Chapter 285



He had seen through her ploy in an instant. She wanted him to declare to the world that they were genuinely in love, didn’t she? But if he did that, where would that leave Belinda? What would the public think of Belinda then?

As Lucas’ expression turned darker and more foreboding, Verena’s heart plummeted. She scrambled to explain, “I’m sorry, Lucas. I… I was panicked and desperate just now. My social media is drowning in hateful comments…”

It’s humiliating! I didn’t know what else to do, so I thought—”

Before she could continue, Lucas cut her off abruptly, saying, “That’s enough, Verena. I’m busy. You should leave.”

His tone carried a finality that left no room for argument.

Verena bit her lip, her expression a mix of pain and helplessness as she stared at him. But Lucas had already looked away, engrossed in his documents, signaling the conversation was over.

Resigned, Verena murmured softly, “Alright, Lucas. I’ll leave you to it.”

She turned away and quietly exited the room.

The moment she turned, tears began streaming down her face. She wasn’t stupid—how could she not notice Lucas’ growing impatience with her? Even now, as the world dragged her name through the mud, he refused to help her.

She knew why—Lucas had made it clear, clearing her name would make Belinda the one to blame in the public eye. He wasn’t willing to tarnish Belinda’s name, and that was why he wouldn’t help her.

The realization twisted painfully in Verena’s chest.

Verena doubted if she could hold out for the day when Lucas and Belinda would finally get a divorce… She couldn’t afford to sit idly by any longer. These petty schemes were useless—they would never drive Lucas and Belinda apart.

She needed something decisive, a move that would end their marriage for good.

Determination replaced despair in Verena’s eyes as she wiped away her tears. Her face hardened, a glimmer of malice sparking in her gaze.

At Vera Villas, during her lunch break, Belinda visited her grandmother.

After their meal, Belinda took Kenia aside to explain everything about the controversy surrounding the social media post.

As Belinda finished speaking, Kenia’s expression turned stormy. She spat out, “That Verena is utterly shameless!” Pausing briefly, she added, “And that scoundrel Lucas is no better!”

Belinda chuckled softly, offering no rebuttal. Kenia’s blunt words mirrored her own thoughts.

At that moment, Kenia reached out and clasped Belinda’s hand, patting it gently. With a deep sigh, she said, “Belinda, my dear, my heart aches for you. Why… Why did you have to fall for that scoundrel in the first place?”

Belinda heaved a resigned sigh. “It’s never easy to explain how feelings work.”

“Very true.” Kenia nodded in agreement. “It’s a good thing you’ve decided on getting a divorce from Lucas. The sooner it happens, the better. Dragging this marriage out won’t benefit either of you.”

Belinda bit her lower lip at yet another mention of her impending divorce. “Grandma, do you… Do you really want Lucas and me to divorce that badly?” she asked.

“Of course,” Kenia replied firmly. “I didn’t cherish you all these years just to see you trapped in a loveless marriage with a husband who mistreats you. In fact, I was never on board with your decision to marry Lucas. I knew from the very start that you weren’t a good match for each other.”

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