?<strong>Chapter 229:</strong>


    Belinda nonchntly shrugged and said, “Could it be because Lucas has been unusually attentive to metely, making Verena feel uneasy and insecure? That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? If Verena was really secure in her rtionship with Lucas, why would she feel the need to constantly remind me that Lucas loves her? Once Harold’s birthday has passed, Lucas and I will end our marriage, and Lucas will marry her. That’s the n, right?”


    Caught off guard, Ryan momentarily struggled to find the words to respond, his expression shifting as he tried to put his thoughts together. After a brief pause, Ryan replied with a mocking tone, “She keeps reminding you of her rtionship with Lucas to ensure you don’t misinterpret his recent kindness toward you. What if, when it’s time for you and Lucas to divorce, you change your mind and use Harold to pressure Lucas into staying with you?”


    Belinda scoffed derisively. “That’s something Lucas and I will decide, isn’t it? You really shouldn’t concern yourself with it, Mr. Adams.” Her gaze hardened as she said sharply, “Is there anything else you want to say? If not, I think it’s time for you to leave.”


    Without waiting for his response, Belinda walked past him and left the room.


    Watching her leave, Ryan felt a surge of irritation, but having conveyed his message, he saw no reason to stay any longer.


    Although Belinda appeared outwardly unmoved by their exchange, inside, Ryan’s words had affected her more than she cared to admit. During her lunch break, she found herself unable to fall asleep, her restless thoughts keeping her wide awake until her rm sounded.


    The busy afternoon kept her from pondering her conversation with Ryan any further. Exhausted by the end of the day, Belinda slumped into a chair to recover her energy. Returning to the rk family’s home after work, she noticed Lucas was still not home. He didn’t arrive home until nearly ten o’clock in the evening.


    Upon his return, Belinda rose from the sofa and approached him, asking, “Lucas, do you have free time tomorrow?”


    Lucas merely nced at her and said nothing. Earlier in the afternoon, Belinda had received a call from Kenia, who had finally decided to visit Owathe. Kenia had meant toe sooner, but unexpected ns had kept her away until now.


    After thinking of this, Belinda suggested, “Would you like to have a meal with my family tomorrow? My grand—”


    Lucas interjected sharply, “I don’t have time for that.” He paused for a moment, fixing Belinda with a prating look. Speaking slowly, his voice carrying a chill, he added, “I will also not attend any future gatherings with your family.”


    Just then, a memory seemed to strike him, and he added, “I only did thatst time because my father insisted.”


    Belinda froze, her sentence unfinished, her expression hardening. She gazed at Lucas in a daze, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. His blunt denial served as a stark awakening to her.


    When Kenia had inquired if Lucas would join them for dinner the following day, she had confidently told her that he would. But now…


    The harsh rejection left a bitter taste in her mouth. Embarrassment washed over Belinda, leaving her feeling foolish. Why had she been so naive to assume Lucas would not turn her down? Her heart sank, weighed down by the pain of Lucas’ rejection. Disappointment surged through her.


    Her lips pressed firmly together as she maintained herposure under the strain, managing a weak smile after a brief pause. She said, “I understand, Mr. rk. This won’t happen again.”


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