?<strong>Chapter 64:</strong>


    Reluctantly, Ryan agreed, knowing he had no other choice. The atmosphere became tense, effectively ending what had started as a peaceful family dinner. Matias, barely touching his food, set his fork down and headed upstairs.


    Ryan clenched his jaw in frustration, feeling wronged and angry.


    Meanwhile, at the rk family’s residence, Belinda had already finished her dinner before she got home. She spent some time talking with Harold in the living room before going up to her room.


    Entering the dark room, she flicked on the light, gathered some clothes, and made her way to the bathroom. After a while, fresh from her shower, she emerged from the bathroom to find Lucas on the sofa, watching TV.


    Belinda’s expression tightened slightly, yet she remained silent and walked over to her vanity. As she sat down, Lucas’s voice, low and gruff, echoed. “Belinda, you seem quite skilled at saying one thing but doing another, don’t you?”


    Hearing Lucas’ words, Belinda paused, her hand holding the skincare bottle halting mid-air. She turned toward him, irritation knitting her brows. “Lucas, are you out of your mind?”


    Lucas rose from the sofa and faced her, a teasing smirk ying on his lips. “You were quite the moralist before, dering that since the divorce papers are signed, we’re officially done. You said whatever happens between Verena and me doesn’t concern you. Yet, today, you warned her to keep her distance from me since I’m still married. Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?”


    Belinda’s eyebrows quivered slightly at his usation. She had felt that way previously, but now, her perspective had shifted. Why should she facilitate things for Verena if she intended toplicate her life?


    Motivated by this thought, Belinda stood and approached Lucas. Facing him squarely, her eyes sharp and her lips curling slightly, she said, “Yes, I said that, but I’ve reconsidered! After our divorce is finalized, you and Verena can do as you please. But as long as we’re still married, you can’t be involved with her.” She shrugged, her expressionposed. “Moreover, I said that in front of you today, not intending to keep this a secret from you at all. I believe I’m being quite direct.”


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    Lucas’ughter echoed with frustration at her reply. He had not expected her to say that. She was indeed sharp-tongued. Despite his outwardposure, Lucas felt a twinge of satisfaction within. He had always suspected it—Belinda’s ims of indifference were just a facade.


    With a raised eyebrow, he challenged her, saying, “And what if I continue to do what I want with Verena?”


    Belinda snorted dismissively and replied, “Then by all means, try.”


    Turning away, she resumed her skincare routine. Lucas watched her for a moment, a knowing smile ying at the corners of his lips before he disappeared into the walk-in closet. The room fell silent as they both returned to their routines.


    Belinda retired to bed early that night, and after finishing up some work, Lucas did the same. The quiet of the room was abruptly broken by the shrill ring of a phone at midnight. Disturbed, Lucas frowned and picked up the phone from the bedside table. Recognizing the caller ID, he swiped to answer the call.


    “Hello?”


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