After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back by Riverflow

As evening fell and the sun dipped below the horizon, the orphanage's dining hall buzzed with lively chatter.

There were twenty children in all, seated around several tables, the older ones looking after the younger ones. After making sure everything was in order, Zachary made his way over to Aveline. "You don't have to leave in such a hurry," Zachary said. "You haven't even had a chance to see the changes in Arthur Town yet. The resort villas, for example, they're already starting to take shape." Aveline smiled. "I'll come back when I have more time," she replied. "And really, I should be thanking you for all you've done this time. Here's to you."

She lifted her beer with a grin, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Zachary.

Zachary raised his glass in response. "There's no need to talk about gratitude. We grew up together; we're practically family."

Aveline nodded. "You're right. Cheers."

They clinked their glasses and took a drink, the cheerful sounds of children laughing and playing filling the air around them.

Lucas, sitting off to the side, watched as Aveline kept toasting Zachary. His brow furrowed. He reached over and gently pressed her hand down. "Don't drink too much. You'll end up with a headache." Aveline frowned and pushed his hand away. "You... don't control me. I want to drink."

Zachary chimed in, "It's fine. We have some ginger tea here. She can have a little of that later."

Lucas shot him a cold glare, clearly displeased. "Is that how you look out for your family? Just sit back while she drinks, knowing she'll suffer later?"

face stiffened for a

if I have a drink? Lucas,

her face, not the slightest hint of

darkened

hand dismissively. "Let's not worry about him. Now, where

up and stormed out

but chose to say nothing, continuing to reminisce with

night had fallen, and a cold wind swept over Lucas, cooling his temper as it bit through the evening

for her to let her emotions show so freely-what was he even

when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen-it was a call from

"Hello?"

approval of funds. A substantial amount still hasn't been released, and we can't move forward with the next phase

approved by the

be there

in a low voice.

hall," hesitated for a moment, and then