?<strong>Chapter 293:</strong>


    Belinda silently reveled in the oue, thinking that this was profoundly satisfying. Harold really knew how to do things right.


    With no additional work duties that day, Belinda headed straight home after work. She arrived to find Harold in the living room, engrossed in watching TV.


    “Harold!” Belinda greeted him with a smile and walked up behind him to give him a shoulder massage.


    She said with a sincere expression, “I saw your post. Thank you.”


    Harold exhaled softly. “Belinda, I know this situation has been difficult for you.”


    Belinda looked down, her response silent.


    Momentster, Harold seemed to think of something and said, “About Lucas’ actions… His actions have been indefensible, and I can’t make excuses for him, but… I must acknowledge that his fixation on Verena might stem from my actions.”


    At this, Belinda’s gaze flickered, and she said, “Is this rted to you keeping Verena locked up for three years?”


    Harold faced her, surprised. “You’re aware of that?”


    “I’ve learned of it,” Belinda replied.


    Harold chuckled softly, nodding. “That’s right.” He paused for a moment, his eyes sharpening as he said in a gentle voice, “I’m not sure Lucas fully understands if his feelings for Verena are driven by love or guilt.”


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    Belinda’s eyshes fluttered as she processed this silently.


    Guilt? Was that possible?


    With Harold having opened up the topic, Belinda took the chance to inquire, “What’s your reason for opposing the rtionship between Lucas and Verena?”


    When Harold heard Verena’s name, his expression contorted with scorn. “That woman is no good.” He let out a coldugh. “Her aspirations to join the rk family are a pure delusion!”


    In that instant, Harold was reminded of the wager he had ced with Lucas. He resolved that, even if Belinda and Lucas parted ways after his birthday, Verena would never be part of the rk family. He had only agreed to that to pacify Lucas.


    And should Lucas persist in his desire to marry Verena, he was prepared to take drastic action.


    A determined glint appeared in Harold’s eyes at the thought.


    Belinda, observing Harold’s reaction, spected on what Verena might have done to provoke such animosity from Harold.


    Noticing Belinda’s intrigued look, Harold pressed his lips together for a moment and said, “Belinda, you should know that you are the daughter-inw I want.”


    Belinda’s face lit up with a grateful smile. “Thank you for thinking that,” she said.


    Following this exchange, the subject was dropped.


    After finishing the shoulder massage and a brief conversation with Harold, Belinda went upstairs to her room.


    Emerging from the bathroom after a shower, she unexpectedly encountered Lucas entering the room.


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