Chapter 163



“Well, you can’t blame me for saying that!” Lillie said. “The change in her appearance is just so drastic.”

Just then, Baker clapped his hands to call their attention. “All right, now that everyone’s here, let’s head to the dining room to eat.”

“Okay.” The group went to the dining hall and took their seats.

They were halfway through dinner when Madonna suddenly turned to Belinda with a smile. “I heard from your dad that you have close ties with the Thomas family now. Is that true?”

Belinda raised an eyebrow slightly at the question, her voice smooth as she responded, “Yes, that’s true.”

The moment Madonna heard this, a bright smile spread across her face. “Perfect! The Thomas family has a project now, and they’re looking for business partners. Albin’s company is very interested in that project. Why don’t you speak with Mr. Thomas and ask him to work with Albin? After all, we are family.”

Belinda’s lips curled into a quiet sneer. So, that was the real reason for this dinner.

Now it all made sense to Belinda—Madonna’s earlier defense of her, which was rare, and her sudden shift in attitude toward her.

Madonna had always seen herself as superior, and Belinda, being the illegitimate daughter of Baker, had never been more than a passing thought to her.

But now, with a favor to ask, Madonna was willing to offer a false kindness.

With a faint smile, Belinda replied, “Sorry, Aunt Madonna, but I can’t help you with that.”

Madonna furrowed her brows, frustration flashing across her face. “What do you mean? You’re practically like a daughter to the Thomas family, aren’t you? That makes us all family. Besides, it’s just a small favor.”

Belinda’s smile remained steady and unwavering. “I don’t interfere in the Thomas family’s business matters. I truly can’t help you with this. Please, Aunt Madonna, don’t make things difficult for me.”

Madonna’s expression soured immediately, and her voice dripped with sarcasm. “As expected, people often change when they move up in the world. Who am I to you anyway? Just your aunt, right? If you won’t help me, I won’t force you.”

Belinda fell silent, her gaze calm but firm.

She didn’t feel the need to respond to Madonna’s sarcastic words.

When Madonna saw Belinda ignoring her, her frustration deepened.

Turning sharply to Baker, she asked, “Baker, do you have nothing to say about this?”

Baker’s irritation simmered beneath the surface at Belinda’s refusal to show any respect to Madonna or help her.

But after a brief moment of contemplation, his thoughts shifted. He remembered how even Holley had personally approached Belinda, asking her to speak on his behalf with the Thomas family, only for Belinda to reject the request outright. Given that, it wasn’t surprising Belinda would refuse Madonna’s request as well.

Before Baker could respond, Carola’s voice cut through the tension.

She said, “Work matters aren’t something for the younger generation to meddle in. Madonna, don’t make things difficult for Belinda.”

Carola’s sudden defense of Belinda left Madonna momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected that.

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