?<strong>Chapter 277:</strong>


    The gesture silenced Ryan, his next words catching in his throat. He flinched, his eyes quivering under Lucas’ unyielding gaze.


    Lucas maintained his intense focus on Ryan, radiating a cold, formidable aura. His voice was low and cold as he said, “What happens between Belinda and me is our concern. What does it have to do with you?”


    His tone was cold, sending shivers down Ryan’s spine.


    “I… I just thought I was helping Verena,” Ryan said, trying to exin his actions.


    Lucas sat back down in his chair, staying silent for a moment. Then, with a calm demeanor, he said, “You’re off the East District project. Don’t expect any involvement from now on.”


    At these words, Ryan’s expression abruptly shifted. He stared at Lucas, shock rendering him pale.


    “Lucas…” Ryan’s voice quivered, betraying his unease.


    He knew in his heart that Lucas had discovered he was the one who had sent the photos to Belinda. He had braced himself, knowing that Lucas would be mad at him. But he had never imagined Lucas’ anger would burn this fiercely.


    Lucas had gone as far as expelling him from the East District project. How could it havee to this? That project was the golden ticket to elevate the Adams family’s standing in Owathe! The entirepany had pinned its hopes on the project to secure its future. But Lucas had just informed him that he was no longer allowed to participate in the project.


    It was a devastating blow, not only to him but also to his entire family! Only now did Ryan grasp the full weight of his actions. He had never dreamed the consequences would be so severe like this. Simultaneously, a stark realization dawned on him—Belinda must have carved out a significant ce in Lucas’ heart. All it had taken were two misleading photos, and Lucas’ reaction had been this intense! Wasn’t that evidence enough that Lucas now cared about Belinda?


    “Lucas, I know I was wrong! Please, just give me one more chance. I swear it’ll never happen again!” Ryan said with desperation in his voice.


    By now, Verena’s issue didn’t even cross his mind. If his father discovered he had lost the project because of two photos… He couldn’t bear to think about what would happen.


    Lucas regarded Ryan with a calm, steely gaze. His voice was cold as he said, “Since when have I ever changed my decisions? The decision this time is final.”


    Ryan’s face turned ghostly white.


    Lucas rose abruptly, his piercing gaze icy. “This is your final warning. If something like this happens again, don’t expect me to spare you because of our friendship.”


    Ryan remained silent, his eyes fixed on Lucas. After a tense silence, he inhaled deeply and asked, “Lucas, you’ve fallen for Belinda, haven’t you? You don’t want to divorce her now.”


    Lucas’ face remained impassive as he met Ryan’s gaze and responded curtly, “That’s none of your concern.” Lucas tilted his chin ever so slightly and dismissed Ryan with a sharp tone. “You can leave now.”


    Clenching his teeth, Ryan reluctantly turned and left.


    As Ryan exited Lucas’ office, the weight of despair bore down on him. How had everything unraveled so disastrously? The cost of those two photos was unimaginably steep. He couldn’t bear it!


    Face pale, Ryan trudged out of the Triumph Consortium, each step heavier than thest.


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