rushed forward to stop him , but he pushed her away . He looked down with indifference , as if he were a god above the nine heavens . I gave you a chance . Chapter 16 The torn pieces of paper shattered her hopes , finally turning into a flurry of butterflies that fell around her . No , dont ! Aveline frantically tried to pick up the shattered pieces , and her tears fell onto the ground one by one . She was like a lost child , in a panic , and feeling helpless after losing everything . Alexander turned to leave . As he was about to get into his car , he heard a dull thud . He looked back to see the unconscious woman on the ground . The driver . Lucas , appeared nervous . Sterling , it seems that Madam has fainted . Should we take her to the hospital ? Alexander glanced at Lucas . You seem to care about her a lot ? Lucas had been by Alexanders side for a long time and remembered when Mr. Sterling used to care deeply about Madam . However , since he returned from identifying a corpse , Mr. Sterling had completely changed . This was their family matter , and Lucas didnt dare to ask more . He drove the car away as Alexander disappeared into the distance . As the car moved further away , Alexander looked at the woman who never got up through the rearview mirror , a disdainful expression deepening on his face . After not seeing each other for many days , she seemed to have become better at acting . Although Aveline had grown up in a pampered environment , Anthony had made her practice various physical activities from a young age so that she wouldnt be bullied . How could a woman as strong as a bull , with a black belt in taekwondo and a seventh degree in sanda , faint so easily ? In his eyes , Aveline was just acting for money . With this thought , Alexander coldly withdrew his gaze , no longer looking at her . Once Alexanders car was gone , Ryan hurriedly reached Avelines side .. Aveline woke up again , and she found herself in the same room she had left not long ago . An intravenous drip was connected to her hand, and the cold liquid slowly dripped into her , while her injured hand had been bandaged . Chapter 15 The deer antler wall clock on the wall indicated that it was already three in the morning . Before she could say anything . Ryans gentle voice spoke , Tm sorry , I followed you to make sure you wouldnt do anything rash . Aveline tried to sit up , but Ryan quickly placed an extra pillow behind her , gave her some water , and she felt more comfortable . Sterling see you ? Im sorry , I didnt mean to invade your privacy . Ryan was as clean as a white sheet of paper , easily understood with a single glance , quite different from Alexander . Its okay . Im his wife , after all , and not some hidden mistress . When Aveline mentioned this , Ryans face showed a hint of astonishment . She smiled bitterly and said , Yes , everyone thinks that Nora is the one about to get married to him . I also didnt believe it … I believe you . I know your wedding ring ; its a limited edition from SL released three years ago . Its the only one of its kind globally , and Ive read in magazines that it was designed by SLs owner for his wife . I know that the person behind SL is Alexander . He had considered the relationship between the two of them before , but after hearing about Alexanders rumored relationship with Nora and not seeing him in the hospital for these past two years , he dismissed that idea . Aveline subconsciously touched the empty space where her ring used to be . It was empty , a constant reminder of her ridiculous marriage . Whether Im his wife is not that important anymore . Were getting a divorce tomorrow at nine . Does he know about your condition ? He doesnt have the right to know . Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...