?<strong>Chapter 383:</strong>


    She paused for a moment, drawing a deep breath before continuing, “Even then, Lucas didn’t show any disgust. Instead, heforted me. He told me not to worry and to focus on looking forward to our future together. I will marry him soon. So, Belinda, I hope you’ll keep your promise. Divorce Lucas tomorrow. Stop clinging to him.”


    Belinda’s eyes narrowed, her face hardening.


    She curled her lips into a faint, icy smile and replied, each word cutting and deliberate, “Whatever happens between Lucas and me is none of your concern, Miss Reed. If he made promises to you, that’s between the two of you. Whether I divorce him or not is my decision, and I don’t owe you an exnation.”


    With a soft, mockingugh, she added, “For now, though, Lucas is still my husband.”


    So, you’d do well to keep your distance from him.


    I have a terrible temper, and if I lose control andy a hand on you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”


    Without waiting for a response, Belinda brushed past Verena and walked away.


    Frustrated and angry, Belinda forgot about the elevator and headed directly to the stairwell.


    But just as she reached the top of the stairs, Verena rushed up behind her and grabbed her arm.


    The two women now stood side by side at the top of the stairs.


    Verena’s face was flushing with indignation, her grip firm. “Belinda!” she hissed. “Don’t you have any shame? You’ve been with my boyfriend for years! The position of Lucas’ wife belongs to me! He never loved you—he can’t even stand the sight of you. How long are you going to keep clinging to him?”


    “Your boyfriend?” Belinda repeated, a coldugh escaping her lips.


    She fixed Verena with an icy gaze. “When Lucas and I got married, you two had already broken up. Are you saying Lucas should only marry you just because he dated you once? How absurd!”


    Her eyes flicked to Verena’s hand clutching her arm. “Let go,” she said firmly.


    “No!” Verena snapped, her tone defiant. “Not unless you promise to divorce Lucas immediately!”


    Belinda, her patience already worn thin, shook off Verena’s hand and turned to leave.


    But before she could take a step…


    Verena suddenly leaned backward, her body tipping dangerously.


    In an instant, she tumbled down the stairs, her scream echoing through the stairwell.


    Belinda froze in shock, instinctively reaching out to grab Verena, but it was toote.


    All she could do was watch as Verena’s body tumbled down the staircase, eventuallynding with a loud sound.


    Themotion drew the attention of the guests in the hall.


    The crowd quickly surged forward in rm.


    “Oh no!”


    “What happened? Did Verena fall from the second floor?”


    “Verena!” Ryan shouted, rushing toward her.


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