Chapter 656



“Let go!” Belinda snapped, her voice cutting through Verena’s pleas. With a forceful motion, Belinda yanked her wrist away.

Verena lost her balance and spun uncontrollably, her body slamming into the wall with a resounding thud.

The force of the movement caused Belinda to stagger as well. Already a bit unsteady from the drinks, she was about to fall when a strong arm slipped around her waist, steadying her.

“Careful,” a deep, smooth voice murmured close to her ear.

Belinda tilted her head, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Lucas’ handsome face so close to hers.

For a brief moment, she froze, her pulse quickening. But she quickly regained her composure, stepping away from his embrace and standing on her own.

“Verena! Are you okay?” Ryan’s alarmed voice shattered the silence.

He rushed to Verena’s side, crouching down to help her up.

Verena stood frozen for a moment, looking dazed, as if the impact had knocked the wind out of her.

It took her a second to gather herself, and when she finally turned to face the group, everyone could see the bump forming on her forehead.

Ryan’s eyes shot daggers at Belinda, his voice full of fury. “Belinda! That was too much! Verena was only trying to explain herself, and you wouldn’t listen. Even if you didn’t appreciate her kindness, did you really have to shove her that hard?”

And just like that, Belinda found herself being blamed for the situation.

Verena hastily said, “No, don’t hold Ms. Wright responsible. It was entirely because of my own clumsiness. She’s not to blame.”

Ryan’s brow furrowed, his face turning a shade of red with frustration. “How can you say she’s not to blame? Without her pushing you, you wouldn’t have slammed into the wall.”

Verena insisted, steadfast in her defense of Belinda. “Honestly, Ms. Wright isn’t at fault here. Ryan, you need to stop accusing her.”

Verena showed considerable understanding throughout the exchange.

Belinda, witnessing this, allowed a mocking laugh to escape her.

She glanced at Verena with a condescending smile, her words sharp with sarcasm. “Verena, you’re repeating the same stunt you pulled at Harold’s party. Time for some new tricks, don’t you think?”

Verena looked hurt when she heard that. “Ms. Wright, how could you say that? You were the one who pushed me last time! Although it wasn’t deliberate this time, I never imagined you would…”

Lucas stood by, his demeanor contemplative, his eyes deep with thought as he watched the scene unfold.

Bethany moved to intervene, but Johnson gently held her back.

He signaled her to wait, suggesting they observe how Belinda would handle the situation.

.

.

.