?<strong>Chapter 397:</strong>


    “Absolutely! Time for a new chapter.” Belinda’s smile was bright and unburdened.


    Johnson exhaled a resigned sigh and nodded in agreement. “Alright, after we eat, we’ll go celebrate.”


    With that, the three of them finished their dinner and set out for Nostalgia Lounge.


    “To Belinda’s new beginning!” Bethany initiated a toast, enthusiastically raising her ss.


    Following her lead, Belinda and Johnson also lifted their sses, and the sound of sses clinking together filled the air.


    “I still think that Verena is really shameless! She fell down by herself and had the audacity to me you for pushing her,” Bethany angrily said.


    Belinda maintained herposure, replying, “It looks like she was trying to use the ident to make Lucas turn against me and seek a divorce.”


    With a dismissive flick of her wrist, Bethany scoffed, “I can’t believe Lucas bought into her ridiculous story.”


    Belinda’s eyes dropped as she added softly, “He told me he saw me reaching out my hand.”


    Quick to defend, Bethany retorted, “So what if he saw that? Just because you reached out doesn’t mean you pushed Verena. Why didn’t he think you were actually trying to pull Verena back? This just proves he doesn’t really understand or trust you. Anyone who truly knows you would never doubt your intentions.”


    Bethany’s words brought a sense of warmth to Belinda. She realized that she didn’t need to exin anything to people who trusted her. And for those who didn’t trust her, no amount of exnation would be enough.


    “It doesn’t matter now. It’s all history,” Belinda replied, smiling weakly.


    “About that maid… Do you know her?” Johnson suddenly inquired.


    “Not really,” Belinda said. “There are so many staff members at the rk family’s house, I don’t know most of them.”


    With a sneer, Johnsonmented, “It’s quite daring of her to use you without full knowledge of the situation.”


    Bethany then asked, turning to Johnson, “Do you think there is something fishy about that maid?”


    Belinda considered this and said, “Harold probably has his suspicions as well. He and his wife didn’t fire the maid; they just docked her pay for six months. It seems like they are keeping her under observation.”


    “Harold’s got a sharp mind,” Johnson said with a smile.


    “Let’s continue our drinks,” Bethany said, raising her ss once again.


    Belinda gave her a resigned look. “Take it easy, or you’ll end up drunk soon.”


    “I just want to drink with you tonight,” Bethany pouted.


    “There is no need for excess; a little is just fine for me,” Belinda replied, her smile gentle.


    Bethany chose not to say anything upon hearing that. However, both she and Johnson were aware that Belinda’s cool demeanor was merely a mask.


    Just as Bethany was about to say something, Johnson suddenly pointed in a direction and said, “Look over there…”


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