?<strong>Chapter 543:</strong>


    She understood that Lucas wasn’t just making threats—he truly had the power to back up his words.


    The rk family was a formidable force, not just in Owathe but throughout the country.


    Particrly Lucas—his power and influence were unparalleled.


    Technically, Harold still held the title of head of the rk family, but everyone knew that the real power and authority rested with Lucas.


    He was the true leader of the rk family now.


    Previously, when Mollie had arranged blind dates for Belinda, the men had shown up believing Lucas didn’t care about Belinda.


    However, after the incident with Morse, it had be clear that Lucas still held some attachment to Belinda, deterring anyone from dating her.


    Lucas tempered his stern expression and regarded Mollie with a calm look, his voice low and resonant. “Mrs. Thomas, you are Belinda’s close friend.


    I respect you.


    But please refrain from interfering in matters between Belinda and me.


    Belinda is meant to be with me—there is no alternative.” His deration was assertive.


    Mollie scoffed, “You seem very sure of yourself, Mr. rk.


    Maybe you should focus on winning Belinda back first.”


    With that, she turned and strode back into the house, not allowing Lucas any chance to reply.


    She was furious.


    She hade to confront Lucas and give him a piece of her mind, but she left feeling angrier.


    In a VIP room at the Grand ins General Hospital…


    “Verena, I learned something tonight at dinner with Vincent,” Ryan said as he peeled an apple for Verena.


    “What is it?” Verena inquired.


    Ryan said, “Vincent mentioned that on the night you attempted to take your life, Lucas was dining with Belinda.


    He left immediately to rush to your side when he heard the news.


    Belinda, left alone, encountered a rapist and was almost assaulted!”


    “Really?” Surprise flickered across Verena’s face.


    Ryan nodded. “Yes.


    Because of this, Lucas feels guilty for putting Belinda in harm’s way.


    Vincent said this incident has deepened the rift between Lucas and Belinda.”


    Verena’s eyes narrowed slightly.


    No wonder Harold hade to her and said those things.


    It was clear her actions hadplicated things further between Lucas and Belinda, causing Harold to panic.


    Ryan’s expression turned serious, his voice tinged with concern. “With what happened to Belinda, Lucas feels like he owes her.


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