?<strong>Chapter 278:</strong>


    Back in the office, Lucas’ expression stayed clouded and dark. Ryan’s words earlier lingered in his mind… Had he truly fallen for Belinda? He did not want to divorce her now? What a ridiculous notion! He just couldn’t stand anyone scheming behind his back — it was a matter of principle; it had nothing to do with Belinda.


    Yet, he couldn’t stop himself from wondering… Why had Belinda posted those photos online? What was she trying to achieve with that?


    That evening, at the sprawling rk family estate. Having both stayedte at work, Belinda and Lucas arrived home almost at the same time. Their cars rolled into the garage in session.


    Belinda noticed Lucas’ car but ignored it entirely. She stepped out of her car, shut the door with a deliberate snap, and strode away.


    Lucas frowned faintly but stepped out of his car and walked into the house. One behind the other, they entered together.


    Hooper, spotting their simultaneous return, raised his brows in mild surprise. He quickly greeted them, saying, “Mr. and Mrs. rk, you’re back.” After a slight hesitation, he added, “Mr. rk, your father is waiting for you two in the living room.”


    “Got it,” Lucas replied, before he and Belinda proceeded to the living room.


    Harold and Norma sat stiffly on the living room sofa. The room was silent, and the TV was off. Harold wore a stern expression tinged with clear disapproval.


    “Dad,” Lucas called, breaking the silence first.


    Hearing Lucas’ voice, Harold snapped, “Do you realize what you’ve done? You really make me angry this time!”


    Lucas quietly seated himself on the sofa, his expression unreadable.


    “Exin to me what happened between you and Verena,” Harold demanded, his tone sharp and urgent.


    Lucas remained calm, detailing the events of the previous night. “Ryan called to inform me that Verena was hospitalized after a head injury. I went to visit her to ensure she was alright.”


    Harold’s features hardened. “So, during your visit, you ended up hugging and kissing her?”


    Lucas responded with a hint of resignation. “It wasn’t like that. When Verena hugged me, I immediately pulled away. She also didn’t kiss me. The photo is just misleading from that angle—it wasn’t a kiss.”


    Belinda offered no reaction to Lucas’ exnation.


    Harold’s expression softened slightly, but his brow remained furrowed as he fixed his gaze on Lucas. His tone was firm as he said, “Lucas, don’t forget you are married now. You should always consider Belinda’s feelings when you do things.”


    Lucas lowered his eyes, reflecting briefly before answering in a grave, subdued tone, “I realize my mistake now. It will not happen again.”


    He directed his final words towards Belinda, seeking her gaze. However, Belinda remained indifferent, not meeting his eyes.


    Breaking the tense atmosphere, Norma suddenly asked, “Lucas, have you figured out where those photos came from and who posted them?”


    Belinda was about to say something as she slightly opened her mouth. “The photos were—”


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