?<strong>Chapter 296:</strong>


    Even though the guests were familiar with Belinda, her presence still managed to astonish them every time. Her beauty was so striking that it captivated everyone who saw her.


    “I’ve always thought that Darren and Belinda would make a great pair!”


    “Absolutely, they’re really ideal for each other!”


    “With them being so close, they might as well be a couple!”


    Lucas, overhearing these exchanges, visibly tensed, and a cold, oppressive aura enveloped him. He, too, had chosen a deep blue suit for the evening, mirroring Belinda’s attire, which entuated his well-sculpted physique. His strikingly handsome face, with sharp and defined features, was captivating.


    Standing beside Lucas, Vincent noticed his friend’s displeased expression and thought it somewhat exaggerated. He was about to say something when the crowd’s murmurs swelled again.


    “Why is she here?”


    “She actually has the audacity to show up here?”


    “If I were in her shoes, I’d be too embarrassed to show my face in public!”


    At these words, both Lucas and Vincent shifted their attention toward the entrance. There, entering the hall, were Verena and Ryan, side by side.


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    As Verena and Ryan made their entrance, the room’s focus shifted sharply toward them, setting off a wave of critical whispers. Ryan nced at Verena with concern as bitingments filled the air.


    Despite Ryan’s reservations about Verena attending, she had insisted oning here. Ryan was painfully aware of the scorn and harsh words she would encounter. Yet, Verena had resolved to face whatever came her way. She knew she couldn’t seclude herself indefinitely; she had to step out and face the world at some point. Thus, she took this necessary step.


    Finding a quiet corner in the living room, Ryan and Verena steered clear of Lucas, not wanting any potential conflict. Staying out of trouble under the current circumstances seemed the wisest course.


    When Bethany noticed Verena’s presence, she leaned closer to Belinda and said, “It’s bold of her to show up here, isn’t it? She really has no sense of shame.”


    Belinda was also a bit surprised by Verena’s presence. She had to admit that Verena was indeed bold foring here.


    “But Harold is truly formidable, stepping in to sort out his son’s mess with the mistress. Quite impressive,” Bethany added admiringly.


    After a pause, she continued, “You’re really fortunate to have a father-inw like Harold.”


    Belinda smiled and responded, “Yes, I’ve always felt lucky in that regard.” Sadly, she thought, she wouldn’t be Harold’s daughter-inw for much longer. With this somber thought, Belinda lowered her gaze.


    As the banquet officiallymenced, her conversation with Bethany came to an end. The head of the Williamson family took the stage first to give a speech. After that, his daughter, Minna Williamson, walked to the stage.


    While Minna was delivering her speech, Bethany leaned over to whisper to Belinda, “You know, Minna actually went overseas because she was following a guy she liked.”


    Belinda expressed her surprise, saying, “She went after love that daringly?”


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