?<strong>Chapter 727:</strong>


    At that moment, Lucas rose from the sofa with deliberate calm. Without a word, he extended his hand to Verena, pulling her up effortlessly.


    Ryan’s face lit up with relief, hope sparking in his eyes.


    But across the room, Belinda’s sharp eyes narrowed, a glint of coldness shing through them. Her lips twitched into a subtle sneer as she observed the scene.


    She couldn’t help but recall the moment Lucas had dodged Verena’s earlier attempt to hug him. At that time, she had felt a sense of satisfaction. But now, her joy seemed absurd.


    Just as everyone thought Lucas was about to carry Verena away, he did something that made everyone freeze in shock.


    With a swift, decisive move, Lucas grabbed Verena’s arm with one hand and delivered a precise chop to the back of her neck with the other.


    “Ugh…” A faint groan escaped Verena’s lips as her eyes fluttered shut. She slumped forward, unconscious.


    Lucas, however, didn’t allow her to fall into his arms. He kept her upright by her shoulder, maintaining a firm yet detached grip.


    Belinda froze, her eyes widening in disbelief.


    “Lucas! Y-You…” Ryan stammered, his voice a mix of outrage and shock as he stared at Lucas.


    Completely unfazed, Lucas handed the unconscious Verena over to Ryan, a faint, almost mocking smirk curling on his lips. “You can take her home now.”


    Ryan’s jaw clenched, his fury barely contained, but he said nothing.


    Who would have thought Lucas would resort to such a method?


    In silence, Ryan scooped Verena into his arms and left, his expression grim.


    “Well yed, Lucas!” Johnson chuckled, pping Lucas on the shoulder.


    Lucas didn’t respond, his gaze shifting toward Belinda.


    Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, Belinda froze. A flicker of something unreadable crossed her face before she turned her attention to Bethany.


    “Lucas’ approach today was… impressive,” Bethany murmured, leaning toward Belinda.


    Belinda didn’t respond, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    Once Ryan and Verena were gone, the tense atmosphere in the room dissipated.


    Conversations resumed, light and casual, centering on Johnson and Catherine. When it was time to leave, Vincent offered to drive Johnson and Bethany home. As for Belinda, Lucas was the one to drive her home.


    To Lucas’ surprise, Belinda epted his offer without hesitation, sliding into the passenger seat of his car with quietposure.


    Lucas couldn’t help but feel a little ttered.


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