?<strong>Chapter 91:</strong>


    Belinda gave a small, knowing smile in response. Since the earlier incident, she had dedicated herself to learning and mastering self-defense techniques.


    Belinda approached the recovering Boyce, raising her eyebrows in a mock challenge, asking, “Still think my friend and I should grab that drink with you?”


    Visibly shaken, Boyce finally collected himself, his eyes betraying a flicker of resentment. However, he managed a forced smile and shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t dare.”


    Belinda’s voice dropped to a cold tone. “Then shouldn’t you be on your way now?”


    “Right, we’re leaving now,” Boyce said, visibly flustered.


    His associates, nursing minor injuries, helped him up, and they quickly left the bar.


    As they left, Boyce cast a hateful nce back at Belinda. He silently promised himself revenge for the humiliation he had received today.


    With the incident behind her, Belinda walked back to her seat and continued to drink with Bethany as if nothing had happened. The incident had clearly warned off any other potential troublemakers eyeing Belinda and Bethany. Belinda had shown herself to be not only a pretty face but also a force to reckon with—a beautiful rose equipped with protective thorns!


    In the booth on the second floor, Lucas had already settled back into his chair.


    “Belinda really handled that well. It’s surprising she has great fighting skills like that,” Vincentmented, turning to Lucas. “Did you know she was skilled like that?”


    “Nope,” Lucas responded calmly, taking a sip from his drink. He had never really paid much attention to the old Belinda and had not bothered to learn more about her. However, witnessing today’s Belinda in action stirred a new sense of curiosity in him. He found himself unexpectedly intrigued by theyers to her character he hadn’t seen before.


    While Lucas appeared indifferent, he couldn’t help but keep ncing down at Belinda.


    Verena, observing this, felt a sudden surge of jealousy. She knew it! Lucas was intrigued by Belinda’s new persona now. Determined not to let Belinda win Lucas’ affection, Verena resolved to do something to draw Lucas’ attention to her.


    Thinking of that, Verena began to drink a lot more than usual.


    At the same time, Ryan watched Belinda from the booth, his emotionsplicated.


    Ryan’s thoughts swirled. Belinda had been impressive just now—her presence radiated an aura that demanded admiration. She was so captivating. Yet, the reality gnawed at him. Why did she have to be Belinda? The very woman he had once despised, scorned, and dismissed more than anyone else?


    If only she were just Santino’s goddaughter, how much simpler and how much better things might have been!


    Nearby, the air grew still, heavy with unspoken words. An awkward silence settled over the group.


    Eventually, Vincent broke the silence, turning to Verena. “Don’t drink too much. You don’t handle alcohol well, and you’ll regret itter.”


    Verena gave him a slight smile, her voice already tinged with a slight slur. “Don’t worry. I know my limits.”


    Vincent’s gaze shifted between Verena and Lucas, his brow furrowing slightly as he shook his head. Ah, love—so maddeninglyplicated.


    Downstairs, Bethany’s warmth andpany had done much to lift Belinda’s spirits. As they drank, Bethany’s expression turned thoughtful, and her voice took on a meaningful edge. “Belinda, what if Mrs. Wrightes to you and demands an apology from you?”


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