?Chapter 1664:


    She had attempted to excuse herself multiple times throughout the evening, but he had blocked every escape route.


    Later, that man had even forced her to drink the wine he had spiked.


    Zoie had refused to budge or bend to that man. She had never imagined, however, that he would strip away her choice and force herpliance.


    Her fingers had nearly grasped the door handle when his grip yanked her backward into the room. Complete despair had crashed over Zoie at that crushing moment.


    Then, the private room door had burst open without warning. Johnson had materialized in the doorway like her personal savior stepping from the shadows. Relief had flooded through her entire being, followed by a surge of pure exhration that made her pulse race.


    Even though Johnson had maintained his cold distance toward her afterward, Zoie couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter for him.


    It was at that moment Zoie became even more determined to win over Johnson, no matter the cost. She had a n that had lived in her mind for weeks, but fear of failure had paralyzed her into inaction.


    Now, Zoie steeled herself with newfound courage. She had to take the gamble, regardless of how dangerous it might prove. What if fortune smiled upon her efforts and she seeded?


    Her eyes zed with fierce determination as the possibility took root.


    Back inside the private room, Johnson chose to let the incident slide. He said nothing about it to Belinda and Bethany.


    After they finished their meal, the group left the restaurant, and each went their own way home.


    Belinda discovered Lucas already waiting for her when she arrived home.


    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .


    Surprise flickered across her features. “You’re home earlier than me today.”


    “Everything wrapped up ahead of schedule, so I decided toe back early,” Lucas responded, warmth spreading across his face.


    Belinda crossed the room and settled beside him on the sofa.


    Lucas studied her expression before speaking. “I tested the waters with Faye during lunch today.”


    Belinda’s eyebrows lifted slightly at this unexpected revtion.<fnfc7a> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? fin?novel</fnfc7a>


    Lucas continued after a brief hesitation, “Her reactions seemed normal enough on the surface. Nothing obviously suspicious in her behavior. But…” His voice trailed off. He wasn’t sure how to express his thoughts.


    Finally, he settled on a simpler warning. “Just stay cautious around Faye from now on. Better safe than sorry.”


    Belinda hadn’t anticipated this advice from Lucas. She chose not to probe deeper, simply offering a nod. “Alright, I’ll keep my guard up. You don’t need to worry about me.”


    Without warning, Lucas reached out and pulled Belinda against his chest, his arms encircling her protectively.


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