?<strong>Chapter 243:</strong>


    But the strange emotion faded quickly.


    Belinda’s expression hardened as she took a step back.


    Her tone was cold, dismissive.


    “Then there’s even less of a reason for you to drive me to work.” She then brushed past Lucas, her movements brisk as she walked away.


    Lucas’ jaw tightened, his expression darkening as he watched her walk away.


    His frustration boiled over, and without another word, he turned and strode after her.


    He quickly caught up with her, and in a single, swift motion, he grabbed her arm and bent slightly, hoisting her onto his shoulder with surprising ease.


    Belinda waspletely caught off guard by this, her mind racing as she tried to process what had just happened.


    “Lucas! Put me down! Have you lost your mind?” Belinda shouted, her fists pounding against Lucas’ back as she struggled to break free.


    Behind them, Bethany gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock.


    “Oh my…” she murmured, unable to believe what she was seeing.


    Lucas didn’t say a word, ignoring Belinda’s protests entirely as he carried her toward his car with determination.


    Once he reached the vehicle, he opened the passenger door and carefully ced Belinda inside.


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    Despite her ring daggers at him, he leaned over and buckled her seatbelt with practiced ease.


    His expression, however, was one of quiet frustration, as though he were the one being wronged here.


    Without a nce in Belinda’s direction, Lucas slid into the driver’s seat, secured his own seatbelt, and started the car.


    Belinda fumed, her lips parting as if she wanted to unleash her anger, but no words came out.


    After a few failed attempts, she finally turned her head to look out the window, choosing silence as she stared at the rain pelting the ss.


    The tension in the car hung heavy until Lucas finally broke the silence.


    His tone was low, almost hesitant. “I didn’t know you invited me to a meal before because your grandmother was back. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have refused you.” He was exining himself to Belinda.


    Belinda’s eyes flickered briefly, but her face remained impassive, her heart untouched by his words.


    Regardless of his exnation, she couldn’t forget that he had chosen to dine with Verena instead of her.


    That was the truth, and no words could change it.


    With a faint, indifferent smile, Belinda replied, “It’s in the past. There’s no point in discussing it now. Besides, it won’t happen again.”


    Lucas’ jaw tightened, his dark eyes shadowed with a mix of emotions.


    His breathing grew heavier, but he remained silent.


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