?<strong>Chapter 58:</strong>


    At these words, Mollie’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing sharply as she looked at Tessa, her voice icy. “Mrs. Sugden, I would advise you to be careful with your usations.”


    Tessa responded swiftly, her tone feigning distress, “Oh dear! Mrs. Thomas, please, don’t take offense. I was merely conveying what I heard. And just beforeing here, Ryan mentioned that your goddaughter has been involved with a married man!”


    “Impossible! She is involved with a married man? You must be joking!” eximed ady sitting by Tessa, her expression one of sheer disbelief.


    Mollie’s attention piqued at the mention of a “married man.” She believed she knew who they were talking about. Sheughed lightly. “Alright, Mrs. Sugden, perhaps you could enlighten us on who Belinie is allegedly involved with?”


    Tessa responded, “The man in question is Lucas rk of the well-known rk family! Everyone’s aware that Mr. rk is married, aren’t they?”


    At this revtion, both Mollie’s and Darren’s frowns disappeared. Their expression quickly returned to their previous calm andposed state. Tessa, noticing the doubtful looks around her, hastily added, “I swear I’m telling the truth! If you’re skeptical, just step outside and see for yourselves. Mrs. Thomas’ goddaughter is out there in the hallway with Ryan.”


    The women at the table exchanged uncertain looks, debating whether to verify Tessa’s im and risk offending Mollie. Mollie, observing their looks, smirked inwardly. “Let’s go take a look ourselves,” she suggested, rising from her seat.


    Encouraged by Mollie’s initiative, the group followed her lead out of the room. As they rounded the corner into the hallway, they found Belinda, Ryan, and Verena together.


    At that moment, Ryan was cautioning Belinda with a patronizing tone, “Ms. Thomas, you should know Lucas is already taken. I’d advise you to keep your distance. Beingbeled as a homewrecker or a mistress wouldn’t just harm your reputation—it could embarrass the entire Thomas family.”


    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination


    Ryan paused thoughtfully before adding, “Surely you wouldn’t want whispers circting that Mr. Thomas’ goddaughter is entangled with another woman’s husband, would you?”


    Belinda burst intoughter, clearly amused by Ryan’s audacity.


    It had been some time since she had encountered someone so shameless. Turning to Verena, Belinda raised her eyebrows yfully. “Perhaps those cautionary words should be directed at your cousin.”


    Ryan’s expression darkened immediately. Just as he was about to retort, a “click” sound echoed nearby, and the door to the adjacent private room swung open. From his angle, all Lucas could see was Belinda standing by the doorway.


    Lucas furrowed his brow slightly, asking in an even tone, “Why are you still standing there? Come inside.”


    At Lucas’ words, a noticeable shift urred in Ryan’s and Verena’s expressions. Ryan stepped forward, nced back to see Lucas standing inside the room, and said in astonishment, “Lucas? Is that you? Are you really having dinner with Ms. Thomas here?”


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