?<strong>Chapter 439:</strong>


    Lucas’ expression was stern, his voice unfriendly. “My father ordered me to stay here with you today; otherwise, I wouldn’t be allowed back home.”


    He looked at Belinda and continued, “Let’s just act as if I weren’t even here. Don’t overthink this. I’m only here because my father asked me to be here.” His tone was sharp,cking any warmth.


    After speaking, he picked up the documents and started to go through them.


    Indeed, it was Harold’s insistence that brought him here.


    Yet, he could have refused Harold.


    He could have stood his ground.


    He was unsure why he had agreed to stay with Belinda.


    This was a question he consciously avoided answering.


    Belinda bit her lip, unable to articte her emotions.


    After a moment, she chose silence over speaking.


    She resolved to treat the situation as if Lucas weren’t even there.


    Furthermore, she knew she needed to adjust to a life where Lucas’ presence no longer impacted her.


    With this mindset, Belinda calmed herself.


    Time passed slowly, and neither Belinda nor Lucas spoke.


    Lucas was engrossed in his work, while Belinda read something on her phone.


    The atmosphere remained rtively harmonious.


    Suddenly, the door to the hospital room burst open.


    Both Lucas and Belinda turned their heads towards the door.


    Ryan wheeled Verena, who was seated in a wheelchair, into the room.


    When Belinda and Lucas saw them, both furrowed their brows.


    As Ryan and Verena entered, Ryan was about to speak when he caught sight of Lucas on the sofa.


    Instantly, Ryan’s and Verena’s expressions shifted.


    Verena, her voice trembling, asked, “Lucas, why are you—”


    Lucas responded with his own question, “Why are you two here?”


    “Uh, Verena told me Ms. Wright was hospitalized due to an allergy, so we thought we’d visit,” Ryan exined, regaining hisposure.


    Hearing this, Belinda couldn’t help but let out a coldugh inwardly.


    She knew they weren’t here to visit her; they came to provoke her.


    Did they really think she was oblivious to their intentions?


    “Lucas, why are you here?” Ryan asked.


    “My dad insisted I stay with Belinda,” Lucas replied.


    At this, Verena clenched the handle of her wheelchair, her expression souring.


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