?<strong>Chapter 44:</strong>


    Lucas sealed his lips, remaining silent. The room felt colder, yet a subtle softness touched Lucas’ gaze, betraying a fleeting concern.


    Harold’s temper eventually subsided, though his breath still came heavily. He looked at Lucas, pausing thoughtfully before saying, “Lucas, let’s make a bet about your rtionship with Belinda. We’ll give it one month. During this time, I need your cooperation with my ns and your honest attempt to nurture feelings for Belinda. If, after this period, you still prefer Verena over Belinda, I vow to forever stay out of your love life. However, if that’s not the case, you must end things with Verena andmit to your marriage with Belinda.”


    He knew that Lucas had changed fundamentally over thest six years. Old tactics of coercion were bound to fail now, so a less overt method was necessary.


    At Harold’s proposition, Lucas furrowed his eyebrows in mild surprise. He hadn’t anticipated such an unusual bet being ced before him.


    With a knowing smile, Harold, seeing Lucas’ quiet contemtion, said, “What’s wrong? Are you afraid? Or maybe worried you might end up falling for Belinda?”


    To Lucas, the idea was almostughable. Falling for Belinda? The very thought was ridiculous!


    “Fine, I’ll take your bet,” Lucas confidently said. Just a single month, and afterward, Harold would withdraw from meddling in his love life. As for harboring any affection for Belinda? That seemed an unlikely oue. Lucas was confident he would win this bet.


    “Very well,” Harold said with a nod.


    gα?ησν????s, home to unforgettable stories


    In the evening, Belinda arrived at the distinguished local restaurant where she had agreed to meet Ryan for dinner.


    Upon her arrival, Belinda noticed the vastness of the restaurant, its emptiness amplifying the impression. It clicked instantly—Ryan had reserved the entire venue just for this dinner.


    “Ms. Thomas,” Ryan greeted as he approached her.


    This evening, he exuded a refined charm, dressed in a crisply tailored suit, his hair meticulously styled. He appeared every bit the gentleman as he offered Belinda a seat. To an outsider, he could easily pass as a charming and sophisticated man.


    However, Belinda’s gaze briefly betrayed her true attitude towards Ryan, revealing a trace of contempt.


    Once seated, Ryan snapped his fingers, and the starters were promptly served.


    “Please, enjoy,” Ryan said, gesturing gracefully toward the dishes.


    Belinda began her meal, lifting her fork and knife. After sampling the food, she casually inquired, ncing at Ryan, “Mr. Adams, wasn’t your cousin once involved with Lucas?”


    Indeed, Ryan and Verena’s mothers were siblings. Their paths had diverged significantly—the younger sister had married into the wealthy Adams family, while the elder had wed a high school teacher.


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