?<strong>Chapter 5:</strong>


    Her beauty was not only seen but felt, leaving everyone present stunned.


    “Oh my God! Who is that woman? I can’t believe someone so captivating has been here in Owathe all along! Why haven’t I seen her before?” Ryan couldn’t hide his astonishment.


    “Indeed, she is quite striking,” Verenamented with a smile.


    Lucas slowly raised his eyes to look at the woman, and his gaze narrowed sharply at the sight.


    “I like her! I’ll get her number right now. Just wait for my good news!” Ryan quickly dered, heading toward the woman with determined steps.


    Approaching her, Ryan shed a smile he believed to be his most charming. “Hello, beautiful! I’m Ryan Adams, son of the Adams Group’s chairman. Would you allow me the pleasure of your acquaintance?”


    Belinda looked at Ryan, a subtle smile ying on her lips.


    Previously, among Lucas’s circle, Ryan had been particrly harsh toward her, always hurling insults in her direction.


    He had called her many foul names, never considering her feelings at all.


    But now, here he was, standing before her, clearly captivated by her beauty.


    The sweet irony of it all amused Belinda.


    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading


    Seeing her charming smile, Ryan was momentarily spellbound.


    He cleared his throat and said, “Could I possibly have the pleasure of knowing your name?”


    As Belinda opened her mouth, about to speak, a deep voice interrupted her, saying, “Belinda…”


    Belinda and Ryan simultaneously looked over.


    The approaching man carried himself with an ease and allure that seemed to fill the space around him.


    “Mr. Thomas,” Ryan said with respect.


    After giving Ryan a brief nod, Darren Thomas turned to look at Belinda. “Belinda, let’s go. It’s time to join Uncle Santino and the rest. Your godfather is waiting for you.”


    “Okay,” Belinda responded, quickly falling into step beside Darren.


    As Belinda walked away, Ryan’s expression registered his astonishment.


    He hastened back to Lucas and the others, barely containing his excitement. “Did you see that? That woman is Santino Thomas’s goddaughter! And Mr. Thomas just called her… Belinda or something. Anyway, her name sounds elegant!”


    Hearing Ryan’s words, Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly.


    Vincent James, who had been quiet earlier, chimed in, “Santino and his wife never had children of their own. Despite attempts by rtives to have their children adopted by them, they rejected every proposal. It was only three years ago that they publicly announced a goddaughter in Chixdon, whom they adore. I always assumed she was from there, but now, it turns out she’s from our country.”


    Ryan suddenly burst outughing, his enthusiasm evident. “I was hesitant about the task my mom had assigned me, but now, I’m fullymitted!”


    Ryan’s mother had hoped he would forge a good connection with Santino’s goddaughter.


    .


    .


    .