Aveline managed a smile . " I do have good news for you . Remember how I talked about starting a studio with my college friends ? Well , we just passed the preliminary review for a multimillion- dollar design project with Crestmark Croup . If we land this project , we'll be able to start our own company I want to create something of my own . " Collin's face lit up , and he sat up straighter . " You mean the Crestmark Group in Kralville ? " She nodded , her smile genuine . " Excellent ! " Collin said , beaming proudly . " Crestmark's a giant in the industry , right up there with the Beltran Group . With your talent , Ava , you'll win them over for sure . Her mother , Bethany Baldwin , had been a gifted painter . Artistry ran in their blood . Collin and Paulina wished for both happiness in her marriage and success in her career . But Lauren had always expected Aveline to put family first , dismissing her dreams as a mere hobby Loving Navier as much as she did , Aveline tried to live up to Lauren's expectations by becoming the perfect wife , Collin and Paulina had respected her choices , but secretly , they'd hoped for more . Now , hearing Aveline speak about pursuing her ambitions brought genuine joy , but also concern . Paulina spoke softly , " Ava , is that why you're fighting with Xavier and Lauren ? " Aveline shook her head , her smile faint . " No , don't worry so much . You two being healthy is my greatest wish . I've just realized that women should have their own careers . No one should give up their value for a man . " Paulina smoothed Aveline's hair . " Good girl . We're grateful you've found your confidence again . But now that you're married , nurturing your relationship with Xavier also matters . Open up to him Talk " Aveline replied quietly , " I know what I'm doing , Grandma . You really don't have to worry about me . " Sharing a glance , Paulina and Collin let the matter drop . 0.00 % 08:32 288 Vouchers Aveline was grown , and they'd lived long enough to know children have to make their own choices . What couple lives without friction , after all ? And now , Aveline was determined to chase her dreams , and they were happy for her . She stayed for lunch and double - checked with Logan to make sure Collin's conditions were stable before leaving . Back at her studio , Aveline fired off a text to Xavier , " Tell Lauren to stop bothering my grandparents . " A few minutes later , he replied with a lone question mark . Aveline rolled her eyes and typed back . " Send that question mark to Lauren . " Xavier took the hint and dropped the conversation . Throwing herself into work , Aveline focused on her designs . After a week , she finished the concept drawings . To celebrate , she , Jasmine , and Julian decided to go out for dinner . Jasmine chose steak , a favorite of Aveline's late mother . In the parking lot , they spotted Xavier getting out of a black Bentley , Josephine at his arm . Gerald stepped out of a BMW behind them . Xavier hadn't seen Aveline yet , but Josephine had . She clung tighter to Xavier's arm with a sweet smile . " Thanks , darling . You always know how to treat me . My favorite steakhouse ! " she gushed . Gerald noticed Aveline but barely spared her a glance before turning to Josephine . " If you're happy , Josie , then Xavier's happy too . Of course , he'll bring you anywhere you want . " Jasmine , suppressing her disgust , leaned in . " Does Gerald have a crush on Josephine ? He's like her fan . " Aveline just smiled and led the way to the restaurant entrance . Xavier said , " Let's go . " But as he looked up , he caught sight of Aveline . For a split second , his eyes lingered on her . Josephine murmured something , and Xavier bent down to listen . 0.00 % 08:32 Chapter 20 288 Vouchers Both groups ended up at the entrance at almost the same time . Xavier paused , as though waiting for Aveline and her friends to walk in first . Suddenly , Josephine clutched his arm like she'd lost her balance . Aveline didn't so much as glance in their direction . She walked straight inside . Behind her , Gerald chuckled . Josephine , ever the actress , pouted . " What are you laughing at , Gerald ? I just lost my footing , and that's all . Hanging on to Xav is just the impulse . Besides , what's wrong with hugging my boyfriend ? " Gerald just grinned . " No problem at all . He could carry you to your private room , for all I care . Now , if you were hugging me , that'd be a different story . " Jasmine muttered under her breath , " She's always putting on a show . She should have gone acting . " into Aveline wasn't bothered , smiling faintly . Josephine did this on purpose . But without Xavier's indulgence , would she have gotten away with it ? Julian glanced worriedly at Aveline . " Do you want to go somewhere else ? " Aveline gave a small , soft smile . " No , this place is perfect . " She had too many memories here - dinners with her mother , laughter echoing through these rooms . She wouldn't let Josephine chase her away from somewhere she loved . There were plenty of steakhouses in Entora , but this one was special . Xavier knew it , too . He brought Josephine anyway . In the quiet of their private dining room , Aveline ordered the dishes her mother had always loved , inviting Jasmine and Julian to try each one . Gradually , as Aveline relaxed , so did Julian . He let out a long sigh , seeing her smile . Halfway through , Aveline excused herself . As she opened the restroom door , a door across the hall swung open . There was Xavier , stepping out . 0.00 % 08:32 She barely glanced his way and kept walking , cool and distant . 0.00 % 08:32