?<strong>Chapter 974:</strong>


    With that, Lucas led Belinda away.


    The director and Caiden stood frozen, theirplexions ghostly pale, beads of cold sweat forming on their brows.


    The director and Caiden exchanged a nce, instantly recognizing the severity of the situation.


    If Belinda wasn’t infected, the crisis could be averted. But if she was, the repercussions for Grand ins General Hospital would be disastrous.


    Typically, such a im would be dismissed as paranoia, but these words hade from Lucas—no one would question their veracity.


    “Call an emergency meeting immediately,” the director instructed in a low voice.


    “Okay.” Caiden nodded and quickly left to organize the meeting.


    Even back in the car, Lucas’ grip on Belinda’s hand didn’t waver.


    He looked at her, his eyesden with concern.


    Aware that showing his worry might amplify Belinda’s fear, he tried hard to mask it.


    Squeezing her hand a bit tighter, Lucas managed a hoarse whisper.


    “Everything will be alright.”


    Belinda lowered her gaze and nodded.


    Then, she gently withdrew her hand. “Let’s go.”


    Lucas remained silent.


    He drove Belinda back home.


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    “I’m a little tired. I’m going upstairs to rest,” Belinda said in a weary tone.


    “I’ll stay with you,” Lucas said immediately.


    Belinda shook her head. “No, thank you.”


    “I’m worried about you,” Lucas said with a frown.


    His stance was resolute.


    Belinda fell silent. After a lengthy pause, she inhaled deeply. “I want to take a shower.”


    Lucas nodded. “Okay, I’ll wait for you in your room.”


    Without a word, Belinda turned and headed upstairs.


    She entered the walk-in closet, picked up some loungewear, and proceeded to the bathroom.


    As soon as the bathroom door closed, Belinda’s tears started flowing. She turned on the shower, letting the sound of the water muffle her sobs.


    Leaning against the wall, she crouched down and curled up, her arms wrapped around herself, her head tucked between her knees.


    She was consumed by fear.


    She was terrified of being infected with AIDS, terrified that her entire life would be ruined because of it.


    And she was terrified that there would be no future with Lucas. It was in this moment of crisis that she realized, with painful rity, that she had never stopped loving him.


    Despite her assertions that they had no future, the harsh reality that there might genuinely be no possibility of a future for them together was suffocating. Despair enveloped her, making it hard to breathe.


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