Chapter 734



Bethany leaned forward slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Catherine, why didn’t you invite your brother today?”

Catherine let out a weary sigh. “He’s mad at me. He won’t even talk to me.” Belinda and Bethany exchanged knowing glances, and they both felt a bit resigned.

Belinda tilted her head thoughtfully. “Catherine, I’m actually a little curious; what do you really think about the situation with Leland?”

Catherine lowered her gaze, her long lashes brushing against her cheeks like delicate feathers.

Seeing her hesitation, Belinda quickly reassured her, “It’s okay if you’re not ready to talk about it.”

Catherine shook her head lightly, her voice soft. “It’s not that I don’t want to talk about the matter. I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.”

Bethany, sensing the tension, leaned forward and said, “Why don’t we start with Leland and that woman? What’s really going on between them?”

Catherine exhaled slowly, her tone steady. “Leland and Hailee have been childhood friends. They grew up as neighbors. Their families were close back then. When Hailee’s parents passed away, she went to live with her uncle’s family, but they didn’t treat her well. Leland… He always stepped in to help her, remembering their childhood bond. Over the years, whenever Hailee needs help, she will call Leland.”

Belinda and Bethany exchanged knowing glances, the story becoming clearer to them. It was obvious Hailee wasn’t just leaning on Leland. She was clinging to him, refusing to let go. Her intention to disrupt his relationship with Catherine couldn’t be more apparent.

“And Leland… What is his attitude toward this?” Belinda asked carefully.

Catherine pressed her lips together, pausing briefly before responding, “At first, he was always helping her. I didn’t think much of it at that time. But it kept happening—again and again. Eventually, it started to bother me. Leland noticed it and tried to cut back on their interactions, but… He couldn’t fully keep his distance from Hailee. He still feels sorry for her and sees her as his friend.” Her voice faltered, and a faint, bitter smile played on her lips. “It’s like he’s caught in this endless sense of obligation.”

Belinda’s voice was steady, her words laced with reason. “It’s a dangerous thing when a man starts to feel sorry for a woman. That pity can easily become a doorway for the woman to get close to the man, bit by bit, until she gets exactly what she wants. And the man, blinded by guilt, won’t even realize his heart is softening toward the woman.”

Bethany nodded and said, “Exactly! The fact that she even calls him when she’s drunk and he drops everything to go to her? That’s not appropriate. You can never predict what might happen in situations like that. And Catherine, do you know why your brother was so furious yesterday? It’s because of the way Leland and Hailee acted… They looked really close. Anyone would think they were together.”

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