?Chapter 1674:


    Barbara nodded slowly, her expression softening. “Alright, if he makes you happy, that’s what matters. But listen, Belinda—if Lucas ever mistreats you, you can tell me. I’ll have my mom and uncle deal with him!”


    Belinda chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Barbara’s hair. “I doubt that day will evere, but I’m grateful you’ve got my back.”


    After a pause, she reached out to hold Barbara’s hand. “Come on, let’s hit the next spot.”


    “Yay!” Barbara’s face lit up, and she grabbed Belinda’s hand, practically bouncing as they headed toward their next adventure.<fna2f3> Fresh chapters posted on Find[?]ovel</fna2f3>


    In a certain psychology clinic:


    “Laura, have a seat,” Dr. Brooks said calmly, gesturing toward the sofa.


    Laura Bat’s heart skittered like a startled deer as she hovered near the sofa. She smoothed her skirt with trembling fingers, a futile attempt to steady her nerves, and finally sank onto the plush cushions.


    Guilt etched deep lines across Laura’s face, her eyes downcast as she twisted her hands in herp. “I owe you a sincere apology, Dr. Brooks,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I messed up today. Barging in during a client’s session was a seriouspse in judgment. No matter how dire things seemed, I should have known better than to disrupt your work.”


    Dr. Brooks leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but unyielding. “You told me Mrs. Gilbert called in a frenzy, iming her son’s manic episode had spiraled out of control, that he was hitting people. You said her plea for help drove you to burst into my therapy room.”


    He paused, folding his arms. “I checked with Mrs. Gilbert afterward. Her son’s condition was nowhere near as severe as you said. They had it under control in no time.”


    His gaze sharpened. “You have handled worse crises than this, Laura. Far worse. You have always kept your head in the chaos. So why did this one phone call unravel you? Why did you feel the need to interrupt my session this time?”


    Suspicionced his words.


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    Laura’s chest tightened. She pressed her lips together, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “Mrs. Gilbert was frantic,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “She demanded action, insisted I find a solution right away. Her tone threw me off bnce, and I panicked. I could not think of anything but getting to you. I know I handled it poorly, Dr. Brooks. I will reflect on myself.”


    Dr. Brooks tilted his head, a faint chuckle escaping his lips, though it carried no warmth. “Is that really what happened?”


    His tone dripped with skepticism, as if he were peeling backyers of a lie. “We have worked side by side for years, Laura,” he continued, leaning forward. “You know me well, and I know you. You’ve been working with me for so long that stayingposed in a crisis has be second nature to you. Remember that day a patient’s family stormed our office, all bluster and threats? You stood your ground, cool as ice, even with those hulking men crowding you. A single phone call should not shake you like this. What are you not telling me?” His eyes narrowed, pinning her in ce. “Just tell me the truth. Who told you to do this?”


    He was no fool. He caught on right away.


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