Chapter 58



At these words, Mollie’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing sharply as she looked at Tessa, her voice icy. “Mrs. Sugden, I would advise you to be careful with your accusations.”

Tessa responded swiftly, her tone feigning distress, “Oh dear! Mrs. Thomas, please, don’t take offense. I was merely conveying what I heard. And just before coming here, Ryan mentioned that your goddaughter has been involved with a married man!”

“Impossible! She is involved with a married man? You must be joking!” exclaimed a lady sitting by Tessa, her expression one of sheer disbelief.

Mollie’s attention piqued at the mention of a “married man.” She believed she knew who they were talking about. She laughed lightly. “Alright, Mrs. Sugden, perhaps you could enlighten us on who Belinie is allegedly involved with?”

Tessa responded, “The man in question is Lucas Clark of the well-known Clark family! Everyone’s aware that Mr. Clark is married, aren’t they?”

At this revelation, both Mollie’s and Darren’s frowns disappeared. Their expression quickly returned to their previous calm and composed state. Tessa, noticing the doubtful looks around her, hastily added, “I swear I’m telling the truth! If you’re skeptical, just step outside and see for yourselves. Mrs. Thomas’ goddaughter is out there in the hallway with Ryan.”

The women at the table exchanged uncertain looks, debating whether to verify Tessa’s claim and risk offending Mollie. Mollie, observing their looks, smirked inwardly. “Let’s go take a look ourselves,” she suggested, rising from her seat.

Encouraged by Mollie’s initiative, the group followed her lead out of the room. As they rounded the corner into the hallway, they found Belinda, Ryan, and Verena together.

At that moment, Ryan was cautioning Belinda with a patronizing tone, “Ms. Thomas, you should know Lucas is already taken. I’d advise you to keep your distance. Being labeled as a homewrecker or a mistress wouldn’t just harm your reputation—it could embarrass the entire Thomas family.”

Ga ln ovels . com fuels your imagination Ryan paused thoughtfully before adding, “Surely you wouldn’t want whispers circulating that Mr. Thomas’ goddaughter is entangled with another woman’s husband, would you?”

Belinda burst into laughter, clearly amused by Ryan’s audacity.

It had been some time since she had encountered someone so shameless. Turning to Verena, Belinda raised her eyebrows playfully. “Perhaps those cautionary words should be directed at your cousin.”

Ryan’s expression darkened immediately. Just as he was about to retort, a “click” sound echoed nearby, and the door to the adjacent private room swung open. From his angle, all Lucas could see was Belinda standing by the doorway.

Lucas furrowed his brow slightly, asking in an even tone, “Why are you still standing there? Come inside.”

At Lucas’ words, a noticeable shift occurred in Ryan’s and Verena’s expressions. Ryan stepped forward, glanced back to see Lucas standing inside the room, and said in astonishment, “Lucas? Is that you? Are you really having dinner with Ms. Thomas here?”

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