Chapter 406



Had he found out about something?

Though her mind raced, Verena’s expression remained composed.

She nodded and replied, “Yes! What’s wrong, Lucas? Do you…?”

“Do you think I’m lying?”

Lucas remained silent, his gaze intense as he studied Verena closely.

It felt as though he was peering deep into her very soul.

Verena’s hand balled into a fist under the blanket.

She kept telling herself to stay calm.

Lucas couldn’t have found any proof that Belinda hadn’t pushed her.

He was just testing her.

Thinking this, she began to regain her composure.

After a few seconds, Lucas turned his gaze elsewhere.

From Verena’s reaction, he found no reason to doubt her.

Lucas then parted his lips again, speaking each word with intent.

Lucas said, “Verena, we have known each other for many years. By now, you must have realized that the one thing I despise most is deceit.”

After a moment of stillness, he allowed a cold, mocking chuckle to escape his lips. His voice was laced with danger as he spoke again. “Anyone who has ever deceived me has never come out unscathed. So…” Lucas turned his penetrating gaze back on Verena. “Don’t even think about lying to me.”

The threat in Lucas’ words was unmistakable; Verena couldn’t possibly misinterpret it. Her heart raced uncontrollably. Lucas’ face stayed impassive, but an invisible weight seemed to emanate from him. Verena felt as if a heavy boulder were crushing her chest, making it hard for her to breathe.

Under Lucas’ intense stare, she felt an almost overwhelming urge to tell him the truth. Yet, she still managed to stop herself from doing that. Admitting the truth would make all her efforts meaningless. No matter the cost, she couldn’t tell Lucas the truth.

Verena smiled, her expression calm, and nodded slightly. “Of course, I know, Lucas. You can trust me—I would never lie to you.”

Lucas’ eyes slowly darkened, his expression becoming unreadable. He frowned slightly. After a brief pause, his brow unfurled, and he simply said, “Good.”

He stood up from his chair, glanced down at Verena, and said, “Get some rest.” Without another word, he turned and walked out of the ward. This time, Verena didn’t attempt to stop him.

Verena didn’t exhale a deep sigh of relief until Lucas’ figure was completely gone from the hospital room. A thin layer of cold sweat beaded on her forehead. Even now, her heart continued to race. She could sense that Lucas was beginning to suspect her. However, she believed her calm demeanor had likely erased his doubts. Nevertheless, she didn’t allow herself to relax.

“Verena!” Just then, a voice full of excitement echoed in the room.

Already on edge, Verena jumped at the sudden voice. When she turned to see Ryan, she let out a relieved sigh. “Ryan, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” Verena wiped the sweat off her brow.

“I’ve got some great news!” Ryan said, his face beaming with delight.

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