?<strong>Chapter 259:</strong>


    A storm seemed to gather in his eyes, though he kept his thoughts to himself.


    At that moment, Vincent fell unusually silent, a shadow passing over his face as he suddenly remembered something important.


    He had arranged this dinner gathering.


    Earlier that morning, he had called Johnson to invite him to dinner at The Rooftop, but Johnson had declined, iming he already had ns.


    Yet now, here Johnson was, seated at the very restaurant he had chosen, having a meal with Belinda and her grandmother.


    Vincent couldn’t help but think that…


    Had Johnson nned this all along? Or had he deliberately chosen this ce after hearing that Lucas would also be dining here?


    Vincent couldn’t be sure, but the idea gnawed at him.


    What Vincent didn’t know was that Johnson had indeed nned for this to happen.


    After Vincent’s invitation, Johnson had quickly decided to invite Belinda and Kenia for dinner at the same restaurant, knowing full well Lucas would see them.


    Of course, before finalizing the n, Johnson had confirmed with Kenia that she wasn’t afraid of heights; only then did he decide to dine at The Rooftop.


    Johnson’s efforts were deliberate and painstaking—aimed at making Lucas and Belinda realize their feelings for each other.


    Just then, Verena broke the silence, her voice carrying an exaggerated tone. “You guys think there is something between Johnson and Belinda? That can’t be right.” Her words dripped with feigned shock, as if she couldn’t possibly believe the absurd idea.


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    “Let’s just order now,” Vincent said at that moment, steering the conversation in another direction.


    Ryan and Verena exchanged nces but chose not to pursue the topic further.


    Throughout the meal, however, subtle nces were cast toward Belinda’s table.


    The atmosphere at Belinda’s table was warm and lively.


    Belinda, Kenia, and Johnson were chatting with smiles, theirughter ringing softly across the room.


    Even with Lucas and his group seated nearby, they remained entirely unfazed, their conversation and joy undisturbed.


    It was evident that Kenia had taken a genuine liking to Johnson.


    His natural charm and ability to make herugh had Kenia smiling nonstop, her mood visibly lifted.


    As for Belinda, she observed the two with an air of mild resignation, but the smile on her face never wavered, reflecting her good mood.


    After some time, Belinda excused herself and got up to head to the restroom.


    When she stepped out of the restroom and began walking back, her pace slowed as she looked up and spotted Lucas standing not far away.


    She froze for a moment, her breath catching as their eyes met.


    Lucas turned his head just as Belinda emerged from the restroom, his gaze locking onto hers.


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