Urging Him to Get a Divorce (Aveline and Xavier) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Sebastian smiled softly. “So it’s her. You call her ‘coquettish‘ just because she’s good–looking?”

Fiona glared at her cousin. “Do you think she’s good–looking? What is it with you men? Why do you like women who seduce married men‘?”

Sebastian chuckled. “She’s not my type.”

“Then what type do you like?”

Taking another sip of wine, Sebastian merely smiled and said nothing.

Just then, Xavier and Josephine walked over. Sebastian lifted his glass in greeting. “Mr. Beltran.”

Xavier stepped forward, paused, and clinked his glass against Sebastian’s. “Mr. Harmon.”

The two men, equally tall, broad–shouldered, and striking, locked eyes, then sipped their wine almost in unison.

Sebastian then curled his lips into a faint smile. “Ms. Sutton has not only remarkable design talent, but also first–rate photography skills.”

Xavier gave Sebastian a long look before replying calmly, “Thanks, I’ll pass your compliment on to my wife.”

Josephine had been smiling softly until she heard Sebastian praise Aveline. Her fingers tightened around her wine glass.

he had graduated with a design degree, but she’d always written Aveline off as untalented, ing Aveline had given un raduate school because she wasn’t good enough.

In Josephine’s ev

Even 1

was only praising Aveline to spare Xavier’s feelings.

otography skills” was absurd.

ce seen Aveline touch a camera.

ght, “This business tycoon is a master of lies.”

et, Josephine found herself drawn to such aisticated and calculated charm.

0.00%

08:31

38 vouchers

She forced a warm smile and said, “My sister’s always been wrapped up in household duties, groceries, and cooking. Mr. Harmon’s praise would cheer her up if she heard it. It’s a pity she never had much ambition for her career.”

Sebastian glanced at her, then gave a faint smile and said nothing.

By then, Fiona had already downed two glasses of wine. Watching Josephine put on such a fake act, and even belittle Aveline, she rolled her eyes openly.

Josephine knew that the eye roll was directed at her. She seethed inwardly but pasted on a sweet smile. “Fiona, long time no see.

Fiona let out a dry laugh. “Better if we never see each other again.”

Josephine’s bright smile froze instantly. Her attempt at friendliness had just been shot down cold.

Seeing Josephine’s smile slip gave Fiona a rush of satisfaction. She slipped her arm through Sebastian’s.

“Sebastian, I haven’t wished Mr. Jenkins a happy birthday yet. Come with me?”

Sebastian gave Xavier a nod, then walked off with her.

Josephine bit her lip and glanced at Xavier.

He was watching them leave, his eyes unreadable, like he was lost in thought.

She slid her arm through his. “Hey, that Maybach Ava got into outside the bar the other night, that was Sebastian’s, right?”

She’d never met Sebastian before and just assumed he was one of Fiona’s friends.

Xavier withdrew his eyes and said flatly, “Yeah. He’s Fiona’s cousin.”

Josephine blinked in excessive surprise. “I didn’t know her cousin was Crestmark Group’s chairman and CEO. I’ve never even seen him before.

“Wait, do you

think Ava asked Fiona to introduce her to him on purpose?”

Xavier took a sip of his drink. “No idea.”

He didn’t care about Aveline, but she was still his wife. Seeing her getting too close to another man was humiliating, and it only made him resent her more.

Josephine smiled to herself and took a sip of her drink.

0.00%

08:31

***

10

288 iVouchers

Aveline didn’t see Fiona’s call until the next morning.

She’d slept through it, but Fiona had left a message.

“You said you were coming to Mr. Jenkins’s party? Didn’t see you anywhere. BTW, Josephine showed up with Xavier. Total buzzkill.‘

Aveline had been buried in work at Mount Ardwood for the past few days and had completely forgotten.

Alfred was her mother’s favorite painter, and she’d collected several of his pieces. Growing up around that, Aveline had come to admire him, too.

He’d returned to the country last month and was hosting his 70th birthday party in Kralville. Fiona knew Aveline was a fan and offered to introduce Aveline through her family’s connection.

Later, back at Winslow Heights, Aveline saw the Jenkins family’s invitation to Xavier. She was thrilled and asked him to take her.

He agreed, but in hindsight, his response felt flat, almost dismissive. Maybe he never really meant it.

Now that they were getting divorced, he’d never take her to an event like that.

Aveline let out a self–mocking laugh and texted Fiona, “Totally forgot. I should’ve asked you to take me instead.”

Fiona was still asleep, so Aveline called her after breakfast.

Fiona picked up, already fired up. “Damn Xavier! He promised to take you. Is it because you’re getting divorced that he showed up with Josephine and didn’t even tell you?”

“It’s fine,” Aveline said coolly. “We’re splitting up. He probably didn’t want people finding out we’re married.”

Fiona sighed. “I forgot too. My family only reminded me yesterday. I thought he’d keep his word anyway. He knows how much you admire Mr. Jenkins.”

Aveline gave a faint smile, not wanting to dwell on Xavier. “Was it fun last night?”

“Yeah, sure. All the big names were there. Sebastian even flew in from overseas.

Fiona paused, then snorted with disgust. “Ilonestly, I think Xavier brought Josephine so she could network. She’s graduating soon, right? Last night she was all over the place, clinking glasses with

0.00%