Chapter 609



Lucas, however, frowned immediately, displeasure flashing across his face. He was unhappy that Verena had brought up the matter.

Belinda let out a brief, humorless laugh. Verena wanted to have a meal with Lucas and her? She clearly had ulterior motives.

Belinda looked at Verena. “No need for that. I doubt I’d have an appetite dining with you, Miss Reed.”

Without waiting for a reply, she walked away.

Lucas followed her without a word.

Verena’s expression faltered as she watched them leave. Belinda’s quick strides betrayed her irritation. Verena’s words had struck a nerve, leaving her simmering with anger.

Caught up in her thoughts, Belinda didn’t notice the small figure darting toward her— a child running full speed, seconds from colliding with her.

“Look out!” Before Belinda could react, Lucas grabbed her, pulling her into his arms to shield her.

Belinda stumbled, her cheek colliding with Lucas’s broad chest. She could hear the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart.

A moment passed before Belinda regained her composure, hastily pulling away from Lucas.

“I’m sorry!” The child’s mother rushed over, her voice apologetic. “My son wasn’t watching where he was going. Please forgive him.”

She turned to the boy. “Apologize to the lady now.”

The little boy lowered his head, his voice soft as he said, “I’m sorry.”

Belinda crouched slightly, giving the boy a kind smile. “It’s alright. Just be more careful next time.”

With that, she straightened up and continued walking away.

From a short distance away, Verena watched the scene unfold, her face ashen. Ryan, standing beside her, shifted uncomfortably. After a while, he said to Verena, “Let’s go.”

He reached for Verena’s arm, gently tugging her out of her daze. Verena blinked, snapping out of her thoughts, and reluctantly followed him back to their private room. Her steps were unsteady, her gait awkward.

The previous night, Verena had been with Kane until the early hours. Their encounters always left her battered, with bruises she had to endure for days before she could recover.

As they walked, Ryan noticed Verena’s unsteady steps. Concern etched across his face, he asked, “Verena, are you sure your foot’s okay?”

Verena’s expression didn’t falter, though her face was still pale. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied.

Once Ryan and Verena were inside the private room, a heavy silence settled between them. After what felt like an eternity, Verena’s voice sliced through the quiet. “Ryan, you have feelings for Belinda, don’t you?”

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