Echoes of Vengeance: The Sweet Wife's Perfect Revenge-Chapter 58: Land and Lady

At Springfield Hospital,

It was the first time Aveline had ever been dominating and rude, even to her parents. She didn’t let them speak. She didn’t let them move against Damien. She even threatened them, saying she would shield them from Damien, even if it cost her her life.

Margaret couldn’t accept it. But neither could she refuse it. Not after forcing her daughter into that marriage. She felt like she lost her place in Aveline’s choices the day she insisted Damien Ashford was the right man.

Charles had a thousand things to say. But when Aveline stood, unyielding and volatile, he had to swallow it. More than anger, he was worried. He just wanted to share her burden.

Henry was on edge. He wanted to end Damien with his bare hands. But if he failed, Aveline would step between them to protect him. She would fall first. And he wouldn’t survive that.

But that didn’t mean he could sit quietly and watch her throw herself into the fire.

When none of them agreed to let her fight this alone, she walked away, saying if they couldn’t accept it, they should forget everything she said.

Henry couldn’t accept it. Not now, not ever. He wouldn’t be able to rest until Damien Ashford was nothing but dust.

But how could his daughter fight against a demon like Damien?

He paced outside her room, feeling restless, fuming, and worried about Aveline. But he was glad she was continuing her treatment and prioritizing her health.

He halted when Alaric exited the elevator.

He had used his security services a few times, but he didn’t know the man well. He was grateful for the young man, but not enough to understand why Alaric was still hovering around Aveline.

Why would he be investigating Damien for Aveline?

To bury the truth?

To help his sister?

"CEO Lancaster, what is your motive?" He asked bluntly. "You are Damien’s friend." He didn’t want to take a chance of Alaric helping Damien.

Alaric glanced towards the monitoring machines being wheeled into Aveline’s room. Then he looked at Henry again. The question didn’t surprise him, but the tension in it was very clear.

Did Henry learn something?

How much?

He didn’t want to be the one to reveal anything to Henry. He didn’t flinch. "Give me five minutes, Chairman Laurent." With that, he walked past him and entered the room. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

....

Aveline was quietly listening to Dr. Amelia Grey, who was briefing her on the test results.

Alaric studied her face. She looked serious, but something was off. Her hands were clenched, her eyes downcast, cheeks stained from dried tears. She nodded and shook her head like a robot, even when told her recovery was amazing.

Something had happened.

Something so big that Henry couldn’t bring himself to look at her.

So big that Aveline was emotionally disturbed.

"Give us a minute." He commanded.

The nurses hesitated to continue what they were doing. Amelia cursed under her breath but held back when she saw his face. She signaled the others to step out and left with them.

Alaric sat in the chair by her bedside. His voice was softer, but carried its usual weight. "Look at me, Sunshine."

She didn’t. She wasn’t in a state to deal with his riddles or solve his mystery. Maybe, she wouldn’t be able to gather herself until she makes sure her father won’t interfere.

He didn’t push. "Your father is pacing outside." He said. "And asked me what my intentions are."

Her body tensed. She turned and met his eyes.

"What does he know, Sunshine?"

Charles’ question rang in her mind. ’Are you having an affair with Alaric Lancaster?’

Does her father think the same?

She wanted to keep things to herself, but what was the point now? "Damien married me and poisoned me for 10k square meters of land in the Eastern district."

His expression darkened. Rage simmered just beneath the surface. All this time, he thought it was about ruining the Laurents to win Vivienne’s approval. But now it was clear — Damien had kept even Vivienne in the dark.

Before Alaric could respond, Aveline cut in coldly, "And what do you need, Alaric Lancaster? Another piece of land my father refused to sell?"

After being betrayed by her husband, she had no reason to trust anyone. He understands, but completely dodging her question would burn the last bridge.

"Sunshine," his voice was steady, "you are the only person I’m meeting yet didn’t dig about."

Aveline stared at him. She didn’t know if that should warm her or terrify her. But, "You dodged. Again." She wasn’t satisfied with the response.

He didn’t deny it. She would learn when she needed to. He wasn’t going to force it on her.

Watching her shoulders relax slightly, he came to the point, "You can’t stop your father, Sunshine."

She bit her lip. If Alaric could know that Aveline grew up under his care, doesn’t she know that? She needs a way to get her father to trust her decision.

"You should keep him busy in the shadows," Alaric suggested.

That caught her attention. It took her a moment to understand the weight of those words. And when she did, "I know what to do."

Alaric nodded, proud of the little woman sitting there. He poured her a glass of water and handed it to her.

She took a sip and he said, "Sunshine... if I want land that’s in your name..."

Aveline stilled

"I would rather spoil you so much, you couldn’t imagine life without me. Land and Lady... both mine."

Her cheeks flushed instantly.

But her eyes widened just a second later.

"You’re right," she said, voice sharp. "Damien could’ve done that. But he chose to poison me. And planning to ruin Laurent Industries. And he isn’t with Vivienne out of love."

Then she looked at him and instructed, "I need you to check if Vivienne Sinclair, or her parents, have massive land in their names."

Alaric understood. But a hint of disappointment crossed his eyes.

He was flirting, and she was thinking about Damien. "Do you love him?"

Aveline: "..."

Love?

She hadn’t fallen for him in two months of marriage. But in two years... he made her believe he was her shield. Her strength. The one man who wouldn’t leave.

Did she love him?

She didn’t know. But her heart broke the moment she found out about the affair. About the poison.

Alaric didn’t want the answer anymore. He had forgotten for a moment that it’s not easy getting over a person.

He placed headphones on her head. "I should meet you more often," he muttered. Then handed her his phone with a music app on the screen. "Maybe I should trick your father into sending you to me."

Aveline: "..."

’Was that supposed to be a joke?’

"I can hear you." She said, blinking in disbelief.

"I know." He said and walked out.

Aveline: "..."

Is he crazy?