Chapter 515



She had sought closeness out of a deep-seated yearning, only to expose herself to potential hurt.

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Belinda regained her composure, her expression calm as she replied, “He’s your cousin, not mine.” With that, she turned to leave.

“Belinda,” Kylee called out, grabbing her arm to stop her.

With a smug smile, Kylee said, “I know you’ve always admired Lyle and Mitchell and envied me for having their affection and protection. But remember, they’re my family, not yours.”

Belinda shook off Kylee’s hand, faced her squarely, and asked in a steady tone, “Is that why you’re here? Just to flaunt your cousins?”

Kylee’s smile faltered as she shook her head. “No, I just want you to see how my cousins will react when I’m hurt.”

Belinda’s brow furrowed in confusion. Before she could respond, Kylee posed a hypothetical question: “If Lyle thought you hit me, what do you think he would do?”

Without waiting for a reply, Kylee slapped herself hard across the face three times.

Belinda watched in shock, but it didn’t take long for her to realize what Kylee was trying to do.

She quickly regained her composure, a chill settling in her voice. “Kylee, have you lost your mind? Why would you hit yourself like that?”

Kylee’s cheek was now visibly red from the force of the slaps. Still smiling, she said to Belinda, “Do you think Lyle will believe I did this to myself?”

After a pause, she added, “Let’s see what happens next.” She then covered her face with her hands, adopting a wounded look, and hurried away.

Watching Kylee’s dramatic exit, Belinda scoffed derisively. “Ridiculous.”

With that, she shook her head and exited the restroom, making her way back to the private room.

By the time Kylee returned to her private room with her cousins, her eyes were welling with tears, and her distress was evident.

Lyle immediately noticed her distraught appearance, and his concern for her became apparent in an instant.

“Kylee, what happened? Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?” He quickly approached her, his expression filled with worry.

“I’m okay,” Kylee murmured, shaking her head faintly.

“Remove your hands. Let me look at your face clearly,” Lyle urged, reaching for her.

Kylee appeared hesitant, not moving.

Lyle gently but firmly moved her hands away from her face, revealing the distinct mark of a slap.

When Lyle saw the mark, his face hardened. “Who did this to you?” he demanded.

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