?<strong>Chapter 164:</strong>


    Now that Car had said that, what more could she say? All she could do was offer a strained smile and reply, “Alright, Car, I won’t bring it up again.”


    And with that, the matter was dropped, with no further mention made.


    After dinner, everyone settled onto the sofa, engaging in light conversation.


    Belinda, however, was already thinking of an excuse to leave.


    That was when Kylee, with a mischievous glint in her eye, suddenly spoke up. “Belinda, Lillie mentioned wanting to go to a bar. Why don’t we apany her to Nostalgia Lounge right now? What do you think?”


    Baker, sensing an opportunity to keep the mood light, said, “That’s a good idea. You’re just sitting around here now. Go out and enjoy yourselves. I’ll cover the expenses.”


    Belinda hesitated for only a moment.


    Having already refused Madonna, Belinda knew it would seem a bit too cold to turn down Lillie’s invitation as well. They were still family, after all, and there was no need to make things more awkward now.


    With a soft sigh, she nodded in agreement. “Alright, let’s go.”


    So, Belinda and Kylee took Lillie to Nostalgia Lounge.


    However, what Belinda hadn’t expected was that as soon as they settled into their booth, they would run into someone she knew…


    At the sound of that voice, Belinda furrowed her brows slightly. She turned her head, and as she had expected, she saw Debra and Percy standing there.


    “Fancy running into you here, Belinda!” Debra said, her face lighting up with genuine delight.


    Belinda offered a polite nod but said nothing more.


    “Belinda, who are they?” Kylee asked, scrutinizing both Debra and Percy. Their attire clearly indicated they were from a wealthy or influential family.


    Belinda spoke calmly. “They are rtives of Santino—Debra Thomas and Percy Thomas.”


    At the mention of “Santino” and the surname Thomas, both Kylee’s and Lillie’s eyes gleamed with surprise.


    Kylee, ever the social one, was the first to speak to Debra and Percy. “Ms. Thomas, Mr. Thomas, it’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m Belinda’s sister, Kylee.”


    She then gestured to Lillie. “This is our cousin, Lillie Bat.”


    “Nice to meet you both,” Lillie said, her tone polite.


    After a brief pause, Kylee asked, “Ms. Thomas, Mr. Thomas, are you meeting someone here?”


    “No, it’s just the two of us,” Debra replied with a smile, her eyes flickering with something Belinda couldn’t quite ce.


    “Why don’t you join us, then? It’s always more fun with a bigger group!” Kylee suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    She then turned to Belinda, her tone suddenly shifting as if a thought had just urred to her. “Belinda, you don’t mind, do you?”


    Belinda’s expression darkened slightly, the weight of the situation settling in. What could she say now that the invitation had already been made?


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