Chapter 166



Lillie, on the other hand, turned her glare on Belinda. How could Belinda just sit there and let Darren humiliate Kylee like that? Were they not family? Did Belinda find this amusing? Was she secretly enjoying the spectacle now?

Lillie’s disdain for Belinda deepened as she looked at her.

Kylee forced a tight smile, her voice strained. “Yes, I understand.”

The tension at the table became palpable, but Darren and Belinda seemed untouched by it. They sat together, chatting softly, entirely unconcerned with the others.

Lillie, however, wasn’t ready to let things be. With a glass of wine in hand, she approached them, her smile practiced.

“Hello, Mr. Thomas. I’m Belinda’s cousin, Lillie Barnett. It’s a pleasure to meet you today.”

“May I have a drink with you?” she asked.

Darren glanced at her, his expression neutral. After a moment’s hesitation, he lifted his wine glass. He reasoned that, since Lillie was Belinda’s cousin, ignoring her completely would be impolite. Besides, Belinda hadn’t mentioned any bad blood between them, so their relationship must have been tolerable.

Lillie’s smile brightened as she clinked her glass with Darren’s. But just as the glasses touched, her grip faltered, sending wine spilling onto Darren’s tailored black trousers.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry, Mr. Thomas!” Lillie exclaimed, flustered, as she grabbed a tissue and reached out to dab the stain.

Darren’s expression darkened as he pushed her hand away.

Belinda immediately handed him a tissue, her voice calm. “Darren, why don’t you head to the restroom to clean up?”

“Okay,” Darren accepted the tissue and left the booth.

Lillie, however, seemed ready to follow Darren. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Thomas!” she called after him, taking a step forward.

“Stop right there,” Belinda said sharply. “Where are you going?”

Lillie paused, blinking in surprise. “I was just going to see if there’s anything I can do to help Mr. Thomas.”

Belinda let out a scoff internally. “There’s no need for you to do that. You can sit back down,” Belinda said, her tone frosty.

“But—” Lillie bit her lip, looking troubled.

“Sit,” Belinda raised her voice, her tone leaving no room for argument.

When Lillie heard Belinda’s firm tone, her eyes flickered with resentment, but under the watchful eyes of Debra and Percy, she didn’t say anything and sank back into her seat.

Twenty minutes later, Darren returned, his trousers cleaned and nearly dry.

The moment he sat down, Lillie was at it again, her voice dripping with regret. “Mr. Thomas, I’m so sorry.”

“It was all my fault. I was so careless earlier.”

Darren said nothing, clearly not wanting to talk to Lillie.

“If you’re upset, you can pour a drink on me,” Lillie said directly, placing a fresh glass of wine in front of Darren.

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