?<strong>Chapter 35:</strong>


    Ryan shifted the conversation toward Lucas, asking, “How are things between you and Belinda, Lucas? When is she finalizing the divorce with you?”


    Lucas responded calmly, “My father’s condition is that the divorce can proceed, but not until after his birthdayter this year. The divorce is on hold until then.”


    Hearing this, Verena said, “So, you’re saying you’ll have to wait an entire month more?”


    “That’s correct,” Lucas answered.


    Ryan expressed his frustration with a muttered curse and said, “That ugly woman must have influenced your father. I knew she wouldn’t let go of you so easily.”


    His annoyance escting, he continued, “Damn, that bitch really has some nerve!”


    Lucas’ expression darkened at Ryan’s harsh words. He fixed a stern gaze on Ryan and said in a cold tone, “Don’t let me hear you talking like that again.”


    Lucas found Ryan’s disparaging remarks about Belinda unexpectedly irritating.


    Ryan, caught off guard, stared at Lucas, uncertain whether the reprimand was for the vulgarity of his words or the disrespect toward Belinda.


    Verena’s lips pressed into a thin line. Could it be that Lucas was defending Belinda now?


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    What had changed since Belinda’s return? Previously, any mention of Belinda seemed to have left Lucas unaffected, his face an indifferent mask suggesting she was of no consequence to him.


    Yet now…


    Belinda seemed capable of evoking an emotional response in Lucas.


    Struck by a sudden realization, Verena asked in a strained voice, “Lucas, are you having second thoughts about the divorce?”


    This suspicion had been growing in Verena since Belinda’s return to the country. Besides, she had perceived a subtle shift in Lucas’ feelings toward her—an unsettling change she couldn’t fully articte. She only knew that it made her anxious.


    At Verena’s words, a shadow crossed Lucas’ features. He averted his eyes, responding calmly, “No.”


    His denial came with a slight dy, betraying his uncertainty.


    Verena’s eyes welled up with tears. “Or could it be… Have you developed some feelings for Belinda?”


    Lucas’ expression tightened.


    In a low, decisive tone, he replied, “Absolutely not! My feelings for Belinda are non-existent.”


    He admitted internally that hearing about the divorce dy from Harold had brought him an unexpected sense of relief, but he believed it wasn’t because of Belinda.


    The reason, he believed, was his own unpreparedness—unsure about whether he should marry Verena after the divorce. This dy was merely a wee pause, giving him time to think about the matter.


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