Chapter 49 Bernard Clarke didn't know about the relationship between Aveline and Xavier . With Simon's assurance , he felt the matter was settled and said with a smile : " That's good . Otherwise , I won't be able to be the consultant either . " Hearing this , Simon was startled . He hadn't expected Bernard Clarke to value Aveline so highly that if the didn't hire her , he wouldn't accept their offer either . Of course , Aveline did have the talent to earn Bernard's high regard . It seemed he would have to talk to Mr. Beltran seriously and insist on hiring Aveline , regardless of all other factors . Aveline remained composed , but she knew that since Xavier had given Dylan's resume to the project director , he was probably serious about hiring Dylan . Because if he didn't intend to , there would be no need to go to the trouble of recommending someone to the project director . She was in a bad mood , but then she wondered what she was still caring about , knowing full well how intense Xavier's love for Josephine was , and that he was willing to do anything he could for her . If Bernard Clarke was unwilling to be the consultant , Xavier would even hire top experts from abroad for a huge sum of money for Josephine's sake . After that , they started discussing the project . When it was time for a meal , Simon invited them to dine at the Western restaurant in The Croft Tower . Just as they were seated , Aveline heard her phone ringing in her purse . She took it out and saw it was a call from Xavier . Jasmine , sitting beside her , happened to glance over and leaned in to whisper , " Is he reluctant to let you go ? Does he not want to divorce you ? " Aveline scoffed , " As if . " If Xavier wasn't worried about his reputation , afraid that not giving her a dime would get exposed and tarnish his im- age , he would've signed that agreement and rushed her to finalize the divorce ages ago . She rejected the call , placed her phone on the table , and ignored Xavier . A moment later , a text from Xavier came in , 【 Where are you ? When are you coming back ? 】 Aveline frowned slightly , wondering if he was at the studio . She texted him , 【 What do you mean ? ] Xavier : [ Valentina and I are at the studio door . What's the code ? 】 0.0 % 19:02 Aveline's frown deepened . What was this man up to ? Was he going to dump Valentina on her for the night again ? She excused herself and left the private dining room with her phone . Once in the hallway , she called Xavier . Xavier answered quickly , " What time is it ? Why aren't you back yet ? Isn't the code the same as the one for Winslow Heights ? " Aveline said coldly , " Xavier , what the hell are you playing at ? " Xavier said , " I have a business trip to Kralville . I'll be back tomorrow afternoon . Valentina is staying with you tonight . You take her to school tomorrow . " Annoyed , Aveline bit her lip . " Where is your family ? " " They're all out of Entora . I don't trust a maid with Valentina . Hurry back , Valentina is hungry . " Aveline said irritably , " Then take her to eat . I'm at a dinner right now , I can't get back until later . " With that , she hung up without waiting for Xavier's response . Xavier had said Valentina's parents were abroad . Aveline knew that because the Patriarch was currently overseas , Lauren would occasionally visit him , but Leona should be in Entora . It was unlikely she'd also be out of the country by coincidence . So Aveline checked her Social Feed , because Leona was someone who loved to post . And she saw that Leona had posted several times today ; she was in Entora . Aveline frowned , thinking it was probably because Valentina didn't get along with Leona's son , Mason . Mason often bullied Valentina , and Leona spoiled Mason , which was why Xavier wouldn't send Valentina to be looked after by Leona . For Valentina's sake , Aveline had to accept it . Back in the private dining room , another text from Xavier arrived . He said he had changed his flight to nine o'clock and told her to be back before eight . Resigned , Aveline sent him the code to the studio's main door so he could take Valentina inside to rest . Then she quietly told Jasmine what had happened , because she had to leave early . Jasmine said , a little annoyed , " Is he just trying to run you ragged before the divorce is final ? " Aveline gave a sarcastic smile , unable to say a word . 51.5 % 19:02 Chapter 50