Chapter 114



Turner didn’t respond immediately. He narrowed his eyes slightly, lost in thought.

After a moment, his expression softened, returning to its usual calm. “Alright, Kylee. Don’t worry about me. You can go back to work now,” he said.

“Okay.” Kylee nodded, giving him a small smile before leaving.

At noon, at The Harlequin Eats, Belinda stepped into the private dining room to find several people already inside.

As soon as Belinda entered, a woman seated on the sofa sprang to her feet and approached her with a bright smile. “You’re finally here!” the woman said warmly.

Belinda offered a polite nod. “Ms. Thomas.”

Debra Thomas waved dismissively, pouting playfully. “Oh, come on, Belinda! No need to be so formal. Just call me Debra.”

Belinda smiled slightly but said nothing.

Debra’s family had distant ties to Santino’s. Her grandfather and Santino’s father were brothers, which technically made them fourth-generation relatives.

Belinda had only met Debra once before, at her own welcome banquet. Despite their limited interaction, Belinda had later heard from Darren about Debra’s family. Debra’s grandfather had once helped Darren’s, fostering an enduring connection between the two families.

That morning, Debra had called unexpectedly, inviting Belinda to lunch. Out of courtesy and familial obligation, Belinda had accepted the invitation.

Debra led Belinda to the sofa with enthusiastic energy. “Belinda, let me introduce you. This is my brother, Percy.”

Belinda turned her attention to the man nearby. He looked to be in his early thirties, with sharp features and an air of quiet confidence.

“Percy, this is Belinda,” Debra said cheerfully.

Percy Thomas extended a hand with a polite smile. “Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Belinda shook his hand briefly. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Thomas.”

“Perfect! Now that Belinda’s here, let’s eat!” Debra clapped her hands together and guided everyone to the table.

Once seated, Debra dominated the conversation, directing most of her attention toward Belinda. “Is it true that you’re working in the Cardiac Surgery Department at the Grand Plains General Hospital? That’s incredible! I’ve heard it’s nearly impossible for doctors under 30 to get hired there. You must be truly exceptional!”

Debra’s eyes sparkled with admiration when she looked at Belinda, her praise flowing freely. Belinda felt her scalp tingle under the intensity of Debra’s adulation. She managed a chuckle, brushing it off. “Not really. You are flattering me.”

Before she could continue, Debra’s expression abruptly changed. Her eyes were suddenly filled with tears, and moments later, she covered her mouth, sobbing quietly.

Belinda’s eyes grew wide in bewilderment.

“I must apologize for her to you.” Percy quickly spoke up. “Debra has just recently been broken up with, so she is still very emotional. This has nothing to do with you.”

“I’m sorry, Belinda,” Debra said and sniffed. “I lost my composure for a moment there. My boyfriend of three years broke up with me last night, saying that he has fallen for someone else. I just… I can’t accept it. And then I thought, if only I was as outstanding as you, then my boyfriend wouldn’t have left me. I…”

Instead of finishing her sentence, Debra burst out crying once again.

.

.

.