?<strong>Chapter 378:</strong>


    Lucas needed to sort this out by himself—no one else could help him with this.


    Smiling, Vincent gave Lucas’ shoulder another pat. “I’m d you see it this way! Congrattions on your uing freedom! After the divorce, don’t forget to treat us to a meal. We’ll need to celebrate properly.”


    The more Vincent spoke, the tighter Lucas clenched his hand in his pocket.


    Each word, every syble, irritated him.


    He grabbed his ss of wine and downed it in one go.


    As the banquet officiallymenced, the room fell silent, everyone’s attention drawn to Harold and Norma speaking from the stage.


    After saying a few pleasantries, they stepped down.


    Instantly, a lively crowd gathered around them, buzzing with conversation and expressing their interest.


    Meanwhile, the more gossip-prone guests began to whisper among themselves.


    “Have you noticed? Lucas hasn’t been seen with a woman by his side all evening. What’s going on? Where’s his wife?”


    “Could it be that even at such an event, Harold’s daughter-inw still refused to show up?”


    “It’s baffling! Lucas’ wife remains mysterious.”


    “At this point, it’s not just mysterious—it’s as if she werepletely invisible.”


    “Exactly! Her absence from an event like this clearly indicates she isn’t valued by the rk family.”


    “Or perhaps they’re concerned that her appearance might embarrass the family!”


    The murmurs weren’t limited to a few curious guests—the elitedies also joined the fray.


    In particr, Tessa, who relished any opportunity to outdo Mollie.


    “Say, Mrs. Thomas, why is your precious Belinda attending such an event as your and Santino’s close friend?”


    Tessa’s pointed remark instantly drew the attention of the gathered socialites.


    Their nces darted toward one another, a mixture of curiosity and confusion reflected in their eyes.


    “Exactly, why is Belinda here as a guest at Harold’s birthday celebration?” another voice chimed in, adding fuel to the growing tension.


    Mollie,posed as ever, responded calmly, “Belinda has her reasons.”


    Tessa raised an eyebrow, her toneced with thinly veiled mockery. “Oh? So are you saying that attending as someone other than Lucas’ wife is entirely Belinda’s decision? The Thomas family has nothing to do with it?”


    Mollie met Tessa’s gaze without flinching, her voice cool and measured. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. And what’s wrong with that?”


    Tessa shrugged. “If you insist that it is the truth, then it is. I didn’t say anything else.”


    She paused as if a sudden thought had urred to her and then added, “By the way, Mrs. Thomas, have you heard the rumors about Lucas and his ex-girlfriend? My goodness, even as an outsider, I think he has crossed the line! He is married, yet he is still sneaking around with his ex? Meeting herte at night is one thing, but he even hugged and kissed her. It’s so scandalous!”


    Mollie’s expression darkened, her gaze sharpening like a de as she fixed it on Tessa.


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