?<strong>Chapter 1189:</strong>


    Kenia exhaled slowly. “Sarai called,” she admitted.


    A flicker of something unreadable passed through Belinda’s gaze.


    It was no surprise to Belinda that Sarai would call Kenia.


    She knew Sarai was bound to try and persuade Kenia to let her return. But Belinda knew her grandmother well. Since the truth had surfaced, there was no way Kenia would ever let Sarai return.


    “What did you say to her?” Belinda asked.


    “I told her never toe back. Never to contact me again,” Kenia answered without hesitation.


    Belinda blinked in surprise.


    She hadn’t expected Kenia to be so… firm.


    After all, Sarai had always been like a granddaughter to Kenia.


    “Grandma…” Belinda gently took Kenia’s hand, holding it tightly. She understood better than anyone how much pain this decision had caused her.


    Kenia took another measured breath and steadied her tone. “This time, Sarai crossed the line. There’s no forgiving her.”


    Belinda didn’t argue. She just lightly patted Kenia’s back in silent support.


    She, too, could never forgive Sarai. Or Holley.


    What they had done had shattered something inside her, breaking the very trust she had once given them.


    “I’ll be fine,” Kenia assured Belinda, giving her hand a reassuring pat.


    Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she shifted topics. “By the way, you and Lucas—where did you two disappear tost night?


    Neither of you came home.”


    Belinda coughed lightly, caught off guard by the question.


    Kenia’s gaze sharpened as she studied Belinda, her lips slowly curving into a knowing smile. Her eyes lingered on the faint, barely concealed marks on Belinda’s corbone. “Just where did you two lovebirds enjoy yourselvesst night?”


    Belinda blinked, a flicker of unease crossing her features. “I was outte and decided to stay at a hotel for the night.”


    Kenia cast her a knowing nce but chose not to press further. Seeing how well Lucas and Belinda were getting along warmed Kenia’s heart. She was genuinely pleased for them.


    “Alright, go upstairs and get some rest,” Kenia said gently.


    “Okay.” Suppressing a yawn, Belinda nodded.


    She had barely gotten any sleep the night before. A restless night in an unfamiliar bed had left her drained.


    Once in her room, she took a long shower before sinking into her mattress, exhaustion quickly pulling her under.


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