?Chapter 1698:


    The theory from Belinda and the others stunned him.


    Belinda, her tone serious, said, “But what if… you and Faye aren’t rted by blood at all?”


    Lucas furrowed his brows as he met her gaze, his voice low and intense. “Belinda, what do you mean by that?”


    Belinda’s rosy lips pressed into a thin line, her face unusually grave. “Do you recall when Harold asked me to join him for a walk?”


    Lucas’ eyes narrowed sharply at her words.


    Belinda continued, “Of course, he didn’t reveal anything about Faye’s true identity. But his reactions tipped me off—something felt wrong. It made me think Faye might not actually be your niece by blood.”


    She then recounted every detail of her conversation with Harold.


    Lucas stayed silent after listening, his face betraying no emotion. For a long moment, he was at a loss for words.<fn4301> This text is hosted at fι?dnοvel</fn4301>


    “That talk only deepened my doubts about Faye’s identity,” Belinda added.


    Lucas remained quiet. After what seemed like forever, he finally spoke, his voice low. “Belinda, I need time to process this.”


    “Okay,” Belinda replied, understanding the weight of the matter would hit him hard.


    Lucas stood and left the room.


    Belinda’s gaze trailed after him, a subtle frown creasing her brow without her realizing. She second-guessed herself, wondering if she should have shared her suspicions at all.


    It was, after all, just a theory. But on reflection, she felt she had made the right call. She and Lucas had vowed to keep no secrets from each other, and honesty was the foundation of their bond.


    For now, Lucas was just struggling toe to terms with the matter.


    It wasn’t until Belinda had showered and slipped into bed, sleep tugging at her, that Lucas returned to the room. After his shower, he climbed into bed beside her.


    Pulling her close, he murmured in a rough voice, “Why wait until now to tell me that?”


    Nestled in his arms, Belinda answered honestly, “It was just a theory. Without proof, I didn’t want to trouble you. But then, I remembered my promise not to hide anything from you, so I told you.”


    Lucas’ breathing grew heavier.


    After a pause, he asked, “Why do you think Faye has feelings for me? Just because we’re close?”


    “A woman’s intuition,” Belinda said simply. Her lips pursed briefly. “It might sound strange to you, but sometimes a woman’s intuition is uncannily precise, especially when ites to sensing a rival in love.”


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