Forged My Marriage, Stole My Baby—Now I’m the Judge You Kneel To - Chapter 86: Chapter 86

When he spoke, his subordinates naturally didn't dare object: "Yes, Mr. Saintclair."
"Autumn, with your talent and personality, you're better suited for free development. I'm happy to see that happen and willing to support it."
Aveline felt touched, but more than that, embarrassed: "Mr. Saintclair, I only happened to save Lyra by chance, and you've already helped me so much. It's really enough."
Caspian paused, then smiled somewhat helplessly.
His usually cold eyes seemed to shimmer with warmth.
"Miss Autumn, I think you might have some misunderstanding about me. I need to clarify something."
"I'm a man of taste and completely normal, so I have absolutely no resistance to a girl like you—brave, resilient, extremely talented, kind, lovely, and beautiful. I liked you from the first moment I saw you, and it's only deepened since then. Both emotionally and rationally, publicly and privately, I must help you. If you're willing to continue giving me such opportunities, I'd be deeply grateful and willing to repay you with a lifetime of protection."
Aveline's face slowly reddened, and she felt like laughing a little.
How did he manage to make a confession sound both scholarly and like a business discussion?
But his directness, though blunt, felt comfortable.
He clearly liked her, yet wouldn't try to control her like Sebastian had.
Loving someone meant appreciating who they were and hoping they'd become better—that was Caspian's attitude toward love.
And in Aveline's eyes, that's what love should look like.
But right now, she didn't want to think about these things.
Caspian saw her reluctance: "I understand. I spoke too suddenly. Don't feel any pressure. Just do what you want to do."
Aveline's nose tingled slightly as she nodded gently.
"Autumn, there you are! You won the championship today—let's go celebrate!"
Lyra happily came backstage: "The three of us together, okay?"
Aveline nodded, and Caspian looked gratefully at his wingwoman sister.
The three went to dine at a Michelin restaurant owned by the Saintclair Group.
Aveline remembered the last time she'd had Michelin cuisine was with Sebastian.
That time, he'd been worried about Serena's whereabouts the entire evening. He'd interrogated her, didn't believe her, and grabbed her wrist until it was red and swollen.
That meal had been tasteless.
But this time, Aveline found everything delicious.
When dessert arrived, there was commotion outside.
"Sir, this place is reserved today. You can't come in—"
"Aveline!"
With that trembling call, Aveline's hand also trembled.
It was Sebastian.
Sure enough, he'd seen those trending topics that day.
After more than a month apart, Sebastian looked much more haggard, his eyes red-rimmed as if he hadn't slept.
He stared at Aveline like that, not even daring to blink, afraid she might disappear again.
"Aveline, can we talk..."
Lyra was very surprised: "Sebastian Rookwood, why are you here?"
Having both been in New York's elite circles, they naturally knew each other.
Lyra suddenly realized: "So you're the scumbag who hurt Aveline! You still have the nerve to ask to talk—are you trying to hurt her again?"
Caspian's expression also turned completely cold. This was the first time Aveline had seen such murderous intent in him.