?<strong>Chapter 40:</strong>


    At the mention of Ryan, Belinda arched an eyebrow in curiosity. “What’s this about, Mr. Adams?” she asked directly.


    “I was hoping to have the pleasure of yourpany for a meal, Ms. Thomas,” Ryan replied gently.


    A knowing smile spread across Belinda’s face. “That sounds lovely. I’m free this evening.”


    “We can have dinner together then.”


    Ryan’s voice brightened as he replied, “Perfect, tonight it is. I’ll confirm the venue shortly.”


    “Sounds good,” Belinda responded, ending the call.


    A crafty gleam sparkled in her eyes as she set down her phone. Belinda contemted using her position as the Thomas family’s goddaughter to uncover some hidden truths from Ryan.


    Just as she was about to put her phone away, it rang again. Upon seeing the caller ID, Belinda raised an eyebrow. She quickly answered, “Hello?”


    A soft, feminine voice came through. “Belinda, it’s been days since your return. I haven’t heard from you in three years. Are we going to remain strangers, even though we’re sisters?” It was her sister, Kylee.


    Belinda’s lips twitched faintly, her expression unreadable. “I’ve been swamped recently,” she replied, her tone detached.


    “I understand that, but let’s meet upter,” Kylee responded. After a brief pause, she added, “How about lunch today? It’s time we caught up.”


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    “Sure,” Belinda responded promptly.


    “Meet me at Happer Restaurant. You always loved their cuisine,” Kylee suggested.


    “Okay,” Belinda replied.


    “See you at noon at Happer Restaurant,” Kylee said before the call ended.


    Belinda exhaled deeply, knowing that she had pressing questions that might finally be addressed soon.


    At Happer Restaurant, Belinda entered the reserved private room and found Kylee already there. Kylee sprang up with a beaming smile and approached Belinda quickly.


    Looking at Belinda, Kylee eximed, “Belinda, you look breathtaking now! It’s almost making me envious. Come and sit down.” She reached for Belinda’s hand.


    However, Belinda sharply withdrew her hand, ignoring Kylee’s surprised expression, and proceeded to the table. Kylee’s smile faltered as she looked at her empty hand.


    She walked over and sat down next to Belinda, her eyes reflecting confusion and hurt. “Belinda, why this sudden coldness toward me? What happened? Remember how close we were before?”


    Upon hearing Kylee’s words, Belinda couldn’t help but let out a coldugh inwardly. She had once believed Kylee was a genuinely caring sister.


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