?<strong>Chapter 1021:</strong>


    “From her son? This is outrageous!” Her anger was so intense that her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths.


    Belinda, however, simply smiled and reached out to pat Mollie’s back in a soothing gesture. “Mollie, don’t let it upset you. Try to see it from her perspective. She’s just a mother looking out for her son. If you were in her position, wouldn’t you think the same?”


    Mollie almost instinctively wanted to say she wouldn’t, but the words caught in her throat.


    Truth be told, if someone at risk of infection had been Lucas or Darren’s significant other, she would have undoubtedly felt uneasy and distressed.


    It was normal for her to think that.


    Yet, even after acknowledging this fact, she couldn’t shake the lingering dissatisfaction gnawing at her.


    Letting out a gentle sigh, Mollie turned to Belinda. “Belinda, I know this is difficult for you. Stop pretending like everything is alright.”


    Belinda’s expression faltered slightly at her words.


    She averted her gaze, choosing silence over acknowledgment. She couldn’t deny that a deep sense of mncholy had settled within her.


    Even though she repeatedly reminded herself that she understood Norma’s reaction, sadness still clung to her like an unwee shadow.


    Forcing a small smile, Belinda responded, “It’s okay, Mollie. I’ll be fine soon. I just need a little time to collect myself.”


    But the more she brushed it off, the more unsettled Mollie felt.


    Mollie wanted to say more, but before she could, Belinda swiftly changed the topic. “Oh, by the way, Mollie, I forgot to tell you. Lucas discovered the person responsible for my upational exposure—it was Kylee.”


    “What?” Mollie gasped, her face a mask of shock. “Your half-sister? How could she have done something like that to you? Has shepletely lost her mind?”


    Belinda recounted the entire ordeal, detailing how Lucas had ensured that Kylee faced the consequences of her actions.


    Upon hearing that, Mollie exhaled deeply, her expression a mixture of frustration and vindication. “Serves her right! She got exactly what she deserved! What she did to you was infuriating!”


    Belinda thought for a moment before asking, “Mollie, don’t you ever suspect that I was the one behind Kylee’s abduction and assault?”


    Mollie scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Am I an idiot, or are you? You would never do something so despicable and vile. Besides, if you had, do you really think you’d be reckless enough to let the kidnappers know yourst name? That’s absurd. Who would be that careless?”


    Belinda’s lips curved slightly, warmth blooming in her chest. At least those closest to her believed in her character, knowing she wasn’t capable of such cruelty.


    As for the opinions of others, she couldn’t care less.


    Mollie clenched her jaw, determination shing in her eyes. She muttered to herself, “This isn’t over! I will avenge Belinda!”


    In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.


    .


    .


    .