?<strong>Chapter 1023:</strong>


    So, when facing Belinda, heshed out without restraint.


    The icy sarcasm that had adorned Belinda’s face froze instantly when she heard Baker’s words.


    She felt as if a piercing arrow had struck her heart. And that arrow had been shot by her own father.


    He didn’t believe her. Worse yet, he had told her she had brought this upon herself.


    After enduring such emotional turmoil, Belinda couldn’t suppress a coldugh inwardly.


    “Mr. Wright, you should know by now that I’m not someone who forgives people who offend me easily,” Belinda said. “I suggest you be mindful of what you say from now on. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee you’ll like what I do next.” Her words carried a clear threat.


    “You—” Baker was seething.


    But before he could spit out another word, Belinda ended the call. Though her face remained impassive, a slight tremor ran through her frame, the pain in her dark eyes fleeting yet undeniable.


    Belinda handed the phone back to Holley and stated tly, “If he calls again, don’t let me answer.”


    Holley frowned. “Belinda—”


    She had barely begun speaking when Belinda cut her off, saying, “I’m tired. I’d like to rest now.”


    Holley hesitated, pressing her lips together. After a brief moment, she turned and exited the room, her face darkening ever so slightly as she walked away.


    Belinda told herself not to let these inconsequential people influence her emotions. Their words were nothing more than meaningless noise. And yet…


    Her heart still ached—not just with pain, but also with a profound and chilling sense of emptiness.


    In the CEO’s office of Triumph Consortium,


    Gordon strode in briskly, his expression serious.


    He said, “Mr. rk, our men have discovered the two individuals responsible for abducting Kylee. One is apulsive gambler, the other a drug addict—both are nothing more than worthless lowlifes. We conducted a thorough investigation into their associates and found nothing suspicious. We even examined their financial transactions, yet there was nothing unusual. However, considering theirck of stable employment, it’s clear that their source of ie is dubious at best. But as of now, we’ve yet to uncover anything useful to us.”


    Lucas’s gaze darkened. “Have you found them?”


    Gordon hesitated, his face tightening. “That’s the problem. I… I don’t think we’ll be able to do that.”


    Lucas’s eyes narrowed sharply. “What do you mean?”


    Gordon pressed his lips together for a moment before saying, “Because they… they are already dead.”


    “Dead?” Lucas chuckled coldly. “This is too convenient.”


    He paused, his voice tense as he asked, “How did they die?”


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