Chapter 359



The servant quickly approached Belinda and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her upward with urgent determination. Belinda coughed and gasped as her head broke the surface, clinging to the servant as if her life depended on it.

“Hold onto me, Mrs. Clark,” the servant said breathlessly, dragging Belinda toward the pool’s edge.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the edge of the pool. The servant hoisted Belinda onto the pool deck before climbing out of the pool herself. Belinda doubled over, coughing and gasping for air.

The servant quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it tightly around Belinda’s trembling shoulders.

“Belinda!” At that moment, Harold’s voice rang out, laced with worry. He, Norma, and a group of servants rushed to the poolside, their faces tinged with concern.

Belinda shook her head weakly at Harold. She kept coughing as she replied, “Harold… I’m… Fine…” But the violent fit of coughing was evident, betraying her discomfort.

“Fine? You call that fine?” Harold’s face was a mask of worry. After a moment’s hesitation, something seemed to click in his mind.

He asked, “How did you end up in the water? And where is Lucas? Where did that rascal run off to?”

Belinda took a shaky breath. “He… He had an urgent matter to deal with… He had to leave.” She looked up at Harold, her gaze steady despite her coughing. “I slipped and fell into the pool just now.”

Harold’s expression darkened. “An urgent matter? What could possibly be so urgent that he’d leave you here?”

“Ryan called Lucas…” Belinda replied between coughs. “He said Verena was kidnapped.”

She made no attempt to hide the truth from Harold for Lucas.

Harold’s face turned grim when he heard this, and even Norma, who was clutching his arm, looked stern.

“That brat!” Harold’s breathing grew heavier as he clenched his fists, his voice shaking with anger. “Norma, call Lucas. Tell him to get back here—now!”

Before Norma could do anything, Belinda quickly said, “There’s no need for that, Harold.” Her tone was even, almost detached. “Don’t call him back now.”

Harold bristled. “Why not? He—”

“Please,” Belinda cut him off, her voice firm yet pleading. “This time, just listen to me. Don’t call him.”

Harold opened his mouth to protest but stopped, something in Belinda’s gaze softening his resolve. With a heavy sigh, he relented and replied, “Alright, I will listen to you.” Belinda just forced a smile, not saying anything else.

“Call the doctor over,” Harold instructed.

Belinda shook her head and said, “That’s not necessary. I’m fine, Harold. Truly.”

“Are you sure?” Harold furrowed his brows. “It wouldn’t hurt to let the doctor check on you.”

“I know my own body.” Belinda’s voice was gentle but firm. “I’m just a bit tired. I’ll rest upstairs for a while.”

Seeing her determination, Harold could only reply, “Alright. Go rest.”

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