Chapter 279



However, before she could finish, Lucas quickly interjected, “Ryan took the photos…”

“I’ve tracked down who uploaded them. They were merely trying to stir up drama.”

Stunned by his interruption, Belinda fixed her gaze on Lucas, momentarily lost for words. Her gaze met his, full of bewilderment. Why was Lucas going out of his way to cover for her actions? He must have realized that she had been the one who had asked people to post those photos.

She had prepared herself for this, ready to admit her involvement if questioned by Harold or anyone else, prepared to face any criticism. Her decision had been driven by a desire to get back at Verena, but it also inadvertently cast Lucas as the villain in the eyes of the public. Overwhelmed by her emotions at that time, she had acted impulsively… And yet, she hadn’t anticipated Lucas stepping forward to help conceal her involvement in this.

Harold, visibly angry, pounded his fist onto the table. “Ryan’s actions are disgraceful! I need to call Matias and see what his family is up to! Do they think they can disrupt our lives without facing the consequences?”

Lucas remained quiet. Softening his tone, Harold then turned to Belinda, saying, “I will take care of this. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you,” Belinda responded with a nod of gratitude.

“It’s been a long day. You both should go and rest now,” Harold said, signaling for Lucas and Belinda to go back to their room.

Belinda rose, replying, “Try to get some rest yourself.”

“Will do,” Harold replied.

Ascending the stairs one after the other, Belinda and Lucas went back to their bedroom. Once the door was closed, Belinda broke the silence and said, “Lucas, you know I arranged for those photos to be posted, right?”

Turning towards him, she awaited his confirmation.

“Yes,” Lucas responded plainly, his tone even.

Belinda, keeping her composure, asked, “Aren’t you going to ask why I did it?”

With a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, Lucas said, “I figured it was your way of retaliating against Verena, and perhaps against me, too.”

Belinda blinked slowly, accepting his understanding. She then asked, “So why did you choose to cover for me in front of your parents?”

Lucas fixed Belinda with a deep gaze. After a brief pause, he gently opened his mouth and spoke in a subdued tone, “I just don’t want to complicate matters further.” With those words, he turned and headed directly to the bathroom.

Belinda stood quietly for a moment before leaving the room and heading to Harold’s room.

When she arrived, Harold and Norma had just returned to their room. Harold noticed Belinda and inquired, “What’s the matter, Belinda? Is there something you want to say to me?”

Belinda replied, “There’s something I need to tell you… I believe it’s important I don’t keep it from you.”

Before Harold and Norma could respond, Belinda continued, “I was the one who orchestrated the posting of those photos online.”

She acknowledged her involvement openly, feeling no need to conceal the truth any longer. Moreover, she was unwilling to deceive Harold.

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